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Revenge Duet #2
Always A Villain
I am the Reaper.
Death incarnate, the Sovereign’s most lethal weapon.
I don’t forgive. I don’t forget.
And this time—everyone bleeds.
She was supposed to be leverage.
The daughter of my enemy.
My revenge, collared and chained.
But she ruined everything.
Now I crave her like I crave violence.
And I’ll burn the Sovereign empire to claim what’s mine.
Her tears. Her screams. Her soul.
I’m not just the villain.
I’m the end.
This is Book 2 in a duet. Once A Villain must be read first. This is not a standalone. Without the events of the first book, you will be lost.
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 author's website
Death incarnate, the Sovereign’s most lethal weapon.
I don’t forgive. I don’t forget.
And this time—everyone bleeds.
She was supposed to be leverage.
The daughter of my enemy.
My revenge, collared and chained.
But she ruined everything.
Now I crave her like I crave violence.
And I’ll burn the Sovereign empire to claim what’s mine.
Her tears. Her screams. Her soul.
I’m not just the villain.
I’m the end.
This is Book 2 in a duet. Once A Villain must be read first. This is not a standalone. Without the events of the first book, you will be lost.
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 author's website
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
114 people are currently reading
1156 people want to read
About the author
Saige Parker
3 books231 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 293 reviews
August 22, 2025
WHAT A FUCKING RIDE !!!!!!!!!!
If that’s this author’s first duet novel, I honestly can’t wait to see the rest of the series !!!! This was incredible. Like I said before I felt like I was in John Wick’s world with the man himself but darker, meaner, crazier, more violent and a psychopath.
Omg I only started to like Axe in this book because in book one I absolutely despised him. But in this one WOW ! ! !
The story picks up right where it was left off and the way Rory finds out about his secret was as cool and explosive as their relationship is. There was barely time to be too mad because they had to survive first.
The plot, the betrayals, the fights, the smut ……
I am not giving anything up here, what I will say is : I LOVE RORY, I LOVE GRIFFEN, I LOVE KANE, I LEARNED TO LOVE AXE, I LOVE THE ACTION (this book is action packed), I LOVE THE PLOT and I LOVE how they slowly felt in love♥️
The only thing that is not much of my thing is the super violent sex. I am ALL FOR the breath play, the primal play, the pain play…. But everything to a limit, when it becomes too too violent I start to think that the girl actually needs a hospital and not just a bath 😂😂😂😂😂 but still I LOVED and their scenes were super hot 🔥🔥🔥 now I can’t wait to see who’s going to have the next book and how can any other man in this organization be worst than the Reaper!?!? Because I very much doubt that 🖤
If that’s this author’s first duet novel, I honestly can’t wait to see the rest of the series !!!! This was incredible. Like I said before I felt like I was in John Wick’s world with the man himself but darker, meaner, crazier, more violent and a psychopath.
Omg I only started to like Axe in this book because in book one I absolutely despised him. But in this one WOW ! ! !
The story picks up right where it was left off and the way Rory finds out about his secret was as cool and explosive as their relationship is. There was barely time to be too mad because they had to survive first.
The plot, the betrayals, the fights, the smut ……
I am not giving anything up here, what I will say is : I LOVE RORY, I LOVE GRIFFEN, I LOVE KANE, I LEARNED TO LOVE AXE, I LOVE THE ACTION (this book is action packed), I LOVE THE PLOT and I LOVE how they slowly felt in love♥️
The only thing that is not much of my thing is the super violent sex. I am ALL FOR the breath play, the primal play, the pain play…. But everything to a limit, when it becomes too too violent I start to think that the girl actually needs a hospital and not just a bath 😂😂😂😂😂 but still I LOVED and their scenes were super hot 🔥🔥🔥 now I can’t wait to see who’s going to have the next book and how can any other man in this organization be worst than the Reaper!?!? Because I very much doubt that 🖤
June 27, 2025
Read this if you like when it hurts 😭
Dear Saige: I kind of wanna hump your leg for this series, and that’s really beautiful to be able to elicit such a powerful emotion. 💦
👏🏻 Standing. 👏🏻 Fucking. 👏🏻 Ovation. 👏🏻
This was a masterpiece. I’ll never recover in the best and worst ways. This TORE me apart, wrecked me and slowly put me back together.
This book gave me more emotional whiplash than my bipolar disorder. 🤣 I went from squealing out of pure giddiness to wanting to stab Axe, and back to swooning less than 2 paragraphs.
Y’all are NOT ready for Axe in this book, and if you thought you were obsessed with Rory before, oh baby prepare to have a full on GIRL CRUSH. 😏
Favorite Quotes:
*💦 You’re going to fucking ruin me. 💦 I’m foaming out of my mouth for this. FERAL.
*Tell me you missed me Rory. 🫠
*You taste so fucking good.
*Such a good girl. That’s my good girl.
*She’s mine. My drug. My obsession, and I’m overdosing.
*He’ll never escape who he is, but with you? He doesn’t have to drown in it. 😭 GRIFF STOP.
*Later that night, you’ll be on your knees wearing nothing but my last name branded on your ass. 🥹 - SWOON!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Secret society
Enemies to lovers
Spice that’ll have you clutching your pearls
Touch her and 💀
P.S. Priest? I fucking want him. I want him bad. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer soon if you don’t give him to me. (Threat) 😏
Dear Saige: I kind of wanna hump your leg for this series, and that’s really beautiful to be able to elicit such a powerful emotion. 💦
👏🏻 Standing. 👏🏻 Fucking. 👏🏻 Ovation. 👏🏻
This was a masterpiece. I’ll never recover in the best and worst ways. This TORE me apart, wrecked me and slowly put me back together.
This book gave me more emotional whiplash than my bipolar disorder. 🤣 I went from squealing out of pure giddiness to wanting to stab Axe, and back to swooning less than 2 paragraphs.
Y’all are NOT ready for Axe in this book, and if you thought you were obsessed with Rory before, oh baby prepare to have a full on GIRL CRUSH. 😏
Favorite Quotes:
*💦 You’re going to fucking ruin me. 💦 I’m foaming out of my mouth for this. FERAL.
*Tell me you missed me Rory. 🫠
*You taste so fucking good.
*Such a good girl. That’s my good girl.
*She’s mine. My drug. My obsession, and I’m overdosing.
*He’ll never escape who he is, but with you? He doesn’t have to drown in it. 😭 GRIFF STOP.
*Later that night, you’ll be on your knees wearing nothing but my last name branded on your ass. 🥹 - SWOON!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Secret society
Enemies to lovers
Spice that’ll have you clutching your pearls
Touch her and 💀
P.S. Priest? I fucking want him. I want him bad. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer soon if you don’t give him to me. (Threat) 😏
July 8, 2025
Once a Villain… Always a Villain
4 ⭐️
4 🌶️
🖤 This is a pitch-black romance. None of that ‘morally gray’ here. For the first time, I have to review both books as one, because it really is a single, brutal, continuous story. And yes, I take these things very seriously 💁♀️
Axel Hawthorne is a psycho. Plain and simple. You do not like him in the first book; you actively dislike him. (And respectfully, if you did like Axe right away… what is wrong with you? 👀)
Victoria (Rory) Valentine, however, is a hot mess (I say this with love), because I loved her from the start to the finish. A badass woman who just wants to be loved her way, seeking a little control in a world that keeps letting her down.
I love how @saigeparkerauthor builds this action-movie-level plot around an underground society of assassins, political intrigue, and enough twists to give me whiplash. It was stressful, chaotic, and so much fun.
The redemption arc was well done, too. Check your triggers though because book one is definitely not for the faint of heart. We’ve got pain kinks, forced branding, mask play, primal kinks galore… and let’s be real, I’m weak for a good “my wife,” “I know what you need,” and that delicious “who did this to you?” 🫠
This duet lands at 4 ⭐️ for me. The cliffhanger at the end of book one? Just cruel. But @saigeparkerauthor doesn’t care—she wants you to shut up and take it like a good girl. 😏
#arcreview
4 ⭐️
4 🌶️
🖤 This is a pitch-black romance. None of that ‘morally gray’ here. For the first time, I have to review both books as one, because it really is a single, brutal, continuous story. And yes, I take these things very seriously 💁♀️
Axel Hawthorne is a psycho. Plain and simple. You do not like him in the first book; you actively dislike him. (And respectfully, if you did like Axe right away… what is wrong with you? 👀)
Victoria (Rory) Valentine, however, is a hot mess (I say this with love), because I loved her from the start to the finish. A badass woman who just wants to be loved her way, seeking a little control in a world that keeps letting her down.
I love how @saigeparkerauthor builds this action-movie-level plot around an underground society of assassins, political intrigue, and enough twists to give me whiplash. It was stressful, chaotic, and so much fun.
The redemption arc was well done, too. Check your triggers though because book one is definitely not for the faint of heart. We’ve got pain kinks, forced branding, mask play, primal kinks galore… and let’s be real, I’m weak for a good “my wife,” “I know what you need,” and that delicious “who did this to you?” 🫠
This duet lands at 4 ⭐️ for me. The cliffhanger at the end of book one? Just cruel. But @saigeparkerauthor doesn’t care—she wants you to shut up and take it like a good girl. 😏
#arcreview
June 28, 2025
Jeez! I may be a little hot under the collar 🤣
The yo-yo effect of these two is just mesmerising, the emotions they possess but only allow out during the sm3xy times, to then be put firmly back in their box, hurts your head 🫠Until it doesn’t.
Rory hasn’t lost her feistiness, it is subdued occasionally then rears its head. Axel has realised this is a part of her personality he actually enjoys. We do find out a lot more about her family, some about his too. Betrayals and secrets always seem to find their way into the world, that or the reaper has ways of extracting them 😈
The writing as last time draws you in and tethers you to the pages, the spicy times are numerous and dare I say 🥵🌶️, I did scoff a couple of times too, at Griffen usually. There are a few sitting on the edge of your seat moments and a smattering of v!0lence, well…you didn’t expect there not to be really 🤣 Loved it and a part of me loved that Axel caved first 💗 Saige has done such a fantastic job with this duet and I dare say, her next foray into the Sovereign Society will be just as enthralling 🖤
The yo-yo effect of these two is just mesmerising, the emotions they possess but only allow out during the sm3xy times, to then be put firmly back in their box, hurts your head 🫠Until it doesn’t.
Rory hasn’t lost her feistiness, it is subdued occasionally then rears its head. Axel has realised this is a part of her personality he actually enjoys. We do find out a lot more about her family, some about his too. Betrayals and secrets always seem to find their way into the world, that or the reaper has ways of extracting them 😈
The writing as last time draws you in and tethers you to the pages, the spicy times are numerous and dare I say 🥵🌶️, I did scoff a couple of times too, at Griffen usually. There are a few sitting on the edge of your seat moments and a smattering of v!0lence, well…you didn’t expect there not to be really 🤣 Loved it and a part of me loved that Axel caved first 💗 Saige has done such a fantastic job with this duet and I dare say, her next foray into the Sovereign Society will be just as enthralling 🖤
August 18, 2025
4.5 stars!
Still trying to write a review for this one. It’s one of the most pitch black reads I’ve ever encountered but dayum 😍😍.
So RTC…
Still trying to write a review for this one. It’s one of the most pitch black reads I’ve ever encountered but dayum 😍😍.
So RTC…
July 18, 2025
“𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒔, 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆, “𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
OH. MY. F. GOD! I do not have words to express how much I loved this duet!!! Rory and Axe kept me hooked from the start and wow their story did not disappoint! Definitely one of my top 5 reads of the year! 😮💨
Axe and Rory have me on a chokehold bc damn these two are hottttt! 🥵 the way he had to overcome so much to finally allow himself to feel and to learn how it is to love and be loved, to finally believe he’s worth it and that opening up to Rory was not going to make him weak, but stronger. I seriously loved every single thing of this duet and this world, I really hope there’ll be more of the Sovereign world, I need more about Griff, Arsen and Priest. Absolutely incredible books, loved everything! 🖤
“𝑨𝒙𝒆…” 𝑰 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔, “𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚. 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕, 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆.”
𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒌.
🖤 MF Dark Romance-Dual POV
💀 Unhinged & Pitch Black MMC
🖤 Forced Marriage
💀 Secret Society of Assassins
🖤 Mask, 🔪 & gûn play
💀 Pun!shment
🖤 Bløød k!nk
OH. MY. F. GOD! I do not have words to express how much I loved this duet!!! Rory and Axe kept me hooked from the start and wow their story did not disappoint! Definitely one of my top 5 reads of the year! 😮💨
Axe and Rory have me on a chokehold bc damn these two are hottttt! 🥵 the way he had to overcome so much to finally allow himself to feel and to learn how it is to love and be loved, to finally believe he’s worth it and that opening up to Rory was not going to make him weak, but stronger. I seriously loved every single thing of this duet and this world, I really hope there’ll be more of the Sovereign world, I need more about Griff, Arsen and Priest. Absolutely incredible books, loved everything! 🖤
“𝑨𝒙𝒆…” 𝑰 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔, “𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚. 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕, 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆.”
𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒌.
🖤 MF Dark Romance-Dual POV
💀 Unhinged & Pitch Black MMC
🖤 Forced Marriage
💀 Secret Society of Assassins
🖤 Mask, 🔪 & gûn play
💀 Pun!shment
🖤 Bløød k!nk
July 13, 2025
RTC, but damn Axe is just 🔥, love me a morally black hitman stalker 😍
-------------------------------------------
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🗓️ Release Date: 07.31.2025
📚 Book #2 in the Revenge Duet, cannot be read as a standalone
🖤 M/F
🗣️ Dual POV
🌗 Imo Morally Gray MMC
💥 Check Your Triggers
You absolutely should read book 1 before jumping into this one, and if you are on the fence, heres my review of book 1 Shit, if you need more convincing, just read the below quote from the badass Reaper himself Axel Hawthorne
Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off on a cliffhanger, and its a wild ass ride from start to finish with some twist and turns I didnt see coming and ofc a whole lot of 🔥 as Rory and Axe finally understand what they mean to each other. I dont wanna give anything else away since you need to read book 1 to full get into book 2, but im super happy with how the story wrapped up and I cannot wait to read more from Saige. Im hoping for Priest or Griff's books!
Tropes:
🖤 Enemies To Lovers
💀 Who Hurt You
🖤 Secret Society
💀 Touch Her and D!e
🖤 Masked MMC
💀 Pr!mal
🖤 Gun & Kn!fe Play
💀 Breathe Play
🖤 Blood K!nk
💀 Non-Con
🖤 Beg For It
-------------------------------------------
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🗓️ Release Date: 07.31.2025
📚 Book #2 in the Revenge Duet, cannot be read as a standalone
🖤 M/F
🗣️ Dual POV
🌗 Imo Morally Gray MMC
💥 Check Your Triggers
You absolutely should read book 1 before jumping into this one, and if you are on the fence, heres my review of book 1 Shit, if you need more convincing, just read the below quote from the badass Reaper himself Axel Hawthorne
"She’s mine. My drug. My obsession, and I’m overdosing."Rory and Axel have one hell of a fight in front of them, some physical but really mostly emotional cause there is no shortage of baggage from either of them. This book is not tame, and most would consider it a pitch black book, but im giving it a dark gray rating because personally I think Axel's growth shows that he is redeemable in some ways. Morally black characters have no redeeming qualities, but Axel's love for Rory is his salvation. He's not a good guy by any stretch of the imagination, and cares for like 4 ppl total but those people in his inner circle get to see his humanity he hides from the rest of the world.
Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off on a cliffhanger, and its a wild ass ride from start to finish with some twist and turns I didnt see coming and ofc a whole lot of 🔥 as Rory and Axe finally understand what they mean to each other. I dont wanna give anything else away since you need to read book 1 to full get into book 2, but im super happy with how the story wrapped up and I cannot wait to read more from Saige. Im hoping for Priest or Griff's books!
Tropes:
🖤 Enemies To Lovers
💀 Who Hurt You
🖤 Secret Society
💀 Touch Her and D!e
🖤 Masked MMC
💀 Pr!mal
🖤 Gun & Kn!fe Play
💀 Breathe Play
🖤 Blood K!nk
💀 Non-Con
🖤 Beg For It
August 12, 2025
Tropes: secret societies, pitch black mmc, firecracker FMC, touch her and die, possessive, soft only for her, hate to love, mystery and secrets, primal play, 🔪 play
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The perfect ending to a fucking ripper of a duet. Seriously that was so bloody delicious.
We picked up right where we left off from the first book, with Rory still a feisty firecracker that hates that she doesn’t all the way hate Axe.
Axe is grappling with his feelings - he doesn’t understand how he came to care for Rory but understands that it’s happening. And he hates it.
So much happens in this book: there are so many obstacles and betrayals they have to overcome. The protectiveness and possessiveness of Axe to Rory was so intense and so natural - it was truely so fun to read this big scary man going soft for her. Except for in the bedroom 🤪
Griffin again was the perfect side character to break the intensity of the story. Their little found family moments are so wholesome.
The epilogue was stellar. It had me laughing and immediately missing these characters. This is definitely going down in the books as one of the best duets I’ve read.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The perfect ending to a fucking ripper of a duet. Seriously that was so bloody delicious.
We picked up right where we left off from the first book, with Rory still a feisty firecracker that hates that she doesn’t all the way hate Axe.
Axe is grappling with his feelings - he doesn’t understand how he came to care for Rory but understands that it’s happening. And he hates it.
So much happens in this book: there are so many obstacles and betrayals they have to overcome. The protectiveness and possessiveness of Axe to Rory was so intense and so natural - it was truely so fun to read this big scary man going soft for her. Except for in the bedroom 🤪
Griffin again was the perfect side character to break the intensity of the story. Their little found family moments are so wholesome.
The epilogue was stellar. It had me laughing and immediately missing these characters. This is definitely going down in the books as one of the best duets I’ve read.
December 1, 2025
“You’d kill people over a toy?”
“I’ve killed for less. And you, little siren, are my favorite f*cking toy.”
Devil. Monster. Villain. Reaper.
Axel Hawthorne.
This definitely lived up to dark status.
And now, let's talk about the other Hawthorne hottie: Griffen...
(There is A LOT more I want to say about this duet debut, but I still have turkey fog brain and Axe and Rory deserve more than a whimpy review. BRB)
“I’ve killed for less. And you, little siren, are my favorite f*cking toy.”
Devil. Monster. Villain. Reaper.
Axel Hawthorne.
This definitely lived up to dark status.
And now, let's talk about the other Hawthorne hottie: Griffen...
(There is A LOT more I want to say about this duet debut, but I still have turkey fog brain and Axe and Rory deserve more than a whimpy review. BRB)
July 1, 2025
Axel Hawthorne and his Pitch Black personality returns, as brutal and ruthless as ever.
Book 2 did not disappoint. Packed with character development, action, suspense, revenge, and that HEA we've been craving since book one.
Axe is just as unapologetically ruthless as he was in book 1. That being said, he gradually softens, but ONLY for Rory. He's still an absolute animal in the bedroom, though 🤭
Rory was made for Axe, and they deserve each other so much. She continues to challenge him in every way but make no mistake she's by no means weak for this man. The push and pull between them is intense, and the fact that neither can admit their feelings to one another will have you screaming at the page.
This book, much like the first, will have you captivated until the end. Saige perfectly balances plot and spice.
I mean the man's a specimen, and Saige knows exactly how hard i had to concentrate after she gave an outstanding scene description that had me melting.
Shirts are definately overrated, Saige 🤣
I'm sad that Axe and Rory's story is at its end, but it was an end that I really did hope for.
Can we PLEASE have a book on Griff - pretty please, with a dagger stabbed through? 🤣
Buckle up for this fast-paced conclusion featuring all the favourite tropes.. Morally black MMC .. enemies to lovers .. Obsessive .. Possessive
This book is PITCH BLACK, Please familiarise yourself with the content before you start.
Book 2 did not disappoint. Packed with character development, action, suspense, revenge, and that HEA we've been craving since book one.
Axe is just as unapologetically ruthless as he was in book 1. That being said, he gradually softens, but ONLY for Rory. He's still an absolute animal in the bedroom, though 🤭
Rory was made for Axe, and they deserve each other so much. She continues to challenge him in every way but make no mistake she's by no means weak for this man. The push and pull between them is intense, and the fact that neither can admit their feelings to one another will have you screaming at the page.
This book, much like the first, will have you captivated until the end. Saige perfectly balances plot and spice.
I mean the man's a specimen, and Saige knows exactly how hard i had to concentrate after she gave an outstanding scene description that had me melting.
Shirts are definately overrated, Saige 🤣
I'm sad that Axe and Rory's story is at its end, but it was an end that I really did hope for.
Can we PLEASE have a book on Griff - pretty please, with a dagger stabbed through? 🤣
Buckle up for this fast-paced conclusion featuring all the favourite tropes.. Morally black MMC .. enemies to lovers .. Obsessive .. Possessive
This book is PITCH BLACK, Please familiarise yourself with the content before you start.
August 1, 2025
We’re back with the revenge duet, book two, and I couldn’t be more excited to pick up where Axe and Rory’s story left off. When I tell you that this book has action, plot, and some of the best spice! Sheesh! Didn’t think it could get hotter, but I was wrong! 🔥🔥🔥
Axe’s character growth was so good! We’re talking about a pitch black MMC, who was catching so many feelings for his wife and was going feral for anyone who dared to threaten or mess with Rory! There’s just something about an unhinged, overprotective,
masked man, that also happens to be your husband. 🥵
And my girl Rory! Still a fierce, badass, who like Axel, struggled with her feelings, but leaned into the fact that she belonged to him. The plot twist really threw me at the end and this book took me on an emotional roller coaster, but was worth every second!
Anyone who loves a dark, unhinged, spicy good time, and wants fall in love with the characters, needs to read this duet! Add this to your tbr now! Available July 31st!
“She’s mine. My drug, my obsession, and I’m overdosing.”
“ No matter how much I bleed for her, no matter how hard I fight, I’ll always be the monster. The devil they whisper about in the dark. I don’t deserve her. Never f*cking will. I’ll carry this darkness with me to my grave. But I’m hers.”
Thank you to Saige Parker for having me as part of your ARC team for this amazing duet! It’s been one hell of a ride! ❤️🖤
Axe’s character growth was so good! We’re talking about a pitch black MMC, who was catching so many feelings for his wife and was going feral for anyone who dared to threaten or mess with Rory! There’s just something about an unhinged, overprotective,
masked man, that also happens to be your husband. 🥵
And my girl Rory! Still a fierce, badass, who like Axel, struggled with her feelings, but leaned into the fact that she belonged to him. The plot twist really threw me at the end and this book took me on an emotional roller coaster, but was worth every second!
Anyone who loves a dark, unhinged, spicy good time, and wants fall in love with the characters, needs to read this duet! Add this to your tbr now! Available July 31st!
“She’s mine. My drug, my obsession, and I’m overdosing.”
“ No matter how much I bleed for her, no matter how hard I fight, I’ll always be the monster. The devil they whisper about in the dark. I don’t deserve her. Never f*cking will. I’ll carry this darkness with me to my grave. But I’m hers.”
Thank you to Saige Parker for having me as part of your ARC team for this amazing duet! It’s been one hell of a ride! ❤️🖤
November 24, 2025
If you're not ready for a morally pitch black MMC who's as unhinged as it comes, put that book down. This duet was INSANE yall. And I'm not talking about a little bit of toxic or sth. It was completely fucked up.. but like in the best way.
Axe was UNHINGED. He was crazy and violent but also loyal and obsessed for his girl. One chapter you're like oh wow he's fucked up in the head but the next you're swooning because he'd burn the whole world for Rory. Like I'm gonna be honest.. I kept telling myself that this is too much and to DNF… but i didn’t. So basically, I am Rory. I "didn’t like" it, but I did. 😂
Okay okay. I ate that shit up. Fine. 😌
From page one, Rory wants NOTHING to do with Axe. She hates him. she fears him. she thinks he's the villain of her entire life and tbh he is. But then the story slowly shows you all the shit he's carrying, all the things he's done for her, all the pain he's survived, and suddenly you're like oh great now I love him too. Fantastic. 👀
Book 1 is straight up MADNESS. So much chaos, hate, revenge.. but i promise that by the time you hit book 2, EVERYTHING makes sense. The trauma. The rage. The obsession. The way he looks at Rory. The second book hurts more because you finally understand him. Make no mistake y'all. He's still unhinged, still dangerous, still morally black with no intention of changing, but like.. now you know why he is the way that he is.
Again.. this duet comes with TONS of trigger warnings and it is for the morally black girlies. Don't look for softness here.
What to expect:
🔪 NON CON/CNC/DUB CON
🔪 Morally black MMC
🔪 Villain gets the girl
🔪 Hate to love
🔪 Forced marriage
🔪 DARKKKK ROMANCE
🔪 Secret Society
🔪 Assasin x Pole dancer
Axe was UNHINGED. He was crazy and violent but also loyal and obsessed for his girl. One chapter you're like oh wow he's fucked up in the head but the next you're swooning because he'd burn the whole world for Rory. Like I'm gonna be honest.. I kept telling myself that this is too much and to DNF… but i didn’t. So basically, I am Rory. I "didn’t like" it, but I did. 😂
Okay okay. I ate that shit up. Fine. 😌
From page one, Rory wants NOTHING to do with Axe. She hates him. she fears him. she thinks he's the villain of her entire life and tbh he is. But then the story slowly shows you all the shit he's carrying, all the things he's done for her, all the pain he's survived, and suddenly you're like oh great now I love him too. Fantastic. 👀
Book 1 is straight up MADNESS. So much chaos, hate, revenge.. but i promise that by the time you hit book 2, EVERYTHING makes sense. The trauma. The rage. The obsession. The way he looks at Rory. The second book hurts more because you finally understand him. Make no mistake y'all. He's still unhinged, still dangerous, still morally black with no intention of changing, but like.. now you know why he is the way that he is.
Again.. this duet comes with TONS of trigger warnings and it is for the morally black girlies. Don't look for softness here.
What to expect:
🔪 NON CON/CNC/DUB CON
🔪 Morally black MMC
🔪 Villain gets the girl
🔪 Hate to love
🔪 Forced marriage
🔪 DARKKKK ROMANCE
🔪 Secret Society
🔪 Assasin x Pole dancer
July 14, 2025
Saige Parker is a queen. I don’t know if I’ve said this before, but I’ll keep repeating it forever and ever.
I’m still crying – okay, I cried multiple times while reading this book, so maybe not surprising, but still... It was perfection. I can’t believe this duet is over. I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life until I get my hands on the next book set in the Sovereign universe.
I was hyped from the moment the title was revealed – actually, scratch that, I was excited even before that. I knew Always a Villain would be a 5-star read. And now, having finished it, I can honestly say it deserves so many more stars if that were even possible.
I won’t say too much about the plot or characters since this is the second book and avoiding spoilers feels impossible. But just to sum it up – the character development was insane. I love Axel even more now. More Kane – because honestly, how could anyone not love a dog in a book? Impossible. So many reveals, action, revenge... and so many characters I’m still insanely curious about.
I’m still crying – okay, I cried multiple times while reading this book, so maybe not surprising, but still... It was perfection. I can’t believe this duet is over. I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life until I get my hands on the next book set in the Sovereign universe.
I was hyped from the moment the title was revealed – actually, scratch that, I was excited even before that. I knew Always a Villain would be a 5-star read. And now, having finished it, I can honestly say it deserves so many more stars if that were even possible.
I won’t say too much about the plot or characters since this is the second book and avoiding spoilers feels impossible. But just to sum it up – the character development was insane. I love Axel even more now. More Kane – because honestly, how could anyone not love a dog in a book? Impossible. So many reveals, action, revenge... and so many characters I’m still insanely curious about.
December 25, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
This series was literally so good. It kept me hooked from the very beginning. I loved Rory and how strong and resilient she continued to be throughout the story. Finally an fmc that downer contradict herself and genuinely doesn’t give two f*cks who she’s talking to—she will speak her mind and do what she wants. I don’t exactly know how to feel abt Spencer…he redeemed himself a little but at the end but still he should’ve just stood up for her. Don’t get me started on Conrad. I loved seeing Axel’s character development. I have read muchhhh darker characters than his but with his character, I can honestly see why he is the way he is. Him being vulnerable with Rory was a breath of fresh air and not being scared to love her out loud and admit it!! In the beginning I hated him but he definitely redeemed himself closer to the end.
I would definitely recommend this duet but like the majority of all my other books I read, check the trigger warnings!! 🖤
This series was literally so good. It kept me hooked from the very beginning. I loved Rory and how strong and resilient she continued to be throughout the story. Finally an fmc that downer contradict herself and genuinely doesn’t give two f*cks who she’s talking to—she will speak her mind and do what she wants. I don’t exactly know how to feel abt Spencer…he redeemed himself a little but at the end but still he should’ve just stood up for her. Don’t get me started on Conrad. I loved seeing Axel’s character development. I have read muchhhh darker characters than his but with his character, I can honestly see why he is the way he is. Him being vulnerable with Rory was a breath of fresh air and not being scared to love her out loud and admit it!! In the beginning I hated him but he definitely redeemed himself closer to the end.
I would definitely recommend this duet but like the majority of all my other books I read, check the trigger warnings!! 🖤
July 16, 2025
3.75 🌟 This was a quick, wild ride - and concluded Axel and Rory’s story. I’m excited for this universe to expand, as the darkness Saige Parker promises DELIVERS 😈
July 8, 2025
Lock the doors, silence your phone and have a strong drink on hand - you’ll need it.
And for those of faint heart - READ the TW because this is no joke.
Book 1 does set a good line with a dark romance but book 2 sets fire to it with everything Axe and Rory have to deal with … well okay that mostly Rory deals with.
Book 2 does come with warning and is dark romance so please keep that in mind when reading.However ! Some of the scenes will have you panting and wanting to be in Rory’s place, - if you don’t have a good poker face - best of luck reading this in public.
A fantastic end to their story and I can’t wait to read more from Saige Parker.
Thank you for letting me get an Arc copy for your amazing story.
And for those of faint heart - READ the TW because this is no joke.
Book 1 does set a good line with a dark romance but book 2 sets fire to it with everything Axe and Rory have to deal with … well okay that mostly Rory deals with.
Book 2 does come with warning and is dark romance so please keep that in mind when reading.However ! Some of the scenes will have you panting and wanting to be in Rory’s place, - if you don’t have a good poker face - best of luck reading this in public.
A fantastic end to their story and I can’t wait to read more from Saige Parker.
Thank you for letting me get an Arc copy for your amazing story.
July 5, 2025
ARC Review
Wow, I definitely didn’t expect this book at all! I mean, I knew it was coming, but everything in it caught me off guard 😂.
I absolutely loved the first book, and this one wrapped up the duet beautifully—and a little dirty 🥵. Who am I kidding? Saige Parker has completely outdone herself with this duet, and I can’t express how much I appreciate being able to dive into this story.
The writing is so easy and fun to get into, even with all the dark content, which is what I love reading the most. I’m definitely continuing with more of her work and can’t wait for the next part of this world to be out, even if it’s not with Rory and Axel. They both took my heart, but I’m ready for more!
If you’re a fan of dark themes and gripping narratives, don’t miss this one. It’s intense and unforgettable!
Wow, I definitely didn’t expect this book at all! I mean, I knew it was coming, but everything in it caught me off guard 😂.
I absolutely loved the first book, and this one wrapped up the duet beautifully—and a little dirty 🥵. Who am I kidding? Saige Parker has completely outdone herself with this duet, and I can’t express how much I appreciate being able to dive into this story.
The writing is so easy and fun to get into, even with all the dark content, which is what I love reading the most. I’m definitely continuing with more of her work and can’t wait for the next part of this world to be out, even if it’s not with Rory and Axel. They both took my heart, but I’m ready for more!
If you’re a fan of dark themes and gripping narratives, don’t miss this one. It’s intense and unforgettable!
June 30, 2025
I got an ARC for this and let me tell you - Saige Parker is the Queen of dark romance. This is the perfect mix of spice and storyline. The book is well written, characters that stay true to themselves but with a (under the circumstances) believable character arc.
The smut is 10/10, even though I’m not a fan of some of the things. Axe is absolutely mental. 🔥
Even in my reading slump I absolutely devoured this book, just as I did with the first one. I can’t wait to read whatever Saige publishes next.
The smut is 10/10, even though I’m not a fan of some of the things. Axe is absolutely mental. 🔥
Even in my reading slump I absolutely devoured this book, just as I did with the first one. I can’t wait to read whatever Saige publishes next.
June 25, 2025
ARC REVIEW-
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: 📖📖📖📖📖
BRAVO. I honestly have NO idea how to unpack this one! In a good way of course. Absolute masterpiece.
Oh my god I could not put this book down! Finished In less than 24 hours.
If you loved broody Axe in the first book, be prepared to fully fall in love with him in the second.
With this book, I’d say we switched from pitch black, to morally grey. And I have ZERO complaints. Saige is a genius with how she’s put together both of these books. Continuing the cliff hanger from book one, but such different emotions in book two. Such a different vibe, but it’s so refreshing!!
I laughed, I cried, I felt 🥵, I got angry… this book gave me ALL the feels. My heart strings were tugged so much!
Even if you only LIKED the first and didn’t love it.. Give this one a chance. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: 📖📖📖📖📖
BRAVO. I honestly have NO idea how to unpack this one! In a good way of course. Absolute masterpiece.
Oh my god I could not put this book down! Finished In less than 24 hours.
If you loved broody Axe in the first book, be prepared to fully fall in love with him in the second.
With this book, I’d say we switched from pitch black, to morally grey. And I have ZERO complaints. Saige is a genius with how she’s put together both of these books. Continuing the cliff hanger from book one, but such different emotions in book two. Such a different vibe, but it’s so refreshing!!
I laughed, I cried, I felt 🥵, I got angry… this book gave me ALL the feels. My heart strings were tugged so much!
Even if you only LIKED the first and didn’t love it.. Give this one a chance. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
July 3, 2025
ARC review — Wow! What a ride! Love the characters, story, everything. Can’t wait to see where the author takes us next in this Sovereign universe
November 27, 2025
dnf at 36% 2.5 stars
I honestly think this was a waste of time, like this book was definitely not needed. We could’ve fit all of this in book one but this was just being dragged on and on. I was bored out of my mind i literally couldn’t do it anymore. No it wasn’t even boring it was straight up cringe. The way axe treated her like shit and he didn’t EVEN redeem himself like he just got a little kinder and boom rory was in love. i wouldn’t recommend this series.
I honestly think this was a waste of time, like this book was definitely not needed. We could’ve fit all of this in book one but this was just being dragged on and on. I was bored out of my mind i literally couldn’t do it anymore. No it wasn’t even boring it was straight up cringe. The way axe treated her like shit and he didn’t EVEN redeem himself like he just got a little kinder and boom rory was in love. i wouldn’t recommend this series.
June 25, 2025
READ book 1!!!!
We immediately rejoin Rory and Axel in their whirlwind of complex emotions for each other, where we left off from book 1. Can the Reaper ever be more than just that? Can Rory ever recover from everything she’s been through? As always, there’s more to the story than meets the eye. We experience betrayal, but at the same time, it opens up doors we never imagined. Prepare to be in awe, then flustered, and definitely kept on the edge of your seat for this rollercoaster of greatness!
We immediately rejoin Rory and Axel in their whirlwind of complex emotions for each other, where we left off from book 1. Can the Reaper ever be more than just that? Can Rory ever recover from everything she’s been through? As always, there’s more to the story than meets the eye. We experience betrayal, but at the same time, it opens up doors we never imagined. Prepare to be in awe, then flustered, and definitely kept on the edge of your seat for this rollercoaster of greatness!
June 27, 2025
Uhmmmm I’m OBSESSED. I read this one in less than 12 hours. I’m so obsessed. I couldn’t stop reading. I loved everything about it. I wish there was more books in the series with the two of them. I love their story and the spice was definitely spicing. I’d you love an unhinged MMC and a badass FMC this is your next read, trust me
November 23, 2025
I love when the story gives us the exact music that plays during the most intense scenes. This book had so many of those “soundtrack moments” that I turned into pure cotton candy from happiness. 🎧✨ Every chapter felt like watching a movie.
And of course… my favorite scene: the knife performance. The way Rory didn’t show a single hint of fear and deliberately aimed at Axe… It captured that perfect balance between tension and desire. I devoured those pages.
Axe is the definition of a pitch-black character. Not morally gray, not an antihero… just pure darkness. And what makes it even more heartbreaking is this: all Rory ever wanted was to feel loved, but Axe is truly pitch-black. That contrast drove me crazy in the best way.
The spicy scenes were written so well. 🌶️ The author handled both the tension and emotion flawlessly.
And yes… it ends on a cliffhanger. You close the book and fall straight into the void. You’ll want to pick up the next one immediately.
And of course… my favorite scene: the knife performance. The way Rory didn’t show a single hint of fear and deliberately aimed at Axe… It captured that perfect balance between tension and desire. I devoured those pages.
Axe is the definition of a pitch-black character. Not morally gray, not an antihero… just pure darkness. And what makes it even more heartbreaking is this: all Rory ever wanted was to feel loved, but Axe is truly pitch-black. That contrast drove me crazy in the best way.
The spicy scenes were written so well. 🌶️ The author handled both the tension and emotion flawlessly.
And yes… it ends on a cliffhanger. You close the book and fall straight into the void. You’ll want to pick up the next one immediately.
June 26, 2025
The way I was WAITING for this book.
It did not disappoint in any way.
It is great and I am so so so happy with how the author played out the story.
I don’t give spoilers so that’s about as in depth as you will get from me.
But it’s great and you should definitely read this
It did not disappoint in any way.
It is great and I am so so so happy with how the author played out the story.
I don’t give spoilers so that’s about as in depth as you will get from me.
But it’s great and you should definitely read this
September 20, 2025
ARC Read: Ughhhh I love Axe & Rory’s story. I was rooting for this Reaper to find someone who could lighten his black heart a little. Both their darkness and painful past made them fit together so well, each complementing the other’s missing pieces.
The twist and the betrayal, the chaos made this book so damn good. Action packed. I loved that this story kept you guessing about certain things. The spice level was perfect, not too much and not too little. The epilogue still kept me wanting more of their story and wanting to know more about Griffen and if he’d ever settle down his playboy ways.
I’m so excited that Saige stated there’s a beginning of something much bigger coming and starting the dive into the Sovereign’s Universe because I’d love to know more about Spencer and Arsen’s story. Honestly this book makes you want to know a lot of these amazing characters story and I can’t wait for more.
The twist and the betrayal, the chaos made this book so damn good. Action packed. I loved that this story kept you guessing about certain things. The spice level was perfect, not too much and not too little. The epilogue still kept me wanting more of their story and wanting to know more about Griffen and if he’d ever settle down his playboy ways.
I’m so excited that Saige stated there’s a beginning of something much bigger coming and starting the dive into the Sovereign’s Universe because I’d love to know more about Spencer and Arsen’s story. Honestly this book makes you want to know a lot of these amazing characters story and I can’t wait for more.
July 31, 2025
⛓️💥 ARC REVIEW ⛓️💥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Once a Villain is a must read before this as this is book 2. Happy release day to beautiful Saige!!! I absolutely devoured both of these books in such short time. Book 1 is easily 5 stars. Forced/arranged marriage is not a trope I read or am a fan of but this book really did it so well for me. I read word for word. And the spice in both books is insane. Axel is THAT man 🤭😮💨
The star of the book, Kane. I love dogs in books. I love how monstrous he is when he needs to protect but with Rory he’s a sweetheart 🥹 when I tell you I cried when he got injured but he’s a survivor
Ahhhh Victoria, or Rory for short, damn her introduction was everything. Tbh i’d go for Axel and her aswell 👀. My baby went through so much. Especially in this book. I for sure need some more detailed scenes on her dance performances 🫣 those were pure perfection.
Axel, omg 😩 this man. No words. He’s just too good. The conversations between him and Griffen are the highlight, I laughed my ass on 50% of those. He does indeed have a heart underneath all that 😛🤭
The ending is EVERYTHING. Their baby boy being named like that 🥹 the sweetest thing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Once a Villain is a must read before this as this is book 2. Happy release day to beautiful Saige!!! I absolutely devoured both of these books in such short time. Book 1 is easily 5 stars. Forced/arranged marriage is not a trope I read or am a fan of but this book really did it so well for me. I read word for word. And the spice in both books is insane. Axel is THAT man 🤭😮💨
The star of the book, Kane. I love dogs in books. I love how monstrous he is when he needs to protect but with Rory he’s a sweetheart 🥹 when I tell you I cried when he got injured but he’s a survivor
Ahhhh Victoria, or Rory for short, damn her introduction was everything. Tbh i’d go for Axel and her aswell 👀. My baby went through so much. Especially in this book. I for sure need some more detailed scenes on her dance performances 🫣 those were pure perfection.
Axel, omg 😩 this man. No words. He’s just too good. The conversations between him and Griffen are the highlight, I laughed my ass on 50% of those. He does indeed have a heart underneath all that 😛🤭
The ending is EVERYTHING. Their baby boy being named like that 🥹 the sweetest thing.
July 18, 2025
This is part two of a duet and you must read book one before starting this. We left off on book one with Rory struggling, Axe being an emotionless bastard and her wanting more with the masked man. This second book is very edge of your seat with lots of action, suspense and depraved spice. Will Axe soften towards Rory? Will she ever get a happy ending, or a better, easier life? This duet is very dark and not for the faint of heart. But it’s definitely oh so good. I have enjoyed this Dark Sovereign world. If you like secret society, hidden underworld, morally black men then this duet is for you.
July 31, 2025
What a wild part II of this duet! There was so much action, spice, funny moments, and just all around badassery that will make you feel like you are in the book with these characters. I loved seeing Rory and Axe’s development within themselves and with their relationship and I couldn’t get enough. I am 10000% obsessed with them! They have easily become one of my top 5 favorite unhinged couples lol. It had me at the edge of my seat the entire time and I love when books makes you piece together the plot twist with the characters because you never know if your theories are correct and that’s what this book did so well! I even cried a bit at the end if that gives you any indication of how much I loved this book!
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