Really great book! LJ is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint! 4.5 stars I loved the characters and the storyline

2.75 stars - I was excited about this book since it was about Vicious and Emila's son, Vaughan. I really could not connect with the characters. This book fell flat for me and I was so bored throughout reading the book that I was surprised I was able to finish reading in 1 day.

Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

LJ Shen's writing is as good as ever and this one doesn't disappoint. But I will say please note there are SEVERAL SA triggers so please please protect yourself if needed.

I don't think I've red a LJ Shen book I haven't liked, but they are dark, and this one is particularly so. Bloody, vicious, all that. But she hits the nail on the head for dark romance, as always.

What can I say about this book? The story of Vaughn Spencer and Lenora is complex and layered. There are so many emotions from the moment Lenora walks in on Vicious when they were young to the moment they reconnect in their senior year of high school.

My heart broke for Lenora and everything she goes through. The bullying from the other girls, desperately seeking her father’s approval, and figuring out her feelings for the emotionally elusive Vaughn Spencer. It’s a true rollercoaster.

I was both angered by Vaughn and his treatment of Lenora and then saddened for him and how he dealt with the complicated past that haunted him. He was cruel and aloof at times, but he was also a deeply wounded hero.

Thoroughly enjoyed being put through the emotional wringer!

***I received this book as an ARC on NetGalley in return for an honest review.***

Rating: 3.8 stars
WRITING STYLE: 0.8/1
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 0.8/1
ENTERTAINMENT: 0.8/1
PLOT: 0.8/1
ROMANCE: 0.6/1

Vaughn Spencer rules Todos Santos, and Lenora “Lenny” Astalis is his sworn enemy. They are two high schoolers vying for the same prestigious art internship. Vaughn and Lenny have been enemies since they were kids. So much can change in five years, maybe their rivalry will, too.

First off, I did not know what I was getting myself into when I started “Angry God.” I was familiar with LJ Shen’s name, but not her style. As someone who typically reads lighter romances or romances that have morally gray men that I like to imagine loving, this was most certainly a change of pace for me to read. The higher rating surprised me, but at the same time, I find it justifiable. The plot itself was interesting to explore because the world of fine art is not one that I have had the chance to readily explore. More than anything, I wanted to know how it ended. I wanted to know if the relationship between Lenny and Vaughn changed or stayed the same.

“Angry God” was a darker, bully “romance” with characters that I did not find relatable or even likable. However, I was astounded at the depth that the characters were written in. When reading books about things or people that I have no ability to relate to, typically the characters turn out to be poorly written or not dynamic. Lenny and Vaughn were equally mean, vindictive, and quite frankly, awful human beings. So you might be asking, why did I give such a high score for character development (usually character likability)? The thing about LJ Shen’s writing is that she was able to write characters that change and grow.

I think the bigger thing to be taken from the characters in “Angry Gods” was how it made me wonder if this was the high school experience for some people. There were numerous points where I found myself thinking, “No way is this realistic.” In some stories an unrealistic plot is what makes a book endearing. In “Angry Gods”, I found myself questioning the experiences of my life and the experiences of others’ lives. While I can’t be sure if that was the point of LJ Shen’s writing, it was definitely achieved.

“Angry God” is not exactly what I would call a romance read in the traditional sense, but it does have intense emotion and a morally slate gray version of love.

Vaughn and Lenny ride that fine line between love and hate here. Vaughn has always bullied Lenny and crossing so many lines in some of the times he has with no hesitation. But with that pull to each other, they’re not sure how to even navigate that.

I loved that Lenny had a backbone here, and accepting the position so Vaught and her are on her turf unlike back at the university. The angst, the banter? Phenomenal. This pair truly deserves each other and I loved watching them heal over time throughout this book.

Shen does not disappoint, and I devoured this book like a snack. This can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the others in the series, too!


Thank you to LJ Shen and Bloom Books for the eARC!

4 Stars for this dark romance!

If you're looking for a sweet romance ... this is not that book. There could be triggers for many people because there are horrendous situations in this book. There are secrets and twist and turns in this book that had me saying WTF! Vaughn and Lenny definitely fall under that old saying "a fine line between love and hate". Vaughn had no qualms crossing over lines that shouldn't be crossed, just to mess with Lenny. At least Lenny had a backbone and tried to stand her ground with him.

Vaughn has been Lenny's bully since the day she accidentally found out is biggest secret. When Lenny shows up at All Saints High in California (Vaughn's domain) she feels a strong pull to him even though he bullies her. Vaughn doesn't know what to do with the electrical current that connects him to Lenny, as it's been there since the day they met. When Vaughn gets the coveted internship over Lenny, she is shocked and even more devastated when she is offered his assistant position. But she decides to take the position because then Vaughn will be on her territory ... Carlisle Caste in London.

I received a copy courtesy of Sourcebooks Bloom Books through NetGalley.

This book was a surprise because the MMC’s parents were my first-ever (and favorite) LJ Shen book and so I had high expectations. I was disappointed in the way Leigh handled the OGs arc as parents because it just does not align. Like why would Vicious and Emilia not be aware, more concerned, and engaged with their only son than they were in this book? I think the plotting just didn’t make sense and Leigh had to make do with the trap she made for herself because the timeline from the previous two books also didn’t work (like the girl Vaughn brought to Luna’s proposal was a clear plot hole that Leigh had to cover up with a stupid reason) and elements like that just stand out to you because usually Shen approaches her books with such a refined care. I don’t think she knew how to handle a next-generation series though because she stopped caring with most of these storylines. I was also disappointed by the color change of the cover because I understand market feedback as one thing but the red fit for a reason because it represented the characters and this blue does not fit the dark vibe of this story or characters at all!

Despite that, I like the heroine and thought she was a good fit for the hero. They both healed individually and together even if the plot itself didn’t work. I am scared for the last book now because the author is returning to this world after several years and I’m not sure if she’s in the mindset to write a YA/high school romance any longer but I have been anticipating this couple for so long that I will maintain high expectations for Lev Cole. Leigh please don’t let Levi let me down!

Vaughn Spencer is a god but he also harbors a secret that has turned his heart black. Len doesn't want anything to do with Vaughn, but she also can't help being drawn to him.

This series is so good! I loved getting Vaughn's book. You know it was going to be good being as he is Vicious's son. And this didn't disappoint. Vaughn is so broken and that at times it was hard to relate to him. But this is also a bully romance so I knew going in that it was going to be hard to like him. Beyond that though, he is literally everything. Len is also great. She's strong and doesn't back down to anyone, even Vaughn. I really liked the art aspect of this too. It was the one thing that kept them together and allowed both of them to have some genuine expression.

All in all, this was a great NA spicy romance.

-bully
-HS/NA
-enemies to lovers
-artists
-part of interconnected series

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy. My reviews are always honest.

Ohhh boy I knew this would wreck me. I just didn't know how bad it would hurt!!
LJ Shen writes some of the most angsty emotional reads!
I love Vicious and Amelia so I knew their kid's book would be all that and more.

VAUGHN... OH VAUGHN!! You overcame sooo much. The snark and coldness was a shield made necessary from childhood trauma.
Lenny was the only choice for his one true love.

Best part of this was Vicious going to bat for his son!! I went apeshit for that scene!!!!

They both went through a metamorphosis through trauma and came put the other end stronger and fierce!!
Narration by Jacob Morgan and Kylie Stewart with cameos by Christian Rummel and Savannah Peachwood.

Woah! Dark romance indeed. Lots of dark angry caos and mystery I enjoyed reading Vaughn and Leonora. The writing pulled me in and would not let go. My first time reading this series, haven’t read the parents’ book yet but I definitely will.

The book was written with so much thought and emotions. LJ Shen is a fabulous writer. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

This book is brilliant and hard. It’s mesmerizing at the same time as cringeworthy. It’s a relationship train wreck of dysfunctional cruelty until they’re suddenly in love. Excellent world building with terrible yet rich characters. I didn’t like either main character but I also couldn’t stop reading their brutal, often aggressive and physically harmful relationship. There’s blood play for you to be warned. There’s no shying away from explicit details. It’s got just a long list of triggers so read that before reading. Totally appreciated the read and recommend but not for the faint of heart.

Angry God was a beautiful masterpiece, the audiobook was very good narrated and the story is one that you will keep forever. LJ Shen did an amazing story for these two, I loved the way she managed to tell the story with all the twists and things that happened in the story. A remarkable read.

Between the sexual tension and the going back and forth with each character it feels like a tennis game where you see the ball going to each side of the court but you can never look away because you wanna see where the ball lands, the themes in the book and the storyline are so captivating it’s a must read. This is apart of a series and I now want to backtrack and read more of this world.

Tropes:
BULLY Romance
Possessive MMC
Touch Her, You Die
Enemies to Lovers
Only you
Highschool
Dual POV

L.J. Shen is absolutely the queen of Bully romances and this one is no different. I absolutely LOVED this one and read it so fast.

Their love is messy and dark but they come together beautifully. Vaughn learning how to accept her love and that he loves her was perfect.

No spoilers but the Angry God part, total swoon.

PLEASE check triggers there are very dark subjects discussed.

📚👏 I devoured this book in one sitting. I REPEAT. In one sitting. I AM IMPRESSED. It's been a while since I've come across a good enemies-to-lovers book, and this one was INSANE. Right from the first chapter, LJ Shen introduces the MMC, Vaughn Spencer, not as a bad boy but as an ANGRY GOD. Sold, instantly. ⚡🖤

The relationship between the FMC and MMC starts off strong, takes a nosedive, and then gradually ascends to new heights. The best part? They're thrown into so many different situations that at one point, you find yourself screaming at the book, like WHAT IS HAPPENING, I NEED TO KNOW. The author expertly keeps you hooked with secrets and scenes that unravel later. Plus, the way their relationship develops and the steamy spice scenes between them are simply WOWZA. 🔥

I can talk about this book so much.. but I am speechless so this is the best you will get from me. READ THE BOOK. Be mindful of sensitive topics; check for trigger warnings before diving in. But I swear, everything ties together beautifully, and getting teary towards the end is an understatement.

Tropes:
⚡Bully Romance
⚡Touch Her, You Die
⚡Enemies to Lovers
⚡Dual POV
⚡Possessive MMC

Favorite Quote🔥: "Kissing him was like standing on the edge of a cliff. Nice view but you knew it was deadly."

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

I absolutely love L.J. Shen. Her books are always so entertaining and keep you hooked. This is the third book in the All Saints High series. The characters backstories were woven together perfectly. As always the writing was amazing. She always grabs me from beginning until the end. This book will have you feeling all of your emotions. If you have read any of her books before you already know what I mean. I highly recommend this book and this series!!

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this one.

I'm so so sad, as I loved the other books in this series (and the older gen), but this one just didn't make sense to me. The hatred, pitting against one another, the mean friends... it just didn't work for me. It was def more bully, than romance.

Every time I think LJ Shen has written my favorite book by her, tops it with the next one. Angry God has all the angst, the emotion and incredible writing that I've come to expect and love from LJ. This story pushes boundaries, it broke my damn heart, it made me fall in love with Vicious all over again. The artistry that Leigh is gifted with blows me away every single time, but Angry God was a whole new dimension. Vaughn imprinted his soul into mine and I will take him with me forever. I love how all of Leigh’s characters are complex, all while she continues to deliver us with stories that break the surface of what we expect while reading. She blows me away every single time with her talent. Angry God was no exception at all. Vaughn was the artist who painted the love story between he and . I cannot wait until everyone gets to read and truly appreciate how incredible this story is. INCREDIBLE.