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Lovesick Villains #1
Fear The Reapers
My mother trained me to be numb.
To keep my volatile emotions carefully locked away.
But when my drug-addicted stepfather decides to clear his debt by offering my sister to the Ruthless Mafia Men that run our city, I have no choice but to react.
Keeping her safe is the only thing I've ever been good at. And, unlike her, I've already been scarred by the cruelties of our world.
So I did the only thing I could do, the only thing that would ensure that they'd never go looking for her. I offered myself to big bad wolves instead.
I expected the Reapers to be cruel, to push me beyond my limits, and test me at every turn.
What I didn't expect was to like it.
Atlas, their powerful leader, knows I don't belong in their world, but he's too caught up in protecting his own secrets to save me. I can see the regret in his eyes every time he looks at me.
Ezra, the overly affectionate psycho, looks at me like he wants to eat me—or kill me. Honestly, it's probably a mix of both. And the scariest thing about him is that he doesn't really scare me at all.
Cyrus, the Ducati-riding bad boy, is tempting as hell, and he knows it. I refuse to give into his charm, even if he has treated me better than anyone ever has before.
Tristan, the grumpy and silent one, might actually hate me. But I don't blame him. Out of everyone, he's the only one who can see how messed up I really am at my core.
The men who accepted me as payment for a debt are toying with my head and my heart, but no matter what happens next, there's no turning back.
I dug my grave with the Reapers of Caspian Hills, and now it's time to lie in it.
Fear The Reapers is book one in Lovesick Villains, a dark mafia series where our heroine will end up with multiple love interests. This book ends on a mild cliffhanger, and their story will end with a HEA in book three.
Intended for mature listeners.
To keep my volatile emotions carefully locked away.
But when my drug-addicted stepfather decides to clear his debt by offering my sister to the Ruthless Mafia Men that run our city, I have no choice but to react.
Keeping her safe is the only thing I've ever been good at. And, unlike her, I've already been scarred by the cruelties of our world.
So I did the only thing I could do, the only thing that would ensure that they'd never go looking for her. I offered myself to big bad wolves instead.
I expected the Reapers to be cruel, to push me beyond my limits, and test me at every turn.
What I didn't expect was to like it.
Atlas, their powerful leader, knows I don't belong in their world, but he's too caught up in protecting his own secrets to save me. I can see the regret in his eyes every time he looks at me.
Ezra, the overly affectionate psycho, looks at me like he wants to eat me—or kill me. Honestly, it's probably a mix of both. And the scariest thing about him is that he doesn't really scare me at all.
Cyrus, the Ducati-riding bad boy, is tempting as hell, and he knows it. I refuse to give into his charm, even if he has treated me better than anyone ever has before.
Tristan, the grumpy and silent one, might actually hate me. But I don't blame him. Out of everyone, he's the only one who can see how messed up I really am at my core.
The men who accepted me as payment for a debt are toying with my head and my heart, but no matter what happens next, there's no turning back.
I dug my grave with the Reapers of Caspian Hills, and now it's time to lie in it.
Fear The Reapers is book one in Lovesick Villains, a dark mafia series where our heroine will end up with multiple love interests. This book ends on a mild cliffhanger, and their story will end with a HEA in book three.
Intended for mature listeners.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 19, 2021
2411 people are currently reading
19672 people want to read
About the author
Jessa Halliwell
13 books252 followersJessa Halliwell is a Dark Romance author who writes about angsty, torturous love, that's a little fucked up and utterly consuming. Her characters are raw and flawed but they always find salvation in each other.
She loves writing romance only slightly more than she loves reading it. She’s been known to binge read novels then spend the rest of the day sulking over the massive book hangover.
Jessa resides in Northern California with her boyfriend and her feisty Chihuahua. When she isn’t pouring her heart out in her writing, you can find her obsessing over her skincare routine, drinking an unhealthy amount of boba tea and probably crying over a really good romance book
She loves writing romance only slightly more than she loves reading it. She’s been known to binge read novels then spend the rest of the day sulking over the massive book hangover.
Jessa resides in Northern California with her boyfriend and her feisty Chihuahua. When she isn’t pouring her heart out in her writing, you can find her obsessing over her skincare routine, drinking an unhealthy amount of boba tea and probably crying over a really good romance book
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 991 reviews
March 7, 2023
One thing I hate more than anything in the book world are copy-cat authors.
Which is what I feel this book is. A copy-cat.
I shit you not, this entire story line, number of main characters, concept of characters, plot with a couple different twists is, WHAT I THINK, identical to “Den of Vipers” by K.A. Knight. Which also sucked but that’s besides the point.
This is my opinion, not a fact, for the record. But boy, does this look shady as shit.
Moving on. Let’s go down the very similar, repetitive I might add, check list:
- Heroine traded in to pay off a debt ✔️
- 4 male MC’s: the leader, the psycho, the closed off and the charming one ✔️ (Den of Vipers had a better psycho, if I’m being honest. Dude was batshit.)
- Heroine who is a somewhat street smart chick but still makes dumbass decisions. You know when there’s a noise in the scary, pitch black basement and Tiffany prances down there saying “is anyone there?” type. ✔️
- Treacherous pussy around the fella’s ✔️
- Wah who gets to play with the heroine first, argument ✔️
- Shiver me timbers, these guys are dangero-yes!
Fuck me! ✔️
Ending:
And to top it all off, everyone, I mean EVERYONE, fucking holds hands and skips off into the sunset at the end of the book / semi cliffy.
One of the MC’s send a quick text to the DA’s office, no biggie. Oh! He replied, texted me some important info. Why? Cause we got it like that. Jesus. I know it’s all fairy land here but let’s keep it somewhat realistic for depth purposes.
‘We’re evil, corrupt, mentally ruined individuals but let’s act like what the author said we wouldn’t act like.’
And what’s that? Knights in shining armor.
1 or 2 torture scenes of rivals. Shocker. That’s usually how that ordeal works. (Mentioning this again because I was looking forward to some dark messy mess)
The kicker that made me bust out laughing at the end was the fact that there is another female character in this book who “wants” one of the guys. Hates the heroine. They fight. They exchange insults. Girl says she wants the heroine to suffer and she’ll make sure that happens through the entire book.
Then AT THE END, ANOTHER FEMALE GETS INVOLVED AND STIRS THE POT AND THIS PREVIOUS GIRL SO HELL BENT ON KILLING THE HEROINE TOSSES HER HATRED ASIDE IN 2 SECONDS, HELPS SAVE THE HEROINE AND SAYS:
(Stevie - heroine) (Mel - Angry girl)
““Hey Stevie,” Mel hesitated, “when you’re feeling up to it, would you maybe want to grab brunch or something?”
She asked with a wince.
“You know, let bygones be bygones or whatever.”
“I’d like that, Mel,” I said, softly nudging her shoulder, “or whatever.”
This is at 99%. Lmao. I can’t with this Disney channel moment. Lawd.
Anyway. Whether the story line was copied or not, maybe coincidental, it was still so ridiculous and not even close to the concept of being a dark romance. Shame on you.
First time reading a novel by this author and the last.
Fucking no.
Trigger warning:
Rape, physical abuse, drug abuse, murder.
- B.S.
Which is what I feel this book is. A copy-cat.
I shit you not, this entire story line, number of main characters, concept of characters, plot with a couple different twists is, WHAT I THINK, identical to “Den of Vipers” by K.A. Knight. Which also sucked but that’s besides the point.
This is my opinion, not a fact, for the record. But boy, does this look shady as shit.
Moving on. Let’s go down the very similar, repetitive I might add, check list:
- Heroine traded in to pay off a debt ✔️
- 4 male MC’s: the leader, the psycho, the closed off and the charming one ✔️ (Den of Vipers had a better psycho, if I’m being honest. Dude was batshit.)
- Heroine who is a somewhat street smart chick but still makes dumbass decisions. You know when there’s a noise in the scary, pitch black basement and Tiffany prances down there saying “is anyone there?” type. ✔️
- Treacherous pussy around the fella’s ✔️
- Wah who gets to play with the heroine first, argument ✔️
- Shiver me timbers, these guys are dangero-yes!
Fuck me! ✔️
Ending:
And to top it all off, everyone, I mean EVERYONE, fucking holds hands and skips off into the sunset at the end of the book / semi cliffy.
One of the MC’s send a quick text to the DA’s office, no biggie. Oh! He replied, texted me some important info. Why? Cause we got it like that. Jesus. I know it’s all fairy land here but let’s keep it somewhat realistic for depth purposes.
‘We’re evil, corrupt, mentally ruined individuals but let’s act like what the author said we wouldn’t act like.’
And what’s that? Knights in shining armor.
1 or 2 torture scenes of rivals. Shocker. That’s usually how that ordeal works. (Mentioning this again because I was looking forward to some dark messy mess)
The kicker that made me bust out laughing at the end was the fact that there is another female character in this book who “wants” one of the guys. Hates the heroine. They fight. They exchange insults. Girl says she wants the heroine to suffer and she’ll make sure that happens through the entire book.
Then AT THE END, ANOTHER FEMALE GETS INVOLVED AND STIRS THE POT AND THIS PREVIOUS GIRL SO HELL BENT ON KILLING THE HEROINE TOSSES HER HATRED ASIDE IN 2 SECONDS, HELPS SAVE THE HEROINE AND SAYS:
(Stevie - heroine) (Mel - Angry girl)
““Hey Stevie,” Mel hesitated, “when you’re feeling up to it, would you maybe want to grab brunch or something?”
She asked with a wince.
“You know, let bygones be bygones or whatever.”
“I’d like that, Mel,” I said, softly nudging her shoulder, “or whatever.”
This is at 99%. Lmao. I can’t with this Disney channel moment. Lawd.
Anyway. Whether the story line was copied or not, maybe coincidental, it was still so ridiculous and not even close to the concept of being a dark romance. Shame on you.
First time reading a novel by this author and the last.
Fucking no.
Trigger warning:
Rape, physical abuse, drug abuse, murder.
- B.S.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2024
Wow, the similarities with Den of Vipers are too much. Unfortunately, I couldn't stop comparing certain scenes, characters, dialogues, and even inner monologues. The book was too rushed, and a lot of things felt undeveloped. I know it's just the first book, but I just couldn't buy Stevie's connection with the guys.
Triggers: domestic violence, child abuse, and rape.
Triggers: domestic violence, child abuse, and rape.
March 4, 2022
No fanks.
July 15, 2022
Genuinely baffled by this one. I feel like I missed the whole middle of the book somehow. Like one minute she’s scared of them and worried about her sister, and then bam! She’s suddenly falling in love with all of them and her sister is barely mentioned.
Also the whole thing with Mel suddenly wanting to be friends at the end? And how Stevie confesses her love for Atlas like two seconds before his fiancé suddenly decides she doesn’t want to murder the MC? I mean?
And Stevie going into Ezra’s room and just full on painting an abstract painting of five people with no prior skills and doing it so well that he can easily figure out who’s who and analyze it for deeper meanings in her connections with the others??? What was that??
Also the whole thing with Mel suddenly wanting to be friends at the end? And how Stevie confesses her love for Atlas like two seconds before his fiancé suddenly decides she doesn’t want to murder the MC? I mean?
And Stevie going into Ezra’s room and just full on painting an abstract painting of five people with no prior skills and doing it so well that he can easily figure out who’s who and analyze it for deeper meanings in her connections with the others??? What was that??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2022
i did kinda have to force myself to finish this book just cause i hate stopping books once i start them. I have very mixed feelings on this book though.
March 20, 2021
Fear The Reapers is a dark read that has some topics that might upset some readers. Stevie (FMC) has no one she can rely on except her sister - Alex for the majority of her life. Having been brought up in an abusive home with a mother and stepfather who were hooked on drugs. The cause of which ends up with her being sold to The Reapers - Brothers - Atlas. Tristan. Ezra and Cyrus. Not people you want to be owned by. Sadistic and Bloodthirsty. Its strange because you realize from the first meeting of The Reapers that they are brutal and dangerous guys but as the book goes on and you find out more about them they kind of grow on you. Stevie seems to fit right into their group perfectly and brings her own dynamic with it. Even with her own demons. The way that this book ends it feels like theres more story here from The Reapers. Id definitely love to read more from them because this book was a bloody brilliant read. Dark, Bloody, chock full of sexual tension and steamy scenarios. I loved it
August 30, 2021
so bad. the fmc is saying she’s “in love” after knowing them for a month like girl you’ve barely even talked to them. painful to read.
March 25, 2021
This missed the mark for me personally. I can see the potential there and Im going to chalk it up this is the authors first book so I think it takes time to really get a feel for yourself and your comfortability as a writer. Sometimes it takes years. I see a lot of people giving it great reviews and I think thats great! Not everyone is going to love the same book and thats okay! Im not disrespecting this book or the author at all. I love Jessa, this just didnt make me feel the tingles.
A big part for me was pacing, details and we didnt get a chance to see the boys personalities. Like who is Atlas, Tristan, Cyrus and Ezra? From all the reverse harems I've read, its really hard for it to be outstanding when the book is this short. I'll just use Lilac and Den of Vipers as an example, they are standalones but both books are a little over 600 pages, but I know who each characters is and care about them in some way or another. And thats what I want as a reader, personally, I want to feel like I know the characters. Im the main character and these are my men.
Also this is labeled as a Mafia theme/trope and I failed to really see that anywhere in the book . : / I would say it felt more like a gang theme.
And just for me, and what I like for my taste, there wasnt nearly enough spice in it for me. I think there was 2.5 scenes. But thats not something I would rate less for.
I dont usually go this in detail with my reviews, but I can see the potential with Jessa and I want to say things she could possibly learn from. But thats just hearsay, cause she as the writer is going to write the story that is going on in her head and at the end of the day, if the author puts out something they are happy with thats all that should matter.
With all this said, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to see the growth in Jessa and the see where the story goes next!
And Jessa this is your baby and you should be so proud of what youve accomplished!
A big part for me was pacing, details and we didnt get a chance to see the boys personalities. Like who is Atlas, Tristan, Cyrus and Ezra? From all the reverse harems I've read, its really hard for it to be outstanding when the book is this short. I'll just use Lilac and Den of Vipers as an example, they are standalones but both books are a little over 600 pages, but I know who each characters is and care about them in some way or another. And thats what I want as a reader, personally, I want to feel like I know the characters. Im the main character and these are my men.
Also this is labeled as a Mafia theme/trope and I failed to really see that anywhere in the book . : / I would say it felt more like a gang theme.
And just for me, and what I like for my taste, there wasnt nearly enough spice in it for me. I think there was 2.5 scenes. But thats not something I would rate less for.
I dont usually go this in detail with my reviews, but I can see the potential with Jessa and I want to say things she could possibly learn from. But thats just hearsay, cause she as the writer is going to write the story that is going on in her head and at the end of the day, if the author puts out something they are happy with thats all that should matter.
With all this said, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to see the growth in Jessa and the see where the story goes next!
And Jessa this is your baby and you should be so proud of what youve accomplished!
July 25, 2023
This had a good premise and the characters were interesting but it just never made me love it. The story felt a little unevenly paced with Stevie's emotions regarding the guys all over the place and it got to be annoying. The ending also seemed rushed even though there's still more to come in another two books. Near the end it was like Stevie's feelings changed, her fight went away, and then the bitch of the story even attempted to redeem herself which I thought was super odd? Not sure I'll be continuing on with this series.
September 10, 2023
2.5✨
Basically a dollar tree version of Den of Vipers.
If you read this book’s summary and think “wow I think I’d like that” — read Den of Vipers instead lol
Basically a dollar tree version of Den of Vipers.
If you read this book’s summary and think “wow I think I’d like that” — read Den of Vipers instead lol
December 10, 2023
If I could I would give zero fucking stars. Because huh ? What was that? Like Huuh?? Wasted time for real.
January 12, 2024
this was bad and i didn’t like
March 22, 2021
Um holy hell why was this so good! And why did I read ANOTHER book that’s part of an incomplete series 🤦🏻♀️
This is a dark mafia reverse harem. Honestly don’t let the mafia aspect deter you because I wouldn’t have know if it wasn’t the books description. There’s no mafia verbiage throughout.
Seriously, poor Stevie! This chick could not catch a break but she was a total badass. I loved her sacrifice. The character development of the guys was fantastic!! I thought it was a little weird that Mel came around so fast and wanted to be bffs with Stevie because I dislike her so much but I’ll let it slide.
I loooove that even though the guys are all brothers, they each have their own unique personalities! They’re all equally hot and my god... the spice was pretty nice!
I cannot wait for book 2 and the fact that it’s called QUEEN of the Reapers, just fucking gut me already 😍
This is a dark mafia reverse harem. Honestly don’t let the mafia aspect deter you because I wouldn’t have know if it wasn’t the books description. There’s no mafia verbiage throughout.
Seriously, poor Stevie! This chick could not catch a break but she was a total badass. I loved her sacrifice. The character development of the guys was fantastic!! I thought it was a little weird that Mel came around so fast and wanted to be bffs with Stevie because I dislike her so much but I’ll let it slide.
I loooove that even though the guys are all brothers, they each have their own unique personalities! They’re all equally hot and my god... the spice was pretty nice!
I cannot wait for book 2 and the fact that it’s called QUEEN of the Reapers, just fucking gut me already 😍
August 29, 2023
Never once have I cared about the music recommendations that books give because they remind me too much of Wattpad, but I just about died when I saw that one of the songs suggested that I listen to whilst reading this book was E-GIRLS ARE RUINING MY LIFE! by Corpse Husband. If that doesn't tell you the quality of the book you're about to read I don't know what will.
September 23, 2021
Now this one gave me Den of Vipers vibes but without the cocky heroine. And yes it had a Diesel-like-character too! But it was enjoyable.. much less dramatic and not as long as DOV!
The ending was unexpected but the story was pretty good! Can't wait for the next book!
The ending was unexpected but the story was pretty good! Can't wait for the next book!
March 29, 2023
2.75
It was a little too fast paced. But finished it fast.
It was a little too fast paced. But finished it fast.
November 29, 2024
Nothing crazy, traumatized girl meets traumatized guys, smish-mash Stockholm syndrome babyyyyy 🤭
September 6, 2025
The beginning of the story was interesting and I thought that it would be one of those captivating ones that keep you on the edge. Unfortunately, things did not go in that direction, quite the contrary I am afraid.
It did feel disjointed at times and frankly, some things simply did not make sense to me.
It is a pity as the beginning was promising, but it is what it is, I suppose.
It did feel disjointed at times and frankly, some things simply did not make sense to me.
It is a pity as the beginning was promising, but it is what it is, I suppose.
June 23, 2022
4.4 stars.
So far I’m diggin it.
I do so love when the FMC is just as psycho as the men.
Check TWs before preceding people. This is filled with SA references and attempts.
I’m a little iffy about the relationships still but I think that’s about to change, so we’ll see how I feel after the next book.
So far I’m diggin it.
I do so love when the FMC is just as psycho as the men.
Check TWs before preceding people. This is filled with SA references and attempts.
I’m a little iffy about the relationships still but I think that’s about to change, so we’ll see how I feel after the next book.
April 8, 2023
Bir şey beklemiyordum zaten ama okudum bitti fhdjsjsjs bir ara devam ederim jdjddj
May 1, 2024
4.5⭐️ Stevi went through it…and every time I thought they made progress in their relationship one of them said sth stupid. It was good though🫣😃
Read
June 19, 2025Ja havde lige brug for en no brainer
April 3, 2021
Basically a Den of Vipers 2.0 but less gruesome and shorter. I liked Stevie because she was a bada$s and loved the guys, but the story was really rushed and idk.
July 12, 2025
I can see why this has such a low rating. It was kind of cringe in the beginning and it’s such insta love. With that being said it was actually what I needed, a fast and fun read. I will continue one because I want to see how all the relationships develop.
December 11, 2025
A friend asked me to read this book and let them know if it was alright before they read it. This was an easy, fast paced book and true to its blurb. I did enjoy it, would recommend if this kind of book is up your alley.
April 16, 2021
Yes queen
This book wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. It was better. I just wish there was more details to the fights but the love they have is one in a million. This has triggers. I did cry a couple of times and I did laugh.
This book wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. It was better. I just wish there was more details to the fights but the love they have is one in a million. This has triggers. I did cry a couple of times and I did laugh.
August 28, 2024
It is so shiet, DNF 60%, autorka ma gituwa książki, ale przy tej to na mózgi się zamieniła z żukiem
March 19, 2021
Almost there
I would say this is like a 3.75.
The underlying plot to this series is a good one but themes weren't flushed out as much as they should be. The FMC's connection with each brother needed more time to develop. It felt rushed and made her go from 0 to 100 giving you whiplash especially with Atlas. Now the plot twist was a good one but it was too rushed to really add to the storyline. Also, I think the relationship with Mel changed far too quickly. However, I'm interested to see what happens if no two I just hope there is more development in the storyline.
I would say this is like a 3.75.
The underlying plot to this series is a good one but themes weren't flushed out as much as they should be. The FMC's connection with each brother needed more time to develop. It felt rushed and made her go from 0 to 100 giving you whiplash especially with Atlas. Now the plot twist was a good one but it was too rushed to really add to the storyline. Also, I think the relationship with Mel changed far too quickly. However, I'm interested to see what happens if no two I just hope there is more development in the storyline.
October 19, 2025
If I never have to hear the term “thick velvety shaft” again, I’ll be happy
March 18, 2021
Couldn’t put this down. Read till it was done. It was great lots of violence, complicated characters, and sexual tension. Was a 5 star read till the end.
There were too many questions left unanswered and I can’t believe that Stevie would just forget about her sister that way, what is her relationship with the brothers? She only had sex with one of them. Confusing and the plot twist came out of nowhere. Then it just wrapped up within real no ending.
Tough as nails lead female character. She went through a lot and she was a warrior. The men were twisted and they too also went through a great deal.
Good read till the end. First read by this author will try something else from her.
Received a copy from BookSprout for an honest review.
There were too many questions left unanswered and I can’t believe that Stevie would just forget about her sister that way, what is her relationship with the brothers? She only had sex with one of them. Confusing and the plot twist came out of nowhere. Then it just wrapped up within real no ending.
Tough as nails lead female character. She went through a lot and she was a warrior. The men were twisted and they too also went through a great deal.
Good read till the end. First read by this author will try something else from her.
Received a copy from BookSprout for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 991 reviews