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Vengeance
Mega bestselling author Zane returns to the world of her hugely popular novels Addicted and Nervous in this dark and exhilarating follow-up featuring a beautiful but emotionally damaged pop star desperate and determined to enact revenge on those who have caused her to hide behind her fame.
After fleeing from Atlanta years ago following a traumatic event, Caprice Tatum decides it’s time to return to her roots—only this time, she’s coming back as Wicket, the international pop sensation who’s the very definition of fame and fortune. And while she may be the perfect diva onstage, offstage she’s desperate to finally lay her past to rest. Her plan? Revenge.
The deeper she worms her way into Atlanta’s most elite circles, the more Caprice unravels, putting herself and the few people she trusts at risk, including Jonovan, her childhood crush whose compassion and allure is almost too hot to handle. When her father suggests she see a therapist, Dr. Marcella Spencer, Caprice finally begins to pick up her pieces and find an inner-strength.
But can Caprice truly overcome her past? Or will it drag her even further into darkness?
After fleeing from Atlanta years ago following a traumatic event, Caprice Tatum decides it’s time to return to her roots—only this time, she’s coming back as Wicket, the international pop sensation who’s the very definition of fame and fortune. And while she may be the perfect diva onstage, offstage she’s desperate to finally lay her past to rest. Her plan? Revenge.
The deeper she worms her way into Atlanta’s most elite circles, the more Caprice unravels, putting herself and the few people she trusts at risk, including Jonovan, her childhood crush whose compassion and allure is almost too hot to handle. When her father suggests she see a therapist, Dr. Marcella Spencer, Caprice finally begins to pick up her pieces and find an inner-strength.
But can Caprice truly overcome her past? Or will it drag her even further into darkness?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2015
371 people are currently reading
2568 people want to read
About the author
Zane
88 books3,769 followersZane is the New York Times bestselling author of Afterburn, The Heat Seekers, Dear G-Spot, Gettin’ Buck Wild, The Hot Box, Total Eclipse of the Heart, Nervous, Skyscraper, Love is Never Painless, Shame on It All, and The Sisters of APF; the ebook short stories “I’ll be Home for Christmas” and “Everything Fades Away”; and editor for the Flava anthology series, including Z-Rated and Busy Bodies. Her TV series, Zane’s Sex Chronicles, and The Jump Off are featured on Cinemax, and her bestselling novel Addicted is a major motion picture with Lionsgate Films. She is the publisher of Strebor Books, an imprint of Atria Books/Simon & Schuster. Visit her online at EroticaNoir.com. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Z...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
May 28, 2016
This story follows popstar Wicket, whose current name LaDonna Sterling is Caprice Tatum. This book is told both in the past and present as the reader to given a front row seat to what motivates LaDonna
After a trauma at age 15, Caprice Tatum ran away from Atlanta to New York City and was adopted by businessman Richard Sterling. Caprice was renamed LaDonna Sterling and was received plastic surgery in order to give her a new lease on life. Her therapist diagnosed her with Intermittent Explosive Disorder, a condition where the sufferer has bouts of intense rage, emotional and perhaps violent tendencies. Richard continues to lavish her with his wealth, to make up for her terrible childhood. Her father’s only condition was that Wicket never returns to Atlanta. A request that Wicket had honored until now. This foray led to the reopening of many wounds that Richard thought were long buried. When LaDonna sees some of those who contributed to her painful past, LaDonna is full of thoughts of Vengeance. She hatches a plot and began exacting the revenge she feels she was denied. These machinations also lead to LaDonna’s undoing.
What I loved about this story is that it wasn’t about sex. It was about a person’s spirit, heart and soul. LaDonna was a very complex character and I am impressed with the author’s thorough laying of foundation. The heroine was not necessarily likeable, but I was rooting for her to overcome her past and forge a stronger future. I don’t know if I loved this story, but I love HOW Zane told this story. I found it compelling, interesting and informative.
I did wish that the author had given us a glimpse into the antagonist’s mind to see whether they had repented or felt any remorse to the events that occurred decades ago with Caprice. It’s clear that the trauma affected the heroine, but how did it affect the perpetrators? This book was definitely about Caprice aka LaDonna aka Wicket’s journey. I was satisfied with her end and there was hope and healing. I highly recommend this book to those who have faced something and need some hope. This book shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
This book was full of quotes that I loved but my favorite was AFTER the book. People change so you can learn to let go. things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they are right. You believe lies so you can learn to trust no one but yourself. Sometimes things fall apart so better things can fall together. (Marilyn Monroe).
*Special Thanks to Atria via Netgalley for book given in exchange for an honest review
After a trauma at age 15, Caprice Tatum ran away from Atlanta to New York City and was adopted by businessman Richard Sterling. Caprice was renamed LaDonna Sterling and was received plastic surgery in order to give her a new lease on life. Her therapist diagnosed her with Intermittent Explosive Disorder, a condition where the sufferer has bouts of intense rage, emotional and perhaps violent tendencies. Richard continues to lavish her with his wealth, to make up for her terrible childhood. Her father’s only condition was that Wicket never returns to Atlanta. A request that Wicket had honored until now. This foray led to the reopening of many wounds that Richard thought were long buried. When LaDonna sees some of those who contributed to her painful past, LaDonna is full of thoughts of Vengeance. She hatches a plot and began exacting the revenge she feels she was denied. These machinations also lead to LaDonna’s undoing.
What I loved about this story is that it wasn’t about sex. It was about a person’s spirit, heart and soul. LaDonna was a very complex character and I am impressed with the author’s thorough laying of foundation. The heroine was not necessarily likeable, but I was rooting for her to overcome her past and forge a stronger future. I don’t know if I loved this story, but I love HOW Zane told this story. I found it compelling, interesting and informative.
I did wish that the author had given us a glimpse into the antagonist’s mind to see whether they had repented or felt any remorse to the events that occurred decades ago with Caprice. It’s clear that the trauma affected the heroine, but how did it affect the perpetrators? This book was definitely about Caprice aka LaDonna aka Wicket’s journey. I was satisfied with her end and there was hope and healing. I highly recommend this book to those who have faced something and need some hope. This book shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
This book was full of quotes that I loved but my favorite was AFTER the book. People change so you can learn to let go. things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they are right. You believe lies so you can learn to trust no one but yourself. Sometimes things fall apart so better things can fall together. (Marilyn Monroe).
*Special Thanks to Atria via Netgalley for book given in exchange for an honest review
June 25, 2017
There was much too much going on in this book; the mental health issues, the revenge plot, the sex scenes and none of it worked.
Wicket/LaDonna/Caprice was annoying. There was nothing redeeming about her. I know she had emotional issues but she acted like a bratty teenager. It was hard to feel sorry for her which, given her past, the reader should feel for her. The story-line was surprisingly predictable despite it being a somewhat an original concept.
I hate flashbacks and this book didn't help me like them more. It seemed like the book was hopping around and skipping dates and times. It was hard to follow.
The sex scenes weren't good they didn't enhance the story at all.
Zane once again gets the benefit of being a popular author but this was not good.
Wicket/LaDonna/Caprice was annoying. There was nothing redeeming about her. I know she had emotional issues but she acted like a bratty teenager. It was hard to feel sorry for her which, given her past, the reader should feel for her. The story-line was surprisingly predictable despite it being a somewhat an original concept.
I hate flashbacks and this book didn't help me like them more. It seemed like the book was hopping around and skipping dates and times. It was hard to follow.
The sex scenes weren't good they didn't enhance the story at all.
Zane once again gets the benefit of being a popular author but this was not good.
May 28, 2016
While I've read many of Zane's books over the years, I liked the way Vengence had an old school familiarity intertwined with modern day issues. The characters, although complex were also intriguing for they were dealing with sensitive subject matters. The storyline held my attention as I found myself reading this story during all my free time. Caprice's issues & actions were well explained as the flashbacks provided valuable information. I throughly enjoyed reading this book & highly recommend to all!
July 6, 2016
I am a huge Zane fan(still awaiting the afterburn sequel lol) and was disappointed in the this book. I fell like Zane was rushed at the ending of this book. It was never discussed what actually happened with Wicked and Cherie only the aftermath . All of a sudden at the end her issues including her intimacy issues with men magically go away? And her new boyfriend miraculously figured out who she was and was ok with the way she was treating people from her past? There was no logical flow to this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2016
Zane began this story with something different in mind when she finished it. I'm not so sure it was the right choice. 4 of 10 stars
October 6, 2017
Wicket is a world famous performer. She dazzles crowds wherever she goes and she's sold more albums than most artists. She is known to her friends, which are very few as Ladonna Sterling and even fewer know her as Caprice Tatum. When Caprice was 15 years old, she was brutally attacked by the people she trusted. Having been cut as a young girl by her mother her life hadn't been the easiest, but she never thought anything like that would happen. Now as she approaches her fortieth birthday she hopes to get vengeance against those who wronged her.
It has been a while since I've read one of Zane's books. I used to read her books a lot when I was in my early twenties. This book took quite a different turn that I wasn't expecting. There is always sex involved in her books, but this one was not the same.
Wicket has a lot of issues that have stemmed from her childhood. She has never gotten the kind of therapy necessary for the type of trauma she has experienced in her life. Now she has issues with intimacy and finds it difficult to connect with people in general. Sure her fame as a little to do with it, but trust is not something that comes easily.
The book started out slowly for me. But once Wicket made her big move, it started to pick up. This young lady had been through a lot of hardship in her life. Without those things, she may not have made it this far in her life, but no one should have to go through all of that to find happiness. Zane always made me look at events in my life to know that things can be much worse and for a lot of people out there they are.
Zane had a new book released earlier this year that I can't wait to read Three-Piece Meal: A Novel
It has been a while since I've read one of Zane's books. I used to read her books a lot when I was in my early twenties. This book took quite a different turn that I wasn't expecting. There is always sex involved in her books, but this one was not the same.
Wicket has a lot of issues that have stemmed from her childhood. She has never gotten the kind of therapy necessary for the type of trauma she has experienced in her life. Now she has issues with intimacy and finds it difficult to connect with people in general. Sure her fame as a little to do with it, but trust is not something that comes easily.
The book started out slowly for me. But once Wicket made her big move, it started to pick up. This young lady had been through a lot of hardship in her life. Without those things, she may not have made it this far in her life, but no one should have to go through all of that to find happiness. Zane always made me look at events in my life to know that things can be much worse and for a lot of people out there they are.
Zane had a new book released earlier this year that I can't wait to read Three-Piece Meal: A Novel
April 21, 2016
2.5 stars
This is the first book from this author that I've read, so I don't have a reference to compare this too. I liked the overall theme of this story, righting past wrongs. But the heroine was difficult to like, so it made her journey rough to read.
Let me break down my likes and dislikes.
What I liked:
Great diversity. I complain all the time about the lack of diversity in some romance books. This book had it in spades, with a black heroine and side characters, and a transgender BFF. You read that right! I applaud the author for including that minority group, especially given the drama in the US right now.
I liked a lot of the side characters:
Mr. Sterling - her adoptive father
Hannah - her BFF
KAD (Kagiso, Antonio, Diederik) - her security team
Marcella - her therapist
Jonovan - an old friend/new friend
I thought they all did a great job at grounding her, and keep her from getting out of control.
What I didn't like:
I had a hard time connecting with the heroine. What she went through as a child/teenager was absolutely horrible, so I was sympathetic about that and how the damage could beyond physical. I also understood her need for vengeance, and it was wildly creative in how she got back at the people who harmed her.
I had two major issues with her vengeance. First, she never got her former friends to admit what they did was wrong. I understand she wanted to keep anonymity about her past, but I was desperate to know why they did what they did and if they ever had remorse for it. I don't feel like I got closure there. Second, her intermittent explosive disorder seemed like a cop out. She did something horrible to Cherie and it felt like it was brushed aside, like an afterthought. Just move and it will all be better.
While this story was very hot at times, particularly Wicket with KAD, the romance part of the story felt rushed. I would have thought this would have taken more time to develop but it seemed like one day the man was someone who interested her, the next she was in love. Just too fast for me.
I liked the author's writing style so although I didn't love this book, I'm open to reading more of her work. I've heard a lot about some of her previous books, so I may give those a read at a later time.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
This is the first book from this author that I've read, so I don't have a reference to compare this too. I liked the overall theme of this story, righting past wrongs. But the heroine was difficult to like, so it made her journey rough to read.
Let me break down my likes and dislikes.
What I liked:
Great diversity. I complain all the time about the lack of diversity in some romance books. This book had it in spades, with a black heroine and side characters, and a transgender BFF. You read that right! I applaud the author for including that minority group, especially given the drama in the US right now.
I liked a lot of the side characters:
Mr. Sterling - her adoptive father
Hannah - her BFF
KAD (Kagiso, Antonio, Diederik) - her security team
Marcella - her therapist
Jonovan - an old friend/new friend
I thought they all did a great job at grounding her, and keep her from getting out of control.
What I didn't like:
I had a hard time connecting with the heroine. What she went through as a child/teenager was absolutely horrible, so I was sympathetic about that and how the damage could beyond physical. I also understood her need for vengeance, and it was wildly creative in how she got back at the people who harmed her.
I had two major issues with her vengeance. First, she never got her former friends to admit what they did was wrong. I understand she wanted to keep anonymity about her past, but I was desperate to know why they did what they did and if they ever had remorse for it. I don't feel like I got closure there. Second, her intermittent explosive disorder seemed like a cop out. She did something horrible to Cherie and it felt like it was brushed aside, like an afterthought. Just move and it will all be better.
While this story was very hot at times, particularly Wicket with KAD, the romance part of the story felt rushed. I would have thought this would have taken more time to develop but it seemed like one day the man was someone who interested her, the next she was in love. Just too fast for me.
I liked the author's writing style so although I didn't love this book, I'm open to reading more of her work. I've heard a lot about some of her previous books, so I may give those a read at a later time.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
July 3, 2016
3.5*
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It has been years since I read a book by Zane. She is known for her very adult erotica fiction. While this book has some very erotic moments it was not full of sex like previous books I have read by Zane.
More of my thoughts can be found in my YouTube review video...... https://youtu.be/dBBD4wMQH7M
FYI....I received a copy of the uncorrected proof in a good reads giveaway from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in the video are my own.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It has been years since I read a book by Zane. She is known for her very adult erotica fiction. While this book has some very erotic moments it was not full of sex like previous books I have read by Zane.
More of my thoughts can be found in my YouTube review video...... https://youtu.be/dBBD4wMQH7M
FYI....I received a copy of the uncorrected proof in a good reads giveaway from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in the video are my own.
June 15, 2016
Wow this book was intense!
I haven't really heard or read anything from this author before but after reading this book I definitely want to read more.
I had a difficult time liking the MC she was a bitch and really there is no nicer way of putting it, However, she totally had the right to be the way that she was and it is completely understandable but I don't think she would be someone I would be friends with...
I found myself comparing her to other celebrities and trying to see if there was any connection to any of them in real life. None really, because honestly there is so much we don't know about the celebrities that we think that we know there would be no way to know for sure.
I found myself laughing out loud a few times at some of the things the MC had to say.
Intense story and I like how it all turned out though I don't recommend it.
Great Read!
I haven't really heard or read anything from this author before but after reading this book I definitely want to read more.
I had a difficult time liking the MC she was a bitch and really there is no nicer way of putting it, However, she totally had the right to be the way that she was and it is completely understandable but I don't think she would be someone I would be friends with...
I found myself comparing her to other celebrities and trying to see if there was any connection to any of them in real life. None really, because honestly there is so much we don't know about the celebrities that we think that we know there would be no way to know for sure.
I found myself laughing out loud a few times at some of the things the MC had to say.
Intense story and I like how it all turned out though I don't recommend it.
Great Read!
January 7, 2023
I don’t know if I’ve ever been so happy to be done with a book. I would have DNF’d at 20% were I not reading it for a discussion. Trigger warning for basically everything. Proceed with caution.
April 25, 2023
The story felt rushed and just didn’t flow well. Plus the main character was an annoying brat, yes something terrible happened to you, but at your big ass age, do better.
April 1, 2020
Vengeance by Zane I think was really good. This particular novel touched on a few topics such as mental illness, rape, the LGBT community, and suicide. I felt as though Zane made her points without filling the book up with so much sex that the reader misses the points at hand.
For Caprice/ Wicked she was simply dealt a messy hand in life. And all she wanted to do was escape it. She meets Hannah (who I loved btw!) Who becomes her aunt. Caprice finds out she can sing and she signs a deal becomes Wicked. Caprice is now focus on getting revenge on childhood friend's who hurt her years ago. Great story, I enjoyed it!😊💜🌟
For Caprice/ Wicked she was simply dealt a messy hand in life. And all she wanted to do was escape it. She meets Hannah (who I loved btw!) Who becomes her aunt. Caprice finds out she can sing and she signs a deal becomes Wicked. Caprice is now focus on getting revenge on childhood friend's who hurt her years ago. Great story, I enjoyed it!😊💜🌟
Read
February 24, 2024The 9% I read of this was actually compulsively readable despite the ridiculousness. I am trying to hone my reading list so I’m dropping this for now but I would definitely dive back in at a later date if I were in the mood for it (which is not impossible haha).
January 13, 2018
I haven’t read a book by Zane since my early twenties. I must say I really enjoyed this book. Working with students with mental illness allowed me to relate to Caprice Tatums struggles. I was glad the author allowed the character to find peace at the end of her storm. Great read!
May 15, 2017
This was a scandalous read. Definitely a page turner. However it had a few let downs.
This was my first read from Zane and I liked it. The writing was smooth, hip and hilarious. I found myself laughing at certain slang usage like: the ill na-na and bye Felicia. There were a lot of erotic scenes, but it didn't take away from the plot. The ending fell flat for me. It felt rushed. The writer dumps all the information on the last few pages. And the reader is left to draw their own conclusions on what happened, for example: The author doesn't explain why Caprice's childhood friends suddenly turned against her. I was left confused and wanting to know more. But besides that, I liked how the author touched on transgender issues and domestic violence. The romance was okay. I can't say Caprice's love interest (Jonovan) was all that enticing. However it was sweet. I found Caprice's family drama absorbing though. I rooted for Caprice from page 1. However, I would say it takes some time to warm up to her character. She's rough around the edges. I think her childhood story-telling made her more endearing.
This is a coming of age story set in Atlanta, narrated by a successful R&B singer named Caprice Tatum, who goes by many aliases to cover up her horrific childhood past. She lives an erratic life and suddenly decides to seek vengeances on the ones who did her dirty.
I gave this book 3 stars. It certainly entertains. It would make a great lazy Sunday read....not so much a book club read... I didn't find the story complex enough.
If you read Black Birds by Jerome Dickey and liked it...you will definitely like this novel as well. It has similar themes: Rape, domestic violence, infidelity, and sexual depravity.
This was my first read from Zane and I liked it. The writing was smooth, hip and hilarious. I found myself laughing at certain slang usage like: the ill na-na and bye Felicia. There were a lot of erotic scenes, but it didn't take away from the plot. The ending fell flat for me. It felt rushed. The writer dumps all the information on the last few pages. And the reader is left to draw their own conclusions on what happened, for example: The author doesn't explain why Caprice's childhood friends suddenly turned against her. I was left confused and wanting to know more. But besides that, I liked how the author touched on transgender issues and domestic violence. The romance was okay. I can't say Caprice's love interest (Jonovan) was all that enticing. However it was sweet. I found Caprice's family drama absorbing though. I rooted for Caprice from page 1. However, I would say it takes some time to warm up to her character. She's rough around the edges. I think her childhood story-telling made her more endearing.
This is a coming of age story set in Atlanta, narrated by a successful R&B singer named Caprice Tatum, who goes by many aliases to cover up her horrific childhood past. She lives an erratic life and suddenly decides to seek vengeances on the ones who did her dirty.
I gave this book 3 stars. It certainly entertains. It would make a great lazy Sunday read....not so much a book club read... I didn't find the story complex enough.
If you read Black Birds by Jerome Dickey and liked it...you will definitely like this novel as well. It has similar themes: Rape, domestic violence, infidelity, and sexual depravity.
October 13, 2022
Zane has always been known to bring the steam with the fire
A woman with a difficult childhood grows up to seek revenge on the friends she once trusted that betrayed her
This woman is successful but also into the very very kinky encounters
Sex+revenge=vengeance
A woman with a difficult childhood grows up to seek revenge on the friends she once trusted that betrayed her
This woman is successful but also into the very very kinky encounters
Sex+revenge=vengeance
June 22, 2016
Vengeance is mine say it the lord. When it comes to payback that is what Caprice Tatum has planed for four former friends from her childhood. Living with a mentally abusive mother was shameful enough but, being savagely assaulted by friends she trusted only adds to her personal pain. This story is Ladonna Sterling aka [ Wicket ] The international pop sensation fight for her sanity and her need for revenge. When Wicket buys a home in Atlanta her former childhood home. Things began to unravel real quickly as she starts to insinuate herself in their lives. Meeting her childhood crush Jonovan my be her true blessing if she is willing to let go of a very traumatic past. While under the care of Dr. Marcella Spencer Wicket begins to deal with her past and all the pain and anger she lives with everyday. With her desire for revenge and the power and money to get things done, how far will she go to bring these former friends to their knees. Vengeance is mine say it the lord, but will it be Caprice undoing? Will Wicket accept this last chance for help or will she sink into her own world of madness?
January 8, 2022
Didn’t finish.
I dropped the book about 12% of the way in. The writing style wasn’t bad. That’s not why I dropped it.
There was a Thanksgiving scene with Caprice, Hannah, and some of Hannah’s friends. It is stated that Hannah and all of her friends are transgender. While I appreciate the inclusion, the author handled it poorly.
1) they spent too much focus on the sex the person was born as. That’s gross and uncomfortable. This is something that I pushed past because I know how curious people can be.
2) There was a scene where Caprice attacked Sebastian and there was a line along the lines of “Even though he was a man now he was as scared as the female he used to be.” Excuse me???
1) super mysoginistic implying that women are inherently weaker emotionally than men and that men can’t be afraid. Dude was having his face clawed by an angry teenager. I’d be afraid too.
2) Very insensitive to the trans experience by implying that a person’s biological sex controls who they are.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone.
I dropped the book about 12% of the way in. The writing style wasn’t bad. That’s not why I dropped it.
There was a Thanksgiving scene with Caprice, Hannah, and some of Hannah’s friends. It is stated that Hannah and all of her friends are transgender. While I appreciate the inclusion, the author handled it poorly.
1) they spent too much focus on the sex the person was born as. That’s gross and uncomfortable. This is something that I pushed past because I know how curious people can be.
2) There was a scene where Caprice attacked Sebastian and there was a line along the lines of “Even though he was a man now he was as scared as the female he used to be.” Excuse me???
1) super mysoginistic implying that women are inherently weaker emotionally than men and that men can’t be afraid. Dude was having his face clawed by an angry teenager. I’d be afraid too.
2) Very insensitive to the trans experience by implying that a person’s biological sex controls who they are.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2016
I think Zane was trying way too hard with this one. She wanted to have a character that had a psychological issue so she could use her therapist from previous books, have sex scenes, and have some surprises... I just think she poorly executed this one. I felt like the main character wasn't likable and that the main character's beliefs about love and men and some of the conversations she had with the "intelligent" people in the book were trying to be too much like another famous African American fiction writer (who has more respectable books). Overall. I'm glad I didn't pay for this book (even though Zane book's tend to be pretty good).
February 5, 2017
Horrible. I only finished this book because I bought it and I wasted money doing that.
The girl Wicket, Caprice, Ladonna or whatever her name was was a horrible main character and she was a wench I couldn't stand reading about.
I get it, you're rich now, a superstar, but let's not forget you came from EXTREMELY humble beginnings so all that nastiness was completely unnecessary.
The "vengeance" so so-called deli evened left me unimpressed and yes there were BDSM elements in this book but they didn't even make sense.
I rolled my eyes through half of her commentary and I couldn't wait to be tone with this book.
Do. Not. Read.
The girl Wicket, Caprice, Ladonna or whatever her name was was a horrible main character and she was a wench I couldn't stand reading about.
I get it, you're rich now, a superstar, but let's not forget you came from EXTREMELY humble beginnings so all that nastiness was completely unnecessary.
The "vengeance" so so-called deli evened left me unimpressed and yes there were BDSM elements in this book but they didn't even make sense.
I rolled my eyes through half of her commentary and I couldn't wait to be tone with this book.
Do. Not. Read.
February 6, 2017
This one wasn't as good as the others I have read. First of all Wicket her damn self needs to be committed to a mental hospital. Secondly the story itself didn't make any damn sense. Technically the girls didn't do anything. All she kept saying was the lured her there, asking her to come to a party is not luring. Lastly the whole Hannah thing just was weird.
June 10, 2016
I'd give this 3.5 stars...Caprice/LaDonna/Wicked was pretty extreme, I wasn't ready at all. She was a complicated character for sure with deep rooted issues. If you cannot stomach books with BDSM erotic scenes, steer clear of this read.
February 24, 2017
Story development was poor. Lead character did a lot of "teaching," "explaining," and voicing her "moral opinions," but was a mess in so many ways. When she went on these rants, she was completely unbelievable. Ugh to this book!
June 4, 2016
I liked it but didn't love it. It didn't give me what Addicted & Nervous by Zane did.
December 27, 2018
The Beautiful By Design Book Club’s genre was Crime Fiction this time. We chose to read Vengeance by the author Zane. As a group, we rated it 4 out of 5 stars. This book was a culmination of betrayal, revenge, forgiveness and karma. It also delved into issues such as mental illness, sexual abuse, and lifestyle/gender choices.
There were meaningful quotes/phrases at the beginning and/or end of some of the chapters and Ladonna’s character was very intelligent. This was not the ‘typical’ Zane that we have read in the past that consisted of lots of erotic moments (more sex) because we believe there were more important messages to be delivered. Although there were scenes in the story, but it was more to develop the character’s lifestyle and issues than any passion association.
In Zane’s efforts to address societal issues, she did not fully develop some of the characters in the book or show how their lives evolved or didn’t. Part of the main character, Wicket’s diagnosis included violent tendencies; however, there wasn’t enough evidence to validate that. A few of the members in the book club did not like how the book jumped around timeline wise. Even though the dates were provided at the beginning of each chapter, it still did not resonate where the storyline was until we started reading. There was also a section in the ebook that had been replicated which caused some temporary confusion, but not significant enough to detract from the content.
Overall, as a group, we really enjoyed this book. Kudos to Zane for showing growth in her writing and we look forward to her new works that may be coming!
There were meaningful quotes/phrases at the beginning and/or end of some of the chapters and Ladonna’s character was very intelligent. This was not the ‘typical’ Zane that we have read in the past that consisted of lots of erotic moments (more sex) because we believe there were more important messages to be delivered. Although there were scenes in the story, but it was more to develop the character’s lifestyle and issues than any passion association.
In Zane’s efforts to address societal issues, she did not fully develop some of the characters in the book or show how their lives evolved or didn’t. Part of the main character, Wicket’s diagnosis included violent tendencies; however, there wasn’t enough evidence to validate that. A few of the members in the book club did not like how the book jumped around timeline wise. Even though the dates were provided at the beginning of each chapter, it still did not resonate where the storyline was until we started reading. There was also a section in the ebook that had been replicated which caused some temporary confusion, but not significant enough to detract from the content.
Overall, as a group, we really enjoyed this book. Kudos to Zane for showing growth in her writing and we look forward to her new works that may be coming!
March 26, 2024
Officially starting “WBOAT” ( worst books of all time) list! The book started out good, really strong and humble characters. Then it fast-forwarded to current time with the same character, different lifestyle and name, and things went down hill quickly. She was rude, very vulgar and offensive. I strongly dislike this book but I’m glad that it started with a “V” so I could check that off of my alphabet challenge.
May 30, 2019
Because I also listened to Addicted and Nervous, I've been anxiously waiting my turn to listen to Vengeance (audiobook from the library). Umm... Let's start by where was the vengeance?? And I hated Caprice/LaDonna/Wicket so much that I couldn't even connect to her storyline. After going through Zoe and Jonquinette's journey, I just expected so much more. I love some Zane so this makes me sad.
August 3, 2020
This was my first book by Zane, who my friend has been telling me to read for months and months. Of course, now I find out this is not her typical book at all. Go figure.
I picked this book because it was the first one that came up as being available at the library. I probably should have read the synopsis first, because I would not normally pick a book that centers around sexual assault.
That being said, the premise of the book is interesting. It had a little bit of everything- pop stardom, BDSM, billionaires, revenge plots, etc. etc. etc.
While I understand the stylistic choice to use flashbacks and go back and forth to different part of the main character's life, it caused the ending to feel rushed. I also felt like there were quite a few loose threads left regarding the vengeance aspect for which the book is named.
So, while the book was interesting enough that I was invested and wanted to know what would happen, by the time I was done I was not super impressed. Per my friend's suggestion I will give Zane another try, though.
I picked this book because it was the first one that came up as being available at the library. I probably should have read the synopsis first, because I would not normally pick a book that centers around sexual assault.
That being said, the premise of the book is interesting. It had a little bit of everything- pop stardom, BDSM, billionaires, revenge plots, etc. etc. etc.
While I understand the stylistic choice to use flashbacks and go back and forth to different part of the main character's life, it caused the ending to feel rushed. I also felt like there were quite a few loose threads left regarding the vengeance aspect for which the book is named.
So, while the book was interesting enough that I was invested and wanted to know what would happen, by the time I was done I was not super impressed. Per my friend's suggestion I will give Zane another try, though.
Read
November 13, 2017While I'm still pretty early in the reading, at this point, I have to admit that "Caprice" is enough to make me wanna reach through the page and strangle her "off" tail. UGH
I enjoyed "Addicted" and "Nervous" by Zane, but I am feeling kind of reluctant with this one, so far.
Overall, this was a good read. I wasn't particular about the ending, but I'm still looking forward to the next in this series.
I enjoyed "Addicted" and "Nervous" by Zane, but I am feeling kind of reluctant with this one, so far.
Overall, this was a good read. I wasn't particular about the ending, but I'm still looking forward to the next in this series.
November 24, 2024
Couldn't get into it. So I didn't get to chapter 3
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