Soul Of A Villain: A Primal Dark Captive Romance

by April Moran

A spinoff of the Savage Duet featuring Kingston Winter's half-brother. The villain gets his fairytale in the latest book set in the Savage World.

Oliver Benedict Winter

My life revolves around death and darkness.

I trust no one. Believe in nothing. I despise the world in general. Like me, everything in it is harsh and cruel. I’ve accepted that I’ll die alone one day and probably in great pain from an enemy ambush. But when I see her on the auction block, nothing else matters. I am instantly, completely, insanely consumed. The thought of keeping her forever turns me feral. She’s in danger, but how can I save her when I’ve sworn to be the instrument of her death?

I hunted her. I caught her. I'm keeping her. She’s mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. I’ll rip to pieces anyone who tries taking her from me and send them straight to Hell.

I’m the villain, and this is my fairy tale.

Londyn Juliet Skye

Entering that auction voluntarily might be the biggest mistake of my life.

I had no other options. I need this money to take care of my sister. But things don’t go as planned. Now, I’m the prize in a terrifying hunt catering to the world's richest, most dangerous men. My survival will give my sister the justice she deserves, but I’m unprepared for the man who catches me. His cruelty is tempered by possessiveness. His darkness tamed by unexpected benevolence. He makes me bleed, but when he kisses the pain away, I just want more.

I hate him. Fear him. Crave him. This man has me in a chokehold but I’m beginning to like being his.

He’s the villain I’m falling in love with.

Things you should know about Soul Of A Villain
TWs are listed inside the book.
Intense scenes may be triggering or uncomfortable for some readers.
Please read responsibly.

Genres: Dark Romance

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2024

About the author

April enjoys writing both historical and contemporary/dark romance with a generous splash of heat. When not penning tales of passion, she enjoys traveling with her husband, attending rock concerts with friends, and time spent with family. Brainstorming new storylines is best done while riding her horse or during long walks with her German Shepherd. A tumbler of good whiskey helps tie all the details together and brings her characters to life.

Reviews

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love April Morgan’s books! This is an adult romance and with a complex storyline and an antihero.
Oliver is Kingston younger brother and is just as bad , maybe worse than Kingston, you should read book one for Kingston’s story.
Oliver is a member of club where all kinds of illegal activities happen. One night when he is there an auction of beautiful ladies is going on. The hi light of the night is a beautiful virgin
Oliver is your anti-hero the type of guy you want to love, but you can’t help hating because of his cruel behavior and the coldness and his eyes but as the story progresses, he changes little by little you notice it. Londyn did not know what was happening until she’s there and it turns out to be her worst nightmare.
I enjoyed the character development and the storyline! Great to read how she is a feisty little fighter. I enjoyed reading this book, such a page turner and great ending.
This book has Trigger Warnings!

[Julie Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew !! This is definitely the darkest and most long awaited for story written by this outstanding author .
I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC …..

Oliver and London,s story is dark and dangerous and completely addictive to read , I should not like this but it is a compelling read and I have to say I couldn’t put it down .

Londyn is brought at an exclusive auction with a difference , hunted and caught by billionaire gangster Oliver who caught her to use , tame and control.
It is violent , dangerous and very dark .
She hates him with a passion , a passion which he intends to act on and control , he has no heart it’s dead and buried long ago .

Punishment is his only passion …..will she comply ? You have to read to find out ……

Written so well as are all Aprils stories so bad but sooooo good .

[Darkreads]

Dnf for now. Not feeling it, but may come back to it later.

[Emily Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliciously dark

Oliver is everything I didn't know I needed in a villain hero. He is deliciously dark and vulnerable. He's wounded but redeemable. He's completely obsessed, unhinged, and possessive but loves Londyn to insanity. And she loves him right back. She is the perfect heroine for him. And April couldn't have written their story any better. I devoured every word and while I could have read this couple for another 500 pages, I was left satisfied by their HEA. Thank you, April, for listening when Oliver demanded his story be told.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Please be aware of the content warnings before reading this story.
I love dark romances that are gritty, raw, dangerous, and deadly. Soul of a Villain is a compelling and captivating dark romance that sets the pages on fire. Once I started reading, it became addictive.
The story is filled with angst, drama, emotion, secrets, and danger. If you thought King was dark in the Savage Duets, his brother Oliver is on a whole other level. Oliver is a character you will love to hate; his darkness is what draws you in. He is possessive, harsh, obsessive, dangerous, passionate, and knows exactly what he wants—and he always gets it. And what he wants is her. Vengeance is sweet, and you definitely don’t want to be on his radar.
Londyn finds herself merely a pawn in his game. Being hunted was never on her list of expectations but encountering an auction on the dark web thrusts her into a world of pain and manipulation. Beware the hunters.
April has truly outdone herself with this book, weaving together a complex and tangled web of storylines. This is my favourite work of hers so far.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a spinoff from Savage Duet.

This one pretty much grabbed my attention from the very beginning with the auction in which Londyn needs money fast to help her comatose sister Paris for medical bills. Londyn is the last one and is different then all the other auctions just held moments before. Oliver is a bit I'd stay stuck in limbo nothing is interesting to him anymore and his older half brother Kingston has been on him to be there for his wedding. When Oliver see's Londyn's she immediately peeks his interest and when he learns the circumstances of Londyn's auction and he is definitely going to be the winning bet no matter the costs.

Yup Oliver is a super villain and did some pretty dark things. I just think there was just a large middle portion of the book where its just Oliver and Londyn and would liked more side character interactions. Some of the deals made between the two mmc were a bit overtrying. Do I think Oliver could fall for Londyn as fast as he did? Not quite. Did I enjoy reading this story from beginning to end I sure did. It sure was a fast read and look forward to more from April.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Ayla Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooo this one was special. I have been in a bit of a book funk so far for 2025 and this one pulled me in. April Moran is my favorite new author of 2025 so far and I can’t wait to read more by her. The synopsis had me interested, the dedication had me excited and curious, but the opening statement that’s what kept me racing through the pages. “I’m the villain and this is my fairy tale.” Yes, please. Dual perspectives of Oliver Winter and Londyn Skye.
Oliver is a villain and accepts it. He’s not a good guy and has nothing redeemable in him. Londyn is an innocent girl from Georgia that’s just trying to keep her sister taken care of and getting justice for the ones responsible. The moment Oliver sees her on the stage, her feistiness, her fight and the excitement of hunting and owning her he’s instantly obsessed even if it takes a minute for him to realize it. Not only that but he feels what could only be empathy, and more for the first time seeing her hurt by others made his heart clench, shaken off a moment later of course. Londyn on the other hand has accepted her fate and her new ownership, if he sets up an account for her sister to keep her medical care going. The back and forth between them as they both push limits, morph, grow and learn together is certainly an adventure. Craziest part it all happens in two months.
Will Londyn succeed in getting justice for her sister? How long will Oliver keep her? The characters are the extreme of both ends of the spectrum in the middle both needing balance and unexpectedly that’s what they find with each other. She brings light into his darkness, and he brings darkness into her light but also so much more than that. Can a villain truly have a soul? What does it mean when you fall for the villain?

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was in Third person which I don't like but Oliver and Londyns was too good to let that stop me. Oliver was everything I didn't know I needed. I've already read over 20 books this year but I think this is my first favorite of the year. The chemistry was great and it was well written.

[Jess Bohanick · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG yes! If you love the dark and twisty, this delivers! Oliver makes no apology for being the villain in Londyn's story but instead gets her to realize she wants the villain... This was definitely one of my favorite dark romances of the year! So well written!

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver Winter: I'm the villain. And this is my fairy tale.
Believe me, no truer words were ever spoken! This book and its dark themes, may not be for everyone, but it sure was for me!
SPOILERS AHEAD: Londyn Skye, a third year college student, needs money to help cover her sister's long term medical expenses in a nursing home. Paris Skye's sheriff boyfriend severly beat and injected her with drugs which resulted in a stroke. Desperate, Londyn searched the dark web in order to find an "auction" to sell her virginity for a promised large amount of money. Of course, things don't go according to plan for poor Londyn. Instead of being a "companion" for a month, she is forced to participate in a hunt, where she is the one being hunted. Londyn was removed from the voluntary auction because she accidently killed one of the guards while trying to protect herself from his attempted rape. A true anti-hero, Oliver Winter, just happens to be attending the same Diamond Lake Ranch kink club. Oliver had no real interest in bidding for any of the women until he sees Londyn on stage for the first time and is immediately captivated by her. He and another man bid the highest amount of money to participate in hunting Londyn throughout a forest. You can probably guess that it's Oliver who captures her, even though he cheated by incapacitating the other hunter. He first takes Londyn to one of the Ranch cabins and then to his private retreat in a remote area of Colorado where he initites her into BDSM. Make no mistake, Oliver is cruel, selfish, and unrepentent in his treatment toward Londyn. Since Oliver paid two and a half million dollars for her, he feels it's his right to do whatever he wants, and he taunts Londyn with the threat of death when he eventually "tires" of her. This is what Oliver says, but in his mind he contradicts himself knowing he could not end her life because he feels something toward Londyn. However, this is just one of the tactics he uses to try and control her. She is physically no match for Oliver, but Londyn is not afraid to speak her mind, "You're soul is so black and so diseased that imprisoning a woman is the only way you can have one."

Throughout their time together, Londyn wants Oliver and see her as a person and not just a possession. They have explosive chemistry (Oliver is kinky!) and understandably she questions her own sanity for being attracted to him when he shows acts of caring for her needs. Oliver continues to fight his obsessive feelings toward Londyn as well. He does not believe he's worthy enough to be truly loved by her because Oliver sees himself as a monster and a devil, but he is unwilling to give her up. Understanding Oliver's horrific childhood doesn't excuse his behavior as an adult, but you do understand how he became the man he is. Oliver grew up with hate and fear of his sadistic father who raised him to be a killer without mercy and an abuser with no respect toward women. He doesn't think he can break free of his criminal past which comes back to haunt him when there is a threat to Londyn. It's that real threat to her life that pushes Oliver take an unexpected move which involves a wedding chapel in Las Vegas! Yes, he takes the choice away from a "sedated" Londyn, but Oliver justifies his behavior because he believes only marriage will ensure her safety. He is wrong. When Londyn is kidnapped by enemies and taken back to the Diamond Lake Ranch, Oliver is terrified and will stop at nothing to get her back. His mafia brother, Kingston, sends in reinforcements and Oliver has his own crew of men to aid in her rescue. However, it's Oliver who goes in Rambo style with guns blazing and mows down everyone who stands in the way of him reaching his little dove, Londyn. Trigger warning: Unfortunately, Londyn does not escape unharmed by the two men who are actually holding her captive, but when Oliver sees what is happening to his love, he gets his vengeance in the most brutal (and satisfying) way.

Oliver knows he can never truly redeem himself, but he wants a better life with Londyn who loves all of him, including the darkest and scariest parts. My favorite quote: Oliver to Londyn, "Because the day I purchased you on that auction block and you became mine, the worst day and night of your life-that day was the beginning of MY life."

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

April Moran masterfully delivers another intoxicating tale in Soul of a Villain, a dark and seductive spinoff of the Savage Duet series. This time, readers are invited to explore the dangerous and twisted love story of Oliver Benedict Winter, the enigmatic half-brother of Kingston Winter, and Londyn Juliet Skye, a woman caught in a desperate situation. With its gripping premise, morally complex characters, and smoldering tension, this book plunges readers into the shadows of the Savage World, where even villains can find their fairy tales.

Oliver Benedict Winter is a man shaped by darkness, his life defined by death and distrust. When he sets his sights on Londyn at a deadly auction, his feral obsession with her is instantaneous and all-consuming. Londyn, meanwhile, has willingly entered the auction for noble reasons—to secure funds to care for her sister—but quickly finds herself out of her depth when Oliver claims her.

What follows is a dark, tumultuous relationship filled with moments of cruelty and tenderness. Oliver is unapologetically brutal yet fiercely protective, embodying the quintessential antihero who operates in shades of gray. Londyn, on the other hand, is a resilient and multifaceted heroine. While she initially fears Oliver, her growing fascination with him complicates her desire to escape. The push-pull dynamic between them is electric, brimming with tension and raw emotion.

Moran excels at exploring the thin line between love and hate, obsession and devotion, and darkness and redemption. Through Oliver and Londyn’s tumultuous journey, the author delves into themes of survival, trust, and the transformative power of love—even in the most unexpected circumstances. The writing is lush and evocative, with vivid descriptions that pull the reader into the grim yet alluring world of the Savage elite.

The pacing is relentless, balancing high-stakes action with moments of intimate vulnerability. While the story leans heavily into the darker elements of romance, Moran skillfully ensures that each character’s choices and desires are explored with depth, making their relationship feel compelling despite its morally ambiguous foundation.
Oliver A villain who is unapologetically ruthless yet achingly human in his devotion to Londyn. His character arc is deeply satisfying, providing moments of unexpected tenderness amidst his brutality
Londyn A heroine who grows stronger as the story unfolds. Her determination to protect her sister and her ability to confront Oliver’s darkness make her a standout protagonist.
The chemistry between Oliver and Londyn is intense and addictive, making it impossible to put the book down.

Soul of a Villain is a deliciously dark, seductive, and emotionally charged romance that will captivate fans of morally gray characters and intense love stories. April Moran doesn’t shy away from exploring the grittier sides of love and obsession, making Oliver and Londyn’s journey as harrowing as it is unforgettable. If you’re looking for a romance where the villain gets his happily ever after, this book is a must-read.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for those over 18 only and has a lot of trigger warnings which should be read beforehand, this book is not for everyone because of this.

Londyn Juliet Skye is a woman who dreams of being a psychologist, but amidst her studies a tragedy ensues and she is left looking after her older sister and now she has had to enter an auction so that she can pay for her care, but what happens once they come to collect her isn't what she expected. Oliver Winter is a man who nobody crosses, he is darkness personified and is as cruel and heartless as they come and he has some dark desires he fulfills in some very depraved ways, so when he finds out about a special auction, he finds himself drawn to the offerings.

Unfortunately for Oliver, he cannot escape the room before the last girl to be auctioned off enters the room, but as soon as he sees her, he knows he wants her, she is stunning despite her outward appearance and something inside him rears up with a need to have her. Meanwhile, Londyn is terrified of the sea of masked faces she sees before her, especially as the bidding starts and the atmosphere changes, however, one set of eyes in particular scares her more than most, especially when he wins the auction and it is declared that he and another have the chance to hunt her!

As soon as Londyn is released for the hunt, she does her best to escape, however, the man who catches and wins her turns out to be darker than anyone else she has ever encountered. Oliver cannot resist looking over his prize and getting to know every inch of her, but he also sees how she was tested at the hands of the auctioneers employees and he is furious, but he tempers himself until the right time for revenge.

Once all transactions are completed, Oliver takes Londyn to his cabin and educated her on her new situation and the rules which must be observed, as well as the punishments which will be incurred for disobedience, but Londyn is immediately terrified and as she comes to realise the darkness which lies within her captor, she also realises that there is darkness in herself.

What will unfold as time passes and the two become entwined in a game of cat and mouse, darkness and light and possession and submission, as realities are fractured, emotions are fraught and boundaries are demolished in this extremely dark romance where the villain and the princess come together when time doesn't matter, but lives are still at stake.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver Benedict Winter is ruthless, cruel and heartless. No one messes with him because the wrath of a Winter is known to get you injured or, worse, killed. When Oliver goes to Diamond Lake Ranch for their auction, he goes for one singular purpose-to buy a woman, one who is sweet and untouched, a virgin. Of course, when Oliver gets there he meets Lyndon Juliette Skye, who, it turns out, there is more to her than meets the eye. Oliver finds out that Lyndon is many things. Yes, she has her virtue intact, but she is also a killer. Oliver plans to break Lyndon’s spirit in more ways than one, not just physically, emotionally, but sexually too as well, and teach her to face her carnal side. Pretty soon, Oliver is coming undone by the innocent Lyndon questioning his whole world, but men are also after her. If Oliver doesn’t find a way to protect Lyndon, it could also end up killing them both.
Wow! What a very dark tale that is totally addictive! The contemporary love story definitely isn’t for the faint of heart and if you don’t like bullies, BDSM, enemy to lovers, and twisted fairy tales, stay far away from this one. If you can get past all of that, then by all means indulge. One thing though about Oliver: he was a minor character in the Savage Duet. So maybe the savage duet needs to be a series and make this part of it. Oliver isn’t the handsome prince who you could easily fall in love with. He’s savage, brutal and torments Lyndon. That you can’t decide whether to like him or hope something bad happens to him. Luckily, love does change him, so he becomes tolerable and, even can I say it, somewhat likable, but he claims that he isn’t a savior and, yes, he is not that at all! Yet there is something totally redeemable about him. While Lyndon is the sunshine, rainbows and truly a bright light. Despite everything she is put through and her circumstances, she is easy to love. Do I long for more? Well, Ms. April Moran has written an intriguing novel and, yes, I do want more of her corrupt love stories and look forward to the next!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend reading the Savage Duet books before reading this book. While the MMC is different and can be read as a stand-alone, I feel you would be able to enjoy Oliver's story more. Also, read the menu… err, I mean trigger warnings.

Okay, let's start with this dedication because that alone had me melting.

DEDICATION For the dark romance lovers who love the idea of being chased through the woods by the villain wearing a skull mask. And for those of us running slow enough to be caught…

raise your hand if you are like me and going to be running slow. Yeah, that's what I thought girlie. 😏

Now. If that alone doesn’t catch your attention…

After “saving” her he tells her this when she tries to free herself from his grasp.

“I’ll let you go. Give you a head start and hunt you again. But know this. When I catch you—and I will catch you—I’ll fck you. Hard. Without mercy or kindness. Right here in the dirt.”

Uhm ok. Yes, please.

Oliver: “My name is Oliver. Oliver Winter. And I can’t wait to hear you scream it.” Morally gray in a very delicious way. He knows he is a villain and he is unapologetic about it. He is protective and possessive about her right at the start and I absolutely adored him. (oh and he is tall, blue eyes, has tattoos, and a pierced… yeah)

Londyn: Sold herself to get the money so she could pay for her sister's treatment and get revenge on the person who hurt the sister. When things go wrong though she is no longer auctioned off normally and instead is hunted.

Here are SOME of the things off the menu for you to either enjoy or walk away from (Your mental health matters and I know some of these not everyone can handle)
-Abduction/Captivity
-Somno.
-hand necklaces/Breathplay (yum)
-blood/knife play

We also got praise kink for all my other dark romance girlies out there who not only love hand necklaces but praises too.

Needless to say. I ate this book up. I loved every moment of it

[Kerry carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book from the savage world and is the story of Kingston's brother Oliver.
This is a gripping read full of steam, danger, and angst. There are quite a few triggering situations in this story which the author makes you aware of before you start reading so the reader can enter this book informed.

So after meeting Oliver in the Savage Duet series, I could wait to read his story. Oliver is a very dark character. He feels he is incapable of love and that he will always be a villain. He can't understand his brother Kingston falling in love. He sees it as a weakness and vows never to allow himself to fall into love. That is until one woman changes his world.

Londyn thought she could make some money to pay for her sister's treatment by auctioning herself. 30 days out of her life is all it would take. But things take a turn for the worse when she doesn't get put into a normal auction but as part of a hunt. A hunt where the winner can do as he pleases with her including taking her life.

When Oliver sees her up for auction he knows he needs to have her. Something inside him wants to control and possess her. Her feisty spirit and attitude is exactly the type of spirit he loves to break but what happens when his need to control starts to bring up feelings he doesn't understand? When Londyn starts to enjoy the treatment from the person holding her captive she questions is it normal to fall for the monster that has got her hostage?

As their feelings for each other change and grow their relationship is in danger when people from their past want Londyn back. Will Oliver burn down the world to save her?

This is a very dark gripping romance. Oliver's character was very deep and tortured and it was amazing seeing his character grown and evolve as his feelings for Londyn change and develop.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes readers on a wild ride filled with suspense, intrigue, and scorching hot chemistry. Be warned, this is not for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy morally gray characters and a thrilling plot, you're in for a treat.

What I loved:

morally gray hero: Oliver is the epitome of a villain. He's ruthless, possessive, and unapologetically dominant. Yet, beneath his harsh exterior lies a vulnerability and capacity for love that makes him utterly compelling.

Strong female lead: Londyn is no damsel in distress. She's fierce, resilient, and refuses to be broken, even in the face of unimaginable danger. Her strength and spirit shine through, making her a perfect match for Oliver.

Intense chemistry: The chemistry between Oliver and Londyn is explosive. Their connection is undeniable, and the intimate scenes are scorching hot.

Suspenseful plot: The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The auction scene is particularly gripping, and the danger Londyn faces feels real and palpable.

World-building: Moran creates a dark and intriguing world filled with secrets and danger. The setting adds another layer of depth to the story and keeps you invested in the characters' journey.

Soul of a Villain is a dark and delicious romance that will leave you breathless. With its compelling characters, intense chemistry, and suspenseful plot, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.

Note: This book contains mature themes and may not be suitable for all readers. It includes scenes of violence, dubcon, and other potentially triggering content. Please heed the author's warnings and proceed with caution.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

“You know, you can try turning a wolf into a pet. You can keep it in a nice cage. Love it. Feed it. Even train it to do some tricks. But it’s still a wolf. Eventually, it does what centuries of ingrained instinct tell it to. And it ends up ripping you to pieces.” Oliver sighed heavily. “That’s the truth of it, man. I can’t be trusted. Or hell, even liked.”

‘ Hate was a funny thing.
After living with it for so long, its absence proved disconcerting.
Oh, he still hated, of course. Burned with it, actually. Loathing for his deceased father. Hatred for his enemies. Disgust for liars. But the overwhelming emotion once harbored toward his half-brother had melted during the months roaming the country. ’

A spinoff from the ‘Savage Duet’ featuring Kingston Winter's half-brother, Oliver Benedict Winter….
Soul Of A Villain is the third book to come from The Savage World series by April Moran. It is another gripping dark romance that had my attention right from the get-go. After meeting Oliver in the Davage Duet, I knew his story was going to be intense- and Ms. Moran didn’t disappoint. Oliver is definitely the quintessential antihero who steamed up the screen of my Kindle.
Full of angsty drama, danger, tension, chemistry, sizzle, emotion, secrets, family dynamics, agendas, and intrigue, while finding love unexpectedly. So, if you love morally grey MMCs and dark romance, then you really won’t want to miss Oliver and London’s story.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, April Moran!

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark romance that comes with a warning before jumping in, so proceed with caution. A dark romance that was written well and I enjoyed it! Soul of a Villian is very dark! Much darker in my eyes than the book that came before it. This is Oliver’s story and last we left him he was trying to destroy his brother’s life. So, yes this book is part of a series. But no, you don’t have to read it that way. It works very well as a standalone novel.
Londyn would do anything for her sister. Even entering an auction to auction off her virginity. Remaining with the winner for 30 days. However life took an unexpected turn and she is now the prey of these sadistic men.
Oliver is drawn to her. Drawn to her beauty but also drawn to protect her. He made sure he was the one bringing his her home. If anyone was going to hurt and mark her it was going to be him. He even wanted those who marked her prior to the hunt to pay for their actions. Unfortunately despite all that the Ranch owner isn’t happy. He lost 2 men 1 at his hand & 1 at the hand of his nee charge.
Both of them had screwed up childhoods, could that be what’s drawing them together.
Could Londyn be the one to break Oliver? Even though that’s his goal to break her.
Is Londyn truly safe from the Russians who brought her in for auction?
So many questions. And so many dark and steamy answers.
The book is well written and well worth it, if you can get past the dark subplots. So take that risk and turn the page and enjoy the joirney. Happy reading!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: spoiler is at the bottom ... I loved this book, even more than the previous two Savage books. Oliver (MMC) is a more complex, darker character (heavily on the sadist and dominant side, even more than his brother, Kingston). Londyn (FMC), is a sweet, but tough girl that I had an easier time identifying with -- the sweetness, the toughness, the will to survive, and the submissiveness. She is also smart and more reasonable in her decisions (at least more than Ava's), someone who self-sacrifices and cares for others, and she rolls with the punches. The psychology of the characters seemed to ring even more true than in the Savage books -- for me at least. I don't know what that says about me. The weakest part of the story was next to last act where there was the final showdown. It felt almost comical the way films are set to create a dramatic effect.

Warning for those who are not able to suspend their beliefs around sadists and sex. Don't read this if you can't take it. If this happened in reality, Oliver would be a true psycho, and you wouldn't want to live through it. But some scenes were hot hot hot as hell and made total sense with Oliver, like

**** SPOILER WARNING - the fact that he cut her on her back to keep track of her orgasms, or that he drugged her to take her on a flight, then tattooed and married her without telling her. Or even that the first thing he did was to eat her p- before she even woke up for the first time. SPOILER END***

So classic crazy Oliver. I loved that characterization in the story.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I get into my review, first I need to say- Read the trigger warnings for this book before you start it. If you don't know what some of them mean ask or look them up. With that being said get read for the villain's fairytale! This book is a spinoff of the Savage Duet which is about Oliver's half-brother Kingston. If you haven't read those and love this one, get them! You will not regret it at all! I loved these books. In this one you meet Oliver and Londyn. Their story starts off a bit crazy. Londyn enters an auction to help pay for her sister's medical care. Of course things from the dark web can, and most of the time go badly! She ends up part of an auction and hunt. The top two bidders get to chase her, catch her, claim her, and do with her what they want. They can keep her or kill her. If they decide to sell her she will be auctioned again and then hunted again. Oliver wasn't planning on attending the auction but got sucked in. The moment he set eyes on her he wanted her. He wants to keep her and watch out anyone who speaks wrong of her or touches her! She's scared of Oliver but she also craves him in unexpected ways. He's the villain but even they can fall in love right? But can he keep her alive when he was supposed to kill her? Will his enemies get her and sell her off with another hunt? Of will he be the downfall of her after all? You have to read to find out!! This is such a good book. I liked getting a little bit of both brothers in this set. You can read this as a stand alone, but you will meet the other characters in this book some.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Of A Villain by April Moran. This is the story of Londyn and Oliver and its a dark, twisty and dark read. Oliver is a billionaire gangster and he is one of the most powerful men around. He's also not known to be nice. Londyn is needing money to be able to take care of her sister so when she hear's of a auction where she can auction herself off she enters. Oliver is always at these auctions to see what they have to offer but nothing has held any appeal until he sees Londyn. Londyn is beautiful, feisty and alluring and when he finds out why she has entered the auction he is determined to be the winning bidder. Oliver has always been a character we love to hate but in this book we actually see him have a little heart. There is something about Londyn that he wants to control but also protect. Hunting Londyn is going to be the best thrill of his life and he's ready to control, dominate and have her submitted to him completely. Since Oliver paid for Londyn he feels its his duty to humiliate, torture and even threaten to kill her if he chooses. Londyn hates Oliver with a passion and swears she will get back at him at any cost. This is a twisty, dark read that does have several trigger warnings so beware.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Oliver Benedict Winter
My life revolves around death and darkness.
I’ve accepted that I’ll die alone one day and probably in great pain from an enemy ambush. But when I see her on the auction block, nothing else matters. I’m insanely consumed with her. She’s in danger, but how can I save her when I’ve sworn to be the instrument of her death?
I hunted her. I caught her. I'm keeping her.
I’m the villain, and this is my fairy tale.
Londyn Juliet Skye
Entering that auction might be the biggest mistake of my life.
Because things don’t go as planned. I become the prize in a hunt catering to rich, dangerous men. The man who catches me is dark and brutal, but his cruelty is tempered by possessiveness. His darkness tamed by benevolence. He makes me bleed and when he kisses the pain away, I just want more.
I hate him. Fear him. Crave him. He has me in a chokehold but I’m beginning to like being his.
He’s the villain I’m falling in love with."
This book was full of dark romance, two characters entwined in a crazy way, with a lil bit of smut, kept my attention throughout the whole book. I recommend that 18 and over should read nothing under that age, there will be triggers in the book that some might have a hard time with. I give this book 4 stars.

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

For starters, this is probably the darkest romance book I have read in a long time and I was hooked.

It starts off with Oliver attending an auction to purchase willing ladies. You “own” them for 30 days. Although he was not initially interested in the auction itself, he changed his mind quickly when the last girl of the evening was presented. This auction ‘item’ was different. Since she had killed one of the employees, the owners of the ranch this action was taking place at, decided to sell her for good. Whoever wins the bid gets to keep her until they no longer are interested.

Londyn did what she had to do to take care of her sick sister. She needed money fast. When she found the auction site, she figured with the amount she would be paid, it would be all worth it if it means her sister is taken care of. She didn’t know that one mistake would change everything. Now she is in the possession of a dark and evil man who will do anything and everything whenever he wants.

This book comes with a page of trigger warnings, some of them I had to look up because I had no idea what they meant. This is not for people who get triggered easily. That being said it was devious, dark yet exciting to read.

[Roslynn Ernst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a very dark tale that is totally addictive! The contemporary love story definitely isn’t for the faint of heart and if you don’t like bullies, BDSM, enemy to lovers, and twisted fairy tales, stay far away from this one. If you can get past all of that, then by all means indulge. One thing though about Oliver: he was a minor character in the Savage Duet. So maybe the savage duet needs to be a series and make this part of it. Oliver isn’t the handsome prince who you could easily fall in love with. He’s savage, brutal and torments Lyndon. That you can’t decide whether to like him or hope something bad happens to him. Luckily, love does change him, so he becomes tolerable and, even can I say it, somewhat likable, but he claims that he isn’t a savior and, yes, he is not that at all! Yet there is something totally redeemable about him. While Lyndon is the sunshine, rainbows and truly a bright light. Despite everything she is put through and her circumstances, she is easy to love. Do I long for more? Well, Ms. April Moran has written an intriguing novel and, yes, I do want more of her corrupt love stories and look forward to the next!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reader of April Moranis and this book was a gripping dark romance that pulls you into a world of obsession, power, and vulnerability. From the moment Oliver Benedict Winter lays eyes on Londyn Juliet Skye, the tension is palpable, setting the stage for a story that is as haunting as it is seductive. Moran does an excellent job of crafting complex characters. Oliver is a classic antihero, brooding and dangerous, but layered with enough depth to make him strangely compelling. Londyn, on the other hand, is a strong yet vulnerable heroine caught in a web of manipulation and desire. Their dynamic is electric—volatile and intense, but also laced with moments of unexpected tenderness that keep you rooting for them despite the darkness of their circumstances. Definitely a compelling read for fans of dark romance who enjoy morally grey characters and high-stakes drama. It’s not a lighthearted love story, but rather a raw and provocative exploration of love, lust, and redemption. Prepare to be enthralled—and a little disturbed—by this addictive tale. I will 100% be checking out more from this author!

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul of a Villain is Book Three in the Savage World series. It is a dark romance full of danger, angst, secrets, chemistry, tension, and family dynamics. This story centers around our MC, Oliver, who is dark, cruel, dangerous, and used to always getting what he wants. He can be described as a bit of a cold, heartless villain who has done some dark things. Oliver doesn't believe in anything and hates the world in general until he meets Londyn at an elite BDSM club.
She is there to get herself auctioned off to raise money to take care of her sister and help pay for her medical bills. When Oliver sees Londyn he is intrigued by her because she is unlike any other woman he has ever seen before. The auction is one in which Londyn will be hunted and Oliver vows to capture her, tame her, and control her. Londyn never anticipated being anyone’s pawn in this sick and twisted game. This was an intense, dark, and dangerous story with intriguing characters. Oliver is filled with hatred, but meeting the feisty Londyn slowly changes him. Watching the characters change and develop through the story made for a compelling read.

[Courtney Francesca Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW I should have known what this would be like with that page long list of trigger warnings, but it still surprised me with just how dark it was. Now of course, there's darker out there, but that's not for me. This was the perfect balance of depravity and romance. I LOVE a Villain wrestling with his feelings for a woman and this delivered in just the right way.
Oliver Winter is a bad man, and Londyn is just desperate enough to sell herself to the highest bidder. When she's bought to be a toy before her execution, she fights her captor at every turn until she realizes he's the only one who can keep her safe.
This is well written which isn't always easy to find the darker the smut gets. I didn't read the first 2 books related to Oliver's story, but this one stands alone and the author does a great job filling in the backstory. That said, I'm definitely picking up the duet that comes before this, pun intended. My only critique is that the ending felt a little rushed, but I thought overall it had the perfect amount of angst and resistance. I just wanted more of the action!

[Anna Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul of a Villain by April Morin
4 Stars

This is book three in the Savage World Series. This is Oliver’s story and he is a villain. He appeared in book one and two and we hated him. He is cruel, cold and dangerous. He still is in this book but there is more to him than meets the eye. Oliver is back at the Ranch where an auction is taking place. There is a last minute addition and that’s where he sees her. Londyn Skye; she is breathtaking and he knows that he has to have her.

Landyn’s sister needs special medical care. Londyn knows her virginity will fetch a large sum of money so she willingly joins the auction. Although she has had a rough childhood, nothing could have prepared her for this. Bought by a monster, there is no escape for her.

Somehow these two broken people make each other whole. Their love story is harsh and brutal. There are many scenes which may be triggering for some, so be careful. This is an intense, dark romance. If you can handle it, it will set you on fire. Great read!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally disliked Oliver in books one and two (a duet) of this series and I still totally disliked him through most of this story. He is a villain who turns into villain-lite at about 70% in so you can imagine how bad he was before that because he is still a villain. You can tell he will never do a 180 and turn his life around but that is okay, at least he did come around a little bit. The story itself is fantastic. I just wished there was more focus on the storyline and less on thinking about sex and threatening sex. Not that I oppose sex, it was just that I wanted a lot more of the story. Delving more into Oliver’s back story and getting to know the real him. What I really like is Londyn. I applaud her for standing up for herself. She really made this story for me. One thing that I had a hard time with was Oliver constantly stating he would off Londyn but maybe I shouldn’t be shocked because he is a hard hard man.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been quite some time since I have read a book by the author and after having read this latest novel, I need to fix that ASAP. The book does come with trigger warning as this is an extremely dark romance, but if you are able to read past them, you won’t regret reading this story. I have not had a chance to read book 1 in the series, and while this is a standalone story, I feel like it will be more impactful to read the first novel. Oliver is definitely a villain and not one you want to be on the opposite side of him. While Londyn is extremely innocent, she is trying to help support and keep her sister alive, even at the cost of her own. Despite her horrifying circumstances, she is able to keep her fiery personality and didn’t just cave to Oliver. This is definitely an extremely steamy book, but definitely has those trigger warnings to be aware of. The author continues to write multi-faceted characters who keep you engaged to the very last page.