It wasn’t just the fact that it was a secret society at Hamilton University. It was also that their presence could be felt in every event, project, and donation on campus. Everything they touched reeked of wealth, power, and success. But for me, it was the garden V planted and maintained to feed the homeless and the hungry that captured my heart and left me a supporter of the mysterious organization. Even without knowing all the details, it was clear to me that being a member of V was a game changer. So when I was selected, I was floored. But had I known the things I’d have to do, the people I’d have to hurt, the lies I’d have to tell, I would’ve declined. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself so I can sleep at night. People always want to know what V stands for. For me, V stands for villainous. I’m not the hero of this story. I’m the villain. And that’ll haunt me for the rest of my life.
Was this a romance novel? I was pulled in from the very beginning. I could not part with this book. I pretty much read it in one sitting. The plot was intriguing and kept me on my toes. I fell in love with the characters’ authenticity. The sex scenes were to die for. I was all in and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Nate and Michaela were everything and I rooted for them.
So I was fully invested in this slow burn of a book and then came the end and I’m sitting here utterly confused. Is this what I should be feeling? Since this was a suspense. I have so many questions. What happened to Theo’s mother? Where is Nate? Who died? I’m sure I’ll get those answers in the next installment. That ending left me like wtf?! This is why I started my review off with the question, “Was this a romance novel?”. Because if it was I’m not feeling the fact that I had zero connection with Theo. Is it about me though? Even if it wasn’t I’m taking this ish personal. Like wth happened?! I’m speechless. SMH. Nate was straight smacking Michaela down. Sheesh! He was successful, funny, treated her well and was a good guy. Who dafuq is Theo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The crazy part is I still loved this book. I’ve already downloaded the next book. I just don’t know how I feel right now. I need some answers.
4 stars
-Natasha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow! The story had me chomping at the bit hoping this story would last a few weeks, because it's that amazing. The mystery, and trying to figure out the plot surrounding what was going on in the V secret society. I enjoyed the writing and the tight storyline. Nate was so sweet and he and Michaela felt good as a couple. In the back of my mind, Theo would come back to claim his woman. I can't wait to see what's up next.
This book had me on the edge of my seat for several reasons. It was sooo sexy. It was sooo endearing...Nate is just one of the good ones and I loved him! It was sooo suspenseful...I had a million theories and I was side eyeing everyone, but Danielle kept me guessing until the very end. I’m quite interested to see how many of these characters show up in subsequent books...can’t wait to dive in!
V is for Villainous was a very sexy edgy read from the prologue to the epilogue and it still left my mouth wide opened. This was a steamy romantic suspense read. Mick went through some very emotional stuff throughout this book. I have a lot of questions so I guess I better getting to reading the other books in the series to get my answers.
Book club book of the month. Michaela will do what she has to do to get into Yale law. She finds herself doing things for a secret society she can't stomach. Read and see what she what has to do. So I definitely gotta read the other ones. I'm nosey I need to see what happens to all these ladies.
The suspense is great. The romance is there. You can feel the sexual tension. The writing is riveting. Also, the social commentary on women in business is a thought provoking nuance to the story
Y’all could’ve told me DA writes Romantic Suspense as well… and it’s good. It’s spicy but the spice makes sense. This story makes you think… what would you do for love? What would you do for money? What would you do to succeed in the future? I enjoyed it! I’m about to read book 2!
The best book in the series and the best love story!! This whole series had me stressed but I loved every second of it. I fell in love with the genesis of the series.
There’s a secret society on Hamilton University’s campus. A secret in the sense that most know about their existence through their community efforts on campus but no one knows who’s in it, what they do or how they came to be. Well, that is unless you are one of the chosen few.
In Danielle Allen’s V is for Villainous, we are introduced to the V Society and the five women who are chosen to be a part of the organization this senior year. This story focuses on Michaela Jones, she’s a hard-working undergrad student solely focused on her work and getting into Yale for law school. When we first meet her, she is breaking up with her boyfriend, though we get the sense that it isn’t something she voluntarily wanted to do.
Fast forward almost two years and Michaela is invited to join V after attending a party. She’s intrigued and wants to join. Any organization that can promise you great mentors, opportunities, cash and job leads after law school is something worth looking into, right? All of those things come with a price and there’s a mission to complete to fully become a part of V. As Michaela learns more about what she has to do and what she’s really gotten herself into, she’s forced to make some hard decisions.
Enter Nathan Phillips. A guy who is sweet, attentive and handsome. In her words, he makes everything better and is exactly what she needs. However, he is intricately tied to her assignment and that makes it tricky when she falls in love with him. She begins to feel guilty when she has to leverage her relationship to find out certain pertinent details. How far is Michaela willing to go to get the life she’s longed for? Is she willing to give up on love?
I liked Michaela a lot and not just because she shares the name of one of my favorite characters on the ABC show, How To Get Away With Murder. She’s not all good and not all bad. There are shades of grey to her even when she doesn’t want to admit it, very similar to the organization she has now pledged herself to. Nathan made a great observation of her when they first started to get to know each other. “I thought you were one of the most beautiful and closed off women I’d ever seen. Like artwork in a glass case at the museum. You can look at it and admire its beauty, but you can’t ever get too close. ” I don’t think he realized just how true that last line was going to be in their relationship.
The secondary characters were solid, I want to know more about every one of them. Most of them weren’t on the page for too long but they left enough of an impression to where I am curious. There are the other girls in Michaela’s class, her roommate, Nathan, and not to mention the ex-boyfriend who I hope she lets go of because he’s annoying LOL.
I said a lot without saying much, didn’t I? Haha. There’s a shroud of mystery around this story, and series, that you have to read for yourself. Everything’s complicated in V is for Villainous and that’s what makes the story even better. You all know I love a little suspense and mystery in my romance novels.
This story does end on a cliffhanger, not just with the whole V society but with Michaela and her love life as well. There are some interesting things at play here and I’m intrigued to find out what happens next.
V is for Vicious is out now, the second book in this series, off I go to read more of this story!
** I received this book in exchange for my honest review.**
This was different read from Danielle Allen, but she did not disappoint. This book gave you everything you want in a suspenseful read, the author kept you on your toes and I kept trying to figure out what would happen next. This story introduces you to Michaela a.k.a.Victorious who is a very smart undergrad with dreams of attending Yale Law School. She receives an invite to join this secret society by the name of V. She accepts and soon finds herself doing things she never thought she would, but when she finds love by the way of Nate. She finds herself on the fence of being in love or being the lawyer she always dreamt to be. I liked Michaela and understood her hustle and determination, but at the same time wouldn't want to be in her shoes. This story is about choices, however the choice you make will either make or break you. The story ends with a cliffhanger and I can't wait to start reading book 2.
I so enjoyed reading this book. I love the way it made me laugh. I love the way it sucked me in. Danielle is such a great writer.
I love Nate. Loved the way he loved Michaela. He was such a sweet boyfriend and friend. I loved that he loved the snort.
I really liked Michaela until about 2 days after Nate told her he secured a full time job. I jus don’t get her actions. I guess when she said she wasn’t in love with him, she meant it
Antoinette was a bitch. Junior was super sweet. Theo, I felt bad for him but I felt worse for Nate
Happy that there will be more books and can't wait to read the next one in the series
“The way he seemed to see beyond the walls I put up was unnerving. It was uncomfortable yet comfortable at the same time.”
Danielle Allen is hands down one of my most favorite authors, and with that being said, I still wasn’t ready for what I felt while reading her newest book. This is different than what she normally writes but it still had me knee deep in my feelings. Sometimes we do what what we think is best for everyone involved. We push folks away. We run away. We try to go down a different path. We make sacrifices, but somehow the universe has a way of always putting us right where we belong. I can’t wait to see what is coming next!
Michaela is a senior at Hamilton University, a place where the symbol V is found throughout the campus. One day she receives an invitation to become a member of this secret society. In exchange for all expense paid law school and lifelong sisterhood, she finds herself doing things that she thought she would never do.
This first book of “The Women of V” series is a different read from @authordanielleallen. What started off as a little slow, turned into a story full of suspense, intrigue and plenty of sex! I have secretly renamed Nate “Sit On My Face”, because I swear that’s all he says! 😂
I highly recommend this 💎💎💎💎 read, and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I so enjoyed reading this story! There was never a dull moment. I loved Michaela, she went through so much but she was so strong and did what she had to do in life for her. I loved Michaela and Nate together. Nate really cared for her and truly wanted to make Michaela happy. I didn't get to know much about Theo but he was a little whiny for me and his momma lord! Great job Danielle and I look forward to getting some more answers in the next book! Hopefully you won't make us wait to long.
Michaela had two men who really loved her and she walked away to save them. I don't think I could do that twice and back to back. Good job. I will start the next book in this series.
This was so much more than I was expecting. My attention was grabbed from the very beginning and continuously pulled me in. I love the concept behind there being this secret powerful society of women. I like Michaela's character and I love her determination. Even though Theo is supposed to be her great love, my heart wants her with Nate. Fingers crossed for that. And who died? There's so much more tea that needs to be spilled.
The one thing Danielle Allen is great at is creating a suspenseful story that sucks you into the vortex of not being able to stop reading the magnificence of the world she has created. This is another great one of secret societies, blackmail, breaking hearts to get what you want and regret. Cliffhangers aren't usually my thing but this was worth being left hanging....just hope it's not too long, I have some questions!!!
I think this was a good intro to what sounds like an intriguing series... so why the 3 star rating? I felt like Danielle did her usual best in reeling me into the story and creating a fantastic idea and story, however there were times along the way where I was left feeling confused and the ending was less than satisfying. If you are looking for a romance, this isn’t it. I look forward to book 2 to continue the mystery of V but I don’t have high expectations on the romance part of the story.
Wow! Although this was a complete book, I'm still stumped! Hopefully the remaining books in the series answer those questions for me. Michaela had a good heart, and was always putting others before herself. I know that Nate was her mark, but I really liked him for her. Don't know how I feel about reconnection with Theo. His mom is a manipulative witch! Hope she gets hers. In to book 2, to find some answers hopefully. Enjoyed it!👍👍
I'm in love with Danielle's books as it is and then BAM!! She smacked me with this one and I'm still reeling...... This is an awesome book y'all!! She has put together this with EVERY part of a book we all look for!! Romance, excitement (in all ways), suspense, togetherness, and a bond like no other!! I really can not wait to read the others!! She is such a talented writer and this will prove it to you as always!!
Okay, first and foremost I am not sure how I feel about this ending. I yelled “You bet not!!!” about 3 different times! Now as far as the storyline... a refreshing change!!!! Definitely a page turner!!! And Lordy these pages were steamy!!!!! I can NOT WAIT for the next book! But just so there’s no confusion I’m #TeamNate
I practically finished this book in one day. It’s so sad that you get so caught up in a book that you’re vested in the characters. Pulling for them to win, crying if the falter or lose. Smh I purposely didn’t start reading this series until all books were out. I wanted to have that continuity. Let me see what’s next...
This story was full of mystery and intrigue with amazing sex scenes from the first word to the last. I can't wait to read the other books in this series Danielle did an amazing job with this one, I want the rest of the series now no waiting. 5💥💥💥💥💥 all the way
As usual, Ms. Allen did not come to play! I love the mystery turn she has taken in this book, it adds another layer to her already exciting work. I cant wait to put all the pieces together, because I have many questions. Dont miss out on this! #alwaysloyalreader
Whew, chile! I knew you were a talented writer but THIS...this took my respect for your craft to a whole 'nother level! The suspense, the SEX. I cannot WAIT for the second installment. PLEASE PLEASE release it soon. I'm pins and needles waiting.
Ms. Allen this book had me hooked from page one. The layers to the story from beginning to end shows the outstanding penmanship of Ms. Allen. Thanks again for another great read.
The story has a great story line but it wasn’t as devious as I thought it would be. Technically, the women had to do some foul stuff but nothing to crazy. This is like a younger crowd (early to mid 20s) book
Very different than what I expected, but very well written and anticipated. Couldn’t wait to find out how it all ended and let me just say, it was worth the wait. Looking forward to the next one in this series.