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Seven Deadly Sins #4
Wrath
The award-winning author of 'Lust', 'Envy', and 'Greed' delivers a passionate and unforgettable exploration of a marriage caught in the crossroads of rage.
When Chastity Butler and Xavier Owens first meet, they instantly connect over their shared dedication to activism. After all, Xavier is a civil rights attorney and Chastity uses her business degree to work with a local foundation that helps battered women. Together, they work to make the world a better place and find themselves falling deeper in love. Even though friends and family warn them to slow down, Xavier and Chastity marry within a year.
But their marriage is soon strained by the intense differences between their backgrounds. Chastity, the only child of a prominent popular pastor in Philadelphia, was raised with privilege. Xavier, meanwhile, never knew his father, was abandoned by his mother, and shuffled between houses, leaving him feeling isolated and inadequate. As an adult, he was determined to leave his past behind.
As time goes on, Xavier is slowly overcome with resentment about his past. Soon, Chastity finds herself on the receiving end of his increasing rage. It starts with verbal abuse and escalates until the physical abuse makes Chastity feel like she’s living in a prison. She has built a career on helping women in similar situations, but her religious upbringing, her position at the domestic violence foundation, as well as her family’s high social profile all work to keep her in their home, praying that Xavier will change.
Things only get worse when the local Democratic Party asks Chastity to run for office, and Xavier can’t handle the amount of attention his wife is suddenly getting. When his rage explodes at a level Chastity has never seen, will their marriage survive or is this finally the last straw?
When Chastity Butler and Xavier Owens first meet, they instantly connect over their shared dedication to activism. After all, Xavier is a civil rights attorney and Chastity uses her business degree to work with a local foundation that helps battered women. Together, they work to make the world a better place and find themselves falling deeper in love. Even though friends and family warn them to slow down, Xavier and Chastity marry within a year.
But their marriage is soon strained by the intense differences between their backgrounds. Chastity, the only child of a prominent popular pastor in Philadelphia, was raised with privilege. Xavier, meanwhile, never knew his father, was abandoned by his mother, and shuffled between houses, leaving him feeling isolated and inadequate. As an adult, he was determined to leave his past behind.
As time goes on, Xavier is slowly overcome with resentment about his past. Soon, Chastity finds herself on the receiving end of his increasing rage. It starts with verbal abuse and escalates until the physical abuse makes Chastity feel like she’s living in a prison. She has built a career on helping women in similar situations, but her religious upbringing, her position at the domestic violence foundation, as well as her family’s high social profile all work to keep her in their home, praying that Xavier will change.
Things only get worse when the local Democratic Party asks Chastity to run for office, and Xavier can’t handle the amount of attention his wife is suddenly getting. When his rage explodes at a level Chastity has never seen, will their marriage survive or is this finally the last straw?
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 5, 2021
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1073 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Christopher Murray
68 books2,365 followersVictoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).
She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.
She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 23, 2020
Wrath is a story of Chastity Butler and Xavier Owens who share an instant connection. They have so much in common and their love story is a fairy tale. They are swept away by an attraction that is so strong that they marry within months of meeting each other. Ignoring the advice of friends and family, they jump all in.
But Chastity and Xavier each have baggage that interfere with the success of their relationship and eventually their marriage. Chastity's father was once a cheat and Xavier was a produce of abuse.
Chastity has parents who dotes on her while Xavier has never felt truly loved by the adults in his life. Within him is an anger that grows and grows until he unleashes it in a way from which he can never recover.
The beginning felt like I was going up a roller coaster ride. Then, from chapter 14 onward, I was in a groove, drawn in by the work of Ms. Christopher Murray's pen. She has a way of writing that grabs and draws you in as the story unfolds. There were many moments where I found myself rooting for Xavier. But can you root for someone who refuses to get help or acknowledge a deep-rooted issue? However, this is mastery at its best, because I would have been his champion if he had been willing to listen. We can hear so many things but to truly listen requires action. Change. A desire to change is not the same as actually changing.
A poignant scene was the sermon presented by Chastity's own father. What a message. Inspiring. True. An on-time word.
When I got to the end of the story, I was left in a state of deep thinking. I had to marinate on what I read. Reality can be jarring. Sad. The issue of domestic violence is still one that needs to be addressed in several mediums. I believe Victoria Christopher Murray taking this approach will leave many of us with takeaways long after it's done.
But Chastity and Xavier each have baggage that interfere with the success of their relationship and eventually their marriage. Chastity's father was once a cheat and Xavier was a produce of abuse.
Chastity has parents who dotes on her while Xavier has never felt truly loved by the adults in his life. Within him is an anger that grows and grows until he unleashes it in a way from which he can never recover.
The beginning felt like I was going up a roller coaster ride. Then, from chapter 14 onward, I was in a groove, drawn in by the work of Ms. Christopher Murray's pen. She has a way of writing that grabs and draws you in as the story unfolds. There were many moments where I found myself rooting for Xavier. But can you root for someone who refuses to get help or acknowledge a deep-rooted issue? However, this is mastery at its best, because I would have been his champion if he had been willing to listen. We can hear so many things but to truly listen requires action. Change. A desire to change is not the same as actually changing.
A poignant scene was the sermon presented by Chastity's own father. What a message. Inspiring. True. An on-time word.
When I got to the end of the story, I was left in a state of deep thinking. I had to marinate on what I read. Reality can be jarring. Sad. The issue of domestic violence is still one that needs to be addressed in several mediums. I believe Victoria Christopher Murray taking this approach will leave many of us with takeaways long after it's done.
August 2, 2020
There’s so much to say but for now I’ll just say that it’s the best one in the series!!
January 3, 2021
Wrath is book four in the Seven Deadly Sins series by Victoria Christopher Murray. Though part of a series, this novel is a standalone. Victoria Christopher Murray is a very successful author of multicultural and urban fiction, and once again she delivers a true gem.
Chastity Jeffries and Xavier King are both successful attorneys with painful family histories, though completely different upbringings. Neither one expected their casual meeting to turn into a serious romance so quickly. Can lust, or even love, overcome the seemingly inevitable, when they face the challenges wrought by the pain of their pasts?
This is dramatic multicultural fiction. The novel is revealed through the alternating viewpoints of Chastity and Xavier. This sometimes tricky writing technique is handled without confusion through the use of appropriate chapter headers. The characters are fully-fleshed and vibrant. The writing is deep and sometimes dark with humor injected to temporarily alleviate the intense tension. The eye-opening plot twists had me waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time. The anticipation and expectation are both well met by the end. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this series. I give Wrath 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys great edge-of-your-seat fiction.
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My thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Chastity Jeffries and Xavier King are both successful attorneys with painful family histories, though completely different upbringings. Neither one expected their casual meeting to turn into a serious romance so quickly. Can lust, or even love, overcome the seemingly inevitable, when they face the challenges wrought by the pain of their pasts?
This is dramatic multicultural fiction. The novel is revealed through the alternating viewpoints of Chastity and Xavier. This sometimes tricky writing technique is handled without confusion through the use of appropriate chapter headers. The characters are fully-fleshed and vibrant. The writing is deep and sometimes dark with humor injected to temporarily alleviate the intense tension. The eye-opening plot twists had me waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time. The anticipation and expectation are both well met by the end. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this series. I give Wrath 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys great edge-of-your-seat fiction.
.
My thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
January 10, 2021
I truly did not want this book to end. I have read books by the author since the beginning of her career, and there is not one book that I have not enjoyed. This was one of the best books she has ever written. There were several times I was so shocked, I almost threw my kindle across the room. I was recovering from an illness while reading, and it was so exciting, I ended up reading it in several hours. It captivated my attention from the very first word. There were also several "what in the world" and "did I just really read that " moments several times throughout the story. Charity's father happened to be my favorite secondary character. Several times I looked at him like 'did you really just say that". And I was not expecting it to end like that either. This was such an entertaining and very well written story.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 22, 2021
This book reiterated why I don’t have to know what a Victoria Christopher Murray book is about before I purchase it. She hit this one out the park as she always does. I absolutely loved this book from the first page to the end. It kept me guessing the outcome of this story and the end did not disappoint. I gave this one 5 stars and highly recommend.
June 6, 2022
I tell you what! I couldn’t drink enough wine to get me through this book. If you enjoyed Lust....Wrath will make your head spin!!! Just call the exorcist because somebody needs one! Whewww
December 30, 2020
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Wrath releases on January 5, 2021
Wrath is a book about a male, Xavier, who believes that marriage will solve all of his problems. Xavier is deeply broken; he has extreme anger issues, and is the ultimate manipulator. He also has serious mommy issues which affected how he treated women. From a child, Xavier was seen as a burden. He was abused and unloved and that carried on into his adulthood. When Xavier meets Chastity he fell so hard but it didn’t take long for his true colors to show. The author did a good job with the storyline because although I wasn’t a big fan of Xavier at all, I couldn’t stop reading. Surely karma was coming for him!! I am giving four stars because it started really slow. I also wasn’t too big on Chastity- she was kind of weak in a sense. For her to have been so, “book smart” she lacked all common sense when it came to her relationship. This book involves: child abuse and domestic violence.
Wrath releases on January 5, 2021
Wrath is a book about a male, Xavier, who believes that marriage will solve all of his problems. Xavier is deeply broken; he has extreme anger issues, and is the ultimate manipulator. He also has serious mommy issues which affected how he treated women. From a child, Xavier was seen as a burden. He was abused and unloved and that carried on into his adulthood. When Xavier meets Chastity he fell so hard but it didn’t take long for his true colors to show. The author did a good job with the storyline because although I wasn’t a big fan of Xavier at all, I couldn’t stop reading. Surely karma was coming for him!! I am giving four stars because it started really slow. I also wasn’t too big on Chastity- she was kind of weak in a sense. For her to have been so, “book smart” she lacked all common sense when it came to her relationship. This book involves: child abuse and domestic violence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2021
This was a first for me from this author. I don't know what or how I should feel about it. There were definite physical abuse warnings for people that may be triggered. This is definitely not a romance novel. The ending for me was terrible and left a lot of questions unanswered. All I have to say is that I'm glad Chastity was able to move on from Xavier. As for the narrators, I like Adenrele Ojo, but her voice this time was too monotone for me as Chastity. No complaints about Landon Woodson. I think he did a great job as Xavier and portraying him as normal, crazy, angry and happy as well as the other characters. Also loved how he acted and sang throughout the book which made listening to it much better. Will definitely check more of his work.
January 12, 2021
Wow! VCM has done it again. This story took me through so many emotions, mainly frustration with Chastity. I just couldn’t wrap my mind around some of her decisions regarding Xavier but I’ve never been in that situation. This is one of those books that will have you texting your friend which I did often. Lol! This is the fourth book in her Seven Deadly Sins series and while I enjoyed it, Envy is still my favorite but this one was so good. My mind is still reeling!
September 18, 2021
As with all the books in this series,VCM did an outstanding job. This was a quick and powerful read. She penned a work that revealed the volatility of Chastity and Xavier’s relationship. Two attorneys, who moved too quickly, found their lives upended by the impact that extreme anger can have on a relationship. These two individuals came from very different backgrounds: one the offspring of a prominent philandering Pastor and a loving mother and the other a child who knew of only pain and despair.
Adults often times have been quoted as saying “don’t do as I do….do as I say.” The sad reality is that children are not miniature adults. They hear what adults say and definitely see what they do. Each are as equally impactful on their lives.
Ask yourself, “is it ever an acceptable time to give up on someone?” “Is grace, as questioned in the book, giving people the room to be human as well as the space to make human mistakes?” “Does mercy triumph over judgment?” These questions, along with others, will challenge you while reading this work.
Adults often times have been quoted as saying “don’t do as I do….do as I say.” The sad reality is that children are not miniature adults. They hear what adults say and definitely see what they do. Each are as equally impactful on their lives.
Ask yourself, “is it ever an acceptable time to give up on someone?” “Is grace, as questioned in the book, giving people the room to be human as well as the space to make human mistakes?” “Does mercy triumph over judgment?” These questions, along with others, will challenge you while reading this work.
March 20, 2021
4.5
Good background information as Xavier was definitely if unstable was a person. Storyline held my attention, kept me reading and I completed this book in an afternoon. I was surprised that Chastity didn't investigate him more thoroughly. Overall, this 4th book of the Deadly Sin series was an enjoyable read.
Good background information as Xavier was definitely if unstable was a person. Storyline held my attention, kept me reading and I completed this book in an afternoon. I was surprised that Chastity didn't investigate him more thoroughly. Overall, this 4th book of the Deadly Sin series was an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2021
3.5 stars
February 22, 2021
Everything that is good, or at least appears to be, is not good for you. In Wrath, by Victoria Christopher Murray, Chastity Jeffries discovers this the hard way. Chastity meets Xavier King, a handsome and seemingly nice young man. However, what she does not know is that behind that façade, there is something not quite right. As the daughter of a prominent pastor, Chastity has learned many lessons, some good, some not so good, about men and relationships. Xavier has learned some lessons, too. When these two come together, sparks fly—in more ways than one. Both characters are well-drawn, and the story is not an unusual one. There is no blame here, only the telling of the story. Heartbreak, suspense, and intrigue can all be found in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
March 3, 2021
Lawd, if you don't deal with your issues. Your issues will show up an swallow you hole. There was so much too this novel. Fast-paced, suspenseful page Turner.
January 17, 2021
Jaw dropper
Oh my this book hands down is one of your best, it just pulled me in from beginning to the end definitely never saw it going the way it did. Great job
Oh my this book hands down is one of your best, it just pulled me in from beginning to the end definitely never saw it going the way it did. Great job
December 30, 2021
I always enjoy books from this author.
January 15, 2021
I’ve been reading this authors books for a long time knowing that she never disappoints. Sad to say I could totally relate to Chastity trying to save Xavier from his demons. I’d like to say that they weren’t his fault and initially they weren’t which made me feel some empathy for him wanting him to get it together. Chastity was extremely too gullible and forgiving and this bothered me to no end. I guess having experienced a similar situation which gives you 20/20 vision I wanted to correct my mistakes vicariously through her, like LEAVE! All in GREAT READ! I’d definitely recommend it and can’t wait for future books in the series.
September 6, 2020
Xavier King is a man who has endured a lot over the years which has caused him to become a broken man. Chastity is the typical girl who guards her heart and has focused on her career until she meets Xavier King. The author has done a great job with penning this novel. This book is full of drama with twists that keep you wanting more. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by her.
September 8, 2020
Wrath is Victoria Christopher Murray's latest installment in her Seven Deadly Sins series and I must admit, this is my favorite thus far. In this story we are introduced to Xavier King and Chasity Jeffries. Initially their story appears to be kismet, but like the old saying goes, everything that glitters isn't gold.
Chastity Jeffries is nothing short of royalty, the daughter of Kareem “KJ” Jeffries, a NBA player turned mega pastor. Pastor Jeffries is a great dad, but hasn‘t always been a great husband. His infidelities have ruined all of Chastity’s childhood memories, so much so that she moves to Atlanta just to get away. When Chastity returns to New York she’s determined to not let her past dictate her future, but in the end she realizes she’s more like her mother than she’s willing to admit. “Chastity, I have prayed for this. You lived through so much of the bad, I want only the best for you now.”
Xavier King‘s childhood was filled with hate. Abandoned by his mother, never knowing his father and hated by his grandmother, Xavier has no clue what love looks like. But even with no precedent on how to love or how to be a man, Xavier is determined to defeat all odds. “You know, grief is a deep emotion that leaves its remnants for years, sometimes decades. There are few who’ve gone through something as tragic as what you’ve experienced, especially being so young, who have walked away unscathed by that kind of trauma.“ Xavier left Sumner, Mississippi and never looked back, he‘s become a man anyone would be proud of. From the outside looking in Xavier is the perfect man, a man any woman would be proud to have on her arm. Xavier has one chink in his armor, his anger issues.
Chastity and Xavier meet and their connection is almost instantaneous. Reading this story was almost like watching a train wreck, you know that it’s coming, but you can’t pull your eyes away from the impending doom. “And because wrath is the extreme of anger, the Lord is warning that anyone who goes to that extreme is a person who will do it again and again and again.” Chastity’s religious background makes her more forgiving and understanding than she should be. “But this is what I know-Xavier King deserves happiness. After all he’s been through, this is the first time he’s allowed himself to fall in love.”
This story touches on domestic violence, which may be a trigger for some readers even though the scenes weren't overly graphic or gruesome (IMO). Overall I enjoyed this story, it was well written and held my attention. I loved the religious aspect that Victoria usually adds to her stories. Initially I didn’t care for Kareem Jefferies, but by then end of the story he turned out to be my favorite character. I didn’t like the fact that there were so many flash backs written in, but it didn’t take away from the story. The moral of the story was eloquently conveyed and the message was definitely received. “If you find yourself with a wrathful person, this is what the scripture is saying: You cannot save a wrathful man from the consequences of his intemperance. You may do it once, you may do it twice. But if that man is unchanged, all of your efforts will be useless, and the help you have given will only make him believe that she can continue to indulge his wrath with impunity.”
Chastity Jeffries is nothing short of royalty, the daughter of Kareem “KJ” Jeffries, a NBA player turned mega pastor. Pastor Jeffries is a great dad, but hasn‘t always been a great husband. His infidelities have ruined all of Chastity’s childhood memories, so much so that she moves to Atlanta just to get away. When Chastity returns to New York she’s determined to not let her past dictate her future, but in the end she realizes she’s more like her mother than she’s willing to admit. “Chastity, I have prayed for this. You lived through so much of the bad, I want only the best for you now.”
Xavier King‘s childhood was filled with hate. Abandoned by his mother, never knowing his father and hated by his grandmother, Xavier has no clue what love looks like. But even with no precedent on how to love or how to be a man, Xavier is determined to defeat all odds. “You know, grief is a deep emotion that leaves its remnants for years, sometimes decades. There are few who’ve gone through something as tragic as what you’ve experienced, especially being so young, who have walked away unscathed by that kind of trauma.“ Xavier left Sumner, Mississippi and never looked back, he‘s become a man anyone would be proud of. From the outside looking in Xavier is the perfect man, a man any woman would be proud to have on her arm. Xavier has one chink in his armor, his anger issues.
Chastity and Xavier meet and their connection is almost instantaneous. Reading this story was almost like watching a train wreck, you know that it’s coming, but you can’t pull your eyes away from the impending doom. “And because wrath is the extreme of anger, the Lord is warning that anyone who goes to that extreme is a person who will do it again and again and again.” Chastity’s religious background makes her more forgiving and understanding than she should be. “But this is what I know-Xavier King deserves happiness. After all he’s been through, this is the first time he’s allowed himself to fall in love.”
This story touches on domestic violence, which may be a trigger for some readers even though the scenes weren't overly graphic or gruesome (IMO). Overall I enjoyed this story, it was well written and held my attention. I loved the religious aspect that Victoria usually adds to her stories. Initially I didn’t care for Kareem Jefferies, but by then end of the story he turned out to be my favorite character. I didn’t like the fact that there were so many flash backs written in, but it didn’t take away from the story. The moral of the story was eloquently conveyed and the message was definitely received. “If you find yourself with a wrathful person, this is what the scripture is saying: You cannot save a wrathful man from the consequences of his intemperance. You may do it once, you may do it twice. But if that man is unchanged, all of your efforts will be useless, and the help you have given will only make him believe that she can continue to indulge his wrath with impunity.”
March 30, 2021
“𝑇𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝐼’𝑚 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑛; 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑚 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ. 𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑎 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢.“
Chastity and Xavier are two young successful attorneys who meet and quickly fall dangerously in love. They both share painful pasts with her father being a publicly exposed adulterer and his mother abandoning him as a child.
Chastity was smitten with Xavier because was handsome, successful and so charming. It made it easy for her to overlook red flags and warnings from loved ones, because she could “manage” him.
Every now and again I come across a book that makes me feel like I’m reading my own story. This book gave me chills and took me to a dark place in my past where I was on the opposite end of someone’s wrath.
I begin to ponder:
✞Why have I ignored red flags?
✞Why did I ignore my family telling me to get out?!
✞Why did I feel like I could fix him?
✞Why did I feel like it wouldn’t happen again?
✞How could I indirectly put my loved one’s in my turmoil?
I’ve already started the conversations with my teenage daughter to never overlook red flags and to immediately get out of any situation where you are in fear. Abuse never stops at “the first time”.
Wrath is an Urban/Christian novel, one of the books in the “7 Deadly Sins” series and I absolutely loved it. I hadn’t read the previous books, but didn’t feel like I missed anything.
Chastity and Xavier are two young successful attorneys who meet and quickly fall dangerously in love. They both share painful pasts with her father being a publicly exposed adulterer and his mother abandoning him as a child.
Chastity was smitten with Xavier because was handsome, successful and so charming. It made it easy for her to overlook red flags and warnings from loved ones, because she could “manage” him.
Every now and again I come across a book that makes me feel like I’m reading my own story. This book gave me chills and took me to a dark place in my past where I was on the opposite end of someone’s wrath.
I begin to ponder:
✞Why have I ignored red flags?
✞Why did I ignore my family telling me to get out?!
✞Why did I feel like I could fix him?
✞Why did I feel like it wouldn’t happen again?
✞How could I indirectly put my loved one’s in my turmoil?
I’ve already started the conversations with my teenage daughter to never overlook red flags and to immediately get out of any situation where you are in fear. Abuse never stops at “the first time”.
Wrath is an Urban/Christian novel, one of the books in the “7 Deadly Sins” series and I absolutely loved it. I hadn’t read the previous books, but didn’t feel like I missed anything.
August 5, 2020
This book was an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an unbiased review. Review posted at http://words.blank-stare.com/tag/jojo...
Absolutely loved all of these characters!! Let me start by saying, I’ll be needing a Sisley and Kareem prequel...because there seems to be plenty to tell in that redemption story. The main characters’ back story played a vital role in the dynamics of Chastity and Xavier’s relationship and I appreciated how the supporting characters we used to further enhance your understanding of their perspective and subsequent decision making. I love how VCM did a spin on people’s use of scripture to support what they may innately want to do...the notion that there’s a scripture for everything (good and bad) was clearly shown. The ending took me by surprise...but it was delightful stray from the expected. Additional favorite points:
• Bryce knowing and calling Xavier on his BS - too often in stories like this, you find friends that border on being accomplices. I appreciated that it was a clear depiction of how men MUST hold one another accountable and encourage each other to do better.
• The underlying theme that it’s not how people see you, but how you see yourself. Xaviers self loathing did him more harm than anything...his negative thoughts were often the furthest thing from truth others saw/thought.
Overall another hit for Victoria Christopher Murray...think this may be my favorite so far in the seven deadly sins series.
December 22, 2020
Wrath by Victoria Christopher Murray will be released 5 January 2021, and if you've read the other books in the Seven Deadly Sins series, you already know what's up.
The quick rundown: Preacher's kid Chastity returns home after being away from her parents for years to meet who she thinks is the man of her dreams. Xavier looks great on paper: He's an attorney like Chastity, and they share the same interests and birthday. What they don't share is temperament. Will Chastity save herself or become the victim of his wrath?
When it comes to a VCM book, you're gonna learn something and/or see yourself or someone you you know in these books. What I've taken from this book is we cannot save people. Yes, we know this until it happens to us or someone we love or made a commitment to. Chastity thought thought it was the Christian thing to do, after all, that's what she saw with her own parents. However, when her life was on the line, she had to make a choice. We also never know what others have gone through.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I even made it through all the flashback scenes (I usually dislike them immensely). They provided context and background info to help us readers. I thought I knew how the story was going to end, but I am glad I was wrong. I think readers of the Seven Deadly Sins will like this one too, but Greed is my fav lol.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Gallery Books, for the ARC to read and provide my honest review.
The quick rundown: Preacher's kid Chastity returns home after being away from her parents for years to meet who she thinks is the man of her dreams. Xavier looks great on paper: He's an attorney like Chastity, and they share the same interests and birthday. What they don't share is temperament. Will Chastity save herself or become the victim of his wrath?
When it comes to a VCM book, you're gonna learn something and/or see yourself or someone you you know in these books. What I've taken from this book is we cannot save people. Yes, we know this until it happens to us or someone we love or made a commitment to. Chastity thought thought it was the Christian thing to do, after all, that's what she saw with her own parents. However, when her life was on the line, she had to make a choice. We also never know what others have gone through.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I even made it through all the flashback scenes (I usually dislike them immensely). They provided context and background info to help us readers. I thought I knew how the story was going to end, but I am glad I was wrong. I think readers of the Seven Deadly Sins will like this one too, but Greed is my fav lol.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Gallery Books, for the ARC to read and provide my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2021
I don’t know where to start. You are truly a gift from God. After reading the other 3 books under the 7 deadly sins, I was blown away. However Wrath is just as good. As follows of Christ it is so important that we deal with our underlined issues before we try to start over in life. Don’t let other people tell you more about yourself than you know ( To Thine Own-self Be True). If your Conscience is telling you somethings wrong, stop and check it out. This is a book worth reading. I enjoyed the love and passion Chastity parents showed her. Her father even after his encounters with the devil, kept seeking forgiveness from God. Great read!!! It shows how important it is to know who you are in Christ. X- never had an identity because he never had a relationship with Christ. He had no desire to. He thought he could (fake it to make it), but God is a part of our every being. We’re not here for ourselves. We’re here for his purpose. “In him do I live and I have my being’! Anger can and will destroy your life. It makes you dislike the people you say you love. Anger is a curse. Deal with it.
August 2, 2020
Victoria Christopher Murray has knocked it out of the park with this one. What do you do when you swore you would never fall in love due to your parents. Chasity Jeffries has vowed to do just that. Her father is a famous preacher and has cheated on her mom numerous times. She was so jaded on falling in love that is until she met Xavier. In the beginning, their love story was so fairy tale and honestly I felt that Xavier was dealt a bad hand and needed a good woman in his life. But more than halfway thorough the book. I wanted to throttle Chastity. When you read the book you will understand why. This book was very good and by the end I was left with no unanswered questions and I can't wait for rthe next book in this series.
March 27, 2021
Wrath, what a great read! Xavier was so abused and neglected as a child and he never got the help he needed to deal with what happened to him. He wanted love so bad and acceptance that he was willing to lie and pay to keep Chastity with him! That rage that he tried to conquer finally overpowered his repressed anger and almost cost Chastity her life. Thank God she let Melanie know what had happened the week before this very volatile last act of rage! Such a well written story! As usual Victoria has penned a very moving and insightful novel! Very good read!
July 22, 2021
When I am reading a book and my emotions run so high that I want to reach through the pages and shake a character...that's a good book! I always enjoy this author and will read more from her. This story was relatable in that we all make choices sometimes that in our better judgment we wouldn't. We get in situations that we thought we never would so it is sometimes easy to judge others for doing things we say we would never do.
I think this storyline was a good one. It held my interest from beginning to end.
I think this storyline was a good one. It held my interest from beginning to end.
July 29, 2021
I love VCM and have read several of her books. Love that ENVY was made into a Lifetime movie! I have read Greed as well, for this series. This one I read in little chunks. I really got in to it by the middle and sped toward the end to see what would happen to them. But the end for me was a little weird. Definitely not what I was expecting for an ending. It is going to make a great discussion for our Urban Christian Fiction book club, though. Looking forward to reading the rest of this author's novels!
Update: I added another star because I am STILL thinking about the characters long after finishing this. I had taken off a star because I didn't like or understand the ending.
Update: I added another star because I am STILL thinking about the characters long after finishing this. I had taken off a star because I didn't like or understand the ending.
February 14, 2021
4.5 really. The beginning moved slower than what I expected. Once the story picked up, it had me! Wrath is about Xavier King and Chastity Jefferies seeking love. Xavier can't accept his flaws are that harmful that everyone walks away, making his insecurities become magnified. Chastity is able to let go and begin healing from the scars left by the oh so public scandal in her parents marriage, but put her into one of her own.
March 7, 2021
Pulls you in from the start
This couple moved way too fast. Unfortunately the woman Xavier loved the most, his mother, had abandoned him. His grandmother was abusive to him and all of that anger from the abuse built up in him. All he wanted was to get married so that another woman wouldn’t leave him, but his anger made him a ticking time bomb. I am disappointed though, I wish the other three books were coming out this year.
This couple moved way too fast. Unfortunately the woman Xavier loved the most, his mother, had abandoned him. His grandmother was abusive to him and all of that anger from the abuse built up in him. All he wanted was to get married so that another woman wouldn’t leave him, but his anger made him a ticking time bomb. I am disappointed though, I wish the other three books were coming out this year.
March 17, 2021
I have enjoyed reading all the books in the series so far but I really be rooting for the wounded person to somehow get it together by the end. Although this hasn't happen more often than not this time I was really hoping that was going to get the help he needed and that the end was going to be different. But like real life we can't always get what we hoped for. Oh well! I would still recommend this title.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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