Vixen

The King Cousins #4

by K.D. Elizabeth

She's my new physical therapist. I'm her older brother's best friend.
That’s a line we shouldn’t cross.

I've put away many criminals as one of Atlanta's leading detectives.
When a woman is kidnapped by the mafia, I join the team to save her.

We succeed in getting her back, but not without a price:
I'm shot three times, and barely manage to survive.

Seven months later, I still haven't recovered from my wounds, both physical and mental.
More importantly, I have no intention of trying.

My previous life is over.
The job I loved—gone.
The body I treasured—ruined.

So when my best friend invites me to stay with him, I readily agree to some time off from my problems.
But he invited me under false pretenses.
Even though I’ve sworn off more therapy, his little sister just became a physical therapist.
And needs me to start her career.

I haven't seen Libby in years, but she's all woman now.
My friend warns from the start she's completely off-limits.
Given our age gap of twelve years, that's probably for the best.

No matter how much I might secretly be attracted to her.
An attraction that’s harder to resist with every hour I spend with her.

Then someone begins setting fires around the county.
Soon we realize the mafia don is back for revenge.
Even worse, he's decided to start with Libby.

Suddenly, my therapy takes on a whole new level of importance.
Not so I can recover—but so I can keep her safe.

Because one thing’s for certain.
If I fail to protect her, what little I have left won’t matter.

Vixen is a full-length, 102,000 word steamy, Southern small town, age gap (she's 25; he's 37), brother's best friend, nurse/patient, slow burn romance. It’s part of a series about a bunch of hot brothers and features a sexy detective with a dirty mouth. While you can read the series in any order, you will get the most out of The King Cousins if you start with book one (Lush), or at the least book two (Rogue), which contains much of the backstory for this book. There is no cheating and it has a HEA. NOTE: Please check my review below for trigger warnings.

Genres: Contemporary

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2022

Reviews

[K.D. Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book nearly killed me but I'm so happy with how it finally came out. Please check out the trigger warnings below if you need them. There is also a steamy preview below (it's explicit).

Trigger Warnings (I include a TW if it's remotely related, not necessarily if it's a major part of the story): Alcohol, ableism (kind of; he's in physical therapy after a shooting), ageism, alcohol, animal abuse/death, anxiety, assault, attempted murder, blood, bones, car accident, death, divorce, fire, gore, gun violence, hospitalization, hostages, kidnapping, murder, profanity, physical abuse, PTSD, sexual harassment, sexually explicit scenes, stalking, torture, violence, consensual light bondage, consensual light spanking, light praise

Click the spoiler to read the steamy preview.

“We can’t do it,” he growls, his voice so hoarse it’s unrecognizable, “so I’m going to tell you instead.”

My head jerks toward him but he snaps, “Don’t look at me. If I see the desire on your face right now I’ll lose control, and I’m done losing control with you. So keep looking straight ahead while I tell you how I’d f__k you, if we could claim each other like I fantasize about doing every f___ing night.”

“Do it,” I whisper, stomach clenching, my heart hammering so hard it hurts.

He gro_ns and presses me harder against the wall, his fist clenching around my wrists. I can feel his heart beating through his chest, a wild tempo my own heart races to echo.

“First,” he says, nipping my earlobe, “I’d let you fall to your knees and s__k me like you’re clearly aching to do, my hand fisted in your hair as you b0b up and down my sh_ft. I’d f__k your mo_th until the very moment before I c_me down your thr_at, my c__k swe_ling th_ck inside your mo_th. Would you like that?”

“Y-yes,” I gasp, eyes rolling back in my head.

“Very good. Because then you’d stand and strip for m3, peeling every last stitch of clothing down your b_dy until nothing but your p__ties remained. Then I’d rip them right off and use them to teye your wr_sts behind your back. Do you wear string p__ties, Libby?”

“Sometimes.”

Mitch drags a shaky breath into his lungs, shuddering into me. I try to gr_nd against him because I’m thr_bbing, so desperate for any kind of fr_ction, but he’s str_tched me too tall to move.

“You should wear them more often,” he whispers against my skin. “I want to look at you and know I could restrain you with them if you ordered me to.”

“Would you want me to order you?” I ask, because two can play this game. Two can drive each other insane from words alone.

He shudders again. “I’d do anything you asked, Libby. Anything.”

“Good, because …” I drawl, waiting, extending the moment out until I know he’d give anything to know what I say next, “maybe I’d order you to restrain yourself.”

“Sweet Christ,” he pants. “You could teye me down whenever you wanted, Libby, but first I’d t@ke you. First I’d kn_el before you and make you stand while I threw one leg over my shoulder and put my m0_th on you. You’d have to balance on one foot, arms teyed behind you, your back _rched for me as I l__ked your p___y until you c_me on my t__gue.”

“You’d have to hold me up,” I g@sp. “I’d never last otherwise.”

“You wouldn’t, would you.” It isn’t a question.

I turn my head just enough to whisper in his ear, “It wouldn’t be enough. I’d b3g you to f_ll me with your c__k instead. Not even your t__gue would be sufficient.”

All the tendons in his neck bulge as he goes rigid, his body straining against mine. But he doesn’t move; neither of us do. We both know if we move the slightest inch, we’ll attack each other like savage animals. There’d be no stopping it, no relocating someplace where the rest of the people in this gym wouldn’t get an eyeful. All our best intentions would go up in mind-blowing flames.

Mitch says softly, so quietly I nearly can’t hear him, “And I’d give it to you, Libby. I’d b_nd you over the nearest surface and f__k you, pl_nging into you again and again as I held your p__ty-tied wrists behind you. I’d f__k you until you squ__zed me so t_ghtly we both expl_ded the same instant. And even then I’d still f__k you, until moving just one more inch became a f__king impossibility.”

“I’d let you,” I whimper. “I’d let you do it all. More. Whatever you w_nted.”

I’m released in an instant. My heels hit the floor as my arms drop. I nearly fall, I’m released so quickly.

Mitch has taken three steps back. My body protests the loss of him, the lack of his heat on me and the absence of his scent in my nose. His fists are clenched tightly at his sides, the veins in his arms bulging from the tension in his body.

“So now you know,” he rasps, his eyes never leaving mine. “Now you know what I think of when I lie n_ked in bed at night, c__k in hand, wishing I could to__h you like every fiber of my being yearns to.”

[Brandie Callender · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️-5
🌶️-2 (slow burn but worth the wait)

After reading Rogue (Noah and Lucia’s story) I was so hoping we’d see more of Mitch, and look what we have here.

Vixen gives us more back story on the sassy Libby, one and only King gal and her relationship with her brothers best friend, Mitch.

After Mitch is injured rescuing Lucia from Alesso and his men, Teddy invites Mitch to stay with him for rest and relaxation and hoping to trick him into restarting physical therapy with Libby who is reluctant to begin her career as a physical therapist following her abroad internship and graduation.

We learn more about each of these characters, watch as they try to fight their attraction to one another, and keep their relationship a secret as well as learning what each keeps hidden from others, growing their bond even stronger.

In Vixen, we get more drama with Alesso, who is trying to clean up the mess caused by the Kings last summer.

Can Ovid and the Kings survive another attack from Alesso?

[Monica Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first book from KD Elizabeth and I am beyond thrilled that she sent me an ARC for this novel! I am all in and excited to venture into all of her other stories!

Libby is magnificent. I am obsessed with her fire and sassiness. It's refreshing.
Mitch... my lawd. Mitch. I love his tenderness that only ever seems to extend to Libby.
Together, I truly love how they represent a couple that has actual arguments and other 'normalcies' outside of what you would typically see in a romance novel. It puts a whole other feeling of appreciation and likeness to the story for me. They are both so strong in every sense, it was beautiful to experience in this book.

And the steaammmm. Top notch. Their chemistry and the sexual tension together is superb. This whole book kept me reading and wanting to know more the farther I got lost into the plot and characters. 5/5 stars!!!!!

[Alicia Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an ARC for Vixen. I love romance stories, and this one did not disappoint! It has spice, like wow on the spice, forbidden romance, age gap, brother's best friend, small town, mob, it has it all! Plot was easy to follow, however I would recommend reading the other books in this series so you understand mob story and other side characters stories better. I would definitely recommend to any fellow romance reader.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to to read the ARC for Vixen. I usually read fantasy, PNR etc, but I honestly loved this book! As soon as I started, I was hooked on Libby & Mitch’s stories and the spice? Amazing! An easy to follow plot, great characters with a hint of suspense. Definitely recommend and I am now going to binge the entire series from the beginning!
(Age gap/forbidden romance/brothers bestfriend)

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. Readers will appreciate cameos from characters from other books and should know that that there is an ongoing story related to mafia in the small town that runs throughout the series. This is written in first person from an alternating dual POV and ends with a HEA. The characters speak like southern small-town characters do, so readers should be aware of that going in. Personally, I love that.
Libby is a strong h who has had an experience that resulted in nightmares and self-doubt. Through this book, she takes ownership of self and her needs as well as learns to fight back to protect those she loves. I really liked her character’s feisty spirit, the banter with her brothers, and her independence regarding her rights to the relationship of her choosing. There are a few times that she is a little naïve, primarily because she had been kept in the dark regarding certain details of the threat that could be against her.
Mitch begins this book bitter and angry as he attempts to recover physically and mentally from the gunshot wounds he sustained the year before. He sees himself as the man he was and the incomplete man he currently is. Libby helps him heal physically, and eventually her love also helps him heal emotionally. I appreciated his vulnerability and his desire to protect Libby.
The chemistry and heat between Mitch and Libby is hot, hot, hot! The suspense plot at times seemed a little predictable, but I really enjoyed the dangers they face and the twist the story takes. I am hooked and cannot wait to see how this family and this small town brings down the threat against them. This author does an excellent job bringing the characters to life as they fight together for the sake of good. The family dynamics are perfection. I strongly recommend this series if the reader likes steamy scenes, a southern small town, and a suspenseful mafia-threat plot.
(The author’s social media contains TW content for readers sensitive to certain things.)
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Dani.Reads.Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by Elizabeth and I was thoroughly entertained. The characters were engaging and interesting and the plot development was all there.

Here’s what I liked:
- Libby was a strong, engaging character who knew what she wanted.
- There are minimal miscommunication tropes and those that do exist are called out; Libby makes sure to communicate well with Mitch which I really appreciated. She doesn’t allow communications to fester but addresses them head on.
- The suspense part of this novel was interesting and there were some good reveals there.
- I liked Libby’s backstory and details of the trauma she went through, the help she was getting to address it, and how she was still dealing with it.
- The characters are strong and really well developed.
- The spicy scenes are… spicy. Really well done there.

Here’s what I didn’t like:
- Teddy, the brother, is obnoxious in how many times he asks Libby and Mitch to not get together. Then, when they do, he’s even more obnoxious about it, to the point where I just overall didn’t like him at all.
- Coming into this novel as my first read, having not read the previous 3 books, it was apparent I was missing some context. The author does a good job of providing the info you need, but I definitely felt like I was reading the 4th book. That just means however that I need to go back and read the others.
- There is just a lot going on in this novel: rehabbing, drug kingpin trying to get revenge, secret relationship, over-protective brother/friend, Libby’s past trauma, Mitch’s past trauma and hang-ups. It got to be a lot and a bit overwhelming and might have been more digestible if the author had just removed one of two of those plot points and focused on the others.

I enjoyed the story overall and look forward to going back and reading the first three books in the series.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I want to say a big thank you to K.D Elizabeth for sending me an ARC copy. It was my very first book by her and it will definitely not be the last.

Boy, was this a fun read! At the same time it was intense, and sexy, and at times had my heart in a tight squeeze.

In short, this book follows Mitch, a detective who got shot multiple times and had to relearn basically everything and needs physical therapy for a full recovery.
And Libby, recently graduated PT, who is faced with a request from her brother (Teddy) to help Mitch on his recovery.
Teddy’s only rule for both of them: don’t get involved. Which, at first, sounds like no biggie to either of them. If only it would be possible to stick to this particular promise…


The plot was really good, all the characters were very interesting. But of course, the spotlight was on Libby and Mitch.
I adored watching their story unfold and how Libby had such an enormous impact on Mitch’s recovery - not only physically, but mentally. And vice-versa, because Libby also had her own struggles she was able to overcome due to her relationship with Mitch.

There was sexual tension and great banter, which is a must in books for me!

This was book 4 in the series, and while I’m pretty sure the previous books have details that interconnect with the overall story, I didn’t have any problem understanding it. But I’ll go back and read the other books, because this one sold me haha


Tropes: brother’s best friend; touch her and you die; mafia

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’d rather stand beside you than cower by myself.”

Vixen is the fourth book in the King Cousin’s series and I have to say I’m loving this entire series. K.D. Elizabeth has such well-developed characters and although each book is a standalone, they build upon each other seamlessly. I was excited for Libby’s story and it did not disappoint.

Libby is firecracker. After a traumatic experience, she’s a bit broken, but it has also taught her not to settle for less than she deserves and to stand up for herself. I loved her attitude and heart.

Mitch feels like he’s a shell of the man that he used to be after suffering a gunshot wound. It’s left him bitter and grumpy and without the drive to recover. When he begins working with Libby, he realizes that his block is really mental and that a recovery is necessary in order to fight the threat that is determined to end them all.

The chemistry between Libby and Mitch was insane. They were hot! Add in the sparkling banter and the rest of the King family and this book is so much fun. Together these two realize their strengths and experience so much growth throughout the story.

Full of heartstopping suspense and sizzling heat, Vixen is a fun and thrilling ride.

[Ashley Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in K.D. Elizabeth’s King Cousins series. This is Libby and Mitch’s story. I really loved the character development in this story. K.D.’s character development helped me still follow along the story line with no initial knowledge of the King Cousins series. Libby is my new best friend!! Her kiss my ass attitude really set her character apart. This story comes from 2 different POV’s, Libby and Mitch. Typically, I prefer a single POV versus multiple POV’s. However, the unique way the KD weaved the two storyline together instantly hooked me. I loved the writing. So much that I paused my reading on this one, went and devoured the first 3, then returned to finish this storyline. I love series that is about a group of people and readers get to see how each persons story ends. The spice level was definitely on point as well. It had all the makings of a good SLOW BURN.

If you are looking for a forbidden love, grumpy sunshine troupe, with some danger thrown in to spice the story line up, then this is your series and this is your book!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star Review Vixen (The King Cousins #4) by K.D. Elizabeth

This is the fourth book in the King Cousin’s series and is Mitch and Libby’s story and can be read as a stand alone. I loved these characters, Libby is such a feisty, sassy woman and I could easily see her as my friend and Mitch is one of those men that intrigued me. Having been badly injured in the line of duty he has been through so much and seems to have given up on life.
When Libby’s brother begs her to help with Mitch’s physical therapy she initially refuses but he is relentless and she finally agrees. There was heat and romance and a well developed story line that ticked a number of boxes for me. The addition of some suspense added an additional layer to the story as Libby is targeted. Can Mitch recover in time to save her or is he destined to fail?
K.D.Elizabeth created a story with heat, witty banter, suspense and romance. It was fun to watch as the relationship developed between Mitch and Libby. The push and pull of their relationship was entertaining and kept me invested in the story.

[Amazing_BookReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy macaroni what did I just read?!

Vixen by K. D. Elizabeth is absolutely phenomenal. It definitely set the standards high as my first read of this month! This installation to the King cousins series is just as 'mind-meltingly' steamy as it is thrilling. I absolutely adore Mitch and Libby, it's almost impossible to not like them. Libby's character in specific has this incredible strength, determination, and wit that really caught my attention. Mitch on the other hand had pulled on my heartstrings from the very beginning. He, just like Libby, has incredible strength both mentally and physically. Together these two are quite the force. The duo help each other in ways I wouldn't have ever imagined. They and the overall plot of the story had me on my toes the entire time!

There really is never a dull moment when it comes to the King family - brothers, sisters, cousins, and all included. I can't wait to find out who's story is next!

5/5 stars for Vixen!

[Stacie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore every single one of the King’s but hands down Libby is my favorite, she is such a spitfire! She’s sassy and stands up for herself, she’s not going to take crap from anybody. Especially Mitch. And let’s talk about Mitch….in LOVE! I love a grouchy hero, and Mitch fits that to a t. But he’s also sweet and when he shows his vulnerable side to Libby….SWOON!!!

These two are everything I want in a couple, they push each other to be better. They also bicker and aren’t afraid to put each other in their place. And the steam…holy hotness, off the charts! Their chemistry is seriously intense! Truly, I love everything about them!

I loved getting to catch up with the King Family, and this storyline just keeps getting better and better! This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. I am so excited for what’s next for the entire King Family!

[Tammy Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a ARC for a honest review. This was the first book I have read from KD Elizabeth and I can tell you now it will not be my last. I love how well rounded each character is, and how they interact with each other. Libby is a physical therapist and her brother asks her to help Mitch who they both know well. At first she refuses, but Teddy finally convinces her to do it all because he lets her know that their family is worried about her. That she isn’t using the degree she worked so hard for, instead she is working at the local post office. Teddy only has one very important thing her brother to ask of her. And that is not to to get sexually involved with Mitch. Libby basically tells her brother she wouldn’t have that type of relationship with what she considers a patient. I love this book!

[Candace Kalynchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book is just WOW!

This was my introduction to K.D. Elizabeth's work and I loved the intensity of this book.

This story follows the slow burn of a brothers bestfriend/little sister, nurse/stubborn cop. Trouble has followed the Kings home and the target is the family. With an over protective big brother strong, fierce and feisty Libby still does what she wants, even while struggling with her own issues. Mitch the broody injured cop who has given up on himself takes one chance that even he didn't really know he wanted to do because of Libby. It was amazing to follow the growth of Mitch and Libby and all that they had to fight for.

This is the fourth book in the series and can technically be read as a stand alone but I do recommend that you at least read Rogue to understand the backstory a little bit better.

[hoai thuong nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brother's best friend, age gap, suspend, and small town romance book. It is a nice addition to the series.
Things that i like about the book:
- The heroin's character as she handling situations that are out of her control and how she dealt with her own trauma
- the hero's inner conflict as he starting to fall for the heroin
- the communication that was happening in the book, it's refreshing as they solve the problem by talk it out
- the pacing is good
- the spice is pretty good
- the interaction that the heroin has with her siblings are realistic, and adorable

Things that I'm not so sure about:
- The older brother's reaction when he found out, though understandable but still a nit too much

all in all it is a good book I did devoured the entire thing in one sitting

[BookishBritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Mitch and Libby!

Both characters had a bit of trauma from things that had happened in the past.. And what started out as somewhat of convenient arrangement ended up being the thing that they both needed to heal.

Seriously this book had it all from angst to steam to the forbidden aspect of brothers best friend that always makes any book 10x more delicious.
Mitch totally made me swoon 😍 and I loved the fire inside of Libby.

I look forward to reading more from K.D Elizabeth!!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby and Mitch have intense chemistry that had me devouring their book. It's forbidden, grumpy/sunshine with that slow burn tension. Libby is a kickass heroine that I adored and Mitch is a good balance for her. He's racing the clock to heal himself to be able to protect her against what's coming her way. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and particularly the suspenseful aspects to their story!

[Beata Kovacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read an ARC of this book. It did not disappoint. It always kept me on the edge of my seat. It was funny and sad and heavy and the spice is so awesome. I was so furious with Teddy sometimes thought . Love the characters and their journey. I am so happy I got some background by reading the second book I’m the series. I absolutely can’t wait to read the other books. Already love the King family

[Iza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually such a comfort book. I loved it from the way the characters are written to the plot line to the general style of writing (and let's not forget about the spicy scenes )
Absolutely recommend!!!!

[Sofia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me a minute to finish this book.

It was slow paced, the drama didn’t “flow”, and the character didn’t impress me. Too much to keep up with

[Echo's Journey Through Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Gaah omg this book! Libby and Mitch completely owned me. The tension, the intensity, the chemistry and everything in between, wow so good!

Review coming soon...