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Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy #2
Chocolate Pudding and Wicked Queens
She won her throne.
Now she, and her Five, must fight to keep it.
Newly crowned as Sovereign, Lora sets off on a tour across the continents with her Five at her side. She's determined to win the hearts of her people and fix the wrongs of the Sovereigns who came before her. But some would rather see Lora dead than see her reign.
In order to protect her, Ayc must embrace his long-hidden power. As he struggles to wield his shadow affinity, he follows clues in search of a rebel group that may be his best chance of saving his homeland.
As alliances are forged, enemies are uncovered, a dragon egg hatches, and a terrible plot unfurls, Lora and Ayc battle against their feelings for one another, feelings powerful enough to endanger everything they're fighting for. They must make an impossible choice. Do they follow their duty? Or do they risk everything for what their hearts truly want?
CHOCOLATE PUDDING AND WICKED QUEENS is the second book in a genderbent enemies to lovers romantasy series about a Sovereign fighting to keep her throne, the shadow wielder determined to protect her, and the courage to become the villains their world needs.
Now she, and her Five, must fight to keep it.
Newly crowned as Sovereign, Lora sets off on a tour across the continents with her Five at her side. She's determined to win the hearts of her people and fix the wrongs of the Sovereigns who came before her. But some would rather see Lora dead than see her reign.
In order to protect her, Ayc must embrace his long-hidden power. As he struggles to wield his shadow affinity, he follows clues in search of a rebel group that may be his best chance of saving his homeland.
As alliances are forged, enemies are uncovered, a dragon egg hatches, and a terrible plot unfurls, Lora and Ayc battle against their feelings for one another, feelings powerful enough to endanger everything they're fighting for. They must make an impossible choice. Do they follow their duty? Or do they risk everything for what their hearts truly want?
CHOCOLATE PUDDING AND WICKED QUEENS is the second book in a genderbent enemies to lovers romantasy series about a Sovereign fighting to keep her throne, the shadow wielder determined to protect her, and the courage to become the villains their world needs.
865 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
29 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Chanté A. Campbell
2 books45 followersCampbell (they/any) writes fantasy romance, with breathtaking adventure, diverse found families, and of course, toe-curling spice. They hail from the PNW where they can be found hiking with their husband and two children to find inspiration for their next novel within alpine forests and beneath waterfalls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 30, 2025
Thank you for the ARC!!!
LOVED IT! It was as good as the first one! The plot was plotting, the spice was spicing and the yearning was oh so good! Ayc and Lora's relationship is inspiring, the amount of trust and love they have for each other is beautiful. Ayc and Lora are well crafted characters. Loved sweet and kind Ayc, loved submissive and dominant Ayc, loved protective growling shadow daddy Ayc! Him dealing with chronic pain hit home and it made me really emotionnal. Lora is mommy (I will not elaborate further)!
My last thoughts: dragons are cool and so are shadow... hum... hands... *cough cough* 🥵
LOVED IT! It was as good as the first one! The plot was plotting, the spice was spicing and the yearning was oh so good! Ayc and Lora's relationship is inspiring, the amount of trust and love they have for each other is beautiful. Ayc and Lora are well crafted characters. Loved sweet and kind Ayc, loved submissive and dominant Ayc, loved protective growling shadow daddy Ayc! Him dealing with chronic pain hit home and it made me really emotionnal. Lora is mommy (I will not elaborate further)!
My last thoughts: dragons are cool and so are shadow... hum... hands... *cough cough* 🥵
October 17, 2025
Sweet & spicy, the best combo a reader could hope for, following characters that want to tear down an unjust world for all suffering members within- against all odds, and all violently opposing parties.
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Despite the intimidating behemoth each book appears to be, they're very easy reads and I have a hard time stopping myself from doing the anticipated 16 hours in one day on my Kindle. Chanté has an artful capability of transitioning from heartwarming to sultry and comical to serious in a way that never dulls the overall pace of the book. The characters are some of the most loveable I've met, with active disabilities represented across the two main protagonists (Lora & Ayc) alongside the other four members of their found family.
The story you follow is heavily political, as one would hope following the events in book 1 being about an emotionally & physically abusive tyrant, but with a thread of overall hope. This isn't a snap your fingers and everyone is happy kind of solution, the parties in power are truly working towards what they believe and feel to be the nation's best interest.
That said, get ready to YEARN. I am not new to slow burn romance, but this is the slowest I've read so far and as soon as the match was struck it also burned brighter than anything I've seen. It is the healthiest sexual relationship I've read. There is so much respect and love between the main couple, I could die. I've also never read about a woman getting her needs met so many times, more power to her 🙏
[Writer & team, please stop reading here!! Small critiques below.]
It's a strong novel with all the above, but it does take its time to write out some things that can be reader interpreted, or near verbatim repeat feelings from characters that have been voiced earlier in the novel. In addition, as this was an ARC, there were some minor errors (pronoun swaps where "he" should be "she" or vice versa based on context, missing words/punctuation).
Additionally, there was a heavy reliance on "fuck" as an accent to most character thoughts that verged on gratuitous. I didn't need to read someone say "fuckfuckfuck" after hearing the situation to know shit's fucked.
Overall a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 and I'll eagerly anticipate book 3 :)
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Despite the intimidating behemoth each book appears to be, they're very easy reads and I have a hard time stopping myself from doing the anticipated 16 hours in one day on my Kindle. Chanté has an artful capability of transitioning from heartwarming to sultry and comical to serious in a way that never dulls the overall pace of the book. The characters are some of the most loveable I've met, with active disabilities represented across the two main protagonists (Lora & Ayc) alongside the other four members of their found family.
The story you follow is heavily political, as one would hope following the events in book 1 being about an emotionally & physically abusive tyrant, but with a thread of overall hope. This isn't a snap your fingers and everyone is happy kind of solution, the parties in power are truly working towards what they believe and feel to be the nation's best interest.
That said, get ready to YEARN. I am not new to slow burn romance, but this is the slowest I've read so far and as soon as the match was struck it also burned brighter than anything I've seen. It is the healthiest sexual relationship I've read. There is so much respect and love between the main couple, I could die. I've also never read about a woman getting her needs met so many times, more power to her 🙏
[Writer & team, please stop reading here!! Small critiques below.]
It's a strong novel with all the above, but it does take its time to write out some things that can be reader interpreted, or near verbatim repeat feelings from characters that have been voiced earlier in the novel. In addition, as this was an ARC, there were some minor errors (pronoun swaps where "he" should be "she" or vice versa based on context, missing words/punctuation).
Additionally, there was a heavy reliance on "fuck" as an accent to most character thoughts that verged on gratuitous. I didn't need to read someone say "fuckfuckfuck" after hearing the situation to know shit's fucked.
Overall a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 and I'll eagerly anticipate book 3 :)
November 4, 2025
First off, I was given this as an ARC and I just wanted to say thank you so much! I was so incredibly excited because I just absolutely devoured the first book. With that said, here's my review!
Nobody could ever convince me that this book is not everything. I have never felt so seen in a character as I do in Ayc, and to see chronic pain represented in a book so genuinely and truthfully really means everything. This book has twists and the slowest of slow burns but oh my god it's worth it. The world in this truly is just attention grabbing in a way that most aren't. But truly, everything about this book is just chefs kiss. I will be on the edge of my seat for the next book!
Nobody could ever convince me that this book is not everything. I have never felt so seen in a character as I do in Ayc, and to see chronic pain represented in a book so genuinely and truthfully really means everything. This book has twists and the slowest of slow burns but oh my god it's worth it. The world in this truly is just attention grabbing in a way that most aren't. But truly, everything about this book is just chefs kiss. I will be on the edge of my seat for the next book!
November 9, 2025
This book was absolutely incredible! I was completely enthralled from page 1. I loved the pacing of the story, there was never a point that felt like a lull or something that should’ve been skipped. It nicely incorporated the further world building beyond what was introduced in book 1 without slowing down the flow of the plot. I really enjoyed learning more about each character’s backstory and personal motives. The new characters introduced had so much depth and really well executed personal motivations that weren’t always immediately revealed. The alternating POV was really well executed and didn’t take away from any part of the plot. It was really interesting to see how each narrators feelings and baseline knowledge impacted their actions and choices. The dual POV also helped with showing just how well the main characters understand each other and how they both look out for the needs of the people around them.
***Spoilers to follow***
Some of my new favorite characters were introduced in this book. Damara, Candor, and Orn are just a few such characters. The brothers Candor and Orn have such great personalities and are the type of people Lora and Ayc need in their lives. Meeting these powerful allies who show them they are not alone in their fight for peace and freedom. I’m excited to see how these alliances move forward and what roles the characters play in book 3.
The ending had me in ruin and when I got to the last hundred pages I just knew there was too many pages left for a happy ending. The exact plot twist I did not fully expect to be revealed in this book, and I fell for many of the misdirects the perpetrator kept leaving. I was suspicious of the people they were manipulating and using early on. I was completely surprised where the villain chose to reveal their plot and the endgame they had planned. I appreciate the author chose to not leave readers on a complete cliffhanger and dedicated the last few chapters to showing the fallout of the betrayal. They left readers knowing exactly where each character was and bits of their plans going forward to reunite. I am so happy readers were not left wondering if anyone would survive and be left in immediate peril.
Thank you Campbell for an ARC! It was an honor to read this masterpiece early!
***Spoilers to follow***
Some of my new favorite characters were introduced in this book. Damara, Candor, and Orn are just a few such characters. The brothers Candor and Orn have such great personalities and are the type of people Lora and Ayc need in their lives. Meeting these powerful allies who show them they are not alone in their fight for peace and freedom. I’m excited to see how these alliances move forward and what roles the characters play in book 3.
The ending had me in ruin and when I got to the last hundred pages I just knew there was too many pages left for a happy ending. The exact plot twist I did not fully expect to be revealed in this book, and I fell for many of the misdirects the perpetrator kept leaving. I was suspicious of the people they were manipulating and using early on. I was completely surprised where the villain chose to reveal their plot and the endgame they had planned. I appreciate the author chose to not leave readers on a complete cliffhanger and dedicated the last few chapters to showing the fallout of the betrayal. They left readers knowing exactly where each character was and bits of their plans going forward to reunite. I am so happy readers were not left wondering if anyone would survive and be left in immediate peril.
Thank you Campbell for an ARC! It was an honor to read this masterpiece early!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
Ooo this series, I have been thinking of this book since I finished Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy in October 2024 and literally counting down the days to get my hands on this since it was announced. I read in the end of this book that the author almost didn’t write this book due to the way the world is, and while I could have respected this, I still wholeheartedly believe this is the kind of book is exactly what readers need. It’s has a clear political message, it’s not one that someone could ignore, and covers so many important topics while also being a high stakes political fantasy that includes all my favorite tropes including trials, dragons, fated mates, and so much more.
I love Fae fantasies, they sit right behind vampires and I love it mostly because of the powers, the rules, and the political structures built in. In this book, you’ve got different kinds of fae with a mix of powers, both dark and light, plus humans, dragons, gryphons, and more, and they all balance each other well within the kingdom. Lora is just ruled the crown sovereign at the beginning of this book, and is navigating treaties, allies, treason, and more as she travels from land to land to try and gain political power with her Five. Ayc, baker and entertainer, is part of Lora’s five and this fantasy is built with the romance subplot between Ayc and Lora, but it is a slow burn, but man is it worth it.
The author states many times that they wrote this book to be a safe haven for queer people, and with such a mix of accepted members of the queer community and fighting political wars on behalf of their right to be themselves, it is a beautiful story that can give hope to anyone in these political times. It is so nice to escape into a world where the bigots get punished and exiled for their behavior, and that in the end love wins!
I love Fae fantasies, they sit right behind vampires and I love it mostly because of the powers, the rules, and the political structures built in. In this book, you’ve got different kinds of fae with a mix of powers, both dark and light, plus humans, dragons, gryphons, and more, and they all balance each other well within the kingdom. Lora is just ruled the crown sovereign at the beginning of this book, and is navigating treaties, allies, treason, and more as she travels from land to land to try and gain political power with her Five. Ayc, baker and entertainer, is part of Lora’s five and this fantasy is built with the romance subplot between Ayc and Lora, but it is a slow burn, but man is it worth it.
The author states many times that they wrote this book to be a safe haven for queer people, and with such a mix of accepted members of the queer community and fighting political wars on behalf of their right to be themselves, it is a beautiful story that can give hope to anyone in these political times. It is so nice to escape into a world where the bigots get punished and exiled for their behavior, and that in the end love wins!
November 13, 2025
I was gifted an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback which is being freely given.
This book is sweet, spicy, and packed with action. The story picks up right where the first book left off and takes you on a wild, exhilarating ride. There are still big secrets, as in book one, and guessing them was half the fun!
We’re still fighting against injustice, but now Lora is the ruler. Which doesn’t make it any easier! That’s the challenge of being thrown into a game you didn’t start, where you don’t know all the rules, and you can see the goal but not the path to reach it. Sounds familiar?
I absolutely loved Ayc and Lora’s relationship. The slow burn was truly slow burning (and Campbell, I see what you did there: Lora’s frustration with her own characters perfectly mirrored ours!). But when they finally gave in, their connection, mutual respect, and understanding were everything. There’s a moment where Ayc says something almost word-for-word like what my husband told me early in our relationship , and it got me emotional.
This book dives deep into politics. The factions in power are genuinely acting on what they believe to be the best for their nation. It mirrors our current political climate in so many ways, but I think seeing hope and love shine through characters facing their darkest moments is something important that we need right now. Thank you for creating a story where characters who aren’t “strong” in the traditional sense can still change the fate of their world. Let’s keep dreaming!
As for a small critique: while the novel is strong, it sometimes lingers on points that readers could interpret on their own or repeats certain emotional beats that had already landed earlier. And since this was an ARC, there were a few errors, but nothing a final round of editing (which I suggest) couldn’t polish up.
This book is sweet, spicy, and packed with action. The story picks up right where the first book left off and takes you on a wild, exhilarating ride. There are still big secrets, as in book one, and guessing them was half the fun!
We’re still fighting against injustice, but now Lora is the ruler. Which doesn’t make it any easier! That’s the challenge of being thrown into a game you didn’t start, where you don’t know all the rules, and you can see the goal but not the path to reach it. Sounds familiar?
I absolutely loved Ayc and Lora’s relationship. The slow burn was truly slow burning (and Campbell, I see what you did there: Lora’s frustration with her own characters perfectly mirrored ours!). But when they finally gave in, their connection, mutual respect, and understanding were everything. There’s a moment where Ayc says something almost word-for-word like what my husband told me early in our relationship , and it got me emotional.
This book dives deep into politics. The factions in power are genuinely acting on what they believe to be the best for their nation. It mirrors our current political climate in so many ways, but I think seeing hope and love shine through characters facing their darkest moments is something important that we need right now. Thank you for creating a story where characters who aren’t “strong” in the traditional sense can still change the fate of their world. Let’s keep dreaming!
As for a small critique: while the novel is strong, it sometimes lingers on points that readers could interpret on their own or repeats certain emotional beats that had already landed earlier. And since this was an ARC, there were a few errors, but nothing a final round of editing (which I suggest) couldn’t polish up.
November 12, 2025
**I was gifted an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback which is being freely given!**
WELL IF YOU THOUGHT THE FIRST BOOK WAS EXCELLENT (WHICH I DID) THEN BOY DO I HAVE GREAT NEWS FOR YOU
Jesus, C.A. Campbell does it AGAIN. I wish there were letters larger or more impactful than all caps, because I would use that in bold font to write this entire review.
Not only is this series the most inclusive and representative I've yet to come across, it's also so deeply reflective of the political climate of today and being able to see hope and love in characters that are facing the worst kind of darkness and challenges is incredibly cathartic. Also, the story is just written so damn well that it will encompass your soul. Like, mentally I'm Lora's sixth and they're all my friends and I'm part of this series, that's how invested in this story I am.
AND FANS OF AN ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS TROPE REJOICE FOR WE HAVE GOTTEN THE MOTHER OF ALL PAYOFFS AND THAT'S ALL I'M GONNA SAY ABOUT THAT. BUT C.A., IF YOU'RE READING THIS, PLEASE KNOW THAT IF I EVER MEET YOU IN PERSON I'M SHAKING THE HELL OUT OF YOUR HAND FOR THE WORK YOU'VE DONE HERE, ESPECIALLY CHAPTER 63.
This book was an incredible read and it's gonna take everything in me to remain chill about the wait for book 3, but I will somehow find the strength to carry on. Couldn't recommend this book more highly. Stop reading this review and go pick it up now, you fool.
WELL IF YOU THOUGHT THE FIRST BOOK WAS EXCELLENT (WHICH I DID) THEN BOY DO I HAVE GREAT NEWS FOR YOU
Jesus, C.A. Campbell does it AGAIN. I wish there were letters larger or more impactful than all caps, because I would use that in bold font to write this entire review.
Not only is this series the most inclusive and representative I've yet to come across, it's also so deeply reflective of the political climate of today and being able to see hope and love in characters that are facing the worst kind of darkness and challenges is incredibly cathartic. Also, the story is just written so damn well that it will encompass your soul. Like, mentally I'm Lora's sixth and they're all my friends and I'm part of this series, that's how invested in this story I am.
AND FANS OF AN ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS TROPE REJOICE FOR WE HAVE GOTTEN THE MOTHER OF ALL PAYOFFS AND THAT'S ALL I'M GONNA SAY ABOUT THAT. BUT C.A., IF YOU'RE READING THIS, PLEASE KNOW THAT IF I EVER MEET YOU IN PERSON I'M SHAKING THE HELL OUT OF YOUR HAND FOR THE WORK YOU'VE DONE HERE, ESPECIALLY CHAPTER 63.
This book was an incredible read and it's gonna take everything in me to remain chill about the wait for book 3, but I will somehow find the strength to carry on. Couldn't recommend this book more highly. Stop reading this review and go pick it up now, you fool.
November 15, 2025
Thank you Chanté for the eArc!
Chocolate Pudding and Wicked Queens is book 2 of the Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy trilogy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶🌶🌶 / 5
Tropes to expect :
✨ Found family
✨ Touch them and die
✨ Villainess / cinnamon roll
✨ Shadow Daddy
I was so excited to get to read book 2 after finishing book 1 so quickly, and I must say I loved it even more! This series is a breath of fresh air while also remaining cozy and familiar. I loved Chanté's inclusive writing and the LGBTQ+ themes throughout the book. Also really appreciated the themes of chronic illness, I thought it was really well portrayed. With the current state of the world right now, I feel like we need stories like hers and characters like Lora, Ayc and the whole crew!
Honestly nothing like I've had the pleasure to read before. I had a blast! The twists and turns, although somewhat predictable at times, were so fun!
And That ending!!!!!!! I must have book 3 now!! 😫😫😫
I really enjoyed the amount of spice and the non-normative gender roles.
Ayc is one of my favorite's MMC ever, and he must be protected at all costs. He's my cute bi shadow daddy and he deserves the world!!! Who wouldn't want him? He bakes, has shadows 👀👀👀 and would burn the world for Lora and the one's he loves.
And MUFFIN!!!! My little baby dragon. I loved their sassiness and how unhinged they were 😂
All in all, I recommend this series if you love the found family trope and hot bisexual shadow daddies!
Chocolate Pudding and Wicked Queens is book 2 of the Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy trilogy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶🌶🌶 / 5
Tropes to expect :
✨ Found family
✨ Touch them and die
✨ Villainess / cinnamon roll
✨ Shadow Daddy
I was so excited to get to read book 2 after finishing book 1 so quickly, and I must say I loved it even more! This series is a breath of fresh air while also remaining cozy and familiar. I loved Chanté's inclusive writing and the LGBTQ+ themes throughout the book. Also really appreciated the themes of chronic illness, I thought it was really well portrayed. With the current state of the world right now, I feel like we need stories like hers and characters like Lora, Ayc and the whole crew!
Honestly nothing like I've had the pleasure to read before. I had a blast! The twists and turns, although somewhat predictable at times, were so fun!
And That ending!!!!!!! I must have book 3 now!! 😫😫😫
I really enjoyed the amount of spice and the non-normative gender roles.
Ayc is one of my favorite's MMC ever, and he must be protected at all costs. He's my cute bi shadow daddy and he deserves the world!!! Who wouldn't want him? He bakes, has shadows 👀👀👀 and would burn the world for Lora and the one's he loves.
And MUFFIN!!!! My little baby dragon. I loved their sassiness and how unhinged they were 😂
All in all, I recommend this series if you love the found family trope and hot bisexual shadow daddies!
November 2, 2025
Ahhh what can I say? It’s sweet, it’s spicy, we are still fighting to change injustices but now Lora is the ruler and it should be easier - right? Of course not! Challenging the status quo is never smooth and this book does a great job showing how even the people who are “sympathetic” allies aren’t willing to get uncomfortable. So well done. Now, as for characters, Muffin is my favorite! Then the others (I love Tempest too bc I loved her in book 1). All the scenes with Ayc and Lora and their banter are amazing. All the found family makes me so happy. This book has some super sad and super bleak moments. I absolutely cried - I can’t say why bc it will be a spoiler. But this one pulls at your emotions so much more, with things happening to loved ones of the 5, friends, Ayc learning more of his past and more about the rebellion. There are two Drakr I care about and I hope we see more of them in book 3. I love the dragons and gryphons. What’s going to happen? So many things left hanging? So many bleak moments? So many powerful moments! So many steamy moments too, this book had it all. Rage, love, friendship, grief, laughter, bad actions done for reasons we could understand and sympathize with, glimpses of hope, friends you wouldn’t expect. I loved the dwarves and pirates, I liked that we got to see more sides of everyone this book too. Thank you for letting me ARC.
December 3, 2025
“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅—𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕—𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
Ok so brace yourselves, this is probably gonna be long, personal, and may include light spoilers.
I am still riding the high (and low) of just having finished reading, and I am mad. Not at the author, but at myself. I once again hate myself for not making sure a book I started reading wasn’t part of an unfinished series.
Every time I saw Campbell’s posts on my Threads FYP, I opened them to check the book they were talking about, and as I realized that I kept falling for the same one that was already on my TBR, I decided to buy and read book 1 this past August. This to say Campbell’s marketing strategies worked wonderfully on me, I am the exact flavor of bisexual that they aimed them for, and both the morally grey badass queen and the long-haired polished-nails eyeliner-wearing cinnamon roll shadow daddy had me (respectfully) foaming at the mouth.
To say this book was a wild ride is an understatement. I realized halfway through that a third book was expected to close the series and I already knew I was going to suffer. And suffer I did.
Where book 1 was not even a slow burn (the candle was OFF), once book 2 delivered, oh my was it worth the wait! Consensual, respectful, and so so hot. Ayc and Lora have incredible chemistry, and the power balance is perfection.
I had been left disappointed when we found out Ayc’s back pain was related to the Binding Stone, so his diagnosis here was a true punch in the gut. I relate to his character in more ways than one, and this is the main reason. His resilience, but also the denial of the diagnosis and the anger at one’s own body are spot on.
All my theories turned out to be true, and whilst sometimes it sucks when you can foresee everything that happens in a book, with this one I was always like 80% sure: I still had doubts, never truly sure of anything, so it was like I was proud of myself for picking up on clues, but not in an annoying “everything was too predictable” way.
Also I desperately want a baby dragon now.
👀 𝙳𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗
🔥 (𝚅𝚎𝚛𝚢) 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗
🐈⬛ 𝙱𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚌𝚊𝚝 𝚡 𝚐𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛
🩶 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚢
💨 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚢
🫂 𝙵𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢
🏳️🌈 𝚀𝚞𝚎𝚎𝚛 𝙰𝙵
Ok so brace yourselves, this is probably gonna be long, personal, and may include light spoilers.
I am still riding the high (and low) of just having finished reading, and I am mad. Not at the author, but at myself. I once again hate myself for not making sure a book I started reading wasn’t part of an unfinished series.
Every time I saw Campbell’s posts on my Threads FYP, I opened them to check the book they were talking about, and as I realized that I kept falling for the same one that was already on my TBR, I decided to buy and read book 1 this past August. This to say Campbell’s marketing strategies worked wonderfully on me, I am the exact flavor of bisexual that they aimed them for, and both the morally grey badass queen and the long-haired polished-nails eyeliner-wearing cinnamon roll shadow daddy had me (respectfully) foaming at the mouth.
To say this book was a wild ride is an understatement. I realized halfway through that a third book was expected to close the series and I already knew I was going to suffer. And suffer I did.
Where book 1 was not even a slow burn (the candle was OFF), once book 2 delivered, oh my was it worth the wait! Consensual, respectful, and so so hot. Ayc and Lora have incredible chemistry, and the power balance is perfection.
I had been left disappointed when we found out Ayc’s back pain was related to the Binding Stone, so his diagnosis here was a true punch in the gut. I relate to his character in more ways than one, and this is the main reason. His resilience, but also the denial of the diagnosis and the anger at one’s own body are spot on.
All my theories turned out to be true, and whilst sometimes it sucks when you can foresee everything that happens in a book, with this one I was always like 80% sure: I still had doubts, never truly sure of anything, so it was like I was proud of myself for picking up on clues, but not in an annoying “everything was too predictable” way.
Also I desperately want a baby dragon now.
👀 𝙳𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗
🔥 (𝚅𝚎𝚛𝚢) 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗
🐈⬛ 𝙱𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚌𝚊𝚝 𝚡 𝚐𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛
🩶 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚢
💨 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚢
🫂 𝙵𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢
🏳️🌈 𝚀𝚞𝚎𝚎𝚛 𝙰𝙵
October 26, 2025
This was my first ARC read and I really enjoyed it! The story picks up right where the first one left off and goes on a long and wild ride. Some twists I was able to guess and others I didn’t.
I love almost all the characters, (especially Muffin!) and hate the ones I’m supposed to (freaking Yris, ugh!). Lora and Ayc haven’t lost an ounce of their banter or his “terrible” jokes — honestly, some of them are fun!
For some reason I went into this book thinking it was only going to be a duology, so I thought the story would be wrapped up nicely after this. I was hoping for a happy ending! But alas, not yet. Things are left quite tense! But I guess that means I’ll have to impatiently wait for the next installment!
I’m not sure if it’s because I got the ARC version, but there were a few typos and mistakes (Ayc referred to as she, Lora as he, I think Xylie as he once too maybe?, a wrong word a few times, one I remember was “evening if” instead of “even if”). Overall, small things that did not impact my enjoyment of the story whatsoever, but perhaps the author/editor should read through one more time.
If you enjoyed the first, don’t hesitate to pick this one up, too!
I love almost all the characters, (especially Muffin!) and hate the ones I’m supposed to (freaking Yris, ugh!). Lora and Ayc haven’t lost an ounce of their banter or his “terrible” jokes — honestly, some of them are fun!
For some reason I went into this book thinking it was only going to be a duology, so I thought the story would be wrapped up nicely after this. I was hoping for a happy ending! But alas, not yet. Things are left quite tense! But I guess that means I’ll have to impatiently wait for the next installment!
I’m not sure if it’s because I got the ARC version, but there were a few typos and mistakes (Ayc referred to as she, Lora as he, I think Xylie as he once too maybe?, a wrong word a few times, one I remember was “evening if” instead of “even if”). Overall, small things that did not impact my enjoyment of the story whatsoever, but perhaps the author/editor should read through one more time.
If you enjoyed the first, don’t hesitate to pick this one up, too!
November 11, 2025
Chocolate Pudding and Wicked Queens - Chanté A. Campbell
I cried so much at different parts of the story and I laughed at many other parts as well. I loved the representation of the first book so much and it is so well written and booked too as well. I love this little found family, and I love the addition of Muffin. This is honestly one of my favorite book series of the year. And I can’t wait to see where the story goes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 865 pages
Release Date 🌟 11/11/25
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy, #2
Genre/Tropes ✨ fantasy, hidden identity, he’s the cinnamon roll, she’s morally grey, morally grey FMC, dungeons & dragons vibes, quests, forced proximity, slow burn, found family, LGBTQ+ representation, neurodivergent representation, soulmates
Favorite Character ☀️ Ayc
Favorite Line 🌟 “Ten years of incubating, and you couldn’t wait a couple more months before making your appearance, you little shit”
“Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about which one of you was foolish enough to threaten me.”
‘I’d follow you into Eternal damnation’
I cried so much at different parts of the story and I laughed at many other parts as well. I loved the representation of the first book so much and it is so well written and booked too as well. I love this little found family, and I love the addition of Muffin. This is honestly one of my favorite book series of the year. And I can’t wait to see where the story goes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 865 pages
Release Date 🌟 11/11/25
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy, #2
Genre/Tropes ✨ fantasy, hidden identity, he’s the cinnamon roll, she’s morally grey, morally grey FMC, dungeons & dragons vibes, quests, forced proximity, slow burn, found family, LGBTQ+ representation, neurodivergent representation, soulmates
Favorite Character ☀️ Ayc
Favorite Line 🌟 “Ten years of incubating, and you couldn’t wait a couple more months before making your appearance, you little shit”
“Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about which one of you was foolish enough to threaten me.”
‘I’d follow you into Eternal damnation’
October 19, 2025
Whew, Chanté A. Campbell!!!
I just finished this & I feel like I did when I watched The Empire Strikes Back for the first time. I am blown away with how much more you threw into this book compared to the first!
I am so thankful for the tide to have turned between Ayc & Lora, going beyond their yearning into full-on spice. This book did keep me guessing for a while who the leader of the rebels would be and who ultimately was behind the threats against Lora's life, and her Five.
But in the end, Muffin (beside Lora & Ayc) was my favorite. Their child-like wonder at everything (I mean they are a child) including their own strength, powers and other creatures was perfection.
This a powerful rep book: LGBTQIA+, physical disability, mental disability, racial inclusion, and love & acceptance of all weigh heavily in this series.
There are also the opposite: unacceptance, hate, religious abuse, familial abuse, and more (because we cannot have the light without the dark)
Read your Content/Trigger Warnings and have fun! I definitely did.
I just finished this & I feel like I did when I watched The Empire Strikes Back for the first time. I am blown away with how much more you threw into this book compared to the first!
I am so thankful for the tide to have turned between Ayc & Lora, going beyond their yearning into full-on spice. This book did keep me guessing for a while who the leader of the rebels would be and who ultimately was behind the threats against Lora's life, and her Five.
But in the end, Muffin (beside Lora & Ayc) was my favorite. Their child-like wonder at everything (I mean they are a child) including their own strength, powers and other creatures was perfection.
This a powerful rep book: LGBTQIA+, physical disability, mental disability, racial inclusion, and love & acceptance of all weigh heavily in this series.
There are also the opposite: unacceptance, hate, religious abuse, familial abuse, and more (because we cannot have the light without the dark)
Read your Content/Trigger Warnings and have fun! I definitely did.
November 13, 2025
This book is phenomenal. Let’s start there. I read Cinnamon Rolls a month and a half ago and thought I was prepared for how good Chocolate Pudding could be. Far exceeded my expectations. It’s super long but so worth the time investment. I spent a very enjoyable five days reading it coming off a weeklong migraine so this isn’t bias talking. I also cried over the representation — there is genuinely something for everyone. Muffin is my favorite dragon ever, no question. Even my mama loves them now! This is more of a brain dump than a review, but there’s so much I loved that I’m having trouble specifically articulating any of it. I can say that my heart was racing during the final 10% of the book and that ending sent me for a loop. Anyway, I received a copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review. 5 very well deserved stars. I’ll read anything Campbell publishes because they are supremely talented. “Muffin stay.”
November 13, 2025
This was the perfect combination of Sweet and spicy for any reader! This story will follows characters who are determined to tear down an unjust world for all of the suffering members, those who are standing against all odds and the violently opposing forces. I was beyond excited to get the chance to read this because I absolutely devoured the first book, and I loved it just as much as the second. Book 2 ended up being just as sweet as the first, and the spice was absolutely amazing. I absolutely adored getting to read more of Lora and Ayc's relationship, and their banter was a as good as ever. I loved seeing all the representation of a healthy relationships between two consenting adults, with so much love in well written character's. This book had made me feel so many emotions while reading and it was a wonderful follow up to book one. Chante does references lots of real world injustices that are affecting people who just want be able to love freely and also live in a society of peace, and understanding, and respect. This story will absolutely have you sitting in your feelings trust me. It’s absolutely a must read or reread for sure.
November 2, 2025
Now that you're in charge, you can change the world to match your sense of justice, right? RIGHT?
Between ascending the throne, donning her crown, and establishing her government, now Lora has to prioritize what can be sacrificed and what must be preserved while navigating politics, betrayals, love, and ... A NEW DRAGON??
The second installment of this trilogy is fantastic as it weaves the challenges of leading and living with a slow burn romance, self-acceptance, and found family.
Are dreams a sign of weakness, or do the hope and inspiration of dreams fuel an inner fire to persevere?
Between ascending the throne, donning her crown, and establishing her government, now Lora has to prioritize what can be sacrificed and what must be preserved while navigating politics, betrayals, love, and ... A NEW DRAGON??
The second installment of this trilogy is fantastic as it weaves the challenges of leading and living with a slow burn romance, self-acceptance, and found family.
Are dreams a sign of weakness, or do the hope and inspiration of dreams fuel an inner fire to persevere?
November 7, 2025
You never think you're going to feel broken hearted when your MMC is a cinnamon roll and yet here I am. Heartbroken, with tears in my eyes.
This book drops you right back into the story and it doesn't hold back.
The story hits hard early on and it doesn't stop.
Things are getting harder for Loraphne and her 5. There's a dragon hatching, murder plots, and untrustworthy people all around. Everyone wants something and they will do anything to get it.
When it all looks bleak, like hope is lost, there is only one thing left to do.
Embrace your villainy and claim it for yourself.
This book drops you right back into the story and it doesn't hold back.
The story hits hard early on and it doesn't stop.
Things are getting harder for Loraphne and her 5. There's a dragon hatching, murder plots, and untrustworthy people all around. Everyone wants something and they will do anything to get it.
When it all looks bleak, like hope is lost, there is only one thing left to do.
Embrace your villainy and claim it for yourself.
November 28, 2025
The prose is significantly better than book 1, and I like the world. The critiques I had from book 1 don’t really exist in this one, as the story is far more subtle with the characters showing how they care and love each other rather than just being told they do. My only problem with this book is that the plot just doesn’t feel as urgent as I think the reader is supposed to interpret it. The mystery is intriguing (though fairly obvious), but with multiple time jumps of days and even weeks, I never really got the sense that there was any sort of urgency. The end of the book does wrap it up well, though, and I’m very much excited to see what comes next in book 3.
January 4, 2026
Dark fantasy romance
>LGBTQIA
>Autism, AUDHD, ADHD, Mental Health, Chronic Illness/pain
>dragons and fun creatures
>This was epic. And. Just like the first one, I felt all the feels. There was so much that deserves praise from this one. Oh my god. The depth and quality in Chante’s story telling is absolutely groundbreaking. (Also. We got the queer smut finally!) This one and the first literally left me daydreaming and dreaming about the characters. Laughing out loud and bawling.
>the character growth and the plot twists were absolutely incredible! I was thoroughly impressed! I cannot wait to see what they write next!!!!
>LGBTQIA
>Autism, AUDHD, ADHD, Mental Health, Chronic Illness/pain
>dragons and fun creatures
>This was epic. And. Just like the first one, I felt all the feels. There was so much that deserves praise from this one. Oh my god. The depth and quality in Chante’s story telling is absolutely groundbreaking. (Also. We got the queer smut finally!) This one and the first literally left me daydreaming and dreaming about the characters. Laughing out loud and bawling.
>the character growth and the plot twists were absolutely incredible! I was thoroughly impressed! I cannot wait to see what they write next!!!!
October 23, 2025
ARC ✨
This book was everything I wanted, and everything I didn’t know I wanted! I have already read it twice and I can’t get enough! There’s so many little twists and turns and just when you think you’ve figured something out- bam! Something else slaps you upside the head.
I just adore all the characters and the world building is amazing. This is quickly becoming my new favorite series! I absolutely cannnot wait until book 3!!!
This book was everything I wanted, and everything I didn’t know I wanted! I have already read it twice and I can’t get enough! There’s so many little twists and turns and just when you think you’ve figured something out- bam! Something else slaps you upside the head.
I just adore all the characters and the world building is amazing. This is quickly becoming my new favorite series! I absolutely cannnot wait until book 3!!!
November 5, 2025
ARC Reader here!
Loved the first, loved the second. Book 2 was as sweet as the first and the spice was great. I absolutely love Lora & Ayc's relationship and their banter was as good as ever. We love representation of healthy relationships between consenting adults and see so much love in such great written characters.
Once again a really masterfully written book that had me from tears to laughter and back to tears. Can't wait for book 3!
Loved the first, loved the second. Book 2 was as sweet as the first and the spice was great. I absolutely love Lora & Ayc's relationship and their banter was as good as ever. We love representation of healthy relationships between consenting adults and see so much love in such great written characters.
Once again a really masterfully written book that had me from tears to laughter and back to tears. Can't wait for book 3!
November 11, 2025
review to come… I need to sit with this book for a bit.
———
Review time!
This book made me feel so many emotions, and had me sobbing for the last 20ish pages. If you like to see representation of inclusivity and diversity on top of a queen who wants to make things right for her people, this is the book series for you.
Thank you to the author for letting me read this as an ARC, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in book 3!
———
Review time!
This book made me feel so many emotions, and had me sobbing for the last 20ish pages. If you like to see representation of inclusivity and diversity on top of a queen who wants to make things right for her people, this is the book series for you.
Thank you to the author for letting me read this as an ARC, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in book 3!
January 3, 2026
Plot 📖 5/5 Romance 🌹 4/5
Characters 👥 5/5 Tension 🔥 4/5
Conflict ⚔️ 4/5 Spice 🌶 3/5
Text quality 🔤 3/5
I loved it so much!
Got some notes on the text/grammar here and there but I don't think it matters because I was glued to this book anyhow 😍
Characters 👥 5/5 Tension 🔥 4/5
Conflict ⚔️ 4/5 Spice 🌶 3/5
Text quality 🔤 3/5
I loved it so much!
Got some notes on the text/grammar here and there but I don't think it matters because I was glued to this book anyhow 😍
January 11, 2026
I am OBSESSED! I initially chose this series as a light read to carry me through after the hard crash from Fourth Wing…I did NOT anticipate becoming totally consumed with the multifaceted world created and the characters that instantly felt like family. These books feel like coming home, while also feeding the need for spice in all the best ways. I cannot WAIT for book three so please please please write as fast as you’re able (but also take care of you and don’t burn yourself out of course 😉)
November 19, 2025
The second book in the series was awesome. I really like how the characters were fleshed out from the first book. The two povs were distinct. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.
Thank you, book funnel for the ARC.
Thank you, book funnel for the ARC.
January 15, 2026
Anyone else craving chocolate pudding now????
This book was SO GOOD. Ayc is my favorite character of all time! I laughed a lot and cried a bunch and the last page gave me chills. I can’t wait to freak out over the next book I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
This book was SO GOOD. Ayc is my favorite character of all time! I laughed a lot and cried a bunch and the last page gave me chills. I can’t wait to freak out over the next book I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
October 18, 2025
A great follow up to booke one 🥰 going to go reread it this weekend
November 17, 2025
Loooorrrrraaaaaaa
This was a really fun read, thank you for not giving up and writing it.
I can't wait to read the next book
This was a really fun read, thank you for not giving up and writing it.
I can't wait to read the next book
December 13, 2025
I really really really want to give it five stars... but... the final reveal, the plot twist, the cliffhanger it just fell so flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
Even better than the first. The burn is slow, and then explosive. The tears were cried, the laughs were had, & dragons abound. I need book 3 like I need water.
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