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Villains & Virtues
Bound and Tide
Xander Shadowhart's mother is dead. Well, no, not exactly—nothing could probably kill Birzuma the Blasphemed—but she is banished to the infernal plane, and that's almost as bad, especially considering she seems to have taken Xander's control over his powers with her.
Born to a demon, Xander’s purpose has been beaten into him his entire life: serve his maker and carry out her will, but when the time comes to summon his mother back into the material realm, he’s not exactly sure he wants to…er, is able to, not without mending his command over the noxscura first. As luck and plot would have it, though, he’s in possession of a decades old clue that just might teach him how.
But quests always have their interruptions, and when a haughty herbalist refuses to give him the attention he deserves, Xander becomes distracted, especially when her threats and demands awaken in him a new desire to serve. He can’t be blamed, not when she’s so beautiful and so talented and so mean, but the piling on of newly discovered kin and complications with his arcana jeopardize everything: his connection to his dark powers, his plan to bring his mother back, and, most horrifyingly, his feelings.
Blood mages aren’t really supposed to have those, but it may finally be Xander’s turn to learn what the rest of us have known all along.
Born to a demon, Xander’s purpose has been beaten into him his entire life: serve his maker and carry out her will, but when the time comes to summon his mother back into the material realm, he’s not exactly sure he wants to…er, is able to, not without mending his command over the noxscura first. As luck and plot would have it, though, he’s in possession of a decades old clue that just might teach him how.
But quests always have their interruptions, and when a haughty herbalist refuses to give him the attention he deserves, Xander becomes distracted, especially when her threats and demands awaken in him a new desire to serve. He can’t be blamed, not when she’s so beautiful and so talented and so mean, but the piling on of newly discovered kin and complications with his arcana jeopardize everything: his connection to his dark powers, his plan to bring his mother back, and, most horrifyingly, his feelings.
Blood mages aren’t really supposed to have those, but it may finally be Xander’s turn to learn what the rest of us have known all along.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2024
316 people are currently reading
3498 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Caggiano
23 books1,708 followersAshley is an indie author who likes to write silly little stories that hopefully bring readers joy. She likes cats, guacamole, feminism, and the internet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
July 25, 2024
“All of you keep your mouths shut or, so help me dark gods, I will turn this griffin around, and nobody will be raining terror or destruction down on anything!”
4.25☆
if you haven't read the villains & virtues series yet, what are you even doing!?!?!? (note: tho this is technically a standalone spinoff, i highly rec reading the original trilogy Throne in the Dark first!)
it is so bittersweet to have the villains & virtues universe come to an end! and with such a fitting book, following the deliciously diabolical xander.
the way this managed to be the most emotional yet also spiciest book of the series???? ok!
“How in the realm do I find you so beguiling?”
“Because for all the torture I put you through, I’ll take you somewhere you’ll enjoy, in the end.”
Dark gods, that was the crux of it, wasn’t it?
while this still had caggiano's trademark silly terry pratcher-esque humor throughout the story, i felt like this was the most down-to-earth and heaviest of the series. it's not super heavy, but there's definitely more of a sensitivity dealing with xander's childhood abuse and toxic relationship with his mother, resulting in insecurity, self-deprecation, and self-loathing.
She would have slapped him if she didn’t have an inkling they’d both enjoy it.
“You fucking bastard!”
“I did not do this,” Xander protested.
“Oh, not you."
It was unfortunate for Evangeline that she found men to be both endlessly annoying yet achingly desirable.
it was fun to see him meet evangeline and a few other characters who warmed up his jaded little heart and gave him the love and family he deserves 🥲
final line was perfect (no spoilers, but hidden in case you don't wanna read it yet):
an honest review in exchange for an arc <3
4.25☆
if you haven't read the villains & virtues series yet, what are you even doing!?!?!? (note: tho this is technically a standalone spinoff, i highly rec reading the original trilogy Throne in the Dark first!)
it is so bittersweet to have the villains & virtues universe come to an end! and with such a fitting book, following the deliciously diabolical xander.
the way this managed to be the most emotional yet also spiciest book of the series???? ok!
“How in the realm do I find you so beguiling?”
“Because for all the torture I put you through, I’ll take you somewhere you’ll enjoy, in the end.”
Dark gods, that was the crux of it, wasn’t it?
while this still had caggiano's trademark silly terry pratcher-esque humor throughout the story, i felt like this was the most down-to-earth and heaviest of the series. it's not super heavy, but there's definitely more of a sensitivity dealing with xander's childhood abuse and toxic relationship with his mother, resulting in insecurity, self-deprecation, and self-loathing.
She would have slapped him if she didn’t have an inkling they’d both enjoy it.
“You fucking bastard!”
“I did not do this,” Xander protested.
“Oh, not you."
It was unfortunate for Evangeline that she found men to be both endlessly annoying yet achingly desirable.
it was fun to see him meet evangeline and a few other characters who warmed up his jaded little heart and gave him the love and family he deserves 🥲
final line was perfect (no spoilers, but hidden in case you don't wanna read it yet):
an honest review in exchange for an arc <3
December 19, 2024
“Just stab me next time you want to punish me, all right?” he muttered into her hair.
Red’s throaty chuckle traveled up his spine, followed by her fluttering fingers. “Careful, I just might if you’re truly offering.”
“What kind of blood mage would I be if I didn’t find blood arousing?”
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Cute, but not my fave of hers. Unlike Bound to Fall or The Elven Days of Christmas, you should probably read the OG Villains & Virtues trilogy first. Also, even though I like the narration, it's messing with me a bit that the same voices narrate every couple.
----------------------------------------------
At this point, I think I'll try anything by A.K. Caggiano.
Red’s throaty chuckle traveled up his spine, followed by her fluttering fingers. “Careful, I just might if you’re truly offering.”
“What kind of blood mage would I be if I didn’t find blood arousing?”
----------------------------------------------
Cute, but not my fave of hers. Unlike Bound to Fall or The Elven Days of Christmas, you should probably read the OG Villains & Virtues trilogy first. Also, even though I like the narration, it's messing with me a bit that the same voices narrate every couple.
----------------------------------------------
At this point, I think I'll try anything by A.K. Caggiano.
July 21, 2024
As much as Xander is a sass-hole, you can’t help but have a soft spot for him. This was a perfect wrap up to the V&V world. Xander gets his redemption arc, and readers get a perfect ending to this series. Can’t wait to see what Ashely gifts us with next.
February 20, 2025
Having read the main V&V trilogy with Damien & Amma, I admit that I was sceptical over whether I would be able to stick it out with Xander as he moved through his redemption arc. I felt the AK Caggiano had painted him too black - too villainous. Too pathetic, too brattish (I could continue with the adjectives) and I figured I’d just enjoy Caggiano’s writing style while I dipped my toe back into the V&V universe.
WELL WAS I PROVEN WRONG!
It took all of 2.5 chapters to melt my stone cold heart to this man child, and now I kinda love him in that annoying way where you really don’t want to but you have to because he gives great fashion advice & can appreciate a well designed silk robe when he sees it.
But seriously, this book is a winner. It isn’t the slow burn we know from Damien & Amma, nor the really innocent love between Celeste & Reeve. Xander & Evangeline’s dynamic is endearing, hilarious and sexy.
I found his interactions with & internal dialogue about Maia and Costa to really be the heart of the story, and while his abuse from Birzuma was touched on before, it was Xander dealing with it that drove the plot.
Shout out to Caggiano for the Easter eggs & cameos dotted throughout; a lovely touch of nostalgia at the end of an awesome series 💜
Thank you to AK Caggiano for this ARC in return for my honest opinion.
WELL WAS I PROVEN WRONG!
It took all of 2.5 chapters to melt my stone cold heart to this man child, and now I kinda love him in that annoying way where you really don’t want to but you have to because he gives great fashion advice & can appreciate a well designed silk robe when he sees it.
But seriously, this book is a winner. It isn’t the slow burn we know from Damien & Amma, nor the really innocent love between Celeste & Reeve. Xander & Evangeline’s dynamic is endearing, hilarious and sexy.
I found his interactions with & internal dialogue about Maia and Costa to really be the heart of the story, and while his abuse from Birzuma was touched on before, it was Xander dealing with it that drove the plot.
Shout out to Caggiano for the Easter eggs & cameos dotted throughout; a lovely touch of nostalgia at the end of an awesome series 💜
Thank you to AK Caggiano for this ARC in return for my honest opinion.
July 19, 2024
Oh my god.
Xander is a little shit: he’s definitely a brat. But watching his third act in this amazing sickeningly fantastic novel is more than i could have ever asked for.
THIS is how you bring a series to a close. THIS BOOK is everything that i didn’t know I needed when I picked up Throne in the Dark for the first time.
I won’t post spoilers, but my GOD
what to expect 👇🏻
🧡 she’s everything and he’s just pathetic (and he knows it)
🩸 good boy
🧡 found family
🩸 villain redemption
🧡 she makes him say “please”
🩸 he actually does it
🧡 himbo MC
🩸 badass, brat tamer FMC
🧡 callbacks to other books in the series
🩸 she asks “who did this to you?”
🧡 poor xander and his mommy issues
i’ll say - the spice in this book was TOP NOTCH. someone needed to put xander in his place and who better to do it than a smoking hot apothecary.
this book is part of the Villains and Virtues series, and I truly believe that it COULD be read as a standalone, but I also think it means SO MUCH MORE if you read it following the V&V series (you wont regret that series either)
i loved loved loved the chance to get a copy of this closing chapter of V&V, and I am so happy to leave this review and tell everyone to READ THIS BOOK
Xander is a little shit: he’s definitely a brat. But watching his third act in this amazing sickeningly fantastic novel is more than i could have ever asked for.
THIS is how you bring a series to a close. THIS BOOK is everything that i didn’t know I needed when I picked up Throne in the Dark for the first time.
I won’t post spoilers, but my GOD
what to expect 👇🏻
🧡 she’s everything and he’s just pathetic (and he knows it)
🩸 good boy
🧡 found family
🩸 villain redemption
🧡 she makes him say “please”
🩸 he actually does it
🧡 himbo MC
🩸 badass, brat tamer FMC
🧡 callbacks to other books in the series
🩸 she asks “who did this to you?”
🧡 poor xander and his mommy issues
i’ll say - the spice in this book was TOP NOTCH. someone needed to put xander in his place and who better to do it than a smoking hot apothecary.
this book is part of the Villains and Virtues series, and I truly believe that it COULD be read as a standalone, but I also think it means SO MUCH MORE if you read it following the V&V series (you wont regret that series either)
i loved loved loved the chance to get a copy of this closing chapter of V&V, and I am so happy to leave this review and tell everyone to READ THIS BOOK
September 10, 2024
Dnf at 52%. Probably my biggest disappointment of the year based on how hyped I was for "a lil' femdom" romantasy. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Biggest reason: Evangeline is just a wooden fmc. I heard from various people that I'm losing out because I haven't read the rest of the series which helps understand Xander's personality and predicament. I don't have any issue with Xander. Does Evangeline have any backstory in the previous books needed to understand her? From what I've heard, she's a new addition to the roster, so nope.
I have no idea what does she want, desire, what drives her. She just wants to work in her shop and be left alone? Idk. Then one day she sees Xander talk to an innkeeper on the street and decides he must be one of the local extortionists gang members and decides to be mean to him.
Does she talk to her innkeeper neighbour who was that guy and what did he want from you to clear up the situation? Ofc no. We need to have a dragged out miscommunication. Does she ask Xander who he is? Takes her like 80+ pages to do so. It takes her less to let him eat her out. But then she's still mean to him, for the sake of it.
After half the book, she still has no plot development. Xander goes off to seek clues for his part of the plot, Evangeline does nothing except keep working in her shop and being mad at the local extortionists (so far, there's no progression towards stopping them and I'm not patient enough to wait longer).
Xander's interest in Evangeline feels artificial, it's insta-lust and behaves as if she was the only beautiful woman in town, if not in the entire world. It's just weird. I don't know what made him be all puppy eyes for her, and I don't know what makes her interested in him except... it's convenient for her to have an admirer and a helper? Not sure.
The nickname he gives her, "Red", because of her red hair fits into the cringy romantasy trend of mmcs giving stupid nicknamed to the fmcs. I wish books weren't written just to tick tik tok trope lists.
The first sex scene, where Xander eats Evangeline out, felt rushed and no build up towards it. The second sex scene feels only marginally better, but overall it's stiff and not hot. As if the author wanted to tick tropes (bondage, orgasm denial) but didn't know what could make them sexy, so just goes: she wants to tie him up out of nowhere, let's goooo. After that scene I just decided to dnf. Yes, I want to read hot scenes of teasing and titillation. This wasn't it. Everything about their relationship and sex feels perfunctory.
Second issue: the writing style.
Not only there's way too much blow-by-blow narration describing every pointless minute action of the characters or every detail in places they find themselves in, contributing to the draaaaagging feeling of the book that's barely over 200 pages, I've read half of it and I feel we haven't even gotten anywhere plot wise, but also it tries to inject some humour and fails at it most of the time. On top of it, the narrator likes to break 4th wall or get ahead of themselves, ruining my immersion.
Maybe it's my bad for having high hopes for this one, but this reminds me of the Kimberly Lemming's books (That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon), thankfully with less frustration but sadly with more boredom. Both are trying very hard to be funny and meta and just fall flat.
Summary:
Pluses:
- Xander is moderately entertaining
Minuses:
- Evangeline feels like a cardboard character
- the plot takes forever to get rolling
- the narration feels stiff with limp attempts at humour
- the leads' feelings for each other are told not shown (gosh I'm getting Violet Made of Thorns flashbacks, oh wait, that was another book that tried to be funny but was instead embarrassing)
1st star for Xander, 2nd star for attempt to write femdom romantasy, half a star for having no typos or grammar errors from what I've noticed (this isn't always a given in self-pubs).
But gosh this was boring.
I said once that a perfect romance for most readers is when they like the fmc and respect the mmc, but for me it's essential I like the mmc and respect the fmc. And I can't respect Evangeline at all, her behaviour makes zero sense and feels contrived to serve the designed "plot" (what plot) and relationship dynamics (enemies to lovers? reverse grumpy sunshine? brat x brat tamer maybe?).
Anyway, you wanna read hot "tie him up" scene and "a lil' bit of femdom", read The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian. I don't think I'll ever fulfill my goal of finding another book that did similar relationship dynamics so well. I'm still searching. 😔
Biggest reason: Evangeline is just a wooden fmc. I heard from various people that I'm losing out because I haven't read the rest of the series which helps understand Xander's personality and predicament. I don't have any issue with Xander. Does Evangeline have any backstory in the previous books needed to understand her? From what I've heard, she's a new addition to the roster, so nope.
I have no idea what does she want, desire, what drives her. She just wants to work in her shop and be left alone? Idk. Then one day she sees Xander talk to an innkeeper on the street and decides he must be one of the local extortionists gang members and decides to be mean to him.
Does she talk to her innkeeper neighbour who was that guy and what did he want from you to clear up the situation? Ofc no. We need to have a dragged out miscommunication. Does she ask Xander who he is? Takes her like 80+ pages to do so. It takes her less to let him eat her out. But then she's still mean to him, for the sake of it.
After half the book, she still has no plot development. Xander goes off to seek clues for his part of the plot, Evangeline does nothing except keep working in her shop and being mad at the local extortionists (so far, there's no progression towards stopping them and I'm not patient enough to wait longer).
Xander's interest in Evangeline feels artificial, it's insta-lust and behaves as if she was the only beautiful woman in town, if not in the entire world. It's just weird. I don't know what made him be all puppy eyes for her, and I don't know what makes her interested in him except... it's convenient for her to have an admirer and a helper? Not sure.
The nickname he gives her, "Red", because of her red hair fits into the cringy romantasy trend of mmcs giving stupid nicknamed to the fmcs. I wish books weren't written just to tick tik tok trope lists.
The first sex scene, where Xander eats Evangeline out, felt rushed and no build up towards it. The second sex scene feels only marginally better, but overall it's stiff and not hot. As if the author wanted to tick tropes (bondage, orgasm denial) but didn't know what could make them sexy, so just goes: she wants to tie him up out of nowhere, let's goooo. After that scene I just decided to dnf. Yes, I want to read hot scenes of teasing and titillation. This wasn't it. Everything about their relationship and sex feels perfunctory.
Second issue: the writing style.
Not only there's way too much blow-by-blow narration describing every pointless minute action of the characters or every detail in places they find themselves in, contributing to the draaaaagging feeling of the book that's barely over 200 pages, I've read half of it and I feel we haven't even gotten anywhere plot wise, but also it tries to inject some humour and fails at it most of the time. On top of it, the narrator likes to break 4th wall or get ahead of themselves, ruining my immersion.
Maybe it's my bad for having high hopes for this one, but this reminds me of the Kimberly Lemming's books (That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon), thankfully with less frustration but sadly with more boredom. Both are trying very hard to be funny and meta and just fall flat.
Summary:
Pluses:
- Xander is moderately entertaining
Minuses:
- Evangeline feels like a cardboard character
- the plot takes forever to get rolling
- the narration feels stiff with limp attempts at humour
- the leads' feelings for each other are told not shown (gosh I'm getting Violet Made of Thorns flashbacks, oh wait, that was another book that tried to be funny but was instead embarrassing)
1st star for Xander, 2nd star for attempt to write femdom romantasy, half a star for having no typos or grammar errors from what I've noticed (this isn't always a given in self-pubs).
But gosh this was boring.
I said once that a perfect romance for most readers is when they like the fmc and respect the mmc, but for me it's essential I like the mmc and respect the fmc. And I can't respect Evangeline at all, her behaviour makes zero sense and feels contrived to serve the designed "plot" (what plot) and relationship dynamics (enemies to lovers? reverse grumpy sunshine? brat x brat tamer maybe?).
Anyway, you wanna read hot "tie him up" scene and "a lil' bit of femdom", read The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian. I don't think I'll ever fulfill my goal of finding another book that did similar relationship dynamics so well. I'm still searching. 😔
July 21, 2024
A.K. Caggiano, I love you. This was SO fucking good. 🥲🩷 Please let me know where to send my first born cat son that I promised in exchange for this arc.
(I'll be back with a semi-proper review later. I gotta take a nap and process my emotions.)
(I'll be back with a semi-proper review later. I gotta take a nap and process my emotions.)
November 5, 2025
I mean, it was alright
July 31, 2024
I was so excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint! I'm not quite sure what I was expecting for Xander's book, but the author definitely far exceeded my expectations. I remember when I first picked up Throne in the Dark (the first Villians & Virtues book), it was unlike any book I had read before, and I absolutely loved it. I'm so happy that the author gave us two more spin-off books after the end of the original series, and I'm struggling to decide whether this one or Eclipse of the Crown is my favorite. I feel like I needed to read this book, and I think it's my first true, new five-star read I've had in a while. I feel like all the five star reads I've had lately are either rereads or like 4.5 star reads that I've rounded up, but this one was easily 5 out of 5 stars for me. I was invested from the very beginning of the book, and if I didn't have to work today, I think I could have easily read this book in one sitting. It had all the adventure and humor of the other Villians & Virtues books, but the romance was a bit different. While Amma and Damien had a true slow burn romance, Evangeline and Xander's romance was definitely not, but it still was so wonderful to read. I think this is definitely A.K. Caggiano's steamiest book, but I really like her approach to sex scenes and how there is this playful aspect to them. It makes them more fun to read. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Evangeline and Xander and how she seemed to be the perfect one to put Xander in his place. I like how Xander's character can be an asshole or a bit pathetic at times, and despite all that, you can't help but love him. I also can safely say that I was not expecting big brother Xander at all, but that was probably my favorite aspect of the whole book. I love that a big part of the book was Xander finding family (both blood related and not) that truly cared for him and thought him what it means to be loved and to love someone back as well. It was such a satisfying book to read, and even though I just finished it, I already want to reread it. I loved this book so much, and although this might be the end of the Villians & Virtues series, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on what A.K. Caggiano has planned for her next book because I absolutely love her writing and how much fun she puts into all her books. I could not be happier with this book!
December 24, 2025
SO. MUCH. FUN. short n sweet :’) you’ll fall in love with xander!!! romantasy comedy has now become a new favorite genre solely because of this series! will read anything by this author at this point 🫡
August 21, 2024
Chefs kiss. I love this author and I’m sad the world of Villains & Virtues is done 😭
This is a standalone and is Xander’s tale. He gives me Spike from Buffy vibes and I love him. And we got to see Amma & Damien again! Don’t sleep on this series. I’ll leave you with this quote that sums up the writing style.
“It was so spectacular, in fact, that the spectacle itself was best left unwritten, just like the exact cost of a ship or a complicated prophecy. Sometimes one just must imagine.”
The problem with most of the fantasy books out nowadays is EVERYTHING IS EXPLAINED IN EXCESSIVE DETAIL. Readers aren’t allowed to imagine or speculate. These books do such an amazing job of fostering the imagination, it made reading them simply fun & enjoyable. Also, the wit and sass ❤️ until I reread V&V…
This is a standalone and is Xander’s tale. He gives me Spike from Buffy vibes and I love him. And we got to see Amma & Damien again! Don’t sleep on this series. I’ll leave you with this quote that sums up the writing style.
“It was so spectacular, in fact, that the spectacle itself was best left unwritten, just like the exact cost of a ship or a complicated prophecy. Sometimes one just must imagine.”
The problem with most of the fantasy books out nowadays is EVERYTHING IS EXPLAINED IN EXCESSIVE DETAIL. Readers aren’t allowed to imagine or speculate. These books do such an amazing job of fostering the imagination, it made reading them simply fun & enjoyable. Also, the wit and sass ❤️ until I reread V&V…
August 9, 2024
I’m so disappointed!! I have devoured every other book in this series, and I was so looking forward to Xander’s book, but this just wasn’t it for me. Xander was much less witty and charming than in previous installments, I don’t feel like we got to know Evangeline at ALL, and I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them. We aren’t given any insight at all into what the two leads love about each other—they just sort of think the other is hot, bang it out, and then fall in love? I think the shortness of the text had something to do with it, maybe, but I just wasn’t really feeling this one, sadly.
July 31, 2024
A.K. Caggiano is on my instant buy list. Absolutely everything she writes is perfection. I laughed, I got choked up, and I simply devoured every second of this book. What a way to wrap up the series!
August 16, 2025
This quality of the books in this series have unfortunately deteriorated as the series progresses. The story was cute but a bit all over the place and felt rushed. She used breaking the fourth wall so frequently especially in the end to explain away why plots were easily resolved or why certain scenes were left out. It just felt like she was self-aware that the writing was lazy and decided to point it out to the reader. This writer is very funny and talented so it’s disappointing.
August 16, 2024
"Is something ever a choice if, eventually, it is inevitable?"
"Is an ending truly inevitable if it only comes after the time before an eventually?
Please for the love of the Abyss, read this series! I cannot stress enough how much I adored these books and A.K. Caggiano's writing style. Darkness take me, it is absolutely incredible. 👏🏻
Bound & Tide follows Xander Sephiran Shadowhart, former nemesis to our protagonist in the main Villains & Virtues series, and a blood mage losing control over his noxscura (infernal powers). The story centers around Xander's mission—and trauma—to summon his demon mother back to the mortal plane. However, there's one problem, his powers are not completely under his control and he needs to find a way to fix them before he can do anything else...if he really wants to bring her back that is.
This redemption arc is everything! Xander goes from being a deplorable, self-centered, bratty, man-child of a side character (with fabulous tastes) to our main star who still makes some questionable choices (also with fabulous tastes) but has become so lovable and grown up. My favorite parts were the at-first begrudging concerns for Maia and Costa, which then grew into love and caring he never knew he possessed. And his relationship with Evangeline?! Ugh! I love that she gives him so much sass and makes him work so hard to keep her attention... which is fine because Xander is an absolute masochist. Their scenes together were perfection! If you like spicy, lite FemDom scenarios, and growth from the physical to something more, you're in for some fun.
"He needed exactly what she had to give, she learned that the moment she'd carved into his skin like he was made of stone."
I seriously enjoyed how this book handled parental trauma as well. From chapter to chapter, we see Xander struggle with his inner monologue and the harsh, abusive voice inside his head. As he does, a collection of little, meaningful moments slowly starts to change his thinking and feelings. From the heartwarming found family to the uplifting themes of realizing you're never truly alone, this story had me grinning the entire time.
"It's written in Old Key. It says, see one jackdaw but know there are many. Mom used to say that to remind us we weren't really ever on our own like how birds...you know, they flock together?"
One thing to keep in mind is this book is meant to be read LAST in the series, as it contains spoilers about events in the main storyline with Damien and Amma, although I read it first and did not mind. My final assessment is definitely, DEFINITELY add this series to your TBR, you will not regret it!
Things I loved about the book:
🩸"Good boy"😏
🖤 MC w/ Mommy Issues
🩸 Strong & Spunky FMC
🖤 Found Family
🩸 Lite FemDom
🖤 Redemption Arc
🩸 Snarky & Steamy Banter
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🩸 Cute Nicknames
Thank you so much to the wonderful A.K. Caggiano for providing me with an ARC and the opportunity to share my thoughts. ♥
September 2, 2024
Not going to lie, my eyes got a little watery when I remembered that this is the final book in the Villians and Virtues series 😭
December 30, 2024
4.5 stars. Perfect way to end the series, and I loved every minute of it! Damian and Amma were my favorite, but I have a soft spot for Xander and his sass.
April 9, 2025
Very cute end to the series <3
August 6, 2024
what do you mean, it's over?
August 26, 2024
Rating: somewhere between 2 and 3 stars.
While the characters are great and the world building is very organic, the pacing is all over the place. The book has an unhealthy relationship with chronology and, due to that, the plot has no steam. I would have shuffled entire scenes around to build more immersion, especially at the start of the book. Also, why dual POVs? Xander could have carried the story on his own, in my opinion. I don’t think we needed Evangeline’s POV at all. I can see why people like this book, though. If you like slower paced fantasy with a dash of humour, you may also enjoy this book.
While the characters are great and the world building is very organic, the pacing is all over the place. The book has an unhealthy relationship with chronology and, due to that, the plot has no steam. I would have shuffled entire scenes around to build more immersion, especially at the start of the book. Also, why dual POVs? Xander could have carried the story on his own, in my opinion. I don’t think we needed Evangeline’s POV at all. I can see why people like this book, though. If you like slower paced fantasy with a dash of humour, you may also enjoy this book.
August 15, 2024
It pains me to give such a low rating, because I ADORED the original trilogy and the first spin-off Bound to Fall, but something about this one just didn’t grab me the same way. I still love this author and her writing style and will read anything she releases, and might come back to this book one day!
January 26, 2025
I liked some I disliked some. However the closing of a B plot through mass murder was disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
It was okay! Got boring in the middle, but the story overall was interesting and sweet. I liked this one more than the other spinoff! But V&V trilogy will always be the best so hard to top!
July 25, 2024
The final book in the Villain and Virtues series is the best one yet! I wish I had enough eloquent words to describe how much I adore this book.
Xander, the darkest villain in this world, gets his redemption arc that he so deserves. Unapologetic full of sass and swager, he meets his match in a beautiful red head who doesn't fall for any of his charm. It leaves him intrigued and showing up at her apothecary shop every day and that is where their adventure begins.
Evangeline is an independent woman who doesn't need a man. Or so she thought, when Xander is injured, she finds herself wanting to care for him, when he stays away too long, she starts to miss him. The push and pull between them is done perfectly, their tender moments swoon worthy.
Xander's growth is done with so much love and consideration as to who he is and how his past shaped him. You come to understand him and love him a little more because of it.
I highly recommend that you read the first book in the series to appreciate all of the easter eggs hidden within this story. I didn't think a feather would be so sweet... it made my eyes sweaty.
I am so sad to leave this world but thrilled to be able to visit anytime I wish as I re-read this series. Ashley is an auto-everything to me and I can't wait to go on the next adventure within her beautiful stories.
Xander, the darkest villain in this world, gets his redemption arc that he so deserves. Unapologetic full of sass and swager, he meets his match in a beautiful red head who doesn't fall for any of his charm. It leaves him intrigued and showing up at her apothecary shop every day and that is where their adventure begins.
Evangeline is an independent woman who doesn't need a man. Or so she thought, when Xander is injured, she finds herself wanting to care for him, when he stays away too long, she starts to miss him. The push and pull between them is done perfectly, their tender moments swoon worthy.
Xander's growth is done with so much love and consideration as to who he is and how his past shaped him. You come to understand him and love him a little more because of it.
I highly recommend that you read the first book in the series to appreciate all of the easter eggs hidden within this story. I didn't think a feather would be so sweet... it made my eyes sweaty.
I am so sad to leave this world but thrilled to be able to visit anytime I wish as I re-read this series. Ashley is an auto-everything to me and I can't wait to go on the next adventure within her beautiful stories.
September 3, 2024
I had to stop myself from giving 5 stars from the cover alone when it came out lol.
But now that I’ve read it I can do it!!!!
This book was everything I was expecting and so much more. Xander is one of my favorites in this series and to be able to read his healing journey, and him learning how to love and most importantly, learning how to be loved was one of the best things ever.
Also the siblings that are mini Xanders and now he just have to (wants to) take care of them 😭😭 I love every second of this.
I can’t say this is a goodbye to this series ‘cause I have no doubt that I’ll be rereading many times again.
But now that I’ve read it I can do it!!!!
This book was everything I was expecting and so much more. Xander is one of my favorites in this series and to be able to read his healing journey, and him learning how to love and most importantly, learning how to be loved was one of the best things ever.
Also the siblings that are mini Xanders and now he just have to (wants to) take care of them 😭😭 I love every second of this.
I can’t say this is a goodbye to this series ‘cause I have no doubt that I’ll be rereading many times again.
July 22, 2024
Absolutely adore this conclusion to Xander's story. Evangeline is amazing and refuses to put up with any of Xander's crap. Xander becoming his own person outside his mother's influence is so satisfying.
August 29, 2024
I knew I'd love Xander's story and I did.
August 20, 2025
Didn’t love it as much as the other 4 but still like the author and lol’d many times whilst reading! It wrapped up the series well though & I enjoyed Xanders character development 🖤
December 18, 2024
THIS WAS SO GOOD. WHAT THE HECK?! I WANT MORE!!!! This was my favorite one by FAR!!
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