What do you think?
Rate this book
VICE + VIRTUE #1-2
Vice + Virtue
Men like Gage and me? We both crossed the line a long time ago.
When a routine hookup turns out to be his last, Aden goes on the run with his dealer Gage, a man he barely knows.
After a year of hiding in plain sight, Aden finds himself mostly alone in the dead of winter while Gage works nights as a bartender. The hasty introduction to Gage's new “business partner”—a silver-tongued local named Travis—doesn’t help the growing tension between Aden and his ex-dealer.
Desperate for details and beguiled by Travis's easy going nature, Aden tentatively places his trust in Travis, only to develop feelings equally forbidden and undeniable. Strung between two dangerous men willing to kill for him, Aden eventually learns more than the simple truth of what Gage and Travis are planning—and that he’s just as capable of making bloody decisions to protect them.
VICE + VIRTUE is a 72k duology previously published as BLACK CLOUD and WHITE SMOKE . It features a transmasc main character as well as dark themes. Content warnings are located in the front matter.
When a routine hookup turns out to be his last, Aden goes on the run with his dealer Gage, a man he barely knows.
After a year of hiding in plain sight, Aden finds himself mostly alone in the dead of winter while Gage works nights as a bartender. The hasty introduction to Gage's new “business partner”—a silver-tongued local named Travis—doesn’t help the growing tension between Aden and his ex-dealer.
Desperate for details and beguiled by Travis's easy going nature, Aden tentatively places his trust in Travis, only to develop feelings equally forbidden and undeniable. Strung between two dangerous men willing to kill for him, Aden eventually learns more than the simple truth of what Gage and Travis are planning—and that he’s just as capable of making bloody decisions to protect them.
VICE + VIRTUE is a 72k duology previously published as BLACK CLOUD and WHITE SMOKE . It features a transmasc main character as well as dark themes. Content warnings are located in the front matter.
300 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 21, 2024
“So fucking filthy,” Gage says. “Getting on your knees as soon as I walk through the door.”
Don't you hate when you've already rated an author's book five stars and then the next one is even better? Not all five-star reads are equal. This book was amazing. Gritty, concise inner thoughts, straightforward dialogue, the sex scenes were awesome, and I was tense anticipating what was going to happen throughout most of the book.
“Be good to him, baby.”
Aden wouldn’t dream of being anything else. Not now, not when Gage is being so generous and Travis is looking at him like he wants to drill his brains right out of his head. It’s fucking addictive, having the undivided attention of two men who want him so bad they’re willing to share; to do whatever it takes to have him.
Very rarely do I grow to like each MC equally, but with these three I cannot pick a favorite.
More to add later, I'm finally on a reading roll!
Don't you hate when you've already rated an author's book five stars and then the next one is even better? Not all five-star reads are equal. This book was amazing. Gritty, concise inner thoughts, straightforward dialogue, the sex scenes were awesome, and I was tense anticipating what was going to happen throughout most of the book.
“Be good to him, baby.”
Aden wouldn’t dream of being anything else. Not now, not when Gage is being so generous and Travis is looking at him like he wants to drill his brains right out of his head. It’s fucking addictive, having the undivided attention of two men who want him so bad they’re willing to share; to do whatever it takes to have him.
Very rarely do I grow to like each MC equally, but with these three I cannot pick a favorite.
More to add later, I'm finally on a reading roll!
December 15, 2024
Raw and gritty with an undercurrent of care and gentleness, a codependent relationship that's strangely wholesome. Another gem by Magnus Thorne.
March 24, 2025
"You said I’m yours,” Aden whispers, the words sluggish on his tongue [...]
“Yeah. I did.” Gage strokes the back of Aden’s head. “And watching you suck his cock isn’t gonna change that.”"
This book gives chunky cellphone, retro, almost dystopian vibes. Not textually but it gives off that feel - it's gritty and filthy, and makes me think of battery acid bathbombs and lavender-soft bitemarks.
It's not too dissimilar to the feeling AFTG evokes and if you squint, this has the shape of an Andrew/trans!Neil/Kevin AU.
• Dark MMM romance
• High heat
• Transmasc MC
• Morally grey LIs
“Yeah. I did.” Gage strokes the back of Aden’s head. “And watching you suck his cock isn’t gonna change that.”"
This book gives chunky cellphone, retro, almost dystopian vibes. Not textually but it gives off that feel - it's gritty and filthy, and makes me think of battery acid bathbombs and lavender-soft bitemarks.
It's not too dissimilar to the feeling AFTG evokes and if you squint, this has the shape of an Andrew/trans!Neil/Kevin AU.
• Dark MMM romance
• High heat
• Transmasc MC
• Morally grey LIs
December 21, 2024
When he lays pipe so good, you tag along when he goes on the run.
I love them, your honor.
I love them, your honor.
March 28, 2025
Reading this felt like sitting out on the porch watching a dark gloomy storm roll through… if that makes sense.
If Thorne writes it, I will read it.
I read the short, White Smoke, before this became a full length and I was left wanting more so I’m so glad we got Vice + Virture. These characters are so intriguing and even though they don’t say much, their feeling toward each other are said more in their body language and in their actions. Theirs no miscommunication which is where a lot of stories written like this fall victim to.
Of course the smut if top tier! Thorne writes some of the most well written spice/kink scenes. There was ALOT it in this book but it never felt like too much or repetitive.
Gages admission at the end made this 100x better is that’s possible. I hope we get to see more of these characters in the future!
If Thorne writes it, I will read it.
I read the short, White Smoke, before this became a full length and I was left wanting more so I’m so glad we got Vice + Virture. These characters are so intriguing and even though they don’t say much, their feeling toward each other are said more in their body language and in their actions. Theirs no miscommunication which is where a lot of stories written like this fall victim to.
Of course the smut if top tier! Thorne writes some of the most well written spice/kink scenes. There was ALOT it in this book but it never felt like too much or repetitive.
Gages admission at the end made this 100x better is that’s possible. I hope we get to see more of these characters in the future!
November 8, 2025
This has been my comfort book to nibble at over the last few months. I love it so, so much. Vice + Virtue is a dance between violence and tenderness as three weathered men find a home in one another...and discover the lengths they'll go to protect it.
Aden, Gage, and Travis stole my heart. They're each well-developed with their own distinct histories and arcs. Gage is so scarred he can be abrasive...which made getting to know him all the more rewarding. Sometimes I struggle to remember characters if I space a book out over some time, but these guys decided to live rent-free in my head.
Thanks so much to Thorne for writing great queer art.
Aden, Gage, and Travis stole my heart. They're each well-developed with their own distinct histories and arcs. Gage is so scarred he can be abrasive...which made getting to know him all the more rewarding. Sometimes I struggle to remember characters if I space a book out over some time, but these guys decided to live rent-free in my head.
Thanks so much to Thorne for writing great queer art.
January 15, 2025
3.5 rounded to a 4
The first have of this book was a shock to my system since its been a while since I read a dark romance and holy sex batman . The second half however while still sex heavy , gave me the character backstory and growth that I wanted from all three men. I went from being not a fan to Gage to understanding him and clingy to the moments he let his soft side show with Aiden. I had a soft spot for Aiden from the beginning and I was glad he got the ending and he had been wanting. Then we have Travis, who swooped in and was the softness to Gage's hard and really balanced out the trio.
Favorite Quotes
“Do you even know how hard it’s been?” Travis whispers. “Seeing you so fucking miserable, not being able to do anything about it?” Sudden heat stings Aden’s eyes, but he can’t speak. Can’t deny how Travis is infuriatingly right all the time. “I respect Gage. Hell, I think I like him more now,” Travis says. “But you… God, Aden, I think I’d fucking die for you if you asked.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Travis says, firm and determined. “Gage isn’t going anywhere. You’re not a piece of fucking furniture that gets left behind in a move, Aden.”
“I know I said I’d probably die for you, Aden,” Travis murmurs. “But I think I’d rather live for you, and with you, assuming you won’t get sick of me.”
Gage cups Aden’s nape. “You’re still mine, yeah?” “Yeah, but…” Aden swallows, the words already sounding childish in his head. “I want to be his, too.” “You think you’re not already?” Gage sighs, sounding both frustrated and amused. “How many people have told you they’d die for you?”
Gage tips his head down, swaying a bit on his feet. “You know I’m bad at sappy shit,” he says into Aden’s hair, “but I’m glad you came with me.”
Aden wants this moment engraved in his memories. Gage had stitched them all together, looking out for Aden’s safety in his own way, and Travis had kept him safe, providing things Gage couldn’t.
Life had tried to ruin these men, but instead Travis had chosen what would ruin him. Gage might’ve allowed it so he could say he’d fucking survived. And they’d both decided Aden was worth killing for.
The first have of this book was a shock to my system since its been a while since I read a dark romance and holy sex batman . The second half however while still sex heavy , gave me the character backstory and growth that I wanted from all three men. I went from being not a fan to Gage to understanding him and clingy to the moments he let his soft side show with Aiden. I had a soft spot for Aiden from the beginning and I was glad he got the ending and he had been wanting. Then we have Travis, who swooped in and was the softness to Gage's hard and really balanced out the trio.
Favorite Quotes
“Do you even know how hard it’s been?” Travis whispers. “Seeing you so fucking miserable, not being able to do anything about it?” Sudden heat stings Aden’s eyes, but he can’t speak. Can’t deny how Travis is infuriatingly right all the time. “I respect Gage. Hell, I think I like him more now,” Travis says. “But you… God, Aden, I think I’d fucking die for you if you asked.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Travis says, firm and determined. “Gage isn’t going anywhere. You’re not a piece of fucking furniture that gets left behind in a move, Aden.”
“I know I said I’d probably die for you, Aden,” Travis murmurs. “But I think I’d rather live for you, and with you, assuming you won’t get sick of me.”
Gage cups Aden’s nape. “You’re still mine, yeah?” “Yeah, but…” Aden swallows, the words already sounding childish in his head. “I want to be his, too.” “You think you’re not already?” Gage sighs, sounding both frustrated and amused. “How many people have told you they’d die for you?”
Gage tips his head down, swaying a bit on his feet. “You know I’m bad at sappy shit,” he says into Aden’s hair, “but I’m glad you came with me.”
Aden wants this moment engraved in his memories. Gage had stitched them all together, looking out for Aden’s safety in his own way, and Travis had kept him safe, providing things Gage couldn’t.
Life had tried to ruin these men, but instead Travis had chosen what would ruin him. Gage might’ve allowed it so he could say he’d fucking survived. And they’d both decided Aden was worth killing for.
March 16, 2025
This gritty and sexy duology was amazing! The characters and the story were messy in the best way possible. These stories follow Aden and how his life changes drastically in one night. A hookup with his dealer goes as it always does and Aden gets his fix like usual. He never asks Gage questions like why he sometimes shows up with blood on his clothes or if he truly likes Aden or he’s just getting his rocks off. But when they both see Gages mugshot on the news things take a drastic turn. Gage is leaving town and despite not knowing anything about this man Aden is desperate to go with him. The two are on the run until they settle down in a small town and meet Travis. Gage has Travis look over Aden and the two start to get close. When things go sideways the three have to figure out how to deal and if they can all be together. I loved the rawness of these stories. There’s nothing glamorous about these guys or how they live but you cant help but be super intrigued. Amongst the drugs, crime, and violence there is undeniable loyalty and love. I found the story very entertaining and I was so entranced by all the characters. The steamy scenes were seductive and erotic so I thoroughly enjoyed them. Definitely check out this duology if you are looking for books with trans MMC, possessiveness, super hot dirty talk, MMM romance, touch him and no longer live, and a high stakes thrilling plot.
December 25, 2024
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Exactly what I needed. Magnus Thorne always hits the spot with memorable characters and storylines. Definitely recommend.
April 28, 2025
Vice + Virtue is a duology previously published as Black Cloud and White Smoke. Here's what you can expect from Aden, Gage, and Travis:
🖤 MMM dark romance
🖤 Third person single point of view
🖤 Guaranteed happily ever after
🖤 Transmasc main character
🖤 On the run
🖤 Sharing
🖤 Praise and degradation
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
This was my first full-length Magnus Thorne novel (I've been obsessed with his novellas, so I was thrilled to read this duology) and I loved it so much! These characters were so interesting, and I know I'll be thinking about them and wanting to do a re-read in the future. This romance is dark, gritty, and unconventional so ensure you mind the content warnings before diving in.
This story is told entirely from the perspective of Aden, who goes on the run with his dealer Gage after a routine hookup. Gage is one of the roughest characters I've ever read, and I wasn't prepared to dislike him so much at the beginning of the book. His relationship with Aden while they're on the run and settle into a safehouse is twisted at best. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts (Magnus Thorne is the king of filthy erotica, remember?) but their actual dynamics outside the bedroom are strained. This makes the evolution of their relationship all the more fascinating to witness. Although no "I love you" is exchanged during this book, the love the characters have for each other is special, if not volatile at times. It's shown through action more so than words. There were soft moments when Gage showed how devoted he was to Aden, and I enjoyed watching Aden's character development compared to their first hookup of the story. And then there was Travis. He was both so similar to Gage but so different at the same time. The scene after the incident when picking Gage up from work? Burned in my brain in the best possible way! At the end of Vice + Virtue, Gage and Travis are essentially sharing Aden.
If you like your romance darker and a bit more unconventional, you absolutely don't want to miss Vice + Virtue. It has lots of erotica elements, but still an edge of darkness and intrigue as well as complex character dynamics to contend with. I absolutely did not want to put it down.
And if you want to check in with Aden, Gage, and Travis after the book finishes (and let me tell you, I really adored that last chapter where they can just live in peace, it was so perfect), Magnus has two short stories available. They have their own separate content and trigger warnings, so please mind them before diving in. Here's my thoughts about them:
Gray Area: This short story explores more of the sexual dynamics between Gage, Aden, and Travis as they fulfill one of Aden's fantasies. This one was filthy in the best possible way, and I loved seeing the three of them in action like that. I also appreciated the before and aftercare and just how much they took care of Aden. It's something I would've have expected, particularly from Gage, based on our first meeting of him.
Blue Hour: This short story explores the emotional dynamics between Gage, Aden, and Travis. It's actually told from Travis's point of view, as he's struggling to understand where he fits in with Gage and Aden's established dynamic. And to no one's surprise, the man has a praise kink. I loved seeing him and Gage cross that final line, and I really hope in the future we might get an opportunity to check in with these three! If not, I think the short stories are the perfect extended epilogues for an incredible story. You don't want to miss these.
🖤 MMM dark romance
🖤 Third person single point of view
🖤 Guaranteed happily ever after
🖤 Transmasc main character
🖤 On the run
🖤 Sharing
🖤 Praise and degradation
As always, ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings and triggers may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
This was my first full-length Magnus Thorne novel (I've been obsessed with his novellas, so I was thrilled to read this duology) and I loved it so much! These characters were so interesting, and I know I'll be thinking about them and wanting to do a re-read in the future. This romance is dark, gritty, and unconventional so ensure you mind the content warnings before diving in.
This story is told entirely from the perspective of Aden, who goes on the run with his dealer Gage after a routine hookup. Gage is one of the roughest characters I've ever read, and I wasn't prepared to dislike him so much at the beginning of the book. His relationship with Aden while they're on the run and settle into a safehouse is twisted at best. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts (Magnus Thorne is the king of filthy erotica, remember?) but their actual dynamics outside the bedroom are strained. This makes the evolution of their relationship all the more fascinating to witness. Although no "I love you" is exchanged during this book, the love the characters have for each other is special, if not volatile at times. It's shown through action more so than words. There were soft moments when Gage showed how devoted he was to Aden, and I enjoyed watching Aden's character development compared to their first hookup of the story. And then there was Travis. He was both so similar to Gage but so different at the same time. The scene after the incident when picking Gage up from work? Burned in my brain in the best possible way! At the end of Vice + Virtue, Gage and Travis are essentially sharing Aden.
If you like your romance darker and a bit more unconventional, you absolutely don't want to miss Vice + Virtue. It has lots of erotica elements, but still an edge of darkness and intrigue as well as complex character dynamics to contend with. I absolutely did not want to put it down.
And if you want to check in with Aden, Gage, and Travis after the book finishes (and let me tell you, I really adored that last chapter where they can just live in peace, it was so perfect), Magnus has two short stories available. They have their own separate content and trigger warnings, so please mind them before diving in. Here's my thoughts about them:
Gray Area: This short story explores more of the sexual dynamics between Gage, Aden, and Travis as they fulfill one of Aden's fantasies. This one was filthy in the best possible way, and I loved seeing the three of them in action like that. I also appreciated the before and aftercare and just how much they took care of Aden. It's something I would've have expected, particularly from Gage, based on our first meeting of him.
Blue Hour: This short story explores the emotional dynamics between Gage, Aden, and Travis. It's actually told from Travis's point of view, as he's struggling to understand where he fits in with Gage and Aden's established dynamic. And to no one's surprise, the man has a praise kink. I loved seeing him and Gage cross that final line, and I really hope in the future we might get an opportunity to check in with these three! If not, I think the short stories are the perfect extended epilogues for an incredible story. You don't want to miss these.
January 21, 2025
It's hard to pinpoint exactly why I enjoyed this so much. Most certainly, the characters are all wonderfully complex, and their relationship even more so. To be honest, though, throughout the whole book something felt missing; perhaps this was because I enjoy more comfort between the characters. At the same time, though, I felt like comfort was implied, more than explicitly written.
The characters in this, especially Gage and Aden, don't communicate very much. And yet they manage, and it doesn't fall into issues of miscommunication that so many other books fall prey to. Part of this is likely thanks to Travis, but I also think the author does an expert job of showing a certain level of communication and honesty between their body language and through their dynamic. It's a wonderful example of how words don't accomplish everything.
The trans rep in this is beautiful, but that's not surprising. I've also read 'The Lion's Hunt' by Thorne, and felt very seen by that particular novella. The rep in this book is wonderful representation in its own way, I loved seeing the particular lived experiences of Aden in this book.
So my feelings on the book are a bit complicated. I think a part of me is left somewhat dissatisfied by it, but I'm not sure if that's because of a flaw in the book, or because I just can't stop thinking of it. Most likely the latter.
The characters in this, especially Gage and Aden, don't communicate very much. And yet they manage, and it doesn't fall into issues of miscommunication that so many other books fall prey to. Part of this is likely thanks to Travis, but I also think the author does an expert job of showing a certain level of communication and honesty between their body language and through their dynamic. It's a wonderful example of how words don't accomplish everything.
The trans rep in this is beautiful, but that's not surprising. I've also read 'The Lion's Hunt' by Thorne, and felt very seen by that particular novella. The rep in this book is wonderful representation in its own way, I loved seeing the particular lived experiences of Aden in this book.
So my feelings on the book are a bit complicated. I think a part of me is left somewhat dissatisfied by it, but I'm not sure if that's because of a flaw in the book, or because I just can't stop thinking of it. Most likely the latter.
December 24, 2024
Considering how dark a lot of the subject matter was, it was really calming to read. There's a current of just ease going through out. The stakes are high at some points but I never felt like it was angsty. It may be due to the fact that about 70% of the book was smut. Which depending on who you're asking maybe a con or a pro.
Personally I didn't mind it. The dynamic of the characters slowly shift through out between the sexual encounters so it did feel like there was a purpose to it.
There's like a semblance of plot. What's there is interesting, I wish there was a bit more of it because it's very fun dark and gritty. It's not that long and nothing felt like too much time was spent on it. Definitely a good pacing if you don't count how many pages are dedicated to the characters having sex. (Again, that's a pro or con depending on who you're asking)
The first novella definitely sets the tone right away so if enjoyed Black Cloud, you'll enjoy White Smoke.
Personally I didn't mind it. The dynamic of the characters slowly shift through out between the sexual encounters so it did feel like there was a purpose to it.
There's like a semblance of plot. What's there is interesting, I wish there was a bit more of it because it's very fun dark and gritty. It's not that long and nothing felt like too much time was spent on it. Definitely a good pacing if you don't count how many pages are dedicated to the characters having sex. (Again, that's a pro or con depending on who you're asking)
The first novella definitely sets the tone right away so if enjoyed Black Cloud, you'll enjoy White Smoke.
November 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.2
“chasing pleasure that feels both forbidden and deserved”
If nothing else, Vice + Virtue is a intensely stimulating story! While the plot and spice scenes can be volatile, the romance woven throughout the book can also be quite sweet and cozy. I couldn’t help but root for the characters even though I wouldn’t touch the things they were getting up to with a ten foot pole.
Hot 🌶️ Explicit 🔞 Action-packed 💥
I’d recommend this story to any thrill-seeker who isn’t afraid of a little (lot of) body heat.
“chasing pleasure that feels both forbidden and deserved”
If nothing else, Vice + Virtue is a intensely stimulating story! While the plot and spice scenes can be volatile, the romance woven throughout the book can also be quite sweet and cozy. I couldn’t help but root for the characters even though I wouldn’t touch the things they were getting up to with a ten foot pole.
Hot 🌶️ Explicit 🔞 Action-packed 💥
I’d recommend this story to any thrill-seeker who isn’t afraid of a little (lot of) body heat.
October 21, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by all the greatness this book has to offer! And by greatness I mean Smüt, it was top notch. 🤌🏻
I love this book, the characters and the world. I had such a fun time reading Vice + Virtue! 💜🔫
I love this book, the characters and the world. I had such a fun time reading Vice + Virtue! 💜🔫
February 1, 2025
While some of the subject matter is dark, the relationships between the characters is not. Loved the kinky-ish spice!
Want to Read
June 17, 2025MMM. trans masc mc. criminal activity. morally grey. 🔫 play. high heat
September 4, 2025
This one was just not for me.
Read
March 18, 2026This relationship (G+A) is so codependent and toxic but also this was so fun to read.
Also, yay for Magnus Thorne finally writing an actual ending for their characters!!!!! Whoooooo!!!!!
Also, yay for Magnus Thorne finally writing an actual ending for their characters!!!!! Whoooooo!!!!!
March 26, 2025
I loved everything about this. Unambiguously queer, morally grey, extremely flawed and human characters. I'm dissociating from reality *hard* with books right now because ... well, the US is doing what it's doing. This was exactly the distraction I needed.
January 14, 2025
This is the beginning of a story, and I really loved how Magnus set it up.
We meet the MCs, Aden and Gage, well into their story. They’ve been meeting in cheap hotel rooms for a year, Aden getting an escape he desperately needs with Gage. They have filthy encounters and illicit substances, and these times have become essential for Aden. We don’t know exactly what makes Aden’s life so rough, but we are aware that things outside that room are not good for him. When Gage says he has to go away, Aden panicked and asks to join him. He doesn’t think there’s any way Gage will agree, but he does. So starts a cross country drive where the two are on the run from something Aden doesn’t even know about. This book is part erotica, part MM Bonnie and Clyde, and emotional though we don’t quite know why. I really liked that we are thrust into a story that’s already started, and I definitely need to know what comes next.
We meet the MCs, Aden and Gage, well into their story. They’ve been meeting in cheap hotel rooms for a year, Aden getting an escape he desperately needs with Gage. They have filthy encounters and illicit substances, and these times have become essential for Aden. We don’t know exactly what makes Aden’s life so rough, but we are aware that things outside that room are not good for him. When Gage says he has to go away, Aden panicked and asks to join him. He doesn’t think there’s any way Gage will agree, but he does. So starts a cross country drive where the two are on the run from something Aden doesn’t even know about. This book is part erotica, part MM Bonnie and Clyde, and emotional though we don’t quite know why. I really liked that we are thrust into a story that’s already started, and I definitely need to know what comes next.
November 18, 2025
4.75
insane. the hottest porn I’ve read and trust me I read a lot. It’s like the author cracked open my skull and plucked out my filthiest fantasies.
insane. the hottest porn I’ve read and trust me I read a lot. It’s like the author cracked open my skull and plucked out my filthiest fantasies.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews