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Ruthless Villains #5
Merciless Villains
While Audrey and Callan were busy trying to persuade the King of Metal to help them, Chancellor Quill and the rest of his parliament were already making their moves. Faced with overwhelming odds, the dark mages will have to use every trick and every scheme that they can conjure in order to stand a chance.
However, one of the good things about being a dark mage is that there are no limitations. No rules. And no morals. To win this war, Callan and Audrey and the rest of their allies plan to fight dirty. Nothing is too ruthless, too wicked, when their power and freedom are on the line. The only problem is of course that dark mages are not used to working together with others, and one mistake could doom them all.
Trust is scarce. Relationships barely formed are easily broken. And the entire might of Eldar, along with a Binder, awaits them on the other side of the battlefield. Can Audrey and Callan go up against them and walk away victorious? Or do ruthless villains like them simply not get a happily ever after?
However, one of the good things about being a dark mage is that there are no limitations. No rules. And no morals. To win this war, Callan and Audrey and the rest of their allies plan to fight dirty. Nothing is too ruthless, too wicked, when their power and freedom are on the line. The only problem is of course that dark mages are not used to working together with others, and one mistake could doom them all.
Trust is scarce. Relationships barely formed are easily broken. And the entire might of Eldar, along with a Binder, awaits them on the other side of the battlefield. Can Audrey and Callan go up against them and walk away victorious? Or do ruthless villains like them simply not get a happily ever after?
330 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2023
137 people are currently reading
1451 people want to read
About the author
Marion Blackwood
32 books1,537 followersMarion Blackwood is the author of The Oncoming Storm series, the Court of Elves series, the Ruthless Villains series, the Ruthless Enemy trilogy, and the Flame and Thorns series. She has a Master's Degree in English and History Education, and she worked as a high school teacher before becoming a full-time author. When she's not busy writing fantasy books or traveling the world, she reads, binges shows, and loses at video games. Marion has previously lived in the US and China, but now she once again calls the beautiful country of Sweden home. To find out more, visit: www.marionblackwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 3, 2023
(3.5 stars)
did this series need to be 5 books long? probably not.
did I have fun anyway? a little …
did this series need to be 5 books long? probably not.
did I have fun anyway? a little …
April 24, 2025
this series is perfect to read between other books to avoid the reading slump ❤️🩹
May 1, 2023
Epic finale
This is so bittersweet! This series has been amazing from start to finish. I have been anticipating this book because I wanted to see how everything wrapped up, but I was dreading this book because then everything would be wrapped up and the series would be finished! As much as I wanted to savor this final book, as usual Marion sucked me into the story and I just could not put it down! There’s so much fighting and scheming that the pages just turn themselves, and the love story between Callan and Audrey was just superb. I loved that Levi played such a big role in this book since his series will be next. And Henry and Paige were perfect! The scheming and planning was so well thought out and written, and the demise of our true villain was fantastic! I am seriously depressed and sad now that I have to say goodbye to Callan and Audrey, but I’m so satisfied with their villainous happy ever after!
This is so bittersweet! This series has been amazing from start to finish. I have been anticipating this book because I wanted to see how everything wrapped up, but I was dreading this book because then everything would be wrapped up and the series would be finished! As much as I wanted to savor this final book, as usual Marion sucked me into the story and I just could not put it down! There’s so much fighting and scheming that the pages just turn themselves, and the love story between Callan and Audrey was just superb. I loved that Levi played such a big role in this book since his series will be next. And Henry and Paige were perfect! The scheming and planning was so well thought out and written, and the demise of our true villain was fantastic! I am seriously depressed and sad now that I have to say goodbye to Callan and Audrey, but I’m so satisfied with their villainous happy ever after!
April 25, 2023
just what I needed!
I didn’t know how this was going to wrap up, but the twist was everything I needed! I’m so happy with the way it turned out! Ahhh no spoilers but I’m very happy!
I didn’t know how this was going to wrap up, but the twist was everything I needed! I’m so happy with the way it turned out! Ahhh no spoilers but I’m very happy!
January 14, 2025
This was a good book, but seriously though the whole series I was enraptured and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I liked that the start of the series Audrey and Callen were actual enemies and wanted to kill each other(unlike other enemies to lovers books cough cough). I enjoyed the character dynamics, especially between Callen and Levi as two powerful dark mages who are used to making orders not following them. Overall this book was a good ending to this series and I can't wait to read Levi's series!
September 30, 2023
I recognize this is probably not a five star series but it made me so giddy I felt like kicking my feet and squealing and honestly I can't remember the last time I had that feeling so I have to give it 5 stars because it gave me hours of unbridled joy and these days that's an automatic perfect.
April 30, 2023
Loved this series !
May 4, 2023
3.5 Stars
June 11, 2023
Fun, but I found after a few books that I really had to be in the right mood for it. Simple spicy action adventure.
July 24, 2023
As a series it has its moments. Definitely did not need to be 5 books long. The "spicy" got really redundant. Felt a little bit like filler chapters, to drag the plot out.
The cartoonish violence/villain/hero nonsense towards the end got worse and worse. Culminating in exactly what you think will happen by the 3rd one.
There's nothing wrong with predictable when the path to get there is amusing. But it felt like the series was running out of steam. Hit its peak in book 2?
Super easy/quick read. KindleUnlimited.
Not a re-read kind of series. 0 desire to read the spin off
The cartoonish violence/villain/hero nonsense towards the end got worse and worse. Culminating in exactly what you think will happen by the 3rd one.
There's nothing wrong with predictable when the path to get there is amusing. But it felt like the series was running out of steam. Hit its peak in book 2?
Super easy/quick read. KindleUnlimited.
Not a re-read kind of series. 0 desire to read the spin off
April 30, 2023
🧪Merciless Villains -Ruthless Villains Book 5- Review🧪
Couple: Audrey and Callan
Author: Marion Blackwood
Tropes: enemy to lover, dare romance, guild romance, morally grey romance, mage romance, PNR
Review: What. A. Finale!! This book stats off where we ended book 4 and we see tension start to rise as more and more mages attack the dark mages’ homes.
Audrey and Callan were evil couple goals in this book and I loved how mirthlessly their friends teased them for goals they had previously not mentioned. I really enjoyed the trip into Grant’s garden of nightmares…it was hilarious!
My favorite parts of this book were how blatant the lines the dark mages had and the respect and communication Audrey and Callan had for one another. It really showed how far they had come when they did not go running off mad at tiny mistakes. Personally, Callan was my favorite in this final book and he just made me so happy for Audrey as well.
The book has a lot of intense scenes where Callan and Audrey have to learn how to navigate their feelings and being at war. I also loved how Callan and Levi began tiny repairs in their relationship. The sass Audrey had with Levi also always made me laugh because Callan was so afraid for her. When we all know…Levi had a weakness for Audrey since she reminds him of someone.
This book also has a TON of SPICE! It is hot and dark and os so perfect for these two. We learn more about how Callan came to be in his desires when Levi explains how his metal working developed. We also see Levi acting like the disgusted big brother to Callan when him and Audrey eye each other.
This book was everything I wanted! I only wish we got another bonus scene!
Rating: 100+, omg that finale….I’ll miss these two!
Couple: Audrey and Callan
Author: Marion Blackwood
Tropes: enemy to lover, dare romance, guild romance, morally grey romance, mage romance, PNR
Review: What. A. Finale!! This book stats off where we ended book 4 and we see tension start to rise as more and more mages attack the dark mages’ homes.
Audrey and Callan were evil couple goals in this book and I loved how mirthlessly their friends teased them for goals they had previously not mentioned. I really enjoyed the trip into Grant’s garden of nightmares…it was hilarious!
My favorite parts of this book were how blatant the lines the dark mages had and the respect and communication Audrey and Callan had for one another. It really showed how far they had come when they did not go running off mad at tiny mistakes. Personally, Callan was my favorite in this final book and he just made me so happy for Audrey as well.
The book has a lot of intense scenes where Callan and Audrey have to learn how to navigate their feelings and being at war. I also loved how Callan and Levi began tiny repairs in their relationship. The sass Audrey had with Levi also always made me laugh because Callan was so afraid for her. When we all know…Levi had a weakness for Audrey since she reminds him of someone.
This book also has a TON of SPICE! It is hot and dark and os so perfect for these two. We learn more about how Callan came to be in his desires when Levi explains how his metal working developed. We also see Levi acting like the disgusted big brother to Callan when him and Audrey eye each other.
This book was everything I wanted! I only wish we got another bonus scene!
Rating: 100+, omg that finale….I’ll miss these two!
April 27, 2023
True rating: 3.75
This book faced the same "issue" that #4 did regarding pacing. It was never boring and I never had thoughts about dnf'ing the book, but it did get slow around the middle. It sometimes felt like there was too much setup and scheming for the battle scenes / too many moments of them walking around Eldar carrying out x,y,z part of their plans.
But, that's just a minor thing. Obviously, since I almost gave this book 4 stars, I still really enjoyed it. I've had fun with Callan and Audrey, and their arc was entertaining to follow.
From murderous rivals to temporary allies to lovers to friends to an HEA, I was consistently on board with their dynamics (though, as is the case with every rivals/enemies to lovers, the smut feels more explosive when the characters think they hate each other). But, this series avoids one of the pitfalls that most smut/romance series fall victim to: the quantity of smut content did not decrease as the books continues. Typically, as the series unfolds and the plot develops, it overshadows the smut. Which is like fine, and not something I'm going to dock a book for, but it does mean that I'm often left wanting. Just bc the characters don't hate each other anymore doesn't mean they can't still boink. This series dodges that issue entirely while still delivering a pretty epic final battle. My mouth literally dropped when Lance did what he did (vague bc spoilers and this book just came out).
But yeah. I had a good time. I'm probably gonna check out Levi's story bc the King of Metal made me giggle quite a few times. I'm curious to see if it's in the past in Malgrave or in the future....
This book faced the same "issue" that #4 did regarding pacing. It was never boring and I never had thoughts about dnf'ing the book, but it did get slow around the middle. It sometimes felt like there was too much setup and scheming for the battle scenes / too many moments of them walking around Eldar carrying out x,y,z part of their plans.
But, that's just a minor thing. Obviously, since I almost gave this book 4 stars, I still really enjoyed it. I've had fun with Callan and Audrey, and their arc was entertaining to follow.
From murderous rivals to temporary allies to lovers to friends to an HEA, I was consistently on board with their dynamics (though, as is the case with every rivals/enemies to lovers, the smut feels more explosive when the characters think they hate each other). But, this series avoids one of the pitfalls that most smut/romance series fall victim to: the quantity of smut content did not decrease as the books continues. Typically, as the series unfolds and the plot develops, it overshadows the smut. Which is like fine, and not something I'm going to dock a book for, but it does mean that I'm often left wanting. Just bc the characters don't hate each other anymore doesn't mean they can't still boink. This series dodges that issue entirely while still delivering a pretty epic final battle. My mouth literally dropped when Lance did what he did (vague bc spoilers and this book just came out).
But yeah. I had a good time. I'm probably gonna check out Levi's story bc the King of Metal made me giggle quite a few times. I'm curious to see if it's in the past in Malgrave or in the future....
August 19, 2023
Oh, the ending was so good!
This series really grew on me. I'm glad I gave the second book a chance.
This final book still has most of the criticism I gave the other books. The repetitiveness. The fact we're in the heads of the people making the plan but don't know the plan. The fact that the plans are ridiculously convoluted. That they try so hard to outsmart each other. And again, the repetitiveness.
This series could have probably been 3 books instead of 5 without losing any plot or meaning.
But I read all 5 books because the characters grew on me.
I love Paige and am so happy we got to read more about her and Henry.
Sienna became a favorite to me because I have a weak spot for unhinged insane women.
But I might like secretly in love with each other but outward hating each other Audrey and Callan more than official couple Audrey and Callan.
The ending was amazing. I kind of saw some of it coming, but that made it even more satisfying to read. And I didn't expect it to go quite that far, so that was a very good shocker.
I like the world, so I think I will be reading Ruthless Enemy at some point. Probably when the series is finished, as I don't like waiting on a cliffhanger.
This series really grew on me. I'm glad I gave the second book a chance.
This final book still has most of the criticism I gave the other books. The repetitiveness. The fact we're in the heads of the people making the plan but don't know the plan. The fact that the plans are ridiculously convoluted. That they try so hard to outsmart each other. And again, the repetitiveness.
This series could have probably been 3 books instead of 5 without losing any plot or meaning.
But I read all 5 books because the characters grew on me.
I love Paige and am so happy we got to read more about her and Henry.
Sienna became a favorite to me because I have a weak spot for unhinged insane women.
But I might like secretly in love with each other but outward hating each other Audrey and Callan more than official couple Audrey and Callan.
The ending was amazing. I kind of saw some of it coming, but that made it even more satisfying to read. And I didn't expect it to go quite that far, so that was a very good shocker.
I like the world, so I think I will be reading Ruthless Enemy at some point. Probably when the series is finished, as I don't like waiting on a cliffhanger.
May 8, 2023
It was good I guess. I think the story and world had a lot of potential but the author's style of writing kinda squandered it. I feel like the writing was a little juvenile and overly emphatic at times, I don't really know how to describe it. It was definitely repetitive, and not just in terms of word choice but also in plot points as well. Like the amount of times they made a basic scheme, executed it mediocrely, and then got outplayed by the chancellor was irritating, how many times does something like that have to happen before these morons actually learn from their mistakes?? Also the way the writing was trying to convince us they were all super scary powerful villains that create super ingenious plans was so cringey. Idk if I can put it into words, it's like the author tried too hard to make the characters or their actions seem cool but all it made me want to do is roll my eyes. But regardless of all that I did read all 5 books and gave them decent ratings so it honestly wasn't all that bad I just probably won't ever be rereading this series.
April 29, 2023
𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓀𝒾𝓈𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓈 𝒾𝒻 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒹𝑒𝒸𝓁𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜𝓁𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓂𝓃 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝓈.
While I am very sad that this series has come to an end, I am so happy for Audrey and Callan to finally have their happily evil after. I’ve really loved their story and development and seeing them going from cutthroat villains to cutthroat villains with 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴.
Scenes that had me blushing because they were so cute:
• The house in Eldar (um, excuse me - so cute)
• Every time Henry and Paige interact
• “Maybe we should make that official sometime.”
• Malcolm and Grant power sharing
• The blood oath (I almost cried)
• “Wife.” “ Husband.”
Notes:
- HEA
- descriptive violence, gore
- spice (starts at 12%, all consensual)
- kink (bondage, knife-play, choking, sub/dom)
- hostage situations
- classism
- blackmail
- poisoning
- mention of suicide
- completed series
While I am very sad that this series has come to an end, I am so happy for Audrey and Callan to finally have their happily evil after. I’ve really loved their story and development and seeing them going from cutthroat villains to cutthroat villains with 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴.
Scenes that had me blushing because they were so cute:
• The house in Eldar (um, excuse me - so cute)
• Every time Henry and Paige interact
• “Maybe we should make that official sometime.”
• Malcolm and Grant power sharing
• The blood oath (I almost cried)
• “Wife.” “ Husband.”
Notes:
- HEA
- descriptive violence, gore
- spice (starts at 12%, all consensual)
- kink (bondage, knife-play, choking, sub/dom)
- hostage situations
- classism
- blackmail
- poisoning
- mention of suicide
- completed series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
This series tied up SO NICELY. So much action. A super fun ride from start to finish. Some seeds that were planted came to fruition! My lasting thoughts about this series was that it was so consistent. I’m not sure I can elaborate much because it’s a big of a all-encompassing feeling, but every book delivered on what was already promised and given since the very first book.
“I took her jaw in a firm grip and leaned down closer to her face. “Don’t steal my kills.” “I won’t.” A smirk played over her lips as she lifted a hand and gave my cheek a couple of brisk pats. “When you stop being so inefficient.”
“I took her jaw in a firm grip and leaned down closer to her face. “Don’t steal my kills.” “I won’t.” A smirk played over her lips as she lifted a hand and gave my cheek a couple of brisk pats. “When you stop being so inefficient.”
August 19, 2023
Although I really enjoyed the book, I was ready for the end. There was too much repetition and ended up being too drawn out.
The relationship between Audrey and Callan was good to see. Each book showed how they built trust and their love story was definitely an enemies to lovers.
Maybe I'm the only one who thinks this, but there was quite a lot of chemistry was between Audrey and Levi. In the previous book I thought their bickering was funny to see, if both of them didn't have partners and both of them didn't have such big egos their definitely could have been a good couple.
The relationship between Audrey and Callan was good to see. Each book showed how they built trust and their love story was definitely an enemies to lovers.
Maybe I'm the only one who thinks this, but there was quite a lot of chemistry was between Audrey and Levi. In the previous book I thought their bickering was funny to see, if both of them didn't have partners and both of them didn't have such big egos their definitely could have been a good couple.
May 27, 2023
amazing series!
This was truly an amazing series and I’m sad it’s over, I loved every bit of it, the wit, the spice, the plot twists, EVERYTHING! It’s a literal crime that Marion is not up there in the ranks with very well known artists. She is an amazing author and I hope all of her books reach millions in sales. Thank you for roping me into this series, I didn’t ever want to put it down.
This was truly an amazing series and I’m sad it’s over, I loved every bit of it, the wit, the spice, the plot twists, EVERYTHING! It’s a literal crime that Marion is not up there in the ranks with very well known artists. She is an amazing author and I hope all of her books reach millions in sales. Thank you for roping me into this series, I didn’t ever want to put it down.
May 1, 2023
Não sei porque mas esse livro me pega. A escrita é provavelmente ruim mas eu amei esse mundo enemies to lovers fantasy. Tava sem ler há um tempo e achei bem coincidência que voltei logo quando o último livro da série ( que foi a última coisa que eu li) lançou. Vou sentir falta da magia, das brigas pré romance e da leitura leve
May 13, 2023
sweet ending to the series
I love this world and characters but if I’m being honest the story dragged on too much for me. I had a hard time reading this one all of the way through.
That being said about this particular book,I love Marion’s work and will be picking up her next series!
I love this world and characters but if I’m being honest the story dragged on too much for me. I had a hard time reading this one all of the way through.
That being said about this particular book,I love Marion’s work and will be picking up her next series!
April 27, 2023
All in all, a super fun and easy to read series. Books 1-3 are definitely the strongest of the series, and it starts to lag a bit for 4-5, but again, fun to read, cool villains to root for, and a good finish to what was started.
May 14, 2023
I thought the 4th book was the last so I was done with these characters in my mind. This book was completely unnecessary but in part with the rest. Good smut, good enough plot, not amazing in any way, also not bad.
May 20, 2023
A stunning conclusion to a fantastic series!
Top notch schemes, brutally intricate battles, toe curling romance, and characters that you can’t help but root for in all their merciless villainy. 10/10 for this series! I can’t wait to read the spin off coming up!
Top notch schemes, brutally intricate battles, toe curling romance, and characters that you can’t help but root for in all their merciless villainy. 10/10 for this series! I can’t wait to read the spin off coming up!
May 28, 2023
This was an okay series. The plot got better as the books went along. Good amount of spice but became repetitive. World building was okay but wasn’t very detailed. I wish more happened with Audrey’s family. Or Callan’s. Every piece of the plot was really surface level and then left behind. Meh.
December 30, 2024
Enjoyable finale to this series. Very pleased after sticking through all 5 books. Cool magic system that I'm left craving more off..... therefore, I will be reading the spin-off series with Levi and backstory, iykyk 😏 and something tells me it's going to be extra delicious to consume.
April 15, 2023
Absolutely loved the earlier books in this series, for no apparent reason didn’t connect with this one too much.
Still the spicy 🌶️ hawt fantasy style Marion Blackwood is so good at
Still the spicy 🌶️ hawt fantasy style Marion Blackwood is so good at
April 28, 2023
The action and twist and turns made this the perfect ending to this series!
There was spice, new romance, tension, drama and betrayal! Just perfect!
There was spice, new romance, tension, drama and betrayal! Just perfect!
May 7, 2023
Love the ending love the story! The series is worth it and I recommended it to my friends.
May 7, 2023
3.5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews