Tainted Wings of Failure

Set of White Wings #2

by Avery Conner

Noah
What if I'm not cut out for the life my Dove longs for—a normal life? One free from violence, from killing, from the thrill that comes from witnessing death. When presented with the perfect opportunity, I can't say no, realizing too late that I've bitten off more than I can chew.

If only I had listened to her doubts. If only I had swallowed my pride and let my demons rest. Maybe then I wouldn’t be stuck in this nightmare, fighting for my life…

Evelyn
We could have had it all: the white picket fence, love, normalcy. I was so naive to think he would want that too. He's a killer, a predator, a man with an insatiable thirst for murder.

His promises? Broken.
My trust? Crushed.
My heart? Shattered.

How dare he force me back into the life I fought so hard to escape? Now he's the target, and I'll do whatever it takes to get him back... dead or alive.



Tainted Wings of Failure is the second book in the Set of White Wings, a dark hitman romance.

Genres: Dark Romance

Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2024

Reviews

[❁ Ashton ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booktook makes me root for an unhinged psycho of a man and this book gives you that and more. We get a copy of that in the form of his 'Little Dove'.

Omg this book had it all!!

🕊️ Strong plot
🖤 Stalker
🕊️ Hitman
🖤 Torture
🕊️ Passion
🖤 Tension
🕊️ Blood & gore
🖤 Dual POV
🕊️ HEA
🖤 Knife Play

Evelyn and Noah had the chemistry, passion and desire.. There's a saying "Two wrongs don't make a right" but in this case they are so RIGHT for eachother!

This book had a lot more darker themes than the first book but it was prefect! ( Does that make me crazy!?) We learn of Noah's childhood abuse which strengthened my connection with him and came to understand how he became a killer.. I enjoyed seeing a different side of Noah, a more vulnerable part of him.. He's more than his childhood scars.. . Again this does come with a lot of triggers. Evelyn is a total badass in this book!! As described in the blurb, she is stabby happy and showed nothing but love, determination and strength. She is the definition of a strong FMC!

Chapter 8, that is all ( every emotion was plucked out of me)

... Honestly a book that kept on giving!! I can't recommend this enough.. Avery pulled me into each page, feeling every single raw emotion that Evelyn and Noah felt. My heart was gripped in an invisible vice the whole way through!! This author also constantly pushed my boundaries with the triggers and i LOVED it!!.. The whole build up had me gripped.. I am not okay. I am also not ready to say goodbye to Noah and Evelyn

I find it amazing that this series is the first books Avery Conner has published, and what a high standard she has set! I can't wait to follow her journey on her future books!! I am in awe!! ✨5/5 ✨

* check TWs

✨I recieved this ARC in return for an honest review. Thank you Avery Conner for giving me the opportunity to read your book ✨

[Shelby Seal(Allen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooo eeee! Tainted Wings of Failure was so incredible! 😭 Y'all make sure to check your triggers before diving into this one, cuz it gets dark! 💛

I don't even know where to start. Evelyn and Noah go THROUGH it here.

Noah really does try his hardest to keep his promise to Evelyne about their new life, but how could he truly resist helping his best friend and brother, Kyle? Being a hitman was his whole life, and to finish up one last one should've been easy peasy.... right? Right? WRONG. I was gripped through this entire thing and to see his childhood flashbacks and finally gain some insight to his trauma was just... heart wrenching. 😭

Evelyn, our sweet little Dove. 💛 She just had her buttons pushed so hard throughout this process didn't she? I feel like her resilience really shined here. If I had to experience even half the things she did I wouldn't have made it and been as present as she was! Just learning more about her childhood as well felt like a really nice full turn moment. I loved the closure and happiness that both of these characters got by the end of this book. 🥹

And let's talk SPICE. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ wheewww chileeeeee! Noah and Eve are so unhinged and really take each other to the next level of pushing boundaries. I mean, being covered in blood while in the moment shouldn't be sexy, but somehow it so so is here. 🥵

I want to say how grateful I was to read this advance review copy and how much I love this story! And how I'm still looking forward to Kyle's story too. 😉🤣 I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, a big thank you to Avery for the ACR copy and for her patience with this review! It must have been annoying af to wait this long but I needed time to sort out my feelings.

Spoiler: For some this might be a great thing, especially in dark romance but for me there was way too much sex😂

But first things first, let me tell you what goes down in this sequel:

Evelyn and Noah have settled into a quieter life, but Noah can’t ignore the itch to return to his old ways—and eventually, he does. Meanwhile, Evelyn, once a badass force, spends too much time stuck in self-doubt, unable to voice her feelings until everything explodes. Her ways were just too childish.

The writing is smooth and engaging, making it easy to read, and there’s plenty of spice—arguably too much. Because it just didn't lead anywhere. At some point it just felt like sex in order for there to be sex. Like a task that was ticked off.

While the pacing is solid, the characters left me frustrated. Evelyn, who once stood her ground, now feels more like a damsel in distress, despite her major role later on. Noah’s relapse is at least believable, but he doesn’t grow from it, which makes the story feel stagnant.

By the end, I wasn’t left itching for another installment, nor did I feel like this book truly led anywhere. It was entertaining in the moment, but ultimately, it left me wanting more.

I struggled a lot with this review, because in a way I liked it but it annoyed me, threw me into a reading slump for month and once I finished I was left with not knowing how to feel about this book.... even after months of finishing it.

[Chaotic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tainted Wings Of Failure is book 2 of the Set of white wings series a dark hitman romance, being the continuation from book 1, I do recommend reading White wings of desire first.
Some scenes and topics may be sensitive to some so be sure to check the TW/CW before diving in.
Evelyn and Noah are back, all she wants is normalcy, the house, white picket fence, love, free of violence and killing, but can Noah give her the normal life she craves will they both be able to put their past behind them or will Noah bite off more then he can chew.

Wow Avery has done it again, I was so excited to get more of Evelyn and Noah’s story and TWOD did not disappoint, I enjoyed seeing the growth in their relationship and the struggles they have to surpass. Getting the dual POV you see both perspectives which I alway enjoy. This story has you gripping the seat and has you feeling all types of ways.
This was definitely an enjoyable read.

[Sade Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book so fast in my life! Absolutely enjoyed the conclusion and the story of Noah and Evelyn. I really enjoyed the route this book took in regard to Noah becoming more open and honest with Evelyn. Evelyn becoming more accepting of who he is. But there’s a valuable lesson in this book about trying to force people to change (depending on that change) instead of meeting them halfway which in the end of both of you can be a stronger relationship.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
Title: Tainted Wings of Failure
Author: Avery Connor

Thank you again to Avery for the chance to be an ARC reader on her second book.

White Wings of Desire was my first Hitman Romance read and I loved it so was very eagerly awaiting the follow-up.

The story was well thought out, and I really enjoyed getting to know Noah and Evelyn better this time around. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but be prepared for heartache before the HEA.

As always I’d recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving in as there is a long list of things that some people may find distressing.

[Kelly Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh the choke hold this book had on me! OMG I knew it was going to be amazing after reading the first one but this blew my freaking mind. I love Evelyn and Noah’s story so much and everything they’ve been through together. I mean they are both badass characters and who knew a hitman would be a trope I like haha! I highly recommend all Avery’s books. She is truly phenomenal and I am lucky to have found her and been able to read her books. Hope to read one about Kyle soon!

[Christina (Bloodycrimsonreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 /5

•ARC review•
Release date: August 29th
Book 2 of Set of White Wings (connected, read book 1 beforehand)

It comes as no surprise that I loved white Wings of Desire. Well, I loved Tainted Wings of Failure even more. Two different books for the same couple, two different stages of their relationship. Evelyn and Noah, now a couple for some time, are trying to navigate their new mundane life, with a little bit of difficulty. In White Wings of Desire, we followed their games of cat and mouse, always taunting each other, Evelyn trying to escape Noah’s grip (or was she really? 😏). In Tainted, we witness their struggle to adjust, to communicate, especially on Noah’s end, since Evelyn was already minded to let her hitwoman life behind. The second and last installment is truly that: tainted. Tainted by repressed feelings, anger, incomprehension, vulnerability, passion, love. But amongst their struggles, something happens that will change them for better or worse.

Tainted Wings of Failure is mostly a character driven book with some sparse action. The growth of Noah and Evelyn, and therefore their couple, was humane and believable. Evelyn trying to get Noah to open up and him trying to suppress his murderous needs to keep his promise. When all is done, we see a hidden side of our beloved characters that shakes us to the core. A hidden side that can potentially surprise us on both parts. Tainted concludes Noalyn’s story pretty well; I’d say it was a painful delight 😂

I was glad to see more of Kyle’s charming self, I’m ready for his book 👀

Some scenes can be disturbing and graphic, so as always check the trigger warnings. Avery did a great job at including details that made ‘’those scenes’’ realistic.

Thank you so much to Avery for the arc. It’s been a pleasure to read your babies and I’m eager to gladly consume anything you’ll throw my way in the future 🖤

🕊️Retired hitman/hitwoman
🩸Character driven
🕊️Established relationship
🩸Conflict&frictions
🕊️Broken promises

[Jen Sizzling Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s start off with the 🌶️ spice in this book…🥵🔥
it was hot and d!rty & k!nky and tender and intense and everything in between! The way Noah worships Evelyn is beyond words.

It’s important for me that my smutty books also have plot. Avery Connor DELIVERS when it comes to character development and the complex relationship this couple shares. This book was spicier and a lot more emotional 🖤 for me than book one.

Loving each other, accepting each other, and trying to live a “normal” relationship and life proved difficult. I loved the deeper look into Noah’s character and how absolutely unhinged he is, but also his vulnerable side he let open up. I loved seeing such an absolute bad ass in Evelyn. I am obsessed with this couple and think this was the perfect finish after book 1.

I can’t wait to more from this author ✍️.

p.s. This was really hard to write with no spoilers 🤪.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ = Explicit, intense l0ve making scenes. Contains various k!nks and bold language, consistently present throughout the book.

💀 Check author trigger warnings.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

He thought he could live a "normal" life but it turns out... He still craves killing. Noah tries curbing that craving by hunting, but it doesn't fully satisfy it. Eve has fully left the business and is getting on with her life and is hopeful that Noah is as well, but she can tell something is wrong. There is something missing from his life but she can't quite figure it out. That is, until Noah's best friend Kyle shows up and is acting a little weird. He needs Noah to help him with a job, and while Noah knows his Dove doesn't want him to do it, he needs to. Only thing is... Trouble is a foot and he lays the price.

This was a good follow-up to Evelyn and Noah's story. I fully thought Kyle did him dirty but I'm glad he didn't... And does he get his own story?! Maybe with... Riley?? I am so glad Hunt helps Eve and Noah. He genuinely loves her like a daughter. I really hope we can get more of Eve and Noah, but I am pretty content with how this story ended.

[Islamae Plunkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much better than the first book.

I thought the plot was much more developed in this book than in the first. I loved the fact there were hints about what the overall plot would be and hinting at what the main characters would do.

The main love story, which overall is the main plot, is so well developed and is sooo great to read. The fact we can see their relationship grow throughout the book is amazing. The book starts with them not having too much communication and not being fully open with each other. But the book ends with them having open communication and a wedding on the way. It was so heartwarming to read about.

On another note I’m so glad we got to see more of Kyle this book. He was already such a great side character in the first book but in this book he is so nice and fully fledged as a character.

Overall this book was so much better than the first and I enjoyed myself a lot more this time.

[Megan Glatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely going to die from the sheer emotions this book gave me. Avery absolutely nailed this one, it's book 2 in the series & man oh man it was so good! Noah and Evelyn are back and things are wild and crazy! Noah was having a very hard time adjusting to the new life he has with Eve, and Eve is constantly on edge wondering if he is ok. Of course the white Pickett fence dream gets questioned when their old life comes knocking for Noah. I absolutely loved how we got to see the bad ass side of Evelyn again in this book with her "touch him & die" mentality. I dont want to give away too much about the story but let's just say you will absolutely be hooked on these two, AGAIN, because they are such a power couple. The story was gripping and full of constant suspense. I was crying, raging, turned on and over the moon happy by the end of this book. Another 5 star read from Avery!

[Ashley Staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

**as always, make sure to check TW’s**

I LOVED her first book (White Wings of Desire, make sure to read it first!!) so when I seen there was second part to Noah and Eves story I knew I NEEDED to read it.

I felt ALL the emotions with this book! WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO US 😭 I’m glad it all worked out, but still!!!!! 😂

Eve and Noah are trying to live a normal life now, but Noah’s having a hard time with moving past being a hitman. So does he keep his promise to Eve to stop or break it? Read to find out 🤭

Eve was such a badass in this book. No one was messing with her man 🫣 Touch him and D!E, literally.
I loved how Noah was able to let his walls down more and realize it’s okay be be more vulnerable with the ones that are close to him.

The chemistry between the two 🔥 and the spicy scenes *chefs kiss* 💋🥵


Also, really loved seeing more of Kyle in this book. Can’t wait to read his!!!

[Tianna Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG THIS BOOK WAS ABSOLUTLY EVERYTHING I HOPED IT WOULD BE! Noah and Evelyn are couple goals they see the worse in each other and don’t even bat an eye. This emotional finally to the duet had me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to put it down. Noah is an unhinged man who wants so badly to do everything right for his little Dove but can’t stop himself from being the crazed man he is and he quickly learns that sometimes even the unhinged man needs a woman to keep him safe. I absolutely need more of their story it feels like their story could never truly be over but they deserve the happiness that they find in each other 🖤. PS Avery please can we get a Kyle book now lmfao please and thank you 😝

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tainted Wings of Failure
Arc Review
By: Avery Conner
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

⚠️ALWAYS READ TRIGGER WARNINGS⚠️

I’ve been waiting very impatiently for this book! It’s a nice change of pace compared to the first one. Evelyn and Noah are learning to settle down and move past being hitmen. Except it’s never really that easy. Avery does a fantastic job showing the realistic side of trauma while making sure we get all of the spice and story. Noah finally realizes it’s okay to be vulnerable around the people we hold close. It was nice being able to watch their relationship become stronger and more healthy after going through so many things. This was a good read and a perfect way to continue on with Evelyn and Noah’s story.

[Catherine Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel was absolutely heartbreaking. As much as I would've liked the happy ending from the last book to be the end of their story, it just wasn't realistic. Noah and Evelyn had so much growth that needed to happen before we saw the end of their story and it made me sob to see how that played out in one of the worst ways possible for these two. I am happy to say that I feel a lot more confident in their love after this book. The spice in this book absolutely topped book 1 and I was loving every moment of it. Noah was feral this book and it looked great on him. I can't give this high enough praise.

[Jayna Barut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemme just say when i got this in my email i was SO EXCITED.
White wings of desires left me wanting more , tainted wings of failure def didn’t disappoint .

Thank you so much for this amazing read.
Noah & Evelyn’s love story can never be beat.

Noah is trying but when you have your last life played a big sort in who you are as a person of course when push comes to shove you’ll cave.

Thank you Avery!

[Niangelix Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pretty good it was sad and it had its little heartbreaks and drama I love the ending though I also got the bonus epilogue I read this on my Kindle and I've read both books in one day I love it I love that he's so obsessed with her but he also learns how to calm down and be a better him for her which is amazing and I find it so cute and I'm a little fucked up for that but it's okay we're all fucked up in some type of way I think hopefully....

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
spice: 3/5

Just as the second book, this was very easy to read and flowed sooo well.
The plot was good. The focus here is more on the relationship between the main characters, tho.

There is not much I can say to this book. It was definitely good.
A tragedy that ended with a happy end.
Really liked the smut, too.

I liked the two books and the story of Evelyn and Noah.
Definitely worth reading.

[Bianca Pluym · Rating 5 out of 5]

A normal life, is that feasible when you're both hitmen?
Evie is convinced that it is possible, but for Noah, who had a much more traumatic childhood, it is not that easy.
This book was dark in a different way than the first part, but certainly no less good.
In addition to the dark part, this book is also full of spice, love and emotions.

[Myranda Falco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing sequel to the first book, it made me feel all kinds of emotions while reading and I loved every second of it! It’s definitely dark so check trigger warnings! Spice is also spicy 🌶️ I’m thankful to Avery for letting me be an ARC reader a second time and can’t wait for more of her books!

[Faith Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review ✨ This was such an amazing book I could NOT put it down, I absolutely loved continuing watching the relationship grow stronger and watching it develop, and don’t even get me started on the knife scenes the way I was kicking and giggling and crying all at the same time I was reading is an understatement! Overall such a great read! Happy reading!! ❤️

[Esmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viel tegen, eerste was leuker. Dit deel was eigenlijk onnodig of kon een novella zijn. Echt erg dat hij perse nog een klus wilde doen en niet goed zijn research deed.. hij was zo mishandeld dat hij een oor en oog mist... En zijn kindertijd trauma mocht meer aandacht krijgen. Het is een belangrijk iets maar werd amper genoemd

[Jessica Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book did not disappoint!!! the banter between the two MC’s is hilarious, they tried so hard to be “normal” (whatever that is?! lol) i was in tears by the end with the FMC’s declaration and bow they found Noah. but ultimately it was a HEA! cant wait to buy a physical copy!

[Rainbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaaah what an absolute conclusion to Noah and Eves story.
This book was so much more emotional and had me bawling my eyes out.
I am so happy that Eve got to go hard and we got to see her Claws come out and even more, seeing Noah soften down.
Stunning story.

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review pending

[samantha nava · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

This is an amazing duet. The heart break, healing and love are written so beautifully in these characters. Thank you for a great read

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeass!! I've been waiting for book 2 for what seems like forever and Avery did not disappoint!

I've missed Noah and Evelyn and to see their story come to an end is so bitter sweet.

This book hurt my heart both with the pain and the love that was present in this book.. if I can't have a love like this I don't want it.

[Felicia Zarazua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to be Noah’s Dove. 😭🤍

I absolutely loved the first book. So I was excited when receiving this one. I just knew Noah was going to die. I was ready with my tissues. How silly to think Eve would let her man die. lol

[Sohila Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished it in one setting .. The Depth and The Growth of The Main Characters were fabulous, especially for Noah