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Villains of Vanguard #2

Reckless Impulse

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You never know the shape revenge will take. But I do.

Prison is a blast. I get three meals a day, a warm bed, and a state-of-the-art gym. The guard’s hip-hugging uniforms don’t hurt either. I say good riddance to it all when I’m offered a chance to take this show on the road. Heroes aren’t getting the job done, so they’re recruiting villains with rugged good looks. But you blow up one ice cream truck, and suddenly they assign you a handler.

If I’m going to stay a free man, I need to stop a psycho from murdering half the city. Of course, the bad guy is attending a couple’s retreat for wealthy supers. If my babysitter is policing my every move, he’ll have to go undercover as my tech mogul husband. If I can survive a week without my cell phone, an overly enthusiastic yoga instructor, and a spouse complaining about love languages, maybe I can stop a massacre.

These heroes aren’t what they seem, but then again, neither am I.

Reckless Impulse is a M/M, dark, snarky romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features brooding heroes and sex, but not always in that order. This is book two in the Villains of Vanguard Trilogy.

Villains of Vanguard Trilogy

Corrupted DesireReckless ImpulseSinister Passion

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2024

59 people are currently reading
161 people want to read

About the author

Ryder O'Malley

97 books90 followers
Ryder acts as if he doesn’t watch sappy movies. He won’t admit to daydreaming about ex-boyfriends and asking “What if…” He’s a closet romantic who gets anxious about first dates. In a world filled with turmoil, he’s wants to drown in warm, fuzzy moments that make his heart swell. He loves bringing his chaotic dating life to the forefront. While he calls himself a romance writer, he likes to think of it as fanfic about his life. Someday… it’ll become a reality. Until then, he’ll invent dreamy men that make him tear up at their insistence that love always wins.

Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)

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5 stars
39 (41%)
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29 (30%)
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20 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Alastair H .
221 reviews7 followers
March 24, 2024
*4.5 stars rounded up*

So I've read one other book by this author, in the superhero series which this trilogy is a spin off from, and I really enjoyed it. Then I just lost track of the books and didn't even realize he had a villain series out until I saw this one, so of course, because as much as I love heroes, villains (especially funny ones) are my jam, I had to read it! This is an entertaining fake dating/marriage romance between a behind the scenes tech guy, Hank, and his adorable reformed (?) villain, Clint.

The fake relationship trope sometimes gets on my nerves but in this one I actually found it really entertaining. They go to couples therapy and it's hilarious to watch them navigate that 😂 they both have insecurities, especially Clint, but the times they push past them and show each other little bits of vulnerability and truth were lovely moments between the two of them. Clint is a great character, so funny and irreverent but hiding so many feelings inside, I loved him, and appreciated how his idea of a compliment was simply "Clint, you're not a raging disaster" lol. He helped Hank have some fun and be spontaneous. I did have to laugh at the way Clint utilized his superpowers though, especially during the spice 😂 definitely came in handy.

I need to read more of these books, they fill the void left by C. Rochelle's Villainous Things series. I'd say I enjoyed the superhero book I've read from this author a little more than this one, but I think that was due to simply liking the MCs in that book more. Both were entertaining and exciting and sprinkled with surprisingly sweet romance (and plenty of spice) between authentic and funny characters. Bonus points for the good epilogues, I really enjoyed those.


*Thanks to GRR for an ARC! These are my honest and voluntary opinions* ♥️
Profile Image for Erin Penn.
Author 4 books23 followers
January 7, 2025
Challenging to read, Reckless Impulse of the Villains of Vanguard series focuses on Clint, the shapeshifter with a code-name of Variant. We previously seen him as the himbo of the therapy circle, living life without planning or brains, but Pretty (and as a shapeshifter, Clint can be REAL pretty) will get you places.

I personally don't do dumb well and wasn't sure I could handle a full book of himbo. But between the overall arc of the series and the promise of a mastermind in the third book, I was determined to plow through. Plus seeing what an author could do with a less than average intelligence intrigued me.

Like Corrupted Desire, the first of the series, the superpower use is top notch. Both on implementation in battle and weaknesses in personal life.



Worldbuilding, character creation, and plotline weaving in this series continue to be top tier.

The misspelling of "suit" for "suite" for a couple chapters drove me nuts - it was fine until it wasn't and then became fine again. Combined with me just not liking Clint as a human being on any level (he is a rabid very dangerous puppy that needs to be taken behind the shed), and barely tolerating Hank, the book never reached top tier overall. Still, great powers and related character creation, solid worldbuilding, and a good combination of the plots of the book and the plot of the series.
Profile Image for Janee Fritz.
249 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2025
It’s just not for me. The premise and message are fun but the main character is simply too dumb and impulsive for me to like him.
Profile Image for Tim.
1,010 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2025
Surprisingly enjoyable.

Clint is the himbo of his villains therapy group. Formerly incarcerated for years, he's been sprung by the mysterious LaToya and told to follow her orders or go back to prison. Along with his fellow powered friends Diesel (Corrupted Desire, Villains of Vanguard #1) and Vex (Sinister Passion, #3) Clint attends his weekly therapy sessions with Doc at a local bar and snarks heavily. He's feuds with his neighbor Margaret who he currently considers his arch-nemesis. Clint's shape is fairly muscled and thick, and draws him attention from guys built like him, but he prefers a man with padding.

One day LaToya shows up in his living room and tells him he's out of control and is getting a handler and a mission. Bearish Hank interests Clint, who winds up being distracted and letting the subject of their operation escape. In punishment, the pair are sent to infiltrate a tropical island, the lair of the villain they didn't capture, posing as married villains who are seeking couples therapy.

Naturally things don't according to plan, and now very independent Clint (codenamed Variant) must work with Hank (Joystick) to figure out what's really going on, and how are they're gonna get home alive.

This book definitely needs more editing and proof-reading. There were some very obvious issues, such as spelling errors (suit for suite, etc), multiple grammatical issues including misplaced or completely unnecessary commas, there were some poorly written sentences. Example:
"I slammed into the glass, bones crunching. It hardly shook. Pounding my fists, Malignant smiled at my failing efforts. I continued thrashing until he let out a condescending laugh."


The characters and story are stereotypical and cliched at times, but it leans into that with story-saving humor and comedy. Surprisingly this was better and more engaging than its predecessor. I'd have rated this about 3.5 stars but editing knocked it down some.

3 stars.
1,905 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2024
Best Ryder book yet

I love the Heroes and I love Diesel but oh boy, Clint just did it for me. He's kind of innocent, if that makes any sense, and so adorable too. For a villain, he's a sweetheart, confused but nowhere near as stupid as everyone pegs him to be. Turns out, shapeshifting is a lot more than just morphing into someone or something. Real thought and keen observance is needed to do a convincing job and Clint is the best. I just wanted to wrap that great big cuddly human teddy bear up in the biggest hug and tell him how wonderful he was.
Not gonna lie, Hank really pissed me off with how he treated Clint as though he was stupid for the longest time. He redeemed himself in the end and he did truly see and appreciate the real Clint, the man underneath the outer shell that most of the world didn't see past.
I loved Clint's therapy sessions with Doc, Diesel and Vex, loved seeing Lisanette and Luther again, and absolutely killed myself laughing at Mar-ger-eet and Clint's every interaction.
Clint is my favourite of all Ryder's leading men so far, quite unexpectedly, and I would happily read twenty more books about him.
389 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2024
This was such a cute and fun read. Clint is a villain with a a kind heart deep down who sleeps with a stuffed Teddy bear. He is a shape shifter. He has impulse control problems. After he blew up a ice cream truck for not having chocolate soft serve, he is given one more chance or else he will be sent back to prison. He is given an handler who is a tech genius named Hank. Clint is instantly attracted to Hank but thinks that Hank would never like his real form. They are sent to an island that is supposed to be a retreat for heroes but everyone seems to be a villain to stop Malignant who is an evil scientist. Clint teaches Hank to be a bit more impulsive and Hank teaches Clint to think about consequences before he acts. They first become friends and then lovers. However, to have a chance at a relationship , they need to stop Dr. Malignant. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I loved all the side characters especially Clint's neighbor Margaret who he started off hating but gradually became a friend. Clint and Hank are sweet together and they each love the other without really trying to change who the other person fundamentally is.
348 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2024
Hank: Did you really destroy an old folks home?
Clint: They had it coming.
Hank: And the grocery store?
Clint: Out of Chocopuffs.

I loved this book, and the protagonists, Clint and Hank. I missed the first book in this series, but fortunately, this one completely stands on its own. The book is funny, sometimes outrageously so, and I loved the back-and-forth between Clint and Hank. Clint has powers, particularly the ability to become anyone or anything he chooses. Unfortunately, Clint has problems with impulse control, and he can be rather reckless. When he blows up an ice cream truck for not having chocolate soft serve, he is assigned a handler, IT desk jockey Hank. The two are sent on a mission masquerading as a married couple to try to track down an evil scientist, and that's where the fun REALLY begins. All the characters are fantastic and have defined and colorful personas (no one-dimensional characters here.) I have to admit that for all her rude snarkiness and devil dog, Margaret (that's Mar-gah-reet) was one of my favorites. I look forward to more fun in this series.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Jia ~ Nina Zenik's girlfriend ;).
47 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2024
I don't know what it is about this book, but this was just SOO GOOD!!
I normally don't like reading brand new books from authors I've never heard about before; but then I saw this book in some "new releases" tab on reddit and I saw the tropes and I thought hmm, I'm in a slump anyway so it wouldn't hurt to give it a try
The best decision everrr!
I just love love looove Clint, there's just something about his personality (he's an insecure himbo but he's also smart) that just made me fall in love with him! he was just so desperate to have someone who accepted him, who involved him, and just someone who loved him. He was sooo damn cute!!!!!!!!
Then there's Hank, I don't have much to say about him; he wasn't a bad character per se, but he wasn't anything special either. But I just loved how he fit with Clint!
The fake dating trope, all those insecurities, the overarching superhero plot in the background, the banter with Mar-ga-reet, it just all somehow got to me through this deep slump I am in right now.
Loved this book!!!!
Profile Image for David Wickham.
645 reviews11 followers
May 28, 2024
I have to say that the Villains series is shaping up to be better than the Heroes. This was amazing. Clint is the shapeshifter out of the villain group. He is assigned to capture a bad guy. He is assigned someone to watch over him-Hank. Hank is a tech genius. He rides along via an earpiece in the nanotech in Clint's suit.

Clint doesn't capture the bad guy so he and Hank are forced to pretend to be in a fake relationship and go to the bad guy's island hideout. It's supposed to be a couple's retreat. We get a happy ending so I'm not going to give away anymore of the story.

This is Ryder's best book in my opinion. The plot works so well. All of the secondary characters are so strong without overwhelming Hank and Clint. They are so well developed. Their relationship develops naturally and isn't forced. The spicy scenes are hot and also develop naturally. I generally don't read books over and over, but this is one I will. Love it. I want to marry it! Thanks for writing it Ryder!!
Profile Image for Deanna.
291 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2024
If I were a shape shifter, I don't think I'd be myself either. Clint is sweet and loyal but impulsive and violent all at once. I wondered if he was neurodiverse coded, using his ability to read people and be other people as a mask in order to fit in on a superficial level. He's a bit of a himbo, but like Marvel's Thor, has hidden depths. I really enjoyed the banter with Mar gah reet, and I love that she ended up being a real friend. I liked Hank, and I liked Hank for Clint - the fake marriage, enforced proximity, opposites attract tropes were fun and worked well - their couples counselling was hilarious. But what I liked most about Hank was that he liked Clint for who he was, not what he looked like. I think that helped heal a lot of stuff for Clint as well. Looking forward to the next story!
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,395 reviews24 followers
March 25, 2024
The premise of this series and the world it inhabits is a compelling one— superheroes, villains, high stakes, plenty of chemistry. The characters in this story are some of my favorite from this author so far, and a lot of that is down to Clint, who brings the snark and the irreverence in force and is also more complex than he wants to admit. Clint and Hank together showcases the best in them both. Nothing against Hank, who is plenty likable in his own right and a great foil, but honestly, I’m all about Clint, to the point that while both plot and romance are more than solid here, I’d probably be able to read about him doing literally anything (laundry, maybe?) and enjoy it.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,295 reviews51 followers
April 11, 2024
'The world had gone mad. When did being a geek become fashionable? Had I been in prison that long?'

I really loved this book. It was such a fun read. Great world building and wonderful characters. I've only ever read a couple hero/villain stories, and I think this is my first villain romance. I fell in love with Clint so fast. He made me smile more often than not and I loved his personality.

“Oh.” Sounded easy enough. “I can do that. I promise I won’t accidentally kill him.” Hopefully, the air quotes made my intentions clear.

I also thought his power and how he used it was really cool.

The fake relationship trope was a fun addition, and I thought he and Clint made a good match. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,421 reviews7 followers
March 26, 2024
A great follow up to the first book in this series which I loved! Though you do not need to read that I recommend it just for the fun.
I actually enjoyed this book a bit more but that is probably due to the fact I am now familiar with the theme of the story and characters. I thought the author did an excellent job ensuring there were enough humorous moments to counteract the serious ones allowing you to get really immersed in the storyline. That along with the great characters and plot made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to the final book in this trilogy.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
4,885 reviews18 followers
March 27, 2024
Too funny! Clint's world in his head is other. He is released from prison on a deal to help the good guys fight the bad villans. He has a little mishap with an icecream vendor and is assigned a handler, Hank. Hank, is a thoughtful deskbound tech genius, basically the opposite of Clint. The team travels to an island that is a supe couple's retreat. There they are assigned to stop a villan who is an evil scientist. There is a great adventure, but Clint and Hank's relationship path is funny, sexy and downright delicious. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2024
This book was well written with a solid plot and fun characters.

Unfortunately it just wasn't my thing. I struggled early on in the book to continue and nearly gave up but I didn't and I'm glad I didn't. It's too good of a book to be a DNF. I'm not sure why, it wasn't any one thing in particular that's for sure, but I found the whole thing pretty meh.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Ashlee.
747 reviews
March 26, 2024
So good! Clint is so much fun but with such depth and watching him try to "make friends" was so heartbreaking but so sweet at the same time. I loved watching Clint and Hank try to figure each other out during their fake relationship on the island. This book had me laughing, swooning, and on the verge of tears and I loved every minute of it! This is such a good series so I definitely recommend reading it from the beginning but this book can be read as a standalone so feel free to enjoy!!
3,010 reviews46 followers
March 26, 2024
Reckless Impulse is the second book in the Villains of Vanguard series by Ryder O'Malley. What a fun read this was.
Clint is a villian with a marshmallow center. He even sleeps with a teddy bear!
He is assigned a handler when he creates too much chaos. Hank is a tech genius who will have his hands full with Clint!
This fake relationship quickly burns hotter than the sun. This book has me laughing and swooning!
I can't wait for more in this series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
866 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2024
This was so weird-in a good way I think. Throw your preconceived notions about villains and superheroes out the door because you’re now rooting for the villains who I guess are trying to be good. The strange thing is that they still make bad choices including killing people and I don’t mean killing bad guys. They’re short tempered, bored, and kind of crazy. Clint was funny and underneath it all sweet but I would not call him reformed. Great writing great storytelling
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,521 reviews48 followers
March 27, 2024
This second volume in the series was a blast. It takes the well worn idea of giving the villain a second chance if he'll do a job for "them". Problem is, he messes up early and is assigned a handler. When these two have to go undercover as a married couple on a hilariously stereotypical couples retreat it turns out they have a whole lot of misconceptions about each other to work through and quite a bit to learn about themselves as well.
Profile Image for Cassie.
298 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2025
Just as fun as the first book, though I didn't find the side characters quite as interesting. In a similar vein, as much as I enjoyed—and funnily enough, related to—Clint, Hank was a bit of a nothing character to me and felt a bit shoehorned in as a romantic lead. They still had some cute moments, though! Again, there were some typos and grammatical errors, and the middle of the story dragged on for a bit too long. All in all, a fun little read.
Profile Image for Tom.
311 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2025
Not as interesting as the prologue or book 1, as the humors wearing thin. It doesn’t help that the story is told entirely from MC1s (Clint) perspective, which is only somewhat humorous. MC1’s character is not as engaging as the others in the series so far. The book needs another pass by an editor, as commas are running amok, and there are misspellings (particularly of “suite”, which is generally rendered as “suit”; and one misspelling of MC2’s name “Hank” as “Hand”)
2,314 reviews16 followers
March 22, 2024
This is the second book of the series and again it was a really enjoyable read, I really liked Clint’s character and thought the way he was written made the story more enjoyable, Hank suited him but there was just something a bit special about Clint, looking forward to reading the last book in this trilogy.
16.7k reviews155 followers
March 25, 2024
He love the prison life as he gets three meals a day, a bed and even a gym. He is asked to help get a killer off the streets as the good guys cannot seem to do it. He will be given a handler. They will be sent to go undercover at a retreat and they need to pretend to be a couple. How will they get on? Will they find the killer? See just what will happen between them
1,565 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2024
As usual with this author, and this universe (if that's what we can call it) the characters were very good, and their story was one that kept my interest. the laugh out loud moments always get me and if a book can keep your interest and make you laugh it is so worth reading. I loved it! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
681 reviews14 followers
March 29, 2024
After reading the blurb for this book, I just had to read it to see if it would be as good as it sounded. Well, I can officially say that, yes, it is as good as it sounded! I really enjoyed the insanity of the story line, it was so refreshing and new to have a book like this in MM romance. I can't wait to read more of this author's work as this was amazing.
731 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2024
Man this book keept me on the edge of my chair. I absolutely loved the storyline of this book. Oh gosh the characters oh man. I have read all the books in this series and the previous one. This book was a great read.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
March 25, 2024
I enjoyed getting to know Clint and Hank and the circumstances that bring them together as undercover husbands. As they get to know each other, the undercover assignment becomes something more. A good read!
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,885 reviews14 followers
March 27, 2024
Clint and Hank ❤️

4 Stars ⭐️

This book was so much fun to read, I giggled like a little kid!! It was funny, sweet and spicy, the perfect combo!!! This universe is so addictive, I would certainly recommend.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

Profile Image for Natasha Lynn Harris.
1,976 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
Full of laughs

This was a fun romp that had me frequently laughing out loud, good characters and a fun storyline. I believe I enjoyed this book out of the Vanguard series both Heroes and Villains.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews

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