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Malicious Intentions
A dark romance fairy tale reimagining of the infamous Sleeping Beauty.
I always knew I would die young.
Being called wicked, evil, Satan’s spawn, and Devil Doll
will put ideas like death into anyone's head.
What I didn’t expect was to find myself tempting the devil
Hayse Soren.
He’s not like any man or woman I’ve ever met.
There’s a cold hatred in the glares that he reserves specifically for me, and it’s coaxing the feral serpent within me out to play.
Dragon, the Trove’s weapons supplier, wants information on him, and they sent me, their temptress, to gather as much intel as I can on the man.
But I’ve lost all memories over the last month, and the last thing I recall is being assigned the task to kill him.
So why am I waking up battered, scarred, and on the run with a man I was sent to spy on, who claims we’re both wanted for murder?
Malicious Intensions is a dark romance and the third of the interconnected standalone novella series, Cruel Kingdoms, where the villains get to tell their stories.
I always knew I would die young.
Being called wicked, evil, Satan’s spawn, and Devil Doll
will put ideas like death into anyone's head.
What I didn’t expect was to find myself tempting the devil
Hayse Soren.
He’s not like any man or woman I’ve ever met.
There’s a cold hatred in the glares that he reserves specifically for me, and it’s coaxing the feral serpent within me out to play.
Dragon, the Trove’s weapons supplier, wants information on him, and they sent me, their temptress, to gather as much intel as I can on the man.
But I’ve lost all memories over the last month, and the last thing I recall is being assigned the task to kill him.
So why am I waking up battered, scarred, and on the run with a man I was sent to spy on, who claims we’re both wanted for murder?
Malicious Intensions is a dark romance and the third of the interconnected standalone novella series, Cruel Kingdoms, where the villains get to tell their stories.
- GenresDark
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
1 person is currently reading
1820 people want to read
About the author
S.Y.K. Kelly
4 books61 followersAuthor of BRINGER OF DEATH, the first in the Cruel Gods series--a dark fantasy greek mythology retelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 22, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
4 🌶️
She does it again, you guys! sykkelly has this ability to take classic fairytales and twist them into the most deliciously dark retellings that spotlight our favorite villains. The subtle nods to the classics (blink and you’ll miss it) are perfection.
This is the third novella in the series, and while you can dive in here, the Easter eggs hit so much harder if you’ve read the first two (which are also quick, addictive, and just as amazing!).
Our FMC Mel is a too-tier brat with a “wicked tongue” who will prove you right (and wrong) when you least expect it. She’s layered, sharp, and fiercely loyal, even to people who don’t deserve it 😏.
As for the MMC(s??) 👀?? Yeah… my lips are sealed. Just know… this was so. Fkn. Delicious. Just know I love the men written by this woman 😩 the banter!!!
The setup of this story is flawless. sykkelly has that rare gift of keeping you in the “just one more chapter” loop until suddenly the whole book is devoured in two sittings. (Not exaggerating. This keeps happening 😅)
Tropes:
🖤 family secrets & betrayals
🖤 villain retelling
🖤 stalker
🖤 h@te $3x
🖤 k!nk club (bd$m/voyuer/pet)
🖤 praise k!nk
🖤 found family
🖤 vigilantes & spies
🖤 spiiiiiicy
#arcreview
4 🌶️
She does it again, you guys! sykkelly has this ability to take classic fairytales and twist them into the most deliciously dark retellings that spotlight our favorite villains. The subtle nods to the classics (blink and you’ll miss it) are perfection.
This is the third novella in the series, and while you can dive in here, the Easter eggs hit so much harder if you’ve read the first two (which are also quick, addictive, and just as amazing!).
Our FMC Mel is a too-tier brat with a “wicked tongue” who will prove you right (and wrong) when you least expect it. She’s layered, sharp, and fiercely loyal, even to people who don’t deserve it 😏.
As for the MMC(s??) 👀?? Yeah… my lips are sealed. Just know… this was so. Fkn. Delicious. Just know I love the men written by this woman 😩 the banter!!!
The setup of this story is flawless. sykkelly has that rare gift of keeping you in the “just one more chapter” loop until suddenly the whole book is devoured in two sittings. (Not exaggerating. This keeps happening 😅)
Tropes:
🖤 family secrets & betrayals
🖤 villain retelling
🖤 stalker
🖤 h@te $3x
🖤 k!nk club (bd$m/voyuer/pet)
🖤 praise k!nk
🖤 found family
🖤 vigilantes & spies
🖤 spiiiiiicy
#arcreview
November 18, 2025
I loved the bits of Mel we got to see in the first two Cruel Kingdom novellas and now I love her even more. Fiery with twists and turns, her story does not disappoint!
I want more of all 3 siblings, and how the dynamics work. Also, SYK has a way of writing scenes in that catch me off guard in the best of ways. I highly recommend this if you’ve got a love of things dark and twisted!
I want more of all 3 siblings, and how the dynamics work. Also, SYK has a way of writing scenes in that catch me off guard in the best of ways. I highly recommend this if you’ve got a love of things dark and twisted!
October 23, 2025
5 ⭐
3.5🌶️
From the very first page, Malicious Intentions had me completely enchanted and unnerved in the best way. There’s something about S.Y.K Kelly’s writing that always feels like falling into a dream you can’t wake from—a dark, twisted, beautiful one where pain and passion blur until you can’t tell which is which.
Mel and Hayse’s chemistry? Electric. Dangerous. Addictive. It’s the kind of connection that burns slow and deep, the kind that makes your pulse race and your chest ache. I think their relationship might just be my favorite in the Cruel Kingdoms series—equal parts tension and tenderness, chaos and comfort.
S.Y.K Kelly is the queen of making the impossible make sense. Every time I think I’ve figured out where she’s taking the story, she somehow weaves the threads in a way that leaves me gasping, wondering, “How did she pull that off?”—and yet, it all fits perfectly. Every twist feels earned, every reveal hits hard.
Mel’s pain shattered me. The moments that touched on her father’s cruelty hit like a bruise you can’t stop pressing. She’s this fierce, resilient character who’s been broken and reshaped so many times, yet still clings to the faintest glimmer of wanting to be loved, seen, chosen. That longing made my heart ache for her.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading—I was feeling. The heartbreak, the fury, the defiance, the twisted tenderness between two people who should’ve destroyed each other but somehow didn’t.
If you love your fairy tales dark, emotional, and wickedly romantic, Malicious Intentions will devour you whole.
3.5🌶️
From the very first page, Malicious Intentions had me completely enchanted and unnerved in the best way. There’s something about S.Y.K Kelly’s writing that always feels like falling into a dream you can’t wake from—a dark, twisted, beautiful one where pain and passion blur until you can’t tell which is which.
Mel and Hayse’s chemistry? Electric. Dangerous. Addictive. It’s the kind of connection that burns slow and deep, the kind that makes your pulse race and your chest ache. I think their relationship might just be my favorite in the Cruel Kingdoms series—equal parts tension and tenderness, chaos and comfort.
S.Y.K Kelly is the queen of making the impossible make sense. Every time I think I’ve figured out where she’s taking the story, she somehow weaves the threads in a way that leaves me gasping, wondering, “How did she pull that off?”—and yet, it all fits perfectly. Every twist feels earned, every reveal hits hard.
Mel’s pain shattered me. The moments that touched on her father’s cruelty hit like a bruise you can’t stop pressing. She’s this fierce, resilient character who’s been broken and reshaped so many times, yet still clings to the faintest glimmer of wanting to be loved, seen, chosen. That longing made my heart ache for her.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading—I was feeling. The heartbreak, the fury, the defiance, the twisted tenderness between two people who should’ve destroyed each other but somehow didn’t.
If you love your fairy tales dark, emotional, and wickedly romantic, Malicious Intentions will devour you whole.
September 9, 2025
This book basically starts out in a sex cave/dungeon, where we are introduced to our group of main characters... technically it starts in a cabin where Mel can't remember anything about what's happened or why she needs this amethyst ring... we flashback to the cave and proceed from there. We learn about Percival and Mel's upcoming nuptials and Blair and Hayse's wedding as the fake royals. But gotta keep up appearances for the sake of royalty, ya know? There is palpable tension between Mel and Hayse throughout the story and we see that Blair is Mel's little shadow. Mel's father has been making her sleep with specific people to get information out of them regarding secrets from secret associations and neighboring kingdoms. Father of the year award right there y'all 👏🏻
Fast forward we see the growing relationship between Mel and Hayse, as well as how much Blair has been transforming herself into a mini Mel and its getting weird at this point. Anyway, Dragon (dude in a dragon mask for secrecy) tells Mel that shes gotta kill Hayse or else he will. But she loves Hayse so she doesn't want to kill him...
Story ends with Hayse and Mel in a cabin and Hayse's mother finds them (she's supposed to be dead), and Blair tries killing Mel and Hayse, but Raven kills her before too much damage can be inflicted.
Everyone lives happily ever after 💕
Fast forward we see the growing relationship between Mel and Hayse, as well as how much Blair has been transforming herself into a mini Mel and its getting weird at this point. Anyway, Dragon (dude in a dragon mask for secrecy) tells Mel that shes gotta kill Hayse or else he will. But she loves Hayse so she doesn't want to kill him...
Story ends with Hayse and Mel in a cabin and Hayse's mother finds them (she's supposed to be dead), and Blair tries killing Mel and Hayse, but Raven kills her before too much damage can be inflicted.
Everyone lives happily ever after 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
Hold on to your seat and turn up the ac🥵! Syk Kelly the queen👸🏻 of twisting our beloved childhood fairytales into spicy and dark novellas has done it again with Malicious Intensions. This is a no filler scorching hot Sleeping Beauty retelling! You’ll be pulled into the immersive world of Cruel Kingdoms.
Malicious Intensions is a whirlwind of adventures that’s led by Mel and Hayse. Both equally morally grey and equally damaged. Mel is a sassy, determined, and no BS FMC that’s going through some amnesia. Hayse is the guy we all love, rough around the edges, possessive, but secretly softhearted🫠. Their love hate(plenty of steamy hate) relationship is perfection! Is it love, is it lust, or do they truly despise one another?🤭
Syk Kelly gave us a sneaky ending with that plot twist! When you think this book can’t get any better, the unexpected twist sends you over the edge! 🫢
Although this is a stand-alone I highly recommend reading the other two books within the Cruel Kingdoms! The Easter eggs in Malicious Intentions are EVERYTHING👏🏽👏🏽. You get glimpses of prior characters and new ones that will hopefully get their own books.😉
Total five ✨✨✨✨✨ shiny stars because this is my all time fav so far, read! Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader Syk Kelly!🖤🤎
Malicious Intensions is a whirlwind of adventures that’s led by Mel and Hayse. Both equally morally grey and equally damaged. Mel is a sassy, determined, and no BS FMC that’s going through some amnesia. Hayse is the guy we all love, rough around the edges, possessive, but secretly softhearted🫠. Their love hate(plenty of steamy hate) relationship is perfection! Is it love, is it lust, or do they truly despise one another?🤭
Syk Kelly gave us a sneaky ending with that plot twist! When you think this book can’t get any better, the unexpected twist sends you over the edge! 🫢
Although this is a stand-alone I highly recommend reading the other two books within the Cruel Kingdoms! The Easter eggs in Malicious Intentions are EVERYTHING👏🏽👏🏽. You get glimpses of prior characters and new ones that will hopefully get their own books.😉
Total five ✨✨✨✨✨ shiny stars because this is my all time fav so far, read! Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader Syk Kelly!🖤🤎
August 10, 2025
This is the third book in the Cruel Kingdoms series and they have all been so fun, Malicious Intentions was definitely my favorite. The way the author takes these traditional fairytales and turns them upside down making villains anti-heroes and giving a totally different perspective is so thought provoking and impressive. Mel is another typically misunderstood villain, and much of her life she is the victim of rumor and other people’s perceptions. At some point when people are determined to make you the villain, you stop arguing and you just lean in. But even if Mel is comfortable with most people thinking the worst of her, her heart is still evident and you truly feel for her character. The romance and spice in this one is just as impressive as all the other installments. SYK knows how to write spice! I’ll leave it at that!
Finding little nods to the original fairytales is so fun and you never know how these characters are going to connect once she gets a hold of them. It’s a truly complicated but beautifully woven world that will keep you guessing until the very end! If you like fairytale retellings with a totally new spin and new perspective I highly suggest the Cruel Kingdoms series and definitely Malicious Intentions.
Finding little nods to the original fairytales is so fun and you never know how these characters are going to connect once she gets a hold of them. It’s a truly complicated but beautifully woven world that will keep you guessing until the very end! If you like fairytale retellings with a totally new spin and new perspective I highly suggest the Cruel Kingdoms series and definitely Malicious Intentions.
September 1, 2025
5 million stars
Cruel Kingdom series Book 3!
Every time I read a new SYK book I think it can’t get any better and I’m proven wrong every time! Sleeping Beauty is one of my all time favorite fairytales so I knew going into Malicious Intentions I was going to enjoy every second and I am obsessed. This series is so fun and original because we see a different perspective and twists to the characters (especially the villains).
I LOVED Mel and Hayse together. Both characters are misunderstood and hold their own secrets in the dark. The spice and story are both equally as good and intriguing. And the plot twist- I did NOT see that one coming. One of my favorite parts of this series is when we see the resemblance between original fairytales and these retellings. As always, SYK nailed another retelling!
Thank you SYK for this advance readers copy!
Cruel Kingdom series Book 3!
Every time I read a new SYK book I think it can’t get any better and I’m proven wrong every time! Sleeping Beauty is one of my all time favorite fairytales so I knew going into Malicious Intentions I was going to enjoy every second and I am obsessed. This series is so fun and original because we see a different perspective and twists to the characters (especially the villains).
I LOVED Mel and Hayse together. Both characters are misunderstood and hold their own secrets in the dark. The spice and story are both equally as good and intriguing. And the plot twist- I did NOT see that one coming. One of my favorite parts of this series is when we see the resemblance between original fairytales and these retellings. As always, SYK nailed another retelling!
Thank you SYK for this advance readers copy!
September 15, 2025
“I always knew I would die young”
My favorite SYK Kelly book so far!!
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! I was so lucky to have this book as my second ARC read with her, and this book made me FEEL THINGS (iykyk).
This is a dark, fairytale retelling novella, so it’s quick, easy to read, and DIRTYYYY!! When I tell y’all there was an underground s*x club?? Yeah big fan of that. And bonus points?? They HATE each other. Like loathe.
Our FMC is not soft and sweet, she is so sassy and I love her! And the MMC?? Drool worthy!
Even though these are short novellas, she packs so much story in such a short amount of time it keeps you hooked from the beginning and that is why I devoured this book!
“If you wanted to see me naked, all you had to do was beg. Preferably on your hands and knees”
My favorite SYK Kelly book so far!!
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! I was so lucky to have this book as my second ARC read with her, and this book made me FEEL THINGS (iykyk).
This is a dark, fairytale retelling novella, so it’s quick, easy to read, and DIRTYYYY!! When I tell y’all there was an underground s*x club?? Yeah big fan of that. And bonus points?? They HATE each other. Like loathe.
Our FMC is not soft and sweet, she is so sassy and I love her! And the MMC?? Drool worthy!
Even though these are short novellas, she packs so much story in such a short amount of time it keeps you hooked from the beginning and that is why I devoured this book!
“If you wanted to see me naked, all you had to do was beg. Preferably on your hands and knees”
August 8, 2025
THIS IS SYK’S BEST ONE YET. I was HONORED to beta read another of these sexy twisted fairytale novellas, and I ATE THIS ONE UP. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 It had everything i love: fairytales, a k!nk club, a sassy morally grey FMC, witty banter, references to previous novellas/stories, masked men, mystery & political intrigue, a tattooed MMC and very 🥵 spicy scenes
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE 👀
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Consumed: digital beta doc
Read if you love:
• k!nk / BD$M / play club
• twisted fairytales
• maleficent references
• masked men / stalker
• kn!fe play
• hidden identity
• tattooed / pierced MMC
• political intrigue
• piercing 😏
• they’re all morally grey
• “you’re mine”
• dual POV
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE 👀
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Consumed: digital beta doc
Read if you love:
• k!nk / BD$M / play club
• twisted fairytales
• maleficent references
• masked men / stalker
• kn!fe play
• hidden identity
• tattooed / pierced MMC
• political intrigue
• piercing 😏
• they’re all morally grey
• “you’re mine”
• dual POV
September 14, 2025
This is a Sleeping Beauty retelling that I absolutely loved. However, when it comes.
To retellings, Syk Kelley, is a master. I have loved the previous retellings that I read by this author.
This book was dark and captivating all at the same time. Oh and the spice ... well that's definitely sizzling. I love when a book has a moral grey FMC because that's something we don't expect to see often.
Mel is an amazing character. Determined, sassy and strong. She can also be a bit of an annoying little brat but you love her.
Our MMC Hayse is just as damaged as Mel but each has become who they are because of what they went through. Plus the two of them together is fire.
This once again is a five star read for me from this author.
To retellings, Syk Kelley, is a master. I have loved the previous retellings that I read by this author.
This book was dark and captivating all at the same time. Oh and the spice ... well that's definitely sizzling. I love when a book has a moral grey FMC because that's something we don't expect to see often.
Mel is an amazing character. Determined, sassy and strong. She can also be a bit of an annoying little brat but you love her.
Our MMC Hayse is just as damaged as Mel but each has become who they are because of what they went through. Plus the two of them together is fire.
This once again is a five star read for me from this author.
September 2, 2025
What. A. Rollercoaster.
Like, edge of my seat, biting my nails, no idea what’s gonna happen next!
This one was an absolute blast to read. Dark, sinister, beautiful.
Mel. Just. Wow. Her past has made her ruthless, but is she really? She gets what she wants, but she can’t seem to get him…
Hayse. Is he really the villain? Is he really going to break her?!
Everyone seems so be hiding a little something in this reimagined fairytale.
And I loved every second!!
Like, edge of my seat, biting my nails, no idea what’s gonna happen next!
This one was an absolute blast to read. Dark, sinister, beautiful.
Mel. Just. Wow. Her past has made her ruthless, but is she really? She gets what she wants, but she can’t seem to get him…
Hayse. Is he really the villain? Is he really going to break her?!
Everyone seems so be hiding a little something in this reimagined fairytale.
And I loved every second!!
September 4, 2025
The dark take on The Sleeping Beauty Fairytale. This is an interconnected standalone. I didn’t read any of the previous books. I didn’t have any difficulty reading this book without reading the first books. This book gives you enough back story to fully understand all of the characters. Mel and Hayse have a lot of hidden secrets. There’s an unexpected twist which I always enjoy.
This was a fun read for me !
This was a fun read for me !
September 6, 2025
When you forget to put your review because your brain started focusing on other things lol!!
This is a dark take on a fairy tale. So if you’re looking for the one from your childhood this ain’t it
This spice was spicing
I devoured it, couldn’t put it down
Satans Spawn… I can relate lol!! IFYKYK
And then the part with the kids. That was… sweet. I don’t want to spoil it but when you get to that part, you’ll know
And our mmc.. I want him, Gimmie!!
You def need on your tbr
This is a dark take on a fairy tale. So if you’re looking for the one from your childhood this ain’t it
This spice was spicing
I devoured it, couldn’t put it down
Satans Spawn… I can relate lol!! IFYKYK
And then the part with the kids. That was… sweet. I don’t want to spoil it but when you get to that part, you’ll know
And our mmc.. I want him, Gimmie!!
You def need on your tbr
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
4.25⭐️
3.5🌶️
🔥Sleeping Beauty Retelling
💜Forbidden Romance
🔥“Mine to Hurt”
💜Pierced MMC
🔥Bratty FMC
💜Spicy Fast Burn Novella
🔥Dual First Person POV
This isn’t the Sleeping Beauty you grew up on. Malicious Inentions is a retelling or reimagining, but all about the villains The world of the Cruel Kingdom Universe continues to grow as we travel to the Deimos Kingdom. Mel wakes in a unfamiliar cabin in the worst pain imaginable. She sees Hayse and remembers she was sent to unalive him, but now they’re on the run for unaliving someone, but she can’t remember anything about the last month. Rewind it back a month and Mel has finally gotten her first official task for the secret group, The Trove. One of the members, Dragon, tells Mel to gather whatever she can about Hayse and his dealings with the kingdoms overseas. And if it comes to it, take him out. The Deimos kingdom is known for its vast mountains hiding the palace and the Forbidden Den. It’s a type of BDSM/smex club that is hidden in the mountain near the castle. Mel’s first meeting with Hayse was at the Forbidden Den and it got spicy fast. Hayse hates Mel because of something she did when they were children. His plan is to humiliate and mess with Mel as payback. As secrets are revealed and Mel learns more about Hayse and what’s been going on in the Deimos kingdom the more questions she has. Mel is extremely smart and her confidence is enviable. Hayse was hard to like at first with how much he outwardly hated Mel. It wasn’t easy to find any redeeming qualities and fall for him until more was revealed. Then it was clear he’s been obsessed with her all along. The chemistry between Mel and Hayse was fiery and led and led to some exceptionally spicy scenes. The story was hard to follow at times because of the timeline switches and the additions of different povs, but it all comes together in a shocking ending.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 4
Engaging: 5
Character: 4
Thank you SYK Kelly for the ARC.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“From a dream, or rather a nightmare. There’s a familiar gleam in his soulless eyes that’s telling me it’s the latter, though I’d be lying if I said I don’t hope it’s a titillating version of the former.”
“If you want to play, kneel and crawl to me.”
“Say, please.”
“Please give the people what they want and crawl to me, wicked one.”
“I’ll k! ll for you, d!ě for you, but I vow to live long enough to watch you burn this world to ashes. I have the matches in my pocket.”
3.5🌶️
🔥Sleeping Beauty Retelling
💜Forbidden Romance
🔥“Mine to Hurt”
💜Pierced MMC
🔥Bratty FMC
💜Spicy Fast Burn Novella
🔥Dual First Person POV
This isn’t the Sleeping Beauty you grew up on. Malicious Inentions is a retelling or reimagining, but all about the villains The world of the Cruel Kingdom Universe continues to grow as we travel to the Deimos Kingdom. Mel wakes in a unfamiliar cabin in the worst pain imaginable. She sees Hayse and remembers she was sent to unalive him, but now they’re on the run for unaliving someone, but she can’t remember anything about the last month. Rewind it back a month and Mel has finally gotten her first official task for the secret group, The Trove. One of the members, Dragon, tells Mel to gather whatever she can about Hayse and his dealings with the kingdoms overseas. And if it comes to it, take him out. The Deimos kingdom is known for its vast mountains hiding the palace and the Forbidden Den. It’s a type of BDSM/smex club that is hidden in the mountain near the castle. Mel’s first meeting with Hayse was at the Forbidden Den and it got spicy fast. Hayse hates Mel because of something she did when they were children. His plan is to humiliate and mess with Mel as payback. As secrets are revealed and Mel learns more about Hayse and what’s been going on in the Deimos kingdom the more questions she has. Mel is extremely smart and her confidence is enviable. Hayse was hard to like at first with how much he outwardly hated Mel. It wasn’t easy to find any redeeming qualities and fall for him until more was revealed. Then it was clear he’s been obsessed with her all along. The chemistry between Mel and Hayse was fiery and led and led to some exceptionally spicy scenes. The story was hard to follow at times because of the timeline switches and the additions of different povs, but it all comes together in a shocking ending.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 4
Engaging: 5
Character: 4
Thank you SYK Kelly for the ARC.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“From a dream, or rather a nightmare. There’s a familiar gleam in his soulless eyes that’s telling me it’s the latter, though I’d be lying if I said I don’t hope it’s a titillating version of the former.”
“If you want to play, kneel and crawl to me.”
“Say, please.”
“Please give the people what they want and crawl to me, wicked one.”
“I’ll k! ll for you, d!ě for you, but I vow to live long enough to watch you burn this world to ashes. I have the matches in my pocket.”
September 8, 2025
I was given the opportunity to read this book as an ARC in return for an honest review:)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5 (scene # rating)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (Graphic rating)
☆ Sleeping Beauty Retelling
☆ Enemies to lovers
☆ Stalker
☆ Dual POV
☆ Pierced MMC
☆ Amnesia
☆ Forbidden Love
☆ Magic
~~~~~~~
SHE ATE AND LEFT NO CRUMBS!! Gosh, Mrs. Kelly always does such an amazing job with these retellings. And this one was as equally brilliant! Sleeping beauty was always my favorite princess growing up, and with my love for villains it was great to see such an amazing rendition of the story. With an ethereal setting, strong and clever plotting, descriptions that were thoroughly satisfying, this book was an all inclusive experience of fantasy!! JUST AHHHHH IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!!
Hayse and Amelvira (Mel) were just incredible! Unique in their looks and personality, they made the story such a fun experience. The enemies to lovers storyline was SOOOO ENJOYABLE! And don’t even get me started on how much they hated to love each other. Or maybe they loved to hate each other… you won’t know unless you read 👀 but the characters were deep and interesting and there were even some cameos from the other Cruel Kingdom books!! These characters are flushed out, thought through, and unique and they all made this story phenomenal.
The spice? Well. Lemme tell you. On my rating, it’s only about 3.5-4 open door scenes (.5 being short and not detailed.) BUT I’m adding a whole ‘nother pepper because DAMN THOSE OTHET SPICY SCENES WERE SO GRAPHICLY HOT I JUST CANT OH MY LORDDDDD. So the MMC is pierced, and he has some… kinks. LOVE HIM because he is not scared of who he is and I love it!! There were elements of pain, d/s dynamics (slightly), sharing, double penetration, and other graphic depictions of sex. SO F*CKING GOOOOOOD!!! Trigger warnings below!!
Trigger warning from author:
This is a dark romance novella containing the following trigger warnings: spanking, sub/dom dynamic, forced piercings, bondage, cock warming, attempted sexual assault, physical assault, parental abuse, murder, poisoning, manipulation, torture, forced abortion (not detailed).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5 (scene # rating)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 (Graphic rating)
☆ Sleeping Beauty Retelling
☆ Enemies to lovers
☆ Stalker
☆ Dual POV
☆ Pierced MMC
☆ Amnesia
☆ Forbidden Love
☆ Magic
~~~~~~~
SHE ATE AND LEFT NO CRUMBS!! Gosh, Mrs. Kelly always does such an amazing job with these retellings. And this one was as equally brilliant! Sleeping beauty was always my favorite princess growing up, and with my love for villains it was great to see such an amazing rendition of the story. With an ethereal setting, strong and clever plotting, descriptions that were thoroughly satisfying, this book was an all inclusive experience of fantasy!! JUST AHHHHH IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!!
Hayse and Amelvira (Mel) were just incredible! Unique in their looks and personality, they made the story such a fun experience. The enemies to lovers storyline was SOOOO ENJOYABLE! And don’t even get me started on how much they hated to love each other. Or maybe they loved to hate each other… you won’t know unless you read 👀 but the characters were deep and interesting and there were even some cameos from the other Cruel Kingdom books!! These characters are flushed out, thought through, and unique and they all made this story phenomenal.
The spice? Well. Lemme tell you. On my rating, it’s only about 3.5-4 open door scenes (.5 being short and not detailed.) BUT I’m adding a whole ‘nother pepper because DAMN THOSE OTHET SPICY SCENES WERE SO GRAPHICLY HOT I JUST CANT OH MY LORDDDDD. So the MMC is pierced, and he has some… kinks. LOVE HIM because he is not scared of who he is and I love it!! There were elements of pain, d/s dynamics (slightly), sharing, double penetration, and other graphic depictions of sex. SO F*CKING GOOOOOOD!!! Trigger warnings below!!
Trigger warning from author:
This is a dark romance novella containing the following trigger warnings: spanking, sub/dom dynamic, forced piercings, bondage, cock warming, attempted sexual assault, physical assault, parental abuse, murder, poisoning, manipulation, torture, forced abortion (not detailed).
November 23, 2025
✨📚 5-STAR REVIEW: Malicious Intentions by S.K.Y. Kelly 📚✨
Malicious Intentions is a wicked, delicious, and beautifully unhinged retelling of Sleeping Beauty that absolutely ate and left no crumbs. S.K.Y. Kelly took a classic fairytale and injected it with obsession, danger, and the kind of spice that makes you grin like you’re doing something sinful.
This dark romance novella hits every single button a reader could want:
🔥 Pierced MMC who radiates menace, temptation, and unrestrained desire.
🖤 Stalker vibes done the right way—intense, unhinged, and addictive.
⚔️ Enemies to lovers wrapped in tension so thick it practically crackles off the page.
👑 Dual POV that makes the descent into obsession even sweeter.
💋 Spicy Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist that feels fresh, feral, and utterly irresistible.
Kelly’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and fast-paced—this is one of those novellas where you blink and suddenly you’re 90% in, clutching your kindle, muttering “oh no… oh yes.” The chemistry between the leads is explosive, the dark elements are handled with confidence, and the MMC? Unholy perfection.
If you love your fairytales with teeth, your romances morally gray, and your MMCs feral, pierced, and worship-level obsessed, then Malicious Intentions is a must-read.
It’s intoxicating, addictive, and proof that S.K.Y. Kelly knows exactly how to craft a novella that devours the reader.
Malicious Intentions is a wicked, delicious, and beautifully unhinged retelling of Sleeping Beauty that absolutely ate and left no crumbs. S.K.Y. Kelly took a classic fairytale and injected it with obsession, danger, and the kind of spice that makes you grin like you’re doing something sinful.
This dark romance novella hits every single button a reader could want:
🔥 Pierced MMC who radiates menace, temptation, and unrestrained desire.
🖤 Stalker vibes done the right way—intense, unhinged, and addictive.
⚔️ Enemies to lovers wrapped in tension so thick it practically crackles off the page.
👑 Dual POV that makes the descent into obsession even sweeter.
💋 Spicy Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist that feels fresh, feral, and utterly irresistible.
Kelly’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and fast-paced—this is one of those novellas where you blink and suddenly you’re 90% in, clutching your kindle, muttering “oh no… oh yes.” The chemistry between the leads is explosive, the dark elements are handled with confidence, and the MMC? Unholy perfection.
If you love your fairytales with teeth, your romances morally gray, and your MMCs feral, pierced, and worship-level obsessed, then Malicious Intentions is a must-read.
It’s intoxicating, addictive, and proof that S.K.Y. Kelly knows exactly how to craft a novella that devours the reader.
August 31, 2025
Book 3 in the Cruel Kingdoms series: Hayse and Mel
This is an enemies to lovers, amnesia, witty and smart mouthed FMC, every character is morally grey, misunderstood FMC, dark sleeping beauty fairytale retelling.
This is an interconnected standalone. Although it is not necessary in plot, this book starts fast paced and it would help catch up to what is happening if the previous books were read first as well as all of the character dynamics and rolls they play, and catching little Easter eggs that point back to books 1 and 2.
Last thing Mel can remember is a vague memory of her mission to spy on Hayse to help bring him down but then she wakes up in a cabin with her target, body bruised and broken and him saying they’re on the run after unaliving someone together shes a little more than “just confused” to say the least. As memories start to trickle back she needs to make a decision: trust him or trust her memories and finish her mission
This is a really interesting and very dark take on the calssic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. Dont forget to read those trigger warnings unless you enjoy going in blind like I do.
This is an enemies to lovers, amnesia, witty and smart mouthed FMC, every character is morally grey, misunderstood FMC, dark sleeping beauty fairytale retelling.
This is an interconnected standalone. Although it is not necessary in plot, this book starts fast paced and it would help catch up to what is happening if the previous books were read first as well as all of the character dynamics and rolls they play, and catching little Easter eggs that point back to books 1 and 2.
Last thing Mel can remember is a vague memory of her mission to spy on Hayse to help bring him down but then she wakes up in a cabin with her target, body bruised and broken and him saying they’re on the run after unaliving someone together shes a little more than “just confused” to say the least. As memories start to trickle back she needs to make a decision: trust him or trust her memories and finish her mission
This is a really interesting and very dark take on the calssic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. Dont forget to read those trigger warnings unless you enjoy going in blind like I do.
November 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
SYK Kelly blew me out of the water with this one! This was a six star read for me and my favorite in the Cruel Kingdom series so far, this is the third book in the series, Sleeping Beauty retelling. These books are dark and very very steamy. If you love dark romance, fantasy, and a twist on your favorite fairytales then this is definitely the series for you. It’s highly recommended that you read Sinister Desire, and Fateful Chance first as some of the characters make appearances throughout the books.
Mel is one of my favorite FMCs. She has been through so much in her life and uses the power she gained from each experience in such an interesting way. She has an intriguing way of harnessing the bad and using it to her advantage.
Hayse is the MMC here and oh 🥵 we absolutely adore him. In a lot of ways he is like Mel when it comes to harnessing the bad for advantage. Together they make an ultimate powerhouse MCs.
The writing in this book is phenomenal! The twists and turns truly have you in a page-turning adventure. I started and finished this I believe in one day because I was truly obsessed with this one 🖤💜
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
SYK Kelly blew me out of the water with this one! This was a six star read for me and my favorite in the Cruel Kingdom series so far, this is the third book in the series, Sleeping Beauty retelling. These books are dark and very very steamy. If you love dark romance, fantasy, and a twist on your favorite fairytales then this is definitely the series for you. It’s highly recommended that you read Sinister Desire, and Fateful Chance first as some of the characters make appearances throughout the books.
Mel is one of my favorite FMCs. She has been through so much in her life and uses the power she gained from each experience in such an interesting way. She has an intriguing way of harnessing the bad and using it to her advantage.
Hayse is the MMC here and oh 🥵 we absolutely adore him. In a lot of ways he is like Mel when it comes to harnessing the bad for advantage. Together they make an ultimate powerhouse MCs.
The writing in this book is phenomenal! The twists and turns truly have you in a page-turning adventure. I started and finished this I believe in one day because I was truly obsessed with this one 🖤💜
November 23, 2025
Chaotic but a good time! This was such a good read I love Mel and Hayse so much the tension and chemistry between these two is electric and the strong relationships between them and other characters really gave found family that I love so much and the plot twist!? It was twisting. I will say I struggled at times through out this book finding bits and pieces confusing BUT i think it may be because I didn't read the first two books as this is number 3 in an interconnected standalone series I would say they are connected enough that you should read those first and I will definitely be doing an entire reread which includes the first two and this one so I can enjoy it more. With all that being said this was an amazing book and I cant wait to see whats next for this series!
November 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this Sleeping Beauty retelling, SYK is just an amazing writer. Mel is a fiery FMC who doesn't take s*** from anyone. She is definitely morally grey, but I love her so much. Hayse is goals and owns a s*x club?! Their tension and chemistry was spot on, it was so much love/hate. The amount of spiciness was just right and I just loved the whole story. Mel was damaged from her father, but she is trying to make things better. The ending was so good! I'm so excited for the next one.
November 16, 2025
3.75⭐️
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
October 14, 2025
Check the trigger warnings. This is book 3 in the series, they are interconnected standalones, and I recommend you read them all. This book was amazing, the characters and details were great. I was not expecting the twists and turns. The spice was spicing! I loved this book!
September 7, 2025
Each new SYK book I read becomes my favorite, so it's no surprise that this is my favorite book in the series so far. I read the first 2 books right before diving into this one, and now I have book hangover.
This is an interconnected standalone, but you'll get the most out of it if you do read the other two novellas first.
If you're into dark romance, Romantasy that stabs you in the heart and calls you a good girl for taking the pain so well, and fairy tale retellings that focus on the villains, add this to your the right now. (*check the trigger warnings*)
There's so much more to Mel, and to the world SYK Kelly created, than we know. This book ripped off the mask again and again in the best way. Not only Mel, but the other characters too, which I won't say more about to keep from spoiling things - but every character and plot point is so well developed. Reading these books is like trying to figure out an exquisite escape room puzzle. Even if you guess a thing or two, you'll never predict everything.
5 stars and 4 🌶️ from me
Tropes
- Sleeping Beauty
- Forbidden Romance
- Amnesia
- Tats and piercings
- Stalker
- Dual PoV
- Brat FMC
Thank you to SYK Kelly for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is an interconnected standalone, but you'll get the most out of it if you do read the other two novellas first.
If you're into dark romance, Romantasy that stabs you in the heart and calls you a good girl for taking the pain so well, and fairy tale retellings that focus on the villains, add this to your the right now. (*check the trigger warnings*)
There's so much more to Mel, and to the world SYK Kelly created, than we know. This book ripped off the mask again and again in the best way. Not only Mel, but the other characters too, which I won't say more about to keep from spoiling things - but every character and plot point is so well developed. Reading these books is like trying to figure out an exquisite escape room puzzle. Even if you guess a thing or two, you'll never predict everything.
5 stars and 4 🌶️ from me
Tropes
- Sleeping Beauty
- Forbidden Romance
- Amnesia
- Tats and piercings
- Stalker
- Dual PoV
- Brat FMC
Thank you to SYK Kelly for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 4, 2025
I had the pleasure to arc read this book and I’m so happy I got to. It’s the third book in the series and what a fantastic story. We go through so many twist and turns as you try to piece together the clues, the things that don’t quite make sense and then everything comes together! Mel is your bad ass FMC who has had to go through so much and never real seen for who she is. Same with Hayse as we see how they went through their lives not having a choice to taking back their freedom. You get banter, spices, sarcasm, silliness, warm and loving moments. I absolutely recommend reading it!
August 31, 2025
This is my second read by this author and they’re quickly becoming one of my favs to read. Each story just gets better and better. We get Mel’s story this time and all of the secrets and twists and turns will have your head spinning. I definitely didn’t see that plot twist coming, but getting the backstory to other things going on in the background and starting to put together who some of the other characters are to each other just leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait til the next book 💜💜
November 24, 2025
I loved this book!! It is the third novella of the Cruel Kingdoms series and I will not lie, it is my favorite so far. Malicious intentions is a dark Sleeping Beauty retelling that had me absolutely clueless in the best possible way. The author gives you just enough information to keep you wondering what the hell is going on, but never enough to actually piece it all together, and I loved that. The story stayed captivating from start to finish, keeping me completely hooked.
In this third novella we have a pierced MMC, a bratty FMC, a play den, forbidden romance and dual POV.
The author does such a good job of having easter eggs relating each of the novellas to each other, and again loved the characters in this story. Mel, our FMC, has this tough exterior that immediately catches your attention, but underneath that hardness is so much depth and vulnerability. I loved discovering the layers of her character. And then there’s Hayse, I don’t know what SYK Kelly puts in these men but 🥵🥵🥵.
Overall, Malicious Intentions is gripping, addictive, and filled with characters you can’t help but fall for. Highly recommend, however, check your triggers!
Thank you so much to the author for the arc! I cannot wait to read more and more of your work.
In this third novella we have a pierced MMC, a bratty FMC, a play den, forbidden romance and dual POV.
The author does such a good job of having easter eggs relating each of the novellas to each other, and again loved the characters in this story. Mel, our FMC, has this tough exterior that immediately catches your attention, but underneath that hardness is so much depth and vulnerability. I loved discovering the layers of her character. And then there’s Hayse, I don’t know what SYK Kelly puts in these men but 🥵🥵🥵.
Overall, Malicious Intentions is gripping, addictive, and filled with characters you can’t help but fall for. Highly recommend, however, check your triggers!
Thank you so much to the author for the arc! I cannot wait to read more and more of your work.
December 6, 2025
Malicious Intentions by Syk Kelly is a fairytale retelling that completely surpassed my expectations. From the very first chapters, the story delivers a compelling blend of dark romance, tension, and high-stakes twists that kept me fully engaged. The plot is packed with unexpected turns and “OMG” moments that genuinely left me stunned.
The dynamic between the FMC and MMC is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Their progressionfrom enemies who are ready to destroy each other to two people who can’t imagine being apart feels intense, emotional, and incredibly well-developed. Their willingness to risk everything, even their lives, creates a gripping emotional core throughout the narrative. This book is a must-read for fans of villain retellings, dark romance, and forbidden love. With its immersive world, complex characters, and dramatic tension, Malicious Intentions is a standout addition to the genre.
The dynamic between the FMC and MMC is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Their progressionfrom enemies who are ready to destroy each other to two people who can’t imagine being apart feels intense, emotional, and incredibly well-developed. Their willingness to risk everything, even their lives, creates a gripping emotional core throughout the narrative. This book is a must-read for fans of villain retellings, dark romance, and forbidden love. With its immersive world, complex characters, and dramatic tension, Malicious Intentions is a standout addition to the genre.
November 20, 2025
ARC READER REVIEW
This is a Sleeping Beauty/Maleficient inspired story and though Sleeping Beauty isn’t my favorite, I have always found Maleficient to be intriguing so I was excited to delve into Mel’s story.
Kelly did not disappoint. Mel is a complex character with such strength to rise from everything she has endured. Hayes is just dripping with sin but he carries deep scars to guard what’s left of his heart. The dynamic between these two is just 🔥🔥🔥.
For being a novella, it is jam packed with storyline, plot twists (that I didn’t see coming) and a good amount of spice. Highly recommend.
This is a Sleeping Beauty/Maleficient inspired story and though Sleeping Beauty isn’t my favorite, I have always found Maleficient to be intriguing so I was excited to delve into Mel’s story.
Kelly did not disappoint. Mel is a complex character with such strength to rise from everything she has endured. Hayes is just dripping with sin but he carries deep scars to guard what’s left of his heart. The dynamic between these two is just 🔥🔥🔥.
For being a novella, it is jam packed with storyline, plot twists (that I didn’t see coming) and a good amount of spice. Highly recommend.
October 17, 2025
This was a 5 ⭐️ read for me.
This whole series is just seriously incredible.
If you love a dark fantasy romance fairytale retelling you need to check out this whole series. I was very lucky to be able to read as a beta read for this one and syk Kelly has such an amazing talent in the way she writes her stories. I don’t want to give any spoilers but trust me when I tell you that you need to pick these up. You I’ll not regret this and check her other series out too. 🔥🔥
This whole series is just seriously incredible.
If you love a dark fantasy romance fairytale retelling you need to check out this whole series. I was very lucky to be able to read as a beta read for this one and syk Kelly has such an amazing talent in the way she writes her stories. I don’t want to give any spoilers but trust me when I tell you that you need to pick these up. You I’ll not regret this and check her other series out too. 🔥🔥
November 25, 2025
A fantastic retelling of one of my favorite villains! A dark romance, enemies to lovers novella with intrigue, a strong FMC matched with a morally grey MMC, and plenty of twists around every corner. I was powerless when it came to becoming enraptured in their story. Completely invested in their pasts, their present and became desperate to find out their futures. I was hooked from the beginning and did not stop reading until there was nothing left.
Mel is a princess who has lived in the aura of being evil and someone to be feared more than anything. Rumors have plagued her existence but instead of shrinking away she has decided to use them and make them her own.
Hayes is a prince who was never the preferred choice. He lives his life in the shadows, few know of his pain, and he will not stop until he punishes those that are the source of everything he has endured.
Political motivations and rivalries have set them on their paths, but with neither one being willing to bend to the will of others, their paths will cross in a dangerous way. Hayes and Mel may begin to develop something that neither one was ready for, but it is also something forbidden for them to embrace. The dynamic of their relationship unfolds in a beautiful way, maybe even evoking some feels as I read.
An entertaining and unique twist on a villain’s origin. Another fantastic addition to the Cruel Kingdoms Series and my personal favorite! These are standalone novellas and if you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend them all, you will not be disappointed!
Mel is a princess who has lived in the aura of being evil and someone to be feared more than anything. Rumors have plagued her existence but instead of shrinking away she has decided to use them and make them her own.
Hayes is a prince who was never the preferred choice. He lives his life in the shadows, few know of his pain, and he will not stop until he punishes those that are the source of everything he has endured.
Political motivations and rivalries have set them on their paths, but with neither one being willing to bend to the will of others, their paths will cross in a dangerous way. Hayes and Mel may begin to develop something that neither one was ready for, but it is also something forbidden for them to embrace. The dynamic of their relationship unfolds in a beautiful way, maybe even evoking some feels as I read.
An entertaining and unique twist on a villain’s origin. Another fantastic addition to the Cruel Kingdoms Series and my personal favorite! These are standalone novellas and if you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend them all, you will not be disappointed!
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