Unhinged

Once Upon a Villain

by Bianca Cole

Madness is his forte, and I'm entrapped in his chaotic world.

My life was good.
I was about to start my senior year at brown, so I took a last-minute getaway with my best friends to Mexico.
That is, until we're snatched on vacation and thrown into a nightmare we could never have imagined.
Nothing could've prepared us for the darkness that awaited us.

We find ourselves in a dangerous world dominated by Ileana Navarro, a cartel leader whose power is matched only by her cruelty.
And that's when I met Taren.
They say he's as mad as a hatter, a man driven to insanity not by nature but by the woman who raised him.
An enigma wrapped in riddles and cloaked with an aura of danger.

His madness is his charm, and to my surprise, I find myself drawn to him.
Taren intrigues me, scares me, and draws me in with a force I can't resist.
Despite the bars of our gilded cage, I find myself captivated by his madness.
He is a riddle I can't solve, a storm I can't weather, yet my heart can't seem to stay away.

Will I survive the darkness that awaits?
There's one painfully clear thing: once you step into Taren's world, there is no way out.

Unhinged is the fourth book in the Once Upon a Villain Series by Bianca Cole. Unhinged is a dark, captive mafia romance story with dark themes and certain subjects that may upset the reader. It has no cliffhanger, a happily ever after ending, and can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Dark Romance, Audiobook, Mafia Romance, Dark, Romance

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2023

About the author

Author of dark romance and lover of anti-heros.

Reviews

[IngeT (inge1970reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca Cole - Once Upon A Villain 4 - Unhinged

This was my first book by this author. A spicy dark mafia romance standalone novel. Dark themed. Check the trigger warnings before reading.

I really like the group of girlfriends. They are great together. They went on an holiday and landed in a nightmare. Will they survive this holiday? Or will they became sex slaven for the Mexican Cartel that captured them?

It has some Alice in Wonderland influences. Some referances to Edgar Allan Poe too. Great.

It is a very nice and steamy retelling read. I want to read the rest of this series too. Loved it!

Taren is conflicted between his loyalty to his job and boss The Red Queen and his connection to and desire for his little bird Alice.
Wil his plan work. Can he save her and her friends?
Alice should be scared of him but for some reason she trusts him and wants him.

Taren:
'Alice has a fire that matches the chaos within me. I want to harness that fire, not put it out. I crave to feel its heat, to lose myself in its intensity.'

'Fate. In its cruelty, it has bound me to Alice, a radiant beam of innocence and light, only to have her ensnared in the clutches of my nemesis.'

'No, seeing you in pain is like watching the sun being swallowed by the darkness. It’s unbearable.'

'I want you broken and mine. I want to fit all your broken pieces against mine until we make one whole piece. I don’t want to repair you, little bird. I want to reshape you.'
'What is more beautiful for having been broken? It’s a mosaic. Broken pieces put together to create a masterpiece. There’s beauty in the broken.'

4.5 ⭐️

[Charlene Gaskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taren and Alice weren't characters that I connected with. There was something missing between them that could have given the story a "spark" instead of a "just okay". I understand where Taren's character was coming from trying to break away from "toxic creepy/crazy Ileana" but, couldn't put he and Alice together as a couple in any way but sex. She was a college student and he was a crazy/sex trafficker/cartel killer. I tried to see them together throughout the story, but only saw the sexual connection, not a love story.

It was Alice's character that made all the changes to fit in his world vs., him fitting in her world. That often happens in these books where the female characters are the ones that must make the most difficult decisions if they want to stay with a character like Taren. I don't believe in insta-love and don't enjoy a story where the MFC immediately is "in love" with the bad boy. Sex is sex no matter what the degree the couple engages in. Whether it is making love or dark sex/kinks it is still just sex. The story had some interesting aspects even if I didn't see Alice and Taren's characters in a long term relationship.

[Kenzley Ricklefs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taren is part of mafia ran by the “red queen” who wants him but is the women that raised him, however he is falling for a captive that was taken from a resort, Alice and her four friends and held in a basement where Taren has his eyes on Alice. Both are captives in their own way, and it’s showed through out the book not only physically for Alice but by trauma for both of them. This books is full of riddles and I found myself trying to figure them out more so then actually reading the book. this book did not end how I believe it would when I started and I can’t wait to dive into the books before and after this one. This does have 2 HEA but not in how you’d think.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to devour this book in one sitting but here I am.

The blurb caught my eye and it was like a book I hadn’t read before. Similar in some points but different in others.

I loved two “birds” healing and several people finding their HEA.

Next time I go to Mexico I’ll think of this book. 😱

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sinfully intriguing. Lush darkness, steamy heat, intense emotions, juicy drama, taut tension, thrilling action and tantalizing suspense are woven into a wickedly tempting tale that had me in its fierce grip right from the start.

[Amaal Khiri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. Couldn’t really connect with the characters.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhinged is the fourth book in the Once Upon a Villain Series by Bianca Cole. It has no cliffhanger, a happily ever after ending, and can be read as a standalone. Unhinged is a dark, captive mafia romance story with dark themes and certain subjects that may be triggering and upsetting for some readers. It's fast paced, dark, twisted, and depraved. An addicting, unputdownable read. It's told from a dual point of view. A story with broken and damage individuals that captures the reader attention right out the gate and keeps you on edge with all of it's savagery, pulse-pounding action and unexpected twists. Some of the things that you can expect in Unhinged:
☑️Sold/Bought/Own
☑️He's got Secrets
🔪🩸Knife/Blood Play
☑️Morally Gray Antihero
💀Captive Mafia Romance
💀Rape Play
🩸🩸Blood and Gore
☑️Gun Violence
☑️Cartel Romance
☑️Over-Protective Hero
☑️Primal Play
☑️Surprise Twists
A story that is filled with dark secrets, lies, deception, lust-at-first-sight, danger, hatred, kidnapping, fear, attacks, obsession, drama, possessiveness, despair, steam, survival, mystery, double-cross, traitor, alliances, guilt, pawn, loyalties, torture, chaos, bloodshed, betrayal, spanking, consensual/non-consensual intense rough sex, dirty talking, dominance, praises, hidden agendas, treachery, revelations, ass/anal play, mayhem, murder, throat play, threats, romantic suspense, captor-captive romance, captivity, stockholm syndrome, Alice in Wonderland retelling romance, dark mafia romance, madness, damsel in distress, darkness, losses, pleasure and pain, anger, heartbreaks, revenge, trauma, mention of sexual assault, physical abuse, jealousy, retaliation, greed, friendships, different worlds, off-limits relationship, grief, opposite attracts story, criminal underworld, forced proximity, forbidden relationship, power and control, rivalry, enemies, passion, attempted rape, withold sexual gratification bondage/restraint, mention of self harm, dubious situations, human sex trafficking, depravity, voyeurism, debasement and love.
Taren Castillo/Taren Navarro a.k.a The Mad Hatter was second in command in The Navarro Cartel ruled by Ileana Navarro a.k.a The Red Queen. Ileana controls Puerto Nuevo, the northwest coast of Mexico and it's very dangerous. Everywhere she goes is darkness and pain and she brings blood and carnage whenever she goes. There's a reason why she was given the moniker The Red Queen and it's because she loves red. It's because she's a bloodthirsty and ruthless Cartel leader, she bathes in blood of her enemies. Taren has been living with her since he was eight years old after she murdered his entire family including his four year sister and made him watch, then carry the buckets of their blood to bathtub so she could bathe in their blood. She then raised him as her own and made call him mom.
For twenty-two years he has been plotting and planning to on the right time to take his revenge against her and end her rein of terror in Mexico again the other Cartels and her horror treatments. Ileana has been trying to mold Taren to be just like her to be soulless, evil and dead inside and has almost succeeded in eradicating all the goodness from his heart. While his soul is shattered and fragmented, there are still small pieces that she hasn't totally eradicated. She has however, managed to succeed in turning him just as dark, savage, ruthless, vicious and sadistic as her. It's only a little part of former self remain. For years she has made sure to honed in two special skill in him which is killing and deception, which he excel at.
Alice, Luna, Blake and Kali are all best friends and college students of Brown University living together. They're all in their senior year of college and know that it's going to be a rough semester. The girls decides to scurry up some cash so that they could go on a well needed vacation before school starts. They were staying at a resort but knows that it would be suicide if they leave it because they weren't in a good part of Mexico City. Ileana declared war on the Guerra gang in Mexico City. She wants everyone dead even their families. She girls was at the bar on the resort when gunshot ring out, and as they tried to run to safety they were cornered by gunmen. They were ordered not to leave any survivors, but when they saw the girls they thought that they were perfect whores and that would sell for a good price. They were all kidnapped and taken to Navarro Cartel compound, where they were held in cells and shackles. When Taren meets Alice for the first time, it was an instant attraction that falter his step as he laid eyes on her. Her is a paradox, and it cuts through stink of blood and fear insinuating itself into marrow of his madness. For years Taren often speaks in riddles which confuses people and only add to their perception of him being The Mad Hatter, but in actually he uses it to keep from going mad with his quest for vengeances, and so that Ileana will never become aware of his plans to end her.
The girls were trained to sex slaves for their owners. For years Taren has never care what Ileana did with her slave until he meets Alice. She was light to his darkness. Alice was also attracted to him even though she knew that she shouldn't because she thought he was the one who was holding them hostage. There's a darkness to Alice that calls to his beast. They're both broken and damage from grief and trauma which turned them dark. Alice didn't know she had it until Taren awaken that side of her. Taren has never felt so possessive or primal with urge to claim, possess, and protect. Alice became a vital part of his existence in flash and thought of being harm makes him want to burn the entire world down. It's safe to say that with the coming of Alice Taren decided to push up his time table in destroying Ileana. She was His little bird, as he worked on a plan to get rid of The Red Queen of Alice friend Blake got sold to Gaston Marques, a Russian billionaire and one of the richest man in Mexico City.
With time running out because Ileana is scared of the rumors that she's hearing about Pablo Estrada of the Estrada Cartel is trying to takeover Mexico City, which means ports will be shutdown to her. Taren has to create his own side alliances, someone who hates Ileana bad enough and is willing to help him take her down. He tried aligning with Pablo but Ileana mess that up when she sent him to go and meet with Damien Vasquez of the Vasquez Cartel. Taren told him of his plans and the two men entered into an alliance. At the auction all hell break loose when Damien showed up to stage a coup as Ileana sits on her throne waiting. There were non-stop gun fights between the Navarro and Vasquez Cartel as soldiers defends their queen. But Taren would not be deterred as chaos rains new treachery reveals which makes Taren burn for more vengeance and he found her it was with fearless queen beside him ready to lend a hand to ruins of Ileana. You see Alice went into that basement as a quiet, fearful young. But the harsh treatment and situation as risen a phoenix who is willing to help man torture The Red Queen. She was his salvation. His purpose. His little bird. Blood and revenge found in a twisted love. Theirs was a relationship forged in darkness, vengeance, violence and blood. They were each other's soulmates.
A phenomenal read and great addition to this series. It gets better and better and I can't wait for Blake and Gaston book Beast.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly written with outstanding characters that’s a great page turner. It has suspense, intrigue, action, thrills and steamy spicy romance that makes it a wonderful happily ever after story.
A story about four friends on vacation in Mexico and wind up being taken by a Mexican cartel that’s planning on selling them to the highest bidders but before anything happens the second in command falls for one of the four friends so he decides to get rid of the cartel boss.
The four friends are Americans who went to a cheap resort in Mexico for vacation even though they knew it was the bad part of Mexico that the resort was at they still went there. The story is about the friend who lost her family in a car accident when she was young and two years before the vacation she was raped by one of her professors. After everything that has happened to her she’s not good at relationships or dating.
The second in command of the Mexican cartel has his own sorted past. The lady he calls mother killed his family when he was younger and took him for her own. During this time he has a fondness for riddles. The lady makes him become her eyes and ears where she can’t go as well as kill for her if need be. From a young age the lady has forced him into watching and taking part in horrible acts with her and for her. Everyone around him calls him a mad hatter and they also call the cartel boss the red queen due to the carnage and her blood lust.
When the second and the woman met you could tell there was something between them. The woman and her three friends were put in cells at the cartel’s compound and two men were to get them trained to be sex slaves for the rich men who would buy them but the second stepped in to help slow down the training until he could come up with a way to overthrow the red queen.
During this time he would take the woman out of the cell to talk to her. They would kiss and hold one another and he would even play with her getting her to orgasm but he wouldn’t have sex with her. He wanted to wait until it was the right time.
The second had the woman go with him to Mexico City when he had to do some business for the red queen. The second found out the information that the re queen wanted but only told her a bit of it so that he could use it for his plan to take over.
It wasn’t long before the red queen sold one of the women to a powerful businessman from Mexico City. The woman and the two friends who were left all were upset about it and the woman let the second know how upset she was.
They went through the training and the second tried to make it easy on the women but it was getting harder. The red queen had the second go to another cartel boss she wanted an alliance with but when the second got to the other cartel boss he wound up getting an alliance with him for himself and not for the red queen. The second informs the red queen about the refusal from the other cartel boss about an alliance with her.
The red queen informed the second that the auction of the woman was coming and she sent out the invitations so the woman would have to have their final training soon.
The second makes an alliance with the two men, trains the women and they get a small number of men to back them up. The second calls the other cartel boss, they make a plan before hanging up.
The night before the auction the couple finally have sex with one another. The second doesn’t want her hurt because she’s his and deep down he knows that he loves and cares for her and she feels the same way for him as well.
A group of men takes the women from one cell to the cells in the auction house where they are to be sold at. One of the men who takes them from the cells starts on one of the women but the second comes and stops it. Before long gunfire rings out.
The plan goes into motion but the red queen has the second’s woman with her, a gun trained on her. The second with the other cartel owner talks to the red queen until gunshots get closer and they have to hide. When they leave their hiding place the red queen is not there the second goes after the red queen and the cartel boss goes to fight.
The second has one of the trainers take his woman to shelter before he follows the red queen. He finds a man with a weapon at the beginning of a tunnel that the red queen must have gone in. The man is his uncle, they talk before the second shoots him between the eyes. THe second follows into the tunnel meeting up with the red queen's trusted man. The two men talk and the man goes onto the second’s side. By this time the woman is there, she heard everything that the red queen has said to the second. The second has the man search the red queen for weapons before he has him go to talk to the cartel boss.
The second hits the red queen over the head leaving her unconscious, he picks the red queen up and leaves the tunnel with the woman. In the office of the red queen they tie her to her desk chair. The second has a bucket placed underneath the chair. The second cuts deep so she will bleed out. At the end he takes the bucket to his bathroom that’s in his bedroom, he fills the tub with half water and half blood bathing in it like the red queen did with his family’s blood. Afterwards the couple takes a shower together having sex as they clean up.
They're on a plane going to Boston. The two friends are with them along with the two trainers.
The couple have the professor and they do almost the same to him as the second did to the red queen except the woman beats him with a metal post. They kill the professor and after they have sex on a table close to the professor’s body.
They’re back in Mexico City and are at the building where the businessman lives. They have come to get the woman’s friend. The businessman lets her go but once they get to the street they are stopped by a chauffeur and the businessman is close behind them. He wants to go to Boston with them because the businessman has fallen for the friend.
A year later the two friends that came back with the woman have their own apartment together and the two trainers live with them. The couple is closer than ever. They are all at the wedding of the friend and the businessman who bought her. The wedding goes smoothly and they get to the reception. The second takes the woman off to another place where he has a blanket layed out with champagne close by. Once there he gets on one knee taking out a box with a ring in it asking if she would marry him and she says yes. He puts the ring on her finger as she starts teasing him. Soon after he has her on the blanket kissing and they have sex. They tell one another how much they love each other.
He’s now the cartel boss and she will be his queen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MN Book Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much revenge, not enough of the couple!

Alice and her friends just wanted a cheap vacation before starting their senior year of college and never expected to get caught in a turf war and end up prisoners to be sold as sex slaves. Enter Taren, the right-hand man to the leader, and the man called Hatter for being mad as a hatter. Taren is instantly drawn to Alice and wants her, but also knows he can't have her as the leader will have her killed. But he has a plan to take out the leader, and now that he has a deadline, he must find allies to help. So what happens when the leader comes prepared and uses Alice as a shield?

Alice and Taren get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.

I will admit, I only finished this book as I assumed one of Alice's friends was the FMC in the next book, and I should know what happened here. Taren and his riddles annoyed me, and his infatuation with Alice seemed out of place and forced. Then his hot and cold act with her really made Taren seem like he was using Alice for his own gains. This is the first book, so far, that seems to tie to another book in the series, outside of the mention of Ileana being the head of one of the Mexican Cartels. It will be interesting to see if the rest of the books will connect more or if they will be more independent.

[Nadia Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhinged is a dark and steamy mafia romance of an Alice in Wonderland retelling by Bianca Cole. A fast paced romance about revenge with some triggers that include the mention of SA and self harm.

The riddles was nice to read but I found myself more focused on finding out the answer instead of what I was reading about. I just got tired of reading riddles from Taren when he first talked to Alice and glad he didn’t always talk like that.

I gave 5 stars even though Taren didn’t come across as a mad hatter. I would’ve enjoyed it more had I read about Taren being mad in the beginning then falling for Alice instead of him instantly wanting and falling for and her.


UNHINGED BY BIANCA COLE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TRIGGERS:
​​
GRAPHIC VIOLENCE
CONSENSUAL NON CONSENT
INTENSE SEXUAL SITUATIONS
BREATH PLAY
KNIFE/BLOOD PLAY
DOMINATION
PRAISE
EDGING
impact play
MENTION OF SA
MENTION OF SELF HARM.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit heavy and heartbreaking

This is the story of two broken souls and how they meet and help each other out of captivity. Please mind the triggers as the things that happen are not for the faint hearted. Taren, the lead male character, is the right hand man to the Red Queen leader of the Navarro Cartel. During a mission her men capture four college students on spring break in Mexico. One of the students, Alice, catches the eye of Taren. This is their story finding both of the captives in a way. Read On!

[Flo₂₂]

wow this series is a mess.
I liked only the first book🤦‍♀️
the 2nd was ok...
the 3rd...barely finished it
and this last one?
DNF.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars – Dark, Twisted, and Deliciously Unhinged

Unhinged (Once Upon a Villain) by Bianca Cole is exactly what its title promises—and then some. This book doesn’t just toe the line of dark romance, it grins while crossing it, dragging the reader headfirst into obsession, chaos, and morally gray desire that refuses to be ignored.

From the very first chapter, the atmosphere is thick with danger and temptation. Bianca Cole has a talent for creating villains who don’t want redemption—and honestly? That’s what makes this story so intoxicating. The MMC is unapologetically unhinged: obsessive, possessive, and terrifying in the way that only a well-written villain can be. He doesn’t soften for the reader. He doesn’t pretend to be good. He owns his darkness, and that confidence makes every scene crackle with tension.

The FMC is not a passive pawn in his twisted game. She’s layered, emotional, and constantly pulled between fear and desire, which makes their dynamic incredibly compelling. Their connection is volatile, addictive, and undeniably toxic in the best dark-romance way. Every interaction feels like a power struggle—charged with heat, control, and the constant question of who will break first.

The spice? Whew. It’s slow-burning, intense, and laced with dominance and obsession rather than gratuitous shock value. Bianca Cole knows how to write desire that feels dangerous—like something you shouldn’t want but absolutely do. The chemistry simmers and then explodes, leaving you breathless and slightly ashamed you enjoyed it so much (in the best way).

What truly sets Unhinged apart is its tone. The writing is immersive and raw, pulling you deep into the villain’s mindset. The pacing keeps you hooked, the emotional stakes feel high, and the darkness never feels forced—it feels intentional. This is not a fairy tale retelling with a neat bow. This is a villain origin story drenched in obsession, and it commits fully to that promise.

If you love:
Villains who stay villains
Obsession over romance
Dark, morally questionable dynamics
Spice with a dangerous edge
then Unhinged will absolutely ruin you—in the best possible way.

Bianca Cole proves once again that she excels at dark romance that isn’t afraid to go there. This book is haunting, seductive, and impossible to put down. I devoured it, thought about it long after finishing, and immediately wanted more.

Highly recommended for dark romance readers who like their love stories a little broken, a little brutal, and completely unforgettable. 🔥🖤

[booking _with_romancegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth every minute and every riddle



♥️TROPES♥️
Dark Captive
He Falls First
Retelling
Grumpy x Sunshine
Riddles & Scars
Slow Burn

Main Thought throughout book💭

Madness is his forte, and I'm entrapped in his chaotic world.

My Thoughts 💭
So this book takes place in the Mexico cartel a group of girls go on a trip and they end up getting entangled into the red Queens snare and three men take them one of them being Taren. He is known as the mad hatter because he always speaks in riddles and they always think he's insane but little does everybody know that's just what he wants everyone to think.

Then you have Alice who is part of the group of the girls and she is severely wounded she is severely traumatized she's not been with a man and over I believe 3 years because of a SA that happened to her. Though for some reason she falls for Taren, he is a puzzle that she wants to unravel and it might start off as a SHS love but it slowly turns into something more unhinged than anything else.



The spice in this book is very much a slow burn there are things that he's willing to do to give her pleasure but when it comes to actually doing the deed I feel he holds off a lot longer than I was anticipating.

I will say that our FMC Alice she grows tremendously in this book and I think the Taren opens up a light bulb for her and it's a whole new world I think she comes out of her shell a lot more as well and you get to see the side characters too that a preferencing the next books to come which is lovely.

I can say that they are both very wounded and very distorted themselves but when they come together it's like two missing puzzle pieces that fit perfectly.

The riddles that play out in this book because of him being the mad hatter is quite telling to how Disturbed he is because of the Red Queen.

With this being a retelling of Alice in wonderland you definitely get little trinkets from the actual story itself and I love how it's also Incorporated not only in Alice and Taren but it's incorporated into the side characters as well those little trinkets.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unhinged is the 4th Book of the Once Upon A Villain series. This is Taren and Alice's story. Alice, Blake, Luna and Kali are in their last year of college at Brown University and they wanted to take a trip before school started. They didn't have a lot of money to spend, so they decide to go to a resort in Mexico. Alice thought it was a bad idea, because the place is in a bad part of the city. So they stayed on the resort property to be safe instead of going into the city to party. The girls here gunshots and there are men on the beach with machine guns. They are taken captive to a basement, locked up in cells to be trained to be sex slaves. This is the dangerous world of Ilenna the Red Queen of the Navarro Cartel. She kidnapped Taren when he was a child and killed his family. Ilenna tortured and trained Taren to be her second in command. Taren and Alice feel an attraction for each other and he believes she is his future. He knows he needs to be the one to train Alice, so she will be safe. This book has twists and turns, violence, and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th story in the Once Upon A Villain Series. When Alice and her 3 friends, Blake, Luna and Kali go to Mexico for a cheap vacation before their final year of college they are kidnapped by the ruthless Mexican Cartel with their lives changing in an instant. They are keep in cages to be trained as sex slaves and sold to the highest bidder and when Taren meets the eyes of Alice all bets are off and he takes control of the training with an overwhelming need to protect and keep his little bird, future queen all to himself. Taren has his own dark past and knows Alice represents nothing but light and knows he’ll change her if she’s brought into his world seeking revenge against Ileana the leader of the Navarro Cartel. Ileana has taken Taren’s family and life from him and trained, tortured and abused him making him the 2nd in command. Over the years Taren has been looking for a way to end her ruthless reign. Taren and Alice when together have an undeniable connection that will help them find answers and much needed revenge with an alliance with brothers Thiago and Matias. The girls understand the seriousness of their situation once Blake is sold without notice and how her life takes off and leads us to the next story…. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!! The story line was intriguing and the characters engaging. I will not restate the plot as its already stated. I will tell you this book is well written and full of sensuality. The MMC (Tauren) brings insta-lust that at first, I didn't understand. I love that the author addressed those concerns as Alice (FMC) POV's reviles she is as confused as we are about her attraction toward her captor. Eventually we learn some of her history that factors into this issue. It made the attraction on her end more realistic.

The world building is exciting and representative of today's headlines. You can see this story happening IRL. The tension builds as the story progresses. Not only by plot but between our two main characters. Tauren is continually caught between a long-term plan for his freedom the Red Queen and his love of Alice.

This author wrote an amazing story that I found captivating and romantic. It uses the Mad Hatter similarities in Tauren by his love of riddles/poetry. The steam is incredible throughout. I cannot wait to read more by Bianca Cole! Read this book - it's a wild ride!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Once Upon A Villain series featuring a deliciously dark and twisted spin on Alice In Wonderland with Taren the mad hatter and Alice. Alice's life is great she's about to start her senior year at Brown when she and 3 of her best-friends go on a getaway to Mexico. Which turns into a nightmare that they never could have imagined when they're kidnapped and thrown into the dangerous world that Ileanna the Red Queen Navarro dominates. A cartel leader known for her cruelty and she has plans for Alice and her friends to be sex slaves. That's where Alice meets Taren who was driven to insanity by Ileanna but his madness is his charm and Alice is drawn to him. When Taren sees Alice he knows that she's his future so he makes sure that he's the one training her so that he can protect her. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this deliciously dark and twisted spin on Alice in Wonderland to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice & Taren’s story was different f/the usual captor mafia stories I’ve read. They both came f/ different worlds, but both share dark tragedies. When Alice & her friends are kidnapped by the most powerful Mexican cartel while on vacation they have no idea how different their lives are going to get.
The chemistry between Taren & Alice was instant. He immediately was drawn to her & his need to protect her made him want to put his plans for vengeance against Ileana, the current leader of the Navarro Cartel & the person responsible for his family’s death, into action sooner. And once he does he wants his little bird right by side as his queen!
I’m so anxious for Blake & Gaston’s story! I knew as soon as he stepped in to stop Matias there’d be a story about them. I’m also hoping we get one on Luna & Thiago, & especially Kali & Matias! That man is 100% psycho, but I know he’d be ott obsessive & protective over Kali, & I’d love to see it!

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I was absolutely astounded reading this fantastic book, the story was exhilarating and the characters were really sensational. This story was about Taren and Alice, Alice and three of her friends went to Mexico for a holiday, they stayed on the property to stay safe instead of going out partying. Taken works for Ileana Narravo the Red Queen, he has been with her since his parents died. Ileana is bloodthirsty and ruthless Cartel leader. Taren talks in riddles so when he goes down to see their captives he noticed Alice straight away and when they touched it was like a zap from lightening and he new she belongs to him. The was so much going on with action, suspense, danger, violence, killings, enemies, trauma, kidnapping, trafficking, vengeance, intense, sizzling, passion, pleasurable, rough, lusty, hot and steamy, and maybe even love.

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

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

💫💫ONE WICKED THRILL RIDE💫💫
Ducking disaster Dan! Bianca hit the nail on the head with this tantalizingly compelling, sinfully provocative, enthrallingly addictive, bewitchingly seductive, skillfully composed, rock-our-world, piece of pleasure. Hurled into a nightmare chocked-full of arresting drama, spellbinding intrigue, spine-tingling danger, hair-raising suspense and nail-biting situations emerge, revelations are revealed and promises are pledged, jetting this baby into a vortex with life-changing climax. The raw magnetism, undeniable attraction and electrifying chemistry collides with such intoxicating ferocity and all-consuming passion, igniting boundless emotions and infinite affections, uniting our characters together beautifully. The scenes are remarkably insightful with abundant depictions and graphically descriptive, constructing perfected scenarios so refined and adorned, making the storyline explode. Awesome job Bianca, thanks for sharing this little treat with us.

[Amber Keehn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book as I have enjoyed the Once Upon a Villian series, however, this addition to the series felt disjointed after a strong start. Based on Alice in Wonderland- Taren and Alice are both victims of impossible circumstances and fall in love despite this. Taren is not a good guy but would burn the world for her. With the main storyline of human trafficking taking center stage, and Taren's efforts to save Alice and her friends, some side plots made this just "okay" for me. Specifically, Kali/Luna/Mattias/Thiago and their whole side story did not feel like it added much to the book in general. I also felt the last 30% of the book was fairly rushed and then kind of gave away the next book in the series. However, I am a fan of this author and her books are usually dark, spicy and fun so I will definitely give the next in series a read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice & her friend's bargain holiday to Mexico took a dramatic turn when they were captured by the cartel. They found themselves at the mercy of Taren a mad, twisted, dangerous man.
Taren's job is to get the 4 girls ready to be sold to the sex trade but no matter how dangerous he is there is something about Alice that is calling to him.
We get to see the main characters reasons to why they are both drawn to each other & seeking for revenge but there is a lot of sick twisted turns before any chance at escape can happen if it can happen at all with Alice Taren & her friends getting out alive.
This story is dark evil, dangerous, revenge, trigger scenes, emotion & steamy & has you desperately turning the pages hoping Taren's plan works.
I can't wait to read Blake's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four girls are having fun on vacation until they're snatched and thrown into a nightmare. Held prisoner by the brutal Navarro Cartel waiting for the rape, ransom and torture to begin. There's an instant attraction between Taren see Alice, he sees the darkness she's trying to hide when he realizes she calms his soul and make him feel sane again. I love he's called the Mad Hatter with all his riddles to communicate, to prove he's insane and unstable, and to hide his true feeling from everyone. Can Alice and her three friends find away out of the hell hole there in? Will Taren be able to save her? Can he save them all? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unhinged is true to its title! Taken and Alice story is definitely slightly twisted, yet very passionate. These broken souls are searching for the one person who gives them purpose and love. Having lost their parents they both share the need to belong. Together these characters embark on a relationship that is depraved but fulfills their combined desires.
The relationship Alice has with her friends is strong and loving. Together they unit to support each other through a traumatic time. They all discover their strengths to overcome their situation.
This book is fascinating and entertaining.
So if your looking for a book that is suspenseful, engaging with a few twists and turns, you will enjoy this story that is set in the cartel world with some violence, power and unhinged desires.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Alice and her 3 friends, Blake, Luna, and Kali go to Mexico for college spring break, they never dreamed they would be kidnapped by human traffickers and held for sale. Until Taren, the number 2 person in the Navarro Cartel, saw Alice. But the head of the cartel, Ileana Navarro, the Red Queen, and the murderer of Taren's family and his brutal physical abuser and SA tormentor since his childhood, cannot lose control of him. But Taren has other plans for Alice and his revenge against the Red Queen. The book is well-paced, full of action, drama, sizzle, steam, and so much more. Part of the Once Upon A Villain series by Bianca Cole and one of the best.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turning dark romance with strong characters,danger,steam,love,darkness and a happily ever after.
Alice and her friends are captured by a cartell on their girls holiday and locked away.
That's when Alice meets Taren known as the mad hatter.He talks in riddles and Alice wants to learn everything about him.
Taren feels something for Alice as soon as he sees her.
He has been planning to get his revenge from Illeanna Navarro the Cartell leader for a long time.He has to put his plan into action as soon as possible to save Alice and her friends.
While spending time together they fall for each other.
They get to their happily ever after eventually.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be warned some of the content in this book might upset some people. It's why there's a content warning at the beginning of this book.

Unhinged drops us back in the dark and seductive Once upon a Villian world. This book focuses on Taren (Mad Hatter) who within the Mafia world that he lives and works in is regarded as not exactly sane. Under that facade he's also clever and calculated which he shows only to Alice. Who he crosses pathes with when whilst she's on holiday with her friends they unwittingly get taken. They have plenty if steamy scenarios that followed from that. I liked the dynamic Alice and Taren had together and I'm looking forward to more books in this series in the future.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great story but dark it is a wrong version of a fairy tale but one that you want to finish reading. It's a great story but may be triggering for some people. We follow Alice who decides to go to Mexico with 3 friends before they start their last tough year at university. But soon things don't go as planned. They become victims by the Cartel who want to use them for human trafficking or as sex slaves. It is a raw and emotional story and that Toren did everything he could to protect her and ensure that she becomes and remains his. Highly recommended, but read the cover carefully for the triggers.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K Webz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to for an amazing book with twists, turns, violence and suspense in a dark retelling of Alice In Wonderland.
Alice is about to start her senior year at Brown University, so she and two of her friend decide to take a trip to Mexico.
They end up getting kidnapped by the cartel run by the Red Queen.
While locked up, Alice and Taren meet and he thinks he finally found the woman who is to be by his side, his Queen. And Alice is drawn to Taren and his darkness.

There is so much to love about this book. The storyline was absolutely phenomenal. So many twists and so much suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.