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Bleeding Souls Duet #2
Hot-Blooded Hearts
We were the harbingers of war.
War that threatened to consume our souls.
The killer.
I had cleaved my heart in two. And yet, I had to go on. With Gedeon gone, Zion and I took his place as the leaders of the compound; a clock ticking until we stormed the cursed city of Ilasall. Only, the nightmares of the accident had ripped me into shreds, and now, pure bitterness flowed in my veins. One I was going to use to destroy everything.
The lost.
For years, I had stalked Gedeon. Until finally, I had gotten a taste. Only for him to be ripped away the moment he had dropped his guard. It had opened a cavity in my chest, and Kali became the stitches holding it closed. And yet, it wasn’t enough. Nowhere near close to quenching the thirst for blood boiling inside me.
The fallen.
Before darkness had claimed me, I realized that no matter how much you wanted to protect, you had to listen to their wishes. So if the cost of war they craved so much was my death, they could have it. But if they thought my absence freed them from my chains, they were sorely mistaken. In life and death, Zion and Kali belonged to me.
“I’m going to push your limits, one by one.”
War that threatened to consume our souls.
The killer.
I had cleaved my heart in two. And yet, I had to go on. With Gedeon gone, Zion and I took his place as the leaders of the compound; a clock ticking until we stormed the cursed city of Ilasall. Only, the nightmares of the accident had ripped me into shreds, and now, pure bitterness flowed in my veins. One I was going to use to destroy everything.
The lost.
For years, I had stalked Gedeon. Until finally, I had gotten a taste. Only for him to be ripped away the moment he had dropped his guard. It had opened a cavity in my chest, and Kali became the stitches holding it closed. And yet, it wasn’t enough. Nowhere near close to quenching the thirst for blood boiling inside me.
The fallen.
Before darkness had claimed me, I realized that no matter how much you wanted to protect, you had to listen to their wishes. So if the cost of war they craved so much was my death, they could have it. But if they thought my absence freed them from my chains, they were sorely mistaken. In life and death, Zion and Kali belonged to me.
“I’m going to push your limits, one by one.”
738 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
23 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Arisa Villar
2 books86 followersArisa Villar is an author of dark romance and dark fantasy. Since she discovered the dark side of literature in her university years, she hasn’t stopped exploring it. From sweet romances to erotic horror, she reads it all.
And because her particular fixation has decided to land on the more…questionable stories, she writes accordingly. Or in other words, the more unhinged and spicier the story, the happier the author.
Currently, she lives in the corner of Europe, in a small country called Lithuania. Although the winters can get a little bit cold there, she always has a spicy book in every room to warm up.
Instagram: @arisa.villar
TikTok: @arisa.villar
Threads: @arisa.villar
Facebook: Arisa Villar
And because her particular fixation has decided to land on the more…questionable stories, she writes accordingly. Or in other words, the more unhinged and spicier the story, the happier the author.
Currently, she lives in the corner of Europe, in a small country called Lithuania. Although the winters can get a little bit cold there, she always has a spicy book in every room to warm up.
Instagram: @arisa.villar
TikTok: @arisa.villar
Threads: @arisa.villar
Facebook: Arisa Villar
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 4, 2026
What a book this was! This is the second book of the Bleeding Souls duet.
Before reading it, I’ve read the last chapters of book 1 so everything was still fresh in my mind because it ended on a cliffhanger.
I can tell you that this book was a rollercoaster of emotions! Arisa knew what she was doing and I can’t be mad at that.
There’s so much happening in this book and I’m afraid to spoil any of you.
War is definitely coming closer and Kali and Zion are trying to get themselves together after a traumatic event happened.
I really appreciated the way Kali’s character evolves over the course of the story and how she finally feels at home with her found family. Zion is still unhinged and I would not change him. He brings so much to the story.
I’m still mad at the betrayals of certains characters and you can really say that you can’t trust anyone.
And of course I cried at certains parts (even though I love you Arisa, I’m still sad about it, iykyk). The spice was so good. I loved everything about this book and I wish I could read the books for the first time.
P.S.: a special mention to Shadow!
Before reading it, I’ve read the last chapters of book 1 so everything was still fresh in my mind because it ended on a cliffhanger.
I can tell you that this book was a rollercoaster of emotions! Arisa knew what she was doing and I can’t be mad at that.
There’s so much happening in this book and I’m afraid to spoil any of you.
War is definitely coming closer and Kali and Zion are trying to get themselves together after a traumatic event happened.
I really appreciated the way Kali’s character evolves over the course of the story and how she finally feels at home with her found family. Zion is still unhinged and I would not change him. He brings so much to the story.
I’m still mad at the betrayals of certains characters and you can really say that you can’t trust anyone.
And of course I cried at certains parts (even though I love you Arisa, I’m still sad about it, iykyk). The spice was so good. I loved everything about this book and I wish I could read the books for the first time.
P.S.: a special mention to Shadow!
April 14, 2026
⚠️ Content Note: This is a dark MMF romance with heavy themes. Be sure to check trigger warnings before reading as it includes elements that may be distressing for some readers.
Disclaimer: While I am entirely thankful to Arisa Villar for trusting me with her book and including me on her ARC team, all words and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
If there’s one thing Arisa Villar did flawlessly, it was making sure that the emotional wreckage from Cold Hearted Creatures didn’t just linger it consumed you. That cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal. I went into Hot Blooded Hearts already in pieces and those first few chapters had me completely tied up in knots. The tension, the heartbreak and the unanswered questions it all hits immediately and there’s no easing back into this world. You’re thrown right back into the chaos and honestly I loved and suffered through every second of it.
This second book in this duet, is intense in every sense of the word emotionally, physically and psychologically. The war is looming closer, the stakes are higher and everything feels like it’s on the verge of collapse. Arisa Villar doesn’t hold back. The story is gritty, raw and filled with moments that genuinely hurt to read in the best way possible.
Kali’s journey especially stood out to me. I completely understood her anger and disappointment she had every right to feel the way she did after everything that happened. But at the same time I couldn’t help but feel like she held onto that anger longer than necessary. It created this constant tension not just within herself but between her, Zion and Gideon. That emotional push and pull added depth to the story even if it made me want to scream at times.
And speaking of Zion and Gideon these two continue to be absolute standouts. The dynamic between all three characters is messy, complicated and incredibly addictive. The chemistry is undeniable and the way their relationships evolved under pressure makes everything feel even more intense. No one is perfect and that’s what makes them so compelling.
The pacing felt like a rollercoaster, moments of explosive action mixed with quieter, emotionally heavy scenes. There were twists I didn’t see coming, betrayals that genuinely surprised me and scenes that had me completely broken.
My view: This was dark, it was emotional, it was spicy and totally consuming. I did feel this was a fitting and impactful continuation and an ultimate conclusion to the Bleeding Souls duet that leaves you feeling like you’ve gone through battle right alongside them. Arisa truly delivered a story that hurts you, heals you and then haunts you long after you’ve finished.
If I had one small critique it would be that I wanted just a bit more depth in certain areas of the world building especially with everything escalating toward war. But honestly the strength of the characters and their relationships carried the story so powerfully that it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
Arisa delivered a story that hurts you, heals you and then haunts you long after you’ve finished.
Disclaimer: While I am entirely thankful to Arisa Villar for trusting me with her book and including me on her ARC team, all words and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
If there’s one thing Arisa Villar did flawlessly, it was making sure that the emotional wreckage from Cold Hearted Creatures didn’t just linger it consumed you. That cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal. I went into Hot Blooded Hearts already in pieces and those first few chapters had me completely tied up in knots. The tension, the heartbreak and the unanswered questions it all hits immediately and there’s no easing back into this world. You’re thrown right back into the chaos and honestly I loved and suffered through every second of it.
This second book in this duet, is intense in every sense of the word emotionally, physically and psychologically. The war is looming closer, the stakes are higher and everything feels like it’s on the verge of collapse. Arisa Villar doesn’t hold back. The story is gritty, raw and filled with moments that genuinely hurt to read in the best way possible.
Kali’s journey especially stood out to me. I completely understood her anger and disappointment she had every right to feel the way she did after everything that happened. But at the same time I couldn’t help but feel like she held onto that anger longer than necessary. It created this constant tension not just within herself but between her, Zion and Gideon. That emotional push and pull added depth to the story even if it made me want to scream at times.
And speaking of Zion and Gideon these two continue to be absolute standouts. The dynamic between all three characters is messy, complicated and incredibly addictive. The chemistry is undeniable and the way their relationships evolved under pressure makes everything feel even more intense. No one is perfect and that’s what makes them so compelling.
The pacing felt like a rollercoaster, moments of explosive action mixed with quieter, emotionally heavy scenes. There were twists I didn’t see coming, betrayals that genuinely surprised me and scenes that had me completely broken.
My view: This was dark, it was emotional, it was spicy and totally consuming. I did feel this was a fitting and impactful continuation and an ultimate conclusion to the Bleeding Souls duet that leaves you feeling like you’ve gone through battle right alongside them. Arisa truly delivered a story that hurts you, heals you and then haunts you long after you’ve finished.
If I had one small critique it would be that I wanted just a bit more depth in certain areas of the world building especially with everything escalating toward war. But honestly the strength of the characters and their relationships carried the story so powerfully that it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
Arisa delivered a story that hurts you, heals you and then haunts you long after you’ve finished.
April 27, 2026
OH! MY! GOD! Book two just hits different. All three of them grow so much, individually and together, and watching that evolution unfold is honestly kind of addictive.
Kali really steps into herself here. She starts letting go of everything she’s been conditioned to believe and slowly realises she doesn’t have to fight alone anymore. People can care without expecting payment. She deserves softness as much as she gives strength. She’s fierce, but there’s this vulnerable layer underneath that makes her even more compelling.
Zion is still his chaotic, unhinged, pretty-boy self (and yes… the iconic situation remains undefeated), but what really stands out is him finally believing that what he has with Kali and Gedeon is real and not something that’s going to vanish. That quiet acceptance shift? So good. He brings this lightness that cuts through the heavy moments.
Gedeon though… his arc is on another level. Watching him slowly unlearn control, loosen his grip, and face the fear of losing people instead of weaponising it, was incredible. He’s still him, but softer around the edges in a way that feels earned.
The trio together is messy, intense, unhinged in the best way, but also deeply emotional. They feel everything for each other, no matter what.
And the writing just wraps around you. Bold, immersive, and not afraid to hurt you a little along the way.
There were parts I had to sit with. Parts that genuinely stuck. This is definitely a heavy spice, dark-leaning MMF romance, so check your triggers.
I didn’t expect every plot thread I wanted (like more city/world-building focus or deeper system exploration) to fully land here, and the pacing sometimes felt more character-driven than plot-driven, but the emotional core and character growth still carry it.
Overall? Rollercoaster energy. Betrayals, chaos, spice, and feelings everywhere. And yes… I’m still not emotionally recovered.
Kali really steps into herself here. She starts letting go of everything she’s been conditioned to believe and slowly realises she doesn’t have to fight alone anymore. People can care without expecting payment. She deserves softness as much as she gives strength. She’s fierce, but there’s this vulnerable layer underneath that makes her even more compelling.
Zion is still his chaotic, unhinged, pretty-boy self (and yes… the iconic situation remains undefeated), but what really stands out is him finally believing that what he has with Kali and Gedeon is real and not something that’s going to vanish. That quiet acceptance shift? So good. He brings this lightness that cuts through the heavy moments.
Gedeon though… his arc is on another level. Watching him slowly unlearn control, loosen his grip, and face the fear of losing people instead of weaponising it, was incredible. He’s still him, but softer around the edges in a way that feels earned.
The trio together is messy, intense, unhinged in the best way, but also deeply emotional. They feel everything for each other, no matter what.
And the writing just wraps around you. Bold, immersive, and not afraid to hurt you a little along the way.
There were parts I had to sit with. Parts that genuinely stuck. This is definitely a heavy spice, dark-leaning MMF romance, so check your triggers.
I didn’t expect every plot thread I wanted (like more city/world-building focus or deeper system exploration) to fully land here, and the pacing sometimes felt more character-driven than plot-driven, but the emotional core and character growth still carry it.
Overall? Rollercoaster energy. Betrayals, chaos, spice, and feelings everywhere. And yes… I’m still not emotionally recovered.
April 17, 2026
Happy release day and thank you so much to Arisa Villar for the ARC. It’s so bittersweet to make it to the end of the bleeding souls duet. This was a beast of a book at almost 800 pages and it runs the gamut from heartbreakingly tender moments of intimacy to heartbreakingly brutal moments of loss.
Be prepared to cry. “You should’ve taken me instead, I whispered to everyone and no one, to the sky and to the earth, to the sea miles away and to the life still flowing in my veins.”
And be prepared to swoon. “You can’t teach me to dance when you’re terrible at it yourself.”
“I’m terrible?” His chuckle permeated the stuffy air from the herd of sweaty bodies swaying together, and the thunderous sound locked me to him. “Then be terrible with me.”
And most importantly be prepared to fall head over heels with Zion in all his adoration for his birdie and strawberry, his bloodlust, his nose-bopping, his unhinged unpredictability, his pranks, his insatiability for literally everything. I adore this man with every fiber of my being.
My heart hurts with the future nostalgia of no longer living in this achingly beautiful world with Gedeon, Zion, and Kali. Thank you, Arisa, for absolutely wrecking me.
Be prepared to cry. “You should’ve taken me instead, I whispered to everyone and no one, to the sky and to the earth, to the sea miles away and to the life still flowing in my veins.”
And be prepared to swoon. “You can’t teach me to dance when you’re terrible at it yourself.”
“I’m terrible?” His chuckle permeated the stuffy air from the herd of sweaty bodies swaying together, and the thunderous sound locked me to him. “Then be terrible with me.”
And most importantly be prepared to fall head over heels with Zion in all his adoration for his birdie and strawberry, his bloodlust, his nose-bopping, his unhinged unpredictability, his pranks, his insatiability for literally everything. I adore this man with every fiber of my being.
My heart hurts with the future nostalgia of no longer living in this achingly beautiful world with Gedeon, Zion, and Kali. Thank you, Arisa, for absolutely wrecking me.
April 15, 2026
After the events of book 1, I was expecting book 2 to dive into how the main city became this hostile environment that favoured female oppression and more about the workings of the fertile vs non fertile system, but not a lot happened. I was hoping for more war plans or getting to know the inner circle better or infiltrating the city walls. But it didn’t quite hit for me. I wasn’t emotionally invested in the characters, although they were funny, and the banter and love was really something.
If you are looking for heavy spice, with a bit of darkness thrown in there, then this book had it in bucket loads. Please check your triggers! The MMF relationship really bloomed in the second book and their spicy scenes were chapters long.
If the plot and pacing had continued, I would have enjoyed it more.
3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you are looking for heavy spice, with a bit of darkness thrown in there, then this book had it in bucket loads. Please check your triggers! The MMF relationship really bloomed in the second book and their spicy scenes were chapters long.
If the plot and pacing had continued, I would have enjoyed it more.
3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 18, 2026
Amazing
This books is seriously so good. It has made me laugh and made me cry. The way everyone interacts is amazing its spicy its just what youd want. Love it.
This books is seriously so good. It has made me laugh and made me cry. The way everyone interacts is amazing its spicy its just what youd want. Love it.
April 21, 2026
I absolutely adored this dark dystopian romance. it was filled with love, laughter, heartbreak and naughty naughty scenes. it had me laughing and crying and panting throughout the whole series. buckle up for the most wild ride of your life.
Review of advance copy
Hot Blooded Hearts plunges readers straight into a storm of grief, vengeance, and brutal devotion, where love and war are indistinguishable—and survival demands sacrifice.
From the very first line, the tone is unrelenting: “We were the harbingers of war.” This isn’t just a continuation—it’s an escalation. The emotional stakes are sharper, the bonds more volatile, and the characters far more fractured than before.
The narrative unfolds through three haunting perspectives—The Killer, The Lost, and The Fallen—each voice bleeding with obsession, pain, and a desperate need for control in a world spiraling toward destruction. The absence of Gedeon is a powerful force in itself, leaving a vacuum filled by grief, rage, and shifting power dynamics. Zion and Kali step into roles that test not only their strength, but their sanity.
What stands out most is the raw emotional intensity. Every character is unraveling in their own way—haunted by nightmares, driven by vengeance, and clinging to love that feels just as dangerous as the war looming ahead. The relationships are dark, possessive, and deeply complicated, blurring the line between devotion and destruction.
The writing leans into its darkness unapologetically. There’s a constant sense of tension, like a ticking clock counting down to inevitable chaos. The cursed city of Ilasall looms as both a physical and symbolic battleground, promising a confrontation that feels as emotional as it is violent.
Fans of dark romance and morally gray characters will find themselves completely immersed. This is not a story of heroes—it’s a story of survivors, of people willing to break themselves and each other in the name of love, power, and revenge.
By the end of the blurb alone, one thing is clear: Hot Blooded Hearts isn’t just about war—it’s about what war leaves behind in the hearts of those who endure it.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A dark, emotionally charged sequel that deepens the series’ intensity and leaves you bracing for the fallout still to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW!
I thought I was prepared. I really did. I went in fresh off that cliffhanger, braced for impact; but nothing, absolutely nothing, prepares you for the kind of emotional warfare this book unleashes.
From the very first page, it doesn’t just continue the story, it tightens its grip. The war isn’t looming anymore; it’s breathing down their necks, crawling into their lungs, turning every choice into something that feels like it could be their last. And watching it unfold? It felt less like reading and more like surviving alongside them.
Kali, in particular, wrecked me in the quietest way. She’s still fierce, still sharp enough to cut through anyone in her path; but there’s this shift, this fragile, almost unfamiliar softness as she begins to accept that she doesn’t have to carry everything alone. I felt that. She didn’t just find strength; she found something far more dangerous in a world like this: belonging.
Zion, on the other hand… remains gloriously unhinged. And thank God for that, because when everything else is falling apart, he’s the chaos that somehow keeps the story breathing. He brings this strange, defiant lightness; like laughing in the middle of a funeral. It shouldn’t work, but it does. Also, and I cannot stress this enough, in a world built on bloodshed, betrayal, and the absolute collapse of humanity… his ridiculously perfect, pretty boy booty has no business being that memorable. And yet, here we are. War may take everything, but it cannot take that.
Then there’s Gedeon. Controlled, suffocating, slowly unraveling in the most devastating way. His evolution feels like watching ice crack under pressure. He doesn’t just change; he struggles to, clawing his way toward something softer, something human, even as the world demands he remain ruthless. And together, the three of them? Messy. Volatile. Devoted in a way that borders on destruction. It’s not love in the traditional sense, it’s survival tangled up with obsession, grief, and the constant fear of losing everything.
And loss… this book doesn’t hold back. It doesn’t romanticize it, doesn’t soften the blow. It rips through you, leaves echoes in the spaces where characters used to be. There were moments I had to stop, just sit there and process, because the weight of it all felt too real. The kind of pain that lingers even after you’ve turned the page.
At the same time, the world itself is just as brutal. A society that reduces people to their bodies, their worth measured in ways that feel disturbingly close to reality—it’s horrifying, and it makes every act of defiance feel that much more powerful. This isn’t a story about heroes. It’s about survivors. About people who are willing to break, to bleed, to become something unrecognizable just to protect what little they have left.
And somehow, despite all the devastation, the betrayals (seriously! Trust no one), and the ever-present sense that everything could collapse at any second… I couldn’t stop reading. I didn’t want to stop reading. Even when I knew it was going to hurt.
By the end, I wasn’t okay, but in the best way. It leaves a mark, this story. Carves something out of you and replaces it with grief, love, and a strange kind of appreciation for the beauty that can exist even in the most broken places.
It’s dark. It’s messy. It’s painfully human.
And apparently… it’s also a place where Zion’s booty becomes a symbol of emotional support. Honestly, I’ll take it.
I thought I was prepared. I really did. I went in fresh off that cliffhanger, braced for impact; but nothing, absolutely nothing, prepares you for the kind of emotional warfare this book unleashes.
From the very first page, it doesn’t just continue the story, it tightens its grip. The war isn’t looming anymore; it’s breathing down their necks, crawling into their lungs, turning every choice into something that feels like it could be their last. And watching it unfold? It felt less like reading and more like surviving alongside them.
Kali, in particular, wrecked me in the quietest way. She’s still fierce, still sharp enough to cut through anyone in her path; but there’s this shift, this fragile, almost unfamiliar softness as she begins to accept that she doesn’t have to carry everything alone. I felt that. She didn’t just find strength; she found something far more dangerous in a world like this: belonging.
Zion, on the other hand… remains gloriously unhinged. And thank God for that, because when everything else is falling apart, he’s the chaos that somehow keeps the story breathing. He brings this strange, defiant lightness; like laughing in the middle of a funeral. It shouldn’t work, but it does. Also, and I cannot stress this enough, in a world built on bloodshed, betrayal, and the absolute collapse of humanity… his ridiculously perfect, pretty boy booty has no business being that memorable. And yet, here we are. War may take everything, but it cannot take that.
Then there’s Gedeon. Controlled, suffocating, slowly unraveling in the most devastating way. His evolution feels like watching ice crack under pressure. He doesn’t just change; he struggles to, clawing his way toward something softer, something human, even as the world demands he remain ruthless. And together, the three of them? Messy. Volatile. Devoted in a way that borders on destruction. It’s not love in the traditional sense, it’s survival tangled up with obsession, grief, and the constant fear of losing everything.
And loss… this book doesn’t hold back. It doesn’t romanticize it, doesn’t soften the blow. It rips through you, leaves echoes in the spaces where characters used to be. There were moments I had to stop, just sit there and process, because the weight of it all felt too real. The kind of pain that lingers even after you’ve turned the page.
At the same time, the world itself is just as brutal. A society that reduces people to their bodies, their worth measured in ways that feel disturbingly close to reality—it’s horrifying, and it makes every act of defiance feel that much more powerful. This isn’t a story about heroes. It’s about survivors. About people who are willing to break, to bleed, to become something unrecognizable just to protect what little they have left.
And somehow, despite all the devastation, the betrayals (seriously! Trust no one), and the ever-present sense that everything could collapse at any second… I couldn’t stop reading. I didn’t want to stop reading. Even when I knew it was going to hurt.
By the end, I wasn’t okay, but in the best way. It leaves a mark, this story. Carves something out of you and replaces it with grief, love, and a strange kind of appreciation for the beauty that can exist even in the most broken places.
It’s dark. It’s messy. It’s painfully human.
And apparently… it’s also a place where Zion’s booty becomes a symbol of emotional support. Honestly, I’ll take it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Zion. Be a good boy and f*ck that nonsense out of her."
Before reading Cold Blooded Creatures, two things were true. 1. I had never heard of Arisa Villar 2. Dystopian romance wasn't really on my radar. Post-reading the Bleeding Souls duet, two things are true. 1. Arisa Villar is now an auto author of mine & I am proud to be on her street team. 2. Dystopian romance will probably be something I seek out more of.
Hot Blooded Hearts was everything & more. I am truly blown away by Arisa's ability to suck me into this world and make me feel like I was fighting alongside our trio. In book two, we journey alongside Kali, Zion, and Gedeon while they navigate war, their relationship dynamics, working as a team, and holding it together through grief. I feel like the pacing was on point in the plot & nothing felt rushed or so slow that I was tempted to skim. I was truly immersed from page 1.
All 3 of our characters underwent truly beautiful development in book 2, individually and as a trio. Kali had to let go of things that had been ingrained in her for her whole life and accept that she was no longer fighting alone. She had to accept that people who cared about you helped without the need for return, and she had to learn to accept care & affection. I was truly awed by her strength and viciousness. Zion, with his perfect booty, had to accept that having Kali & Gedeon with him was real and not a hallucination. Other than accepting good things, Zion remained his unhinged, pretty boy self, and I love that for him. He truly brings to light appreciating beauty in all things, and he made me smile so much. Gedeon had the biggest character arc, I think. He had to thaw his heart bit by bit, loosen his reins slightly so he didn't truly suffocate his possessions, and he had to accept that he could love others and fight the fear of losing them. He had to come to terms with living through the fear instead of letting it control his decisions. Furthermore, he really became a caring and affectionate man, even though he still dominated & punished!
I did have big emotions because some losses wrecked me, but I won't dive too deep into that because I don't want to spoil anything. But through tragedy, we got a beautiful ending that put me back together in the end. Also, an important sidenote - the spice was absolutely incinerating and truly filthy in the best way.
I absolutely loved this duet. It was very dark, but the struggles our characters underwent shaped them into who they became. I ate up each unhinged action taken by our trio. Because sometimes in a world so dark, beautifully depraved creatures are born, and I love it. I highly recommend reading, but definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in if you have triggers. Your mental health is the top priority!
Thank you, Arisa, for bringing us this trio's story, your beautiful words, and...Zion's pretty boy booty!!! We appreciate you so much <3
Before reading Cold Blooded Creatures, two things were true. 1. I had never heard of Arisa Villar 2. Dystopian romance wasn't really on my radar. Post-reading the Bleeding Souls duet, two things are true. 1. Arisa Villar is now an auto author of mine & I am proud to be on her street team. 2. Dystopian romance will probably be something I seek out more of.
Hot Blooded Hearts was everything & more. I am truly blown away by Arisa's ability to suck me into this world and make me feel like I was fighting alongside our trio. In book two, we journey alongside Kali, Zion, and Gedeon while they navigate war, their relationship dynamics, working as a team, and holding it together through grief. I feel like the pacing was on point in the plot & nothing felt rushed or so slow that I was tempted to skim. I was truly immersed from page 1.
All 3 of our characters underwent truly beautiful development in book 2, individually and as a trio. Kali had to let go of things that had been ingrained in her for her whole life and accept that she was no longer fighting alone. She had to accept that people who cared about you helped without the need for return, and she had to learn to accept care & affection. I was truly awed by her strength and viciousness. Zion, with his perfect booty, had to accept that having Kali & Gedeon with him was real and not a hallucination. Other than accepting good things, Zion remained his unhinged, pretty boy self, and I love that for him. He truly brings to light appreciating beauty in all things, and he made me smile so much. Gedeon had the biggest character arc, I think. He had to thaw his heart bit by bit, loosen his reins slightly so he didn't truly suffocate his possessions, and he had to accept that he could love others and fight the fear of losing them. He had to come to terms with living through the fear instead of letting it control his decisions. Furthermore, he really became a caring and affectionate man, even though he still dominated & punished!
I did have big emotions because some losses wrecked me, but I won't dive too deep into that because I don't want to spoil anything. But through tragedy, we got a beautiful ending that put me back together in the end. Also, an important sidenote - the spice was absolutely incinerating and truly filthy in the best way.
I absolutely loved this duet. It was very dark, but the struggles our characters underwent shaped them into who they became. I ate up each unhinged action taken by our trio. Because sometimes in a world so dark, beautifully depraved creatures are born, and I love it. I highly recommend reading, but definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in if you have triggers. Your mental health is the top priority!
Thank you, Arisa, for bringing us this trio's story, your beautiful words, and...Zion's pretty boy booty!!! We appreciate you so much <3
April 18, 2026
Hot Blooded Hearts by Arisa Villar
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚠️ This is definitely not a light read! check trigger warnings. It deals with heavy themes and morally complex situations. ⚠️
After reading Cold Blooded Creatures, Arisa automatically became favorite of mine and my love for her work deepened after reading HBH!
"Zion. Be a good boy and f*ck that nonsense out of her." <3
Tropes:
🖤MMF / why choose
🔪 A knife-obsessed MMC
🖤Touch her, and I will sever your fingers, use them to stir your whiskey, and then force you to drink it
🔪Soft only for her
🖤"Crawl to me." / "Kneel."
🔪A list of 137 depraved things
🖤Punishment scenes
🔪Just knowing she lived would be enough for him
🖤Training for war
🔪Betrayal
🖤Dystopian setting
🔪 Revenge
Kali really stepped into her power in this one and I loved seeing that growth 🖤 She’s no longer just trying to survive, she’s learning how to play the game. You can see the shift in her mindset, the way she starts making difficult choices, and how she carries her trauma without letting it completely break her. She feels real, flawed, and strong in a way that’s earned.
Then we have Zion…
He’s chaos. Completely unpredictable, impulsive, and morally gone — but that’s what makes him so captivating. There are moments where you see flashes of something deeper, something almost vulnerable, and it makes you understand him just enough to get pulled in… even when you know you shouldn’t.
Gideon? well he's the opposite kind of dangerous. Quiet, controlled, and calculated. He doesn’t need to be loud to have power. it’s in the way he watches, the way he moves, the way he claims. Watching him confronting his fear of loss instead of being controlled by it added so much emotion to him! His possessiveness isn’t chaotic like Zion’s though, it’s intentional, and somehow that makes it even more intense!
But what really makes this book addictive is the dynamic between all three.
It’s not easy or romanticized, it’s messy, emotional, and filled with tension. There’s trust issues, power struggles, moments of vulnerability, and a constant push and pull between connection and control. It feels real in a dark way.
I will forever continue to recommend this duet because who doesn’t love it when the BOYFRIENDS ARE BOYFRIENDS!!!
It’s the kind of story that pulls you in, messes with your head, and leaves you thinking about these characters long after you’re done.
this isn’t just spice — it’s dark, emotional, and set in a brutal world where everything feels high stakes. the kind of book that has you like “this is a bad idea”… and you keep reading anyway 😭
I’m still thinking about it tbh…
Could you handle a why choose this dark or would you run?
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚠️ This is definitely not a light read! check trigger warnings. It deals with heavy themes and morally complex situations. ⚠️
After reading Cold Blooded Creatures, Arisa automatically became favorite of mine and my love for her work deepened after reading HBH!
"Zion. Be a good boy and f*ck that nonsense out of her." <3
Tropes:
🖤MMF / why choose
🔪 A knife-obsessed MMC
🖤Touch her, and I will sever your fingers, use them to stir your whiskey, and then force you to drink it
🔪Soft only for her
🖤"Crawl to me." / "Kneel."
🔪A list of 137 depraved things
🖤Punishment scenes
🔪Just knowing she lived would be enough for him
🖤Training for war
🔪Betrayal
🖤Dystopian setting
🔪 Revenge
Kali really stepped into her power in this one and I loved seeing that growth 🖤 She’s no longer just trying to survive, she’s learning how to play the game. You can see the shift in her mindset, the way she starts making difficult choices, and how she carries her trauma without letting it completely break her. She feels real, flawed, and strong in a way that’s earned.
Then we have Zion…
He’s chaos. Completely unpredictable, impulsive, and morally gone — but that’s what makes him so captivating. There are moments where you see flashes of something deeper, something almost vulnerable, and it makes you understand him just enough to get pulled in… even when you know you shouldn’t.
Gideon? well he's the opposite kind of dangerous. Quiet, controlled, and calculated. He doesn’t need to be loud to have power. it’s in the way he watches, the way he moves, the way he claims. Watching him confronting his fear of loss instead of being controlled by it added so much emotion to him! His possessiveness isn’t chaotic like Zion’s though, it’s intentional, and somehow that makes it even more intense!
But what really makes this book addictive is the dynamic between all three.
It’s not easy or romanticized, it’s messy, emotional, and filled with tension. There’s trust issues, power struggles, moments of vulnerability, and a constant push and pull between connection and control. It feels real in a dark way.
I will forever continue to recommend this duet because who doesn’t love it when the BOYFRIENDS ARE BOYFRIENDS!!!
It’s the kind of story that pulls you in, messes with your head, and leaves you thinking about these characters long after you’re done.
this isn’t just spice — it’s dark, emotional, and set in a brutal world where everything feels high stakes. the kind of book that has you like “this is a bad idea”… and you keep reading anyway 😭
I’m still thinking about it tbh…
Could you handle a why choose this dark or would you run?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nothing and I mean NOTHING could have prepared me for finishing this duet. I feel like there is a hole carved in my heart in the shape of this duet.
I literally ignored my responsibilities irl along with my (already) messed-up sleep schedule. I feel like my brain experienced a mind-blowing and extremely satisfying orgasm from this book (which sounds insane to say).
This book is extremely dark, messed-up, bloody, brutally honest, and depraved. It starts with a couple (MFM) leading their people into a war which they know might end them. There are realistic fears written in beautiful, lyrical prose. There are 2000 depraved things the characters do within this book and the ending, it broke me apart so bad. I literally couldn't see the letters on my screen because my tears were blurring my sight.
There is a war brewing and there are jarring twists at every turn. The dystopian world building of this book made me cry. The measurement of one's value and worth done by their genitalia and the amount of reproduction. The women being used as tools in that world while they deserve SO MUCH better. It is disgustingly accurate to the situations in some places around the world.
These crazy characters go through so many obstacles and hurdles in this book, it legit makes my heart break. Like wdym they can't throw bombs at those three places and live happily ever after? 💔
I literally tried delaying the last 190 pages so much because it was the part I dreaded. The War. I knew the deaths would break me and what did I do? I gulped down those chapters like a woman dying from thirst. I stared at my wall for 17 minutes straight while thinking if I would be able to take back the piece of my heart that has been given away to this book?
This author has my soul. I love her writing, I love her depraved brain and I love her as a person. I love how she stomped all over my heart and ripped apart every part of my brain. Dude I'm reading every book she released atp.
The first book of this duet is 'Cold Blooded Creatures' which is available on KU!
PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING. IT IS EXTREMELY DARK AND NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED PEOPLE. THEY WILL LITERALLY COLLAPSE.
Thank you for listening to me talk about my love for this book,
Lovingly yours,
Uzia.
I literally ignored my responsibilities irl along with my (already) messed-up sleep schedule. I feel like my brain experienced a mind-blowing and extremely satisfying orgasm from this book (which sounds insane to say).
This book is extremely dark, messed-up, bloody, brutally honest, and depraved. It starts with a couple (MFM) leading their people into a war which they know might end them. There are realistic fears written in beautiful, lyrical prose. There are 2000 depraved things the characters do within this book and the ending, it broke me apart so bad. I literally couldn't see the letters on my screen because my tears were blurring my sight.
There is a war brewing and there are jarring twists at every turn. The dystopian world building of this book made me cry. The measurement of one's value and worth done by their genitalia and the amount of reproduction. The women being used as tools in that world while they deserve SO MUCH better. It is disgustingly accurate to the situations in some places around the world.
These crazy characters go through so many obstacles and hurdles in this book, it legit makes my heart break. Like wdym they can't throw bombs at those three places and live happily ever after? 💔
I literally tried delaying the last 190 pages so much because it was the part I dreaded. The War. I knew the deaths would break me and what did I do? I gulped down those chapters like a woman dying from thirst. I stared at my wall for 17 minutes straight while thinking if I would be able to take back the piece of my heart that has been given away to this book?
This author has my soul. I love her writing, I love her depraved brain and I love her as a person. I love how she stomped all over my heart and ripped apart every part of my brain. Dude I'm reading every book she released atp.
The first book of this duet is 'Cold Blooded Creatures' which is available on KU!
PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING. IT IS EXTREMELY DARK AND NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED PEOPLE. THEY WILL LITERALLY COLLAPSE.
Thank you for listening to me talk about my love for this book,
Lovingly yours,
Uzia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OH! MY! GOD! book two really just hit differently because all three of them grew so much, not just individually but together too, and watching that unfold felt kind of special. kali learning to let go of everything she’s been conditioned to believe her whole life and slowly accepting that she doesn’t have to fight alone anymore, that people can care without expecting anything back, that she deserves softness as much as she gives strength… that got me, she’s so fierce but there’s this vulnerability underneath that makes you just admire her even more. zion is still his chaotic, unhinged, pretty boy self (and yes… the perfect booty remains iconic) but seeing him accept that what he has with kali and gedeon is actually real and not something that’s going to disappear, that was such a quiet but important shift, and he just brings this strange kind of lightness that makes you smile even in heavier moments. gedeon though… his arc was on another level, watching him slowly thaw, loosen that grip he has on everything, and face the fear of losing people instead of letting it control him, it felt like peeling back layers of someone who doesn’t know how to love without control, and seeing him become more affectionate while still being very much himself was so satisfying. the pacing and overall message of the story just pulls you in too, it’s not just about them but about fighting for something bigger, standing with people willing to risk everything for change, and reminding you that there’s so much more to a person than what’s on the surface. the emotional depth between the three of them is intense, messy, a little unhinged in the best way, but also really beautiful in how much they bleed for each other no matter what. and the writing… it just wraps around you, it’s bold and immersive and doesn’t hold back, there were moments that genuinely hurt to read and others where I just had to sit there and process because it hit that deeply, and honestly it’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I need everyone to stop what they’re doing and read this immediately because this book absolutely consumed me. This wasn’t just a sequel, this was chaos, heartbreak, obsession, blood, glitter, grief, and love stitched together in the most addicting way possible. I read this in one sitting and genuinely could not put it down. From page one, my pulse was racing.
The character development in this trio? Unreal. Kali is an absolute force in this book. Watching her step into her power while finally allowing herself to be loved and protected had me feral. She is vicious, strong, and heartbreakingly human all at once.
And Gideon… this man. Watching him slowly unravel that ice-cold armor and learn to love through fear instead of letting it own him? Top-tier character arc. The emotional depth he brings to this story had me in my feelings every other chapter.
But Zion. 🍑✨ Please. This dangerously pretty, completely unhinged psycho still owns my heart. He’s everything I loved in book one, but this time we get the vulnerability underneath the violence, and it absolutely wrecked me. Seeing him realize his family is real and not just something his mind created? I wanted to hold him and then immediately let him commit several felonies in peace.
The MMF tension in this book is absolutely feral. It’s dark, filthy, emotionally devastating, and somehow still incredibly intimate. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts, obsessive in the best possible way, and the spice? INCINERATING.
And just when you think this story can’t possibly break you more, it does. The betrayals, the losses, the constant who can you even trust energy had me spiraling. But the ending? So beautifully hard-won. Watching this trio burn down a corrupt system and fight for freedom while piecing themselves back together gave me everything I wanted and more.
This book is dark romance perfection: brutal, emotional, devastatingly hot, and impossible to stop thinking about.
Check your triggers and then don’t make any plans until you’re finish this duet 🖤 I was SPOILT to get to read this.
The character development in this trio? Unreal. Kali is an absolute force in this book. Watching her step into her power while finally allowing herself to be loved and protected had me feral. She is vicious, strong, and heartbreakingly human all at once.
And Gideon… this man. Watching him slowly unravel that ice-cold armor and learn to love through fear instead of letting it own him? Top-tier character arc. The emotional depth he brings to this story had me in my feelings every other chapter.
But Zion. 🍑✨ Please. This dangerously pretty, completely unhinged psycho still owns my heart. He’s everything I loved in book one, but this time we get the vulnerability underneath the violence, and it absolutely wrecked me. Seeing him realize his family is real and not just something his mind created? I wanted to hold him and then immediately let him commit several felonies in peace.
The MMF tension in this book is absolutely feral. It’s dark, filthy, emotionally devastating, and somehow still incredibly intimate. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts, obsessive in the best possible way, and the spice? INCINERATING.
And just when you think this story can’t possibly break you more, it does. The betrayals, the losses, the constant who can you even trust energy had me spiraling. But the ending? So beautifully hard-won. Watching this trio burn down a corrupt system and fight for freedom while piecing themselves back together gave me everything I wanted and more.
This book is dark romance perfection: brutal, emotional, devastatingly hot, and impossible to stop thinking about.
Check your triggers and then don’t make any plans until you’re finish this duet 🖤 I was SPOILT to get to read this.
April 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Hot Blooded Hearts by @arisa.villar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much for my ARC @arisa.villar - I have been obsessing about part 2 of this duet for months but it was worth the wait!!!
Wow - this book, no this series is a ride!!! If you like dystopian fiction but feel like there is not enough romance in it - this is absolutely the duet for you. It’s dark, it’s angry, it forces you to think of a world that’s in my opinion doesn’t feel that far away any more and frankly it’s brilliant.
Both books are epic both in plot but also in length. Both topping well over pages so you do have to brace yourself slightly but the plot does require a longer read. Hot Blooded Hearts follows directly after Cold Blooded Creatures and that cliff hanger (iykyk) and continues with all the raw emotion, anger and rage (and I mean that as an absolute compliment.
I loved Zion in book 1 and I continue to adore him. Still absolutely unhinged; so many red flags but at the same time in his own unique adorable. He was the star of the book for me - he absolutely made it. The exploration of his character and personality felt really beautiful and it made me love him more. If you read Cold Blooded Creatures you know there is a lot of characters in the plot and they all continue to feature - this isn’t the story of two characters; it’s the story of a community.
Somehow @arisa.villar has managed to write a plot which feels like you are part of a revolution but still has all the 🌶️ you could ever want and there is plenty of 🌶️ in there. At times I felt like I was a member of the revolution.
I feel like this is the story of Zion and Gideon and it’s beautiful. We delve into their history and all the angst between them, while their relationship fully progresses. It’s beautiful; Kali is still present and a bad ass but I feel like book one was absolutely her story but in book 2 she is less vital. It’s nice she is still there and we get to enjoy some why choose moments but if this had become solely MM I don’t think I would have missed out or been too upset.
Hot Blooded Hearts by @arisa.villar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much for my ARC @arisa.villar - I have been obsessing about part 2 of this duet for months but it was worth the wait!!!
Wow - this book, no this series is a ride!!! If you like dystopian fiction but feel like there is not enough romance in it - this is absolutely the duet for you. It’s dark, it’s angry, it forces you to think of a world that’s in my opinion doesn’t feel that far away any more and frankly it’s brilliant.
Both books are epic both in plot but also in length. Both topping well over pages so you do have to brace yourself slightly but the plot does require a longer read. Hot Blooded Hearts follows directly after Cold Blooded Creatures and that cliff hanger (iykyk) and continues with all the raw emotion, anger and rage (and I mean that as an absolute compliment.
I loved Zion in book 1 and I continue to adore him. Still absolutely unhinged; so many red flags but at the same time in his own unique adorable. He was the star of the book for me - he absolutely made it. The exploration of his character and personality felt really beautiful and it made me love him more. If you read Cold Blooded Creatures you know there is a lot of characters in the plot and they all continue to feature - this isn’t the story of two characters; it’s the story of a community.
Somehow @arisa.villar has managed to write a plot which feels like you are part of a revolution but still has all the 🌶️ you could ever want and there is plenty of 🌶️ in there. At times I felt like I was a member of the revolution.
I feel like this is the story of Zion and Gideon and it’s beautiful. We delve into their history and all the angst between them, while their relationship fully progresses. It’s beautiful; Kali is still present and a bad ass but I feel like book one was absolutely her story but in book 2 she is less vital. It’s nice she is still there and we get to enjoy some why choose moments but if this had become solely MM I don’t think I would have missed out or been too upset.
Review of advance copy received from Author
DELICIOUSLY SPICY. Like… I needed to stare at a wall and rethink my life choices kind of spicy.
Book two of the Bleeding Souls duet and SHE. DELIVERED.
This dark dystopian romance does not hold your hand, does not apologise, and absolutely does not tone itself down. The plot flows so well from book one and just escalates everything… higher stakes, deeper chaos, and characters fully stepping into their power.
Kali??? My girl said growth and chose violence. The development??? Elite. Watching her come into her own while the MMCs are just standing there in awe of her ruthlessness… perfection.
And Zion… as established in book one, that is my husband. But I will allow sharing because you all NEED to experience this man.
Also can we talk about Shadow for a second??? Little icon. Emotional support menace. Would commit crimes for him.
The spice in this book is actually unhinged in the best way. If you thought book one was a lot… respectfully, you were not prepared. This book leans fully into its dark romance roots with obsession, possession, and some very morally questionable behaviour 👀
Tropes:
Why choose
War / dystopian setting
Psycho MMC, bone carver MMC, and a stabby FMC who matches their energy
Soft only for her
Betrayal
Punishment scenes
Kidnapping to enemies to lovers
Morally grey… no actually dark grey
Found family
Many MANY kinks
Please check trigger warnings before reading because this world is violent, dark, and very much not for the faint of heart 🫶🏻
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (5/5 energy because I’m still recovering)
Spice Level: 5
Sweaty, feral, “I need to repent immediately” levels of spice.
Bonus Book Gremlin Thoughts:
Zion could absolutely ruin my life and I would say thank you for the character development. Also Kali is the moment, the standard, and the reason I fear women (respectfully).
Book two of the Bleeding Souls duet and SHE. DELIVERED.
This dark dystopian romance does not hold your hand, does not apologise, and absolutely does not tone itself down. The plot flows so well from book one and just escalates everything… higher stakes, deeper chaos, and characters fully stepping into their power.
Kali??? My girl said growth and chose violence. The development??? Elite. Watching her come into her own while the MMCs are just standing there in awe of her ruthlessness… perfection.
And Zion… as established in book one, that is my husband. But I will allow sharing because you all NEED to experience this man.
Also can we talk about Shadow for a second??? Little icon. Emotional support menace. Would commit crimes for him.
The spice in this book is actually unhinged in the best way. If you thought book one was a lot… respectfully, you were not prepared. This book leans fully into its dark romance roots with obsession, possession, and some very morally questionable behaviour 👀
Tropes:
Why choose
War / dystopian setting
Psycho MMC, bone carver MMC, and a stabby FMC who matches their energy
Soft only for her
Betrayal
Punishment scenes
Kidnapping to enemies to lovers
Morally grey… no actually dark grey
Found family
Many MANY kinks
Please check trigger warnings before reading because this world is violent, dark, and very much not for the faint of heart 🫶🏻
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (5/5 energy because I’m still recovering)
Spice Level: 5
Sweaty, feral, “I need to repent immediately” levels of spice.
Bonus Book Gremlin Thoughts:
Zion could absolutely ruin my life and I would say thank you for the character development. Also Kali is the moment, the standard, and the reason I fear women (respectfully).
Review of advance copy received from Author
DARK, INTENSE, and EMOTIONALLY WRECKING—in the best way.
Hot Blooded Hearts was such a satisfying, well-paced dark dystopian romance. I was completely consumed from start to finish. Arisa Villar delivers again. Her writing is immersive and emotionally charged, pulling you deep into a brutal, broken world where love and violence are constantly intertwined. The character development truly stood out, and the twists and betrayals kept me glued to the pages.
💃 Kali’s growth was one of my favorite parts of this book. She’s fierce, resilient, and stronger than ever. I loved watching her finally accept her worth and realize she doesn’t have to carry everything alone. Her slow rebuilding of trust with Gedeon felt real and earned—she didn’t just forgive and forget, which made it all the more powerful.
🩸 Zion is still his beautifully unhinged self—in the best way. Chaotic, intense, and yes still a pretty boy with that confidence we love. I also loved how he finally accepts that having Kali and Gedeon in his life is real and not a hallucination.
🧠 Gedeon had the most impactful character arc for me. Watching him confront his fear of loss instead of being controlled by it added so much depth. His journey toward choosing love despite that fear was incredibly compelling. I also loved getting more of his backstory with Zion—it added another layer to their dynamic.
I’m obsessed with this trio. They are absolutely feral in the best way—messy, devoted, violent, and loyal. Watching them take down Ilasall and burn a corrupt system to the ground was deeply satisfying. They don’t just love each other—they fight, bleed, and survive together.
This was a fantastic second installment in the Bleeding Souls series, and it absolutely delivered.
⚠️ Please check TWs before reading—this is a dark romance with heavy themes.
Thank you to Arisa Villar for the gifted ARC!
Hot Blooded Hearts was such a satisfying, well-paced dark dystopian romance. I was completely consumed from start to finish. Arisa Villar delivers again. Her writing is immersive and emotionally charged, pulling you deep into a brutal, broken world where love and violence are constantly intertwined. The character development truly stood out, and the twists and betrayals kept me glued to the pages.
💃 Kali’s growth was one of my favorite parts of this book. She’s fierce, resilient, and stronger than ever. I loved watching her finally accept her worth and realize she doesn’t have to carry everything alone. Her slow rebuilding of trust with Gedeon felt real and earned—she didn’t just forgive and forget, which made it all the more powerful.
🩸 Zion is still his beautifully unhinged self—in the best way. Chaotic, intense, and yes still a pretty boy with that confidence we love. I also loved how he finally accepts that having Kali and Gedeon in his life is real and not a hallucination.
🧠 Gedeon had the most impactful character arc for me. Watching him confront his fear of loss instead of being controlled by it added so much depth. His journey toward choosing love despite that fear was incredibly compelling. I also loved getting more of his backstory with Zion—it added another layer to their dynamic.
I’m obsessed with this trio. They are absolutely feral in the best way—messy, devoted, violent, and loyal. Watching them take down Ilasall and burn a corrupt system to the ground was deeply satisfying. They don’t just love each other—they fight, bleed, and survive together.
This was a fantastic second installment in the Bleeding Souls series, and it absolutely delivered.
⚠️ Please check TWs before reading—this is a dark romance with heavy themes.
Thank you to Arisa Villar for the gifted ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Twisted. Filthy. Devourable.
Can we applaud the development of this story and how well it's written??
Zion, Kali, and Gedeon are tested through insurmountable circumstances that they together overcome with the strength that only comes from those who have fought to survive and are now fighting to not just survive but to live. The story takes some deep turns with surprises I didn't expect Gedeon to go through but he's never alone. Despite the war brewing, this trio is prioritizing more than just winning or the potential to lose, they are prioritizing maintaining their own vulnerabilities in the best way they can - feral, unhinged and depraved play. Even when you think the fight is over, the author manages to surprise you by throwing in more twists that make the ending pure bittersweet and hard won. They are facing off with more than just the harsh ruling of Ilasall and burning it down but also facing deception, betrayal from those who are closest to them. One thing remains certain - that they are going to free the victims of reproductive and systemic oppression, misogyny and ideologies of corrupt men even if the cost is their lives.
The pacing and core of this story is brilliant and imbuing to fight injustice, take up ranks with those willing to die for not only peace but for change, for what's right. They are fighting to win at whatever costs and this story is powerful in its statement that there is more to a person than their ability to carry a life. To look past a person's surface level traits and truly look within. Zion, Kali and Gedeon have such profound emotional depth and the way they bleed for each other in all circumstances is one to admire even if it's severely unhinged in all the best ways!
Can we applaud the development of this story and how well it's written??
Zion, Kali, and Gedeon are tested through insurmountable circumstances that they together overcome with the strength that only comes from those who have fought to survive and are now fighting to not just survive but to live. The story takes some deep turns with surprises I didn't expect Gedeon to go through but he's never alone. Despite the war brewing, this trio is prioritizing more than just winning or the potential to lose, they are prioritizing maintaining their own vulnerabilities in the best way they can - feral, unhinged and depraved play. Even when you think the fight is over, the author manages to surprise you by throwing in more twists that make the ending pure bittersweet and hard won. They are facing off with more than just the harsh ruling of Ilasall and burning it down but also facing deception, betrayal from those who are closest to them. One thing remains certain - that they are going to free the victims of reproductive and systemic oppression, misogyny and ideologies of corrupt men even if the cost is their lives.
The pacing and core of this story is brilliant and imbuing to fight injustice, take up ranks with those willing to die for not only peace but for change, for what's right. They are fighting to win at whatever costs and this story is powerful in its statement that there is more to a person than their ability to carry a life. To look past a person's surface level traits and truly look within. Zion, Kali and Gedeon have such profound emotional depth and the way they bleed for each other in all circumstances is one to admire even if it's severely unhinged in all the best ways!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Going back into Kali, Gedeon, and Zion’s world felt like coming home but the kind that completely wrecks you in the process.
Hot Blooded Hearts absolutely consumed me from the very first page. I already had high expectations, and somehow, they were completely blown out of the water. The character development alone deserves so much praise…every emotion felt raw, intentional, and deeply personal. You don’t just read what these characters go through… you feel it with them.
Kali’s journey especially hit hard. There’s something so powerful about the way her strength and vulnerability coexist, and it made her incredibly real to me. And Gedeon and Zion? The complexity, the tension, the depth in their relationships…it’s all written so beautifully messy and intense that you can’t look away.
Arisa’s writing style is on another level. It’s immersive, emotional, and unapologetically bold. The way she captures pain, love, desire, and everything in between is honestly addictive. There were moments that completely shattered me, and others that had me just sitting there, trying to process everything I’d just read.
And yes this book is dark. It’s heavy, it pushes boundaries, and it absolutely does not hold back. The spice is intense, the themes are gritty, and it’s definitely not a light read. Please check your trigger warnings before diving in. That said, if you’re someone who loves emotionally charged, darker romance with depth and edge, this is 100% worth it.
This book broke me in the most beautiful way, and I’m still thinking about it long after finishing. Arisa has truly cemented herself as one of my favourite authors, and I cannot wait to see where she takes this world next.
An unforgettable, intense, and emotionally devastating read in the best possible way. 🩷
Hot Blooded Hearts absolutely consumed me from the very first page. I already had high expectations, and somehow, they were completely blown out of the water. The character development alone deserves so much praise…every emotion felt raw, intentional, and deeply personal. You don’t just read what these characters go through… you feel it with them.
Kali’s journey especially hit hard. There’s something so powerful about the way her strength and vulnerability coexist, and it made her incredibly real to me. And Gedeon and Zion? The complexity, the tension, the depth in their relationships…it’s all written so beautifully messy and intense that you can’t look away.
Arisa’s writing style is on another level. It’s immersive, emotional, and unapologetically bold. The way she captures pain, love, desire, and everything in between is honestly addictive. There were moments that completely shattered me, and others that had me just sitting there, trying to process everything I’d just read.
And yes this book is dark. It’s heavy, it pushes boundaries, and it absolutely does not hold back. The spice is intense, the themes are gritty, and it’s definitely not a light read. Please check your trigger warnings before diving in. That said, if you’re someone who loves emotionally charged, darker romance with depth and edge, this is 100% worth it.
This book broke me in the most beautiful way, and I’m still thinking about it long after finishing. Arisa has truly cemented herself as one of my favourite authors, and I cannot wait to see where she takes this world next.
An unforgettable, intense, and emotionally devastating read in the best possible way. 🩷
April 12, 2026
Here is the bright side, I read book 1 about 2 weeks before I started book 2 meaning I didn't need to wait that long after the cliffhanger lol. Secondly, as someone who didn't originally have dystopian romance on my radar, Arisa Villar has officially made me a believer. This isn't just a sequel; it’s a high-stakes, "blood-and-glitter" journey through grief, war, and the kind of love that can only be forged in a wasteland. I read this in one sitting, and let me tell you—my heart was in my throat from page one.
The evolution of our trio in this book is nothing short of breathtaking. Kali had me in awe with her vicious strength as she finally learned to stop fighting alone and accept that she is worthy of being cared for. Watching Gedeon finally thaw his heart and loosen his grip—learning to love through the fear of loss instead of letting it control him—was the character arc I didn't know I needed. And then there’s Zion. 🍑✨ He is still the unhinged, "pretty boy" psycho I fell for in book one, but seeing his vulnerability as he realizes his family is real and not a hallucination? I wanted to hug him and then hide behind him while he chose violence. The MMF dynamic is feral, depraved, and yet so deeply emotional that you’ll find yourself bleeding for them.
This book is a rollercoaster of "who can you trust?" and the losses in this story absolutely wrecked me. But through the tragedy and the incinerating, filthy spice (seriously, Chapter 56 was just the beginning—the heat in this book is on a whole other level), Arisa weaves a hard-won ending that put my shattered pieces back together. It’s a powerful statement that there is more to a person than their ability to carry life, and watching this trio burn down a corrupt system to free others was everything.
The evolution of our trio in this book is nothing short of breathtaking. Kali had me in awe with her vicious strength as she finally learned to stop fighting alone and accept that she is worthy of being cared for. Watching Gedeon finally thaw his heart and loosen his grip—learning to love through the fear of loss instead of letting it control him—was the character arc I didn't know I needed. And then there’s Zion. 🍑✨ He is still the unhinged, "pretty boy" psycho I fell for in book one, but seeing his vulnerability as he realizes his family is real and not a hallucination? I wanted to hug him and then hide behind him while he chose violence. The MMF dynamic is feral, depraved, and yet so deeply emotional that you’ll find yourself bleeding for them.
This book is a rollercoaster of "who can you trust?" and the losses in this story absolutely wrecked me. But through the tragedy and the incinerating, filthy spice (seriously, Chapter 56 was just the beginning—the heat in this book is on a whole other level), Arisa weaves a hard-won ending that put my shattered pieces back together. It’s a powerful statement that there is more to a person than their ability to carry life, and watching this trio burn down a corrupt system to free others was everything.
April 13, 2026
Arisa Villar delivers an absolute powerhouse of a dark dystopian romance with Hot Blooded Hearts, a sequel that raise the stakes and deepens the emotional scars of its characters. This story is a high-stakes rollercoaster that pulls you into a brutal, broken world where love and violence are inextricably linked. Following a traumatic event, Kali and Zion must navigate a landscape of betrayal while the drums of war grow louder. The atmosphere is so immersive and the pacing so relentless that I was completely consumed from the first page to the last.
The character development is the heartbeat of this novel, particularly the evolution of Kali. She emerges as a fierce, resilient leader who finally sheds the weight of solitude to embrace her worth within her found family. Her slow-burn rebuilding of trust with Gedeon feels incredibly earned, adding a profound layer of depth as he confronts his own fear of loss to choose love. Meanwhile, Zion remains his beautifully unhinged and confident self, and watching him realize that his connection with Kali and Gedeon is a tangible reality rather than a hallucination provides some of the book's most touching moments.
Together, this trio is feral, messy, and utterly devoted. Their journey to dismantle a corrupt system and take down Ilasall is as visceral as it is satisfying. With top-tier spice, shocking twists, and a gritty sense of rebellion, Villar has crafted a stunning successor in the Bleeding Souls series. It is a violent, beautiful, and emotionally charged triumph that is impossible to put down.
⚠️ Content Warning: This is a dark romance featuring heavy themes and graphic content. Please review all trigger warnings before reading.
The character development is the heartbeat of this novel, particularly the evolution of Kali. She emerges as a fierce, resilient leader who finally sheds the weight of solitude to embrace her worth within her found family. Her slow-burn rebuilding of trust with Gedeon feels incredibly earned, adding a profound layer of depth as he confronts his own fear of loss to choose love. Meanwhile, Zion remains his beautifully unhinged and confident self, and watching him realize that his connection with Kali and Gedeon is a tangible reality rather than a hallucination provides some of the book's most touching moments.
Together, this trio is feral, messy, and utterly devoted. Their journey to dismantle a corrupt system and take down Ilasall is as visceral as it is satisfying. With top-tier spice, shocking twists, and a gritty sense of rebellion, Villar has crafted a stunning successor in the Bleeding Souls series. It is a violent, beautiful, and emotionally charged triumph that is impossible to put down.
⚠️ Content Warning: This is a dark romance featuring heavy themes and graphic content. Please review all trigger warnings before reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review:
I’m writing this after finishing the book, and honestly… my feelings are very similar to book one, just more intense.
The story definitely escalates here. The stakes are higher, everything is darker, and the emotional tension is pushed further, especially with the war element and everything surrounding Gedeon, Zion, and Kali’s dynamic. You can feel the pressure building constantly, which kept me reading.
Gedeon and Zion continue to carry this for me. Their bond, their history, the way they move around each other, it all feels real and grounded in a way that makes sense. There’s depth there, and I genuinely enjoy every scene involving them. Zion especially stood out more to me in this one, his development is noticeable and I liked seeing more layers to him.
But Kali… I still don’t connect with her.
I kept waiting for that moment where it would click, where I’d understand why she’s the one, why she holds so much weight in their dynamic, and I just didn’t fully get there. She still feels very surface-level to me compared to the emotional depth between Gedeon and Zion.
And again, this affects the romance.
I still don’t completely believe the chemistry between Kali and either of them. The intensity is there, the obsession is there, but the why is still missing for me. Meanwhile, the connection between Gedeon and Zion continues to feel the most natural and convincing part of the relationship dynamic.
That said, the book is still very readable. The writing flows well, it’s not overly complicated, and it balances plot and spice in a way that keeps things moving. There are moments that hit hard, and the darker tone definitely stands out more here.
I’m writing this after finishing the book, and honestly… my feelings are very similar to book one, just more intense.
The story definitely escalates here. The stakes are higher, everything is darker, and the emotional tension is pushed further, especially with the war element and everything surrounding Gedeon, Zion, and Kali’s dynamic. You can feel the pressure building constantly, which kept me reading.
Gedeon and Zion continue to carry this for me. Their bond, their history, the way they move around each other, it all feels real and grounded in a way that makes sense. There’s depth there, and I genuinely enjoy every scene involving them. Zion especially stood out more to me in this one, his development is noticeable and I liked seeing more layers to him.
But Kali… I still don’t connect with her.
I kept waiting for that moment where it would click, where I’d understand why she’s the one, why she holds so much weight in their dynamic, and I just didn’t fully get there. She still feels very surface-level to me compared to the emotional depth between Gedeon and Zion.
And again, this affects the romance.
I still don’t completely believe the chemistry between Kali and either of them. The intensity is there, the obsession is there, but the why is still missing for me. Meanwhile, the connection between Gedeon and Zion continues to feel the most natural and convincing part of the relationship dynamic.
That said, the book is still very readable. The writing flows well, it’s not overly complicated, and it balances plot and spice in a way that keeps things moving. There are moments that hit hard, and the darker tone definitely stands out more here.
April 26, 2026
Arisa Villar's final novel Hot Blooded Hearts in her Bleeding Souls Duet was spicy, unhinged, and emotional. It was also so dark I had to set it down and walk away several times. This book gave dark romance a new meaning for me.
Book two picked up where book one left off. The emotional damage you were left with at the end of book one definitely continued into book two. The heartache and pain the characters felt was so raw it ripped my heart out. The beginning of the book seemed to focus more on character development and then, toward the end, switched to plot development. The pace seemed slow as the characters developed, and when it switched to plot development, the pace definitely picked back up.
The relationship between Kali, Zion ,and Gedeon was complicated, intense, and in every way spicy and unhinged. While the relationships they had with other characters in the book, like lifelong friends and new friends alike, were heartfelt and beautiful. This book, by far, had some of the spiciest scenes I have ever read.
I appreciated that each chapter was dedicated to either Kali, Zion, or Gedeon, so you were able to understand each of them on a deeper level. Be warned this book has some dark themes. With war, a society with ideals that sex and fertility are commodities, and a belief that you never truly know if the day could be your last, it often had me thinking of the darkness in our own world.
Every character in this book was morally black. There is never truly a happy ending in a book that contains war, but you could say that with all the loss, some peace and happiness did come at the end. This book is definitely one I will recommend to the fans of dark, dark romance.
Book two picked up where book one left off. The emotional damage you were left with at the end of book one definitely continued into book two. The heartache and pain the characters felt was so raw it ripped my heart out. The beginning of the book seemed to focus more on character development and then, toward the end, switched to plot development. The pace seemed slow as the characters developed, and when it switched to plot development, the pace definitely picked back up.
The relationship between Kali, Zion ,and Gedeon was complicated, intense, and in every way spicy and unhinged. While the relationships they had with other characters in the book, like lifelong friends and new friends alike, were heartfelt and beautiful. This book, by far, had some of the spiciest scenes I have ever read.
I appreciated that each chapter was dedicated to either Kali, Zion, or Gedeon, so you were able to understand each of them on a deeper level. Be warned this book has some dark themes. With war, a society with ideals that sex and fertility are commodities, and a belief that you never truly know if the day could be your last, it often had me thinking of the darkness in our own world.
Every character in this book was morally black. There is never truly a happy ending in a book that contains war, but you could say that with all the loss, some peace and happiness did come at the end. This book is definitely one I will recommend to the fans of dark, dark romance.
Review of advance copy
Okay… I can breathe now I’ve finished this book 😅 but WOW. It had me feeling everything.
At 91% I was still thinking “how on earth is this going to wrap up in a way I actually like, and not leave me in a brutal book hangover like the first one?”… and somehow, she pulled it off.
I laughed uncontrollably, I sobbed, and I genuinely loved every single minute.
Zion’s character growth?? OBSESSED. He’s not just this unhinged psycho anymore (well… not just that 👀). He’s layered, funny, and honestly the humour surprised me in the best way. His bond with Kali is absolute perfection. And I’m sorry but the naked scene with butt wiggles?? Elite. No notes.
And let’s TALK about the spice 🌶️ because it is unreal. There is a LOT of smut in this book—so if you love a spicy read, this one is absolutely for you.
The writing itself was brilliant. You can really feel how it builds on the first book, and I was completely immersed in the world. There are so many little details that deserve applause, even if I can’t list them all.
One thing I will say, at times there was maybe a little too much detail in certain scenes, and I found myself wishing we got a bit more of the war side of things. But honestly, it didn’t take away from how much I loved the story overall.
And the characters?? I love SO many of them.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
Stop reading now if you don’t want spoilers…
Gedeon being a sneaky little menace hiding away had me raging, but the moment Zion realised he was alive?? I was literally kicking my feet in excitement.
Honestly… I just loved everything. Every chaotic, emotional, unhinged second of it.
At 91% I was still thinking “how on earth is this going to wrap up in a way I actually like, and not leave me in a brutal book hangover like the first one?”… and somehow, she pulled it off.
I laughed uncontrollably, I sobbed, and I genuinely loved every single minute.
Zion’s character growth?? OBSESSED. He’s not just this unhinged psycho anymore (well… not just that 👀). He’s layered, funny, and honestly the humour surprised me in the best way. His bond with Kali is absolute perfection. And I’m sorry but the naked scene with butt wiggles?? Elite. No notes.
And let’s TALK about the spice 🌶️ because it is unreal. There is a LOT of smut in this book—so if you love a spicy read, this one is absolutely for you.
The writing itself was brilliant. You can really feel how it builds on the first book, and I was completely immersed in the world. There are so many little details that deserve applause, even if I can’t list them all.
One thing I will say, at times there was maybe a little too much detail in certain scenes, and I found myself wishing we got a bit more of the war side of things. But honestly, it didn’t take away from how much I loved the story overall.
And the characters?? I love SO many of them.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
Stop reading now if you don’t want spoilers…
Gedeon being a sneaky little menace hiding away had me raging, but the moment Zion realised he was alive?? I was literally kicking my feet in excitement.
Honestly… I just loved everything. Every chaotic, emotional, unhinged second of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was on edge the ENTIRE book! It really had me STRESSED until the end, but this was a great conclusion to the duet.
We see a more emotional side to Gedeon in this book, which I loved. It gave an emotional layer to the book, so there wasn’t just spice; however, around 60% of the book was spice. He is possessive and would burn the world down for Kali and Zion. I only wish there were more moments of him and Kali.
Zion completely stole the show for me. I am obsessed with the unhinged psycho that he is. His humour brings a much-needed lightness to the story, and his relationship with Kali develops so much in this book. The tension between him and Gedeon was intense and kept things so entertaining.
Kali grows so much throughout the books, and she has found a place where she is loved. I loved that she persevered, and her female rage was *chef’s kiss*. I was cheering for all of them the whole time to get their revenge.
That being said, there were a few pacing issues for me. The story started a little slow, but then the war and conflict felt rushed toward the end. With such a big buildup, I found myself wishing there had been more fighting scenes. At times, the book also felt slightly longer than necessary, with a few moments that didn’t feel essential to the main storyline. I also felt like certain scenes had a bit too much detail, which made me wish we had gotten more of the war itself.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book, and the characters completely carried the story for me. The emotional moments, the chaos, and the relationships made it such a fun ride, and I was definitely rooting for them the entire time.
We see a more emotional side to Gedeon in this book, which I loved. It gave an emotional layer to the book, so there wasn’t just spice; however, around 60% of the book was spice. He is possessive and would burn the world down for Kali and Zion. I only wish there were more moments of him and Kali.
Zion completely stole the show for me. I am obsessed with the unhinged psycho that he is. His humour brings a much-needed lightness to the story, and his relationship with Kali develops so much in this book. The tension between him and Gedeon was intense and kept things so entertaining.
Kali grows so much throughout the books, and she has found a place where she is loved. I loved that she persevered, and her female rage was *chef’s kiss*. I was cheering for all of them the whole time to get their revenge.
That being said, there were a few pacing issues for me. The story started a little slow, but then the war and conflict felt rushed toward the end. With such a big buildup, I found myself wishing there had been more fighting scenes. At times, the book also felt slightly longer than necessary, with a few moments that didn’t feel essential to the main storyline. I also felt like certain scenes had a bit too much detail, which made me wish we had gotten more of the war itself.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this book, and the characters completely carried the story for me. The emotional moments, the chaos, and the relationships made it such a fun ride, and I was definitely rooting for them the entire time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy from the author for review.
I was very excited to receive a copy of Hot Blooded Hearts to review after being awarded an ARC for Cold Blooded Creatures. The ending of CBC had left me yearning for more, especially to know if my suspicions about who the traitor was were correct.
Predictably, I figured that Gedeon was still alive so that didn't shock me. I did also guess correctly that Ezra was the traitor (I was still mad about it though.) And while I did anticipate the take over of the other two cities I did not see Ezra working with Ardaton so that was a nice surprise.
I enjoyed that the author didn't just give the information that Gedeon was alive at the beginning, so if that wasn't your suspicion then the way his chapters were written made it seem like he was a ghost watching over Kali and Zion. I also appreciated that the losses in the war were not just people without names and quite a large number of the names characters met their end (though Arisa can take back what she did to Ryder right now thank you very much!) Finally I did appreciate that Kali didn't just forgive Gedeon right away for his actions and it took a while for her to warm up to him again.
My only complaint is that I felt that some of the sex scenes got a little long winded. Don't get me wrong; I love a good sex scene in a dark romance, but I believe a little more tension and not being able to act on their urges could have gone a long way and made the sex in the book that much juicier.
4.75/5
I was very excited to receive a copy of Hot Blooded Hearts to review after being awarded an ARC for Cold Blooded Creatures. The ending of CBC had left me yearning for more, especially to know if my suspicions about who the traitor was were correct.
Predictably, I figured that Gedeon was still alive so that didn't shock me. I did also guess correctly that Ezra was the traitor (I was still mad about it though.) And while I did anticipate the take over of the other two cities I did not see Ezra working with Ardaton so that was a nice surprise.
I enjoyed that the author didn't just give the information that Gedeon was alive at the beginning, so if that wasn't your suspicion then the way his chapters were written made it seem like he was a ghost watching over Kali and Zion. I also appreciated that the losses in the war were not just people without names and quite a large number of the names characters met their end (though Arisa can take back what she did to Ryder right now thank you very much!) Finally I did appreciate that Kali didn't just forgive Gedeon right away for his actions and it took a while for her to warm up to him again.
My only complaint is that I felt that some of the sex scenes got a little long winded. Don't get me wrong; I love a good sex scene in a dark romance, but I believe a little more tension and not being able to act on their urges could have gone a long way and made the sex in the book that much juicier.
4.75/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shattered, caught in this books grip, I feel like I’ve been through a war! Did I make it out alive the other side, I think I did but I’m battered bruised and bleeding. The recovery after the his book will be intense, I will reread this series, I will recommend it and I will come out the other side, this will be a series I don’t think I’ll ever get out of my head even now I’m ready to reread. This is the war, the cut throated antics, the odds constantly stacked against our future, the freedom we crave!
Cold blooded creatures I thought was amazing and I knew this book would have to have a lot being the 2nd in the duology but omg did Arisa Villar bring everything. The twists, the turns, just amazing, the absolute devastation from parts I wasn’t expecting got me good. This book really just holds onto you, it’s one you cannot put down, that whole war was not rushed and I felt every bit of it. I swear I was feeling it like a character so that’s how you know it’s written so good.
This is a dark dystopian so definitely check the triggers before reading. It is told from 3 povs so you get huge insight into everything as it comes along.
Gedeon, Kali, Zion are going to have you addicted to their story, their personalities, the desire to end this war and take out the leaders. They are
The killer. The lost. The fallen.
Tormented. Hollowed. Sacrificed.
Read book 1 on the Bleeding Souls Duet now and then add this you won’t be disappointed! So many amazing characters you will meet in this series!
Cold blooded creatures I thought was amazing and I knew this book would have to have a lot being the 2nd in the duology but omg did Arisa Villar bring everything. The twists, the turns, just amazing, the absolute devastation from parts I wasn’t expecting got me good. This book really just holds onto you, it’s one you cannot put down, that whole war was not rushed and I felt every bit of it. I swear I was feeling it like a character so that’s how you know it’s written so good.
This is a dark dystopian so definitely check the triggers before reading. It is told from 3 povs so you get huge insight into everything as it comes along.
Gedeon, Kali, Zion are going to have you addicted to their story, their personalities, the desire to end this war and take out the leaders. They are
The killer. The lost. The fallen.
Tormented. Hollowed. Sacrificed.
Read book 1 on the Bleeding Souls Duet now and then add this you won’t be disappointed! So many amazing characters you will meet in this series!
April 3, 2026
What a second half of a duet! I was left feeling angry, shocked and sad when I finished Cold Blooded Creatures, and that didn’t change when I picked up Hot Blooded Hearts.
This book had me feeling sad, angry, anxious, overwhelmed, horny, excited and in love at the same damn time.
I won’t give too much away, we experience a lot of anger, heartbreak, revelations and celebrations in this book, but at what cost? Arisa has been sent my therapy bill, because wtaf did I just read??
❝𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐮𝐭-𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐜 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮? 𝐈𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝.❞
If you loved how crazy Zion was (❝𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡…” …… “𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐲.❞ )how brooding Gedeon was and bratty Kali was, well you’re in for a treat because this is ramped right up. Gedeon, who has kept a lid on his emotions, is starting to accept that he can love and be loved. That Zion, his best friend, can also be his lover and parter. That Kali, his kidnapee, can also love him and Zion simultaneously.
❝𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞.❞
If you thought some of the scenes were hot in CBC, get your vibe, get a glass of wine and get prepared 😏
❝𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐦, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞. 𝐀𝐦 𝐈 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫?❞
🖤MMF / why choose
🔪 A knife-obsessed MMC
🖤Touch her, and I will sever your fingers, use them to stir your whiskey, and then force you to drink it
🔪Soft only for her
🖤"Crawl to me." / "Kneel."
🔪A list of 137 depraved things
🖤Punishment scenes
🔪Just knowing she lived would be enough for him
🖤Training for war
🔪Betrayal
🖤Dystopian setting
🔪 Revenge
⭐️ 4.75/5
🌶️ 4/5
This book had me feeling sad, angry, anxious, overwhelmed, horny, excited and in love at the same damn time.
I won’t give too much away, we experience a lot of anger, heartbreak, revelations and celebrations in this book, but at what cost? Arisa has been sent my therapy bill, because wtaf did I just read??
❝𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐮𝐭-𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐜 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮? 𝐈𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝.❞
If you loved how crazy Zion was (❝𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡…” …… “𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐲.❞ )how brooding Gedeon was and bratty Kali was, well you’re in for a treat because this is ramped right up. Gedeon, who has kept a lid on his emotions, is starting to accept that he can love and be loved. That Zion, his best friend, can also be his lover and parter. That Kali, his kidnapee, can also love him and Zion simultaneously.
❝𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞.❞
If you thought some of the scenes were hot in CBC, get your vibe, get a glass of wine and get prepared 😏
❝𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐦, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞. 𝐀𝐦 𝐈 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫?❞
🖤MMF / why choose
🔪 A knife-obsessed MMC
🖤Touch her, and I will sever your fingers, use them to stir your whiskey, and then force you to drink it
🔪Soft only for her
🖤"Crawl to me." / "Kneel."
🔪A list of 137 depraved things
🖤Punishment scenes
🔪Just knowing she lived would be enough for him
🖤Training for war
🔪Betrayal
🖤Dystopian setting
🔪 Revenge
⭐️ 4.75/5
🌶️ 4/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
“you taste like addiction.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶��🌶🌶
My heart was wretched out and gradually put back together. Ms Villar this book hit me right in the feels!
Full of 'but what if?', "surely not!" And "holy shit!!" moments.
In book 2 of the bleeding souls duet we start back up on whqt has to be the biggest cliffhanger I have EVER read.
Gedeon, Zion and Kali as the leaders of one of three compounds outside of the city walls have to make so many hard decisions for the future of their community to the point where Gedeon makes the biggest decision without his partners knowing which will impact their trust in him, but also pull out some realisations about their throuple.
Full of secrets, traitors, totalitarian Control and the all consuming need to do right for womenkind in a masochistic dystopian world, Hot Blooded Hearts is such an action packed (plenty fighting and training scenes) emotional and spicy rollercoaster of a read.
If you enjoy Divergent or hunger games but want a darker why choose element with plenty of plot then this duo will be for you!
🔪A knife-obsessed MMC
💀Touch her, and I will sever your fingers, use them to stir your whiskey, and then force you to drink it
🖤Soft only for her
🔪"Crawl to me." / "Kneel." scenes
💀A list of 137 depraved things
🖤Punishment scenes
🔪Just knowing she lived would be enough for him
💀Training for war
🖤Betrayal
🔪Dystopian setting
💀 The best nicknames!
Cold Blooded Creatures is available Now
Hot Blooded Creatures is available on 16th April.
Thank you so much to @arisavillar for the opportunity to advance read HBC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶��🌶🌶
My heart was wretched out and gradually put back together. Ms Villar this book hit me right in the feels!
Full of 'but what if?', "surely not!" And "holy shit!!" moments.
In book 2 of the bleeding souls duet we start back up on whqt has to be the biggest cliffhanger I have EVER read.
Gedeon, Zion and Kali as the leaders of one of three compounds outside of the city walls have to make so many hard decisions for the future of their community to the point where Gedeon makes the biggest decision without his partners knowing which will impact their trust in him, but also pull out some realisations about their throuple.
Full of secrets, traitors, totalitarian Control and the all consuming need to do right for womenkind in a masochistic dystopian world, Hot Blooded Hearts is such an action packed (plenty fighting and training scenes) emotional and spicy rollercoaster of a read.
If you enjoy Divergent or hunger games but want a darker why choose element with plenty of plot then this duo will be for you!
🔪A knife-obsessed MMC
💀Touch her, and I will sever your fingers, use them to stir your whiskey, and then force you to drink it
🖤Soft only for her
🔪"Crawl to me." / "Kneel." scenes
💀A list of 137 depraved things
🖤Punishment scenes
🔪Just knowing she lived would be enough for him
💀Training for war
🖤Betrayal
🔪Dystopian setting
💀 The best nicknames!
Cold Blooded Creatures is available Now
Hot Blooded Creatures is available on 16th April.
Thank you so much to @arisavillar for the opportunity to advance read HBC
April 16, 2026
This is the second book in this duology, and I couldn’t wait to get it. This first book was intense in plot as well as the spice. This is not series for the weak heart and stomach. This was not a sweet romance that went smoothly and cozy. It is dark, raw and dirty. I struggled with the cliffhanger of book one but there was a lot that happened in book two and so many things made their relationships complicated and the edges sharp.
This book is about love, lust, loss and fighting for what is right no matter how hard it is to do so. All the characters are well written and their connections are clear. The battle has been waged and war has taken over. You need to read to understand this and more. In the Dystopian world things are never easy and the battle for survival never ends, even if war does. There is a great amount of suffering and sorrow in these kinds of times. The three main characters live through a lot of love and loss. It is not easy for them at all to do what is right.
I have so many opinions and things to say but I do not want to spoil any of them. This is quite a ride, and it is worth the read. I laughed and I cried and I worried about the characters and the situations they fell into. I love this series truly. The spicy scenes are intense and very steamy. They are not traditional and there is a fair bit of darkness and kink. The series name is right on point, Bleeding Souls truly accurate.
Be warned and make sure to read the trigger warnings before reading this series. Your mental health is very important.
This book is about love, lust, loss and fighting for what is right no matter how hard it is to do so. All the characters are well written and their connections are clear. The battle has been waged and war has taken over. You need to read to understand this and more. In the Dystopian world things are never easy and the battle for survival never ends, even if war does. There is a great amount of suffering and sorrow in these kinds of times. The three main characters live through a lot of love and loss. It is not easy for them at all to do what is right.
I have so many opinions and things to say but I do not want to spoil any of them. This is quite a ride, and it is worth the read. I laughed and I cried and I worried about the characters and the situations they fell into. I love this series truly. The spicy scenes are intense and very steamy. They are not traditional and there is a fair bit of darkness and kink. The series name is right on point, Bleeding Souls truly accurate.
Be warned and make sure to read the trigger warnings before reading this series. Your mental health is very important.
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