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Demise #2
My Vicious Demise
A stand-alone sequel in The Demise Series....
For twenty-three-year-old Rebecca O'Connor, there’s only one reason to live…her little sister, Raina.
Through years of growing up in an abusive home, Raina and Becca have formed an unbreakable bond…until Raina falls in love and elopes.
For the first time in her life, Becca is on her own. After breaking up with her boyfriend, she is homeless, broke, and she’s losing her grip on her life.
Then she meets James Rush, a shy guy with sharp blue eyes and an invisible lure for her heart…
Becca has always had to be the strong one. But the deeper James pulls her under, the more she wants to succumb to her vicious attraction. The fact that he’s deaf might make him that much more desirable. At least he appreciates beauty.
But James is going nowhere fast…
A twenty-two-year-old college student, James can't shake the feeling his life is dull and uneventful. He may be alive, but he’s not living, as he hides in his introverted shell to protect himself from a past that left him empty, neglected, and abused.
When James meets Becca, their futures are forever altered. She’s a black-haired, tattooed, confident bartender who immediately hexes him with her charm. When he’s with Becca, his past stays in the past.
Caught in each other’s web of safety and desire, it’s only a matter of time before they are confronted with the one task too terrifying to face…
Letting go of the past, and daring to love.
For twenty-three-year-old Rebecca O'Connor, there’s only one reason to live…her little sister, Raina.
Through years of growing up in an abusive home, Raina and Becca have formed an unbreakable bond…until Raina falls in love and elopes.
For the first time in her life, Becca is on her own. After breaking up with her boyfriend, she is homeless, broke, and she’s losing her grip on her life.
Then she meets James Rush, a shy guy with sharp blue eyes and an invisible lure for her heart…
Becca has always had to be the strong one. But the deeper James pulls her under, the more she wants to succumb to her vicious attraction. The fact that he’s deaf might make him that much more desirable. At least he appreciates beauty.
But James is going nowhere fast…
A twenty-two-year-old college student, James can't shake the feeling his life is dull and uneventful. He may be alive, but he’s not living, as he hides in his introverted shell to protect himself from a past that left him empty, neglected, and abused.
When James meets Becca, their futures are forever altered. She’s a black-haired, tattooed, confident bartender who immediately hexes him with her charm. When he’s with Becca, his past stays in the past.
Caught in each other’s web of safety and desire, it’s only a matter of time before they are confronted with the one task too terrifying to face…
Letting go of the past, and daring to love.
392 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2016
27 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Shana Vanterpool
27 books378 followersShana Vanterpool is a passionate writer who finds solace in the pages of a good book. When she walks into a bookstore, she feels at home, and when she reads, she becomes the person she has always wanted to be. With her love for writing, Shana aims to provide her readers with an escape from their everyday lives, just as reading has done for her.
To stay up to date with Shana’s latest releases, be sure to visit her website at https://shanavanterpool.com.
To stay up to date with Shana’s latest releases, be sure to visit her website at https://shanavanterpool.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 21, 2016
I thought I knew what to expect from her after reading My Sweet Demise but Shana Vanterpool is a new author that just continues to surprise me with her skill and the intensity of her characters. My Vicious Demise just took my awe of her to the next level with her poignant writing.
I lost my heart to James from the first moment he made an appearance in My Sweet Demise and my obsession with this sad, deaf boy only grew with this book. He’s attractive and he can certainly get a girl to be with him for the night, but he can’t get them to stay. They see his disability but they don’t see the person behind it. His only friends are Kent and his grandmother Uma. He lost his hearing at the age of seven and has since lived a life of solitude. He lives mostly inside his head, but he isn’t really living.
Becca and Raina come from a troubled past. Becca has formed her entire identity around her younger sister. For as long as either of them can remember it has always been them against the world. Falling in love is dangerous – love destroys people; Becca has seen it first-hand. Relationships to her are a convenient place to stay for a month or two, or a fleeting moment of feeling good in the arms of a guy. But she always chooses who and she always chooses when and she will never EVER fall in love and give a man the power to destroy her. When her younger sister marries a man like their father it feels like a betrayal and Becca is sent reeling. Without her sister in her life she is alone and she’s struggling with forming an identity without her sister the centre piece of her life.
After James get rejected by a girl he thought liked him, he seeks solace in a bar. It just so happens it’s the bar Becca works at. She recognises the boy with the beautiful blue eyes but he also may just be the only link she has to her estranged sister. The two are drawn to each other and when Becca moves in with James while her sister and husband are away for two weeks, she soon realises he isn’t as easy to discard as other men have proved to be.
This book was simply beautiful. Shana has a way of exploring of the emotions of her characters that is simultaneously poetic and realistic. Becca and James are polar opposites but their suffering is the same. The fear of rejection and abandonment is too great for them to risk their hearts. Their sadness is palpable and suffocating and my heart simple bled for them.
Their story is messy. These are two people who are completely defined by their pain and their decisions are driven through self-preservation. They are floating around in the same pool of depression on their separate rafts, each looking for their own solitary island of safety, but there is a current forcing them together that neither one can fight. That solace they find in each other soon becomes an addiction that often translates into hot passionate moments.
James and Becca are both vulnerable and uncertain and the games they play with each other are often frustrating but I fed of their angst and it made the entire thing that much more exciting. Every interaction between them was laced with chemistry and when passion won out over control these two were hot as hell together.
James is broken and deaf but Shana found a way to translate his difficulties into a singularly swoon-worthy character. She used the issues surrounding his deafness to create moments with such beautiful impact that I had to fight back the tears and James became impossibly sexier when his anger and frustration pushed him into being forceful.
All in all, this book had me hooked me right from the start and I couldn’t put it down. I adored these flawed characters. I adored the wonderful writing. I adored the angst and sadness and beauty of it all. Just, simply, I adored this book and a character that left me breathless.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I lost my heart to James from the first moment he made an appearance in My Sweet Demise and my obsession with this sad, deaf boy only grew with this book. He’s attractive and he can certainly get a girl to be with him for the night, but he can’t get them to stay. They see his disability but they don’t see the person behind it. His only friends are Kent and his grandmother Uma. He lost his hearing at the age of seven and has since lived a life of solitude. He lives mostly inside his head, but he isn’t really living.
Becca and Raina come from a troubled past. Becca has formed her entire identity around her younger sister. For as long as either of them can remember it has always been them against the world. Falling in love is dangerous – love destroys people; Becca has seen it first-hand. Relationships to her are a convenient place to stay for a month or two, or a fleeting moment of feeling good in the arms of a guy. But she always chooses who and she always chooses when and she will never EVER fall in love and give a man the power to destroy her. When her younger sister marries a man like their father it feels like a betrayal and Becca is sent reeling. Without her sister in her life she is alone and she’s struggling with forming an identity without her sister the centre piece of her life.
After James get rejected by a girl he thought liked him, he seeks solace in a bar. It just so happens it’s the bar Becca works at. She recognises the boy with the beautiful blue eyes but he also may just be the only link she has to her estranged sister. The two are drawn to each other and when Becca moves in with James while her sister and husband are away for two weeks, she soon realises he isn’t as easy to discard as other men have proved to be.
This book was simply beautiful. Shana has a way of exploring of the emotions of her characters that is simultaneously poetic and realistic. Becca and James are polar opposites but their suffering is the same. The fear of rejection and abandonment is too great for them to risk their hearts. Their sadness is palpable and suffocating and my heart simple bled for them.
Their story is messy. These are two people who are completely defined by their pain and their decisions are driven through self-preservation. They are floating around in the same pool of depression on their separate rafts, each looking for their own solitary island of safety, but there is a current forcing them together that neither one can fight. That solace they find in each other soon becomes an addiction that often translates into hot passionate moments.
James and Becca are both vulnerable and uncertain and the games they play with each other are often frustrating but I fed of their angst and it made the entire thing that much more exciting. Every interaction between them was laced with chemistry and when passion won out over control these two were hot as hell together.
James is broken and deaf but Shana found a way to translate his difficulties into a singularly swoon-worthy character. She used the issues surrounding his deafness to create moments with such beautiful impact that I had to fight back the tears and James became impossibly sexier when his anger and frustration pushed him into being forceful.
All in all, this book had me hooked me right from the start and I couldn’t put it down. I adored these flawed characters. I adored the wonderful writing. I adored the angst and sadness and beauty of it all. Just, simply, I adored this book and a character that left me breathless.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
February 26, 2016
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
REVIEW IN PROGRESS
Eeeks!!! James' story!!!! I was eagerly waiting for this book from the moment I finished My Sweet Demise. This book can be read as a standalone, but I personally think it's better if you start with the first book. It will give you more insight to the characters and their actions.
James is deaf. His disability has cost him a lot and mainly, life itself. His one and only friend is Kent. Kent has been there for him since he was eight years old. They are roommates and Kent has had his back since forever. His life changes when Kent finally settles down with a girl, Raina. They get married and James has to fight his loneliness even more because he knows his best friend has someone else to worry about now. He knows that in the long run, their life together might not work so smoothly.
I didn't feel alive though. I was breathing. But I wasn't alive.
Everything in his life takes a different turn when Becca, Raina's sister enters his life. Raina is not your usual heroine. She is no damsel; she is a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. She is indifferent towards men. She takes what she wants but she never lingers.
I know men. They weren't hard to fogure out. In fact, they were disappointingly easy to pick apart.
Like zombies from a rooftop.
I was slaying them with ease.
When James comes into the bar she works, she immediately recalls seeing him before. She'd never forget those eyes. He is handsome and kind and the pull towards him is inevitable.
Raina has been estranged from her sister since she married Kent. She hates his kind and so, her sister's marriage to him comes as an insane action from her part. But she loves her sister and wants to be there for her again.
She will ask for James' help, but where will it lead them? Can they protect their hearts or will they fall victim to each other's actions? Read to find out!
I love Shana Vanterpool's writing. From her debut novel, I was amazed by her skill and this book is even better than the first! The characters are so real and honest and she has created an amazing character in James! I simply love him. He is like no other.
Raina is strong and different. She is indepedent and doesn't take crap from anyone. I love her.
The emotions pouring from this book are heart-breaking and I like how unique this storyline is. I think the author handles James' inability to hear with great respect and it was amazing to see his character grow.
Do not miss this new author. I simply loved her work.
★★★5 Stars★★★
April 26, 2016
:: 5 Pretty Little Stars ::
Gah, another AMAZING book by Shana Vanterpool. This author knows how to WRITE. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions. I felt bad for both Becca and James because it is clear from the get go that both are running from demons that have been hooked on them since their childhoods. Everything about both of their stories is quite emotional and I was teary eyed a few times. In addition to this I felt a strong amount of pride as the two navigated their relationship even though many things were holding them back. Overall, I totally loved it and strongly suggest readers who haven’t picked up a book by this author yet to pick one up now! Each and every one of her characters become real to readers which allows us to feel a very deep connection with them. I love this!
When I found out there was going to be a book written about James (Kent’s best friend who is deaf) and Becca (Raina’s sister) I knew I had to jump into it immediately. And let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed. This is a beautifully written, thoughtful, emotional page turner. This is not your typical romance where bad boy meets good girl and they fall in love. Rather, this is a story about two people who have had horrible pasts who find love in one another as they struggle to overcome their demons together.
Each and every book I have read by the fabulous Shana Vanterpool have been 5 stars for me, and this one is no different. The characters are real, they struggle with real life things, and they make you feel like you are going through their journeys with them. I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us in the future because she writes some amazing books! Pick this one up readers, you won’t be disappointed!
Gah, another AMAZING book by Shana Vanterpool. This author knows how to WRITE. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions. I felt bad for both Becca and James because it is clear from the get go that both are running from demons that have been hooked on them since their childhoods. Everything about both of their stories is quite emotional and I was teary eyed a few times. In addition to this I felt a strong amount of pride as the two navigated their relationship even though many things were holding them back. Overall, I totally loved it and strongly suggest readers who haven’t picked up a book by this author yet to pick one up now! Each and every one of her characters become real to readers which allows us to feel a very deep connection with them. I love this!
When I found out there was going to be a book written about James (Kent’s best friend who is deaf) and Becca (Raina’s sister) I knew I had to jump into it immediately. And let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed. This is a beautifully written, thoughtful, emotional page turner. This is not your typical romance where bad boy meets good girl and they fall in love. Rather, this is a story about two people who have had horrible pasts who find love in one another as they struggle to overcome their demons together.
Each and every book I have read by the fabulous Shana Vanterpool have been 5 stars for me, and this one is no different. The characters are real, they struggle with real life things, and they make you feel like you are going through their journeys with them. I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us in the future because she writes some amazing books! Pick this one up readers, you won’t be disappointed!
March 12, 2016
4.5 neck sucking stars
This is my second book by and I'm definitely a huge fan of her writing.
James.Rush. My sexy, blue eyed, James! They are no words . No, really . James is deaf. In My Vicious Demise he's frustrated with his insecurities, being deaf. He struggles to over come the haunted memories of his heartbreaking childhood. Memories, that left him feeling alone and unloved. Oh, I just wanted to hold him and keep him safe throughout this book. I also wanted love on him so hard( or lay on him & suck on his neck
This is my second book by and I'm definitely a huge fan of her writing.
James.Rush. My sexy, blue eyed, James! They are no words . No, really . James is deaf. In My Vicious Demise he's frustrated with his insecurities, being deaf. He struggles to over come the haunted memories of his heartbreaking childhood. Memories, that left him feeling alone and unloved. Oh, I just wanted to hold him and keep him safe throughout this book. I also wanted love on him so hard( or lay on him & suck on his neck
February 20, 2016
My Vicious Demise
Release date: February 23rd 2016
Official Blurb coming soon!
Follow on Twitter to stay up to date:https://twitter.com/shanavauthor
James would want me to get this out of the way. James Rush is deaf. I think he's perfect the way he is, maybe even more so, but he struggles immensely with his difference. How James feels about himself is how JAMES feels. His issues stem from deep emotional trauma, not from his difference. Traversing this topic was rewarding and difficult and I do hope I did it justice with all my heart.
I've never written from the POV of a character who couldn't hear. It was a uniquely beautiful experience. James opened my eyes to a whole new beautiful world without sounds but with so much heart. He was so different than my other men. James is sweet, shy, and broken. Becca entered his life like a storm and kicked dust in his eyes and love into his heart. Becca possesses a sense of strength I adore. Breaking her walls down was hard but worth it. Her strength was beautiful, but her weaknesses were even more so.
I cried. I got goosebumps. I fell in love and felt their fear. I wanted their happiness. I love this novel and I sincerely hope others do as well.
Release date: February 23rd 2016
Official Blurb coming soon!
Follow on Twitter to stay up to date:https://twitter.com/shanavauthor
James would want me to get this out of the way. James Rush is deaf. I think he's perfect the way he is, maybe even more so, but he struggles immensely with his difference. How James feels about himself is how JAMES feels. His issues stem from deep emotional trauma, not from his difference. Traversing this topic was rewarding and difficult and I do hope I did it justice with all my heart.
I've never written from the POV of a character who couldn't hear. It was a uniquely beautiful experience. James opened my eyes to a whole new beautiful world without sounds but with so much heart. He was so different than my other men. James is sweet, shy, and broken. Becca entered his life like a storm and kicked dust in his eyes and love into his heart. Becca possesses a sense of strength I adore. Breaking her walls down was hard but worth it. Her strength was beautiful, but her weaknesses were even more so.
I cried. I got goosebumps. I fell in love and felt their fear. I wanted their happiness. I love this novel and I sincerely hope others do as well.
February 15, 2016
ARC provided by the author for my honest opinion. Wow this book brought me tears more than once. James Rush he may be deaf but the man still a lot of game. Ya he may be shy but he uses woman to get his release like everyone else. Can he find that one woman you wants him as much as he wants her. Becca - This girl been through alot, she had grow up at young age. Taking care of her baby sister. She uses men for sex and for place to stay. Her life isn't rainbows and candies. Then James comes along she wants use him the same way. But she also doesn't want hurt him! Wow Shana I loved this book it brought out so many different emotions. Great job beautiful definitely worth more than 5 stars!!
October 9, 2017
Its hard to believe this was Vanterpool's second book ever written and published. She has created these college age characters and made them so realistic that you immediately start to recognize them as people you know. This is the story of James and Becca, and how these two people have such a strong connection that it threatens to tear them both apart.
It's not a spoiler to say that James is deaf. James does what you imagine deaf people do: stay painfully introverted. But here's the truth: he's really not introverted at all. Just scared of how the world perceives him. Its a startling difference in character that will surprise and delight you. There are scenes that show you just how much he tries to live in everyone else's world, but keeps getting pushed aside. Becca meets James, and they connect. But both of them have lived independently for so long that they have no idea how to interact like average people who are attracted to each other. Their scenes together remind you that they are young people who make mistakes. Young people who only THINK they are adults holding the world up on their shoulders. Becca acts selfish and possessive one minute, and parental the next. James wants to believe he likes being quiet and left alone, but resents it other times. These are complex characters with baggage... That also act like young adults.
Vanterpool excels at descriptive stream of consciousness. Describing thoughts as they run through the characters minds, you feel like you've been there. Depressed, hopeless, aroused...you crawl into these character's mindset and gain insight into the story. There are no clichés here, only vivid expression of true to form emotion as it occurs. And while you suspect you known how it will end, the journey is so worth the wait.
It's not a spoiler to say that James is deaf. James does what you imagine deaf people do: stay painfully introverted. But here's the truth: he's really not introverted at all. Just scared of how the world perceives him. Its a startling difference in character that will surprise and delight you. There are scenes that show you just how much he tries to live in everyone else's world, but keeps getting pushed aside. Becca meets James, and they connect. But both of them have lived independently for so long that they have no idea how to interact like average people who are attracted to each other. Their scenes together remind you that they are young people who make mistakes. Young people who only THINK they are adults holding the world up on their shoulders. Becca acts selfish and possessive one minute, and parental the next. James wants to believe he likes being quiet and left alone, but resents it other times. These are complex characters with baggage... That also act like young adults.
Vanterpool excels at descriptive stream of consciousness. Describing thoughts as they run through the characters minds, you feel like you've been there. Depressed, hopeless, aroused...you crawl into these character's mindset and gain insight into the story. There are no clichés here, only vivid expression of true to form emotion as it occurs. And while you suspect you known how it will end, the journey is so worth the wait.
December 28, 2016
3.5 pretty good stars :)
I really enjoyed the couple in this story. They weren't really a couple per say and more of two people who had an undeniable pull towards each other, but they still tried to deny it. James thinks he's damaged and doesn't deserved to be loved, and Becca also thinks she's damaged and doesn't deserve love. That they will fail each other. Kind of the same song and dance as the first book, but I felt more sympathetic towards these characters for some odd reason.
Definitely a slow burn.
I really liked James and felt awful about his back story. Really got me in my feelings. Becca's was sort of old news just because book one was about her sister. Becca is very different from Rain though, and I liked learning about her and why she was the way she is.
An angsty read, less OTT moments, but the ending does wrap up pretty abruptly. I guess maybe that's just the authors writing style. I haven't really read any other stories like that, an epilogue that's not really an epilogue, but I'm starting to accept it after reading a story that way twice.
All in all a good new adult read.
I really enjoyed the couple in this story. They weren't really a couple per say and more of two people who had an undeniable pull towards each other, but they still tried to deny it. James thinks he's damaged and doesn't deserved to be loved, and Becca also thinks she's damaged and doesn't deserve love. That they will fail each other. Kind of the same song and dance as the first book, but I felt more sympathetic towards these characters for some odd reason.
Definitely a slow burn.
I really liked James and felt awful about his back story. Really got me in my feelings. Becca's was sort of old news just because book one was about her sister. Becca is very different from Rain though, and I liked learning about her and why she was the way she is.
An angsty read, less OTT moments, but the ending does wrap up pretty abruptly. I guess maybe that's just the authors writing style. I haven't really read any other stories like that, an epilogue that's not really an epilogue, but I'm starting to accept it after reading a story that way twice.
All in all a good new adult read.
August 29, 2018
I really wanted this to be a 4/5 but it ended up being a 3/4. I’ve never read so much back and forth in my life. It was SO good until 50% then dragged through the same redundant content until the very. Last. Page. Overall I did enjoy James.
April 1, 2016
My vicious demise by Shana Vanterpool
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Becca is.... Jaded. Life dealt her a crappy hand and because it she does not see the world as rainbows and butterflies but more like a fun house and daggers and clowns( my fear).
"Because your eyes are sucking my soul out of me."
James is all kinda of sexy sweet with such a broken soul. He's the person you meet that makes you swoon and makes you wanna cry all at once. I just wanna take him and kiss him and then just hold him
As their story unfolded my focus was no longer on just reviewing this book but I began to devour this book. By the end I don't even remember what time it was because I was so emotional.
Not many books bring out such emotions for me and this one did just that. I was seriously in shock and awe that these two broken and flawed characters could fly off the pages so flawlessly.
I can't even begin to explain.... Just grab this book. It just might be the best read I've read in a long time. Definitely in my top 5 of 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Becca is.... Jaded. Life dealt her a crappy hand and because it she does not see the world as rainbows and butterflies but more like a fun house and daggers and clowns( my fear).
"Because your eyes are sucking my soul out of me."
James is all kinda of sexy sweet with such a broken soul. He's the person you meet that makes you swoon and makes you wanna cry all at once. I just wanna take him and kiss him and then just hold him
As their story unfolded my focus was no longer on just reviewing this book but I began to devour this book. By the end I don't even remember what time it was because I was so emotional.
Not many books bring out such emotions for me and this one did just that. I was seriously in shock and awe that these two broken and flawed characters could fly off the pages so flawlessly.
I can't even begin to explain.... Just grab this book. It just might be the best read I've read in a long time. Definitely in my top 5 of 2016
February 23, 2016
Definitely a must read book.
I cried a lot...i can feel their struggle...i feel their fears....
This book is about two broken people trying to live and face their fears and past,
how to love themselves despite everything they've been through,
how to love themselves even when many people aren't,
how to love themselves even when someone they love doesn't love them back.
The characters in this book are so strong and broken at the same time.
Becca..omg she's so stubborn, sometimes i just want to yell at her.
she's hiding behind her strength, all her live she had to be the strong one, so she doesn't know what to do when she lost her purpose.
James....ohhh my sweet James...he's so broken..so lonely and empty....he's been through a lot since young age..he's growing up hiding behind his shell.
Will their love survive, when their past and fears catching up?
You need to read this book.
If you're looking for a beautiful heartbreaking story...THIS BOOK is a must for you.
I cried a lot...i can feel their struggle...i feel their fears....
This book is about two broken people trying to live and face their fears and past,
how to love themselves despite everything they've been through,
how to love themselves even when many people aren't,
how to love themselves even when someone they love doesn't love them back.
The characters in this book are so strong and broken at the same time.
Becca..omg she's so stubborn, sometimes i just want to yell at her.
she's hiding behind her strength, all her live she had to be the strong one, so she doesn't know what to do when she lost her purpose.
James....ohhh my sweet James...he's so broken..so lonely and empty....he's been through a lot since young age..he's growing up hiding behind his shell.
Will their love survive, when their past and fears catching up?
You need to read this book.
If you're looking for a beautiful heartbreaking story...THIS BOOK is a must for you.
December 31, 2016
Wow talk about a page turner. This was dark and often times difficult to feel what they were going through. You wanted to shake them both and tell them to open their eyes and move past their horrific pasts. Please just see the amazing future and real love you could have.
This was my first book by this author but most certainly not my last.
This was my first book by this author but most certainly not my last.
November 25, 2019
Emotional ride alert!!!!!💟
So many feels, this book was one hell of an emotional ride. Two broken people who have their imperfections but are perfect for each other. But each has suffered in their last which has shaped them to the way they are today. This book is about the internal fight James and becca go through to come out together and celebrate their love together ❤.
Even though this is book two and I hadn't read Raina and Kent's story yet this didn't exactly distract from the reading experience. Although they make an appearance in this book which makes me now want to read book one also. Beautiful and heart warming book. Loved it.💖
So many feels, this book was one hell of an emotional ride. Two broken people who have their imperfections but are perfect for each other. But each has suffered in their last which has shaped them to the way they are today. This book is about the internal fight James and becca go through to come out together and celebrate their love together ❤.
Even though this is book two and I hadn't read Raina and Kent's story yet this didn't exactly distract from the reading experience. Although they make an appearance in this book which makes me now want to read book one also. Beautiful and heart warming book. Loved it.💖
February 20, 2016
My Vicious Demise is the second book in the Demise Series. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading My Sweet Demise as well. The first book was about Raina, this one is about her older sister Becca.
Becca is lost. There has only been one reason for living and she was stolen by the biggest Manwhore she has know, Kent Nicholson. She hasn't talked to her sister Raina in six months and it's breaking her. She is used to being in control, she couldn't control her sister falling in love. Maybe this is her time. Her time to find herself, to let go of the past and find her own happiness. But to do that, she needs to give up some of that control and dig deep into her soul. This scares the fuck out of her. Then she sees those amazing eyes again. The ones she hasn't seen in six months. Ones that she forgot about because that is what she did. She left men behind but this was James Rush...
James isn't living. He might be alive and going through the motions but not living. He goes to school, comes home, and lives in his own mind. Sure, he can go out and have a one night stand once in awhile but he wants to find someone to want to stay. He is deaf, shy, and not comfortable with himself. He only speaks to three people out loud. He made the mistake of saying something to Tess, his crush and she ran. They always leave. He wants to find the one that will stay. Then Becca enters in life.
James and Becca might be night and day on the outside but on the inside they are one in the same. They feel the pull, the attraction, the need for each other but is that all it could be? Just Sex. Friends with benefits? James happens to be Kent's best friend and roommate. Games are played. Emotions are shown. This is not how it was suppose to be. Becca is not in control. James is twisted up. Is this what love is? Will one of them leave when it gets to be too much?
This isn't just a story about love. It's also about the journey of letting go. Will Becca accept Raina's new life so she can have her sister back?
I thought this was an awesome story! James and Becca's games can be frustrating but they have their reasons. Their chemistry is hot, the way they communicate is awesome, and the feelings they bring out are both amazing and difficult. James is so sweet, sexy, and smart. Becca might be a badass but she is also sweet and compassionate.
Overall, it's a crazy and emotional ride. Shana did another amazing job!
Quotes:
“Don’t fall for Becca O’Connor. She’ll rip your balls off and sell them online.”
No more kissing. But if we’re going to be friends you’re going to have to wear sunglasses.
Frowning, he glanced up at me in question. “Why?” he mouthed.
Because your eyes are sucking my soul out of me.
“You’re one of the toughest women I know. Strength is beautiful. But strength doesn’t mean you have to be a hard ass. Strength is being strong enough to be weak sometimes. You hear that?”
Becca is lost. There has only been one reason for living and she was stolen by the biggest Manwhore she has know, Kent Nicholson. She hasn't talked to her sister Raina in six months and it's breaking her. She is used to being in control, she couldn't control her sister falling in love. Maybe this is her time. Her time to find herself, to let go of the past and find her own happiness. But to do that, she needs to give up some of that control and dig deep into her soul. This scares the fuck out of her. Then she sees those amazing eyes again. The ones she hasn't seen in six months. Ones that she forgot about because that is what she did. She left men behind but this was James Rush...
James isn't living. He might be alive and going through the motions but not living. He goes to school, comes home, and lives in his own mind. Sure, he can go out and have a one night stand once in awhile but he wants to find someone to want to stay. He is deaf, shy, and not comfortable with himself. He only speaks to three people out loud. He made the mistake of saying something to Tess, his crush and she ran. They always leave. He wants to find the one that will stay. Then Becca enters in life.
James and Becca might be night and day on the outside but on the inside they are one in the same. They feel the pull, the attraction, the need for each other but is that all it could be? Just Sex. Friends with benefits? James happens to be Kent's best friend and roommate. Games are played. Emotions are shown. This is not how it was suppose to be. Becca is not in control. James is twisted up. Is this what love is? Will one of them leave when it gets to be too much?
This isn't just a story about love. It's also about the journey of letting go. Will Becca accept Raina's new life so she can have her sister back?
I thought this was an awesome story! James and Becca's games can be frustrating but they have their reasons. Their chemistry is hot, the way they communicate is awesome, and the feelings they bring out are both amazing and difficult. James is so sweet, sexy, and smart. Becca might be a badass but she is also sweet and compassionate.
Overall, it's a crazy and emotional ride. Shana did another amazing job!
Quotes:
“Don’t fall for Becca O’Connor. She’ll rip your balls off and sell them online.”
No more kissing. But if we’re going to be friends you’re going to have to wear sunglasses.
Frowning, he glanced up at me in question. “Why?” he mouthed.
Because your eyes are sucking my soul out of me.
“You’re one of the toughest women I know. Strength is beautiful. But strength doesn’t mean you have to be a hard ass. Strength is being strong enough to be weak sometimes. You hear that?”
February 18, 2016
I thought that I fell in love with Kent and Raina's story in My Sweet Demise by Shana Vanterpool but nothing could have compared to James and Becca in My Vicious Demise! Two people who were completely broken down with an almost self loathing for entirely different reasons are thrown together due to the friends and family that they have in common. It is the recognition of the hurt and pain buried deep inside that can only be recognized by another who has felt the same, that brings this unlikely pair together, while struggling to come to terms with loving someone and being loved by someone. James and Becca's story definitely moved into my favorite of these four and I couldn't stop reading until I found out how it ended for these two!!! This was a 4.5 star read for me and I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this series to everyone!
Becca has not spoken to her sister, who she raised and cared for since their parents walked out on them years ago, because of the man she chose to marry. Jumping from man to man and bed to bed, because no man will ever control her or her actions, Becca finds herself alone and afraid for the first time since she can remember. Without Raina to turn to, Becca is lost until she finally reaches out to Kent in a moment of desperation. Offering her a place to stay while they are away on Spring Break, Becca runs into the sexy but quiet James and all bets are off!!
James is the quiet broody friend who is anything but. Being deaf and almost ashamed that he is broken, unwanted and unloved, James begins to fall for Becca in a way that he didn't expect It is only when she proposes a relationship "friends with benefits" that he begins to worry about when, not if, she will leave him because he is so unworthy. When he realizes that Becca is in fact saving him from the loneliness that he has lived within for so long, he begins to open up to her in ways that he hasn't done with any other girl besides his best friends wife Raina.
The circumstances that have brought both Becca and James to a point in their lives where they just yearn to be loved and be dependent on someone else are completely different but heartbreaking all the same. To watch the evolution of these two from individuals, to friends, to lovers all the while trying to understand where the changes are coming from will warm your heart and even bring a tear to your eye. You MUST read this book!
Becca has not spoken to her sister, who she raised and cared for since their parents walked out on them years ago, because of the man she chose to marry. Jumping from man to man and bed to bed, because no man will ever control her or her actions, Becca finds herself alone and afraid for the first time since she can remember. Without Raina to turn to, Becca is lost until she finally reaches out to Kent in a moment of desperation. Offering her a place to stay while they are away on Spring Break, Becca runs into the sexy but quiet James and all bets are off!!
James is the quiet broody friend who is anything but. Being deaf and almost ashamed that he is broken, unwanted and unloved, James begins to fall for Becca in a way that he didn't expect It is only when she proposes a relationship "friends with benefits" that he begins to worry about when, not if, she will leave him because he is so unworthy. When he realizes that Becca is in fact saving him from the loneliness that he has lived within for so long, he begins to open up to her in ways that he hasn't done with any other girl besides his best friends wife Raina.
The circumstances that have brought both Becca and James to a point in their lives where they just yearn to be loved and be dependent on someone else are completely different but heartbreaking all the same. To watch the evolution of these two from individuals, to friends, to lovers all the while trying to understand where the changes are coming from will warm your heart and even bring a tear to your eye. You MUST read this book!
March 7, 2016
Be still my beating heart, I'm in love! And his name is James Rush. Praise baby Jesus, James Rush!! God, that's a sexy freaking name!! I was so excited to get my hands on James, I fangirled out when I got the ARC. He got my attention in Sweet Demise, and just didn't get out of my head. I really wanted to get to know more about, James. Wow, this man ruin me!
This book is still on my mind, days later. Hell, I'm still picking up pieces of my broke heart! This book drags you through some heavy, dark sh*t!! It brings you low but god is the high worth it!! Jame's and Becca's story is one that everyone needs to experience. I'd find myself stealing moments in the day to just get a nibble more.
Becca was such a lost pup. She is at a crossroads and it's time for her pony up. She is alone for the first one in her life. No more hiding behind Raina, or men. She has to do her now. And boy does she pick a winner winner chicken dinner, when she gets her man eating claws into him. And James, god what can you say about James? He is...beautiful. Not just on the outside ( Mmm so beautiful!) but he is all thing hearts and flowers on the inside. And he would give it all up for just a moment in the sun with Becca!!
When you discover the past these two are carrying on their backs like a hunchback, it's not wonder they are lost in their heads. They both think so little of them selves but so much of each other. They truly were better together. And I'm So glad that James and Becca found their happily ever after, I couldn't think of two people who deserved it more. I only wish we got more, like an epilogue. She wraps it all up beautifully. But it's a birds eye view version ( which I'll gladly take, please and thank you) I'd love a nice long detailed one, but I think it's only cause I don't want to let these two go. I can only hope that the amazing Ms. Vanderpool gives us more from this series.
I loved myself some Kent, and didn't think it got any better then 'My Sweet Demise', and then I met James. This is one of my top 5 reads of the year thus far, and I don't see James leaving his post anytime soon. I recommend this book to anyone who what's to experience the pure amazing-ness that is, James Rush ( did you shiver at his name? )
** This book was kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
This book is still on my mind, days later. Hell, I'm still picking up pieces of my broke heart! This book drags you through some heavy, dark sh*t!! It brings you low but god is the high worth it!! Jame's and Becca's story is one that everyone needs to experience. I'd find myself stealing moments in the day to just get a nibble more.
Becca was such a lost pup. She is at a crossroads and it's time for her pony up. She is alone for the first one in her life. No more hiding behind Raina, or men. She has to do her now. And boy does she pick a winner winner chicken dinner, when she gets her man eating claws into him. And James, god what can you say about James? He is...beautiful. Not just on the outside ( Mmm so beautiful!) but he is all thing hearts and flowers on the inside. And he would give it all up for just a moment in the sun with Becca!!
When you discover the past these two are carrying on their backs like a hunchback, it's not wonder they are lost in their heads. They both think so little of them selves but so much of each other. They truly were better together. And I'm So glad that James and Becca found their happily ever after, I couldn't think of two people who deserved it more. I only wish we got more, like an epilogue. She wraps it all up beautifully. But it's a birds eye view version ( which I'll gladly take, please and thank you) I'd love a nice long detailed one, but I think it's only cause I don't want to let these two go. I can only hope that the amazing Ms. Vanderpool gives us more from this series.
I loved myself some Kent, and didn't think it got any better then 'My Sweet Demise', and then I met James. This is one of my top 5 reads of the year thus far, and I don't see James leaving his post anytime soon. I recommend this book to anyone who what's to experience the pure amazing-ness that is, James Rush ( did you shiver at his name? )
** This book was kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2016
My Vicious Demise by Shana Vanterpool is an emotional roller coaster that will believing there is someone out there for anyone and everyone – and at the same time, you want to hunt down the people that hurt James so you can torture them slowly to give them a taste of their own medicine. If you have read My Sweet Demise, you know who James is. The deaf roommate of Kent’s that is an overall good guy. I found myself liking him in the first book and when I found out he would be half of the couple in book two…let’s just say I was on pins and needles in anticipation! Of course when I found out that Becca (Rain’s sister) would be the second half of the pairing, I kind of groaned. I’m not going to lie. I didn’t much care for Becca in the first book. She was rude and crass and I wanted to slap her more than once because she cared more about herself than she did her sister. Reading book 2, I understand her a little more…but still want to slap her a time or two. LOL.
James accidently meets Becca again when he is feeling low and there is an instant attraction. One undeniable to either one of them. From there things start to fall apart – or maybe they are just falling where they need to and fixing what was broken. Both are holding onto their pasts with both hands, afraid to let go, but together, they may be able to let go and finally move into the future.
LOVED THIS BOOK! It had steam, angst, emotional turmoil, love, regret, and hope. You got hints of James’s not so great life in book one and book expands on that and then some, which allows you to understand him and in the end you also come to understand Becca a bit. James deserved to find someone who can love him, to give him a happily ever after, and while it may not be the stuff of fairy tales, he finally found someone who will accept him for him. 4.5 stars. It is a must read!
James accidently meets Becca again when he is feeling low and there is an instant attraction. One undeniable to either one of them. From there things start to fall apart – or maybe they are just falling where they need to and fixing what was broken. Both are holding onto their pasts with both hands, afraid to let go, but together, they may be able to let go and finally move into the future.
LOVED THIS BOOK! It had steam, angst, emotional turmoil, love, regret, and hope. You got hints of James’s not so great life in book one and book expands on that and then some, which allows you to understand him and in the end you also come to understand Becca a bit. James deserved to find someone who can love him, to give him a happily ever after, and while it may not be the stuff of fairy tales, he finally found someone who will accept him for him. 4.5 stars. It is a must read!
February 23, 2016
WOW where to start with this review... Shana Vanterpool you are seriously going to have a fan girl for life with me! I was blown away with the first book in this series My Sweet Demise the story of Kent and Raina and normally when a second book comes out and is about another couple it never adds up to be better than the first book or even as good as the first... but this book WOW I say again really hit the mark. I absolutely loved James's character that was portrayed in MSD but I had no clue he could be so much more. Then you have the girl that was hated in MSD Becca.. never did I think I would actually feel anything but disgust for her character by the way she treated her sister Raina ... but again you proved me wrong and I found myself actually understanding her reasoning for the way she was and she earned back my respect. This book is definitely a must read on all accounts and is a huge 4.5 stars from me!
James and Becca have there own demons they face every day... there pasts are both tainted.. neither know what its like to feel love for anyone beyond the minimal family they have... and neither trust easily... Will they learn to find a way to push past all the barriers to finally know love and loyalty? Or will they both be the viscous demise of each other?
You have to get to one-clickin on this magnificent story. This is only the second book I have read by this author but as I stated above I am totally fan girling :)! Thanks for great roller coaster ride of emotions I went through reading this.. and I look forward to so much more in the future!!!
James and Becca have there own demons they face every day... there pasts are both tainted.. neither know what its like to feel love for anyone beyond the minimal family they have... and neither trust easily... Will they learn to find a way to push past all the barriers to finally know love and loyalty? Or will they both be the viscous demise of each other?
You have to get to one-clickin on this magnificent story. This is only the second book I have read by this author but as I stated above I am totally fan girling :)! Thanks for great roller coaster ride of emotions I went through reading this.. and I look forward to so much more in the future!!!
February 23, 2016
Well after My Sweet Demise I was really looking forward to James' story.
This book pulled me under from the first chapter. Two broken people: Becca, Raina's sister and James, Kent's roommate and longtime friend.
Becca is at the end of her rope. She uses men so that they don't get close, and after using the wrong one she finds herself homeless. She also hasn't been speaking to her sister Raina, having felt abandoned by Raina's relationship with Kent. Kent goes out on a limb and tells her to stay at his place while he is away.
Becca and James have an immediate attraction. James mostly keeps to himself. His self esteem is dismal to say the least, seeing his deafness as a hindrance. He deems himself not good enough, well for anything.
Their budding relationship makes them want to be their best selves. And each feels they aren't good enough for each other.
Can the forge forward and make a relationship work?
Go one click this one now!
This book pulled me under from the first chapter. Two broken people: Becca, Raina's sister and James, Kent's roommate and longtime friend.
Becca is at the end of her rope. She uses men so that they don't get close, and after using the wrong one she finds herself homeless. She also hasn't been speaking to her sister Raina, having felt abandoned by Raina's relationship with Kent. Kent goes out on a limb and tells her to stay at his place while he is away.
Becca and James have an immediate attraction. James mostly keeps to himself. His self esteem is dismal to say the least, seeing his deafness as a hindrance. He deems himself not good enough, well for anything.
Their budding relationship makes them want to be their best selves. And each feels they aren't good enough for each other.
Can the forge forward and make a relationship work?
Go one click this one now!
March 17, 2016
Rebecca and James
Becca's life is falling apart. She's suddenly homeless, broke, stuck in her horrible past, and misses her sister, Raina. James is deaf, feels worthless, stuck in his past, unloved, and unwanted. His deafness has ruled his life making him hide in a shell. Becca and James find each other but are scared out of their minds to love each other.
The book is in dual POVs with good editing.
What happened with Uma?
Becca's life is falling apart. She's suddenly homeless, broke, stuck in her horrible past, and misses her sister, Raina. James is deaf, feels worthless, stuck in his past, unloved, and unwanted. His deafness has ruled his life making him hide in a shell. Becca and James find each other but are scared out of their minds to love each other.
The book is in dual POVs with good editing.
What happened with Uma?
August 3, 2016
OH MY!!!
I didn't think I could find a book that touched me more then Rains and Kent's, but I was wrong. I fell in love with James in the first book. This will be a book I re-read it was that good. Becca and James were so much alike. There were moments in this book that took my breathe away and left me gasping for more. I didn't want it to end. Shana you amazed me with this beautiful read. You have me hooked. Please I want more. This is a MUsT read.
I didn't think I could find a book that touched me more then Rains and Kent's, but I was wrong. I fell in love with James in the first book. This will be a book I re-read it was that good. Becca and James were so much alike. There were moments in this book that took my breathe away and left me gasping for more. I didn't want it to end. Shana you amazed me with this beautiful read. You have me hooked. Please I want more. This is a MUsT read.
February 25, 2016
Loved it so much Becca was amazing I loved when she broke down and James I just wanted to hug him he was heartbreaking beautiful great read wish it was longer
April 21, 2016
Ok book
This was an okay book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. Some parts were confusing. Some parts were also heartwarming.
This was an okay book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. Some parts were confusing. Some parts were also heartwarming.
Want to read
December 8, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/8/2018)!💝
Blurb:
A stand-alone sequel in The Demise Series....
For twenty-three-year-old Rebecca O'Connor, there’s only one reason to live…her little sister, Raina.
Through years of growing up in an abusive home, Raina and Becca have formed an unbreakable bond…until Raina falls in love and elopes.
For the first time in her life, Becca is on her own. After breaking up with her boyfriend, she is homeless, broke, and she’s losing her grip on her life.
Then she meets James Rush, a shy guy with sharp blue eyes and an invisible lure for her heart…
Becca has always had to be the strong one. But the deeper James pulls her under, the more she wants to succumb to her vicious attraction. The fact that he’s deaf might make him that much more desirable. At least he appreciates beauty.
But James is going nowhere fast…
A twenty-two-year-old college student, James can't shake the feeling his life is dull and uneventful. He may be alive, but he’s not living, as he hides in his introverted shell to protect himself from a past that left him empty, neglected, and abused.
When James meets Becca, their futures are forever altered. She’s a black-haired, tattooed, confident bartender who immediately hexes him with her charm. When he’s with Becca, his past stays in the past.
Caught in each other’s web of safety and desire, it’s only a matter of time before they are confronted with the one task too terrifying to face…
Letting go of the past, and daring to love.
Blurb:
A stand-alone sequel in The Demise Series....
For twenty-three-year-old Rebecca O'Connor, there’s only one reason to live…her little sister, Raina.
Through years of growing up in an abusive home, Raina and Becca have formed an unbreakable bond…until Raina falls in love and elopes.
For the first time in her life, Becca is on her own. After breaking up with her boyfriend, she is homeless, broke, and she’s losing her grip on her life.
Then she meets James Rush, a shy guy with sharp blue eyes and an invisible lure for her heart…
Becca has always had to be the strong one. But the deeper James pulls her under, the more she wants to succumb to her vicious attraction. The fact that he’s deaf might make him that much more desirable. At least he appreciates beauty.
But James is going nowhere fast…
A twenty-two-year-old college student, James can't shake the feeling his life is dull and uneventful. He may be alive, but he’s not living, as he hides in his introverted shell to protect himself from a past that left him empty, neglected, and abused.
When James meets Becca, their futures are forever altered. She’s a black-haired, tattooed, confident bartender who immediately hexes him with her charm. When he’s with Becca, his past stays in the past.
Caught in each other’s web of safety and desire, it’s only a matter of time before they are confronted with the one task too terrifying to face…
Letting go of the past, and daring to love.
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