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Emperor of Corruption
One interview with Killian King lit the fuse on his obsession—and my ruin…
I didn’t set out to provoke the ruthless billionaire, but the reporter in me couldn’t resist scratching at his polished façade. Powerful men are rarely clean, and what I found when I peeked beneath Killian’s surface was monstrous.
He’s a predator who hasn’t been told no in years. By defying him, I became his prey.
Killian cornered me, blackmailed me, and bound me to an eight-week arrangement.
Eight weeks of time spent together under the guise of interviews for a glossy profile.
Fifty-six days of being at Killian’s mercy.
1,344 hours, each ticking down to my destruction.
Unless I find a way to outsmart him, I’m not sure I’ll survive the countdown…
I didn’t set out to provoke the ruthless billionaire, but the reporter in me couldn’t resist scratching at his polished façade. Powerful men are rarely clean, and what I found when I peeked beneath Killian’s surface was monstrous.
He’s a predator who hasn’t been told no in years. By defying him, I became his prey.
Killian cornered me, blackmailed me, and bound me to an eight-week arrangement.
Eight weeks of time spent together under the guise of interviews for a glossy profile.
Fifty-six days of being at Killian’s mercy.
1,344 hours, each ticking down to my destruction.
Unless I find a way to outsmart him, I’m not sure I’ll survive the countdown…
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
About the author
Lilith Vale
6 books46 followersLilith Vale firmly believes that villains are far more swoon-worthy than heroes, which is often reflected in her choice of MC’s. She likes to challenge herself and readers with deeply flawed, nearly-irredeemable protagonists who go on twisted journeys together.
When she isn’t writing, Lilith feeds her caffeine addiction, reads as many novels as she can, and obsessively plots out her next work(s).
When she isn’t writing, Lilith feeds her caffeine addiction, reads as many novels as she can, and obsessively plots out her next work(s).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 7, 2026
This was a really fun read for me (I’m judging myself 😂). I saw the twist coming a mile away but i still enjoyed it. I do think this could have been one and done book but I’m still excited for the next book in the series and to continue Killian & Lyra’s story
April 6, 2026
SO GOOD WTF. I say this with a full chest: a very well-written story that sets out to do what it wanted to do. Great characterization that made this book easy to read. Author clearly has a love of interior design and fine dining-these elements made the billionaire lifestyle very realistic!
I was hooked from the first paragraph. I had never heard of this author and this book cover is so generic, but it’s possibly one of my favourite dark romances that I’ve read so far this year!! I really enjoyed this and I WILL be reading the second book!!
Billionaire hero and Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist who unintentionally attracts his interest after she sees past his nice billionaire businessman act. There is also a secret elite society. I’m glad that’s not a big focus of the story, and it functions more as a ruling body that votes to take care of standing business. I don’t love secret society stories: on one hand, the smut tends to be unhinged, and on the other hand, it gets to be too much, what with all the assassins training etc. Here, it’s more of a shadow council that vote to order hits on people who might cause trouble for them.
Pain is pleasure scenes. Hero and heroine both discover they enjoy a dose of pain in their lovemaking. Both of them were not into BDSM toys before they met each other.
Heroine resists hero, and hero becomes obsessed with her. They both deny deeper feelings. The hero asking her to dinner and needing to see her more was 🤌🏼
More thoughts to come.
I was hooked from the first paragraph. I had never heard of this author and this book cover is so generic, but it’s possibly one of my favourite dark romances that I’ve read so far this year!! I really enjoyed this and I WILL be reading the second book!!
Billionaire hero and Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist who unintentionally attracts his interest after she sees past his nice billionaire businessman act. There is also a secret elite society. I’m glad that’s not a big focus of the story, and it functions more as a ruling body that votes to take care of standing business. I don’t love secret society stories: on one hand, the smut tends to be unhinged, and on the other hand, it gets to be too much, what with all the assassins training etc. Here, it’s more of a shadow council that vote to order hits on people who might cause trouble for them.
Pain is pleasure scenes. Hero and heroine both discover they enjoy a dose of pain in their lovemaking. Both of them were not into BDSM toys before they met each other.
Heroine resists hero, and hero becomes obsessed with her. They both deny deeper feelings. The hero asking her to dinner and needing to see her more was 🤌🏼
More thoughts to come.
March 3, 2026
Emperor of Corruption (Vicious Vendettas Book 1)
Second Read: I just finished reading this book for the second time because book two has finally been released. Did I love it as much as I did the first time? No. I loved it even more.
The second read hit differently because I caught all the little nuances I completely missed the first time around. Turns out paying attention is rewarding.
Did I love to hate Killian? Absolutely. Every time he opened his mouth I wanted to throw the book...and then immediately keep reading. The man is a walking red flag wrapped in expensive packaging, and I was here for every infuriating second of it.
Did I love Lyra? Wholeheartedly. She deserved better...and yet I couldn't look away from the delicious train wreck unfolding around her.
I was hooked from the first paragraph on my first read and from the very first word on my reread. This book grabbed me by the throat twice and somehow got away with it.
It's easily one of my favourite dark romances I've read this year. Read it...but don't come crying to me when you suddenly find yourself questioning your taste in fictional men.
5 stars
First Read: Not quite sure what shelves to put this book under. It was recommended by a friend who said I would probably like this. Well, she was correct, I absolutely loved hating this book. I swear this author has a direct line to my morbid pleasures and sinful indulgences. And on top of that? She somehow knows exactly what I love in an FMC.
I hated Killian with a passion throughout the book, but I loved him as well, as the possessive, obsessive, deranged MMC. He has no redeemable qualities, yet you are drawn to him like a magnet. He's a complete psychopath that rules the world and would scorch it to the ground to get what he wants, and he always gets everything he wants. Nothing is off limits if he wants it.
And Lyra, well she went through a gambit of emotions and worked through everything, holding strong. Lyra is perfection. Certified, fearless, unbreakable perfection. She's sassy and sharp-witted. Clever and fierce. A damsel in distress? Absolutely not. She saves herself — and probably everyone else too.
And just when I thought it couldn’t get better? I'm hit with a nuclear-level cliffhanger that had me physically shaking and the next book won't be out until June....ugggggggg. I want that book now!
This one will definitely pull you through an emotional rollercoaster, and it's actually one of the best Billionaire dark romance that I have read in a very, very long time. I hated it with a passion, yet couldn't get enough.
Anxiously awaiting the release of book two.
4.75 stars first read
5 stars second read
Second Read: I just finished reading this book for the second time because book two has finally been released. Did I love it as much as I did the first time? No. I loved it even more.
The second read hit differently because I caught all the little nuances I completely missed the first time around. Turns out paying attention is rewarding.
Did I love to hate Killian? Absolutely. Every time he opened his mouth I wanted to throw the book...and then immediately keep reading. The man is a walking red flag wrapped in expensive packaging, and I was here for every infuriating second of it.
Did I love Lyra? Wholeheartedly. She deserved better...and yet I couldn't look away from the delicious train wreck unfolding around her.
I was hooked from the first paragraph on my first read and from the very first word on my reread. This book grabbed me by the throat twice and somehow got away with it.
It's easily one of my favourite dark romances I've read this year. Read it...but don't come crying to me when you suddenly find yourself questioning your taste in fictional men.
5 stars
First Read: Not quite sure what shelves to put this book under. It was recommended by a friend who said I would probably like this. Well, she was correct, I absolutely loved hating this book. I swear this author has a direct line to my morbid pleasures and sinful indulgences. And on top of that? She somehow knows exactly what I love in an FMC.
I hated Killian with a passion throughout the book, but I loved him as well, as the possessive, obsessive, deranged MMC. He has no redeemable qualities, yet you are drawn to him like a magnet. He's a complete psychopath that rules the world and would scorch it to the ground to get what he wants, and he always gets everything he wants. Nothing is off limits if he wants it.
And Lyra, well she went through a gambit of emotions and worked through everything, holding strong. Lyra is perfection. Certified, fearless, unbreakable perfection. She's sassy and sharp-witted. Clever and fierce. A damsel in distress? Absolutely not. She saves herself — and probably everyone else too.
And just when I thought it couldn’t get better? I'm hit with a nuclear-level cliffhanger that had me physically shaking and the next book won't be out until June....ugggggggg. I want that book now!
This one will definitely pull you through an emotional rollercoaster, and it's actually one of the best Billionaire dark romance that I have read in a very, very long time. I hated it with a passion, yet couldn't get enough.
Anxiously awaiting the release of book two.
4.75 stars first read
5 stars second read
April 26, 2026
3.5 stars
It was nothing revolutionary but for the first time in months, I’ve been engaged by a dark romance enough to finish it. That by itself deserves 3.5 stars.
It was nothing revolutionary but for the first time in months, I’ve been engaged by a dark romance enough to finish it. That by itself deserves 3.5 stars.
November 25, 2025
“Emperor of Corruption” is the story of Lyra and Killian.
The heroine is an investigative reporter, winner of Pulitzer Prize and loyal to her profession. When she gets a chance to interview a pharmaceutical giant, she plans to dive beneath the surface.
While the first meeting with the hero feels staged, the second takes a dark turn when she is caught snooping. Thus begins a deeply troubled relationship with an obsessed, degrading hero and a determined but forced heroine.
Most of their sexual encounters are dubcon with s/m vibes, there is lots of angst and heartbreak as she fights to keep her career despite blackmail while he unwillingly starts to want to own her, there are mutiple secondary characters who add to the story and it ends in tragic cliffhanger.
Kept me engaged
Safe
4/5
The heroine is an investigative reporter, winner of Pulitzer Prize and loyal to her profession. When she gets a chance to interview a pharmaceutical giant, she plans to dive beneath the surface.
While the first meeting with the hero feels staged, the second takes a dark turn when she is caught snooping. Thus begins a deeply troubled relationship with an obsessed, degrading hero and a determined but forced heroine.
Most of their sexual encounters are dubcon with s/m vibes, there is lots of angst and heartbreak as she fights to keep her career despite blackmail while he unwillingly starts to want to own her, there are mutiple secondary characters who add to the story and it ends in tragic cliffhanger.
Kept me engaged
Safe
4/5
July 7, 2026
Do not waste your time. Terrible book
November 25, 2025
This was the BEST billionaire/CEO Dark Romance I think I've ever read. My DR darlings, if you like dub-con/non-con from a complete psychopath that rules the world and would scorch it to the ground for your affection, then LOOK. NO. FURTHER.
KILLIAN FUCKING KING.
An MMC that dreams are made of is here to make you scream. Thats all you need to know about this devil in a designer suit.
Lilith has (once again) satisfied me completely, I swear this author has a one way connection to my fantasies and dark delights. And on top of that? She knows my favorite things in an FMC. Lyra is GOLD. Certified, fearless, unbreakable GOLD. Sass and wit, clever and fierce. Damsel in distress? NEVER.
Oh, and of course, we get all this perfection perfectly paired with a nuclear cliffhanger that had me HEAVING.
Emperor of Corruption is an AMAZING compliment to the world built within the Deadly Devotion collection, and I'm about to bust down doors to see how this story is going to play out.
2000/10
KILLIAN FUCKING KING.
An MMC that dreams are made of is here to make you scream. Thats all you need to know about this devil in a designer suit.
Lilith has (once again) satisfied me completely, I swear this author has a one way connection to my fantasies and dark delights. And on top of that? She knows my favorite things in an FMC. Lyra is GOLD. Certified, fearless, unbreakable GOLD. Sass and wit, clever and fierce. Damsel in distress? NEVER.
Oh, and of course, we get all this perfection perfectly paired with a nuclear cliffhanger that had me HEAVING.
Emperor of Corruption is an AMAZING compliment to the world built within the Deadly Devotion collection, and I'm about to bust down doors to see how this story is going to play out.
2000/10
June 2, 2026
Lyra is an award winning investigative reporter, she’s set to interview Killian King Billionaire extroidinaire for the magazine she writes for. When she gets feisty during the interview he gets the hots for her— he wants to dominate her and he does. He does some heavy duty spanking and bit g that he says she likes… I’m not convinced. Lyra really seems to despise him. Killian is on the edge of being too ott with his self love. He was almost like the Joker! Still the author kept him gritty but he was on the edge of becoming a caricature. This book is filled with noncon. I wish I had paid attention to the fact that the 2nd book isn’t out yet. I despise waiting for book 2 when I like a book I want to conjoin immediately.
September 29, 2026
Ngl I lowkey wasn’t feeling it for the most part of the story, but it really picked up towards the end. Glad this is only a duet because I don’t think I can bear to go through a series. Book itself has a lot of typos and grammar errors tho which sucks.
July 12, 2026
I’m struggling with this one. The spice is great. 4 stars probably.
I’ll say this, writing dark romance has to be monstrously difficult. Even I have no idea what I want, and the things that I know I want contradict themselves half the time. So god bless all the authors who try.
The story? Not my favorite. What dumbass digs through an office with a house full of people?
Here are my two big hangups when it comes to dark romance. These are completely subjective and do not indicate what I believe to be a correct way of thinking. The world doesn’t revolve around my reading needs.
1) I have personal life experiences that make it difficult for me to glorify serial killers or sexual predators. Rich white guys are so very rarely hot, and my real life emotions on this particular subject constantly pull me out of dark romance stories.
For example, as a real life reflection of this storyline: Ronan Farrow did not conduct one single interview with Harvey Weinstein. Evil isn’t attractive and it doesn’t need to be dissected. Investigative reporting does not center around understanding perpetrators. They aren’t hard to understand. They’re assholes who do what they want. They’re rich and can cover their shit up.
Yes, this hangup means I’m pretty limited in DR. It means most of my preferences are fantasy, so the motivations can be magic-based. I get lucky sometimes though.. I love both Limerence and Torment… so I keep trying.
2) I really really hate it when FMCs are weak, stupid, or helpless with no recourse for revenge. I like my dark romances to be two characters punching the shit out of each other, metaphorically. I like the normal dark aspects of the abuse, but I really need retaliation to happen and it needs to be effective.
I actually really like the FMC in this book. She gets major points for not being attracted to this guy. If she can’t have revenge, she should at least be able to hold onto that. I’m at 50% though, and I’m tired of her complete and total helplessness. If I wanted helpless despair I’d just spend time in my own head. I’m here for wish fulfillment, and constant begging and pleading just isn’t it.
I want blood. I want fire. I want explosions.
That doesn’t make this a bad book. Lots of DR readers like the complete domination dynamic. It is not for me though.
The plot itself isn’t interesting enough to keep me engaged, unfortunately. The true reason for so few stars is the sex tape plot line. If our MMC is so all powerful and god-like, how is he going to let some other guy (who is supposedly at his mercy) bully him into giving up her sex tape? That tape is completely degrading. Having another man watch it isn’t remotely ok, and putting her at the mercy of another man isn’t remotely ok. I hate it and consider it a plot hole. Since I’m having less than no fun, I’m done.
I’ll say this, writing dark romance has to be monstrously difficult. Even I have no idea what I want, and the things that I know I want contradict themselves half the time. So god bless all the authors who try.
The story? Not my favorite. What dumbass digs through an office with a house full of people?
Here are my two big hangups when it comes to dark romance. These are completely subjective and do not indicate what I believe to be a correct way of thinking. The world doesn’t revolve around my reading needs.
1) I have personal life experiences that make it difficult for me to glorify serial killers or sexual predators. Rich white guys are so very rarely hot, and my real life emotions on this particular subject constantly pull me out of dark romance stories.
For example, as a real life reflection of this storyline: Ronan Farrow did not conduct one single interview with Harvey Weinstein. Evil isn’t attractive and it doesn’t need to be dissected. Investigative reporting does not center around understanding perpetrators. They aren’t hard to understand. They’re assholes who do what they want. They’re rich and can cover their shit up.
Yes, this hangup means I’m pretty limited in DR. It means most of my preferences are fantasy, so the motivations can be magic-based. I get lucky sometimes though.. I love both Limerence and Torment… so I keep trying.
2) I really really hate it when FMCs are weak, stupid, or helpless with no recourse for revenge. I like my dark romances to be two characters punching the shit out of each other, metaphorically. I like the normal dark aspects of the abuse, but I really need retaliation to happen and it needs to be effective.
I actually really like the FMC in this book. She gets major points for not being attracted to this guy. If she can’t have revenge, she should at least be able to hold onto that. I’m at 50% though, and I’m tired of her complete and total helplessness. If I wanted helpless despair I’d just spend time in my own head. I’m here for wish fulfillment, and constant begging and pleading just isn’t it.
I want blood. I want fire. I want explosions.
That doesn’t make this a bad book. Lots of DR readers like the complete domination dynamic. It is not for me though.
The plot itself isn’t interesting enough to keep me engaged, unfortunately. The true reason for so few stars is the sex tape plot line. If our MMC is so all powerful and god-like, how is he going to let some other guy (who is supposedly at his mercy) bully him into giving up her sex tape? That tape is completely degrading. Having another man watch it isn’t remotely ok, and putting her at the mercy of another man isn’t remotely ok. I hate it and consider it a plot hole. Since I’m having less than no fun, I’m done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2026
Interesting plot but the writing just wasn’t for me
July 25, 2026
my god.
“Please,” I whimper again. “If you want me to beg, I’ll beg—”
“You’ll beg once I’ve gotten started. Begging beforehand is whining, and I have no interest in listening to you whine right now. Stay still and take it.”
***
hold on. that was going to be my entire review but ive just now seen that this beautiful gorgeous amazing incredible author has SUB-50 REVIEWS??!??!?! no no no, i must now pour my heart into singing her praises.
ive read about 750 books now and id garner than about 749 are in this genre or kinda sorta overlap. ive gotten very good at knowing from the summary and the kindle preview whether a book is worth reading or not for me. if it is, ill put it on my TBR and we'll see. not this one. the first page gripped me by the collar and held on and i immediately started reading the entire book.
writing that shows, not just tells, and creates really strong characters from the story rather than developing a story and forcing bland characters into it: “Killian reclines in his office chair, his lean yet muscled frame practically dwarfing the seat, and casts his gaze toward the window. He looks so contemplative it almost makes me forget that I was asked to send all my questions to his secretary in advance. Killian’s already read them, and considering his polished words, I’m sure he’s prepared each answer, yet he’s making this interview seem genuine. It’s yet another red flag."
the story develops with a mix of control, obsession, blackmail, power dynamics, dubious and non consent, and more. If you like "If I Can't Have You" or Sam Mariano or Drethi Anis or Contention by Asha Everly or Mia Knight, you will LOVE this. I think the real kicker is how amazingly smart and strong our fmc is and how the mmc is the perfect definition of power and wealth. They're literally a power couple. They both have their insecurities because of their backgrounds and where that puts them in relation to each other. They feel very REAL while also having the allure of people way out of our league, interesting people that we want to observe and pry into their lives.
one of the most underrated books ive ever read, pls give her your flowers ppl
“Please,” I whimper again. “If you want me to beg, I’ll beg—”
“You’ll beg once I’ve gotten started. Begging beforehand is whining, and I have no interest in listening to you whine right now. Stay still and take it.”
***
hold on. that was going to be my entire review but ive just now seen that this beautiful gorgeous amazing incredible author has SUB-50 REVIEWS??!??!?! no no no, i must now pour my heart into singing her praises.
ive read about 750 books now and id garner than about 749 are in this genre or kinda sorta overlap. ive gotten very good at knowing from the summary and the kindle preview whether a book is worth reading or not for me. if it is, ill put it on my TBR and we'll see. not this one. the first page gripped me by the collar and held on and i immediately started reading the entire book.
first paragraph: “Ten minutes into my interview with one of the most powerful people in the world, I am 100% sure that the man sitting across from me is not the golden boy everyone assumes he is. I’m also 90% certain that he’s some variation of a sociopath or narcissist—or that he wears a mask so expertly, I’d be forgiven for assuming he’s somewhere on the anti-social spectrum.”
writing that shows, not just tells, and creates really strong characters from the story rather than developing a story and forcing bland characters into it: “Killian reclines in his office chair, his lean yet muscled frame practically dwarfing the seat, and casts his gaze toward the window. He looks so contemplative it almost makes me forget that I was asked to send all my questions to his secretary in advance. Killian’s already read them, and considering his polished words, I’m sure he’s prepared each answer, yet he’s making this interview seem genuine. It’s yet another red flag."
the story develops with a mix of control, obsession, blackmail, power dynamics, dubious and non consent, and more. If you like "If I Can't Have You" or Sam Mariano or Drethi Anis or Contention by Asha Everly or Mia Knight, you will LOVE this. I think the real kicker is how amazingly smart and strong our fmc is and how the mmc is the perfect definition of power and wealth. They're literally a power couple. They both have their insecurities because of their backgrounds and where that puts them in relation to each other. They feel very REAL while also having the allure of people way out of our league, interesting people that we want to observe and pry into their lives.
“I’m willing to bet that my IQ is higher than yours.”
“As a matter of fact, it is,” Killian says, nodding. His smile widens. “By two points.”
The subtext is clear; he’s looked into me. What’s surprising is that he admits I have him beat. Of course, measuring a person’s intelligence by their IQ is like measuring the worth of a house by its paint—misleading and inaccurate.
But still.”
"I do something impulsive, something spur-of-the-moment. A last ditch effort to make him reconsider ending my life. I rise up on my toes, fist his shirt, and press my lips to his. If kissing him saves my life, I’ll do it all day long.”
....
“Now, you kiss me of your own volition? Not out of passion, but out of fear.”
He’s pissed. I’d hoped the kiss might diffuse him, but instead, it’s made him angrier than ever. He’s going to destroy me. I can see the rabid beast in his eyes.
He releases a low, cruel chuckle. “Seductive, manipulative little vixen,” he growls. “Get on the bed right now or I will make you regret the day you were born.”
one of the most underrated books ive ever read, pls give her your flowers ppl
September 28, 2026
Plot: 3.5/5 • Spice: 4/5 ➡️➡️➡️ The main takeaway from this one is ✨coercion✨. Killian is being interviewed by Lyra. She’s an award winning journalist, and he’s a billionaire with his hands in a lot of pies. Mostly in the pharmaceutical industry.
When Killian catches Lyra digging through his office he takes it upon himself to “liberate” her of her hidden desires. No matter how many times she says no. Killian gets obsessed, but in a weird way. He battles himself that she’s beneath him, but goes to her boss and basically demands she writes an expose on him.
That wasn’t the first time Killian takes liberties with Lyra. He does it over and over and over again. Breaking pieces of Lyra every step of the way. Meanwhile Lyra is writing her own expose on Killian. All his dirty dark secrets are about to come to surface. The least she could do after the way he’s treated her.
The final blow is both of them hurting each other. The tape that Killian promised would never see the light of day gets released, and the damaging expose Lyra wrote about him goes live.
This ends on a cliffy with would a second book in release. There is a second book in the series out, but it is a different set of characters. Killian and Lyra’s story is not technically book 2.
Read the triggers - includes: coercion, assault, sexual assault, degradation, stalking, murder, secret society, work place romance, surprise pregnancy (😑), miscarriage, notes of bdsm, cnc, billionaire x working class. There’s more, but I feel those are the main ones.
When Killian catches Lyra digging through his office he takes it upon himself to “liberate” her of her hidden desires. No matter how many times she says no. Killian gets obsessed, but in a weird way. He battles himself that she’s beneath him, but goes to her boss and basically demands she writes an expose on him.
That wasn’t the first time Killian takes liberties with Lyra. He does it over and over and over again. Breaking pieces of Lyra every step of the way. Meanwhile Lyra is writing her own expose on Killian. All his dirty dark secrets are about to come to surface. The least she could do after the way he’s treated her.
The final blow is both of them hurting each other. The tape that Killian promised would never see the light of day gets released, and the damaging expose Lyra wrote about him goes live.
This ends on a cliffy with would a second book in release. There is a second book in the series out, but it is a different set of characters. Killian and Lyra’s story is not technically book 2.
Read the triggers - includes: coercion, assault, sexual assault, degradation, stalking, murder, secret society, work place romance, surprise pregnancy (😑), miscarriage, notes of bdsm, cnc, billionaire x working class. There’s more, but I feel those are the main ones.
September 14, 2026
This was so good I was going to round it up to 5 stars from 4.5 stars until the ending ruined it. I was so tempted to tank the rating to 2 stars. I didn’t want to put the book down until then.
A miscarriage??? Nooooooo, book ruined
This book had me hooked from the start. Billionaire MMC is instantly intrigued and attracted to the female lead.
There is non con, aphrodisiacs, blackmailing, he refuses to use a condom with her and when he finds out the female lead is pregnant, refuses to let her terminate the pregnancy and is intent on marrying her.
And I loved how the female lead stuck to her guns to resist him from start to finish. The contrast between her having a countdown app until she could leave him and him planning their marriage was almost funny
The pace and the delicious dark romance plot was really good.
The smut wasn’t that spicy but decent and the characters likeable.
I must say I didn’t like the spotlight on Carter and Annalise. It just felt like the secondary love story was unnecessary detracted from the main leads’ story.
I also feel like it’s dumb that Locke, the male lead’s head of security can find out the female lead is secretly pregnant and booked an appointment with a gynaecologist. But he can’t find out she’s making secret calls with Tommy for her expose that investigates the male lead’s hidden dealings.
The male lead strangely doesn’t install surveillance in the female lead’s apartment, even after she collapsed from being ill.
Not only does the male lead and his head of security not work out she’s digging into things that’s too dangerous for her, but Carter who’s a mafia boss watching for threats and Silas who’s stalking her too to plot the male lead’s downfall. None of these powerful men figure out how much she’s uncovered despite them theorizing she’s been digging.
I also find it strange she’d be able to find anything at all. Like how? You’re against billionaires and mafia but they couldn’t hide their tracks good enough? Just one conversation about a hostile takeover and somehow she’s worked out what happened and whose behind it through web searching? Too easy and unrealistic.
A miscarriage??? Nooooooo, book ruined
This book had me hooked from the start. Billionaire MMC is instantly intrigued and attracted to the female lead.
There is non con, aphrodisiacs, blackmailing, he refuses to use a condom with her and when he finds out the female lead is pregnant, refuses to let her terminate the pregnancy and is intent on marrying her.
And I loved how the female lead stuck to her guns to resist him from start to finish. The contrast between her having a countdown app until she could leave him and him planning their marriage was almost funny
The pace and the delicious dark romance plot was really good.
The smut wasn’t that spicy but decent and the characters likeable.
I must say I didn’t like the spotlight on Carter and Annalise. It just felt like the secondary love story was unnecessary detracted from the main leads’ story.
I also feel like it’s dumb that Locke, the male lead’s head of security can find out the female lead is secretly pregnant and booked an appointment with a gynaecologist. But he can’t find out she’s making secret calls with Tommy for her expose that investigates the male lead’s hidden dealings.
The male lead strangely doesn’t install surveillance in the female lead’s apartment, even after she collapsed from being ill.
Not only does the male lead and his head of security not work out she’s digging into things that’s too dangerous for her, but Carter who’s a mafia boss watching for threats and Silas who’s stalking her too to plot the male lead’s downfall. None of these powerful men figure out how much she’s uncovered despite them theorizing she’s been digging.
I also find it strange she’d be able to find anything at all. Like how? You’re against billionaires and mafia but they couldn’t hide their tracks good enough? Just one conversation about a hostile takeover and somehow she’s worked out what happened and whose behind it through web searching? Too easy and unrealistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2026
3.5 just because I read it fully. It's been months since I completed a dark romance book. I always forget dark romance books these days after reading about 60-70 percent or even 80 percent sometimes. The fmc not being a doormat and not giving in till the very end helped with that.
November 18, 2025
This book is amazingly spicy and dark. I couldn’t put this down, page one had me begging for more. I the spice was top tier writing. The way the fmc an mmc were written was absolutely amazing. The writing of their relationship together had me on my seat. The cliffhanger! Omg I cannot wait for the next book the way Lilith keeps us hanging on for more is absolutely beautiful. Having the amazing ability to be an ARC reader and experience this book was an absolute honor.
December 12, 2025
Ohhh this book is def for my dark romance girls. I ATE THIS UP! Def read your trigger warnings though, it's most def not for everyone. My anxiety at the end was through the roof. Can't wait for book 2
June 4, 2026
5 glorious stars. This was amazing !!!!!!! Writing was simple not tedious rather compelling . I absolutely the MCs. Killian was scarrrry through and through I thought the FMC matched him perfectly and had a backbone without being sassy I loved ittttttt !!!!
Ugh will be reading more from this author.
Ugh will be reading more from this author.
July 13, 2026
Was really expecting to enjoy this, based on the raving reviews, but it’s a no for me. I didn’t find the MMC to be convincing, I get that it’s a DR but the FMC could have had a bit more of a spine. The writing was meh and the plot was very rushed towards the end of the book.
December 10, 2025
I can't get enough of Lilith's stories! They are super dark with Non-Con, so please check your TW's.
Lyra unfortunately fell into the lap of Killian King, and her life as she knew it depended fully on him. She is a journalist, and a good one, and she couldn't help but try and pry into his life to find all the secrets he has hidden. She believes that all Millionaires must have secrets, and she wants to write an article on him. But she ends up in his web and is having a hard time getting out.
Lyra was strong, fought back and tried her best to stand her ground. The position she was put in did force her hand a few times, but she did what she had to do to stop her life from falling to pieces.
Killian... Omg, the way I absolutely hated and felt so much rage towards Killian for the first half of the book. I so wanted her to push back even harder, not do what he asked and just find a different livelihood somehow. I really didn't want her to do anything he wanted. He was manipulative, demanding and extremely forceful. At the same time.... I'm not sure how the author writes MMCs that I hate so much at the start that I think there's no way I'll come around to him just to make me fall for him in the end. 😳 So somehow I came around to him and started rooting for the two of them to get their HEA!
I loved this book - I read it in one go and couldn't get enough of the two of them. So many emotions going back and forth, and so much going on.
And the Cliffhanger, I forgot how Lilith likes to go out with a bang!! Can't wait for book 2!!
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Killian King & Lyra
Nickname: Little Bird
Darkness: 6 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤☠️
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone
Title: Vicious Vendettas Series- Emperor of Corruption: Book 1
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, controlling, manipulative MMC
*Unaliver
*He falls first
*Non-Con 🍇
*Bondage
*Fogging
*Blackmail
*Forced painful punishments with Degradation/Humiliation
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
Lyra unfortunately fell into the lap of Killian King, and her life as she knew it depended fully on him. She is a journalist, and a good one, and she couldn't help but try and pry into his life to find all the secrets he has hidden. She believes that all Millionaires must have secrets, and she wants to write an article on him. But she ends up in his web and is having a hard time getting out.
Lyra was strong, fought back and tried her best to stand her ground. The position she was put in did force her hand a few times, but she did what she had to do to stop her life from falling to pieces.
Killian... Omg, the way I absolutely hated and felt so much rage towards Killian for the first half of the book. I so wanted her to push back even harder, not do what he asked and just find a different livelihood somehow. I really didn't want her to do anything he wanted. He was manipulative, demanding and extremely forceful. At the same time.... I'm not sure how the author writes MMCs that I hate so much at the start that I think there's no way I'll come around to him just to make me fall for him in the end. 😳 So somehow I came around to him and started rooting for the two of them to get their HEA!
I loved this book - I read it in one go and couldn't get enough of the two of them. So many emotions going back and forth, and so much going on.
And the Cliffhanger, I forgot how Lilith likes to go out with a bang!! Can't wait for book 2!!
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Killian King & Lyra
Nickname: Little Bird
Darkness: 6 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤☠️
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone
Title: Vicious Vendettas Series- Emperor of Corruption: Book 1
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, controlling, manipulative MMC
*Unaliver
*He falls first
*Non-Con 🍇
*Bondage
*Fogging
*Blackmail
*Forced painful punishments with Degradation/Humiliation
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 10, 2025
Lyra is a dogged investigative reporter with ink in her veins and zero fear of digging too deep. So, when she lands an interview with the elusive, terrifyingly powerful Killian King, she’s ready to peel back every layer he hides behind. What she doesn’t expect is to get caught snooping and to watch the mask drop. From that moment, the story veers straight into the shadows. Killian’s obsession with her hits like a blitz. Suddenly he’s offering her an eight-week “deal” that’s supposedly for an in-depth profile, but let’s be real: it’s a trap wrapped in velvet and barbed wire. He wants her under his control, on his terms, and he’s not subtle about the fact that pain is part of his language. He is cruel. Unapologetically so. But Lyra? Oh, she doesn’t break. She’s sharp, stubborn, clever, but every time she pushes back, it only drags him deeper into the madness he swears he doesn’t feel. Their chemistry is absolutely feral. The tone is dark, the twists are gloriously messy, and the tension? My god. It’s like holding a live wire. You end up constantly wondering: will Killian even let her walk away? And an even scarier question—will she even want to? If you crave dub-con/non-con dynamics with a full-blown, world-ruling psychopath who would raze civilizations just to keep your attention on him, look no further. Most of their encounters are twisted, charged, BDSM-laced battles of will, and the emotional fallout is brutal. She’s fighting to keep her career amid the blackmail and chaos; he’s fighting the inconvenient, unwelcome reality that he’s falling for her. And then—because of course—this beautiful nightmare ends on a cliffhanger so vicious it had me clenching my jaw and muttering at my Kindle. I honestly wasn’t prepared for the intensity. It dives straight into the darkest corners of obsession and power, and it does it in a way that keeps you glued to the page. This is a deeply disturbing, compulsively readable relationship between an obsessed, degrading antihero and a fierce, forced-into-submission heroine and it leaves you desperate for the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2026
Holy smokes - this was SO GOOD! I usually don't like non-con but this was done well and realistic. It also included other yummy elements like blackmail, dub-con, a strong FMC, unhinged bulldozer of a MMC, kinks and a fast-paced plot. I fear my standard for billionaire romances has soared.
While the FMC was not a physically capable and stabby assassin, she was still a great character who held a lot of strength. She was well aware of the extreme power imbalance but she never gave up and resisted him to the end. MMC tried to dazzle her with gifts, opportunities and fantastic sex but not once did she become dickmatized or gave into the materialistic draw. Instead, she set out to gain leverage for her situation through her main skills as a journalist and held on to the hope that their time together would come to an end despite starting to feel some softening towards him. It felt real and she truly hated him while he fell both hard and first.
While she's busy hating him, MMC is coming to grips with actual feelings. Sure, he started out as the typical rich, cruel sociopath but he wasn't one who had the personality of a cardboard. We didn't really get much depth to his background story but as a reader, you get enough that you understand what drives him. I immensely appreciated that he never strayed and slept with OW even when the opportunity arose nor was there any OWD. THANK YOU, AUTHOR! That would've been a surefire way to kill the book and cast doubt on his obsession for the FMC. I also liked reading about his own internal conflict regarding his feelings towards FMC.
A few things that I didn't like but it was cool - grammatical errors (not a whole lot) and the few mentionings of his manwhore past. However, it wasn't egregious so it's easily forgiven and didn't impact the enjoyment of the book.
Overall, 5+ star read. Can't wait for the second book to come out. Tangent - saw that Carter and Anna will get their own book but HELL NAH because we get an explicit manwhore scene with Carter in this one that would make it hard for me to want to read about him and Anna in some future release.
Safety - both non-virgins, no OWD/OMD, no cheating, no sharing
While the FMC was not a physically capable and stabby assassin, she was still a great character who held a lot of strength. She was well aware of the extreme power imbalance but she never gave up and resisted him to the end. MMC tried to dazzle her with gifts, opportunities and fantastic sex but not once did she become dickmatized or gave into the materialistic draw. Instead, she set out to gain leverage for her situation through her main skills as a journalist and held on to the hope that their time together would come to an end despite starting to feel some softening towards him. It felt real and she truly hated him while he fell both hard and first.
While she's busy hating him, MMC is coming to grips with actual feelings. Sure, he started out as the typical rich, cruel sociopath but he wasn't one who had the personality of a cardboard. We didn't really get much depth to his background story but as a reader, you get enough that you understand what drives him. I immensely appreciated that he never strayed and slept with OW even when the opportunity arose nor was there any OWD. THANK YOU, AUTHOR! That would've been a surefire way to kill the book and cast doubt on his obsession for the FMC. I also liked reading about his own internal conflict regarding his feelings towards FMC.
A few things that I didn't like but it was cool - grammatical errors (not a whole lot) and the few mentionings of his manwhore past. However, it wasn't egregious so it's easily forgiven and didn't impact the enjoyment of the book.
Overall, 5+ star read. Can't wait for the second book to come out. Tangent - saw that Carter and Anna will get their own book but HELL NAH because we get an explicit manwhore scene with Carter in this one that would make it hard for me to want to read about him and Anna in some future release.
Safety - both non-virgins, no OWD/OMD, no cheating, no sharing
September 21, 2026
The MMC in this book, Killian, reminds me a lot of Calvin from Descent—except somehow, he’s x10 worse.
I agree with Lyra: Killian is a sociopath. The sheer anger this man managed to evoke in me every time he would “take her” was honestly unmatched. And yet, I still found myself enjoying him as a morally black character. Lilith Vale does a great job of making Killian genuinely unredeemable, rather than simply giving us a “morally grey” man with a few questionable hobbies.
She also does a great job with Lyra. Unlike Hallie in Descent, Lyra is not a pushover. I genuinely haven’t come across a heroine like her in a while. This woman refuses to back down from Killian, no matter what he throws at her. She is so determined to escape him that I found myself rooting for her so hard, I occasionally forgot I was reading a dark romance.
Unfortunately, outside of Lyra and Killian, the story itself is severely lacking. Not much actually happens, and there were stretches where I was so bored I genuinely struggled to keep my eyes open after reading for less than five minutes. The chemistry and conflict between the main characters are doing a lot of heavy lifting.
The secondary characters aren’t much better. Lilith doesn’t really give me enough to become attached to Annalise or Locke, although she does put a little more effort into Carter’s character—which makes me assume he’ll be the focus of the next instalment.
And then there’s the masochism.
This is genuinely the first book I’ve read where the FMC is physically a masochist, and… yeah. This is very much outside my wheelhouse. I’m struggling with some of the intimate scenes because that particular dynamic just isn’t for me. I’ll definitely finish the series, but I can confidently say masochist storylines are not making it onto my list of favourite tropes anytime soon.
Overall, Killian and Lyra are carrying this book on their backs. Lyra is a fantastic FMC, Killian is appropriately awful, and the character dynamics are compelling enough to keep me reading.
I agree with Lyra: Killian is a sociopath. The sheer anger this man managed to evoke in me every time he would “take her” was honestly unmatched. And yet, I still found myself enjoying him as a morally black character. Lilith Vale does a great job of making Killian genuinely unredeemable, rather than simply giving us a “morally grey” man with a few questionable hobbies.
She also does a great job with Lyra. Unlike Hallie in Descent, Lyra is not a pushover. I genuinely haven’t come across a heroine like her in a while. This woman refuses to back down from Killian, no matter what he throws at her. She is so determined to escape him that I found myself rooting for her so hard, I occasionally forgot I was reading a dark romance.
Unfortunately, outside of Lyra and Killian, the story itself is severely lacking. Not much actually happens, and there were stretches where I was so bored I genuinely struggled to keep my eyes open after reading for less than five minutes. The chemistry and conflict between the main characters are doing a lot of heavy lifting.
The secondary characters aren’t much better. Lilith doesn’t really give me enough to become attached to Annalise or Locke, although she does put a little more effort into Carter’s character—which makes me assume he’ll be the focus of the next instalment.
And then there’s the masochism.
This is genuinely the first book I’ve read where the FMC is physically a masochist, and… yeah. This is very much outside my wheelhouse. I’m struggling with some of the intimate scenes because that particular dynamic just isn’t for me. I’ll definitely finish the series, but I can confidently say masochist storylines are not making it onto my list of favourite tropes anytime soon.
Overall, Killian and Lyra are carrying this book on their backs. Lyra is a fantastic FMC, Killian is appropriately awful, and the character dynamics are compelling enough to keep me reading.
June 12, 2026
3.5/5 — What did I just put myself through? So frustrating yet addictive AND TRIGGERING.
This has to be one of the darker romances I've read in a while. From the very beginning, Killian King had me raging. The man was an arrogant, controlling asshole who had apparently never heard the word 'no' in his entire life.
What made him interesting wasn't that he was obsessed in a sweet, whipped way. It was the opposite. His obsession felt tangled up with anger, control, and confusion. Half the time it seemed like he didn't even understand what he felt for the heroine, so he'd lash out instead, degraded her and shamed her. His hot-and-cold behavior drove me insane. IT WAS TOXIC
Lyra was the real star of this book for me. She was strong, stubborn, and actually fought back. Thank God she wasn't one of those heroines who folds the second the hero breathes in her direction. She challenged him, stood her ground, and refused to make things easy for him even though she was the one to lose always.
And Killian? Did I mention he was an asshole? Because he was. A massive one. I wanted to smack the shit outta him. He did so many shitty things.
That being said, by the end I started tolerating him a little more. You could see the cracks forming in that cold exterior and he slowly began to understand the damage he was causing and the person Lyra actually was.
He realised he can't live without her. So this delulu psycopath was already planning their happily ever after lmaooo while lyra was thinking she could get finally rid of him, tbh she never stood a chance. Also i don't expect groveling in the next book because apparently this author writes morally black and irredeemable heroes.
But THAT ENDING???
What was that cliffhanger??? Excuse me, author? You can't just drop that and expect me to move on with my life. I need the next book immediately because now I'm way too invested.
-no cheating, no ow drama
‼️CHECK THE TRIGGERS‼️
This has to be one of the darker romances I've read in a while. From the very beginning, Killian King had me raging. The man was an arrogant, controlling asshole who had apparently never heard the word 'no' in his entire life.
What made him interesting wasn't that he was obsessed in a sweet, whipped way. It was the opposite. His obsession felt tangled up with anger, control, and confusion. Half the time it seemed like he didn't even understand what he felt for the heroine, so he'd lash out instead, degraded her and shamed her. His hot-and-cold behavior drove me insane. IT WAS TOXIC
Lyra was the real star of this book for me. She was strong, stubborn, and actually fought back. Thank God she wasn't one of those heroines who folds the second the hero breathes in her direction. She challenged him, stood her ground, and refused to make things easy for him even though she was the one to lose always.
And Killian? Did I mention he was an asshole? Because he was. A massive one. I wanted to smack the shit outta him. He did so many shitty things.
That being said, by the end I started tolerating him a little more. You could see the cracks forming in that cold exterior and he slowly began to understand the damage he was causing and the person Lyra actually was.
He realised he can't live without her. So this delulu psycopath was already planning their happily ever after lmaooo while lyra was thinking she could get finally rid of him, tbh she never stood a chance. Also i don't expect groveling in the next book because apparently this author writes morally black and irredeemable heroes.
But THAT ENDING???
What was that cliffhanger??? Excuse me, author? You can't just drop that and expect me to move on with my life. I need the next book immediately because now I'm way too invested.
-no cheating, no ow drama
‼️CHECK THE TRIGGERS‼️
January 24, 2026
Another gut punch read by Lilith Vale (with a cliffhanger)!!
This was an emotional read for me. I went into this without reading any of the trigger warnings (the same as I did with the Deadly Devotion series). I won't lie. I was very, very tempted to read them after the first few interactions between Killian and Lyra, but I resisted.
I think the thing that most stood out for me in this book was how true Lyra was to her feelings. I applauded that she continued to treat what was happening with Killlian the way she did rather than immediately accept it. I won't spoil anything, but I felt each of her emotions as she experienced them during those times and even after.
In truth, I had hoped that Killian would read the interactions better and adjust his behaviour but I realise that was not Killian's way. He needed a real wake up call and for me, that cliffhanger was exactly that. I loved that Lyra was able to achieve that. I was so devastated for her, though. Absolutely gutted. Once again, this is where not looking at the trigger warnings were a blessing. If you have read any of the Deadly Devotion series and don't have triggers for dark, dark romance books, a bit of mystery is good in this case.
Lilith Vale has quickly become an instant read for me. I have now read four of her books back to back. I will, impatiently, wait for Book 2 in this series as I just know it will be amazing and worth the wait.
I would encourage readers to give this series a go, even with the cliffhanger for Book 2. If you enjoy dark, dark romance, with a female lead who is intelligent and determined and with a male lead who thinks he is superior in every way but eventually starts to question that, then this is the book for you. Please note though, three words, pain kink awakening.
This was an emotional read for me. I went into this without reading any of the trigger warnings (the same as I did with the Deadly Devotion series). I won't lie. I was very, very tempted to read them after the first few interactions between Killian and Lyra, but I resisted.
I think the thing that most stood out for me in this book was how true Lyra was to her feelings. I applauded that she continued to treat what was happening with Killlian the way she did rather than immediately accept it. I won't spoil anything, but I felt each of her emotions as she experienced them during those times and even after.
In truth, I had hoped that Killian would read the interactions better and adjust his behaviour but I realise that was not Killian's way. He needed a real wake up call and for me, that cliffhanger was exactly that. I loved that Lyra was able to achieve that. I was so devastated for her, though. Absolutely gutted. Once again, this is where not looking at the trigger warnings were a blessing. If you have read any of the Deadly Devotion series and don't have triggers for dark, dark romance books, a bit of mystery is good in this case.
Lilith Vale has quickly become an instant read for me. I have now read four of her books back to back. I will, impatiently, wait for Book 2 in this series as I just know it will be amazing and worth the wait.
I would encourage readers to give this series a go, even with the cliffhanger for Book 2. If you enjoy dark, dark romance, with a female lead who is intelligent and determined and with a male lead who thinks he is superior in every way but eventually starts to question that, then this is the book for you. Please note though, three words, pain kink awakening.
July 8, 2026
I loved this book! I need book 2 now. I regret reading this before the duet was finished but I just loved everything about it. The ending suprised me. I knew that she would become pregnant, I knew her sex tape would get leaked and I knew the expose article would get released but everything happened ima different order then I expected. I can’t believe killian even gave Silas the tape. He claims he was backed into a corner but nah you have way more power/money/connections and you’re just gonna let a nepo tell you what to do smh. Also the fact that Silas said he would leave Lyra alone then proceeded to have her mugged like killian knew that Silas was trash. I do feel bad for Lyra because of her miscarriage and the potential loss of her career. She worked so hard for everything she had. When she was on the phone with Tommy thinking about killing herself I felt so bad. I’m glad she got the expose article out though and she dipped. She really out smarts a lot of people and killian is the only one who sees it. I didn’t like when killed was calling her trash, poor, saying he would never marry someone that low and saying he wouldn’t let her have his kids. Hopefully next book he grovels alot cause he’s got a lot to make up for. He also said all that but used lyras pregnancy to force her to marry him and stay with him forever. I love books where the man is more in love then the women it brings me peace to know he was upset she didn’t feel the same. Killian is also a bad guy so he didn’t care he was just gonna do/get what he wanted. I’m very excited for the next book. Hopefully Lyra can get more revenge and hav ever career back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2026
Wow, this was very good. The FMC was intelligent and clever, and there was no instalust. She was genuinely repulsed by the abuse of the MMC. There was the tiniest bit of body betrayal but she hates it and rejects it, which made a lot of sense. The FMC didn't get herself trapped by the MMC because she was stupid - the power dynamics were too vast for her to overcome. But, fight she does!! There's a scene in his office during their first enforced interview, and she freaking stands up to him and refuses to bend. Good heavens, it was glorious. I literally shouted, "yes!" when didn't cave. Ah, I FREAKING love a gritty heroine. She doesn't have to be obnoxiously bratty, but to have self-respect is so refreshing in dark romance.
The MMC was a psychopath, but unapologetic of it and pretty self-aware. For instance, he says, "I expect I’ll get bored before the eight weeks are up, but until then…” another shrug. “You seem to think that not engaging will make me lose interest, but you’re wrong. The best way to get me off your back is give me what I want and wait for me to move on.". He knows he's spoiled and fickle and considers it his due. It's enjoyable to see his transition from unflinching disregard for her feelings to him WANTING her to want him. It's very satisfying and it's its own grovel, in a way.
It was also pretty funny. Here's an exchange : "Is your wardrobe limited, or did you think dressing like an imbecile would put me off?” he asks. “The latter.”
GREAT novel with noncon, insane alpha male and the intelligent FMC who tries to survive.
The MMC was a psychopath, but unapologetic of it and pretty self-aware. For instance, he says, "I expect I’ll get bored before the eight weeks are up, but until then…” another shrug. “You seem to think that not engaging will make me lose interest, but you’re wrong. The best way to get me off your back is give me what I want and wait for me to move on.". He knows he's spoiled and fickle and considers it his due. It's enjoyable to see his transition from unflinching disregard for her feelings to him WANTING her to want him. It's very satisfying and it's its own grovel, in a way.
It was also pretty funny. Here's an exchange : "Is your wardrobe limited, or did you think dressing like an imbecile would put me off?” he asks. “The latter.”
GREAT novel with noncon, insane alpha male and the intelligent FMC who tries to survive.
November 23, 2025
Lyra is an investigative reporter who just wants the truth, but the second she sits down with Killian, everything goes sideways. She might get her big story, but the price? Yeah… way higher than she expected. Killian gets obsessed fast, and suddenly he’s offering her this eight-week “deal” that’s basically her giving in to him. And honestly, you’re just sitting there wondering if he’ll actually let her walk away when it’s over — or if she’ll even want to. And if she does get out, does she run the story or burn it?
This book sucked me in right away. The chemistry is insane, the vibes are dark, the twists are messy in the best way, and the cliffhanger almost made me scream. I’m not usually big on enemies-to-lovers, but this one grabbed me by the throat. Lyra is smart as hell, and Killian is unhinged enough that you can’t stop reading. Their dynamic is chaotic, tense, and kinda addictive.
Just a heads up: it leans heavily into Dom/non-willing-submissive territory, and the author does spell out the trigger warnings upfront — definitely worth checking. But the spice? Ridiculously good. The tension? Top tier. The side characters? Actually fun and not just filler.
And that ending. I’m still not okay. I can’t wait for book two because I need to see what kind of mess these two get into next.
This book sucked me in right away. The chemistry is insane, the vibes are dark, the twists are messy in the best way, and the cliffhanger almost made me scream. I’m not usually big on enemies-to-lovers, but this one grabbed me by the throat. Lyra is smart as hell, and Killian is unhinged enough that you can’t stop reading. Their dynamic is chaotic, tense, and kinda addictive.
Just a heads up: it leans heavily into Dom/non-willing-submissive territory, and the author does spell out the trigger warnings upfront — definitely worth checking. But the spice? Ridiculously good. The tension? Top tier. The side characters? Actually fun and not just filler.
And that ending. I’m still not okay. I can’t wait for book two because I need to see what kind of mess these two get into next.
July 5, 2026
Apparently I'm in my "FMC I like too much to want her to be subjected to the super hot sociopathic MMC" era because my girl Lyra??!! Too good to be caught up in Killian's NONSENSE.
But I loved every moment.
This is not insta-love, insta-get-over-the-trauma, not even insta-lust (maybe on Killian's side but certainly not Lyra's). Lyra's reactions to being in caught in the web of a billionaire with too much power is as real as one can get in a dark romance and I was devastated and rooting for her the whole time. The two of them are in a battle of wills where Killian holds all the cards but Lyra does everything possible to make him pay for it. And she does it WELL.
Can you tell I love her bad? In case it's not obvious: I love this FMC BAD!
Plenty of plot and fun side characters to keep things interesting between the smutty scenes. The cliffhanger we're left on is absolutely glorious and I'm so excited to see what my girl does next (Killian too but I'm in love with Lyra so).
I'm also so excited for the books about the relationship between Lyra's friend and Killian's "friend." We get a peek at the battle of wills that'll most assuredly happen between them and it's going to be beautiful.
Tl;dr I am SAT for the next book and all the ones after
But I loved every moment.
This is not insta-love, insta-get-over-the-trauma, not even insta-lust (maybe on Killian's side but certainly not Lyra's). Lyra's reactions to being in caught in the web of a billionaire with too much power is as real as one can get in a dark romance and I was devastated and rooting for her the whole time. The two of them are in a battle of wills where Killian holds all the cards but Lyra does everything possible to make him pay for it. And she does it WELL.
Can you tell I love her bad? In case it's not obvious: I love this FMC BAD!
Plenty of plot and fun side characters to keep things interesting between the smutty scenes. The cliffhanger we're left on is absolutely glorious and I'm so excited to see what my girl does next (Killian too but I'm in love with Lyra so).
I'm also so excited for the books about the relationship between Lyra's friend and Killian's "friend." We get a peek at the battle of wills that'll most assuredly happen between them and it's going to be beautiful.
Tl;dr I am SAT for the next book and all the ones after
December 13, 2025
The first book in the Vicious Vendettas series, there are a few triggers, so mind yourself before stepping in. And if you do, well, hold on cause Vale has an extremely amazing talent for dark romance. The characters are intense, the world in which you step into sucks you in for a glorious ride, and the spice is extraordinary! Killian King, how I wanted to pummel him with my fists for a bit of this book. Really draws you into the darkness of his character. And Lyra isn’t some naive little twit. She’s unshakable, brilliant, and strong. The cliffhanger was freaking intense, just the way Vale has precisely crafted it to be! If you’re looking for an author who can write a villain you hate, only to end up loving every devious morsel of him, Lilith Vale is the queen of doing so. Now, the wait till Empress of Ruin comes out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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