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Revenge Duet #1
Once A Villain
Morally grey? Try pitch black so dark they nicknamed him The Reaper.
Axel Hawthorne—Axe, is more monster than man. A bloodthirsty assassin with no mercy, no heart, no soul.
The nightmare lurking in the underworld my father commands. No one escapes his wrath.
And now? I'm his.
Trapped in his sick game of revenge.
There's no escape. No hope.
The Sovereign—a secret society of assassins driven by power, greed, and bloodshed—are the shadows in broad daylight, striking when you least expect it.
I was born to serve them. My father's legacy is my burden.
Now, his filthy greed has bound me to the deadliest Sovereign of all—The Reaper.
The Sovereign owns my existence—my body, my life. But now...he's coming for my soul.
This book contains numerous dark themes and scenes that some readers may find distressing or disturbing. Please read the content considerations before continuing, found at the authors www.saigeparker.com
Axel Hawthorne—Axe, is more monster than man. A bloodthirsty assassin with no mercy, no heart, no soul.
The nightmare lurking in the underworld my father commands. No one escapes his wrath.
And now? I'm his.
Trapped in his sick game of revenge.
There's no escape. No hope.
The Sovereign—a secret society of assassins driven by power, greed, and bloodshed—are the shadows in broad daylight, striking when you least expect it.
I was born to serve them. My father's legacy is my burden.
Now, his filthy greed has bound me to the deadliest Sovereign of all—The Reaper.
The Sovereign owns my existence—my body, my life. But now...he's coming for my soul.
This book contains numerous dark themes and scenes that some readers may find distressing or disturbing. Please read the content considerations before continuing, found at the authors www.saigeparker.com
420 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2025
736 people are currently reading
4873 people want to read
About the author
Saige Parker
3 books294 followersSaige Parker lives in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her ever-supportive husband. A lifelong bookworm, she took the plunge into indie publishing after sharing her dark romance stories with a passionate reader group—and realized it was time to go bigger.
Drawn to the sinister side of storytelling, Saige creates pitch-black love stories featuring villainous characters you can’t help but fall for…mostly. With a passion for diving deep into the messy, complicated emotions that make us human, she loves exploring what makes people who they are by crafting characters that are often seen as irredeemable, unlovable, and purely chaotic.
Welcome to her wicked world—filled with dark hearts, and darker love.
Drawn to the sinister side of storytelling, Saige creates pitch-black love stories featuring villainous characters you can’t help but fall for…mostly. With a passion for diving deep into the messy, complicated emotions that make us human, she loves exploring what makes people who they are by crafting characters that are often seen as irredeemable, unlovable, and purely chaotic.
Welcome to her wicked world—filled with dark hearts, and darker love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 499 reviews
October 30, 2025
I never hated a MMC so much in my life ……… 😡
I’m lying, I’m so dramatic ! lol ! I do despise him but I’ve hated others way more and somehow end it up liking them when they redeem themselves…… or even when they are not redeemable but somehow are good for the FMC .
Idk if it will be the case with this one, but Axe is pulling feelings out of me that I only felt for the worst of the worst I’ve read it before. Will the author somehow make me forget all he’s done and like him ? Idk….. it remains to be seen.
So this book has a very cool plot, when I started reading I felt like I was thrown in the John Wick’s world. The concept is similar, it’s an international organization full of assassins, the most trained and ruthless assassins out there. There’s 2 types, the ones that are recruited because they see something in them and the legacies. Axe Hawthorne is a legacy and he is “like John Wick” the most feared one, he is known as The Reaper ! He is the boogie man of this world… He has NO feelings whatsoever, none. He is truly a psychopath, a jerk and mean son of a bitch and I HATE him, even the very few glimpses of softness here and there are not making me like him….. and why is that, since I’ve seen worst MMC’s? I think it all comes down to the way he talks to her, it’s not only the physical and psychological abuse, it’s the way he diminishes her, the way he puts her down and make her feel SO worthless, in all fairness his entire purpose from the beginning was to break her in all ways possible, but man I can’t deal with the verbal abuse 😩😭🥺
Poor Rory……
Rory on the other hand is also part of this organization, a legacy also. But women in this organization are sex slaves, they are known as sirens or servants. They are supposed to ONLY serve the man in the organization, they are supposed to be paid by them and to be cared by them. They can only marry them. So Rory is picked by Axe as payment for a bond her father had with him, but his sole purpose is to make her suffer and break her to get to her father. And man……. Poor Rory…….
Also there’s a whole Italian criminal empire now after Axe because he killed their leader under Rory’s father orders. What a mess they are in now. Also there’s a mysterious “masked man” amongst this mess and the chemistry between her and Axe and her and the masked man are explosive. The spice is good. I am surprised this is a debut novel from this author, it’s really good. Now to the second book I go …. Wish me luck ! I hope I start liking Axe because idk how I will rate this if I don’t like him.
I’m lying, I’m so dramatic ! lol ! I do despise him but I’ve hated others way more and somehow end it up liking them when they redeem themselves…… or even when they are not redeemable but somehow are good for the FMC .
Idk if it will be the case with this one, but Axe is pulling feelings out of me that I only felt for the worst of the worst I’ve read it before. Will the author somehow make me forget all he’s done and like him ? Idk….. it remains to be seen.
So this book has a very cool plot, when I started reading I felt like I was thrown in the John Wick’s world. The concept is similar, it’s an international organization full of assassins, the most trained and ruthless assassins out there. There’s 2 types, the ones that are recruited because they see something in them and the legacies. Axe Hawthorne is a legacy and he is “like John Wick” the most feared one, he is known as The Reaper ! He is the boogie man of this world… He has NO feelings whatsoever, none. He is truly a psychopath, a jerk and mean son of a bitch and I HATE him, even the very few glimpses of softness here and there are not making me like him….. and why is that, since I’ve seen worst MMC’s? I think it all comes down to the way he talks to her, it’s not only the physical and psychological abuse, it’s the way he diminishes her, the way he puts her down and make her feel SO worthless, in all fairness his entire purpose from the beginning was to break her in all ways possible, but man I can’t deal with the verbal abuse 😩😭🥺
Poor Rory……
Rory on the other hand is also part of this organization, a legacy also. But women in this organization are sex slaves, they are known as sirens or servants. They are supposed to ONLY serve the man in the organization, they are supposed to be paid by them and to be cared by them. They can only marry them. So Rory is picked by Axe as payment for a bond her father had with him, but his sole purpose is to make her suffer and break her to get to her father. And man……. Poor Rory…….
Also there’s a whole Italian criminal empire now after Axe because he killed their leader under Rory’s father orders. What a mess they are in now. Also there’s a mysterious “masked man” amongst this mess and the chemistry between her and Axe and her and the masked man are explosive. The spice is good. I am surprised this is a debut novel from this author, it’s really good. Now to the second book I go …. Wish me luck ! I hope I start liking Axe because idk how I will rate this if I don’t like him.
April 18, 2025
I read this twice, once as an arc and again after I bought the physical copy. Safe to say my original review stands. I am obsessed with this story, it’s like crack and I need my fix with the second book.
———
Fuuuuuuck me. Seriously, Saige? You’re going to pull this out as your debut book? I could kiss you on the mouth for this. 😫
I received an ARC of this book, and my dark little soul ate this shit up. Here’s my honest review.
This was dark romance perfection. These characters have so much trauma, so much depth, and so much chemistry. I was hooked from the first page. I was so engrossed in the story that I forgot I was reading at times. I felt every feeling imaginable, and I didn’t want this book to end.
———
Now for my random thoughts.
Axel fucking oozes power. You can almost feel it coming off the pages right from the beginning. He’s HOT, but my girl Rory is even hotter. She’s a take-no-shit kind of girl. You want to talk about power and control? She knows how to take it, wield it, and use it to manipulate it to her advantage. I’m obsessed with her.
Saige has teased us saying “He’s the man you HATE to love” and god was she right. You’ll spend the entire book confused on whether you adore Axe or want to strangle his thick, tattooed neck with your bare hands. 😏 Both are kind of hot, tbh.
He’s a monster. A cold-blooded weapon that’s not just morally grey; he’s pitch fucking black. There were so many times I hated him, yet by the end I was fully rooting for him.
I mean… He threatens to kill anyone who even looks her way.
He stabs her ex-hookup for touching what’s his.
He puts a collar on her as a form of obsession. (Who are we to judge?)
He protects her at all costs.
And ohmygaaaawd, he has the filthiest mouth. 🫠
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - This doesn’t feel like enough stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - THE CHEMISTRY
Secret society
Revenge
Forced marriage
Enemies to lovers
Touch her and 🔪
Cliffhanger - it’ll have you thirsty for more
———
Fuuuuuuck me. Seriously, Saige? You’re going to pull this out as your debut book? I could kiss you on the mouth for this. 😫
I received an ARC of this book, and my dark little soul ate this shit up. Here’s my honest review.
This was dark romance perfection. These characters have so much trauma, so much depth, and so much chemistry. I was hooked from the first page. I was so engrossed in the story that I forgot I was reading at times. I felt every feeling imaginable, and I didn’t want this book to end.
———
Now for my random thoughts.
Axel fucking oozes power. You can almost feel it coming off the pages right from the beginning. He’s HOT, but my girl Rory is even hotter. She’s a take-no-shit kind of girl. You want to talk about power and control? She knows how to take it, wield it, and use it to manipulate it to her advantage. I’m obsessed with her.
Saige has teased us saying “He’s the man you HATE to love” and god was she right. You’ll spend the entire book confused on whether you adore Axe or want to strangle his thick, tattooed neck with your bare hands. 😏 Both are kind of hot, tbh.
He’s a monster. A cold-blooded weapon that’s not just morally grey; he’s pitch fucking black. There were so many times I hated him, yet by the end I was fully rooting for him.
I mean… He threatens to kill anyone who even looks her way.
He stabs her ex-hookup for touching what’s his.
He puts a collar on her as a form of obsession. (Who are we to judge?)
He protects her at all costs.
And ohmygaaaawd, he has the filthiest mouth. 🫠
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - This doesn’t feel like enough stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - THE CHEMISTRY
Secret society
Revenge
Forced marriage
Enemies to lovers
Touch her and 🔪
Cliffhanger - it’ll have you thirsty for more
March 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 1/2 Duet
🪄 Debut Book for this Author
⺁Cliffhanger
💥First and Foremost please read the Trigger warnings, this in not morally gray, this is pitch black💥
This one is hard to write about cause I definitely enjoyed it, even though I was in my head going: "this is not for me, this is not my kink, this is nuts....maybe I like this? nope...Definitely not that"...over and over again through the entire book right up to that cliffhanger.
Rory is a sovereign servant who is smart and calculating. She is not a damsel in distress, but she is seen as weak because she has 0 autonomy even though she thinks she does. She has been setting herself up for success for years, only to have it crash down around her in a split second due to a decision her father makes. She becomes Axel's property in the blink of an eye and all her hard work and savings go down the drain.
Axel is absolutely ruthless in every single way. You get glimpses into his past with his twin and his father, that give you an idea as to why he is the way he is. He is a murdering machine with 0 empathy and has earned the name "Reaper" for this blood-shedding ways. He takes on a Death Bond from Rory's father, and his payment is he wants Rory....So he gets her.
I really like the sub story of the "Hero" with the mask, and we get to see Rory open up to him and share her past and how its impacted her. The spice between the masked "Hero" and Rory is spicy...As is the spice between Rory and Axel. Again, read your trigger warnings before getting into this book as the spice is also dark.
Overall good book, and I cant wait to read the next one to see how Rory & Axel's story wraps up!
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 1/2 Duet
🪄 Debut Book for this Author
⺁Cliffhanger
💥First and Foremost please read the Trigger warnings, this in not morally gray, this is pitch black💥
This one is hard to write about cause I definitely enjoyed it, even though I was in my head going: "this is not for me, this is not my kink, this is nuts....maybe I like this? nope...Definitely not that"...over and over again through the entire book right up to that cliffhanger.
Rory is a sovereign servant who is smart and calculating. She is not a damsel in distress, but she is seen as weak because she has 0 autonomy even though she thinks she does. She has been setting herself up for success for years, only to have it crash down around her in a split second due to a decision her father makes. She becomes Axel's property in the blink of an eye and all her hard work and savings go down the drain.
Axel is absolutely ruthless in every single way. You get glimpses into his past with his twin and his father, that give you an idea as to why he is the way he is. He is a murdering machine with 0 empathy and has earned the name "Reaper" for this blood-shedding ways. He takes on a Death Bond from Rory's father, and his payment is he wants Rory....So he gets her.
I really like the sub story of the "Hero" with the mask, and we get to see Rory open up to him and share her past and how its impacted her. The spice between the masked "Hero" and Rory is spicy...As is the spice between Rory and Axel. Again, read your trigger warnings before getting into this book as the spice is also dark.
Overall good book, and I cant wait to read the next one to see how Rory & Axel's story wraps up!
February 28, 2025
4.75 - 5 stars!
Once A Villian traumatized me…
WRECKED ME! If you like dark (emphasis on dark!!) romance with pitch black heroes and strong yet vulnerably beautiful heroines then this IS your book.
I want you to think of the darkest and most triggering romance you’ve read…got it? This is 10x darker. You’ve been warned. Check the trigger warnings.
Despite the villainous and violent nature of this story, you’ll find yourself addicted to the story and the complex characters of Axe and Rory. You’ll HATE Axe in one moment (and I do mean hate) and suddenly be questioning why you’re smiling about him the next. It’s confusing and quite the mindf*ck.
You’ll root for Rory and hope she can be the change. The exception to the rule. This book is violent, filled with twists and turns and extremely red flag and rage inducing behavior. And yet my brain loved every second of it because there’s still an undercurrent of…dare I say…hope? You’ll want to go into this blind, I promise. It does end on a pretty rough cliffhanger but I will be counting down the days to the conclusion of their story.
So if you take the chance and dive in I don’t think you’ll regret it buttttt may peace be with you 😂.
ARC provided for an honest review.
Once A Villian traumatized me…
WRECKED ME! If you like dark (emphasis on dark!!) romance with pitch black heroes and strong yet vulnerably beautiful heroines then this IS your book.
I want you to think of the darkest and most triggering romance you’ve read…got it? This is 10x darker. You’ve been warned. Check the trigger warnings.
Despite the villainous and violent nature of this story, you’ll find yourself addicted to the story and the complex characters of Axe and Rory. You’ll HATE Axe in one moment (and I do mean hate) and suddenly be questioning why you’re smiling about him the next. It’s confusing and quite the mindf*ck.
You’ll root for Rory and hope she can be the change. The exception to the rule. This book is violent, filled with twists and turns and extremely red flag and rage inducing behavior. And yet my brain loved every second of it because there’s still an undercurrent of…dare I say…hope? You’ll want to go into this blind, I promise. It does end on a pretty rough cliffhanger but I will be counting down the days to the conclusion of their story.
“I’ll ask you one more fucking time. Who’s in control? Who owns you?”
“You...you...”
“You are going to come.”
“No. I can’t...”
“Come, Rory.” Her body is mine. Her mind is mine. She’s mine.”
So if you take the chance and dive in I don’t think you’ll regret it buttttt may peace be with you 😂.
ARC provided for an honest review.
March 12, 2025
Thank you to Saige for providing me with an electronic ARC of her debut novel, Once a Villain. Thank you for making me question my sanity for falling for the villain, Axel Hawthorne. Even though he has absolutely no redeeming qualities. Victoria “Rory” Valentine is a talented dancer who is caught up in her father’s web of deceit and the games he plays. She ends up as payment to Axel for a job.
4.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
Read this novel if you love:
🖤 Morally Black MMCs
🖤 Secret Societies/Mafia
🖤 Dom/Sub
🖤 Non-Con/Dub-Con
🖤 Forced/Arranged Marriage
🖤 Masked Men
🖤 🔪 play
🖤 breath play
🖤 🩸 kink
My favorite quote to convince you to read this book:
“Axe if you put your dick in me one more time, I will kill you in your sleep.” - Rory
“Are you flirting with me?” - Axe
4.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️
Read this novel if you love:
🖤 Morally Black MMCs
🖤 Secret Societies/Mafia
🖤 Dom/Sub
🖤 Non-Con/Dub-Con
🖤 Forced/Arranged Marriage
🖤 Masked Men
🖤 🔪 play
🖤 breath play
🖤 🩸 kink
My favorite quote to convince you to read this book:
“Axe if you put your dick in me one more time, I will kill you in your sleep.” - Rory
“Are you flirting with me?” - Axe
February 22, 2025
A great debut book from Saige Parker 🖤 Do read the trigger warnings⛔️
Our antagonist Axel is an assassin for a secret society called Sovereign. He is called upon by our FMCs father to eliminate a target who is a person of some magnitude. As payment for this he informs her father that he will be marrying his daughter, within this society there are rules that have to be adhered to, as such she has no choice.
The life Rory had tried to build is shot down in flames, as she is forced into a marriage with a man who has no heart and soul, she puts up a fight against the submission he wants to force her into. Will she win? Will she submit to him? Who will fall first?
The story line in between all the spicy scenes is setting up to bring us into the full flow of Sovereign, the rules, secrets, betrayals, cheating, intrigue, violence and dare I say possibly love (too early to tell)
I finished this in one sitting (though into the early hours), the writing flows well, taking you through each chapter enticing you in. The ending for me wasn’t a full blown cliffhanger (you know the open mouth wtf) however, it did leave me thinking where is it going from here 😬 I can’t wait to read the next instalment for this series.
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
Our antagonist Axel is an assassin for a secret society called Sovereign. He is called upon by our FMCs father to eliminate a target who is a person of some magnitude. As payment for this he informs her father that he will be marrying his daughter, within this society there are rules that have to be adhered to, as such she has no choice.
The life Rory had tried to build is shot down in flames, as she is forced into a marriage with a man who has no heart and soul, she puts up a fight against the submission he wants to force her into. Will she win? Will she submit to him? Who will fall first?
The story line in between all the spicy scenes is setting up to bring us into the full flow of Sovereign, the rules, secrets, betrayals, cheating, intrigue, violence and dare I say possibly love (too early to tell)
I finished this in one sitting (though into the early hours), the writing flows well, taking you through each chapter enticing you in. The ending for me wasn’t a full blown cliffhanger (you know the open mouth wtf) however, it did leave me thinking where is it going from here 😬 I can’t wait to read the next instalment for this series.
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
April 2, 2025
This is a top read of 2025!
This world Saige has created is like no other. It's the right kind of pitch black! For this being Saige's debut book, she is instantly a one click author. She has you hooked from page 1.
And the spice is top tier, panty melting good.
The dark and twisted Axel Hawthorne is chefs kiss. Straight to number one book boyfriend. The things he does to Rory in this book. You hAte to love him (or in my case, love love him). She's truly one surviver to have endured Axel Hawthorne. I can't wait for more.
This world Saige has created is like no other. It's the right kind of pitch black! For this being Saige's debut book, she is instantly a one click author. She has you hooked from page 1.
And the spice is top tier, panty melting good.
The dark and twisted Axel Hawthorne is chefs kiss. Straight to number one book boyfriend. The things he does to Rory in this book. You hAte to love him (or in my case, love love him). She's truly one surviver to have endured Axel Hawthorne. I can't wait for more.
November 19, 2025
⭐️4.8 🌶️4
I KNOW YOU ARE FUCKING LYING.
I KNOW THAT SHIT DIDN’T END ON A CLIFFHANGER🙃
this some disrespectful behavior.
This book had me hooked start to finish. The complexity of both the mmc and fmc is beautifully written. I approve their rights and wrongs.
I have to jump into the next IMMEDIATELY
I KNOW YOU ARE FUCKING LYING.
I KNOW THAT SHIT DIDN’T END ON A CLIFFHANGER🙃
this some disrespectful behavior.
This book had me hooked start to finish. The complexity of both the mmc and fmc is beautifully written. I approve their rights and wrongs.
I have to jump into the next IMMEDIATELY
March 2, 2025
5 ENTHUSIASTIC STARS!!!!
*a review in the form of a note to the author*
Dear Saige Parker,
You are a cold-blooded wench! How dare you make me question my sanity and my morals?!
You have me loving a morally bankrupt male character. A psychopath! You have made me worry about the safety and well-being of an impulsive and strong-willed female character!
These people have no business being together, yet here I am cheering for them.
He branded her! He almost drowned her! I won't even mention the basement! But do I care about his sadistic nature? NO! I absolutely do NOT! And so I must conclude that I've lost my damn mind!
Thanks for that, by the way.
Then you end the book the way you did!!! Girl...don't make me beg for the next one....I have no shame and I will do it without remorse. Please don't turn me into a book stalker!
I really hope the people reading this review have picked up on my sarcasm.
I gobbled this book up in less than 24 hours. I finished reading an hour ago and it's taken me this long to even begin to process that last freakin' chapter!
I mean...look how long this damn review is!
With love and annoyance,
Tracy B (@vicariously_through_books03)
So if you're wondering about reading Once a Villain and are skimming reviews....know this:
THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE! IT'S BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN! DELICIOUSLY DARK! THE BEST OF THE BEST THAT I HAVE READ SO FAR THIS YEAR! READ IT!!!
*a review in the form of a note to the author*
Dear Saige Parker,
You are a cold-blooded wench! How dare you make me question my sanity and my morals?!
You have me loving a morally bankrupt male character. A psychopath! You have made me worry about the safety and well-being of an impulsive and strong-willed female character!
These people have no business being together, yet here I am cheering for them.
He branded her! He almost drowned her! I won't even mention the basement! But do I care about his sadistic nature? NO! I absolutely do NOT! And so I must conclude that I've lost my damn mind!
Thanks for that, by the way.
Then you end the book the way you did!!! Girl...don't make me beg for the next one....I have no shame and I will do it without remorse. Please don't turn me into a book stalker!
I really hope the people reading this review have picked up on my sarcasm.
I gobbled this book up in less than 24 hours. I finished reading an hour ago and it's taken me this long to even begin to process that last freakin' chapter!
I mean...look how long this damn review is!
With love and annoyance,
Tracy B (@vicariously_through_books03)
So if you're wondering about reading Once a Villain and are skimming reviews....know this:
THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE! IT'S BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN! DELICIOUSLY DARK! THE BEST OF THE BEST THAT I HAVE READ SO FAR THIS YEAR! READ IT!!!
March 19, 2025
I was selected as an ARC reader , this review was completely voluntary and I wasn’t influenced by anyone in my rating/review.
* read TW list if you think there’s topics that might cause you to feel distressed*
I was lucky to be selected as an ARC reader for @saigeparkerauthor debut book “ Once A Villain “ (releasing 3/31/25) and OMG IT WAS GOOD!!! 🤩
READ THIS IF YOU LOVE:
🥀 morally black MMC
🔪 mafia
⛓️dom/sub
🩸 non-con/dub-con
💍 forced/arranged marriage
🎭 masked men
🥀 🔪play
🔪 breath play
⛓️ 🩸play
There was amazing back story and world building. I was absolutely obsessed and finished it in one read , I just couldn’t put the book down! I typically read morally grey and having a morally black character was a big change but it was written so well. 🥵
Axel is so obsessive but also doesn’t care at all. It gives you whiplash as the reader, but in the BEST way. You really want to hate the guy, and I mean you REALLY will start to question why you’re loving him and wanting him even though he’s a cold hearted monster. 🫣
This story ends on a CLIFFHANGER and oh my god I am needing to read the next book immediately . It can’t come out fast enough for me . 🫠
* read TW list if you think there’s topics that might cause you to feel distressed*
I was lucky to be selected as an ARC reader for @saigeparkerauthor debut book “ Once A Villain “ (releasing 3/31/25) and OMG IT WAS GOOD!!! 🤩
READ THIS IF YOU LOVE:
🥀 morally black MMC
🔪 mafia
⛓️dom/sub
🩸 non-con/dub-con
💍 forced/arranged marriage
🎭 masked men
🥀 🔪play
🔪 breath play
⛓️ 🩸play
There was amazing back story and world building. I was absolutely obsessed and finished it in one read , I just couldn’t put the book down! I typically read morally grey and having a morally black character was a big change but it was written so well. 🥵
Axel is so obsessive but also doesn’t care at all. It gives you whiplash as the reader, but in the BEST way. You really want to hate the guy, and I mean you REALLY will start to question why you’re loving him and wanting him even though he’s a cold hearted monster. 🫣
This story ends on a CLIFFHANGER and oh my god I am needing to read the next book immediately . It can’t come out fast enough for me . 🫠
January 4, 2026
اليوم مش جايه انقد على كاتبه و لا تلوث الفكري يلي كتبته راح أنقد على بهائم بشرية يلي حاطه خمسة نجوم للزبالة هذا 🤢
الصدق يعني وين تلقى قصة معفنة تلاقي تقييمها مرتفع بشكل يخوف
حرفيا ذوقهم زبالة يموتون على ذل و الإهانة و رذيلة بإختصار تعبت منهم
تعرفون نساء في قصة ذي واش دورهن؟؟ جوري جنس و ربي كذا بضبط فايدتهم وحيدة أنهم متعة لرجل.. وتعرفون شو مسمينهم servants.. sirens اي والله 🌚 مفكرينهم عبيد وهنن اسيادهم صدااااااااااع من كمية جهل و تخلف يعني بجد مستوى كاتبه في حضيض اوكي انتقام و مجتمع سري و باقي خزعبلات فهمنا.. لكن ماتوصل لدرجة ذي بطل يهين بطلة وماسح في كرمتها لأرض بكلام يسم البدن بس عشان يكسرها وينتقم من أبوها المريض المتخلف زبالة الحيوان وبعدين يحبونه ويجون يطبلون له تحت مسمى morally gray man وهو black morally و ماعنده اخلاق ولا شخصية ولا شرف بجد حيوان حشرة قولت مش راح لاقي شخصية اكرهه قد لوكا ذا قدامه يبان ملاك وبطلة جلطتني وبجد مابدي اتكلم عنها وأنا اغلي لأني عارفه مش راح امسك لساني وصير سب لأنو عصبت و مزاجي وصل للارض من العفن يلي قرأته اروح انام افضل.
الصدق يعني وين تلقى قصة معفنة تلاقي تقييمها مرتفع بشكل يخوف
حرفيا ذوقهم زبالة يموتون على ذل و الإهانة و رذيلة بإختصار تعبت منهم
تعرفون نساء في قصة ذي واش دورهن؟؟ جوري جنس و ربي كذا بضبط فايدتهم وحيدة أنهم متعة لرجل.. وتعرفون شو مسمينهم servants.. sirens اي والله 🌚 مفكرينهم عبيد وهنن اسيادهم صدااااااااااع من كمية جهل و تخلف يعني بجد مستوى كاتبه في حضيض اوكي انتقام و مجتمع سري و باقي خزعبلات فهمنا.. لكن ماتوصل لدرجة ذي بطل يهين بطلة وماسح في كرمتها لأرض بكلام يسم البدن بس عشان يكسرها وينتقم من أبوها المريض المتخلف زبالة الحيوان وبعدين يحبونه ويجون يطبلون له تحت مسمى morally gray man وهو black morally و ماعنده اخلاق ولا شخصية ولا شرف بجد حيوان حشرة قولت مش راح لاقي شخصية اكرهه قد لوكا ذا قدامه يبان ملاك وبطلة جلطتني وبجد مابدي اتكلم عنها وأنا اغلي لأني عارفه مش راح امسك لساني وصير سب لأنو عصبت و مزاجي وصل للارض من العفن يلي قرأته اروح انام افضل.
August 19, 2025
Authors ARC Team
⭐️: 3.5
🌶️: 🥵
First and foremost, thank you to Saige Parker and her team for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team. I cannot wait for this book to be published and for readers to experience the dark brutal world she’s created.
Wow! This was definitely insane and, exactly as she promised. I was hooked from start to finished, wondering what would happen at any given moment. This was an amazing first debut and since this is a duet I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in book 2.
Plot: the overall storyline is 10/10, I just wish we got more of the violence, secret society, and reaper but I have a feeling a lot of this will play out in book 2. The Romance did overshadow the story at times but damn was it so good and fucking brutal 😅🫣.
MMC: 😳 & Holy fuck is all I’m going to say. Please check the trigger warnings BEFORE reading because the author has forewarned of the holy fucks. He is a blend of Killian Carson & Jeremey Volkov so if you know you know 🥵
FMC: 😔 I sympathized with and for her so much through this book. The undertones of her story will break your heart.
Side characters: Bomb and I cannot wait to see the role they play in the MCs story. Something twisted is going on and I’m here for it.
The ending is a cliffhanger and even though I would have loved something alittle more jaw dropping, like a major revelation, it still slaps because there is no HEA right now and the stakes are rising.
This book was an unhinged crazy ride and I cannot wait to see how it ends.
Again, Thank you Saige & team for this ARC. I wish you so much love and success 🖤🫶🏼
⭐️: 3.5
🌶️: 🥵
First and foremost, thank you to Saige Parker and her team for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team. I cannot wait for this book to be published and for readers to experience the dark brutal world she’s created.
Wow! This was definitely insane and, exactly as she promised. I was hooked from start to finished, wondering what would happen at any given moment. This was an amazing first debut and since this is a duet I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in book 2.
Plot: the overall storyline is 10/10, I just wish we got more of the violence, secret society, and reaper but I have a feeling a lot of this will play out in book 2. The Romance did overshadow the story at times but damn was it so good and fucking brutal 😅🫣.
MMC: 😳 & Holy fuck is all I’m going to say. Please check the trigger warnings BEFORE reading because the author has forewarned of the holy fucks. He is a blend of Killian Carson & Jeremey Volkov so if you know you know 🥵
FMC: 😔 I sympathized with and for her so much through this book. The undertones of her story will break your heart.
Side characters: Bomb and I cannot wait to see the role they play in the MCs story. Something twisted is going on and I’m here for it.
The ending is a cliffhanger and even though I would have loved something alittle more jaw dropping, like a major revelation, it still slaps because there is no HEA right now and the stakes are rising.
This book was an unhinged crazy ride and I cannot wait to see how it ends.
Again, Thank you Saige & team for this ARC. I wish you so much love and success 🖤🫶🏼
April 10, 2025
ARC REVIEW
4⭐️ 4🌶
I've been waiting for this ARC forever, and it did not disappoint!!
I'm still reeling from that cliffy 😒
This book is so freaking good. You'd never think this is a debut. Saige has absolutely won me over, and the story isn't even over yet.
Axe was a real jerk and an infuriating alphahole, I loved hating him throughout the book. I loved his shitty attitude and how he didn't care about anyone's opinions. He was a freaking sadist. I enjoyed his relationship with Griffen. Griffen was definitely my favorite side character.
And Rory!!! She was smart she had a plan, she was building a life of her own until Axe came in, wrecking her world. The push and pull with those two was absolutely perfect. She hated him but was also attracted to his dark side. She was a force. Her mouth got her into trouble so much, I felt bad for her one minute the next I was just waiting for her to be punished, lol 🤷🏽♀️
I'm in love with the masked man 🫠 all his encounters with Rory had me fanning myself lol I can't wait for more!! 🥵🥵
There's so much spice but also the story is good, I'm loving the plot, and I can't wait to find out more!!!
4⭐️ 4🌶
I've been waiting for this ARC forever, and it did not disappoint!!
I'm still reeling from that cliffy 😒
This book is so freaking good. You'd never think this is a debut. Saige has absolutely won me over, and the story isn't even over yet.
Axe was a real jerk and an infuriating alphahole, I loved hating him throughout the book. I loved his shitty attitude and how he didn't care about anyone's opinions. He was a freaking sadist. I enjoyed his relationship with Griffen. Griffen was definitely my favorite side character.
And Rory!!! She was smart she had a plan, she was building a life of her own until Axe came in, wrecking her world. The push and pull with those two was absolutely perfect. She hated him but was also attracted to his dark side. She was a force. Her mouth got her into trouble so much, I felt bad for her one minute the next I was just waiting for her to be punished, lol 🤷🏽♀️
I'm in love with the masked man 🫠 all his encounters with Rory had me fanning myself lol I can't wait for more!! 🥵🥵
There's so much spice but also the story is good, I'm loving the plot, and I can't wait to find out more!!!
February 24, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first page! I’m obsessed with Axel and I shouldn’t be! The things he put Rory through had my jaw on the floor and my girl doesn’t just sit around and take it. I can’t wait to continue their story!
This book is
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Please check the triggers before reading!
Some of the tropes
• Masked MMC
• Forced Marriage
• Non-con
• Enemies to Lovers (kinda)
• Secret Society
• Touch her and ☠️
This book is
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Please check the triggers before reading!
Some of the tropes
• Masked MMC
• Forced Marriage
• Non-con
• Enemies to Lovers (kinda)
• Secret Society
• Touch her and ☠️
February 23, 2025
Holy shit this was dark, and parts of it messed up, but honestly it was good.
Can’t wait for the next one.
Can’t wait for the next one.
December 16, 2025
✰✰
I’m going to break my review down into specific pieces simply because my opinions are all over the place.
This story has so much potential. For a debut dark romance, it’s definitely good. This WAS a good book and I feel confident saying so. But it did not wow me. I didn’t really feel anything. I think looking at it from a series POV will make it a better read. Relationships will develop further and we’ll get more into the plot since the set up is done.
Characters:
At least they each had some semblance of background?
I did not like Rory. So cool, so unique, blah blah. Wasn’t a fan of her side business or how she perceived it or herself. She was a major try-hard and is actively the type of girl I avoid in real life. She was also dumb. I mean, Axe even pointed it out lol. Her background could have been better. All she did was dance and fuck men.
Axe had a backstory that fit his personality. He’s not a psychopath (clinically), but he’s definitely fucked up because of his past. I’m glad that was shown to us. I really liked him in certain parts of the book, and was indifferent during others.
Rory’s brother is so inconsistent I am not saying any more about him. Garbage human lol
Hated Alicia and whatever side plot was going on there.
Plot: This is a series plot and not a book plot. It’s fine to have overarching plots, but a book also needs to stand on its own. The end got messy. It was confusing. I could not tell you where the book is trying to go because so much is happening. The book ended on an almost cliffhanger, but not enough of one. I think the book will make sense in a series, but on its own, it is lacking. Too many side plots.
Writing: Generally good. Repetitive. I didn’t like it mostly because it was in first person and I did not like Rory’s personality. This read like a debut. Not bad but not good.
There were also instances where things didn’t make sense. Pushing against a non-existent wall, shutting the door but being on the same side of it, mark on her butt that is visible to everyone.
Setting: Secret societies are hard to do, so I acknowledge that it was done decently well in this book. But “sluts” and “servants”? I mean hey, the Sovereign was presented as a well-thought-out society, but I wasn’t a fan. I don’t like when entire groups of people treat women this way. I was so sick of Rory’s dancing by the end of this book. Please, make her leave the Sirens lol
🖤: I mean…😶🌫️🥵🫠 I wish there was more emotion and relationship building, but I’ll take all those sex scenes. For sure 🫡 I would have preferred they be longer and less frequent, though.
🔪 pre-read 🔪
So yea I’m pretty much ready to be giggling and kicking my feet and gasping in disbelief as if I didn’t know what I was getting into 🙃
Please, give me the depravity.
Thank you to Saige for the ARC!
I’m going to break my review down into specific pieces simply because my opinions are all over the place.
This story has so much potential. For a debut dark romance, it’s definitely good. This WAS a good book and I feel confident saying so. But it did not wow me. I didn’t really feel anything. I think looking at it from a series POV will make it a better read. Relationships will develop further and we’ll get more into the plot since the set up is done.
Characters:
At least they each had some semblance of background?
I did not like Rory. So cool, so unique, blah blah. Wasn’t a fan of her side business or how she perceived it or herself. She was a major try-hard and is actively the type of girl I avoid in real life. She was also dumb. I mean, Axe even pointed it out lol. Her background could have been better. All she did was dance and fuck men.
Axe had a backstory that fit his personality. He’s not a psychopath (clinically), but he’s definitely fucked up because of his past. I’m glad that was shown to us. I really liked him in certain parts of the book, and was indifferent during others.
Rory’s brother is so inconsistent I am not saying any more about him. Garbage human lol
Hated Alicia and whatever side plot was going on there.
Plot: This is a series plot and not a book plot. It’s fine to have overarching plots, but a book also needs to stand on its own. The end got messy. It was confusing. I could not tell you where the book is trying to go because so much is happening. The book ended on an almost cliffhanger, but not enough of one. I think the book will make sense in a series, but on its own, it is lacking. Too many side plots.
Writing: Generally good. Repetitive. I didn’t like it mostly because it was in first person and I did not like Rory’s personality. This read like a debut. Not bad but not good.
There were also instances where things didn’t make sense. Pushing against a non-existent wall, shutting the door but being on the same side of it, mark on her butt that is visible to everyone.
Setting: Secret societies are hard to do, so I acknowledge that it was done decently well in this book. But “sluts” and “servants”? I mean hey, the Sovereign was presented as a well-thought-out society, but I wasn’t a fan. I don’t like when entire groups of people treat women this way. I was so sick of Rory’s dancing by the end of this book. Please, make her leave the Sirens lol
🖤: I mean…😶🌫️🥵🫠 I wish there was more emotion and relationship building, but I’ll take all those sex scenes. For sure 🫡 I would have preferred they be longer and less frequent, though.
🔪 pre-read 🔪
So yea I’m pretty much ready to be giggling and kicking my feet and gasping in disbelief as if I didn’t know what I was getting into 🙃
Please, give me the depravity.
Thank you to Saige for the ARC!
February 24, 2025
First and foremost thank you Saige Parker for allowing me to be on this ARC team. I’ve been anticipating this book for so long, and it far exceeded my expectations. 🖤
BUT SAIGE.. THAT CLIFFY HOW CAN YOU DO THAT TO US😭😭😭😭
No but in all seriousness, i loved this book. And this was her DEBUT book…? Like WHAT?!? it is only going to get better from here. 🙌🏻
This is an ARC review so there will be no spoilers and I will not be ruining any plots here 🤭❤️
Axe is out MMC. He’s dark, mean, cryptic, rough unredeemable (or is he?😉) and i ate him up like a damn birthday cake. He is an MMC that you absolutely hate to love, he will have you questioning your morals and sanity but you’ll love him anyway.
Rory is our FMC, i absolutely LOVED this girl. There’s just something about a strong willed dancer FMC, especially one who can put up with Axe’s deranged ass😂
From the beginning this book hooked me in, it got straight to the point while also making sure you are fully immersed and understood the secret society. There was no slowing down from there, the story progressed so seamlessly and i feel like when every chapter ended i NEEDED to move on to the next to find out what happens.
This book has a secret society, mask play, knife play, forced marriage… and lots and lots and lots of other fun stuff that i wont ruin. HOWEVER… i am a girly who has no triggers so i decided to go in blind. But if you have ANY triggers whatsoever, please read Saige’s trigger warnings first.
It ended on a HUGE cliffy that had me audibly screaming. I need more and i cannot wait until the second book comes out. I can really tell how much heart and soul Saige put into this book, it’s not going to be for everyone (no book is for EVERYONE) but if you’re into pitch black MMCs i think you’ll love it.
BUT SAIGE.. THAT CLIFFY HOW CAN YOU DO THAT TO US😭😭😭😭
No but in all seriousness, i loved this book. And this was her DEBUT book…? Like WHAT?!? it is only going to get better from here. 🙌🏻
This is an ARC review so there will be no spoilers and I will not be ruining any plots here 🤭❤️
Axe is out MMC. He’s dark, mean, cryptic, rough unredeemable (or is he?😉) and i ate him up like a damn birthday cake. He is an MMC that you absolutely hate to love, he will have you questioning your morals and sanity but you’ll love him anyway.
Rory is our FMC, i absolutely LOVED this girl. There’s just something about a strong willed dancer FMC, especially one who can put up with Axe’s deranged ass😂
From the beginning this book hooked me in, it got straight to the point while also making sure you are fully immersed and understood the secret society. There was no slowing down from there, the story progressed so seamlessly and i feel like when every chapter ended i NEEDED to move on to the next to find out what happens.
This book has a secret society, mask play, knife play, forced marriage… and lots and lots and lots of other fun stuff that i wont ruin. HOWEVER… i am a girly who has no triggers so i decided to go in blind. But if you have ANY triggers whatsoever, please read Saige’s trigger warnings first.
It ended on a HUGE cliffy that had me audibly screaming. I need more and i cannot wait until the second book comes out. I can really tell how much heart and soul Saige put into this book, it’s not going to be for everyone (no book is for EVERYONE) but if you’re into pitch black MMCs i think you’ll love it.
March 12, 2025
4.25 ⭐️ 3.5🌶️
🖤 Forced/Arranged Marriage
🖤 Dom/Sub
🖤 Morally Black MMCs
🖤 🔪 play
🖤 Secret Societies/Mafia
🖤 Masked Men
Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this one - it is very dark.
This is the debut by this author, and what a way to debut!
Axel (MMC) is not morally grey, he is morally black,...and is a psychopathic assassin for a secret society called Sovereign. The FMC's father puts out a bond, and asks Axel to eliminate a high influence target.
As payment, Axel requests it in the form of marrying the FMC - which the FMC's father cannot turn down as there are strict rules within their society.
Rory (FMC) has no choice but to be part of Sovereign, and is secretly trying to build a life that will allow her to escape. Rory's world and plans are turned upside down when her father informs her that she is to marry Axel, someone she cannot tolerate at all.
Rory puts up a fight against the upcoming marriage and her submission to Axel and the society. Will Rory submit to Axel? Can Axel force her into submission? Who will come out on top?
This book is delicious and had me so invested....I read it in one sitting. The spice, the story line, the tension, secrets, betrayals and intrigue had me hooked, and did not let me go. Cannot wait for book 2!!
Be aware that this book does end on a cliffhanger :) ...
🖤 Forced/Arranged Marriage
🖤 Dom/Sub
🖤 Morally Black MMCs
🖤 🔪 play
🖤 Secret Societies/Mafia
🖤 Masked Men
Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this one - it is very dark.
This is the debut by this author, and what a way to debut!
Axel (MMC) is not morally grey, he is morally black,...and is a psychopathic assassin for a secret society called Sovereign. The FMC's father puts out a bond, and asks Axel to eliminate a high influence target.
As payment, Axel requests it in the form of marrying the FMC - which the FMC's father cannot turn down as there are strict rules within their society.
Rory (FMC) has no choice but to be part of Sovereign, and is secretly trying to build a life that will allow her to escape. Rory's world and plans are turned upside down when her father informs her that she is to marry Axel, someone she cannot tolerate at all.
Rory puts up a fight against the upcoming marriage and her submission to Axel and the society. Will Rory submit to Axel? Can Axel force her into submission? Who will come out on top?
This book is delicious and had me so invested....I read it in one sitting. The spice, the story line, the tension, secrets, betrayals and intrigue had me hooked, and did not let me go. Cannot wait for book 2!!
Be aware that this book does end on a cliffhanger :) ...
February 24, 2025
4.3stars ✨
I did enjoy the first look into Axe and Rory’s story but there are so many questions that are left unanswered and it ends on a cliffhanger.
Firstly - this is a dark romance so please read the TW and read at your own risk.
The characters are both as stubborn as hell and have their own demons they need to get past. Both baiting each other in hopes the other will bite back, and boy do they bite back.
AGAIN- this is a dark romance and there are things Axe will do that makes you want to pull you’re hair out because ‘why’ doesn’t cover it. And don’t get me started on little miss siren.
This is a good intro into their story and like I mentioned the further you dive into this book the more questions you have and you just want to have certain moments happen- no spoiler- sorry.
I did find some places repetitive- but I can see why as it’s to with the characters ARCs and nessesary for the plot.
Thank you Saige Parker for the ARC copy and am curious to see what happens next.
I did enjoy the first look into Axe and Rory’s story but there are so many questions that are left unanswered and it ends on a cliffhanger.
Firstly - this is a dark romance so please read the TW and read at your own risk.
The characters are both as stubborn as hell and have their own demons they need to get past. Both baiting each other in hopes the other will bite back, and boy do they bite back.
AGAIN- this is a dark romance and there are things Axe will do that makes you want to pull you’re hair out because ‘why’ doesn’t cover it. And don’t get me started on little miss siren.
This is a good intro into their story and like I mentioned the further you dive into this book the more questions you have and you just want to have certain moments happen- no spoiler- sorry.
I did find some places repetitive- but I can see why as it’s to with the characters ARCs and nessesary for the plot.
Thank you Saige Parker for the ARC copy and am curious to see what happens next.
February 22, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book...WHAT DID I JUST READ?!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Axe is definitely as pitch black as promised, but is it bad that I was pulling for him to get his head out of his a** the entire second half of the book?! That cliffhanger will keep me up at night and I need the next part of the story!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Axe is definitely as pitch black as promised, but is it bad that I was pulling for him to get his head out of his a** the entire second half of the book?! That cliffhanger will keep me up at night and I need the next part of the story!!
February 24, 2025
I just finished reading my ARC copy of Once A Villain and let me tell you I am so excited for more stories about the Sovereign world. You would never know this is Saige's debut novel. The story flowed effortlessly and while it was very dark it kept me hooked until the very end. I cannot wait for more!
February 22, 2025
Omg this is so good. He is so bad but you really can't help but love him anyway. And the way he gets jealous of himself 🤣 The complex emotions of the past is done so well. I am so excited for the next one. I need to know what's gonna happen. 🤌🤌🤌
March 2, 2025
The story line was a little boring, and I didn’t have the strong urge to go pick it up every day. The mmc is very dark, as promised and was intriguing. The fmc was a little annoying, but they matched pretty well. I’m not 100% sure what the book is supposed to be about though.
February 28, 2025
One hella debut book! Pitch black is an understatement. One of my top reads so far for 2025!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤🖤🖤🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤🖤🖤🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 2, 2025
Axel really is a man who gives zero poops haha.
I honestly don't know what to make of him but I respect him haha. He told you just the type of man he is and has no remorse over it. This man is tall with tattoos and just oozes danger. By the way he carries himself you know to never mess with him.
At first I wasn't sure how to feel about him and there were moments when I just wanted to slap some sense into him. His anger will be his downfall but I understood why he held onto it so tight.
The way he acted towards Rory made me want to pull him by his ear and threaten his life....but he would have liked that haha. The author wasn't kidding when she said this man is pitch black because he had me clutching my pearls a few times. I wanted to be scared of this man but he was drawing me in like a mother to a flame.
Rory really did go through a lot and I felt for her. She was born into a life where she has to serve. Her father hates her. She has a step mom who is acts like a child and is vindictive. A brother who loves her but is useless in helping. Her whole is to serve those of the Sovereign but she found a way where she can have control over her life. That was until Axel came storming in demanding her hand in marriage.
The relationship is so up and down. Toxic and delicious. Frightening and dangerous. Obsessive and possessive and soo soo good!!! I can't wait to see what happens with these two in the next book after that cliffhanger lol.
I honestly don't know what to make of him but I respect him haha. He told you just the type of man he is and has no remorse over it. This man is tall with tattoos and just oozes danger. By the way he carries himself you know to never mess with him.
At first I wasn't sure how to feel about him and there were moments when I just wanted to slap some sense into him. His anger will be his downfall but I understood why he held onto it so tight.
The way he acted towards Rory made me want to pull him by his ear and threaten his life....but he would have liked that haha. The author wasn't kidding when she said this man is pitch black because he had me clutching my pearls a few times. I wanted to be scared of this man but he was drawing me in like a mother to a flame.
Rory really did go through a lot and I felt for her. She was born into a life where she has to serve. Her father hates her. She has a step mom who is acts like a child and is vindictive. A brother who loves her but is useless in helping. Her whole is to serve those of the Sovereign but she found a way where she can have control over her life. That was until Axel came storming in demanding her hand in marriage.
The relationship is so up and down. Toxic and delicious. Frightening and dangerous. Obsessive and possessive and soo soo good!!! I can't wait to see what happens with these two in the next book after that cliffhanger lol.
February 25, 2025
I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC in return for an honest review:)
Releases March 31, 2025!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
☆ Forced Marriage (marriage of inconvenience!!)
☆ Assassin MMC
☆ Masked Man
☆ Morally pitch black MMC
☆ Dub-con/non-con
☆ Dark romance
☆ Secret Society
☆ He hates her (or does he?)/She hates him (or does she?)
~~~~~~~
I need the second book ASAP- the horrors of being an ARC reader is waiting until the release date of the first book, then reading to the cliff hanger, THEN waiting until the release date for the second book 😭
The story: Original, unique, beautiful!! She ate and left no crumbs! Ahhhh I was so excited when I got the acceptance email saying I was able to read this as an arc, because one, assassin romance? Yes please. Forced marriage (fictional) yes please. Morally pitch black male character? YES PLEASE!! Strong FMC that shows vulnerability? EVEN BETTER!! Gah just this whole story was amazing! I felt that it was more of a window to a relationship more than a story with plot, but it still definitely made sense. The setting almost seemed Gotham-esque, but set in modern times with “everyday people.” With the whole secret society of the Sovereign, it makes the story almost seem dystopian. It’s a cruel world, and you definitely have to be tough to survive.
The characters: Leave it to Saige Parker to create a morally PITCH BLACK MMC that hates everyone including his wife. The wife that he chose. The wife that he forced to marry him. The wife that hates him equally. He calls it “a marriage of inconvenience” and I think that is a new favorite trope. Marry them for blackmail (fictional), marry them because you hate their dad, marry them because you’re possessive. But you seriously hate them and want nothing to do with them. THAT is a marriage of inconvenience. I love Rory- omg. So feisty and so strong and badass like OMG. Being an aerial dancer is hard AF, and I love dancer characters! Ahhh I JUST LOVE IT! And I love how much they hate each other 😭 as the reader, we see the inner monologue, and it gets so maddening at times when you’re like “BUT YOU JUST SAID THIS.” Lmaoooooo!
The spice: I rated this 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 on the pepper scale. There were about 11 to 11 1/2 open door scenes that included elements of bondage, breath play, knife play, blood kink, belts, impact play, punishments, and other kink related activities. SO HOT MIND YOU. But omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg I can’t get enough of the spice in this book OH MY GOD. There were so many times where Axe said something and I broke faster than an uncooked gluten free noodle. The pressure cooker was on HIGH in this book. I think my favorite scene is the last one before the most mean, rude, and horrible cliff hanger ever. (Gee thanks Ms Parker.) As I said above: I NEED THE SECOND BOOK ASAP!!
Thank you Ms Parker for this opportunity and I can’t wait to read more from you in the future!!
Releases March 31, 2025!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
☆ Forced Marriage (marriage of inconvenience!!)
☆ Assassin MMC
☆ Masked Man
☆ Morally pitch black MMC
☆ Dub-con/non-con
☆ Dark romance
☆ Secret Society
☆ He hates her (or does he?)/She hates him (or does she?)
~~~~~~~
I need the second book ASAP- the horrors of being an ARC reader is waiting until the release date of the first book, then reading to the cliff hanger, THEN waiting until the release date for the second book 😭
The story: Original, unique, beautiful!! She ate and left no crumbs! Ahhhh I was so excited when I got the acceptance email saying I was able to read this as an arc, because one, assassin romance? Yes please. Forced marriage (fictional) yes please. Morally pitch black male character? YES PLEASE!! Strong FMC that shows vulnerability? EVEN BETTER!! Gah just this whole story was amazing! I felt that it was more of a window to a relationship more than a story with plot, but it still definitely made sense. The setting almost seemed Gotham-esque, but set in modern times with “everyday people.” With the whole secret society of the Sovereign, it makes the story almost seem dystopian. It’s a cruel world, and you definitely have to be tough to survive.
The characters: Leave it to Saige Parker to create a morally PITCH BLACK MMC that hates everyone including his wife. The wife that he chose. The wife that he forced to marry him. The wife that hates him equally. He calls it “a marriage of inconvenience” and I think that is a new favorite trope. Marry them for blackmail (fictional), marry them because you hate their dad, marry them because you’re possessive. But you seriously hate them and want nothing to do with them. THAT is a marriage of inconvenience. I love Rory- omg. So feisty and so strong and badass like OMG. Being an aerial dancer is hard AF, and I love dancer characters! Ahhh I JUST LOVE IT! And I love how much they hate each other 😭 as the reader, we see the inner monologue, and it gets so maddening at times when you’re like “BUT YOU JUST SAID THIS.” Lmaoooooo!
The spice: I rated this 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 on the pepper scale. There were about 11 to 11 1/2 open door scenes that included elements of bondage, breath play, knife play, blood kink, belts, impact play, punishments, and other kink related activities. SO HOT MIND YOU. But omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg I can’t get enough of the spice in this book OH MY GOD. There were so many times where Axe said something and I broke faster than an uncooked gluten free noodle. The pressure cooker was on HIGH in this book. I think my favorite scene is the last one before the most mean, rude, and horrible cliff hanger ever. (Gee thanks Ms Parker.) As I said above: I NEED THE SECOND BOOK ASAP!!
Thank you Ms Parker for this opportunity and I can’t wait to read more from you in the future!!
March 15, 2025
What the WHAT...How is this a debut by this author?! Seriously it's so freaking good and I'm wanting more!!
Ok, seriously I'm addicted to Axel Hawthorne because he's the perfect pitch black antihero!! He's so mean but omg he's got me in a chokehold with all his deliciously depraved filthy demands!! Rory might hate him but her body loves him and I can completely understand why!!
If you want a book that goes dark, twists and turns, depraved spice, a masked man, an assassin with a grudge, amazing world building details, character development, and an addictive storyline this is your book right here. Buckle up because this is one of those books you start and finish in one sitting because you can't stop reading. I cannot wait for more because that ending left me wanting so much more!! This is definitely an author to watch for because she hit this debut out of the park!! Highly recommend it for any dark romance readers!!
Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Ok, seriously I'm addicted to Axel Hawthorne because he's the perfect pitch black antihero!! He's so mean but omg he's got me in a chokehold with all his deliciously depraved filthy demands!! Rory might hate him but her body loves him and I can completely understand why!!
If you want a book that goes dark, twists and turns, depraved spice, a masked man, an assassin with a grudge, amazing world building details, character development, and an addictive storyline this is your book right here. Buckle up because this is one of those books you start and finish in one sitting because you can't stop reading. I cannot wait for more because that ending left me wanting so much more!! This is definitely an author to watch for because she hit this debut out of the park!! Highly recommend it for any dark romance readers!!
Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
March 7, 2025
4.75 Stars, but rounding up to 5 for Goodreads
This was a fantastic dark, and I do mean dark romance read. Axe is a pitch black character, who was trained to be one of the deadliest assassin’s in the Sovereign group. Rory has always hoped for a better life, and wanted to escape from Sovereign life, but it’s hard when her father is one of the higher ups in the group. Axe completes a high shakes job where he gets to name his price, and his price is Rory’s had in marriage. All the plans Rory was making to try and leave go right out the window.
When you first meet Rory, you want to cheer for her, but at the same time I feel for her because the life she is living isn’t really a life at all. And Axe? Oh you will hate him the minute you meat him, and then catch yourself thinking that maybe he DOES have a caring side to him? Even if it’s just a tiny smidge? The author did a great job of having be going between loving and hating Axe.
This book ends with a cliffhanger, it’s a very small cliff so no need to worry to much. I am intrigued to see what happens in the next book though, and can’t wait for it to come out!
This was a fantastic dark, and I do mean dark romance read. Axe is a pitch black character, who was trained to be one of the deadliest assassin’s in the Sovereign group. Rory has always hoped for a better life, and wanted to escape from Sovereign life, but it’s hard when her father is one of the higher ups in the group. Axe completes a high shakes job where he gets to name his price, and his price is Rory’s had in marriage. All the plans Rory was making to try and leave go right out the window.
When you first meet Rory, you want to cheer for her, but at the same time I feel for her because the life she is living isn’t really a life at all. And Axe? Oh you will hate him the minute you meat him, and then catch yourself thinking that maybe he DOES have a caring side to him? Even if it’s just a tiny smidge? The author did a great job of having be going between loving and hating Axe.
This book ends with a cliffhanger, it’s a very small cliff so no need to worry to much. I am intrigued to see what happens in the next book though, and can’t wait for it to come out!
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