Pretty Cruel Villain

House of Cards #3

by Lena Hunt

Maura Matthews is beautiful, sharp-tongued, and utterly uninterested in romance—the perfect contract wife.

Except nothing about her feels like a transaction.

She's an artist who gets paint all over my furniture, laughs at my color-coded schedules, and sees through every wall I've built like they're made of glass.

I see her too. The way she flinches when her father enters a room. How she talks about the future like it's borrowed time—like she knows something I don't.

Something that could shatter us both.

I should walk away. Protect what's left of my frozen heart.

Instead, I have one year to get her pregnant—and one taste of her makes me want to burn the contract and keep her for good.

If my wife thinks I'll let anything take her from me now, she doesn't know what kind of villain she married.

Pretty Cruel Villain is a billionaire contract marriage romance with high-heat, a cold hero who cracks wide open, and a secret that changes everything. It is the third book in the House of Cards series but can be read as a complete standalone.

Genres: Marriage Of Convenience, Billionaire Romance, He Falls First, Forced Proximity, Romance

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

About the author

Lena Hunt is a Canadian author born and raised north of Toronto, which is the setting for her flagship series, House of Cards. She writes angsty contemporary romances with complex characters who bring the spice and banter in spades.

When she isn’t busy writing, she can be found listening to music at an unreasonable volume, wishing she was somewhere warmer, or spending quality time with her chaotic family.

Connect with Lena on Instagram: @authorlenahunt

Follow her on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/lenahunt

Reviews

[Taylor Gonser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars? This one was surprisingly pretty good. I feel like it was left kinda unfinished to set up for the next book which was a little disappointing

[Lovelettelore · Rating 5 out of 5]

He needed a color-coded contract; she needed an escape. What neither of them scheduled was falling in love. 🎨📊

📖 Pretty Cruel Villain by Lena Hunt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
Billionaire Romance

Tropes
💰 Billionaire MMC
🛡 Protective MMC
💍 Arranged marriage of convenience
👶 Contract baby clause
🩺 Secret illness
🏠 Found family
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine

Maura has always been a pawn in her father's games. A talented painter, she wasn't surprised when he arranged her marriage to boost his business—she was just relieved it gave her a way out. James is a man of strict schedules and cold logic who agrees to the arrangement to take his company to the next level. The catch? The contract requires a baby within the year. What starts as a clinical business deal quickly spirals into deep respect, friendship, and a chemistry neither of them saw coming.

I completely adored this book! The banter was so funny that even my husband noticed how much I was laughing out loud. It was engaging and lighthearted, especially the way they navigated the "duties" of their contract without unnecessary awkwardness. It’s not easy to write a contract marriage that feels this natural, but Lena Hunt nailed it.

Maura is such a beautiful character. Despite the abuse she suffered from her father, her spirit remained bright. I loved the descriptions of her art process—the minerals, gems, and stones she used. She’s incredibly resilient; even when she isn't at 100% due to her illness, she remains optimistic. She just wanted someone to see her instead of her diagnosis, and watching her find that with James was so moving. Plus, her little "tantrums" were actually so cute, especially since James didn't just cave in!

James is the ultimate schedule freak. He’s strict, relentless, and lives by a color-coded calendar. But seeing Maura slowly mess up his perfect lines was the best part. He becomes so protective, giving her the studio space she needs and never complaining about the artistic mess she leaves behind. He really learned how to give her the attention she craved.

Their chemistry starts as a "roommates-to-lovers" vibe and grows into something so much deeper. Their acceptance of one another is a total green flag—no forced drama, just two people learning to fit into each other's lives.

Honestly, my only complaint is that I wanted more! I would have loved an epilogue set years down the line to see them as parents, as that was such a big dream for Maura. I guess I'll just have to dive into the next books in the series to get my fix!

Thank you to The Author Agency and Lena Hunt for this ARC.

[sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: marriage of convenience/contract marriage, billionaire romance, cold mmc, opposites attract, only soft for her, he falls first, baby contract, chronic illness rep, found family, ceo x artist

I love a marriage of convenience with opposites attract and especially love a baby contract! Unfortunately, this one definitely fell below my expectations.

I really liked both main characters but I didn’t get super strong chemistry vibes from them together. The shift from just a contract marriage to more felt sudden due to the lack of emotional build up. Additionally, I was expecting more of an anti-hero vibe from the mmc with the title of the book and the blurb. Now I haven’t read the earlier books in the series so that assumption is on me.

The main thing that kept me from being fully invested in their story, is that it felt like so much happened off page, especially in the second half. Which is a shame because the story arc had so much potential to me. Also, as a certified spice lover, I found myself skimming a lot of it by 60%. It was really the only way the two connected and with the contract marriage, I wanted some more emotional build up between them outside of sex. There was so much opportunity for angst and character growth and we just never really got those on page discussions in my opinion.

Additionally, I was left disappointed with the chronic illness rep. It felt like we had this build up and a good pinnacle moment of mmc finding out but then it just fizzled out. Lastly, if pregnancy is going to be a main plot point for a romance… I need the birth on page!!

Overall, this unfortunately just wasn’t a hit for me but I can see it working better if you’re already a fan of the series. Especially as the found family with the friendship group is fairly strong.

Thank you to The Author Agency for eARC. Review is my honest opinion.

[Dawn Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

James and Maura’s story started off with the sweetest flashback! I was immediately hooked on this story!

This is book 3 and I enjoyed it so much!

Things I loved:
- James being so feral for Maura - the spice is 🥵
- Maura’s art and the details of how she does it all was super cool
- The found family aspect is so good - I loved the guy and girl group chats!
- James and Maura’s banter about his color coding and schedule obsession
- The support James gives her for her passion of art was perfection

My cons:
- I felt it ended abruptly (I understand the cliffhanger of Peppermint) without an epilogue or even Nate & Cat’s wedding which they were talking about two pages before it ends
- I didn’t like that Maura was not open with James when he let his walls down and she didn’t care to give him an important detail about herself
- No dating - even in a marriage contract there was no how they fell in love really and no big I love you moments to me

Thanks The Author Agency for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Madison Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW! Available now on KU!

Thank you so much Lena Hunt and The Author Agency for the ARC opportunity!

Rating: ★★★★/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes: Billionaire MMC, Protective MMC, Secret Illness, Found Family

This was the third book in the House Of Cards Series, and I loved it!

Maura was such a complex character, she had been through so much, no matter what she went through, it never dulled her spirit. Which is impressive, considering her dad is absolutely vile, he treats Maura like a pawn in his twisted games, but that doesn’t stop her from being an absolute badass.

In comes James, a hot, grumpy, billionaire who agrees to an arranged marriage with Maura as long as he can improve him company.. only there’s one small catch.

I loved their chemistry, some of James one liners had me actually near sweating, he could charm the pants off a snake, trust me. This was such a good story, I loved reading about Maura’s resilience and bravery, I can’t wait to see what else is to come💜

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like the villain wasn't James but was Maura. He was actually so sweet whereas she was kind of a spoilt brat that had tantrums and lied.

Bit bummed that this ended with a HFN and loose threads that will be picked up in the next story.

The sex was pretty hot but towards the end, dare I say that it was too much and I skimmed those scenes 🥱

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts I liked and some that I felt weren’t sussed out enough. The men in these books are a little too immature for my tastes (although this was one of the better MMCs) and the group dynamic doesn’t quite hit for me. Overall not a bad time but also not one of my favorites unfortunately.

[Jennifer W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a lot of fun. Mostly smut tho so if that’s not your thing or what you’re in the mood for, read something else 🤭

I did like the characters and seeing James melt for Maura was sweet 🥹 already said it’s mostly smut, but it’s good spice hehe 😮‍💨

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Anshika Pandey · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book title seems irrelevant to the story.

[ForeverBooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the preparation, I loved the struggle, I loved the praise and I loved how it was a big hurdle every time……

The Trope List
* contract marriage with a baby clause
* "that's my WIFE" with his whole chest
* found family friend group
* wicked banter
* billionaire "villain" hero with a ruthless reputation
* heroine with a devastating secret
* ice cold control freak × artistic chaos
* he falls first (and fights it the hardest)
* only soft for her
* “good girl" energy meets filthy praise
* the spice really did it for me


Some highlights:

“Tell me,” I urge her, finally. “Nothing you want is wrong, Maura—just negotiable.”
She looks back at me, her gaze full of resolve.
“I will not bring a child into the world with a man who intends to be an absent father,” she declares. “I know better than to expect any love between us, but you will love our child. They didn’t choose a contract relationship, so they deserve a present, loving father—unlike my own. Not holiday-only, not just for cameras. If anything happens to me, James, you have to make sure our child is raised in a warm, loving environment. If you can’t agree to that, there’s no deal.”
She folds her hands on the table and waits as my mind reels. Whatever I expected, it wasn’t that.
If I’m honest, I hadn’t thought far enough ahead to what it would be like when the child arrived. I only thought as far as signing the contract. Maura was the opposite. She’s thinking so far ahead that she’s imagining hypothetical situations that wouldn’t occur until years down the line.


“I'm both. The husband half is very proud of you. The business half wants to know if you've talked to a lawyer and negotiated a commission split with them. You haven't signed a contract yet, have you?”

What about you?” I ask, the spotlight on me suddenly feeling a little too bright. If he looks too closely, he’ll see all the cracks and flaws I know are there. “When's the last time you were passionate about something that wasn't work?”
He's quiet for a long moment. “I don't remember.”
“That's sad, James.”
“Maybe.” He looks at me, and there's something vulnerable in his expression that I've never seen before. “What makes you happy? Outside of painting.”
I think about it. “Rainy days. The smell of coffee, even though I like it decaf. When a song comes on that I forgot I loved. When someone remembers something small about me.” I glance at him. “Lo mein when I'm stressed.”
His mouth quirks. “I'll keep that in mind.”
“What about you? What used to make you happy, before you forgot how?”
“Poker nights with the guys. Watching old movies. When someone laughs at something I say, even though I'm not trying to be funny.” He pauses. “Watching you paint, when you don't know I'm there.”
My breath catches. “You watch me paint?”
“Sometimes. You're...different when you work. Freer. It's like seeing a version of you that no one else gets to see.”
I don't know what to say to that. The admission feels enormous, like he's handed me something fragile and precious.
“I'll try to be that version more often,” I finally manage.
“Don't.” His voice is soft. “Don't change for me. Just…let me keep watching.”
“Okay.”

I was wrong, of course,” I continue. “I wouldn't trade my memories of them for anything in the world. That's how I feel about Maura, now, too. However little time I get with her, I want every second. It’s crazy because of how this all started, but I think…I think knowing her will be worth any future pain.”
Beau blows out a breath. “Damn, man. That’s…that’s beautiful.”
“We’re with you, man,” Luke says, squeezing my shoulder. “Whatever you need. Just say the word.”


While Maura was at the clinic, they ran some blood tests. James and Maura learned that she's pregnant.”
Victor's eyes light up. “Finally. I was starting to think we'd have to scrap the contract.”
“The pregnancy is high risk,” I snap, wanting to burst his bubble. “The doctor said this could be Maura’s first and only pregnancy. The odds are high that something could go wrong.”
“Was the baby damaged?” Victor asks, alarmed. “When she collapsed, did something happen to it?”
My lip curls into a sneer. What a pathetic, shortsighted little pig. Maura is just an object to him, and he's not even smart enough to see her true value. I was foolish to ever imagine I could go into business with a visionless pig like him.
“Can this pregnancy be salvaged?” Victor’s eyes are wide and desperate. “Tell me, Keller! Is there any chance that she can still produce a viable heir?”
“If you ever talk about Maura like that again, you’ll be out of this building and out of this deal,” I snap, my voice ice-cold. “That’s my wife you’re talking about like a womb for hire.”
Victor's face turns cherry red. “How dare you talk to me like that!”
“I'll speak to you however I wish, after you spoke about my wife like some malfunctioning piece of equipment.”
He stands, shoving his chair back so forcefully that it falls to the ground. “If you don't watch your mouth, I'll end the deal right now!” he roars. “Pages doesn't need you.”
“Fine. I'm prepared to end our deal now,” I say coolly, calling his bluff.



The spicy parts *** read at your own risk ***

When I’m halfway inside, I pause.
“This is as far as I'm going today.” I hold myself still inside her, even though every instinct screams at me to thrust deeper. If I’m too rough, she’ll be ruined for the rest of her ovulation schedule and I need to live in this pussy for the next four days.
She raises her eyes, frowning. “Are you sure? Does it feel good enough like that?”
“Good enough?” I laugh roughly. “Maura, you could give me an inch of this perfect pussy and I'd be grateful. You feel like fucking paradise.”
Her inner walls flutter around me at the praise, and I have to clench my jaw to keep from losing it.


Don't wash me away,” I tell her on a whim, my voice rougher than intended. “I want you to feel me for the rest of the day.”
Her eyes darken. “Is that an order?”
“It's a request.” I press a kiss to her forehead. “From a husband who likes knowing his new wife is walking around with his cum inside her.”

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third instalment in the House of Cards series, an interconnected set of standalone contemporary romances which introduces James Keller as the supposed ‘Pretty Cruel Villain’ of the title. However, he never quite lives up to that description. From what we learn about his past, James actually had a loving and stable childhood with parents who clearly adored both him and each other until their tragic death in an accident. By that point, though, he seemed old enough to fend for himself, and as an adult he has gone on to become a successful businessman. For reasons that initially seem more practical than emotional, he agrees to an arranged marriage with Maura Matthews to secure a business deal with her father. Maura’s father, on the other hand, truly earns the title of villain. He treats his daughter more like a commodity than family, even if he’d possibly consider her a loss leader. In his eyes, her only real value lies in her ability to produce a grandson who can one day inherit the family business. Ironically, the arrangement suits Maura in her own way. Desperate to escape his suffocating control, she also dreams of having a child, and marriage to James offers her a path toward motherhood. It also provides an added layer of protection, as James would be able to protect any child they had from her father if she were no longer around, something that becomes more significant especially since Maura is hiding a secret that her father has deliberately kept from the other party involved.

Overall, this was a solid addition to the series. James and Maura share clear chemistry despite being complete opposites. James thrives on structure and routine, with the only colour in his life coming from his meticulously colour-coded schedules, while Maura, as an artist, surrounds herself with creativity and vibrancy. Their initial ‘meet cute’ was a particularly charming and sweet moment in their story and one that clearly left a lasting impression on Maura, becoming one of her happiest memories, even though she didn’t recognise James as the same boy she had befriended, even if only briefly years earlier. While I would have liked to see a little more conflict between the main characters, but the story is still well written and engaging. It blends moments of tension with emotional depth, creating an entertaining and satisfying read. Best of all, the true villain ultimately receives the comeuppance he deserves. My only real criticism is that I would have loved an epilogue set further in the future, especially given the importance of Maura’s secret but perhaps as the series progresses we’ll find out more.

[BookishMarineMama03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! Pretty Cruel Villain by Lena Hunt is book three in the House Of Cards series and it’s soooo good! Hello, a new trope opened for me. I never knew I would love the billionaire contract marriage to have a baby trope, but it’s so freaking good! Give me a grumpy, hot billionaire and the sweetest and sassiest fmc, add in hot chemistry and a secret that changes everything and I am hooked! You really need to read this series!

Maura has spent her entire life being moved around like a chess piece in her father’s grand plans.She’s such a talented artist with a quiet strength, she isn’t shocked when he negotiates her future away in an arranged marriage to secure a business advantage. If anything, she’s grateful because at least this deal offers her an escape. This girl is strong, she has dealt with her heart condition her whole life, always wondering how long she has. She is sassy and independent. But she also truly has NEVER been loved, never been cared for or praised and it’s heartbreaking!

James is all discipline and precision, a man who runs his world on structure and strategy. His color coated schedules down to the second cracked me up! He agrees to the marriage for one reason only, to grow the company his parents dreamed of. There is one catch from Maura’s dad in the contact, there must be a baby within a year.

What begins as an agreement, cold and carefully outlined, slowly shifts into something neither anticipated. Respect grows, friendship and hysterical banter begins. And beneath it all, a heat truly sparks. The “sessions” become so much more than just making a baby. These two have instant chemistry and connection. And heat, hello, this man's mouth, yes please!!

And I LOVE the found family in this book. James and his group of friends and their women just come together and embrace each other so perfectly!

This one is my favorite in the series! I loved how they were real and raw and vulnerable. And the secret they shared, such a sweet surprise. I know who I want as the last two couples and I can’t wait! Read this series now, still two more books to come!

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

❤️ Billionaire MMC
❤️ Protective MMC
❤️ Arranged Marriage of Convenience
❤️ Contract Baby Clause
❤️ Secret Illness
❤️ Found Family
❤️ Grumpy x Sunshine

🩷Thank you to Lena Hunt and The Author Agency for my arc!

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live for a “my wife” moment and Pretty Cruel Villain absolutely delivers that and so much more! Loved how two polar opposites could fit so well and find true love when they least expected.

What starts as a contract marriage between James and Maura turns into so much more. Maura brings so much joy, spontaneity, and color to James’ life of structured efficiency. She turns his scheduled life upside down, and by the end he wouldn’t have it any other way. James may come off as cold, aloof and the villain of his industry but he absolutely melts for Maura. Their sexual attraction is never a question. Both are instantly attracted to the other and things only get better as their feelings deepen. I blushed A LOT, like a lot, a lot. James has a freaking way with words.

“Leaning against her ear, I whisper, “I’m going to do it all, wife. I’m going to live out every fucking fantasy you let me.”

The chemistry between these two will blow your mind. I almost combusted from James’ dirty talk and praise; it’s always the quiet ones, indeed. I loved how cherished and precious Maura felt to James; this is the first time she’s ever felt truly seen and valued for just being herself. She’s an insanely talented artist and seeing James proud of her was so freaking sweet. Honestly, his use of “my wife” in the many varieties we see in this book is an absolute standout use of the trope.

“I’ve been waiting all day to touch this exquisite body. To give my wife everything she fucking needs.”

Maura is beautifully brave and resilient. She’s always felt trapped under her father’s control and so this marriage is her way out. Maura has always wanted to be a Mom, so she enters this marriage to have a loving family of her own. She never expects to feel so much for James. He is literally in awe of her.

“The artist who made those earth-shattering, awe-inducing paintings is my wife. Which means that tonight, I’m the one who gets to feel her fall apart on my tongue and my cock.”

There’s a few twists and secrets that came out the longer they spend time together. There’s a full circle moment at the end, the most kismet of encounters that just felt perfect for these two.

James & Maura will absolutely live rent free in my mind. The spice is utterly addictive and the emotional connection is the center of the story as they navigate their feelings. It’s the perfect balance of heat and heart.

A huge thank you to Lena Hunt & The Author Agency for the early copy!

[Alison turton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Cruel Villain starts as nothing more than a marriage contract with a baby clause built right on in there, with both Maura and James set to gain something from their somewhat rigid deal.

Having grown up with an often cruel and dismissive father, Maura is desperate to break free from the cage that she has lived in for all of her life so far. She wants the chance to truly experience life, to live, to fly free. And most importantly, to have a baby. Desperate for a child she happily agrees to marry the somewhat elusive, and serious seeming James hoping that if nothing else, she will escape from the brutal and oppressive weight of her father and his expectations.

James has had everything that he loved ripped away once before, and is unwilling to take a chance on it happening again. Thats why when Mauras father approaches him with the contract, he easily agrees. Giving him deal he needs in order to continue to grow his company while also keeping his new contract wife at arms length. Protecting his heart from being damaged again.

James takes organisation to a level that absolutely seems not only excessive but also obsessive. So when Maura explodes into his life in the most beautifully chaotic way it’s certainly something of an…adjustment. On paper the pair couldn’t be more different. But, despite just how determined James is to keep Maura in her perfectly contained box with strict boundaries and structure. Right down to scheduling their “meetings”. He should have realised that sometimes chemistry can’t be controlled and anyone with a heart as pure as Maura’s doesn’t fit in any kind of box.

Despite James’ determination to keep their relationship as nothing more than the contract that they signed. He certainly refers to her as his “wife” often enough for it to be declaration. One that can’t be denied. Slowly, over time they extend the boundaries written in their contract. To the point that it’s easy to forget that such a contract ever even existed.

This was a fantastic story, filled with love and healing and interspersed with humour from some interesting side characters that can only hope we will see again in future books. I also loved the way that their love story developed at a truly natural pace. I’ve got to say I truly enjoyed the story and would absolutely recommend.

[Nova McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it’s my wedding day… sigh.

Welcome to a classic arranged marriage to a billionaire, part of a happy little corporate merger. The contract has been signed. I have the white dress. This was never about love anyway. Walking down the aisle is just a formality.

I need to get away from my father. I want a child to love in a way I never was, even if my husband’s love is purely transactional.

Oh, and my husband? A CEO-billionaire robot. I mean… he’s a hot robot, so at least I’ll have something pretty to look at.

This is my life now, scheduling appointments to see my own husband. But somewhere between the carefully arranged meetings and his perfectly calculated responses, I start to see the thoughtful, attentive, and even possessive man beneath the surface.

And when he looks at me, for the first time in my life,
I feel wanted.

If only I wasn’t keeping something from him. Something that would change everything.
Being with him gave me something I never dreamed of: a life. A future. A heart that finally feels alive.

I want to give him mine completely.
But mine was never built to last.

James was the character I’d been waiting for, and we got a lot of him. And I mean a LOT. He showed up, and he was packing. Not sure if that’s pertinent to this review, but dang, I was here for it. James is the ultimate brooding, bastard-billionaire type. He’s sworn off love and connection after the painful loss of his parents locked his heart down. Instead, he’s poured everything into their dream, building a company they would be proud of, but completely losing himself in schedules and rules that control his every waking minute. He’s forgotten there’s a life outside of work… until this storm of an artist disrupts his peace, bringing color and vibrance back into his black and white world.

Maura’s life has never truly been her own. With a father who sees her more as a bargaining chip than a daughter, she’s spent her life locked down under his thumb. Living with a heart condition means she also knows her time may be limited, along with the anxiety and pressure that come with that reality. This marriage is her chance out and her chance to become a mother. All she truly wants is to love and to be loved in return. What she never expected was this stiff, stoic man beginning to open up, revealing an attentive, sarcastic side, someone who truly sees her and appreciates her.

Watching these two connect was so well done. The beginning of the book moves quickly, but their relationship develops naturally. They slowly come to an understanding, evolving quietly from strangers to friends to something much deeper than either of them expected. Seeing James open up a part of himself he thought was long gone, often without even realizing it, was beautiful. He begins making room for her in his life, finding time for her, spoiling her, and simply wanting to make her happy. He gave us all the growling “my wife” and “good girl” moments you could want. He doesn’t quite know what to do with this bright, vibrant woman who’s suddenly in his world, but he quickly feels the pull and the need to bask in her warmth, and will do anything to help her shine even brighter.

And then there’s Maura. Watching her finally feel valued and cared for was incredibly moving. This chaotic artist, full of life and spontaneity, slowly shows him what living could actually look like. What their life together could be. Ugh… it was absolutely perfect.

Thank you to Lena Hunt and The Author Agency for this gifted ecopy!

[Rayya O'Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It turns out all the Villain needed, was a strong wife to put him in his place"

4 stars for me. I devoured this in one sitting.

This book is everything! James Keller, the DIVINE man that he is. Rough around the edge, cold and calculated. The media has painted him out to be this cruel villain manipulative mastermind. But is he? He may be a little of those things but beneath that he is a man who is cautious and respects boundaries like noone I've read before! I think I may be in love with this man. His possessiveness, his fierce love, and his many layers. Plus?? This man is so tentative with her during their intimate scenes. I can read spice with the best of pokerfaces most times, but this man? HOLY SHIT. Had me blushing, squealing, and kicking my feet to no end. The spice is realistic, he made sure to work her/warm her up, the care and tenderness about it. The praise. The man has a filthy mouth on him. Everything about it is *chefs kiss* DELICIOUS.

Maura? She's a fantastic FMC, shes strong willed, strong minded, fierce and sassy. She knows what she wants, how to get there and how far shes willing to go. She's a messy artist but her talking about her art and explaining how she does things, was honestly one of my favourite parts. Shes incredibly passionate about the things and people she loves. Shes sassy and has banter, her banter even rubs off on our MMC! Despite the way shes been treated and everything she has to deal with every day, she doesnt let it deter her or turn her into a cold person. She truly is admirable.

There is a found family trope that I adore too, the women from previous books and her best friend Brinley, not to mention James. Something about finding and making your own family where you're safe and loved and full of warmth, is amazing to me.

Thank you to Lena for another fantastic book with characters that are easy to love. And honestly, I fell deep for these two.

[Akku · Rating 5 out of 5]

• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - March 10, 2026

• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- marriage of convenience
- billionaire romance
- he falls first
- childhood connection
- possessive/protective MMC
- only soft for her
- touch her & die energy
- grumpy x sunshine

• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Pretty Cruel Villain is an emotional billionaire romance about a contract marriage built on a baby clause. Maura needs security and wants a child before her fragile heart runs out of time. James needs an heir to secure his empire. What starts as a cold agreement slowly turns into something fierce, protective, and heartbreakingly real. Secrets unravel, health risks rise, love grows in the middle of fear.
First of all..why is this called Cruel Villain when James is literally the greenest forest billionaire I have ever read in my life 😭
This man was supposed to be cold, ruthless, strategic.
Instead he is protective, devoted, soft only for her.
The title fits because the world sees him as cruel and his enemies see a villain. But with Maura he is gentle hands, steady voice, forehead kisses, hospital floor breakdowns. He chooses her over power. Over legacy. Over everything. And that is powerful love.
I loved that this story was not just about a billionaire deal. It was about time, fragile health, and the fear of losing someone too soon. The hospital moments hurt in the best way.
James falling first and falling hard was everything. His possessiveness felt protective and earned. He was intense but he listened. Powerful but he knelt for her.
Maura’s strength was quiet yet strong. She knew the risks and still chose love and motherhood. That bravery made this story shine.
The childhood pinky promise reveal melted me. It made their love feel destined but natural.
This book made me emotional, soft, stressed, and obsessed at once. The balance of angst and tenderness was perfect. Dramatic yet grounded. Intense yet intimate.
Thank you so much the author agency for the free ARC.

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously, I thought I was going to read a standalone novel. What did I find? A standalone novel from a series! Ergo, I didn't understand any of the inside jokes.

Maura Matthews did not have a happy childhood. The final blow came in her teens, when she was forced to give up on her dreams. This gave her even more reason to not fight to escape the clutches of her father, the CEO of a well-known app offering books, films, music and much more.

That is, until Victor Matthews needed to use her as a bargaining chip for a lucrative contract with Sequel, a rapidly expanding film company, particularly in terms of adaptations.

Its owner is the Villain par excellence, so named by the press: James Keller, the workaholic hyper-obsessive.

This agreement will, of course, cover economic, fiscal and personal matters for all parties involved.

❓But will this be enough to prevent them from falling into the trap of love?

I must admit that I was slightly sceptical at the beginning of the story. However, as the nuances unfolded, I was introduced to two MCs who were different from the stereotypical Nepo Babies.

Maura is twenty-six, exceptionally creative with a paintbrush, and has a dream that she wants to fulfil before time runs out.

Meanwhile, James, who shows clear signs of OCD and possibly more, has lived a completely pampered life at the hands of both his parents and their employees. However, an ungrateful twist of fate meant that he had to take his loved ones' place at the helm and try to make them proud, even though they would not be around to see their son's great progress.

Although the outcome is somewhat predictable, it is James' reaction to Maura that will bring tears to your eyes and make you wish you could receive the same level of attention in real life🥺

I highly recommend it😍

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maura is an artist with a secret, and a desire to be a mother above all else. When her father, determined to get a male heir, arranges a marriage for her with the cold billionaire CEO of the company he wishes to partner from, she sees it as her way to finally be free of her father. While she isn’t interested in a romantic connection with her new husband, she can’t help but appreciate his small gestures and the details he notices about her. But she knows falling in love isn’t an option, because as hard as it would be to leave a child behind when she’s gone, if she has to leave the love of her life, it will break her.

When James lost his parents tragically, he found it was easier to work than to think about or grieve them. Having grown their dream into a reality was the best way he knew how to honour their legacy. Always reluctant to let anyone get close, he has never considered the thought of getting married before, so when he is offered a contract marriage, with no expectation as love in exchange for a merger with a company he was looking to partner with, he sees it as the perfect solution. What he didn’t expect is that his chaotic wife would weave her way into his cold heart, and when he faces the possibility of losing her, everything changes.

I received an early copy of this book from the author and absolutely adored it! While I enjoyed the other House of Cards books, there is something special about this one. I loved how Maura is able to break James out of his rigidity, making him feel for the first time in over a decade, while James shows her what real love looks like. It is small moments and showing up, and doing the little things to make life better. James and Maura found love in the most unexpected place, and made it forever.

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Cruel Villain had me the second I saw “contract marriage” because I already knew I was about to lose all sense of responsibility—and wow, did it deliver. What starts as a very “this is strictly business, please refer to the spreadsheet” arrangement immediately derails when Maura’s chaotic artist energy enters James’s aggressively color-coded, control-freak billionaire life. Watching this man try (and fail) to maintain order while she casually destroys his routines? Comedy gold.
Maura is creative, stubborn, and absolutely refuses to be molded into anyone’s version of “perfect,” and I loved that for her. Meanwhile James is over here acting like emotions are optional… until suddenly he’s obsessed, protective, and dropping “my wife” like it’s his full-time job. Sir, we get it. She’s your wife. You’ve told us. Repeatedly. Please continue.
Their dynamic is chaos vs control in the best way—she brings color into his life, he tries to pretend he doesn’t like it, and then next thing you know he’s rearranging his entire existence around her and calling it “efficiency.” The banter is sharp, the chemistry is ridiculous, and the way they actually communicate? Beautiful. Healthy. Suspicious, honestly.
You get emotional moments that sneak up on you, a found family that feels like pure comfort, and just enough drama and secrets to keep things messy without losing the fun. And James? The quiet ones are always the worst (best), because once that man cracks… it’s over for everyone.
If you love grumpy billionaires who accidentally become wife guys, sunshine heroines who bring just enough chaos, and a marriage of convenience that turns into “this is my wife and I will not be normal about her,” you need this immediately. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Sarahsaurus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 3rd book of the series and a standalone. I haven’t read the first 2 but I plan on it since finishing this one and enjoying it.

The story is of an arranged marriage between a CEO of a streaming service looking to merge with a books giant via the books giant’s daughter.

Maura has a chronic heart condition since childhood and desperately wants out from under her father’s thumb. Her mother died when she was young and her father sees her as nothing more than a bargaining tool since she wasn’t born a man.

James came from loving parents that he lost 10 years ago and keeps his emotions in check to not have to feel the pain of loss again.

The marriage suits both, James gets a merger, Maura hopefully gets a child and freedom from her father, and both have a respectable, aromantic marriage. Probably.

James has a lot of emotional growth throughout the book, he respects Maura’s boundaries almost to a fault. He learns from his mistakes and tries his best to make her happy, even before he falls for her.

Maura, ok I get where she is coming from and why she believes what she does and acts the way she does, but in the end I feel like some of her actions are incredibly selfish and he is a bit obtuse, or maybe just willingly ignores James’s feelings or why he reacts the way he does.

I also feel like the “issues” or “drama” resolves without really being worked on or without too much conversation.

Over all I really liked the story, just enough angst in the middle, and the friend group really add to round out the plot.

Good book. Now I’m gonna rest the first 2.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the House of Cards series and I was hooked from the start just like with the others!

I’ve been intrigued by James since Nate and Cat’s book so I enjoyed getting to know our serious, quiet MMC. Maura was technically a brand new character, but I made the connection that we got a super brief glimpse of her in the 2nd book when Ryan stops in at the Copper Cup and she’s dropping off her paintings. A cute little Easter egg! I loved Maura - she was the perfect counterpart to James - and her resilience even with everything she’d been dealt in life.

The two of them get to know each other AFTER they get married and start trying for a baby, since they have a year to produce an heir per the clause in their marriage contract! This was a wild storyline but also just made sense somehow?! My only gripe is that I wish we got to see more of them enjoying each other/ really getting to know each other; it felt like once things progressed from strictly physical it went from 0-100 and the plot moved so so quick. These two clearly cared about each other and I just wanted to see a bit more of that slower time together, it was very sweet.

Another series with such a fun found fam! We see the couples from the first two books, and get glimpses of what might be coming up for future ones. Lastly, the mystery surrounding the Toronto Tea gossip site is an extra mystery that I really love and I just know we’ll keep getting more of in these next two books!!

This marriage of convenience, grumpy x sunshine, possessive MMC billionaire romance was another great addition to this series!

Thank you so much to The Author Agency for this ARC, and happy release day to Lena Hunt!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, The House of Cards series keeps getting sexier with each new book. Lena Hunt’s newest in the series is Pretty Cruel Villain . This author has not disappointed me with any and all aspects of her books. Writing style, beautiful and heartfelt characters that are well developed, sexy, and fall hard for the women their hearts decide to love. I am totally in love with this series. James Keller is one HOT super successful media mogul. Unfortunately for James to expand his media empire it appears he makes a deal with a man who is so unkind/mean to his only daughter and uses her as a pawn in this deal. Their relationship starts off quite businesslike and slowly James and Maura get to know each other. She is the super artsy type getting paint everywhere which sorta drives James a bit wonky since he has to have everything in its exact place. There are multiple tropes within Pretty Cruel Villain. The Possessive “My wife” trope is one that I have never read before and let me tell you it was so HOT in my opinion with tons of banter between James and Maura. They are actually pretty funny together at times. The secret illness hurt/comfort trope is one that I’ve never read before which brought so much more heart to the story and it already has lots of heart. The between-the-sheets scenes you wonder about? Well, whether you read or listen to Pretty Cruel Villain you will definitely need that fan! No matter whether you’ve read &/or listened to a Lena Hunt book before or are new to this author I’m quite confident you will completely and utterly fall in love with James and Maura and their ending.

[MandysBookish Mind · Rating 5 out of 5]

James was not at all what I expected going into this book, and I ended up loving him. The idea of James needing a contractual marriage actually makes complete sense based on the personality we’ve seen from him in the previous books. It fits his character perfectly.

Maura’s reasons for agreeing to the marriage made sense and were believable as well. Neither of them enters the situation lightly, and that made their arrangement feel grounded instead of forced.

Their connection developed in the most unexpected but best way. You go in thinking you know how it will unfold, but their dynamic grows in a way that feels natural and surprisingly emotional. The House of Cards girls accepted her seemlessly and added so much warmth to the story. And the boys’ welcoming was honestly adorable. That group dynamic continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series.

James himself was a little frustrating at times because he clearly cared, but kept acting like he didn’t. At the same time, his willingness to give Maura what she wanted, even when it wasn’t easy for him, was incredibly sweet.

One of my favorite parts of the book was how Maura’s art remained about her. It wasn’t defined by her husband or her relationship, and that felt like such an important part of her character. And the seeds planted for the next two books? Absolutely everything. But the ending… that final reveal was the best kind of news bomb. I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

Apparently I enjoy frustrating my wife with ludicrously expensive gifts.

[Alix Bliffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sparked my interest by the contract marriage and the baby clause.

I was not expecting such sad back stories of the main characters but they were well developed and gave a deeper understanding as to why they acted and did things the way they did.
I love that the company James has is based off of making books into movies or making them more accessible to the public.

Maura is an artist and uses stones and gems as her painting palette. It opens a new world on how some art can be made.

These two are honest and upfront and discuss any changes they want to make or any problems they are having. Honesty and communication are key and I am so glad that these two had that. There is one secret but it's one I think should be kept and was handled properly. (No spoilers - you have to read the book!)

Maura and James are the perfect compliment to one another one is living in the moment never taking anything for granted and one is set on schedules and firm discipline. When both collide you get a connection that is hard to break and balances each other out.
There is a lot of history with the interconnected characters. You don't have to read their stories to understand what's going on but their journeys are referenced a lot so it might be a good thing to read books 1 and 2 before reading this one. (I didn't and felt like I had a good grasp on what was happening and what happened in the previous stories)

Thank you Lena Hunt for letting me read an early copy of this book.

[Kennedy Yowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maura has spent her entire life as a pawn in her father’s schemes. A talented painter, she is not surprised when he arranges her marriage to strengthen his business. If anything, she is relieved it gives her a way out. James is a man who thrives on structure and logic, and he agrees to the arrangement for his own reasons. He sees it as a way to take his company to the next level. The contract comes with one major condition. They must have a baby within the year. What begins as a calculated business deal slowly develops into something neither of them expected: genuine respect, friendship, and undeniable chemistry.

I absolutely adored this book. The banter was hilarious. I laughed out loud so often that even my husband commented on it. The story felt engaging and refreshingly lighthearted, especially in the way Maura and James approached the responsibilities of their contract without unnecessary awkwardness. Writing a contract marriage that feels natural is not easy, but Lena Hunt did it beautifully.

One of my favorite aspects was how well James understood Maura, sometimes even better than she understood herself. While others doubted her, James consistently supported and believed in her. That made their connection even more meaningful.

Their relationship begins with a roommates-to-lovers feel and slowly grows into something deeper. What I loved most was how easily they accepted one another. There was no forced drama, just two people learning how to build a life together.

[redreadsromance_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I’m always a sucker for a contract marriage trope and this one pulled me in straight away. James is a hyper-controlled billionaire who runs his life by a colour-coded schedule and an endless work ethic. In comparison, Maura is a vibrant, chaotic artist with a heart condition who just wants to escape the grip of her cold, controlling father.

Their solution? A marriage of convenience.
The catch? They have one year to produce a baby.

What starts as a practical arrangement quickly becomes anything but. The longer they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the attraction simmering between them. Watching their relationship shift from obligation, to tension, to genuine feelings was so satisfying.

James and Maura are complete opposites, but they fit together in the best way. Maura brings colour, warmth and life into James’ rigid world, while James becomes her biggest supporter and fiercest protector. I especially loved seeing this serious, controlled billionaire slowly unravel when it came to his wife. The man is absolutely gone for her.

It was also so nice seeing the couples from the previous books again. The found family element around Maura was one of my favourite parts of the story, especially knowing she has spent most of her life feeling completely alone. Watching her slowly be surrounded by people who genuinely care about her was really special.

And that little twist with Peppermint at the end?! I need the next book immediately because now I have questions.

[b cozy book lounge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the House of Cards series, so I was excited to pick up Pretty Cruel Villain, the third book in the series. Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me.

The story centers around a marriage contract that is essentially a business deal , a one-year agreement with the goal of producing an heir.

James is a billionaire workaholic who lives by an extremely rigid schedule, working eighteen-hour days and keeping his emotions locked away. He’s cold, distant, and even schedules time for baby-making based on Maura’s ovulation cycle. His entire life revolves around control and structure. These walls start to loosen as he falls for Maura.

Maura is a budding artist who creates beautiful pieces using minerals as part of her work. Beneath her passion for art, though, she carries a secret heart condition. Growing up with a very strict and emotionally distant father, she longs for love and a family of her own, which is what ultimately leads her to agree to the contract.
What worked well for me was the chemistry between James and Maura. Their banter and the spice were definitely highlights of the book and kept the pages turning.

However, the story itself felt a little lacking at times. Their communication was often frustrating, and there were moments where I felt a bit lost in the narrative. That may have been the author’s intention given the characters and their emotional barriers, if so, it was executed well , but it still left me wanting more depth from the plot and their relationship development.
Overall, while the chemistry, banter, and spice delivered, I wish the story had been a bit stronger and more fleshed out.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Sonya Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested in James from Book 1, and I was really excited for his story. Found family is one of my all time favorite tropes, and all three books in the series have done an excellent job. I love that this group of seemingly obnoxious rich guys, are secret softies for those they love, including each other (the “flow scene” with Luke, Beau & James was very sweet). Found family isn't just with the guys of the group, the girls, Pippa & Cat quickly become that for Maura too. James from the beginning, takes care to ensure Maura isn't being coerced into this decision, and loved how direct they were with each other about their expectations (at least in the beginning). Even though James is a direct guy, he lets Maura tease him about his schedule, and plays along. It showed another side we haven't gotten so far in the series. Although Maura & James may not have entered into the relationship in a traditional manner, the spice is certainly not lacking.

Maura recognizing the reason James wants his venture to carry on his parents name was very cool. In the beginning we see a young Maura meet a boy who brings her cake, and I loved how they played out that moment throughout the book. I cheered and was glad Maura got to overhear the conversation when James told off her dad. It was also cool to see Maura’s artistic skills and how she used the rock elements in her painting.

Pretty Cruel Villain is Book 3 in the House of Cards series, interconnected standalones but I have loved them all! Excited to see who is next. Especially with the ending!!

Thank you to the author for the ARC!