Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Wicked #1
Published by Indie
Published on: December 8, 2014
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 300
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.
Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.
Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.
But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.
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Wicked. I think that could describe Jennifer Armentrout as well as the book she wrote. When you read a book, and at the end want to yell at your Kindle, and then throw it, well then the author is just evil, or in this case, Wicked. Don’t get me wrong, I have never read a book by Ms. Armentrout that I didn’t love, and this book is no exception. Summer(hoping for June) of 2015 can’t get here soon enough for book 2 in this trilogy.
It’s no secret that I enjoy urban fantasy, but of course some books are better then others. This book falls in the AMAZING category for me. And for me the amazing part was the main characters, and the chemistry between the two. This author knows how to write sexual tension like nobody’s business. Boat loads of chemistry going on here! Another amazing part was a side character. More about that later.
The story? It’s interesting, well written, with world building for days. Ivy is a fae hunter on the streets of New Orleans. She is part of the Order, an organization where hunters are born to be able to see past the glamour of the fae, in order to kill them. Ren has recently come to the Order in New Orleans with his own agenda. He is hunting for a rare type of fae, the kind that can turn the world upside down. Whereas Ivy, is afraid to love, having lost her only boyfriend horribly, several years before, Ren knows exactly what he wants, and he wants Ivy. Truthfully, if you need a new book boyfriend, Ren fits all the criteria. Handsome, deadly, with a sweet side a mile long for Ivy, he is the perfect hero. Ivy is beautiful per Ren, but not by Ivy’s standards, and although deadly, she is shy with Ren-although she hides it with a side of snark.
So now I want to talk about one of the side characters, and yes he deserves his own paragraph. Tink is a Brownie straight out of the Underworld, and he is Ivy’s roommate. She should have killed him, but didn’t, and now he is just family to her. And he is hilarious. Laugh out loud hilarious. He’s got an attitude and he doesn’t care what he says. He spends his time with the one click button on Amazon, and has a fascination with troll dolls and Harry Potter. I could go on and on. He is one of the most well realized new characters that I have read in awhile, and I enjoyed every minute he is in the story. Of course it doesn’t help that if he is found by the Order, he will be killed. Or that he has secrets of his own.
On purpose, I have left out what horrible problem is afflicting New Orleans. Suffice it to say, this book is full of action, deaths, betrayals, humor, and of course romance. It has every element that I love in a book, and I think all adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy fans will find something to love as well.
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
This story looks really good. I haven’t read much NA, but I might have to get this one a try at some point. I’ve never read this author, but I’ve seen her around a lot.
Melanie recently posted…Release Day Review: Caribou’s Gift by Eve Langlais
I actually just discovered her books this year, read the Lux series, and couldn’t put it down. That series was all 5 stars for me.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I totally agree Lorna! Ren is for sure gonna be in my top 10 book boyfriends list of the year!
And I loved the pacing of the book, plenty of action mixed with world building!
Great review!
Pili recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #73!!
About half way through I was like whoa..book boyfriend for sure! And thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
1- I love books with great sidekicks. Those are the best books for me.
2- Your review was so beautifully written and flowed so nicely. I am in awe!
Thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Tink 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I didn’t realize she had another series starting! Geez I can’t keep up, but so far this one appeals to me the most. The brownie roommate sounds fantastic! Thanks for the great review;
Berls recently posted…The Elite by Kiera Cass
Tink was so funny, and I really was laughing out loud while reading this. And Thanks 🙂
I have heard great things about this book. Glad you enjoyed it. I will add it to my TBR for sure.
Cynthia recently posted…WWW Wednesday
I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
It is funny, I have seen some amazing reviews for this and then some negatives ones. I am super curious about it and love the fact that you liked it so much. I think I will try this one.
kindlemom1 recently posted…WoW Pick of the Week
I hadn’t heard of it until Carmel’s post of new releases last week. I immediately bought it without seeing any reviews-I don’t think I have seen any reviews yet actually.I hope you try it, I would love to see what you think 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I just finished listening to this one, and I totally enjoyed it 🙂 I relly enjoyed the twist and turns in the story! The narrator is good, I just wish her male voices were a little better.
I agree! Ren could do quite well as a new boyfriend 🙂
Great review Lorna!
Lupdilup recently posted…Day Four of Book Blogmas Challenge (The Naughty List)
Thank you! I would have liked to heard what Tink sounds like, it would have to be a bit different! Glad you liked this as well 🙂
I have only read one book by this author and I didn’t like it, it was Cursed. So I have been leary of her even though everyone loves her but this sounds really interesting so I know I should give her another try cause I could have just got the dud out of all her works..lol. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Book Review: The Humans by Matt Haig
I’ve not read Cursed. I did read her Lux series and loved it. I have authors that I have loved all they have written-until I didn’t-like with a new series that just doesn’t do it for me. So far, so good for me and this author 🙂
Ohhh Jennifer L. Armentrout. I have a love/hate relationship with her books: I always seem to love them despite the fact that they’re filled with things I hate. Noticeably slut-shaming usually figures prominently and I just can’t be bothered with that – although I’m guessing with an NA trilogy there’s probably less of that? Despite my complaints I know that I’ll eventually read it and give it at least 4 stars, haha.
Danya recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: Vol. 26
I have only read the Lux series and now this one by her, so I am not sure about slut shamming? None in this book 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I was really excited when I saw this one since it was book 1 of Armentrout’s new series! It sounds really good. Does anyone know if it reminds you of The Hollows by Kim Harrison? I’m asking because of the similarity of sidekick/roommate. Ivy has a Brownie named Tink….Rachel had a Pixie named Jenks that swore to Tink all the time. Both seem full of snark 🙂
Traci recently posted…Gift Ideas for the Book Lover, #10
My first thought was Jenks,who I loved, but Tink is nicknamed by the main character, and is bigger then Jenks-more like a Ken doll size. For some reason I just loved Tink more the Jenks, but then I have only read one of The Hollows books, so I don’t have a lot to compare it to-yet.I think the similarities between the books end there though 🙂
I’m a bit conflicted on this one since I liked JLA’s Half-Blood but really disliked Obsidian. But I still want to give this one a shot, and I’d definitely like to meet Tink!
Awesome review, Lorna, glad you enjoyed this!
Aimee recently posted…A Deadly Christmas: Kate Ormand
I am not familiar with the Half Blood one, but I have read all the Lux books and I really liked them. So I’m not sure if you would like this one or not. This one is not YA, and doesn’t have aliens 🙂 and Thank you!
I love her Lux series. This looks great too. Tink sounds adorable.
Sophia Rose recently posted…An awesome romance featuring a hero with a big set of antlers
I loved the Lux series so much! and Tink is adorable when he’s not having an attitude-which was a lot 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to read this book at first, but after reading more and more great reviews of this book I think I am leaning towards yes. Although that cover makes me think of mermaids every time instead of fea. Great review! And Tink sounds like a great side character, I love it when a book has well developed side characters!
Lola recently posted…Review: Ghost Heart by Ripley Patton
I kept expecting that there would be a water scene or ocean scene because of the cover but not even close. Tink was great. And Thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I just finished this one. While I enjoyed it more than I did her other work, I thought the myths of the fae lacked originality. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…[471]: Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen
I probably haven’t read as many fae books as most bloggers, with the exception of the KMM Fever ones. So that part didn’t bother me 🙂
I already knew I would want this one, but now I KNOW I need this one! 😀 I enjoy her characters and it looks like I get some good characters in this book.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Silverblind by Tina Connolly
Oh yes, definitely good characters! I hope you like it!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This is one of those everyone else but I have read these books
blodeuedd recently posted…The emperor’s blades – Brian Staveley
This is the first book in this series, so that’s always good, to not have to wade through a bunch of other books 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I steer clear of NA in general but I do love my fantasy so I’ll probably try this later on. I’m reading Edge by Jamie Magee now, it’s frickin’ awesome! I recommend you read it if you haven’t yet or have no plans to.
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Suped Up: Soul Enslaved by Keri Lake
I looked Edge up on my phone..it’s part of a series right? Or does this book standalone?
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
It’s a serial, NA MC Paranormal fantasy
Oh okay, thanks for the info!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
If a book can make me want to fling it across the room or illicit some other strong emotion from me then it’s usually a good read.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Review: Ramini Brands Tea Cup Silicone Cup Cake Molds
Exactly, and this was directly because I didn’t want it to end that way, and have to wait for the next one!
CommentI absolutely loved Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series! Wicked sounds totally amazing! This book is a must must must read for me! Fab review Lorna!!! :]
Thank you! I loved Lux so much, hopefully you will love this one as much as I did 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Ooh this really does look promising! I still haven’t read a single book by JLA, I’ll have to make that a 2015 goal.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads) recently posted…Review: The Young World by Chris Weitz
I think this is a good one to start with then. Lux is also a good one-I binge read that whole series this past summer.I hope you enjoy her books!
I’ve read one book by this author and I definitely agree the sexual tension she writes is skyrocketing! I love how this book is set in New Orleans and the fae character sounds interesting. Wonderful review Lorna!
Jeann recently posted…Contemporary YA Reviews #4 – Flirty Dancing by Jenny McLachlan & Red at Night by Katie McGarry
New Orleans is always a fun place to set a paranormal. And Tink was great! Thank you 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Wicked is a book I’ve been eager to read, Lorna. I completely agree that JLA writes incredible sexual tension and I can’t wait to meet Ivy, Ren, and Tink. Buuut, I’m thinking I may hold off awhile before starting it if I’m going to yell at my Kindle once I reach the end. 😉 *haha*
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Sale Event ~ Here, Home, Hope & In the Mirror ~ Kaira Rouda**
Cliffhangers and I just don’t get along that well 🙂 But I am glad I read it!
Nice to have finally read a review for this book. I saw lots of hype but still didn’t know what it was about. lol
Armentrout’s writing is pretty addictive!
I completely agree, at least the Lux series was, and this book was. That’s the only ones I have read so far 🙂
I never know what to expect going into her novels anymore. I have had amazing reads and downright horrible ones. Plus I feel like many of her stories are copies of ones who came first. I guess this does sound pretty nice and I might check it out but I’m always going to be wondering in the back of my mind if it is going to be good or another stolen storyline.
Thanks for the great review though.
Alexa recently posted…Attachments *Bianca’s Review*
Oh I am sorry, I have only read this and the Lux series. I think that there is just so many story lines you can use and things are bound to seem similar at times to other books. While this was all new to me, it may be similar to something someone else has read. Hopefully not though 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
I didn’t know that JLA have a new book out! This is what 4 months of hiatus will do to you! Thanks to your review though, I’m now so excited for this…the premise sounds awesome and I do enjoy the author’s heroes and this one definitely sounds swoon-worthy! That’s it! I’m 1-clicking! I think I need to prepare for a cliffy ending though…she tends to do that with her series! Wicked indeed! Lovely review, Lorna! 🙂
Amir recently posted…Musings: When real life ruins your blogging life…
Thank you and welcome back to blogging! I hope you love this as much as I did 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This book looked good, but I hesitate at the New Adult thing. I’m glad you found it amazing. I like sexual tension better than sex! I love the sounds of the Brownie! Humorous characters are always a plus.
Molly Mortensen recently posted…Demons at Deadnight by A&E Kirk
If nothing else, I was glad to have read the parts with the brownie. He was so funny. Or at least I thought so! New Adult doesn’t scare me off a book, usually. I just loved this romance and Tink a lot!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout