Wicked Enemy

Ruthless Enemy #2

by Marion Blackwood

Disaster has left Levi's once mighty Court of Metal in shambles, and he is now besieged from every side. Word has spread about his weakened state, which emboldens enemies from both without and within. In a mad scramble for survival, he must deal with both the other dark mages inside Malgrave as well as a lurking threat from the north.

At the same time, Eve faces a struggle of her own. She should know what the right path is, but after everything that has happened, she is no longer so sure. Torn between her head and her heart, she tries desperately to walk the line between good and evil without fully choosing side. But some decisions cannot be unmade. And some consequences are irreversible.

Levi and Eve are from two completely separate worlds that are impossible to unite. Is there any hope for their relationship? Or will the chasm between them remain forever unbridgeable?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Enemies To Lovers

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2023

About the author

Marion 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

Reviews

[Charlotte Andrea✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Oh spitfire, when will you learn that I don’t play fair?”

Thank you so much to Marion Blackwood for the ARC and making me a part of your Street Team, I’m so happy to continue this story as I loved the first book too! This book is releasing September 25th and is up for preorder now: https://www.marionblackwood.com

⭐️Rivals to lovers
⭐️Scheming
⭐️Plot twists
⭐️Amazing world building
⭐️Morally grey and domineering MMC
⭐️Badass FMC
⭐️Intricate magical system
⭐️Slow burn tension
⭐️Banter
⭐️Spice and bondage🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️Kidnapping

Trigger warnings: Violence, attempted murder, murder, death, blood, torture, threats at knifepoint, blackmail, home invasion, swearing, alcohol consumption, drug use, hostage situation, kidnapping, graphic sexual content which includes acts such as bondage and dominate/submissive behavior.

The world building is still very immersive and expanded a bit from the last book, but I would not have minded if it expanded a bit more through the north and maybe come to the coast with one new character in som way too. Hopefully that will come in book two🤞🏼Loved the intricate magical system that reminded me of W.I.T.C.H from my childhood and now it’s even more complicated and I’m almost scared for Levi and the dark mages.

The plot twists was so good again, truly a specialty that Marion really knows how to do. I did see most of them coming, but didn’t mind because Im pretty happy with all the outcomes. It is a cliffhanger again too, but this time it’s a little nicer ending at the same time as Marion has taken care our broken hearts from last time ❤️‍🩹😂

I love the relationship between Eve and Levi. It’s very realistic, problematic and really steamy🔥 I love how it all unfolds. I was very unsure about how this book was going to continue after the cliffhanger in book one. Luckily the couple didn’t have long monologues where each is miserable and separated for too long so I was very happy with that. Marion still made it realistic with them being rivals, but was able to take it in a different way that felt original and much more intriguing to me. I always have a fun time with these two and loved the interactions they have, whether it’s spice, romance, scheming or politics.

I loved the addition that the other characters had in these second instalment and hoping it will have a bit more focus in the next book too. Marion sure can write write morally grey characters and I’m excited to get even more grey into the picture. I’m very curious what Eve’s colleagues have to say and do now so hoping for more of them to speak up in the final book. I’m also very curious in other side characters and hope to get to know the brutally villain in north to learn more about him and see his smirk come off his face!

Wicked Enemy is the second book in a new spicy romantasy trilogy, a prequel series to the Ruthless Villains series. You don’t have to read one before the other as it’s separate stories in the same world. Can’t wait for the last book and the ending to Levi’s and Eve’s story coming out in December as Marion sure has something to spectacularly planned out!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent way to continue this series! I’m so in love with Levi. Throughout this book he has some conflicting feelings but despite them he truly cares for Eve. Eve is such a wonderful character. She’s strong and independent. The villain in this book was really interesting and the ending was fantastic.

[hea booktubes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I wanted it to be. Ready for the finale.

[Auriel Ganz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Enjoyed all the ways Eve tried to help Levi and I thought he was very stuck at some points; I had no idea how he was going to get out of some situations.

Their relationship seemed to wrap up pretty nicely, but the last 2 pages got me hooked for the last book! Will start soon!

[Jennifer Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Enemy picks up right after the events of book 1, and I would just like to say that I’m so glad that Eve is justifiably miserable after her betrayal of Levi and his people. I mean that tore my heart to shreds when she did that so I’m glad to see that she’s not entirely happy with her decision. Eve is back on the North Side with her constable squad. The Captain is furious with her failure, her “friends” are silently judging her and all she can focus on is being torn between guilt in letting Levi go and guilt in betraying him. Levi is on the South Side reeling from Eve’s betrayal. Word has gotten out that the majority of his mages have been captured, and the rest of the dark mage houses are more than willing to take advantage of the opportunity. Wave after wave of attacks hit Levi, and he’s desperate to get his people back. But after a failed attempt things are beginning to look bleak for our King of Metal. And with the entrance of a new dark mage in play things are really looking bad. The worldwalker, Christian White, does not play by the rules. And he’s an opponent like none Levi has ever faced.

Levi ends up saving Eve from Christian, which forces Eve to make some tough decisions. She’s not willing to give up her life as a constable to honor her father, but she can’t but love the dark mage she can’t seem to stay away from. And Levi can’t seem to quit saving her life. Schemes and bargains abound galore in this story, and it turns out that Eve might make a better dark mage than she does a constable. And secrets and truths buried in the dark always have a way of coming to the light. When faced with life altering truths which side will Eve choose? And will the King of Metal be able to bargain the worldwalker out of his city for good?

Like all of Marion’s books this one was full of action from start to finish! I loved seeing the growth of these two characters. Levi is no longer cold and unfeeling, but his heart has been torn to shreds by Eve’s actions. He really shows his strength and resilience in this book. I mean a couple of times I just wanted to reach into the pages of this book and give him a hug. Marion puts him through the wringer! Eve spirals emotionally in this one, and I loved it! In book 1 she really had a clamp on her emotions and in this one she really starts to let go of that control. There are schemes galore in this one, and I love it! The spice was perfect for this story! This two characters have a lot of hurt and anger to get through and I loved the progress we see on both sides. This was another home run by Marion, and I am so excited for book 3!

[theromantasybookcorner._ · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖✨𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊•𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖✨📖
♡︎༻༺✩༻༺♡︎

📚𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂•𝔻𝔼𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊📚
🌹𝚆𝙸𝙲𝙺𝙴𝙳 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝚈 𝙱𝚈 𝙼𝙰𝚁𝙸𝙾𝙽 𝙱𝙻𝙰𝙲𝙺𝚆𝙾𝙾𝙳
🌹𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟸 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚁𝚄𝚃𝙷𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚂 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝚈
𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂
🌹𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: 𝚂𝙿𝙸𝙲𝚈 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
🌹𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝚂𝙴𝙿𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙱𝙴𝚁 𝟸𝟻𝚃𝙷, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹 - 𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙽𝙾𝚆 & 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄!✨
🌹𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻

♡︎༻༺✩༻༺♡︎

Thank you so much to Marion Blackwood for my gifted eARC of Wicked Enemy!

This continuation was even better than the first in this series! Marion’s books are always so captivating & easy to read - she’s truly a master at creating really fun reads that pull you in, & are also emotionally impactful & easy to absorb.

Levi & Eve are amazing. I love their interactions & the chemistry between them continues to sizzle! Their character development in this book, both individually & as a pairing, was astounding & I love how complex they both are. Their personalities are total opposites, but they fit together & complement each so perfectly. I loved seeing how they were both going through their own internal battles, & Marion wrote their inner monologues in such a way that you feel their struggle through the pages. The spice ramps up in this book, but it’s perfectly placed with the plot & doesn’t just feel like spice for the sake of spice.

In true Marion fashion, the plot twists were twisting all over the place & definitely left me wanting more in the best way! And let me tell you, I was totally invested in this book! I love the plot & the characters so much, & feel so connected to this story. There were so many times I wanted to jump into the book to help them. This was just such a wonderful book and I’ve really been enjoying Levi and Eve’s story!!

The way this one left off definitely has me stoked to read Book 3, Heartless Enemy (which releases TOMORROW)! I cannot wait to continue this story and see where Marion takes Levi and Eve’s journey!

✨📚𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞...📚✨
🌹Villainous & Morally Grey MMC
⛓️Enemies to Lovers
🌹Touch Her & Die
⛓️Spicy Fantasy Romance
🌹Slow Burn Romance & TENSION
⛓️Plot Twists & Scheming
🌹Intricate World Building & Unique Magic System

♡︎༻༺✩༻༺♡︎

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No more talking to me as if I'm anything but your wicked enemy."

Marion Blackwood does it again! 🖤

I am a part of Marion's street team and received this ARC for a free review. But I would sign my soul over to her to receive these books. Honestly, every book she writes captivates my entire being and I don't know what to do with myself now the book is finished. (Immediately checks the date for the next one).

After the ending of Ruthless Enemy, I did not think the story of Levi and Eve could get any better. I was wrong.

Was I right about the plot twists... yes I was. But does the fact I predicted it take away the emotions I felt learning I was right, no. In fact, I love it when the book proves me right. (It means my intuition works 😜).

Marion knows how to write a quick, easy, spicy fantasy romance read that requires no brainpower when reading about the world and the magic system. It is just as easy as breathing and I am here for all of it.

I loved the development between Levi and Eve, and for themselves as individuals. It's not the same carousel of them loving and hating each other. There is more spice in this one than the first but it makes sense in terms of the story.

If you love a book that has the enemies to lovers trope, the who hurt you trope, a badass female and a good fantasy world with an intricate magic system that makes you want to live it yourself, then Marion Blackwood is your woman and this series is becoming one of my all time favourites.

Wicked Enemy comes out September 25th so race to the internet to purchase your copy ASAP. You need this book in your life.

[Tiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Enemy is book 2 of the Ruthless Enemy trilogy and picks up right where book 1 left off, jumping straight into the action, which never seems to slow down. The plot and pace of the story is perfect and so is the romance.

The slow-burn romance between Levi and Eve excruciatingly delightful and I love watching them both struggle with the consequences that came from book 1.

With Eve's return to the Northside we meet new characters and get to see a little more world building. We are introduced to a new Villian who seems to be bigger and badder than ever and I love it.

As usual we are left with a big plot-twist cliffhanger and I can't wait for book 3! This book is full of action, spice and some pretty badass characters and I highly recommend this series!

Tropes include enemies to lovers, slow burn, plot twists and spice!

Thank you Marion Blackwood for an ARC of this book in return for my review.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

Oh, and the twists continue. On the one hand, I love them because Marion crafts them so damn well. You go back and see all the signs but when they hit you the first time, it’s like a punch to the gut. But on the con side…I dare not accidentally give anything away! Just know you’re going to be left wanting more!

Eve and Levi continue to be fascinating protagonists. I love protagonists who have an unclear moral compass. On the one hand, we’ve seen especially what Levi is capable of but his feelings about Eve make things…complicated. Thus, we’re not really sure WHAT he’ll do…and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t known either.

I continue to be thrilled with each new installment! If you like bad boys, clever plots and conniving characters, you’re all set!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Enemy is my favourite book by Marion so far. I absolutely loved it. The spice is perfect, the characters are entirely believable and the plot is next level.

In Marion Blackwood's books you can expect sneaky twists and turns, scheming and well thought out plots. This one is no different, and I would in fact argue that it's the best one so far.

Levi and Eve are perfect in every way, and are a true testiment to 'opposites attract'. In Wicked Enemy, we get even more character development, and Levi and Eve come to life in the pages. I liked that both of their personalities stood up on their own, without relying on each other to make them interesting.

There was plenty of spice in Wicked Enemy. It was well placed and felt like a progression of the storyline, rather than being in the book for the sake of it.

Five very bright stars to Wicked Enemy, and bring on book 3, Heartless Enemy

[Frommailenesbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for once again giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC from your work! ❤️

This is book 2 of a trilogy ✨️

Back again because Levi and Eve have me on a chokehold! We see the hate being thick, but the chemistry is thicker! 🥵 Levi is having to defend his people and his position left and right, while Eve is fighting against her own morals, questioning if what she's doing and feeling is right or if she's betraying her family's memory.

Every single chapter had me with my mouth open. I struggled putting my kindle down so I could do my daily things. And the way this book ended? Unacceptable. I need book 3 NOW!

📚 Strong Willed FMC
📚 Enemies to Lovers
📚 Plot Twists
📚 Five Years Before "Ruthless Villains" Series
📚 Slowburn Romance
📚 Cliffhanger

[Melanie Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so creative that I devour them to find out how our heartless villains manage to remedy a hopeless situation. Some plan always comes together in the end, and the reader is always taken off guard with it. So good.

The spice is revving up between Levi and Eve, and now that she’s had her entire world turned upside down I can’t wait to see how these two destroy and take over the world together. They will be a true force once Eve is not held back by her morals and what she believes is “right”. The world is too many shades of gray.

I would recommend these books to anyone looking for a fun read that grabs your attention and runs with it. Written by a witty author, you can’t go wrong with this series.

[Karina *kari_reads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series and this author don't disappoint! I loved this book!

It had it all, complex plot with a lot of scheming, battles, blood, comfort, love and smutt. 😏😈🌶🌶🌶

Levi and Eve are amazing. Like two magnets that can't stay away from each other. So delicious. They have great chemistry and are fire in bed! 🥵🔥
This book has even more spice than the first one and I was living for it.
But we also get so many great emotional moments between Levi and Eve. 😍 So romantic in a villain kind of way.

This was definitely the best book in the series since I've already read the third one too.

If you love villain gets the girl, enemies to lovers, kinky smutty time paired with magic battles, PICK THIS SERIES UP! And also the other villain series from the author! They are so good.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read Ruthless Enemy then September 25th can’t come fast enough for you! The continuation of the story had me hooked yet again from the very beginning and did I yell at Marion for leaving me with that ending? Yes, yes I did.

Fast paced, dynamic characters, intricate plots, action, this book has it all and once again she has killed it! I love Marion’s writing and highly recommend you check out any of her series because she never disappoints!

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did - I feel like the story has high potential, but struggles with execution. There is so much repetition and back and forth that makes the plot feel forced. A lot of ‘have your people talk to my people energy’. The world building just needs a little more substance to make the stakes feel higher, because the magic system is interesting and unique. Will I read the 3rd book? Maybe just to close it out, but my expectations will definitely be lower.

[Sabrina Ruan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo EVe got messed up in this book, but I love that the author didn't hold back. Loved that Levi went to get her.

The villian being a worlwalker, his character is very villainy, but his power is teleportation, that's it, and he's supposedly terrifying, not impressed with his power. lol!!

The ending in this one felt a bit anticlimactic, like I could foresee the truth of her father's death in book 1.

But I really enjoyed all the action in this book and the back n forth between Levi n Eve.

[Lauren Swales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear Marion Blackwood can do no wrong.
Everything about this book was perfection. Fast paced, angsty, I love how Levi is so emotionally tortured in this book… ugh, and how he slips into insanity occasionally.

So now I’m left on a cliffhanger… hurry up book 3.

Also, I don’t want this series to end 😭

[Halel Amram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book loved the plot. There were a few grammatical errors but nothing too troubling. But one question though HOW THE HELL CAN YOU END THE BOOK LIKE THIS?! YOU’RE REALLY TELLING ME I HAVE TO WAIT 3 MORE MONTHS FOR THE NEXT BOOK TO COME OUT?! WHAT?!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read that combined fantasy elements, action, and a little spice. A nice pallet cleanser for the heavier/deeper fantasy novels I’ve been reading lately. A nice quick read. The ending had me wanting to hurry and ready the next

[Jami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than the first book! I love seeing what this author creates and I do enjoy the world of dark mages. I do like her other series more but I’m glad I gave this one a shot. With these books you know what you’re getting into and it hits the mark.

[Rah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed just to read all of the Levi/Eve scenes. Those make reading this series worth it. The rest of the plot is, well it’s there. The world building is lacking, and the worldwalker seems way too powerful.

[David Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzers

I knew it! I had a feeling all along that what the last chapter said was the truth! I'm once again impressed by the authors ability to draw us in and really feel all the characters emotions! Super stoked to see how the story ends 🙌

[Fabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marion Blackwood does it again!
Twists and turns abound with Eve and Levi!
Expect cliffhangers peoples!!

[Cailey Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very binge-able. Plot is thickening. Need more now.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The back and forth with them this book gave me whiplash

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

bloody good. not my normal style but I like it

[Racheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, fun plot twist .

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic sequel to Levi & Eves whirlwind story, the tension was crazy from start to finish! You have Levi trying to battle all his enemies at once, while trying to maintain his position at court and protect all within it. Meanwhile Eve is fighting the turmoil within herself trying to balance between the lure of the south side (and Levi), and her duty as a constable. There was a few scenes that literally had my jaw on the floor, the twist and turns always keep me turning the pages and doesn’t let up till the last page. The cliffhanger though! That was cruel Marion! I NEED book 3 like, yesterday! Anyway, what are you waiting for, read this book!

[Pamela Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading immediately after book 1. Too good to put down, I adored this series

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never given 5 stars to a whole series. Some have come close in high 4's but this series and the characters. Oh it was so good. Slow claps for Marion Blackwood, that was a true delight from intro to finale.