Wicked Dove

by K.C. Kean

I killed someone.
Not on purpose, but not exactly by accident. Regardless, those three little words have changed the course of my life as I know it.
Suddenly, I’m thrust into a supernatural world I never knew existed to become sworn property of The Sanctum - a magical council ruling over all magical beings.
My punishment? Confinement within the crumbling fortress of Institute 13, built for monsters like me. Shadow fae, feral wolves, and bloodthirsty vampires… this prison houses the darkest of their kind, and somehow I am one of them.
I don’t know what I am, only that something snapped inside of me that night… and there is no gluing it back together.
The Outcasts may seem like they’re thriving, but I refuse to become their prey. Freedom is the only thing I care about now. And nothing—not fear, not love, not the past—will stop me.

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose, Dark, Romance, Supernatural, Shapeshifters, Magic

486 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[Jess McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start of Institute Thirteen!

I really enjoyed Wicked Dove and it is a great start to Institute Thirteen and a new world. The concept is different than what I have read before, with everyone belonging to a different institute depending on who you are, but all the institures that are still around mingle together for meals, classes, etc. I rarely read pnr/fantasy, but you can never go wrong with a K C book, no matter the genre.

Eloise is thrust into this world that she doesn't understand and she just wants to go home, which is impossible. I want to know more about the institutes and the world. The one thing I love is that there isn't a huge world building dump before the story really gets going and we learn as Eloise learns about everything.

I was excited for the ending, thought that she was going to get some answers, but then it has spiraled and I need all the answers... Can't wait for Broken Dove!!

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Reverse Harem
*Paranormal
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Prison/Academy
*’Thought she was human’
*Touch her and 💀
*Morally grey men
*Insta-Attraction
*Mixed supe harem
*Established harem (3)
*Fast Burn
*Book 1 / ?
Powers awry, possessive men and possible rebellions?!
Ooooo this is something different to the usual! It’s a gripping plot, with slightly psychotic characters and a lot of seggsual tension to keep you reading - I blitzed through this in one night 😆
It follows Eloise who believed herself to be human; yet an accidental death at her hand transports her into the supernatural and not only that one feared and culled! Yet it appears her powers are abut whacky and not quite what they should be 😳 As punishment she is ends up in Institute 13 a sort of academy/prison for supes 😖 which is set in the Vale with a hierarchical institute system with 13 being the lowest all who are gearing up to apparently save it from some rebellion 🙈 Elodie encounters her slightly unhinged roomie Ocean who I can absolutely see becoming her ride and die! As well as three guys who honestly have some screws loose 😅 Kael the vampire assigned as her guardian who swings hot and cold; his possessive attitude is red flag lovable 😍 then there’s Rion the wolf who almost instantly becomes infatuated with her but has a rogue savage side 😬 and then the only Shadow Fae surviving Thorne whose cold and distant yet believes she’s there solely for him 😅 they’re an interesting concoction and a lot for Elodie to handle, especially when she only wants to go back home to her bestie 😟 who maybe the shadiest of them yet😱will be interesting to see what happens next!

[Jenny P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I feel like you can't really go wrong with a K.C. Kean read. I think the lowest I've ever rated her books has been a couple of threes, and that is my average to rate most books.


MC = Elodie, dangerous new magic

Reverse Harem:
Kael, vumpire
Rion, wolf shifter
Thorn, shadow fae

Walker?? Friend??

Ocean! Unhinged roommate and best girl
Bullying
Evil governing body
Abusive parents
Dark academia
Everyone is crazy and/or violent
Prison
Smut
Rebellion
Magic
MMCs are major dickbags with some redeeming parts, some more than others
Purp haired MC
Magic ability genocide
Pocket Dimension
Culty vibes
Psychotic OW bs
"Who did this to you?" (I'll never get tired of this)
Scarred FL
Scarred ML
Tortured heroine


Look, I'm not going to yuck anyone's yum. But I am SO concerned after that one scene. YOU KNOW THE ONE. That cannot be safe. Can you imagine if they were humans?

I'm curious how these relationships are going to play out. As it stands, the guys deserve Elodie's wrath. Sure, they are trying to keep her safe, but as usual, not going about it in the best way. The usual suspects in these kinds of stories, like miscommunications, omissions, possessiveness, etc.

How does Walker play into this?! It's clear she cares about him a lot.

[summer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnfed at 40%
Not bad, I just can't get through it anymore

[Tannith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh how new universe and it’s been exciting dipping in and starting to get to know it.

1st books always have to have so much world building and I love how with this one, any confusion you have is echoed in the FMC.

Loved the characters we’ve met and am looking forward to my forward to what comes next! As always with KC though, the cliff hanger is brutal

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[KelsBookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holymotheroffantasy!

This book was off the friggin charts! I was hooked and mesmerised from the very first page and couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in completely — full of magic, danger, attraction, chemistry and lies!!

"𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤, 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛, 𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨, 𝙬𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙖𝙚 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙨."

Elodie is a little broken but so strong, I feel she’s destined for big things and that makes it so damn exciting, add in her fierce badassary and BAM what a girl! Now onto Ocean? I like her, but I’m dying to see more of her story, she is veey quickly an intriguing character but i just know with KC theres always a plot twists coming... 👀

And then there’s Kael, Rion, and Thorne… holymotherofgod. How am I supposed to pick just one?! These three are uniquely different and yet droolworthy and intoxicating!

The worldbuilding in this book? Completely infrigginsane. The supernatural elements, the way magic is tied to survival — utterly intoxicating and mesmerising. Once Elodie got sucked into that world, I felt her desperation to get home to Walker. Every chapter had me holding my breath and not knowing where it was going.... And that ending?! Please I was literally yelling at my Kindle. HOW can it end like that?! I need book two yesterday. 😭🔥

[Savanna Hamrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t want to get into the whole book honestly so here is my opinion. Elodie is thrust into this new strange world after an unexpected accidental death and finds out she is part of the supernatural world. She keeps saying she is human but once her powers shown she stopped believing it. She wants to go home but at the same time she doesn’t. She’s sent into this Insituite 13 where lower unimportant supernaturals are placed and goes to a academy type school. She meets Kael the vampire assigned to be her Guardian who swings hot and cold; his possessive attitude is red flag lovable 😍. Elodie encounters her slightly unhinged roomie Ocean, who I see becoming her ride or die! Then there’s Rion the wolf who almost instantly becomes infatuated with her but has a rogue savage side 😬. The only Shadow Fae surviving Thorne whose cold and distant yet believes she’s there solely for him 😅. Thorne needs to stop being a jerk to Elodie then he can start being in my good books. They're an interesting concoction and a lot for Elodie to handle, especially when she only wants to go back home to her bestie 😟 who maybe the shadiest of them yet😱. I’ll say that Walker to me is a little suspicious with the warehouse issue. There are a few red flags but there’s not that bad there the good red flags. Kael making Elodie ride his motorcycle while she’s sitting on a Dildo🔥 then him fucking her on the ground 🔥 Rion seeing Elodies scars on her back 😭 Rion getting Elodie off in the shower 🔥 I’m intrigued for the next book. So I will going to be reading that.

[Jeanette Durant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what KC Kean puts into her books, but my God, they are addictive!

Wicked Dove is the first in a new series, filled with supernatural beings, a mystery academy, three super protective and dangerously hot alpha men, and one psychotic female best friend.

Elodie is thrust into this new world. No one is giving her answers, and all she wants to do is find her best friend Walker.

I am absolutely obsessed with this new series. I was instantly hooked after the first few chapters. There is so much mystery, so many unanswered questions, spicy moments, and plenty of lingering looks.

The ending snuck up on me, and I literally couldn't believe where we finished. I actually went back and reread the last few pages, as I was convinced I had missed a bit. I need book two tomorrow. I need answers!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another amazing start to a series from KC with all the angst, owd and confusion plus a good dose of spice….. I’ll never look at a motor bike the same again!!

[Erinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang cliffhangers I need answers!! I really enjoyed this. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

KC Kean has a new fantasy and it’s incredible. The setting is a weird academy/prison with supernaturals of varying power and evilness. Elodie thought she was human and we learn alongside her about this alternate world. There’s a spunky bff and 3 insufferable males across the hall. Elodie’s power is unpredictable and dangerous. Lots of secrets and intrigue in book 1.

[Stfnie]

DNF. RH.

[Amanda Crossland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decent

Spoilers! Don’t read any further if you don’t want to know what happens!

This book started off Rough, like I wasn’t sure I wanted to finish it. There was constant blame on Elodie. She didn’t get a chance to defend herself nor did she get any chance at getting any kind of answers that explained things. I’m glad I pushed through though.

Shea Scythe, a line of magicals that hid themselves so thoroughly that they thought they were extinct as they bred with humans, and their power never revealed themselves unless they killed someone. She’s brought to Institute 13, and The Vale. The Vale is basically a mess hall. Institutes 1-13 are basically dorms for that magical type and classes for their types and why they were there in the first place. Kael (vampire) was with her at the beginning. He was assigned her Guardian. She refuses to room with him because of his hot and cold temps on treating her. She rooms with a “psychotic” chick instead who really turns into her closet friend besides WALKER! Ugh. Right now I can’t stand Walker… we will talk about him in a min. Her roomy, Ocean, backs her in almost all things. Kaels besties Rion the wolf, and Thorne the shadow fae, all feel something for her that they can’t figure out: as a reader with the amount of series out there with that kind of obsessiveness with the fmc, it usually leads to a mate bond. None of this is thought of spoken about. Kaels ex gf takes her anger over losing Kael out on Elodie, slashing her face with a sharp wolf claw. Elodie doesn’t even feel the pain, and Thornes point of view shows he can feel her emotions and is baffled that she’s as calm as a mouse in the dark. His magic forces him to heal her. He runs after telling her to stay away from him, he’s afraid tho, his magic wanted to touch her in kindness, when usually it’s to hurt ppl. Rions wolf can’t stay away from her, and defends her in “strenuous”, basically gym class in defensive moves. She’s paired with Kaels ex’s bf, Tirnan who walloped her good when it was supposed to be about who can touch who, first to 10 touches wins. Rion only listened to Elodie when she petted his shifted wolf form, telling him she was ok. That’s not taking into account Kael beating up a few ppl who grabbed her when she told the to stay away… Rion saw the cigarette burns and scars on her back while she was showering and he got the name of who did it to her, her dad. Elodie is so confused, all of them are hot and cold with her. The only one who didn’t change their attitude was Ocean. Who Elodie defended against Willow, Tirnan and her mean girl group. Tirnan (vampire) ended up biting Elodie when she defended Oxean and she didn’t feel the excruciating pain of a vampire bite. She also heals extremely fast. And as soon as she finally escaped The Sanctum/Institute 13, she finds walker and he brings her right back to institute 13. That betrayal cut deep though because he was her only friend from home. Can’t wait to read the next book!

[Heather Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: Wicked Dove by K.C. Kean

Elodie’s life has never been easy. Living in a rundown trailer park with parents who use her more than they care for her, she’s learned to survive however she can. The only person who’s ever paid her attention is Walker — older, manipulative, and the kind of man who hides danger behind charm. When he takes nineteen-year-old Elodie to a poker game full of bikers and seedy men, it becomes clear fast that Walker doesn’t have her best interests at heart. And when everything spirals out of control, Elodie wakes up ready to be interrogated for a crime she didn’t even know she committed — only to realize she’s in a completely different realm altogether.

She finds herself in a realm ruled by the Sanctum — the governing body over all supernaturals. What Elodie doesn’t realize is that she’s one of them. Her powers have been dormant because of her rare supernatural ability: she’s a Scythe. As long as her powers stay latent, she’s safe from execution.

During her trial, she meets Kael, who’s appointed as her guardian. Soon after, she’s sent to the 13th Precinct, a lower-ranked facility treated with open disdain by the higher precincts. All the precincts lead to a communal Vale, where students eat and learn together, though the lower-ranked facilities like the 13th are clearly looked down upon.

From the start, I loved Elodie. She’s hilarious, no-nonsense, and completely herself — even when she’s mistreated. She’s naive but brave, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. She just doesn’t care what people think — she’s been through too much for that.

Right away, we meet Ocean, her blood witch roommate. Everyone calls Ocean psychotic, but she’s actually an incredibly loyal friend who gives Elodie the freedom to just be herself. Then there’s Rion, the wolf shifter — lovable but full of dark secrets and trauma, who just wants Elodie near him.

And then there’s Thorne, the dark fae — mysterious, mean, powerful, and the kind of jerk you can’t help but be intrigued by. He’s got that cold, unreadable energy that hides something much deeper underneath.

This group — pulled together through Kael’s guardianship, Ocean’s roommate status, and shared chaos — forms a bond that grows into something genuine and beautiful. Their friendship becomes the heart of the story, even when Elodie doesn’t quite know how to handle it because of all the trauma she’s carried from her family and Walker.

The ending was shocking. It hit me right in the gut — and now I’m counting down the days until December!

Overall, I love anything K.C. Kean writes, but Elodie feels special. She’s a standout heroine — strong, messy, funny, and real. Even when everyone else calls the 13th Precinct unlivable, Elodie’s just like, “Nah, I’ve had worse.”

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

WARNING! Cliffhanger! This one rates a fairly hefty 5/5 on my trauma scale, and is definitely a “want to know what’s next” moment. (Also, I knew it!).

After killing in self defense, Elodie discovers that she has activated a magical ability she never knew she had. This is apparently a death sentence under normal circumstances, but instead she finds herself assigned to Institute Thirteen, a place within The Sanctum, that houses the dangerous magical beings.

It’s a place where she wants to keep her head down, and to find her way out, but she doesn’t know the rules, and she doesn’t understand anything about the world she finds herself suddenly occupying. It makes for a dangerous world, with dangerous people— not the least of whom are the male who has been assigned as her guardian, and his two friends.

|| “I was born to be my own hero, to slay the g**d**n dragon myself, or in my case, the vampires, wolves and shadow fae a**holes.” ||

Elodie is a mess. Her past is a difficult one, and while she spends all her time trying to get back home, I spent all my time reading it, wondering *why* she wants to go back to her father! It will be interesting to see what happens after her experiences in this book, and I’m actually quite curious to see how she reacts after that ending!

There are three main love interests we have met properly in this one, although there is possibly more. First up is Kael, the one assigned as her guardian, and who she meets under some strained circumstances. He’s rather high strung, and she definitely pushes all his buttons.

Next up is Rion, a wolf with a troubled past. He finds Elodie rather intriguing and seems to fixate on her quickly. He’s fairly easy going, unless someone messes with Elodie.

Finally we have Thorn, a shadow fae. Actually *the* shadow fae, as he is the last of his kind. He’s an enigmatic figure I am hoping we learn more about.

This is a book that is really confusing— deliberately so. We are as out of the loop as Elodie is herself; we don’t know anything about her world either, and we learn as she learns. It’s both a diabolically clever way to writes her tale, and frustrating since no-one enlightens Elodie, and she’s not exactly willing to learn.

It makes for an intriguing read, and a good one (though sensitive readers should check the TWs), and I’m looking forward to some of these mysteries being cleared up in book 2. This is a book best enjoyed by RH fans that enjoy their tales with a little darkness, and don’t mind confusion or characters with disturbing pasts.

[Tanya Sandra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in completely — full of magic, danger, and unforgettable characters that I can’t stop thinking about.
Elodie, our fierce and determined FMC, was incredible to follow. I loved watching her journey unfold, especially as she discovered the truth about her dormant magic — that it only awakens when you take a life with it. That concept alone had me shook! The moment Elodie’s power surfaced, everything changed, and I was totally gripped from there.
Then we have Rion, Thorne, and Kael — our men! Each one brought something unique and magnetic to the story. Their dynamics with Elodie had me turning pages like crazy, needing to see what would happen next. The chemistry, the tension, the loyalty — I felt everything.
And let’s not forget Ocean — Elodie’s badass roommate and absolute force of nature. I adored her! A total powerhouse with that chaotic energy that balances out Elodie perfectly. The “psycho blood witch” vibe? Perfection.
The worldbuilding was so vivid and creative, especially the supernatural elements and the way magic is tied to morality and survival. Once Elodie was pulled into that world, all she wanted was to find her way back home to her friend Walker, and I felt that desperation and determination in every chapter.
As the story built toward the finale, I was on the edge of my seat. The twists, the reveals, the emotional punches — and that ending! I was literally shouting at my Kindle. It cannot end like that! I need the next book now.
If you love strong heroines, complex men, dark magic, and a story that grabs your heart and refuses to let go, this is the book for you. An absolute must-read, and I already know I’ll be rereading it while I wait (impatiently) for the sequel.
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2/5🔥🔥

[Melissa Block · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the newest RH romantasy from KC Kean is an unputdownable read. I read this in one sitting because it was driving me crazy trying to figure out what the heck was going on.
Elodie thought she was a normal human woman with a really horrible family life, until one fateful event activated her supernatural powers. Now she has been sent to Institute 13 by the Sanctum without her family, her only friend, or any answers as to what is happening and where she is. There is little in the way of description of the events that brought her there, where she really is, or how she has powers she never knew about. But this is done purposefully, as we are only getting answers as Elodie does, which deepens the mystery and holds you captive from first page to last.
KC Kean has an incredible ability to suck you right into the story with her world building and intense characters. Elodie is desperately trying to remain her strong and independent self despite the situation she is facing, but proves to be difficult the deeper she gets into her new life. Her roomie and newest BFF, Ocean, is hilariously crazy and loyal to a fault from the minute they meet. I just love her character. Kael, Rion, and Thorne, the three supes vying for her attention up the ante on the drama with a side of angst. This is definitely not a slow burn book. Whew these guys are so hot. Keep a fan handy.
The constant twists and turns and little bits of information at a time will keep you turning pages. The only negative is waiting for the next book. Beware the cliffhanger...How could anyone drop a whopper like that and then just leave us to wonder until the next release date? KC have you no shame? Still worth it!
Thank you to KC Kean for the advanced copy to read and review.

[sophslilbookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The same why choose spice that we know and love, but it felt completely different from the academy settings we've read before.
Wicked Dove felt so much grittier and darker than any of her other series I've read and I was consumed from the very first page.
Elodie went from being a badass in her own world to drowning in a new one she can't even begin to comprehend, much less the power she didn't even know she had.
Ocean is psychotic, but probably the best friend she's going to have in the hell of Institute Thirteen.
Kael is a dick, but at least he's good-looking.
Rion is definitely going to be the golden retriever of the boys, even though he also struggles greatly with his past.
Thorne - I can't help but feel like he's going to be the guy that hates everyone but Elodie. You know, the guy who has a soft spot only for her? Burn the world for her kind of vibes even if he doesn't realise it himself yet.

And the one person she wanted to go back to from her old life, like he will be her savior? Yeah, fuck that guy.

The difference in this book compared to her other series has me feeling so excited for book two.

[Tammy Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this and I’m sitting here trying to put my feelings into words. As usual with KC’s writing, I devoured this book and just wanted more, more, more. I’m loving Eloide and like most of KC’s female characters she’s determined, strong, and a little (if not a lot) stubborn. I can’t wait to see her character development and how she grows over the series.

Now the guys…I don’t know how I feel about them yet. Usually by this point, I have a favorite MMC, but this time that’s not the case. I feel like there are so many secrets about them that we just don’t know yet and I can’t wait to find out what those secrets are. I can’t wait to get to know them better and for them to realize that they’re not going to be able to push Eloide around like they think they can. 😏

I swear as I read the last word of this book I yelled out loud “Wait…that’s it? That’s where she’s ending this?” 😂 In true KC fashion she leaves us on a doozy of a cliffhanger but y’all..this time it comes with me having So. Many. Questions! I need answers and preferably in the next book and quickly!

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this book holds nothing back, definitely a fast-burn which isn’t my personal favourite.
It very quickly flows into the story with the usual KC Kean spin. We meet Elodie, who is both bad-a and broken, Kael is introduced, who doesn’t love a brooding green-eyed blonde. Rion is the resident golden retriever with a twist. Then last but not least Throne, the one everyone is warned away from, for good reason.

The setting is maybe missing something fleshing out though, as I don’t really understand the world she has fallen into, we see a glimpse of the Academy but its hard to gage judgement on something that isn’t really the main focus, The Institute's aren’t overly explained either, left with a lot of world building questions and how someone who didn’t knew magic exists just… went along with it without really questioning anything.

Whilst the plot and story are interesting, I kind of found it hard to get sucked into her story
An enjoyable read but feels like it’s missing something to really pull me in personally.

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this author’s writing. The emotion, detail and mysterious elements always have me completely and utterly mesmerised!
Wicked Dove, wow! What a start to what I expect to be a phenomenal series, the twist, suspense and unknown mysteries were brilliant.
Oven is a unique character, I can tell that there’s so much more we will learn in the coming books. I love her individuality and the way she own her ‘crazy’.
Kael has that dark tortured broody energy about him, he is obviously powerful.
Thorne is the mysterious silent type, that you just know will be a freak in the sheets.
Rion and his protectiveness and caring touches was interesting to see in the institute.
Elodie, her life is thrown upside down when her powers show, the Vale and the Institute is a whole new world for her. We see her struggle with guilt for a past friend, reflect on her childhood memories and stand up to her bullies.
I consumed this book, I honestly couldn’t put it down until the very last word - that cliffhanger ending was brutal!
Count down has started for book 2

[Caylee T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My gosh!!

KC Kean has done it again & has me hooked to this book & the characters already.

Elodie is amazing. Yes it took her a minute to kind of assimilate to this new world she was thrust in but once she does, she’s ready to get to fighting again.

But it becomes harder when she has three men watching her every step. Kael, who has been tasked as her guardian at the Institute. Rion, the sweet yet deadly golden retriever who becomes obsessed with her. And Thorne, who can’t exactly make up his mind about her.

Each of the men are very intriguing in their own ways but when they get around Elodie….it’s amazing.

I had a weird feeling about Walker, in the sense that there was more to him we didn’t know yet. So that cliffhanger definitely had me on the edge of my seat anxious for the next book.

I’m so happy & excited for this new book, heck this new series. I am so looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Absolutely amazing job!

[Ande GIDGET Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one accidentally unalive someone? Well, that's what Elodie wants to know, too? She's told that she has supernatural powers. Now she's being thrown into a supernatural prison, and no one will give her the answers she seeks. Escaping her real-life nightmare , only to be sent into another . Which one is worse? she's not sure yet. She just has one goal, no matter what. To survive and escape to make it back to her world and find her best friend who must be going crazy looking for her.

Wicked Dove is another great supernatural. Whychoose story by KC Kean. KC is really in her supernatural/fantasy era right now. She's writing hit after hit series with no signs of slowing down, and Im totally soaking it all up. She is a top author for me. I highly recommend everything she writes, and I can't wait to see what in-store for Elodie next.

[Alysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning! We have elodie a 19 year old who lives with her deadbeat parents. And her best friend walker who is like almost twice her age who also protects her.
Walker takes her out on a job that he’s hoping will get them out of town and this life. Shit goes sideways and Elodie is taken to the Sanctum. She meets her cell mate Kael who is a vampire that eventually escorts her to Institute Thirteen.
I love how the institutes are explained. It actually reminds me of the different districts in hunger games but they are allowed to commingle. She meets Rion who’s a wolf and Thorne who’s a shadow fae. And her roommate Ocean is the bff we all wish we had irl.

In the afterword KC described the characters perfectly:

Elodie is badass, but sinking in a world she doesn’t understand, and nothing has ever felt more relatable. Ocean is the queen of fake it til you make it and I need some of her spark. Kael is a handful, but his light hair and chiseled jaw make up for it. Rion is giving golden lab vibes, despite his tormented past. Thorne is… the biggest mystery to date, and unwrapping him is going to be fun.

I cannot wait to see where this story goes. I’m hooked and waiting patiently for the next one.

[Steph Bardsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I wasn’t really surprised when I yelled at the ending of one of KC’s books only this time I yelled “Are you F’n kidding me!” I am not sure what I just read really because it feels like something crazy and new and yet I am still processing the ending.

Elodie is such a strong character with her sassy remarks and the abuse she has overcome. Ocean is that friend you always wanted but need because who doesn’t love a psycho bestie. Kael, Rion and Thorne are not what I imagined and really I can say that I have no leading favourite because they all are as bad as each other and yet so completely different.

The storyline was easy to get sucked into and of course it had me guessing a few times and yet I was still wrong haha. I liked that there are still a few questions I didn’t get answered but now I also have a million more and I can’t wait for book 2.

[Scorcs Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Dove
Book 1
Series: Institute Thirteen

Oh boy! Get ready for another ride with @kckean because her writing has never disappointed in my opinion.

Elodie is thrust into The Sanctum after a job gone rogue. She ☠️ a man, now has to pay the price but only to find out she has supernatural powers. Shes in confinement at Institute 13, surrounded by beings she never knew existed and gets wrapped up in the sights of three men a shadow fae, a vampire and a wolf 😈

❤️‍🔥 Why Choose
❤️‍🔥 Dark PNR Institution
❤️‍🔥 Touch her and ☠️
❤️‍🔥 Morally Grey MMCs
❤️‍🔥 Forbidden Magic
❤️‍🔥 Wolves, Vampires, Shadow Fae
❤️‍🔥 Secrets secrets
❤️‍🔥 The FMC is a handful 😏

Available now. As always read trigger warnings. KC Kean is a why choose recommendation ALL the time. So, if you like the tropes I suggest adding to the ole TBR.

[Jamie J · Rating 3 out of 5]

FMC is Annoying

I like KC Kean’s books normally but the main character wasn’t very believable for someone who got thrown into the supernatural world but then - Spoiler Alert - operates like she’s fearless about it despite being told she could have been killed if she showed she had powers. Still she uses them and then shows no fear of anyone else while acting like she hates being there even though she had a horrible home life. It just came across as unbelievable - someone coming from this much trauma and entering into so much unknown I just didn’t believe would be so cocky and not try to play a little smarter just to survive. Or if she didn’t care about survival, it seems like she wouldn’t go along with all that she does. I felt like the academy life wasn’t fully fleshed out either. I’m still going to read book 2 in the hopes it moves past this annoying stage.

[Kristy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed

I gobble anything KC writes and this is no difference. I started this book last night and finished this evening. I could not put it down.

13 institutions for the supernatural and our FMC, Elodie, landed herself in 13 without knowing anything about the world she was threw into. Our MMC’s, Kael - vampire, Rion- wolf, and Thorne - shadow fae are obsessed with Elodie and have tasked their selves with the watching over her especially her guardian.

What they are finding out is that Elodie is one tough girl and she isn’t down for taking any of their junk.

Another supernatural world created by KC and I’m hooked! I can’t wait to dive into book two and get a better understanding of this rebellion I kept seeing g brought up … the mysterious friend Walker and his role and what exactly is expected of our girl!

[Dominique Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read this in one sitting. Wow this one had me hooked from beginning to end with the story and I am dreading having to wait for book 2!!
Originally, I planned on going in to Wicked Dove blind, but that quickly changed within the first chapter when we met Walker. I had to read the blurb to see what I was getting myself into. Safe to say the blurb solidified the fact that I NEEDED to read the book.
One thing about a KC Kean heroine is that they love taking care of themselves no matter how much their men want to defend their honor at every moment.
I loved seeing Elodie get immersed into the magical world, and I am really hoping she learns a ton more in book 2 because I need this girl to know what's coming for her haha.
All in all, a great book!