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Vexing Villains #3
A Rogue in Sight
Asmodeus (Deus)
Some call me a villain.
Some call me a hero.
But I really just want Ellison to call me a sexy beast.
It all starts when I’m tasked with keeping my new BFFs alive on a camping trip. Easy, right?
Wrong.
One thing leads to another, and suddenly, there’s a target on Ellison’s head. The problem is that I’ve never been incapable of finding my mark before. How exactly do you find someone who you can’t see? You can’t hear? A person you can’t find until they’re right there?
But I will find them because they’ve never met someone like me.
Don’t worry, keeping my friends safe and saving inconsequential humans (mostly by accident) comes at a small price (maybe around $62 332,69 if I decide to charge for having to hear Landon rave about books).
But getting prim and proper Ellison to fall in love with me?
Priceless.
Ellison
As someone who has always worked from the sidelines, I’m reluctantly drawn out into the spotlight alongside Asmodeus after being attacked. Asmodeus is determined to keep me safe, but at what cost?
I’ve done everything alone for my entire life, but why is it that I can’t look away from him (even when he’s shooting the world’s(?) largest ball of yarn)? Asmodeus sees past my aloof persona and makes me willing to take some risks and break some rules.
But I’m terrified that all of this is going to destroy the happiness he’s brought me.
And I need to fight, not only for myself but for our future together.
Some call me a villain.
Some call me a hero.
But I really just want Ellison to call me a sexy beast.
It all starts when I’m tasked with keeping my new BFFs alive on a camping trip. Easy, right?
Wrong.
One thing leads to another, and suddenly, there’s a target on Ellison’s head. The problem is that I’ve never been incapable of finding my mark before. How exactly do you find someone who you can’t see? You can’t hear? A person you can’t find until they’re right there?
But I will find them because they’ve never met someone like me.
Don’t worry, keeping my friends safe and saving inconsequential humans (mostly by accident) comes at a small price (maybe around $62 332,69 if I decide to charge for having to hear Landon rave about books).
But getting prim and proper Ellison to fall in love with me?
Priceless.
Ellison
As someone who has always worked from the sidelines, I’m reluctantly drawn out into the spotlight alongside Asmodeus after being attacked. Asmodeus is determined to keep me safe, but at what cost?
I’ve done everything alone for my entire life, but why is it that I can’t look away from him (even when he’s shooting the world’s(?) largest ball of yarn)? Asmodeus sees past my aloof persona and makes me willing to take some risks and break some rules.
But I’m terrified that all of this is going to destroy the happiness he’s brought me.
And I need to fight, not only for myself but for our future together.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
About the author
Alice Winters
67 books2,921 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 22, 2026
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this one and I’m genuinely looking forward to the next book. Even better, the smut wasn’t weird in the slightest. A win all around.
I’ve loved these guys ever since they showed up in book two, and somehow I love them even more now that they finally got their moment. The chaotic group scenes are easily my favorite parts!! ridiculous, loud and so much fun to read.
Pre-Reading Update
another couple of side characters I absolutely loved, which is exactly why I’m really dreading them becoming the MCs because AW’s leads usually end up feeling cut from the same mold, no matter how distinct or interesting they were as side characters before!
and of course, I’m also bracing myself for the inevitably weird smut that’s clearly on the horizon.
Well… here we go 😩📚
I’ve loved these guys ever since they showed up in book two, and somehow I love them even more now that they finally got their moment. The chaotic group scenes are easily my favorite parts!! ridiculous, loud and so much fun to read.
Pre-Reading Update
another couple of side characters I absolutely loved, which is exactly why I’m really dreading them becoming the MCs because AW’s leads usually end up feeling cut from the same mold, no matter how distinct or interesting they were as side characters before!
and of course, I’m also bracing myself for the inevitably weird smut that’s clearly on the horizon.
Well… here we go 😩📚
January 31, 2026
I did like coming back to this group of characters, Deus especially, but the plot felt a bit all over the place and although there were some funny moments it just wasn't keeping my attention.
The humour was typical Alice Winters which is entertaining, but the balance between humour and seriousness was off and it was like the book didn't quite know what it was trying to be.
Really liked seeing Nolan again and I hope there's going to be a book for him and Lex.
Pocket Lint was really cute though and made a great duo with Deus.
I also really liked Aspen and the sharing scenes with Ellison and Deus were different to what I've read before but also really fun.
The humour was typical Alice Winters which is entertaining, but the balance between humour and seriousness was off and it was like the book didn't quite know what it was trying to be.
Really liked seeing Nolan again and I hope there's going to be a book for him and Lex.
Pocket Lint was really cute though and made a great duo with Deus.
I also really liked Aspen and the sharing scenes with Ellison and Deus were different to what I've read before but also really fun.
February 17, 2026
✅ Deus & Pocket Lint
✅ Characters
✅ Found family
✅ Superpowers
✅ Banter and ridiculous situations
✅ Pace
🆗 Plot
🆗 I still have questions about Deus and his past
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death of loved ones (in the past, mentioned), mentions of past child abuse and neglect
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
This book is not bad at all, but I struggled to remain engaged in the story. I kept reading or listening to other books, and it took me almost 2 weeks to read this one, despite it being a little less than 400 pages long.
The plot felt a little all over the place. Many things were happening at once, connected to Ellison’s past as well as Deus’s, but they were not linked to each other. It was weird how it all happened simultaneously, and some events were more or less explained in the end. It was not bad, but it was not as engaging as the previous books, and it feels as if the author tried to cram too many subplots into the book without fully developing them.
We get a little more backstory on Deus, but it only brings more questions. We knew he was raised by bad people who brainwashed him and turned him into a mindless killer… But what was their goal? Who did they kill? Why did they have Eve, whom Deus can’t stop thinking about? Speaking about Eve, what’s with the eye thing? Ellison mentions that in the picture he saw of Deus as a teenager, he had brown eyes instead of blue like he has now. Then another character told Deus to stop looking at him with Eve’s eyes. Does Deus have Eve’s eyes? How? Why?
My favorite moments remain the scenes with the SAVCGEM and/or Landon’s family. They never fail to make me laugh out loud, and their brand of ridiculousness is the best. I also liked seeing Nolan and Lex, and I do hope they get a book or a novella (and I hope the plot will be better than the one in this book).
The smut and lust came a little out of nowhere. We knew from the start that Deus was into Ellison, but Ellison never showed much interest in Deus, and even less physical attraction, yet they are suddenly fooling around “just for fun”…? It was sudden, and a little jarring to be honest. It didn’t fit with Ellison’s stern and serious character.
1. A Villain for Christmas ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Hero in Hiding ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Characters
✅ Found family
✅ Superpowers
✅ Banter and ridiculous situations
✅ Pace
🆗 Plot
🆗 I still have questions about Deus and his past
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death of loved ones (in the past, mentioned), mentions of past child abuse and neglect
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
This book is not bad at all, but I struggled to remain engaged in the story. I kept reading or listening to other books, and it took me almost 2 weeks to read this one, despite it being a little less than 400 pages long.
The plot felt a little all over the place. Many things were happening at once, connected to Ellison’s past as well as Deus’s, but they were not linked to each other. It was weird how it all happened simultaneously, and some events were more or less explained in the end. It was not bad, but it was not as engaging as the previous books, and it feels as if the author tried to cram too many subplots into the book without fully developing them.
We get a little more backstory on Deus, but it only brings more questions. We knew he was raised by bad people who brainwashed him and turned him into a mindless killer… But what was their goal? Who did they kill? Why did they have Eve, whom Deus can’t stop thinking about? Speaking about Eve, what’s with the eye thing? Ellison mentions that in the picture he saw of Deus as a teenager, he had brown eyes instead of blue like he has now. Then another character told Deus to stop looking at him with Eve’s eyes. Does Deus have Eve’s eyes? How? Why?
My favorite moments remain the scenes with the SAVCGEM and/or Landon’s family. They never fail to make me laugh out loud, and their brand of ridiculousness is the best. I also liked seeing Nolan and Lex, and I do hope they get a book or a novella (and I hope the plot will be better than the one in this book).
The smut and lust came a little out of nowhere. We knew from the start that Deus was into Ellison, but Ellison never showed much interest in Deus, and even less physical attraction, yet they are suddenly fooling around “just for fun”…? It was sudden, and a little jarring to be honest. It didn’t fit with Ellison’s stern and serious character.
1. A Villain for Christmas ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Hero in Hiding ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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November 14, 2025
Well, it's another Alice Winters book. They feel pretty "paint-by-numbers" at this point, but for some reason it's always enjoyable for me, as long as I don't read too many in a row. So yeah, enjoyed this one.
Read
January 7, 20263.5 stars
The usual Alice Winters shenanigans, but I do love Deus and Ellison's powers were interesting. There are still some hanging plot points so I assume the next one will be Nolan and Lex (and I'm really hoping Deus finally collects on all his outstanding invoices).
The usual Alice Winters shenanigans, but I do love Deus and Ellison's powers were interesting. There are still some hanging plot points so I assume the next one will be Nolan and Lex (and I'm really hoping Deus finally collects on all his outstanding invoices).
November 11, 2025
Bloody hell get ready for some twists and turns that you are not ready for. We get to see how Ellison and Deus find common ground in the maybe not safest way. When someone is out to get Ellison, Deus takes it upon himself to protect him. Ellison slowly let's Deus see what's under the suit. Theses two have a chemistry that just works for them. They allow each other to be happy and find a safe place with this band of misfits.
Our 'helpful' group is back to save the day, even if we're being honest they cause more trouble than helping but hey if it works it works. What a fun ride, it was nice to see Landon & August from others pov, as well as the others of the crew. Now let's hope a certain telepath and fire starter get to have their HEA as well cause we know that will be a ride to remember.
Our 'helpful' group is back to save the day, even if we're being honest they cause more trouble than helping but hey if it works it works. What a fun ride, it was nice to see Landon & August from others pov, as well as the others of the crew. Now let's hope a certain telepath and fire starter get to have their HEA as well cause we know that will be a ride to remember.
December 11, 2025
Gold star, really really liked it. I am glad we got Deus and Ellison's story, it very much did not disappoint. And it gives me hope that we may get Lex and Nolan someday too
November 8, 2025
Deus and Ellis!
There are so many layers to both characters we finally get to see! I'm hoping the glimpses into Deus' past mean we will get another book and a possible side character to keep this series going!!! I don't know what I want more: the next book to be for Nolan (my fave) or a second book for Deus to dive into his past! Could Henrik be a hero worthy of his own book?? Either way, I can't wait to see what Alice gives us next!
There are so many layers to both characters we finally get to see! I'm hoping the glimpses into Deus' past mean we will get another book and a possible side character to keep this series going!!! I don't know what I want more: the next book to be for Nolan (my fave) or a second book for Deus to dive into his past! Could Henrik be a hero worthy of his own book?? Either way, I can't wait to see what Alice gives us next!
March 28, 2026
I didn’t feel any connection between the MC’s. They didn’t even feel like friends. I didn’t really like Ellison and thought Deus needed his own version of August.
The plot was really heavy at times, but mostly it was all over the place. I laughed a couple of times at the beginning, but a lot of the later humor felt off.
I love the moments with Landon’s evil crazy family.
The prospect of a future book with Nolan and Lex was the best part of this book which says a lot…
The plot was really heavy at times, but mostly it was all over the place. I laughed a couple of times at the beginning, but a lot of the later humor felt off.
I love the moments with Landon’s evil crazy family.
The prospect of a future book with Nolan and Lex was the best part of this book which says a lot…
January 3, 2026
Classic Alice Winters. Hilarious and lovable characters, with a fun and hot twist…honestly I just really enjoyed this and am glad I can still get through a book that isn’t Heated Rivalry. I’m so glad I saved this for the new year.
December 17, 2025
What a ride this is!
Someone is out to cause mischief for our favourite suit wearing Ellison so Deus decides he shall keep him safe, even if Ellison doesn’t feel he needs protection. Over the course of their very twisted journey together we really get to see how these two men, with very similar traumatic backgrounds, learn to rely on and eventually trust each other. They also have Landon, August and company to add to the mayhem that ensues as the villain does villain things and the superheroes manage to stumble their way through. Yes, Landon always has a book at hand, August is as agreeable as ever, Deus uses a lot of wordage as distraction and Ellison finally wears something other than a suit. There’s a delightfully named new pet, lots of invoices from Deus and a hard earned HEA that warmed my heart.. I laughed a lot at the shenanigans but was also heat-sore after learning all that these two wonderful men had been through to get where they wanted to be - to have love and happiness, a found family and each other.
“You didn’t leave my side when I needed you, so I’m not going to leave yours.”
Someone is out to cause mischief for our favourite suit wearing Ellison so Deus decides he shall keep him safe, even if Ellison doesn’t feel he needs protection. Over the course of their very twisted journey together we really get to see how these two men, with very similar traumatic backgrounds, learn to rely on and eventually trust each other. They also have Landon, August and company to add to the mayhem that ensues as the villain does villain things and the superheroes manage to stumble their way through. Yes, Landon always has a book at hand, August is as agreeable as ever, Deus uses a lot of wordage as distraction and Ellison finally wears something other than a suit. There’s a delightfully named new pet, lots of invoices from Deus and a hard earned HEA that warmed my heart.. I laughed a lot at the shenanigans but was also heat-sore after learning all that these two wonderful men had been through to get where they wanted to be - to have love and happiness, a found family and each other.
“You didn’t leave my side when I needed you, so I’m not going to leave yours.”
November 27, 2025
This book felt heavier than the previous two.
I really liked Deus, but I wasn’t fond of Ellison. Deus deserved someone more like August — someone whose energy matched his. I just couldn’t sympathize with Ellison, especially with the way he tried to handle everything on his own. His thought process often frustrated me.
The twist with Ellison’s illusions was interesting and definitely the most unique part of his character. Without that, he didn’t feel particularly special.
I really liked Deus, but I wasn’t fond of Ellison. Deus deserved someone more like August — someone whose energy matched his. I just couldn’t sympathize with Ellison, especially with the way he tried to handle everything on his own. His thought process often frustrated me.
The twist with Ellison’s illusions was interesting and definitely the most unique part of his character. Without that, he didn’t feel particularly special.
December 27, 2025
Cute, quick read set in the Vexing Villains universe. They are as insane as wacky as ever. I loved getting to see more into Ellison and Asmodeus's minds. Chaotic and rambling as they are. I love how the author always has multiple chaotic characters. They are so much larger than life and that makes them so fun to read about, I wish I could be Landon and just read all day. I loved Asmodeus and his demons. Ellison and his illusions ended up being pretty hot as well.
May 23, 2026
Oh God, this really makes me cry! My heart breaks for Ellison.
I WISH someone would tell Valerie to SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOBODY CARES ABOUT HER OPINION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE SHOULD NOT CONTROL PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WISH someone would tell Valerie to SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOBODY CARES ABOUT HER OPINION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE SHOULD NOT CONTROL PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 7, 2025
Another Alice Winters masterpiece. This one has the classic craziness and humor as the rest of the series with some extra twists and turns. I love how much this group of heroes makes me laugh and admire their found family.
Read this whole series, its totally worth it.
Read this whole series, its totally worth it.
December 24, 2025
Total mayhem!
For half the book I really wasn't sure just what on earth was going on but it didn't stop me from loving the hell out of this story.
I've really enjoyed this series of villains and their antics and I hope we get Lex and Nolan's story next!
For half the book I really wasn't sure just what on earth was going on but it didn't stop me from loving the hell out of this story.
I've really enjoyed this series of villains and their antics and I hope we get Lex and Nolan's story next!
April 11, 2026
I love Asmodeus with all my heart and I now need a million books with him as the MC. He is so chaotic, so unhinged, he tells you things straightforward, he protects you with everything he's got, and he will bill you accordingly. His invoices are the highlight of Valerie's day, I'm sure.
There was no better man to be Deus other half than Ellison, prim and proper Ellison with his suits and the tattoos he never shows anyone.
The action was full, the comedy was perfect, the smut was exceptionally steamy omg I was not expecting that, and I just adored everything about this book. Including the marvellous new addition Pocket Lint the Third, Esquire.
There was no better man to be Deus other half than Ellison, prim and proper Ellison with his suits and the tattoos he never shows anyone.
The action was full, the comedy was perfect, the smut was exceptionally steamy omg I was not expecting that, and I just adored everything about this book. Including the marvellous new addition Pocket Lint the Third, Esquire.
November 14, 2025
I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t feel the chemistry between Ellison and Asmodeus as much as between Landon and August but I still liked the book overall.
It was just as ridiculous with a touch of angst as all Alice’s other books.
I also found everything about Ellison’s powers super interesting and the plot twist around them was great.
And I’m also such a sucker for a found family.
It was just as ridiculous with a touch of angst as all Alice’s other books.
I also found everything about Ellison’s powers super interesting and the plot twist around them was great.
And I’m also such a sucker for a found family.
November 12, 2025
rogue in sight was such a amazing story
I fell in love with these adorable and quirky characters their chemistry was off the charts
the book was addictive and I didn't want it to end
I fell in love with these adorable and quirky characters their chemistry was off the charts
the book was addictive and I didn't want it to end
November 19, 2025
I honestly didn’t think that the vexing villains series could get any better! Alice never ceases to amaze me with her talent and storylines, and how she brings these characters to life and makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action.
Deus and Ellison were just what the other person needed at the right time, both going through their own traumas and needing each other to finally rid themselves of their demons and traumatic pasts.
Alice can perfectly describe lifelong trauma and how it affects her characters, but also keep the comedy aspect of the story going throughout.
There were hilarious moments throughout the book from all our loveable characters. It was great to learn more about Nolan and see him cropping up more frequently. The groundwork has been set for Nolan and Lex to eventually have their own happily ever after, and I literally cannot wait. We had the usual shenanigans from Landon’s parents and the SAVCGEM, which as always were brilliant.
The only thing that could have made this book better would have been a Landon and Leland crossover. Those two NEED to meet one day!
Deus and Ellison were just what the other person needed at the right time, both going through their own traumas and needing each other to finally rid themselves of their demons and traumatic pasts.
Alice can perfectly describe lifelong trauma and how it affects her characters, but also keep the comedy aspect of the story going throughout.
There were hilarious moments throughout the book from all our loveable characters. It was great to learn more about Nolan and see him cropping up more frequently. The groundwork has been set for Nolan and Lex to eventually have their own happily ever after, and I literally cannot wait. We had the usual shenanigans from Landon’s parents and the SAVCGEM, which as always were brilliant.
The only thing that could have made this book better would have been a Landon and Leland crossover. Those two NEED to meet one day!
April 26, 2026
3.5 stars
I’m way behind on my reviews so I’m just going to say a few things instead of my normal thorough review assessment.
This wasn’t as good as the author’s usual books but it was still very funny and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters but I couldn’t picture the MCs together at all. It was a really weird pairing and felt entirely one-sided until suddenly they were together. I couldn’t really get a handle on Ellison.
I don’t remember the side character Landon being as much of a drama queen in his book but he was the funniest person here. This was a weird mmm: . The plot was odd as was the bad guy. The ending was okay but it felt abrupt.
This isn’t my favorite of Winters’s series, probably because I’m not into superheroes, but I will continue reading it if there are more written. I’ll read just about anything she’s written.
Michael Leslie did a pretty good job with varying voices but there was something about his voices I didn’t like. I definitely didn’t like his choice for Deus. He did Landon’s character quite well though, which might be why I thought him so humerous.
I’m way behind on my reviews so I’m just going to say a few things instead of my normal thorough review assessment.
This wasn’t as good as the author’s usual books but it was still very funny and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters but I couldn’t picture the MCs together at all. It was a really weird pairing and felt entirely one-sided until suddenly they were together. I couldn’t really get a handle on Ellison.
I don’t remember the side character Landon being as much of a drama queen in his book but he was the funniest person here. This was a weird mmm: . The plot was odd as was the bad guy. The ending was okay but it felt abrupt.
This isn’t my favorite of Winters’s series, probably because I’m not into superheroes, but I will continue reading it if there are more written. I’ll read just about anything she’s written.
Michael Leslie did a pretty good job with varying voices but there was something about his voices I didn’t like. I definitely didn’t like his choice for Deus. He did Landon’s character quite well though, which might be why I thought him so humerous.
December 23, 2025
Series: Vexing Villains #3
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
After reading the previous book I was really hoping that we would get a story focused on Asmodeus and Ellison’s relationship. So I was really happy when I jumped into this one and realized it was just what I was wanting.
This book is kind of split into two because the first half of this story focuses on Asmodeus and his past, and the trouble it is causing today. The second half of this book ends up focusing on Ellison and his childhood trauma, and the threat that is against them. While I don’t normally love such split in a story, it worked for this one because it let us really get to know each of these characters as they deal with their trauma’s together and became a stronger couple because of it.
Asmodeus, aka Deus, is a fascinating assassin who has broken away from his traumatic life of being trained as an assassin and is building a new life on his own terms. But because of how he was raised he has no idea what is normal or appropriate, so we continue to see Deus being weird but also so honest, which I really loved. I really just loved how Deus was so protective of Ellison from the beginning and instantly was there to support Ellison when needed. It was great just seeing a man support his partner without judgement or fear. Also, I love that Deus gets the villain pet in this and that it was not the typical cat.
Ellison is the straightlaced illusionist that we meet in the previous book but we quickly learn that is not all he is. He has a hidden sense of humor and actually really enjoys this crazy group of misfits. His past was heartbreaking and traumatic. It didn’t surprise me at all that after everything he had been though he had trouble with his illusions. The person after him was a very interesting surprise but I do love how it was resolved and that Deus was able to help him move forward from it.
Overall, this was another wonderful book for this series. I really loved this couple and how they have both found a family in this group of misfit heroes and villains. I really hope we get more books in this series because I really enjoy this band of misfit supes.
TW: abusive parents; forced medical procedures; torture and death; PTSD and trauma; kidnapping;
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
After reading the previous book I was really hoping that we would get a story focused on Asmodeus and Ellison’s relationship. So I was really happy when I jumped into this one and realized it was just what I was wanting.
This book is kind of split into two because the first half of this story focuses on Asmodeus and his past, and the trouble it is causing today. The second half of this book ends up focusing on Ellison and his childhood trauma, and the threat that is against them. While I don’t normally love such split in a story, it worked for this one because it let us really get to know each of these characters as they deal with their trauma’s together and became a stronger couple because of it.
Asmodeus, aka Deus, is a fascinating assassin who has broken away from his traumatic life of being trained as an assassin and is building a new life on his own terms. But because of how he was raised he has no idea what is normal or appropriate, so we continue to see Deus being weird but also so honest, which I really loved. I really just loved how Deus was so protective of Ellison from the beginning and instantly was there to support Ellison when needed. It was great just seeing a man support his partner without judgement or fear. Also, I love that Deus gets the villain pet in this and that it was not the typical cat.
Ellison is the straightlaced illusionist that we meet in the previous book but we quickly learn that is not all he is. He has a hidden sense of humor and actually really enjoys this crazy group of misfits. His past was heartbreaking and traumatic. It didn’t surprise me at all that after everything he had been though he had trouble with his illusions. The person after him was a very interesting surprise but I do love how it was resolved and that Deus was able to help him move forward from it.
Overall, this was another wonderful book for this series. I really loved this couple and how they have both found a family in this group of misfit heroes and villains. I really hope we get more books in this series because I really enjoy this band of misfit supes.
TW: abusive parents; forced medical procedures; torture and death; PTSD and trauma; kidnapping;
February 1, 2026
(Cross-posted on Audible): This is another hysterical (while also upsetting) book by Alice Winters. I think this series is my favorite of hers. And even though I loved Deus in the last book, I can’t believe how much more I loved him. I knew he was hiding trauma behind the demons, but learning more about him was so fun and emotional. We learned from Leland in the Hitman series that Alice’s funniest characters are masking trauma, which is why the book is as upsetting as it is funny. I was also surprised by how much I loved Ellison. His entire storyline in this book is, frankly, brilliant. I loved the two of them together and I loved all the other characters and how much we got of them. I can’t get over how FUNNY Alice is. Scenes like the balloon in the hospital, the ball of yarn, and the croquet game have me laughing out loud, which I almost never do when listening to audiobooks.
The team up of Alice and Michael Lesley is the best thing about this series. I tell everyone that stands still long enough that Michael Lesley is the best narrator working today. His ability to create dozens of individual voices is unmatched. And he does this over and over in other series with almost no overlaps. I adore and listen religiously to at least 4 series he has done: Monstrous by Lily Mayne, Tales From Verania by TJ Klune, SOS Hotel by Adam Vex/Ariana Nash, and Passing Through Cafe by Nik Knight. And each series has an entire host of characters that are unique and instantly recognizable. You always know exactly who is talking. I think he’s a superhero on his own. In this series, Landon might be my favorite. It’s not just the voice/accent, but it’s the delivery. He makes funnier lines even funnier, and he even had the ability to bring you to tears. There’s a scene in a pizza place in this book that is incredibly well-acted.
I’m going back and listening to the first two books of Vexing Villains again.
The team up of Alice and Michael Lesley is the best thing about this series. I tell everyone that stands still long enough that Michael Lesley is the best narrator working today. His ability to create dozens of individual voices is unmatched. And he does this over and over in other series with almost no overlaps. I adore and listen religiously to at least 4 series he has done: Monstrous by Lily Mayne, Tales From Verania by TJ Klune, SOS Hotel by Adam Vex/Ariana Nash, and Passing Through Cafe by Nik Knight. And each series has an entire host of characters that are unique and instantly recognizable. You always know exactly who is talking. I think he’s a superhero on his own. In this series, Landon might be my favorite. It’s not just the voice/accent, but it’s the delivery. He makes funnier lines even funnier, and he even had the ability to bring you to tears. There’s a scene in a pizza place in this book that is incredibly well-acted.
I’m going back and listening to the first two books of Vexing Villains again.
February 19, 2026
I couldn't wait to see the end of it.
Not funny for me. 40% i still couldn't figure out who the MCs are.
Huge potential with the projections power that was wasted.
Struggled to even listen let alone actually enjoy it.
Not funny for me. 40% i still couldn't figure out who the MCs are.
Huge potential with the projections power that was wasted.
Struggled to even listen let alone actually enjoy it.
November 13, 2025
Ellison, Ellison, Ellison, Ellison
You will understand the title of my review when you read this latest book by Alice Winters. I love how she is now writing about the “villains” and giving them as happy endings as the “heroes”. She delves into what made them into the bad guys that they are while still making us laugh with lovely things like an adventure to the world’s biggest ball of yarn. I love how complex her stories are while still being so eminently readable. She does some wonderful plotting as she puts her characters through the craziest things including falling in love. She is one of my favorite writers because of how well she writes and the humor and humanity that she brings to her work.
You will understand the title of my review when you read this latest book by Alice Winters. I love how she is now writing about the “villains” and giving them as happy endings as the “heroes”. She delves into what made them into the bad guys that they are while still making us laugh with lovely things like an adventure to the world’s biggest ball of yarn. I love how complex her stories are while still being so eminently readable. She does some wonderful plotting as she puts her characters through the craziest things including falling in love. She is one of my favorite writers because of how well she writes and the humor and humanity that she brings to her work.
February 3, 2026
A tremendous amount of fun from a cast of quirky characters, which seem to be Winters' speciality. Unlike the Hitman's Guide series though, the long-running jokes are layered on a little less thickly in Vexing Villains, less heavy-handed and more spread amongst the whole cast; there's plemty of involvement from the whole group, but Asmodeus and Ellison are still very much at the centre of the story. Things get a bit deep and dark with a more psychological element coming into the later parts of the story, looking into Ellison's backstory in particular, and those parts are given the weight they deserve without pulling the whole story down or making the lighthearted elements seem jarring. It's a well-balanced and fun story.
February 4, 2026
A depressing book that spends too much time exploring trauma while trying to shoehorn in humor that doesn’t fit with the story.
I don’t mind books with complicated characters with difficult pasts, but this book was all trauma and out-of-place humor. If the book has focused more on humor and gone lighter on the trauma, or gone lighter on the humor and deeper into healing following trauma, I could have gone along with it. But the mix didn’t work for me as a standalone book, or as an entry into an enjoyable and humorous series.
I like the author and the previous two entries in the series too much to rate it any less than 3 stars… but it should probably be less than 3 stars.
I don’t mind books with complicated characters with difficult pasts, but this book was all trauma and out-of-place humor. If the book has focused more on humor and gone lighter on the trauma, or gone lighter on the humor and deeper into healing following trauma, I could have gone along with it. But the mix didn’t work for me as a standalone book, or as an entry into an enjoyable and humorous series.
I like the author and the previous two entries in the series too much to rate it any less than 3 stars… but it should probably be less than 3 stars.
November 15, 2025
Gloriousness!
I Love this series! And this book was another great addition. I laughed so hard for so long my face hurt. All I can say is MORE PLEASE! And thank you Alice Winters for such a great reprieve from all the pain and chaos that is our world right now.
I Love this series! And this book was another great addition. I laughed so hard for so long my face hurt. All I can say is MORE PLEASE! And thank you Alice Winters for such a great reprieve from all the pain and chaos that is our world right now.
November 14, 2025
I always forget, that if you read Alice's book in a public place, you will get weird looks, because of all the cackling 😁
November 20, 2025
Addams family vibe
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