A good start to the series, Avery and Stone's chemistry bounces from the page. A steamy, intense romance with a good storyline and characters.

I voluntarily read an advanced reviewers copy of this book

Overall this book was pretty good. I loved the heat between Stone and Avery but was not 100% in love with their story because it was so unrealistic to me. Stone was hot but annoying because he came off as a martyr but I must admit I loved Avery's strength and understood her confusion with the strange way that Stone was acting.

To be honest Avery's character really makes this book, she has so many dimensions and seemed so realistic while Stone was annoying enough to make this book lose one star.

The Wicked series by Kathyrn L. James starts off with Chasing Wicked. This is the story of Avery and Stone.
I had a few problems with the strength of this story. Avery is well written, but she is a weak character if you ask me. She allows things to happen to her almost reactive rather than proactive in life. While I tried to except that as her character flaw it really made me want to shake her in places in this book. She had potential to be more and I wanted her to reach that potential.
Stone I don’t get him in places in this book. He too is reactive. But he had some redeeming qualities. He also grew a lot in this book so I really loved his strength and soul at the end of the book.
Over all there are a lot of secrets and pain in this book that could have been cured if the heroine had just spoken up more. There is romance, suspense and drama in this book. Over all I felt it was an okay read. I would however love to read more from this author in the future.

Chasing Wicked by Kathryn L. James
Book #1: Wicked Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:

Disclaimers: I totally judged this book by its smokin’ hot cover and I don’t think the synopsis comes close to doing this book justice.

Stone Mitchell doesn’t necessarily enjoy being a virtual recluse, but the circumstances of his life have rather dictated his seclusion. Just before leaving for college, he was embroiled in a scandal of the naughty variety and during college, he was convicted of a crime and sent to prison. Only one of those events, Stone is certain beyond doubt he isn’t guilty of. What he is certain of, those two events cost him everything but his business and his business, though extremely successful, is cold comfort during the long nights.

Stone has resigned himself to the life he leads and holds little hope for anything changing anytime soon. He sorely underestimated his delightful granny who has no intention of seeing her grandson go a minute longer without the love he so desperately misses and wants back. Armed with new information about that awful sexual scandal, Stone just has to track down and convince one seriously angry woman to give him the second chance he’s still not quite sure he deserves. Six years is a long time to hold a grudge, but Stone didn’t handle the fallout of the scandal well at all and knows he has an uphill battle ahead of him . . . . again.

Avery has spent six long years hating and loving Stone Mitchell. He broke her heart, tore her family apart, and gave her the greatest gift imaginable, a beautiful little girl who has become her life. Stone only knows about two of those things which make his reappearance in her life incredibly complicated. When Stone blew out of town in the wake of the scandal, he left Avery crushed and pregnant. With no intention of every allowing him back into her life, Avery saw no reason to ever disclose the existence of their daughter. However, when Stone shows up with information that exonerates him, the game has changed and Avery is forced to reveal her secret to the one man she’s never been able to resist.

Stone’s initial reaction to Avery’s secret is absolute fury, but his daughter is pure joy and it doesn’t take him long to realize, if he wants to be a part of her life, he’s going to have to make an effort to control and get over his anger. One thing is for sure, he’s never gotten over his attraction to Avery and falling into bed with her is as natural as breathing. He wants to be with her, and he wants to be a full-time presence in his daughter’s life, but until they know the full truth about the scandal and work through their old hurts and fears, an HEA is going to be difficult. Oh, and Avery is one stubborn woman 😊

The Bottom Line: Once again, I am rewarded for judging a book by its delectable cover 😊 I got so much more out of this book than I anticipated and I am so very glad for that surprise. From the very beginning I was drawn into this book, the characters, the awesome backstories (I LOVE BACKSTORY!), and the twisty, turny plot. This one moves at a good clip and won’t be easy to put down once you get stated. Avery and Stone are both full-bodied characters who are sympathetic and easy to like. Their daughter and Stone’s grandmother are secondary character highlights, the naughty bits are delicious and appropriate, and the ending is crazy good!! Though this story does have a proper resolution, the series is far from over. Stone has brothers and granny ain’t done with her meddlin’!

Within the first 25% of the book, I thought I knew everything with this story. I thought the remainder of the book was going to be slow and boring. Boy am I glad I continued reading and didn't give up! There was still the HUGE announcement that needed to be made; the HUGE secret revealed.

LOVED the story line! Very different

Stone and Avery grew up together in their small town. They were each others first in all things, until a betrayal rocked the town. Six years have passed and fate (or his grandmother) threw them back together again. Stone and Avery have to learn to communicate and unravel the mystery that lead to the betrayal. Stone learns not all secrets stay in the past.

A perfect mix of what makes a steamy romance story!

This was a second chance romance and I love them! So, I dove in and loved the dive!

The developed easily, which is great for a stellar read. The pace was great, nothing lagged. You what to get to the next page to find out what was going to happen.

Avery is a strong woman who made certain choices that weren't always the best ones but they were hers. She is a survivor.

Stone is stubborn and confusing. His feelings were all over the place. One moment he didn't want to try with Avery and then he couldn't live without her. Unfortunately, I couldn't connect to him and his actions.

Steam, ya'll, the steam! Get a fan out and start using it! These two were madly paired!

Overall, this was a great read. A quick pick-me-up after a heart wrenching read. Enjoy!

Avery and Stone were childhood sweethearts, until the unthinkable happened...

Now, when past hurts have been brought back to the forefront, and one very big secret is exposed... will they ever be able to repair what they once had?

This book was written pretty well, but the story just did not draw me in very much. I liked the plot, although there's a twist that didn't really fit for me. I wish I had liked it more, but this just wasn't for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

I went with 4 stars on this book because I think it is a good series launch. That being said, I felt it was a little unbalanced between setting the series scene, introducing the players and the focused story. The second chance at love story worked, it was just a little light for me. The hero and heroine were engaging characters, and the secondary players look to be interesting people with endless possible stories. If your'e in the mood to read a family centered series, The Mitchell Brothers series looks good. I look forward to the next book.

The story of Stone and Avery was set in a backdrop of a strong family dynamic. I enjoyed this almost as much as the relationship as it evolved between them. I did have strong emotions about the stubbornness and selfishness that was exhibited by both of the characters at different times during the book, but overall, I like this strong and well written story and would recommend it and look forward to other books by Ms. James.

Eh, this book just didn't do it for me. It dragged on a lot - I mean it has 38 chapters and that seems unnecessary given the lack of character development/depth we received. But then it blew through some scenes and you're like 'whoa, hold on and explain that a bit more please.' I just didn't fall in love with either character and that lack of connection makes me give this a 3 star rating instead of a higher one. I'm in the minority here, but I just didn't like this one from the beginning. I will say that the suspense added in the last 15% of so of the book was what I enjoyed most since I was bored with the rest. It seemed a bit out of place, but it's what finally got my attention.

Avery & Stone were sweethearts and in love when Stone betrayed her in a terrible way, or so it seemed. He left her and has been gone for the last 6 years. They're thrown together now after Stone's grandmother sends Avery for a little vacation at her beach cottage. Avery doesn't know that Stone lives there though, at least part time, so she's surprised to see him standing in the kitchen when she walks in. It's not pretty either when they meet, but there's no denying that they still find each other attractive and want to jump right back into bed as if nothing happened.

Unfortunately, Avery kept a huge secret from him and that is one of the key reasons why I did not like Avery. She kept his daughter from him and really, for what reason? He wasn't dangerous, her daughter wouldn't have been in danger from knowing him and she lost out on a loving family all those years. It's hard to forgive that in my opinion. Her reasoning for why she didn't tell him just seemed like BS to me. He had every right to hate her after what she did, that's for sure.

Eventually the truth comes out and they learn that what they thought happened that broke them apart all those years ago really didn't happen and was part of some nefarious plot by a jealous person. It was a hot mess of a plot, that's for sure.

And how in the world Stone became some hotel magnate after he spent that much time away is beyond me. Didn't make any sense at all. He was portrayed as some Christian Grey type guy in the beginning of the book (right down to his own helicopter and the mention of some kinky likings), so that seemed like a copycat male lead. But he ended up being a huge jerk that wasn't at all likable. He liked the sex, but didn't want to be with her in any other way. And yet Avery kept giving him chance after chance and having her heart broken. But when things get bad, he does a total 180 out of nowhere and it's as if he was never a jerk and she takes him right back with no groveling.

I just didn't understand the characters and didn't feel that connection that I needed. They both had their issues and I didn't really see them talking through them and working together to build back that trust. The author skipped those 6 months that would have been when they did all this and I think that was the wrong move since we didn't get that connection.

Obviously I'm in the minority here and most people love it, but it just wasn't for me.

This book has a lot of interesting storylines going on in it. It starts out in one direction and ends up going in a totally different one. Even when you think it’s going to circle back around to the beginning it’s not what you think it’s going to be. I liked it.

Avery and Stone grew up together and became a couple early in their lives. After an incident that devastates both their families as well as their small town, they separate and both leave to find their own way. Six years later they meet again but there are so many secrets, hurt and pain between them, all Avery can focus on is getting away from the man that ruined her life. Things might have stayed that way but Stone learns Avery’s secret and he sets out to confront her about it. What follows has so many ups and downs, ins and outs. I never knew where or what was going to happen with this couple.

This is a well written story with a lot of steam but some of Stone’s characteristics either didn’t hold true or annoyed the heck out of me. With a lot of push and pull from both of them there were times I just wanted to chuck my kindle and call it a day. And the crying would’ve been much more effective had it not been going on throughout so much of the book. By the time the ending arrived and I would normally be ready for the emotional scene, I was numb to it.

That being said, this was a nice read with some suspense, mystery and great secondary characters that will be getting their own stories. I would definitely continue reading this series to see what happens.

ARC provided by NetGalley

Heroine’s POV
No other woman drama – a tad other man drama
Some possible triggers

High school sweethearts, Avery and Stone did not part on the best terms as a matter of fact their small towns biggest scandal left them mortal enemies. It’s been years since she’s laid eyes on Stone but suddenly he is back in her life and Avery must face the consequences of secrets she’s held for years and Stone must also reveal his own secrets.
There’s not too much I have to say for this book. I really wanted to like this book and it wasn’t that I didn’t like it, my curiosity kept me reading but it just never grabbed me the way I’d hoped it would. I felt like things moved a little too fast. There were certain areas that I felt could have used a little more detail and back ground. Also there were certain aspects of Avery’s personality that just didn’t click for me. However, that doesn’t mean I’m not curious about the other characters or won’t read the next books since this is book one in the Wicked Series.

'Chasing Wicked" by Kathryn L. James is Book One in the "Wicked" Series". This is the story of Avery and Stone. Avery had been in love with Stone with she was younger. But Stone did something that broke her heart and destroyed her family. Avery stayed friends with Stone's grandmother and has a very close relationship with her. Avery had taken off the summer and Stone's grandmother suggested she stay at their house that she rents out. When Avery walked into the house she found Stone there. Stone was shocked to see Avery too since it has been sometime since they been in the same room before. They have a heated argument but its impossible for her to leave due to a bad story that keeps her trapped at the house and with him.
This was a pretty intense book with secrets coming out. Its a hard book to put down so be ready to sit awhile.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2HX0B5ELOPP5Z?ie=UTF8&ref_=sv_ys_3
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1831318-sissy-s-romance-book-review-for-you

A beautiful second chance novel that will surprise you every step of the way. The main characters have so many secrets, that once revealed will change their lives forever.

Holy Crapoli! The angst. The drama. The roll your eyes factor was at an all time high with Chasing Wicked. I realize I’m in the minority with this book, but that’s just the way it goes sometimes. I like what I like and this didn’t make the cut.

Stone and Avery were high school sweethearts. It all came crashing down when Stone got drunk and ended up in a very compromising position with the absolute worst person ever. With pictures distributed around town and the evidence so very damning, Stone disappeared back to school with nary a word to Avery, leaving her entire family holding the bag. After her family moved due to the scandal, when she found out she was pregnant she decided not to tell him or his family, even though she was still extremely close with his Grammy.

Fast forward 5 years and the cats out of the bag. Even before he knew about his parenthood status, he was a class A asshole to her. Once he found out her secret, he turned into an even bigger one. Cruel one minute, on her like white on rice the next he was all over the place with her. When he quit being an ass he still maintained they were just fuck buddies. It was bizarre. He also had lots and lots of secrets. When he wasn’t being the king of mixed signals, he became the king of lack of communication for no apparent reason. It was just stupid.

As for Avery, she constantly would lay down and let the king of all assholes screw her literally and figuratively. Savannah, her little girl, was more like a prop trotted out occasionally for not only a cuteness factor but also sympathy factor but with no effort to really showcase the realities of living with a chronically ill child. She even let him take Savannah places with no instructions on what to do if a seizure happens. One minute she’d worry about not stressing the little girl out but the next she let the new Daddy act like he and Mom are an item when she knows damn well he's not going there.

There was a teeny tiny suspense factor. It was another plotline that felt like a prop, rather than an integral part of the story, especially since its ending was hijacked by more man drama. What could have greatly elevated the story, fell flat, and took a turn for the weirdly ridiculous. [spoiler] like no one noticed 4 missing girls in a small town. Ugh [/spoiler]

Again, I’m in the minority but this wasn’t near as entertaining as I wanted it to be.

Rating: 2.5 Eye Rolling Stars

Um nah. Chasing Wicked just didn't do much for me. The story was flat, the connection between Avery and Stone was flat, and the secondary characters (Savannah, Dovie, Lyndsey, Garrett and Chad) were more interesting and vibrant than either of the leads.

I had lots of problems with Chasing Wicked. There wasn't enough detail given of Avery and Stone's past together. Sure, it's told to us, but it isn't given much weight other than the incident that tore them apart. There are vague mentions of how they had known each other since they were children, and even dated when they were in high school, but that past connection wasn't given enough significance to make their present seem important or meaningful. In the present, there are sexy times, but they were really generic and bland. It's as if Kathryn James was afraid to use significant words that steamy scenes need, you know the words I'm talking about. It all felt muted. And muted is not good when describing the hot, dirty sex that I think the author was aiming for creating. And then there's Stone...damn, I could not stand the man. The crude, disgusting things he said to her when they saw each other again? The wishy washy bs he shoved at Avery and the way he refused to give her anything but sex and he wouldn't tell her how he felt about her until the very end? Nope, just nope. What an ass. Avery was entirely too good for him, and I hated when she was a doormat for him. She did straighten up her spine for a minute there, but she gave in way too soon again.

I had high hopes for Chasing Wicked when I read the blurb, because it sounded really good. Unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations. It's not the worst thing I've ever read, and I can tell that Kathryn James is a decent writer, but it's really not that great either. I guess I'll just have to hope for better for Garrett and Chad's stories. What little mentions there are of the other two brothers were good ones and am interested in seeing if their stories are better than their brother's.

This story is a second chance romance. They were broken apart years ago, only to be brought together for another chance years later. The sexual chemistry between these two makes steam come off the pages. The sex scenes were hot. Some truths come out years later, which allows them to finally work things out and be together. They are able to finally get their HEA. There were some moments where one of them needed a good shake though. This book had love, anger, danger, violence, lies, lots of secrets, crazy, and a little girl that brings everyone together. I loved the exercise pole. A problem I had with the story was that its only in her pov and we never know what he is thinking and why. I was left with some questions still as well. Overall, it was a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

First off I want to thank Netgally, Weapenry Co-Op and the author for my advanced copy of Chasing Wicked! Kathryn James does an amazing job with this book and had my kindle not died and had life not gotten in the way I would have finished this in a day.
CHASING WICKED, THE MITCHELL BROTHERS,- WICKED SERIES BOOK 1, KATHYRN L. JAMES.
I requested this from netgalley because I needed a quick sexy read and that is exactly what I got. I love Stoney and Avery and Gammy Dovie I really do hope she is in the other books. I felt the steamy hot level with Stone and Avery was outstanding and the plot and story-line was very well done and what they went through made them a more relatable couple and Savannah what a cute little five-year-old. Make no mistake while I loved the steamy scenes between Stone and Avery the rest of the story is also very on point and packs no punches! There’s secrets and betrayal and even a creep that you will want to strangle! This is a wicked roller-coaster ride and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fast paced amazing read!

***4 Stars***

This was that book that I waffled over a lot because I wanted to know what Stone did that was so bad and yet I didn’t know if I wanted to deal with the angst that would most definitely come with it. But I decided to take a chance and I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised with the entire story. From just what went down with Stone to how he and Avery and Stone reconnected and finally got their HEA and all that happened in between, I had a difficult time putting the book and NEEDED to find out what would happen with them in the end.

Stone and Avery took me on a total roller coaster of a ride throughout the entire book. Sometimes I loved them, sometimes I wanted to Gibbs smack them, but in the end I really liked both of them. As much as Avery drove me a crazy, I loved her strength and how she accomplished all that she did. Stone was a bit of a wild card for me. I got him and could see why he reacted to some things, but man did he try my patience. He kept his heart on lock down and became cynical, but I loved watching as those walls came tumbling down and exposed the man beneath.

What a rocky and angsty ride Avery and Stone had. From what tore them apart to them colliding again and working through their issues there was never a dull moment. But what came out of all of it was that they were always meant to be together. The chemistry was intense and when they finally got over their issues it was proof positive that what they had was true. The issues that plagued them went from one extreme to another and I swear I didn’t see half of them coming, but I enjoyed how everything worked out.

This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed it. The writing was engaging and even though I would have liked to have a bit of Stone’s POV of things, the first person POV was done very well. Dovie was my favorite secondary character, but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what else Ms. James has planned for the next books in the series.