Dark / Emotional / Gritty / Romantic / Unnerving

A reader who enjoys Vicious by L.J. Shen likely favors steamy, enemies-to-lovers romance and dark, brooding male protagonists. Fans of Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire or Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens might find this modern, angst-filled romance captivating.

L.J. Shen's Vicious captivates with intense romance and complex characters, drawing readers into a passionate narrative. The dynamic between the protagonists is both compelling and challenging, offering a mix of tension and chemistry. However, some critique the predictability of the plot and occasional reliance on clichés. Overall, it's an engaging read for contemporary romance fans.

In Vicious by L.J. Shen, a person named Emilia LeBlanc encounters a wealthy and ruthless individual named Vicious Spencer. The narrative explores their complex relationship, revealing past encounters and emotional conflicts. Set against the backdrop of privilege and betrayal, the story delves into themes of love, redemption, and personal growth.

**Emilia LeBlanc**  
One of the protagonists, Emilia, often called "Millie," is narrating her experiences as both a high school outsider in affluent Todos Santos and an adult artist and waiter in New York City. She encounters class differences and navigates a complicated relationship with her peer, Vicious.

**Baron “Vicious” Spencer, Jr.**  
Vicious is a narrator and protagonist who comes from a wealthy background and is a member of the "Four HotHoles" clique at All Saints High School. He has a complex, evolving relationship with Emilia that bridges his adolescent antagonism and his adult life as a lawyer.

**Josephine “Jo” Spencer**  
Jo is Vicious’s stepmother and the antagonist of the story, characterized by her obsession with wealth and an antagonistic relationship with Vicious. Her past actions and motivations cause major conflicts within the narrative.

**Rosie LeBlanc**  
Emilia’s younger sister, Rosie, suffers from cystic fibrosis and is protective of Emilia. She plays an important role in the family dynamics, and her interactions hint at a deeper connection with Dean, one of Vicious’s friends.

**Dean Cole**  
Vicious’s close friend and initially Emilia’s boyfriend during high school. He serves as a contrast to Vicious through his actions and relationship views, impacting both Vicious’s and Emilia’s lives.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Vicious reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Vicious

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Vicious and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Vicious Summary and Study Guide

Background

Vicious Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Vicious Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-12

Vicious Chapters 6-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

Vicious Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-24

Vicious Chapters 18-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 25-Epilogue

Vicious Chapter 25-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Vicious Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Vicious Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Vicious Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Vicious Important Quotes with Page Numbers

Book Club Questions

Vicious Book Club Questions

 L. J. Shen

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

vicious-lj-shen

Vicious

Book Brief

Vicious

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Vicious?