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After seventeen-year-old Vivian Cartwright’s aunt is killed by the same powerful man who caused her mother’s death, Vivian flees to protect her boyfriend Easton and her best friend Abby. Searching for the father she’s never seen, she spends three months on the road, working her way from one rundown motel to another and trying to move on with her lonely life.

While she’s waitressing in an all-night truck stop, Vivian must face her past when Easton, Abby, and Abby’s boyfriend, Cooper, walk through the door of the diner, but their bittersweet reunion is short-lived when her nemesis, the man with black eyes, kidnaps Abby and Cooper.

Forced to work for the man she’s tried so hard to escape, Vivian learns she is only one of several gifted teenagers belonging to a corrupt group called the Liaisons. She joins with Wyck, a sinfully handsome twin and computer genius. Together, she and her unlikely ally discover the truth about the organization and its strange connection to her family.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2012

1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Andrea Murray

6 books66 followers
Andrea Murray’s love of English didn’t begin until high school. In fact, in elementary school, she hated reading and never read a book unless she was forced to read. She found her joy as a ninth grader when she began reading classic short stories like “The Most Dangerous Game” and “The Cask of Amontillado”. After that, she knew she wanted to study English and teach kids like her who weren’t entirely thrilled with English.

She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in the same little town where she still lives and earned a BSE in English and an MA in English from Arkansas State University, where she also earned honors as the Outstanding BSE graduate in English. Andrea has now been teaching English for twenty years. She’s taught journalism, freshmen composition, every level of junior high and high school English, and Pre-AP and AP literature. Andrea is also a two-time teacher of the year.

She lives in Arkansas with Chris, her high school sweetheart and husband of twenty-two years; their two children, Olivia and Wyatt; and their rambunctious German Shepherd, Claus, in a possibly haunted house. She co-coaches her daughter’s two-time state champion Odyssey of the Mind team when she isn’t chauffeuring her son to Cub Scouts. She loves Victorian British literature focused on that when earning her MA. Her first true love is historical romance. She can remember sneaking my mother's trashy romance novels when she was a young teenager and reading while mother was grocery shopping. Her favorites were always the Medieval and pirate stories, but she also loves young adult literature and just about anything paranormal. She’s a proud Mensan and is addicted to television. When she isn’t watching bad science fiction movies, she spends her time reading.

In addition to her young adult paranormal romance series The Vivid Trilogy, she has written The Omni Duology, a young-adult dystopian duo.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Isis.
537 reviews26 followers
August 7, 2013
IF YOU HAVEN'T YET READ BOOK ONE IN THE SERIES, STOP HERE!! SPOILERS INHERENT IN THE REVIEW. . .






Vivian has run away after the show-down with Hoyt, the one that destroyed her prom night, ruined the lovely dress Aunt Charlotte had worked so much overtime to afford, and worst of all, left Vivian alone in the world since Hoyt deliberately killed Aunt Charlotte in the battle. She left town to ensure that none of her friends, Abby & Coop, or her amazing boyfriend Easton, would ever be hurt due to Hoyt's obsession with get her.

Working as a waitress at a small diner on Route 66, Vivian begins to make some friends. She knows she should continue heading out west and continue searching for her dad, but she is actually making good money here, and has found a semblance of happiness.

Then one day 'it' happens. Easton, Coop, and Abby walk into the diner. And just like that Vivian's life spirals out of control again. Hoyt locates them all and kidnaps Abby & Coop to ensure Vivian behaves. And since Easton won't leave Vivian's side, he ends up as a hostage used to force Vivian to cooperate with this nefarious organization.

Once they are locked into the enormous facility, Vivian is quickly separated from her friends. Easton, Abby, & Coop are all left locked in cells, while Abby gets a comparatively luxurious room. Though Vivian is under guard at all times, she quickly begins to learn that she and Hoyt are not alone in being 'gifted.' There are others there with powers, all referred to as 'Elementals.' Some control Earth - meaning they could cause earthquakes, or make mountains rise, have magnetic properties, etc., while others, like Hoyt, control Air - capable of causing tornadoes, windstorms, dust clouds, and so on. However Vivian is the only living double-Elemental, able to control electricity and water. And she apparently possesses even more 'gifts,' which is a why Hoyt is obsessed with controlling her. Once he had control of her 'gifts' he would be virtually unstoppable.

While Vivian has been told the reason for the existence of this secret organization, she suspects there is far more to it all than she, or even the majority of those involved, have been told. Certainly there appears to be far motivating Hoyt than the organization's "mission statement."

This book takes the solid foundation from the first book in the series and builds on it quite well. The pacing is much smoother and more consistent, and the new characters are almost seamlessly introduced, with each adding something of importance to the scene or story in a very natural way.

Ms. Murray seems to have more confidence in her own abilities, as is clearly demonstrated time and again in scenes that could have easily come across as false, or trying too hard. Instead those scenes add a sense of continuity to the story, yet still manage to maintain the mysteries surrounding Vivian and the others. All this leaves me eager for the third book in the trilogy. The only question left now is, do I get some sleep first, or do I just read the third book right now??
Profile Image for R yatsko.
838 reviews7 followers
March 14, 2017
#review

Vivian, who is on the run.
Vivian's friends find her ....
....and this is when the excitement begin...
Vivian learns more about her "gifts"

Suspenseful paranormal "ya" novel,
...keeps you guessing..
And turning the page!!!!!
Profile Image for Tony Fecteau.
1,530 reviews7 followers
September 26, 2018
The second book in the trilogy had the action scenes set up better. The different types of powers were discussed and we can also see the history of where the powers originated. A fun read for sure.
Profile Image for Danica is Booked.
1,975 reviews57 followers
March 15, 2015
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this novel as part of the tour. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.

My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: I read the first book in the series a few months ago as part of another blog tour for the series. I thought that the first book was interesting but had a slow start. I was, however, curious to see what happened in the series. So when I was offered the chance to read the book, I decided to go ahead and read it.

The sequel was drastically better than the first one. It wasn't slow at all. The book was fast paced and kept me interested the entire time. I thought that the characters were better developed in the sequel.

There were still several grammar errors that I found quite distracting and some issues with tense really bugged me.

However, on the whole, I liked the novel. I thought the novel presented an intriguing plot. I loved the conlflict and the world that Murray created. I think fans of sci-fi/fantasy will enjoy this one.

The only thing that bugged me about the characters was Vivian's tendency to play the victim "wo-is-me" card. I get that she'd been through a lot, but I kept waiting for her to snap out of it.

This definitely isn't a slow bridge novel either.

If you are looking for an interesting fantasy novel, check this one out.

So why 3 stars?
I thought this was much better than the first one and almost gave it 4 stars. However, the errors I found knocked it down to a three as well as some other parts of the novel that I just didn't think worked.

Can I read the series out of order? You could. The story can read as a stand-alone. Naturally, however, you'd be missing the full effect of the story. If you do read the first one, just be warned it's slow in the beginning.

Warnings/Side-notes: None.

The Wrap-up: A great development to the series. It made me very curious to see what happens in the third one. (Note: After having read the third in the series, I'd have to say this was my favorite in the series by far.)

Love,

Danica Page
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,807 reviews71 followers
March 5, 2015
I really wished I had read book one in this series before starting this, as this book takes right off from where the previous book left off and it took me a while to get a handle on what was really happening. The author’s pace and intensity had me from page one and what was transpiring seemed so significant and intense, I really felt I was missing out on something. My advice is to read book one before opening this novel.
Vivian is working at a diner as a waitress, when Easton, Cooper and Abby walk in. It has been 3 months since she has last seen her friends. Its bitter sweet as she knows that being with them has implications. She’s been trying to locate her father but with no success. She knows she has special powers but the implications behind those powers are still unknown to her. How to control and use them are issues that Vivian has not yet mastered. Vivian is also confused as to why she possesses these powers. The Liaisons have not backed down in their attempt to “persuade” Vivian to join their team and I am on the fence on whether I am pleased/disappointed to read that Vivian has now joined their group. Joining this group, she is among many others who have other special powers, their group top secret and unofficial. They have the answers that she is looking for but they will come at a price.
This story will propels you forward. Vivian tries to act like a typical female but her special powers exemplify her and now she is finally figuring out what she is capable of. I enjoyed how this tight-knit group of friends take care of each other, laughing and joking, depending on each other and keeping their spirits high. Being a part of the Liaison, I didn’t know what to expect from the group or from Vivian and the author added some impressive tales. Now that she understands herself, I can’t wait to see what she’s capable of.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Alwaysreadingbooks - Reading Drinking and Relaxing.
661 reviews15 followers
August 10, 2013
This was a good as the first one in the series Vivid. Normally when you read a series the second book lacks the zest that the first one had but not this book. In Vicious not only were the characters from the first book back but you got introduced to new ones.

At the end of the first book Viv runs away thinking that that is the only way to protect the ones that she loves. She goes to this small town where she works as a waitress unbeknownst that she was drawn to the town by a guy that has magnetic powers and can draw unique people to him, not only can he draw unique people but he can also draw regular people also. One day out of the blue Easton shows up in town and once again he is united with Viv.

As the story goes on you find out that Easton and Viv has this connection that draws them together. Her friends are captured and she decides to turn herself in to save them. While she is at the center she meets other people like her but they all have different abilities. She meets a boy name Wyck, a boy that could destroy what she and Easton has. In the end although she is attracted to him she just doesn't feel that pull that she feels with Easton. Her and Wyck come up with a plan to escape and rescue her friends. In the end she finds out who her allies are and who she can't trust.

I enjoyed the twist and turns in this story and I look forward to seeing how Viv and her friends end things in the final book in this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
February 27, 2013
Loved this book! Vivian. has been struggling for three months living life on the run, taking one low paying job after another, all while trying to locate the father she has never met. Then one day, Easton, Abby and Cooper show up in the diner she works and she has no choice but to face her friends. The trio is so glad to see Vivian and know she is alive; but, Vivian is afraid she will jeopardize her friend's safety. However Easton refuses to leave her side.

Before the friends have the chance to formulate a plan Coop and Abby are taken hostage by Mr. Hoyt. Vivian has no choice but to go freely to Hoyt if she is going to rescue her friends.
At the compound Vivian meets other terns who have special talents and she learns more about her geneology. Additionally, Ms. Murray tells a story within a story highlighting one of. Vivian's early ancestors.

There was plenty of action and drama. The new characters added a special twist. My only complaint was that I quickly grew tired of Easton calling Vivian "babe" all the time. I wanted to scream, "Dude, mixed it up a bit. Call her sweetheart, love etc just lay off the babe." However do not let this comment keep you from experiencing a really good read.
Profile Image for Skaistė Girtienė.
815 reviews128 followers
October 20, 2013
I've forgot how fun it is to read Vivian's thoughts. It's rare that I find such a character who makes me smile and chuckle. I enjoyed reading about her once again a lot.

This book was different from the first one. In Vivid the story was more about relationships between Vivian and Easton, school life and Vivian's power emerging. In Vicious there's more of action, complications and tightness building up. It's more intense.

We get to know more of Vivian's past, her powers and about the organization which hunts her. There were some answers given, but new questions come with them. There were also few new and interesting characters introduced. I soon found myself eagerly turning pages to see what's ahead for Vivian.

Also I had a feeling that Vivian comes to a dead-end a lot while reading. There constantly lingers question, what she could do to break the deadlock, is it possible to do that at all. And I loved it! I‘m eager to know what‘s next for Vivian and her friends.

This book was provided from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dagmar Bancroft.
63 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2015
Vicious (Vivid #2) by Andrea Murray

Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
I was lucky enough to get a free copy of this book for an honest Review.
After the first book Vivid, Vivian runs away to help keep her friends safe as she now hasn't got anymore family maybe a father but she doesn't know where to look for him. She works a few jobs as she travels and doesn't stay long in one place. When she is working in a little place as a waitress he finds catch up with her but so does Hoyt the man who is trying to get her to join his group. He kill her family and now has kidnapped her friends so she goes to him but will she work for him???
Well I have read the first book and only given it 3 stars because something was missing for me in it, but this book is sooo much better it really had me wanting to turn the pages and I wanted to find out what was happing next. I loved this book. Andrea has definitely got her stuff together and worked her magic on here. I can't wait for the next one to find out how is goes on. I have given it 5 stars
Profile Image for Brittney.
3 reviews
May 22, 2014
This has a little bit of spoilers so beware if you haven't read the first or this book don't read this review

OMG! Is all I can say. This book is amazing. It has a awesome beginning and a shocking ending. I've only read the two books of Andrea Murray's and those two , vivid, and vicious, makes me want to read EVERY book she has written and is going to write.
So far out of the vivid series this is my favorite. I love how strong Vivian has become and how she joins the Liaisons just to protect her friends. I love how you find out more about her family and the connection that she has with the enemy, Hoyt. When Vivian met Wyck (love the name) I was kinda of hoping for a spark to happen between them, but at the same time I was screaming "dont do anything wrong! Don't cheat. Don't do it!"

This book will have you hooked the moment you pick it up. It will have you at the edge of your seat. It is unpredictable, exciting, sad, happy, and plain out shocking from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Book Junky Girls.
840 reviews33 followers
February 12, 2015
Vivian left her friends and boyfriend behind in order to protect them, but when they show up where she had been hiding and two of them are taken she is forced to work with the very man shes been trying toget away from.

Vivian has done everything she can to keep those she cares for safe, but sometimes outside forces make it difficult. When she is pressed to do what Hoyt wants when he uses them against her. Shes learned more about her powers and has even begun to learn that she's not the only one with powers. But even when being told what to do she finds ways to defy them and she never gives up on her friends and freedom.

I love seeing Vivian grow in strength and her take charge personality draws you in and makes you excited to see what will happen next!
3 reviews
September 3, 2012
Very pleased with the second installment of the Vivid series. Characters showed a lot of strength and growth. Eagerly anticipating the final book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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