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Vicious Butterfly
Ryan Savage
There are two wars. The one Tate and I fight—begrudgingly—together, and the more violent and destructive one we fight against each other. If we’re unsuccessful, it’ll be because we’ve offed each other.
It’s my only way out of this marriage, so my getting rid of my “dear husband” Tate is an inevitability. One I look forward to.
Especially on nights like this one.
This cover is a placeholder, and the full synopsis is to come.
Vicious Butterfly is the first book in a NEW dark MM college hockey series. A spin-off from its prequel, Off-Ice Misconduct, which does not have to be read to enjoy this one!
There are two wars. The one Tate and I fight—begrudgingly—together, and the more violent and destructive one we fight against each other. If we’re unsuccessful, it’ll be because we’ve offed each other.
It’s my only way out of this marriage, so my getting rid of my “dear husband” Tate is an inevitability. One I look forward to.
Especially on nights like this one.
This cover is a placeholder, and the full synopsis is to come.
Vicious Butterfly is the first book in a NEW dark MM college hockey series. A spin-off from its prequel, Off-Ice Misconduct, which does not have to be read to enjoy this one!
500 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2026
About the author
S. Legend
27 books477 followersSome of you know her as Mock, others as S. Legend, or Miss S. She welcomes all names but will often go by Mock, a name given to her by her readers.
Mock is an ambitious creative, weaving the most precious aspects of her soul into stories. She is an architect, building fascinating worlds, designed from inquiry, rooted in worldly wonderings. It’s an intuitive process where she is the scribe, the translator, the conduit.
It helped that storytelling was the language spoken at home. One simply didn’t say, “We have an ant infestation,” in Mock’s family it was, “I was on my way to the living room, when a peculiar ant crossed my path. I looked to my right, a suspicious line of them marched toward the pantry. In that moment I knew; my kitchen was under siege.” The natural flow of conversation always took this form.
And so.
When Mock wrote her first novel, she didn’t plan it chapter by chapter, there was no outline, no “plotting” to speak of. But she didn’t “pants” it either, she didn’t make it up as she went along. She knew how the story felt, where it curved in places and hollowed in others; she knew the destination it rushed toward. Instead of orchestrating, she let the world inspire her, and held space for the words to come, trusting the characters knew what they were doing. All she had to do was tell a story, as she always had done; like breathing.
This is her peace, her healing and solace: Gifts better shared.
Mock’s works are the comfort you seek when you need to come home. Her unique writing style will take you, wayfaring reader, to unexpected destinations.
She always says, “I’m not in the business of making up stories, I couldn’t if I tired. I’m lucky enough to get picked to share someone else’s story when I ask a question to the universe. Someone answers; I write it down.”
Mock is an ambitious creative, weaving the most precious aspects of her soul into stories. She is an architect, building fascinating worlds, designed from inquiry, rooted in worldly wonderings. It’s an intuitive process where she is the scribe, the translator, the conduit.
It helped that storytelling was the language spoken at home. One simply didn’t say, “We have an ant infestation,” in Mock’s family it was, “I was on my way to the living room, when a peculiar ant crossed my path. I looked to my right, a suspicious line of them marched toward the pantry. In that moment I knew; my kitchen was under siege.” The natural flow of conversation always took this form.
And so.
When Mock wrote her first novel, she didn’t plan it chapter by chapter, there was no outline, no “plotting” to speak of. But she didn’t “pants” it either, she didn’t make it up as she went along. She knew how the story felt, where it curved in places and hollowed in others; she knew the destination it rushed toward. Instead of orchestrating, she let the world inspire her, and held space for the words to come, trusting the characters knew what they were doing. All she had to do was tell a story, as she always had done; like breathing.
This is her peace, her healing and solace: Gifts better shared.
Mock’s works are the comfort you seek when you need to come home. Her unique writing style will take you, wayfaring reader, to unexpected destinations.
She always says, “I’m not in the business of making up stories, I couldn’t if I tired. I’m lucky enough to get picked to share someone else’s story when I ask a question to the universe. Someone answers; I write it down.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
July 31, 2026
This was dark, unhinged and a story that I really enjoyed! Ryan and Tate are drawn to each other through every dark moment and every secret. Their connection is primal and palpable and I loved seeing them circle each other. They both have their own trauma that they need to live with. Ryan has gone through so much and he's basically a prisoner in his dad's house or at North Point. My heart went out to him for all of the things he's needed to endure at the hands of his father. Tate didn't have a great childhood either. Tate is so obsessed with Ryan! I loved the obsession, possessiveness and protectiveness in this book! And loved how mouthy and bratty Ryan could be. Sadly that was one of the only traits that wasn't beat out of him by his father. I loved how Ryan took care of his brother, Griff. Protecting Griff was one thing Ryan did not want to give up, and it was something that he could try to do until a point. I loved the dynamic between Ryan and Tate.
This book was a wild ride and I loved every momwnt of it! I really enjoyed this whole world and I'm excited to see where this series goes.
If you want to read a dark story about a hockey coach and the captain of a rival hockey team, with heaps of trauma and a bunch of red flags then this is the book for you.
This book was a wild ride and I loved every momwnt of it! I really enjoyed this whole world and I'm excited to see where this series goes.
If you want to read a dark story about a hockey coach and the captain of a rival hockey team, with heaps of trauma and a bunch of red flags then this is the book for you.
August 2, 2026
4.5 Stars
Utterly unhinged. From the very first chapter until the very end. I wouldn't have it any other way.
We met Tate and Ryan in Off Ice Misconduct. Off Ice Misconduct revolved around Luke, Tate's brother, and Ace, a rival hockey captain to Ryan's team. There is certainly some overlap between the two books, so I would highly recommend reading Off Ice Misconduct first to gain a better understanding of the world and the side characters that are going to crop up in this book. Be aware though that the tones of the two books are completely different. Off Ice Misconduct is a lot lighter than this one, given that Ace is a bright ray of sunshine, whereas Tate and Ryan are both very complex, moody characters with dark pasts etc.
As with all S Legend books, be prepared to run the gauntlet of emotions. I was so completely enraged by some of the villains in this book that I genuinely wished for the ability to reach into books and physically strangle characters. I may have issues.
Tate and Ryan's relationship dynamic is very possessive, obsessive, toxic and I ate it up like a nutella donut. There's an age gap dynamic at play. Theres a coach/player dynamic at play (although Ryan is on a different team). There's an axe. Although it's unfortunately not used to end Henry...
Ryan's has a tight knit group of friends that are up to all sorts of mischief in this book. All of the characters are packing secrets galore, and I was absolutely feral by the end over a certain red headed twin brother and a best friend... gimme. His cousin, Kane, was certainly interesting and rocking a similar sort of unhinged vibe to Tate so I also can't wait to see whose crazy enough to take him on. lol. His father is ugh. A piece of brown excrement on legs. The literal worst.
Tate has complicated relationships galore. His brother was the only person he cared about, before meeting Ryan, but the secrets these two are keeping from one another would be enough to fill a book. He also has the bestest assistant in the form of Ethan, a walking, talking, sassy onion with plenty of layers. I have all my fingers and toes crossed that Ethan either - a) shows up in other books or b) gets a novel or I'll even take a novella of his own.
Anyway, if you're familiar with S Legends other work, you'll have a general idea of what to expect in this book, but like I mentioned above, this one is a little more chaotic than the previous books. I was here for it. I loved it. Can't wait for more.
Utterly unhinged. From the very first chapter until the very end. I wouldn't have it any other way.
We met Tate and Ryan in Off Ice Misconduct. Off Ice Misconduct revolved around Luke, Tate's brother, and Ace, a rival hockey captain to Ryan's team. There is certainly some overlap between the two books, so I would highly recommend reading Off Ice Misconduct first to gain a better understanding of the world and the side characters that are going to crop up in this book. Be aware though that the tones of the two books are completely different. Off Ice Misconduct is a lot lighter than this one, given that Ace is a bright ray of sunshine, whereas Tate and Ryan are both very complex, moody characters with dark pasts etc.
As with all S Legend books, be prepared to run the gauntlet of emotions. I was so completely enraged by some of the villains in this book that I genuinely wished for the ability to reach into books and physically strangle characters. I may have issues.
Tate and Ryan's relationship dynamic is very possessive, obsessive, toxic and I ate it up like a nutella donut. There's an age gap dynamic at play. Theres a coach/player dynamic at play (although Ryan is on a different team). There's an axe. Although it's unfortunately not used to end Henry...
Ryan's has a tight knit group of friends that are up to all sorts of mischief in this book. All of the characters are packing secrets galore, and I was absolutely feral by the end over a certain red headed twin brother and a best friend... gimme. His cousin, Kane, was certainly interesting and rocking a similar sort of unhinged vibe to Tate so I also can't wait to see whose crazy enough to take him on. lol. His father is ugh. A piece of brown excrement on legs. The literal worst.
Tate has complicated relationships galore. His brother was the only person he cared about, before meeting Ryan, but the secrets these two are keeping from one another would be enough to fill a book. He also has the bestest assistant in the form of Ethan, a walking, talking, sassy onion with plenty of layers. I have all my fingers and toes crossed that Ethan either - a) shows up in other books or b) gets a novel or I'll even take a novella of his own.
Anyway, if you're familiar with S Legends other work, you'll have a general idea of what to expect in this book, but like I mentioned above, this one is a little more chaotic than the previous books. I was here for it. I loved it. Can't wait for more.
July 21, 2026
‼️SPOILERS‼️
I seriously don’t know what S. Legend puts in her books because ohmygod! Her books always have some sort of darkness in it but this one was on a whole other level and man, was I here for it?!
Ryan - sweet baby Ryan. This man right here has been through it and it’s because of his crappy father. His father does so many horrible things that I don’t know how he survives half the stuff he does to him. I love how he puts people first, especially his brother, but Tate hates that with a passion. Heck, he almost got shot trying to protect people.
What baffled me the most was the whole Kline issue. Was his father for real?
And Tate. The way that he fell so hard and fast for Ryan was everything I didn’t know I needed. Tate went through his own trauma with his uncle. It’s crazy. My favorite scene with Tate was when he was high as a kite. I was giggling because poor baby. Tate will do absolutely everything to make sure Ryan is safe and sound.
Both of these guys are broken boys and I love how they lean on each other, especially Ryan.
There were so many cute moments. I love it when Tate was like you get sick so will I! Or even when you die, I will chase you to the afterlife. Like creepy but so sweet!
If you’re looking for an unhinged dark romance, two obsessed broken boys, and just all the feels, this book is for you. I have to say that this book might be one of my top favorites.
I cannot wait for the brother’s book because I have a feeling that one is going to have me hooked just like this one did. The way you left us hanging…
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I seriously don’t know what S. Legend puts in her books because ohmygod! Her books always have some sort of darkness in it but this one was on a whole other level and man, was I here for it?!
Ryan - sweet baby Ryan. This man right here has been through it and it’s because of his crappy father. His father does so many horrible things that I don’t know how he survives half the stuff he does to him. I love how he puts people first, especially his brother, but Tate hates that with a passion. Heck, he almost got shot trying to protect people.
What baffled me the most was the whole Kline issue. Was his father for real?
And Tate. The way that he fell so hard and fast for Ryan was everything I didn’t know I needed. Tate went through his own trauma with his uncle. It’s crazy. My favorite scene with Tate was when he was high as a kite. I was giggling because poor baby. Tate will do absolutely everything to make sure Ryan is safe and sound.
Both of these guys are broken boys and I love how they lean on each other, especially Ryan.
There were so many cute moments. I love it when Tate was like you get sick so will I! Or even when you die, I will chase you to the afterlife. Like creepy but so sweet!
If you’re looking for an unhinged dark romance, two obsessed broken boys, and just all the feels, this book is for you. I have to say that this book might be one of my top favorites.
I cannot wait for the brother’s book because I have a feeling that one is going to have me hooked just like this one did. The way you left us hanging…
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 2, 2026
ARC Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-book copy of this title as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this one a lot, but whew… there is a LOT happening in this b*tch.
We’ve got a military academy that somehow treats its college students like Green Beret trainees and incarcerated criminals at the same time. Secret societies operating under archaic rules and deeply unsettling philosophies about power. A rival hockey coach who doubles as an underground kingpin and runs hockey “death” tournaments. Torture at the hands of parental figures. Family secrets. Violence. Trauma. More violence.
And somehow, that still doesn’t cover everything.
It honestly felt like S. Legend wanted to throw every possible idea into the first book to establish the world and prepare us for the larger series. The result was an interesting and ambitious plot, but also one that felt overcrowded at times. The book ran a little longer than I think it needed to, and certain threads didn’t receive enough space to land with the impact they deserved.
The father, in particular, was built up like Hannibal Lecter reincarnated—terrifying, calculating, and nearly impossible to escape—only to be removed from the equation with surprising ease. After everything leading up to that moment, the resolution felt a little anticlimactic.
Still, S. Legend’s writing is beautiful, and their ability to inject humor and levity into even the darkest circumstances remains one of my favorite things about their work. No matter how twisted the situation becomes, there’s always a moment of wit or absurdity that gives the reader room to breathe.
And despite my issues with the length and sheer amount of plot, I was never bored. The world is fascinating, the ideas are bold, and the story left me genuinely curious about where everything is headed.
Verdict:
Dark, ambitious, beautifully written, and perhaps a little too determined to do everything at once. It may have overwhelmed me occasionally, but it absolutely succeeded in getting me invested in this world—and I’ll be seated for whatever S. Legend does next.
I enjoyed this one a lot, but whew… there is a LOT happening in this b*tch.
We’ve got a military academy that somehow treats its college students like Green Beret trainees and incarcerated criminals at the same time. Secret societies operating under archaic rules and deeply unsettling philosophies about power. A rival hockey coach who doubles as an underground kingpin and runs hockey “death” tournaments. Torture at the hands of parental figures. Family secrets. Violence. Trauma. More violence.
And somehow, that still doesn’t cover everything.
It honestly felt like S. Legend wanted to throw every possible idea into the first book to establish the world and prepare us for the larger series. The result was an interesting and ambitious plot, but also one that felt overcrowded at times. The book ran a little longer than I think it needed to, and certain threads didn’t receive enough space to land with the impact they deserved.
The father, in particular, was built up like Hannibal Lecter reincarnated—terrifying, calculating, and nearly impossible to escape—only to be removed from the equation with surprising ease. After everything leading up to that moment, the resolution felt a little anticlimactic.
Still, S. Legend’s writing is beautiful, and their ability to inject humor and levity into even the darkest circumstances remains one of my favorite things about their work. No matter how twisted the situation becomes, there’s always a moment of wit or absurdity that gives the reader room to breathe.
And despite my issues with the length and sheer amount of plot, I was never bored. The world is fascinating, the ideas are bold, and the story left me genuinely curious about where everything is headed.
Verdict:
Dark, ambitious, beautifully written, and perhaps a little too determined to do everything at once. It may have overwhelmed me occasionally, but it absolutely succeeded in getting me invested in this world—and I’ll be seated for whatever S. Legend does next.
July 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
Vicious Butterfly by S. Legend is another unforgettable read that had me hooked from beginning to end.
Ryan is such a strong, resilient character. Everything he endures at the hands of his father is absolutely heartbreaking, and his father is pure evil. Despite everything, Ryan never stops fighting to protect his younger brother, Griff. The lengths he’s willing to go for him are a true testament to what unconditional love looks like.
Then there’s Tate. His possessiveness toward Ryan is completely off the charts, and he’s a walking, talking red flag. He insists he doesn’t know how to love, but his actions tell a very different story. The way he cares for both his brother and Ryan speaks louder than any words ever could.
S. Legend has a way of creating flawed, complex characters that pull you in and refuse to let go. If you haven’t picked up one of their books yet, what are you waiting for? Grab one…or two…or honestly, all of them. You won’t regret it.
Vicious Butterfly by S. Legend is another unforgettable read that had me hooked from beginning to end.
Ryan is such a strong, resilient character. Everything he endures at the hands of his father is absolutely heartbreaking, and his father is pure evil. Despite everything, Ryan never stops fighting to protect his younger brother, Griff. The lengths he’s willing to go for him are a true testament to what unconditional love looks like.
Then there’s Tate. His possessiveness toward Ryan is completely off the charts, and he’s a walking, talking red flag. He insists he doesn’t know how to love, but his actions tell a very different story. The way he cares for both his brother and Ryan speaks louder than any words ever could.
S. Legend has a way of creating flawed, complex characters that pull you in and refuse to let go. If you haven’t picked up one of their books yet, what are you waiting for? Grab one…or two…or honestly, all of them. You won’t regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. It was dark and devastating, which is exactly what I love. Tate and Ryan definitely had their issues, and honestly, most of them were completely justified. Somehow, though, they found a way to make it work, and together they helped each other become so much better. Watching Tate change as a person, along with Ryan, was one of my favorite parts. Especially Tate That poor man had so much to overcome, and the two of them made such an explosive but perfect couple. My only criticism is that the ending felt a tad rushed. I didn’t hate it at all I just wish we had gotten a little more before it ended. Overall, I adored these two and can’t wait to read Griffon’s story.
August 2, 2026
Gosh, I love the walking red flag - Tate Vancourt and I love Ryan. I was in a middle of another book and coincidentally that book has the word butterfly in the title too. But after reading the blurb on this one, I paused and switched to this and devoured this and it is now almost 5am and I haven’t slept yet and I’m supposed to wake up at 6am 😩😂. Who needs sleep when the story was this riveting, heartbreaking, sexy, funny at times and actually romantic in an unhinged way.
Can’t wait for Grif’s book!
And yes i hated HATED Henry!!!!
Can’t wait for Grif’s book!
And yes i hated HATED Henry!!!!
August 1, 2026
Tate + Ryan
-mm dark romance
-military hockey academy
-coach x player
-fake marriage, real claim
-bug guy x even bigger guy
-marking
tehehehe *giddyyyyy blushing kicking my feetiesss* 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 damnnn tate is a daddyyyy & these two are SOOOO possessive it had me BLUSHINGGGG!!
-mm dark romance
-military hockey academy
-coach x player
-fake marriage, real claim
-bug guy x even bigger guy
-marking
tehehehe *giddyyyyy blushing kicking my feetiesss* 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 damnnn tate is a daddyyyy & these two are SOOOO possessive it had me BLUSHINGGGG!!
July 31, 2026
What. The. F*ck? Vicious Butterfly is next level unhinged and had me pushed up against a wall and gripping my hair tight. The intensity, the obsession, the craving, the control had me constantly needing more.
Tate's obsession as his love language and Ryan's need to be controlled by him is perfection. I love how Ryan antagonizes Tate and his responses to Tates obsessive and possessive behaviors is everything. The way big bad Tate VanCourt counts Ryans heartbeats and calms at the sight of him has my heart in a chokehold. These two were absolutely explosive together and such a f*cking vibe.The smut -OMG. The. Smut.- was so delicious you could almost taste it. There wasn't a single lull in this book. EVER! I wanted all the unhinged darkness, violence, emotional damage, protectiveness, and ultimate love Vicious Butterfly had to offer and it didn't disappoint.
Now I'm sitting here questioning my sanity because of how much I loved and devoured this book. I'm also desperately in need of Rhys & Griff, Cooper & Gid (that box, I am here for it), Kane & Magnus, and Luke & Ace's stories...and I'm kinda shipping Ethan & Torin. Side note: actively searching for a "murder" hockey league if anyone has leads 😉
I highly recommend Vicious Butterfly to all dark mm readers out there, you will not be disappointed. READ. IT.
Tate's obsession as his love language and Ryan's need to be controlled by him is perfection. I love how Ryan antagonizes Tate and his responses to Tates obsessive and possessive behaviors is everything. The way big bad Tate VanCourt counts Ryans heartbeats and calms at the sight of him has my heart in a chokehold. These two were absolutely explosive together and such a f*cking vibe.The smut -OMG. The. Smut.- was so delicious you could almost taste it. There wasn't a single lull in this book. EVER! I wanted all the unhinged darkness, violence, emotional damage, protectiveness, and ultimate love Vicious Butterfly had to offer and it didn't disappoint.
Now I'm sitting here questioning my sanity because of how much I loved and devoured this book. I'm also desperately in need of Rhys & Griff, Cooper & Gid (that box, I am here for it), Kane & Magnus, and Luke & Ace's stories...and I'm kinda shipping Ethan & Torin. Side note: actively searching for a "murder" hockey league if anyone has leads 😉
I highly recommend Vicious Butterfly to all dark mm readers out there, you will not be disappointed. READ. IT.
August 1, 2026
6 🌟
Wow. S Legend strikes again. I don't know what magic she has in her writing but I am fully addicted. I have literally no notes on this, this was a work of perfection. Tate and Ryan are now up there as some of my top tier dark romance couples.
This book kept you on the edge of your seat and engaged the entire time. There were definitely some sections that I don't think I'll ever forget. This book will live in my head.
I absolutely fucking adore Tate, don't get me wrong I love Ryan too, but Tate 😍 I can totally get behind a possessive MC.
I would also like to say I guessed which one of the butterfly.
Tropes:
Age gap
Coach x Player
Rival teams
Dark romance
Psychopath
Wow. S Legend strikes again. I don't know what magic she has in her writing but I am fully addicted. I have literally no notes on this, this was a work of perfection. Tate and Ryan are now up there as some of my top tier dark romance couples.
This book kept you on the edge of your seat and engaged the entire time. There were definitely some sections that I don't think I'll ever forget. This book will live in my head.
I absolutely fucking adore Tate, don't get me wrong I love Ryan too, but Tate 😍 I can totally get behind a possessive MC.
I would also like to say I guessed which one of the butterfly.
Tropes:
Age gap
Coach x Player
Rival teams
Dark romance
Psychopath
July 25, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
This book was truly a wild journey from start to finish! When I started the book, I wasn’t sure where it was going to go but as I kept reading I got more into it and realized where it was going and got more into it! I think my only qualm (and it could have been a me thing) was some times I couldn’t quite follow what was happening but overall I really enjoyed this one and cannot wait for the next one! Thank you to S. Legend and Nisha for the ARC!
This book was truly a wild journey from start to finish! When I started the book, I wasn’t sure where it was going to go but as I kept reading I got more into it and realized where it was going and got more into it! I think my only qualm (and it could have been a me thing) was some times I couldn’t quite follow what was happening but overall I really enjoyed this one and cannot wait for the next one! Thank you to S. Legend and Nisha for the ARC!
August 2, 2026
Sorry, could not get on with this. The writing was so disjointed and just not enjoyable to read at all. DNF at 16%
July 31, 2026
O-M-G! This. Was. SO. DARN. BLOOMING. GOOD!!
Tate and Ryan had me glued to the page; I was completely fascinated by them. Obsessed with them, obsessed with their relationship. I guess just like Tate 😂 Complicated and toxic as their relationship may be, it’s clear as day that these two need each other and they make each other stronger, even if there’s a few ‘wobbles’ as they get used to their new dynamic and the overwhelming emotions they feel along the way.
Ryan and Tate are each other’s lifelines and they’re magnetic together. Plus, the spice is just as intense as you’d imagine and want for these two.
Gosh, these two broken souls and what they’ve had to deal with in their lives. Pushed and tested to the limits, they’ve endured the cruellest acts by people who should have done better by them.
And when they finally seem to be building something solid together, it all goes wrong. I was properly devastated for them. For Ryan, who began to think it could be real and for Tate, who felt betrayed by the hockey player when he does something to help his friends. I hated seeing them take steps backward after seeing what they were beginning to represent for each other: home, safety, comfort, peace... All the good things!
Tate’s unhinged, but you couldn’t ask for a better person on your side if you’re one of the few people he cares about. He’s all about control and wanting to possess his beautiful ‘dollface’. I loved seeing the softer moments of Tate, how tender he can be with Ryan sometimes, including those occasional sweet kisses on the forehead. I always melted at how Tate finds comfort in listening to Ryan’s heartbeat, and I really really enjoyed his dark SOH.
And Ryan *sigh* Willing to do anything for the people he cares about, even sacrifice his own happiness, I adored him. I loved how he can’t help being rebellious and stand up to Tate, because he feels safe enough with the coach to be more himself. That man deserves his HEA so badly!
It’s the side characters too that make this book as awesome as it is as well as our MMCs. Whether it’s the ones we love – the hockey boys, the siblings – or the ones we hated – I’ll let you find out who they are, but we LOATHE them – they only added extra oomph to the storyline. I loved that the hockey boys all clearly have their own darker sides too – morally grey in the best way – but it only makes me like them even more and want to know more about them. And the true baddies are truly vile individuals and I don’t have any sympathy for their fates at all.
Deliciously dark and seductively addictive, this book had me firmly in its clutches throughout and honestly, it still does even after finishing the last page. I already want to read it again!
Needless to say, I cannot wait for Griff’s story. My heart absolutely went out to him in this book, and I so wanted to protect him alongside his older brother (and those loyal friends of the Savage brothers). Griff managed to surprise me in this, and I can imagine him only doing that even more in his own story. And I mean, of course, I neeeeeeed Cooper’s story too.
So excited for what’s to come in this series, and in the meantime, hopefully being able to catch up on other books by this author. It feels criminal to admit that this is my first delve into S Legend’s books, but now I’m ready to make up for it.
Highly recommend you run to read this one. It’s a real beaut of a dark romance!
----
Some of my favourite quotes
Oh, God. This is probably how every fatal attraction starts.
I want freedom; Tate wants to be my prison. But when those tendrils of his possession wrap around me, when I feel like I belong to him, I crave more. I want to please him. I want to be his in every way possible.
Tate’s dark eyes are focused on me. My insides burn. I bite my lip. I look away first. Holy shit. Did I just swoon at him? I peek again. His smirky little smile says yes. Fuck. I’m supposed to glare murder at the asshole, not swoon like some lovesick idiot. That’s it. No more looking.
Like all the other times, I want Tate to consume me. Make me forget where I am. Who I am. Take all my responsibilities away.
But buried under all my hatred for what he is lurks something terrifying. Comfort. Even knowing what he is and how he wants to keep me, my heart says Tate is home. Safety. It doesn’t make any fucking sense.
“I told the dean I had a boyfriend when I decided you were mine, dollface.” “Of course you did, you fucking psychopath.” “We’re boyfriends now. No taksies backsies.”
“Did you really miss me?” “Every second, dollface.
Fine. I won’t abduct him and chain him in my underground lair today. I make no promises about tomorrow.
Ryan’s becoming my exception to every rule.
I fell for him. For no good reason either. Because I’m as fucked up as he is, and what he is ensnared my heart. Broken meets broken. I’d rather go on living as his possession than live without him.
“A spanking for disobedience is too fucking cutesy for me, dollface. I'm the lock-you-in-my-dungeon-where-I-can-make-sure-you-stay-safe kind of guy.”
“You’re mine, dollface.” “I hate you. Hate you so much.” “Hate me all you want, owning you is sweeter that way.” “Yes. I’m yours, Tate. Just yours.”
“I’m never done with you, Ryan. Fucking never. Not even death can save you, because should you die, I’ll follow you into the next life, too.”
Every kiss steals from me. Steals a piece of my soul I’ll never get back.
Tate means every word he says about keeping me. Keeping me isn’t the problem. It’s how he keeps me.
Being with Tate hurts, but being without Tate would be like breathing in a room devoid of oxygen.
“My heart only beats for you. I love you, dollface.”
“I’d rather be in a dark fairy tale with you any day of the week, dollface.”
Tate and Ryan had me glued to the page; I was completely fascinated by them. Obsessed with them, obsessed with their relationship. I guess just like Tate 😂 Complicated and toxic as their relationship may be, it’s clear as day that these two need each other and they make each other stronger, even if there’s a few ‘wobbles’ as they get used to their new dynamic and the overwhelming emotions they feel along the way.
Ryan and Tate are each other’s lifelines and they’re magnetic together. Plus, the spice is just as intense as you’d imagine and want for these two.
Gosh, these two broken souls and what they’ve had to deal with in their lives. Pushed and tested to the limits, they’ve endured the cruellest acts by people who should have done better by them.
And when they finally seem to be building something solid together, it all goes wrong. I was properly devastated for them. For Ryan, who began to think it could be real and for Tate, who felt betrayed by the hockey player when he does something to help his friends. I hated seeing them take steps backward after seeing what they were beginning to represent for each other: home, safety, comfort, peace... All the good things!
Tate’s unhinged, but you couldn’t ask for a better person on your side if you’re one of the few people he cares about. He’s all about control and wanting to possess his beautiful ‘dollface’. I loved seeing the softer moments of Tate, how tender he can be with Ryan sometimes, including those occasional sweet kisses on the forehead. I always melted at how Tate finds comfort in listening to Ryan’s heartbeat, and I really really enjoyed his dark SOH.
And Ryan *sigh* Willing to do anything for the people he cares about, even sacrifice his own happiness, I adored him. I loved how he can’t help being rebellious and stand up to Tate, because he feels safe enough with the coach to be more himself. That man deserves his HEA so badly!
It’s the side characters too that make this book as awesome as it is as well as our MMCs. Whether it’s the ones we love – the hockey boys, the siblings – or the ones we hated – I’ll let you find out who they are, but we LOATHE them – they only added extra oomph to the storyline. I loved that the hockey boys all clearly have their own darker sides too – morally grey in the best way – but it only makes me like them even more and want to know more about them. And the true baddies are truly vile individuals and I don’t have any sympathy for their fates at all.
Deliciously dark and seductively addictive, this book had me firmly in its clutches throughout and honestly, it still does even after finishing the last page. I already want to read it again!
Needless to say, I cannot wait for Griff’s story. My heart absolutely went out to him in this book, and I so wanted to protect him alongside his older brother (and those loyal friends of the Savage brothers). Griff managed to surprise me in this, and I can imagine him only doing that even more in his own story. And I mean, of course, I neeeeeeed Cooper’s story too.
So excited for what’s to come in this series, and in the meantime, hopefully being able to catch up on other books by this author. It feels criminal to admit that this is my first delve into S Legend’s books, but now I’m ready to make up for it.
Highly recommend you run to read this one. It’s a real beaut of a dark romance!
----
Some of my favourite quotes
Oh, God. This is probably how every fatal attraction starts.
I want freedom; Tate wants to be my prison. But when those tendrils of his possession wrap around me, when I feel like I belong to him, I crave more. I want to please him. I want to be his in every way possible.
Tate’s dark eyes are focused on me. My insides burn. I bite my lip. I look away first. Holy shit. Did I just swoon at him? I peek again. His smirky little smile says yes. Fuck. I’m supposed to glare murder at the asshole, not swoon like some lovesick idiot. That’s it. No more looking.
Like all the other times, I want Tate to consume me. Make me forget where I am. Who I am. Take all my responsibilities away.
But buried under all my hatred for what he is lurks something terrifying. Comfort. Even knowing what he is and how he wants to keep me, my heart says Tate is home. Safety. It doesn’t make any fucking sense.
“I told the dean I had a boyfriend when I decided you were mine, dollface.” “Of course you did, you fucking psychopath.” “We’re boyfriends now. No taksies backsies.”
“Did you really miss me?” “Every second, dollface.
Fine. I won’t abduct him and chain him in my underground lair today. I make no promises about tomorrow.
Ryan’s becoming my exception to every rule.
I fell for him. For no good reason either. Because I’m as fucked up as he is, and what he is ensnared my heart. Broken meets broken. I’d rather go on living as his possession than live without him.
“A spanking for disobedience is too fucking cutesy for me, dollface. I'm the lock-you-in-my-dungeon-where-I-can-make-sure-you-stay-safe kind of guy.”
“You’re mine, dollface.” “I hate you. Hate you so much.” “Hate me all you want, owning you is sweeter that way.” “Yes. I’m yours, Tate. Just yours.”
“I’m never done with you, Ryan. Fucking never. Not even death can save you, because should you die, I’ll follow you into the next life, too.”
Every kiss steals from me. Steals a piece of my soul I’ll never get back.
Tate means every word he says about keeping me. Keeping me isn’t the problem. It’s how he keeps me.
Being with Tate hurts, but being without Tate would be like breathing in a room devoid of oxygen.
“My heart only beats for you. I love you, dollface.”
“I’d rather be in a dark fairy tale with you any day of the week, dollface.”
August 2, 2026
“The great Henry Savage’s” son and heir, Ryan, endures physical, emotional, psychological abuse from his father.
His father is rich and powerful - a dangerous combination.
Tate VanCourt. The coach for the Shadowridge Scorpions. Our antihero.
Psychopath.
“You’re pretty. Like a doll.”
“A doll? Fuck y—ahh!” His fingers poke into the tender spots along my jaw. “I’m not a fucking doll, jackass.”
Instant attraction for both.
100 pages in and Ryan’s dad needs to be tortured to death already.
Ryan’s younger brother Griffin hasn’t spoken a word since he found their mother. Dead. Dangling from the rafters. Before that, he spoke three languages fluently.
Ryan’s sister Rosaline is a daddy’s girl, unaware of what her father is capable of and what her brothers endure.
“Grandfather made my father watch as he killed the man he loved, and then made him marry our mother because she came from what Grandfather considered a better family.”
So that’s what creates a psychopath like Henry.
Griff tries to escape but it doesn’t end well.
Tate is contemplating kidnapping Ryan and I wish he would.
Tate has his own fucked up family issues. His mother died, leaving him and his brother Luke in the care of their Uncle Jasper.
Uncle Jasper was violent. He also liked to play little fucked up psychological games , trying to pit the brothers against each other and is still doing it even in death with his lawyer-friend-ex-lover Clarence.
I’m getting dejavu, like I’ve read this before about a will , and that Tate has to marry so that his brother Luke can receive his inheritance…
Oh I have !! Off-Ice Misconduct is Ace and Luke’s story 😅
There’s a fake Mr Nice Guy Tate that he presents to the world, it’s giving me Dexter vibes.
Ryan and Griff attend an elite Military school, the same one their father did and probably the Grandfather too. Ryan is on their hockey team.
Military school- more like insane dictatorships and powerless students .
Ryan team mates suggest more Hockey .
“. “This is … it’s fight club for hockey players. Murder hockey.”
Guess who owns the hockey fight club ? Yep, it’s Tate.
And he is NOT happy to see the guy he’s been obsessing over, on the ice.
“much as I hate to admit it, I’m into Tate. Figures. The one person I’m this attracted to in a long-ass time, and it’s an obsessive psychopath. Yeah, I picked that up, because, clearly, he’s decided I belong to him, or some shit.
The behavior of a psychopath.”
Tate has an assistant Ethan , not a competing love interest though. He’s giving black cat energy.
Tate has no clue about the reality of Ryan’s life and thinks he’s some rich boy with no problems. That Ryan’s father actually cares about him.
Tate wants to marry Ryan for money. He has aspirations of being the Pacific Conference Commissioner. Negotiations begin.
Ohhh I’d forgotten about Gregory Kline. Ryan’s father is planning to marry him off to the controlling bastard.
But Tate , that magnificent sexy man - diabolical and strategic.
“We’re so messed up. Two broken souls, twisted together”
Ryan agrees to marry Tate.
Ahh sweet innocent Luke .
“What the fuck are you so happy about?”
“This is ours. I’m in love with the man of my dreams. You’re married. Uncle Jasper is rotting in the ground. We won.”
Griff is being forced to enlist.
Ryan and Tate admit they have feelings for one another.
Henry threatens Tate with the commissioner position , Clarence also adds some threats to the negotiations.
Ooh Griff plot twist.
An all star cast of characters converge for an epic showdown before Tate and Ryan walk off into the sunset.
“ He finds my lips and steals a hungry kiss. “My heart only beats for you. I love you, dollface.”
“You said that when …”
“When I was high as a kite? I remember. I meant it.”
“But you said you couldn’t love.”
“I know what I said, but then I met you and realized I didn’t know shit.”
“I love you, too,” I whisper.
His father is rich and powerful - a dangerous combination.
Tate VanCourt. The coach for the Shadowridge Scorpions. Our antihero.
Psychopath.
“You’re pretty. Like a doll.”
“A doll? Fuck y—ahh!” His fingers poke into the tender spots along my jaw. “I’m not a fucking doll, jackass.”
Instant attraction for both.
100 pages in and Ryan’s dad needs to be tortured to death already.
Ryan’s younger brother Griffin hasn’t spoken a word since he found their mother. Dead. Dangling from the rafters. Before that, he spoke three languages fluently.
Ryan’s sister Rosaline is a daddy’s girl, unaware of what her father is capable of and what her brothers endure.
“Grandfather made my father watch as he killed the man he loved, and then made him marry our mother because she came from what Grandfather considered a better family.”
So that’s what creates a psychopath like Henry.
Griff tries to escape but it doesn’t end well.
Tate is contemplating kidnapping Ryan and I wish he would.
Tate has his own fucked up family issues. His mother died, leaving him and his brother Luke in the care of their Uncle Jasper.
Uncle Jasper was violent. He also liked to play little fucked up psychological games , trying to pit the brothers against each other and is still doing it even in death with his lawyer-friend-ex-lover Clarence.
I’m getting dejavu, like I’ve read this before about a will , and that Tate has to marry so that his brother Luke can receive his inheritance…
Oh I have !! Off-Ice Misconduct is Ace and Luke’s story 😅
There’s a fake Mr Nice Guy Tate that he presents to the world, it’s giving me Dexter vibes.
Ryan and Griff attend an elite Military school, the same one their father did and probably the Grandfather too. Ryan is on their hockey team.
Military school- more like insane dictatorships and powerless students .
Ryan team mates suggest more Hockey .
“. “This is … it’s fight club for hockey players. Murder hockey.”
Guess who owns the hockey fight club ? Yep, it’s Tate.
And he is NOT happy to see the guy he’s been obsessing over, on the ice.
“much as I hate to admit it, I’m into Tate. Figures. The one person I’m this attracted to in a long-ass time, and it’s an obsessive psychopath. Yeah, I picked that up, because, clearly, he’s decided I belong to him, or some shit.
The behavior of a psychopath.”
Tate has an assistant Ethan , not a competing love interest though. He’s giving black cat energy.
Tate has no clue about the reality of Ryan’s life and thinks he’s some rich boy with no problems. That Ryan’s father actually cares about him.
Tate wants to marry Ryan for money. He has aspirations of being the Pacific Conference Commissioner. Negotiations begin.
Ohhh I’d forgotten about Gregory Kline. Ryan’s father is planning to marry him off to the controlling bastard.
But Tate , that magnificent sexy man - diabolical and strategic.
“We’re so messed up. Two broken souls, twisted together”
Ryan agrees to marry Tate.
Ahh sweet innocent Luke .
“What the fuck are you so happy about?”
“This is ours. I’m in love with the man of my dreams. You’re married. Uncle Jasper is rotting in the ground. We won.”
Griff is being forced to enlist.
Ryan and Tate admit they have feelings for one another.
Henry threatens Tate with the commissioner position , Clarence also adds some threats to the negotiations.
Ooh Griff plot twist.
An all star cast of characters converge for an epic showdown before Tate and Ryan walk off into the sunset.
“ He finds my lips and steals a hungry kiss. “My heart only beats for you. I love you, dollface.”
“You said that when …”
“When I was high as a kite? I remember. I meant it.”
“But you said you couldn’t love.”
“I know what I said, but then I met you and realized I didn’t know shit.”
“I love you, too,” I whisper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️🦋ARC REVIEW🦋✨️
This was my first time reading a book by S. Legend and I just have to say she delivered. Ate and left no crumbs because I couldn't put the book down and now I am going feral for the next book in this series or well any book that she will be releasing. Vicious Butterfly has completely altered my brain chemistry and in the best way possible. Tate and Ryan have left their mark on my brain and soul and honestly I cannot complain about it. They are so precious to me, more than enough to be associated with one of my all time favorite songs, "If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn" by Sleeping with Sirens (if you don't know the song, go listen to it I beg you).
Now, time to talk about these wonderfully complex characters! Ryan, my sweet darling angel😭 he has been through everything negative that the world can throw at him. While he might have money, it's his father's and it always has some kind of condition attached to it. I despite that man Ryan calls a father. Ryan survives life not ever truly getting to live it. However, he still has a precious heart and always puts his loved ones before himself. The love he has for his siblings, especially his younger brother, is so cute😭 I adore sibling bonds.
And then there is Tate VanCourt. Oh my man😩 (well he is Ryan's and I'd rather not face a jealous Ryan but still). He is everything to me, he says he is a psychopath who can't love but boy is he proven wrong by his own self. From the moment of Tate saw beneath the social front Ryan put up it was game over. He fell for Ryan and fell HARD. While Tate calls it obsession (it is), you can quickly tell that it's not just any other kind of obsession. Unfortunately for my heart and well Tate, he has his own traumas that broke my heart and filled me with rage from his rat of an Uncle. Tate went through so much and while he loves his older brother, he couldn't be his true self. Now he has found his person, someone who accepts his true self, loves, and experiences the good parts of life with. He is a very serious and obsessive man but he is also hilarious and I love him with all my heart.💙💙
I am always weak for two absolutely shattered and battered people finding each other and discovering a home within one another. I was completely captivated with the development of their relationship. The change from this obsessive, primal need to claim and own, "no emotion" deal to this accepting of change, love wins all feeling, and embracing the stable connection that has been made and fortified. This is one of my favorite things in books as i love seeing how characters grow with their relationship.
They have plenty of cutesy moment and I swooned, cried, giggled, and went through all the emotions. Ryan and Tate’s chemistry is just explosive right off the bat and I live for it! Their jealous unhinged moments hehehe. The devotion Tate and Ryan have for one another is just on another level and I adore it so much. One can't live or breath without the other and Tate makes sure Ryan understands how serious it is for him (love to see it). They are great individual characters and together they are even better!
Vicious Butterfly is unhinged, obsessive, and truly a beautiful dark romance with its fair share of spice and action scenes that made reading this feel like a movie. I can say with full honesty that this book is in my top 5 favorites ever. Tate and Ryan have entered my favorite book husband list and I could not be happier.
I can't wait to read the next book and the snippet at the end only intensified my need for it😭
This was my first time reading a book by S. Legend and I just have to say she delivered. Ate and left no crumbs because I couldn't put the book down and now I am going feral for the next book in this series or well any book that she will be releasing. Vicious Butterfly has completely altered my brain chemistry and in the best way possible. Tate and Ryan have left their mark on my brain and soul and honestly I cannot complain about it. They are so precious to me, more than enough to be associated with one of my all time favorite songs, "If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn" by Sleeping with Sirens (if you don't know the song, go listen to it I beg you).
Now, time to talk about these wonderfully complex characters! Ryan, my sweet darling angel😭 he has been through everything negative that the world can throw at him. While he might have money, it's his father's and it always has some kind of condition attached to it. I despite that man Ryan calls a father. Ryan survives life not ever truly getting to live it. However, he still has a precious heart and always puts his loved ones before himself. The love he has for his siblings, especially his younger brother, is so cute😭 I adore sibling bonds.
And then there is Tate VanCourt. Oh my man😩 (well he is Ryan's and I'd rather not face a jealous Ryan but still). He is everything to me, he says he is a psychopath who can't love but boy is he proven wrong by his own self. From the moment of Tate saw beneath the social front Ryan put up it was game over. He fell for Ryan and fell HARD. While Tate calls it obsession (it is), you can quickly tell that it's not just any other kind of obsession. Unfortunately for my heart and well Tate, he has his own traumas that broke my heart and filled me with rage from his rat of an Uncle. Tate went through so much and while he loves his older brother, he couldn't be his true self. Now he has found his person, someone who accepts his true self, loves, and experiences the good parts of life with. He is a very serious and obsessive man but he is also hilarious and I love him with all my heart.💙💙
I am always weak for two absolutely shattered and battered people finding each other and discovering a home within one another. I was completely captivated with the development of their relationship. The change from this obsessive, primal need to claim and own, "no emotion" deal to this accepting of change, love wins all feeling, and embracing the stable connection that has been made and fortified. This is one of my favorite things in books as i love seeing how characters grow with their relationship.
They have plenty of cutesy moment and I swooned, cried, giggled, and went through all the emotions. Ryan and Tate’s chemistry is just explosive right off the bat and I live for it! Their jealous unhinged moments hehehe. The devotion Tate and Ryan have for one another is just on another level and I adore it so much. One can't live or breath without the other and Tate makes sure Ryan understands how serious it is for him (love to see it). They are great individual characters and together they are even better!
Vicious Butterfly is unhinged, obsessive, and truly a beautiful dark romance with its fair share of spice and action scenes that made reading this feel like a movie. I can say with full honesty that this book is in my top 5 favorites ever. Tate and Ryan have entered my favorite book husband list and I could not be happier.
I can't wait to read the next book and the snippet at the end only intensified my need for it😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, Mock, for the opportunity!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
🔥🔥🔥.5 / 5
Couple: Tate and Ryan.
Structure: 1st person. Present tense. Dual POV. First book in a series.
Woooow! I'm still taking a breather after this. Phew.
This book is INTENSE! It has some of the most unhinged scenes I've ever read, and it's heavy on torture contents. It's very important to read all the TW before diving into it.
Even so, I confess I got a bit disensitized after a while. Those contents are so important for the character-building, and they are so really unhinged, I found it easier to suspend reality, even if they were masterfully and intensely written.
I've always loved Mock's ability to create the most disturbed characters and backgrounds, but this one really went DARK. And it's so, so well done! I love how she's able to create morally grey characters who do things we hate, but also pull at our heartstrings.
Tate and Ryan were the most possessive couple I've ever read. I absolutely love that element in all of Mock's books, but this one really went even deeper than her usual. Because this is Mock, though, there's also still the sweetness and fierce love we always see in her characters. Despite it being a "one fell first, the other fell harder" kind of situation at first sight, I honestly think both fell as quickly and as hard. It was attraction and obsession at first sight, which led to them becoming each other's place of trust and peace, even among their demons. They're both so broken, having gone through similar things but in slightly different roles, that they just got each other. They knew how to help each other heal. Not in a sense that takes all the pain away, but in the sense of helping each other move on to a better life.
Also like in all of Mock's books, the blood/found family aspect is brilliant. Her brotherly depictions are some of my favorite, and this book is also heavy on that. But there's also a deep darkness to both of their families that led them to finding family besides their own blood. Those will probably be all the next books in the series, and I honestly cannot wait for them! The next one is already intriguing me a lot, and if I had to bet, I'd say it's gonna be even darker than this one.
The only reason my rating was 4.5 was because my two favorite books of Mock's (Forbidden Hockey and Breakneck Hockey) had me in such deep deep DEEP emotions, I confess I end up comparing the others to them. But if this was a purely technical rating, considering how well-written and enticing the story is, it can easily be a 5-star read.
I'd highly recommend this story to those who love reading truly dark romances. I particularly didn't find anything related to gore/horror. Even though there is strong physical violence and hardcore sex, the way they were depicted was not in too much detail to become actual gore imo. The mental violence was what really got to me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
🔥🔥🔥.5 / 5
Couple: Tate and Ryan.
Structure: 1st person. Present tense. Dual POV. First book in a series.
Woooow! I'm still taking a breather after this. Phew.
This book is INTENSE! It has some of the most unhinged scenes I've ever read, and it's heavy on torture contents. It's very important to read all the TW before diving into it.
Even so, I confess I got a bit disensitized after a while. Those contents are so important for the character-building, and they are so really unhinged, I found it easier to suspend reality, even if they were masterfully and intensely written.
I've always loved Mock's ability to create the most disturbed characters and backgrounds, but this one really went DARK. And it's so, so well done! I love how she's able to create morally grey characters who do things we hate, but also pull at our heartstrings.
Tate and Ryan were the most possessive couple I've ever read. I absolutely love that element in all of Mock's books, but this one really went even deeper than her usual. Because this is Mock, though, there's also still the sweetness and fierce love we always see in her characters. Despite it being a "one fell first, the other fell harder" kind of situation at first sight, I honestly think both fell as quickly and as hard. It was attraction and obsession at first sight, which led to them becoming each other's place of trust and peace, even among their demons. They're both so broken, having gone through similar things but in slightly different roles, that they just got each other. They knew how to help each other heal. Not in a sense that takes all the pain away, but in the sense of helping each other move on to a better life.
Also like in all of Mock's books, the blood/found family aspect is brilliant. Her brotherly depictions are some of my favorite, and this book is also heavy on that. But there's also a deep darkness to both of their families that led them to finding family besides their own blood. Those will probably be all the next books in the series, and I honestly cannot wait for them! The next one is already intriguing me a lot, and if I had to bet, I'd say it's gonna be even darker than this one.
The only reason my rating was 4.5 was because my two favorite books of Mock's (Forbidden Hockey and Breakneck Hockey) had me in such deep deep DEEP emotions, I confess I end up comparing the others to them. But if this was a purely technical rating, considering how well-written and enticing the story is, it can easily be a 5-star read.
I'd highly recommend this story to those who love reading truly dark romances. I particularly didn't find anything related to gore/horror. Even though there is strong physical violence and hardcore sex, the way they were depicted was not in too much detail to become actual gore imo. The mental violence was what really got to me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think we all knew this was going to be 5 stars. 5 murder hockey pucks!!! As soon as I saw the trope reveal months ago, I made sure to keep my eye on this and do my best to ARC read. I just had to. Dark, psychopathic, obsessive, possessive plus hockey?!? It’s like it was specifically created for my niche. Lol
I loved Ryan. He’s a brat without really being a brat. He’s resilient, caring, determined, always putting his siblings first no matter what, not caring at all what happens to him. Even his father is this sad tale of trauma and mutation from an actual person with feelings to being a monster. Ryan had even wondered how his father might have been if his grandfather was normal. His father had loved once, had wants of a different future than what he was given, had hopes, but was harshly altered into this shell where family legacy, how their Savage name is perceived, and the power of their name is all that mattered. I would even gather that it’s possible his father went through much more torture and abuse that he did since his father actually broke, watching his loved one be murdered. It became a monstrous cycle that Ryan was able to mentally survive because of his resilience and his love for his brother.
Now, I love psychopaths also and Tate is a great example of it done right. He’s hella determined, cripplingly obsessive, jealous and possessive, alluring, says he doesn’t love or understand it and is only capable of different levels of obsession. It’s always interesting to see he says he can’t love, but the level of obsession that he had for Ryan even surprised the hell out of him, and everything he describes is actually a component of love. The journey he had after meeting Ryan was such a great ride and I thought it was essential for this to be 1st POV so we knew exactly what was going on in his head. He’s a survivor, but even more than that, he’s able to maneuver and manifest what he wants. A dark daddy if I’ve ever seen one!
It was undeniable chemistry they both felt and were left in awe of, both broken, both abused, both obsessed, both dark in their own ways. Ryan had said he found comfort with Tate, something he never really had, and it made him feel like he was home, that home lived inside of Tate. For me, this is real soulmates. Not fated or where it was written in the stars, this is 2 people being drawn together due to circumstances and finding how well they fit together, finding themselves while this bond with the other grows and evolves into something that cannot be ignored anymore, where it means more than themselves. It’s the ultimate surrender and sacrifice of admitting and understanding that you cannot live without the other. You cannot exist without them. I loved that little poetic moment in the book where this is realized. I got completely engulfed in this book. Great ride and I can’t wait for the next one!!!!!
☠️Only a Monster can Protect You From Other Monsters☠️
I loved Ryan. He’s a brat without really being a brat. He’s resilient, caring, determined, always putting his siblings first no matter what, not caring at all what happens to him. Even his father is this sad tale of trauma and mutation from an actual person with feelings to being a monster. Ryan had even wondered how his father might have been if his grandfather was normal. His father had loved once, had wants of a different future than what he was given, had hopes, but was harshly altered into this shell where family legacy, how their Savage name is perceived, and the power of their name is all that mattered. I would even gather that it’s possible his father went through much more torture and abuse that he did since his father actually broke, watching his loved one be murdered. It became a monstrous cycle that Ryan was able to mentally survive because of his resilience and his love for his brother.
Now, I love psychopaths also and Tate is a great example of it done right. He’s hella determined, cripplingly obsessive, jealous and possessive, alluring, says he doesn’t love or understand it and is only capable of different levels of obsession. It’s always interesting to see he says he can’t love, but the level of obsession that he had for Ryan even surprised the hell out of him, and everything he describes is actually a component of love. The journey he had after meeting Ryan was such a great ride and I thought it was essential for this to be 1st POV so we knew exactly what was going on in his head. He’s a survivor, but even more than that, he’s able to maneuver and manifest what he wants. A dark daddy if I’ve ever seen one!
It was undeniable chemistry they both felt and were left in awe of, both broken, both abused, both obsessed, both dark in their own ways. Ryan had said he found comfort with Tate, something he never really had, and it made him feel like he was home, that home lived inside of Tate. For me, this is real soulmates. Not fated or where it was written in the stars, this is 2 people being drawn together due to circumstances and finding how well they fit together, finding themselves while this bond with the other grows and evolves into something that cannot be ignored anymore, where it means more than themselves. It’s the ultimate surrender and sacrifice of admitting and understanding that you cannot live without the other. You cannot exist without them. I loved that little poetic moment in the book where this is realized. I got completely engulfed in this book. Great ride and I can’t wait for the next one!!!!!
☠️Only a Monster can Protect You From Other Monsters☠️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Vicious Butterfly was absolutely unhinged in the best possible way. From the first page, the chaos never slowed down. Even though it's a long book, there wasn't a single moment where I felt bored. Every chapter ended with something that had me desperate to know what would happen next. The author created such an addictive hockey world that felt alive, messy, and impossible to look away from.
Tate and Ryan are the definition of an unhinged couple, but Tate completely stole the show for me. He's a walking red flag, completely obsessed with Ryan, an absolute psychopath... and somehow I freaking loved him. His possessiveness is on a level I don't think any other character I've read has reached, yet beneath all that madness, one thing never changes. Ryan's safety always comes first.
Their interactions were chaotic, hot, intense, and completely unfiltered. The messages between them had me grinning. And the spicy scenes? Let's just say they fit these two perfectly. Wild, obsessive, and completely off the rails.😪🔥
The supporting cast deserved just as much love because they added so much flavor to the story. Ethan was easily one of my favorites. On the other hand, Ryan's father made my blood boil. My poor baby deserved so much better after everything he went through.
📍Setting:
A college hockey world packed with lot of tension, drama, dangerous secrets, and way too much chaos. It honestly felt like its own little universe, and I never got tired of being in it.
🖤 Vibe:
Unhinged. Obsessive. Morally gray. Dark. Toxic. Suspenseful. Every chapter ends with another reason to keep reading.
🏒 Characters:
🦋 Ryan: A sweetheart who deserved so much better. Watching him match Tate's crazy was on another level. Because honestly, with Tate being the way he is, Ryan was the only person who could handle him.
🩸 Tate: Certified psychopath. Walking red flag. Completely obsessed with Ryan. Unpredictable, possessive, terrifying... and somehow one of the most entertaining characters I've read in a long time.
🔥 My Hot Take:
This book was dramatic, unpredictable, and absolutely feral from beginning to end. Tate isn't just possessive. He's on a completely different level of obsession. The man is literally counting Ryan's heartbeat and breathing just to calm himself down... and somehow that wasn't even the craziest thing he did. I questioned his sanity every other chapter, yet I never wanted things to change.
💭 Final Impression:
If you're looking for a calm hockey romance, keep scrolling. If you want obsession, chaos, morally gray characters, insane drama, and a couple that will make you stop and say, "What the hell did I just read🔥?"... You're welcome.
I had the best time reading it and can't wait for the next book! Huge thanks to the author for the ARC!
Also, one last thing... what even is a Gen Z taco? 😭🤣
Tate and Ryan are the definition of an unhinged couple, but Tate completely stole the show for me. He's a walking red flag, completely obsessed with Ryan, an absolute psychopath... and somehow I freaking loved him. His possessiveness is on a level I don't think any other character I've read has reached, yet beneath all that madness, one thing never changes. Ryan's safety always comes first.
Their interactions were chaotic, hot, intense, and completely unfiltered. The messages between them had me grinning. And the spicy scenes? Let's just say they fit these two perfectly. Wild, obsessive, and completely off the rails.😪🔥
The supporting cast deserved just as much love because they added so much flavor to the story. Ethan was easily one of my favorites. On the other hand, Ryan's father made my blood boil. My poor baby deserved so much better after everything he went through.
📍Setting:
A college hockey world packed with lot of tension, drama, dangerous secrets, and way too much chaos. It honestly felt like its own little universe, and I never got tired of being in it.
🖤 Vibe:
Unhinged. Obsessive. Morally gray. Dark. Toxic. Suspenseful. Every chapter ends with another reason to keep reading.
🏒 Characters:
🦋 Ryan: A sweetheart who deserved so much better. Watching him match Tate's crazy was on another level. Because honestly, with Tate being the way he is, Ryan was the only person who could handle him.
🩸 Tate: Certified psychopath. Walking red flag. Completely obsessed with Ryan. Unpredictable, possessive, terrifying... and somehow one of the most entertaining characters I've read in a long time.
🔥 My Hot Take:
This book was dramatic, unpredictable, and absolutely feral from beginning to end. Tate isn't just possessive. He's on a completely different level of obsession. The man is literally counting Ryan's heartbeat and breathing just to calm himself down... and somehow that wasn't even the craziest thing he did. I questioned his sanity every other chapter, yet I never wanted things to change.
💭 Final Impression:
If you're looking for a calm hockey romance, keep scrolling. If you want obsession, chaos, morally gray characters, insane drama, and a couple that will make you stop and say, "What the hell did I just read🔥?"... You're welcome.
I had the best time reading it and can't wait for the next book! Huge thanks to the author for the ARC!
Also, one last thing... what even is a Gen Z taco? 😭🤣
Read
July 24, 2026Ryan and Tate are two broken men, both victims of unbelievably cruel family members. Ryan has spent his entire life under his father's complete control, treated like property instead of a person. He endures physical and psychological abuse because protecting his younger brother means everything to him. Tate's past is somehow even darker. After becoming an orphan, he was controlled and tortured by his uncle while doing everything he could to protect his older brother, the only person he had ever loved.
After one steamy encounter, neither of them can stop thinking about the other. Tate becomes completely obsessed with Ryan and decides that Ryan is his, forever. He doesn't believe himself capable of love, but he is possessive, controlling, and determined to protect and keep what he considers his. Ryan, desperate to escape his father's clutches with his younger brother, soon realizes that even if Tate is offering him another cage, it's one where he'll finally be safe. As twisted as it is, Tate becomes the only person capable of protecting Ryan and his brother.
I loved watching Tate slowly lose the control he always had over himself as Ryan forced his way into his heart. He may never love in a healthy way, but his obsessive devotion is his own version of love, and it was incredibly satisfying to watch. Ryan and Tate find comfort and safety in each other in a way neither of them ever had before. They truly complete each other, red flags, trauma, and all. Tate's unhinged possessive and obsessive behavior was easily my favorite part of the book, and their chemistry was absolutely incredible.
The smut was delicious, the angst was relentless, but finally seeing them happy and free is worth it. This story is filled with violence, obsession, emotional damage, and their own brand of healing, and I loved every moment of it. This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait for book two.
I got an ARC for this book and this is my honest review.
After one steamy encounter, neither of them can stop thinking about the other. Tate becomes completely obsessed with Ryan and decides that Ryan is his, forever. He doesn't believe himself capable of love, but he is possessive, controlling, and determined to protect and keep what he considers his. Ryan, desperate to escape his father's clutches with his younger brother, soon realizes that even if Tate is offering him another cage, it's one where he'll finally be safe. As twisted as it is, Tate becomes the only person capable of protecting Ryan and his brother.
I loved watching Tate slowly lose the control he always had over himself as Ryan forced his way into his heart. He may never love in a healthy way, but his obsessive devotion is his own version of love, and it was incredibly satisfying to watch. Ryan and Tate find comfort and safety in each other in a way neither of them ever had before. They truly complete each other, red flags, trauma, and all. Tate's unhinged possessive and obsessive behavior was easily my favorite part of the book, and their chemistry was absolutely incredible.
The smut was delicious, the angst was relentless, but finally seeing them happy and free is worth it. This story is filled with violence, obsession, emotional damage, and their own brand of healing, and I loved every moment of it. This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait for book two.
I got an ARC for this book and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Whew, chiiiiile! 🙌 S. Legend, this was oh so delicious! 🤤 This was a rollercoaster of emotions, from exquisite toxicity to cackling at both the MC's shenanigans, especially Tate's monologue 😂, to raging on behalf of both men. Ugh, some people should not be parents, and Henry Savage is one of those people. 👎 I hope he gets exactly what he deserves, times triple!
I love a tragic sibling trope—hehe, dark, I know 🖤, but hey, we like what we like, lol. Regardless, my heart broke 💔 for Ryan and Griffon for everything they both went through trying to protect the other from their poor excuse of a father. Then there's my sweet Tate; yes, I said sweet (iykyk, lol) 🤭, the number of times I wanted Uncle Jasper to be alive so he could get the punishment he had earned! Tate and Luke are quite different from Ryan and Griffon, and I'm glad we didn't really prolong their connection much because, honestly, their chemistry didn't do it for me.
I enjoyed all the side characters, especially Ethan, lol. I do love a small spitfire that can bring big daddies to their knees, or better yet, have them fear you. 🔥 Lol, when Tate said he needs to reestablish who is in charge if the guards are more afraid of Ethan's lashing than him, lmao. 😂
"Say one more fucking word like that, and I'll break your face," I growl, slamming him harder into the wall, a forearm braced across his chest. Our lips are close, breathing the same air. "I love our foreplay." Tate lets out a breathy exhale, his body stiff, coiled like a spring waiting to be released. "If you must, dollface. God, you're beautiful." 😏
SEE, DON'T YOU WANNA SWOON!!! 🥰
"Comfort. Even knowing what he is and how he wants to keep me, my heart says Tate is home. Safety." 🏠
YES PLEASE! LOVED THIS FOR RYAN BECAUSE HE HAS NEVER FELT SAFE BEFORE, AND WITH A DAD LIKE HENRY, IT'S NO WONDER.
S. Legend, this was amazing and utter dark perfection. Loved it and looking forward to what's next in the North Point Penalty Gods Series! 📚✨
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 📝
I love a tragic sibling trope—hehe, dark, I know 🖤, but hey, we like what we like, lol. Regardless, my heart broke 💔 for Ryan and Griffon for everything they both went through trying to protect the other from their poor excuse of a father. Then there's my sweet Tate; yes, I said sweet (iykyk, lol) 🤭, the number of times I wanted Uncle Jasper to be alive so he could get the punishment he had earned! Tate and Luke are quite different from Ryan and Griffon, and I'm glad we didn't really prolong their connection much because, honestly, their chemistry didn't do it for me.
I enjoyed all the side characters, especially Ethan, lol. I do love a small spitfire that can bring big daddies to their knees, or better yet, have them fear you. 🔥 Lol, when Tate said he needs to reestablish who is in charge if the guards are more afraid of Ethan's lashing than him, lmao. 😂
"Say one more fucking word like that, and I'll break your face," I growl, slamming him harder into the wall, a forearm braced across his chest. Our lips are close, breathing the same air. "I love our foreplay." Tate lets out a breathy exhale, his body stiff, coiled like a spring waiting to be released. "If you must, dollface. God, you're beautiful." 😏
SEE, DON'T YOU WANNA SWOON!!! 🥰
"Comfort. Even knowing what he is and how he wants to keep me, my heart says Tate is home. Safety." 🏠
YES PLEASE! LOVED THIS FOR RYAN BECAUSE HE HAS NEVER FELT SAFE BEFORE, AND WITH A DAD LIKE HENRY, IT'S NO WONDER.
S. Legend, this was amazing and utter dark perfection. Loved it and looking forward to what's next in the North Point Penalty Gods Series! 📚✨
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 📝
Review of advance copy
"Obsession is a love language."
That's it. That's the review.
Okay, fineee. I'll elaborate.
This book is completely unhinged, morally questionable, emotionally devastating, and somehow one of the most romantic things I've read.
My heart absolutely broke for Ryan. Watching a former professional hockey player have his entire life stolen from him by his abusive, controlling father was horrifying. The torture disguised as "discipline", the manipulation, the way his brother was constantly used against him...it was brutal to read, and I wanted Henry Savage dead in every single chapter.
Then there's Tate VanCourt.
This man is an obsessive psychopath with approximately ZERO healthy coping mechanisms, and I fucking adored him.
The obsession wasn't written as a cute personality trait. It was all-consuming, terrifying, vulnerable, and strangely beautiful. Watching Tate slowly realize that Ryan wasn't just someone he wanted to possess, but the one person capable of quieting the constant chaos in his mind, was easily my favorite part of the book. The scenes where he counts Ryan's heartbeats to calm himself? I was absolutely melting.
Ryan's narration had me laughing just as often as it broke my heart. Even while his world was falling apart, he somehow never lost his sarcasm, and I loved every second of it. Meanwhile, Tate's filthy mouth, possessive declarations, and complete inability to function normally around Ryan had me giggling like a damn idiot.
Their relationship is messy, toxic, complicated, and deeply emotional. Neither of them is remotely okay, but somehow they become each other's safest place. Broken meets broken in the most beautifully dysfunctional way.
If you're looking for a sweet, healthy romance...keep scrolling, babe.
But if you want obsessive devotion, morally gray men, emotional trauma, possessiveness dialed up to eleven, enough chemistry to set the pages on fire, and a love story that somehow makes "I'd maim, kill, and die for you" sound ridiculously romantic, then welcome home.
That's it. That's the review.
Okay, fineee. I'll elaborate.
This book is completely unhinged, morally questionable, emotionally devastating, and somehow one of the most romantic things I've read.
My heart absolutely broke for Ryan. Watching a former professional hockey player have his entire life stolen from him by his abusive, controlling father was horrifying. The torture disguised as "discipline", the manipulation, the way his brother was constantly used against him...it was brutal to read, and I wanted Henry Savage dead in every single chapter.
Then there's Tate VanCourt.
This man is an obsessive psychopath with approximately ZERO healthy coping mechanisms, and I fucking adored him.
The obsession wasn't written as a cute personality trait. It was all-consuming, terrifying, vulnerable, and strangely beautiful. Watching Tate slowly realize that Ryan wasn't just someone he wanted to possess, but the one person capable of quieting the constant chaos in his mind, was easily my favorite part of the book. The scenes where he counts Ryan's heartbeats to calm himself? I was absolutely melting.
Ryan's narration had me laughing just as often as it broke my heart. Even while his world was falling apart, he somehow never lost his sarcasm, and I loved every second of it. Meanwhile, Tate's filthy mouth, possessive declarations, and complete inability to function normally around Ryan had me giggling like a damn idiot.
Their relationship is messy, toxic, complicated, and deeply emotional. Neither of them is remotely okay, but somehow they become each other's safest place. Broken meets broken in the most beautifully dysfunctional way.
If you're looking for a sweet, healthy romance...keep scrolling, babe.
But if you want obsessive devotion, morally gray men, emotional trauma, possessiveness dialed up to eleven, enough chemistry to set the pages on fire, and a love story that somehow makes "I'd maim, kill, and die for you" sound ridiculously romantic, then welcome home.
July 31, 2026
This was an Arc given to me by the author in exchanged for a honest review.
There is just something about S. Legend's books that completely consumes me every single time, but Vicious Butterfly might be my favorite yet. It’s dark, obsessive, emotional, and somehow still manages to be incredibly tender beneath all the chaos.
Ryan absolutely shattered my heart. The abuse he endures at the hands of his father is horrifying, yet despite everything, he never loses the part of himself that wants to protect the people he loves. Especially his younger brother. His resilience and compassion made him impossible not to root for.
And then there's Tate... what an unhinged, possessive, beautifully broken man. He insists he doesn't know how to love, but every action proves otherwise. From the moment he truly sees Ryan, he's all in. His obsession is intense, but underneath it is unwavering devotion, and watching those walls slowly come down as he finds someone who accepts every part of him was one of my favorite parts of the story.
What I loved most was how these two broken people became each other's safe place. Their relationship is messy, obsessive, protective, and fiercely loyal, but it's also full of quiet moments that remind you why they belong together. The chemistry between them is electric from the very beginning, and their banter, jealousy, and absolute ride-or-die commitment had me smiling one moment and emotionally wrecked the next.
S. Legend has a gift for writing deeply flawed characters who feel incredibly real, and balancing brutal, heartbreaking moments with genuine tenderness. The suspense, action, and emotional weight kept me completely invested, and I genuinely couldn't put this book down.
If you're looking for an unapologetically dark MM romance with obsessive love, morally gray characters, emotional healing, and two damaged souls who would burn the world down for each other, Vicious Butterfly absolutely delivers.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book because that ending left me needing more immediately.
There is just something about S. Legend's books that completely consumes me every single time, but Vicious Butterfly might be my favorite yet. It’s dark, obsessive, emotional, and somehow still manages to be incredibly tender beneath all the chaos.
Ryan absolutely shattered my heart. The abuse he endures at the hands of his father is horrifying, yet despite everything, he never loses the part of himself that wants to protect the people he loves. Especially his younger brother. His resilience and compassion made him impossible not to root for.
And then there's Tate... what an unhinged, possessive, beautifully broken man. He insists he doesn't know how to love, but every action proves otherwise. From the moment he truly sees Ryan, he's all in. His obsession is intense, but underneath it is unwavering devotion, and watching those walls slowly come down as he finds someone who accepts every part of him was one of my favorite parts of the story.
What I loved most was how these two broken people became each other's safe place. Their relationship is messy, obsessive, protective, and fiercely loyal, but it's also full of quiet moments that remind you why they belong together. The chemistry between them is electric from the very beginning, and their banter, jealousy, and absolute ride-or-die commitment had me smiling one moment and emotionally wrecked the next.
S. Legend has a gift for writing deeply flawed characters who feel incredibly real, and balancing brutal, heartbreaking moments with genuine tenderness. The suspense, action, and emotional weight kept me completely invested, and I genuinely couldn't put this book down.
If you're looking for an unapologetically dark MM romance with obsessive love, morally gray characters, emotional healing, and two damaged souls who would burn the world down for each other, Vicious Butterfly absolutely delivers.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book because that ending left me needing more immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What did S. Legend put in this? Magic fairy dust?!
CAUSE IT WAS SO INSANELY GOOD I NEED THIS IN MY VEINS!!
I absolutely loved this book so so much.
♾️⭐️
What a CRAZY ride. I swear my heart was beating out of my chest and it didn’t stop until the end. I read it in one sitting cause I just couldn’t put this down. It has everything you could ask: emotions, spice galore, possessive af characters, humour, found family, hockey, dark themes. Like what more could you want?!? Truly.
Ryan had me pulling at my heart strings 24/7. What he had to go through from his POS father 😭 I almost leaped through the pages and punched his dad in the nipples, I hate the guy!! But Ryan kept pushing on and it just comes to show how resilient and strong of a character he was. He didn’t put himself first until Tate came around and showed him it’s okay to do so. Ryan’s a protector by nature and would do anything for his people. There were times when I was like Ryan bb pls consider yourself for once you deserve to be taken care of, let the load off for a while. I love him, your honour!!!
Tate is the full on definition of possessive with a CAPITAL P. Holy hockey sticks, I’ve never met a more possessive MMC than Tate. The lengths he would go to ensure Ryan was his and when Ryan didn’t follow the rules? Oh boy, YOU IN TROUBLE NOW!!! But Ryan, being the total brat that he is, had Tate wrapped around his finger. It was glorious to see them come together and become a possessive truly insane couple. There’s some things Tate does in the book that I was like ???? This guy is batshit crazy 🤪 you can’t help but love him though even with all his psychotic tendencies.
All in all, you’re getting a full throttle story full of craziness, love, and viciousness. You won’t be bored, and it’ll keep you wanting more.
Incredible. Show stopping. No notes.
Thank you for the ARC, Nisha and S. Legend! 🖤
Having to wait so patiently for the next one might kill me but ITS FINE. ILL SUFFER. 😈
CAUSE IT WAS SO INSANELY GOOD I NEED THIS IN MY VEINS!!
I absolutely loved this book so so much.
♾️⭐️
What a CRAZY ride. I swear my heart was beating out of my chest and it didn’t stop until the end. I read it in one sitting cause I just couldn’t put this down. It has everything you could ask: emotions, spice galore, possessive af characters, humour, found family, hockey, dark themes. Like what more could you want?!? Truly.
Ryan had me pulling at my heart strings 24/7. What he had to go through from his POS father 😭 I almost leaped through the pages and punched his dad in the nipples, I hate the guy!! But Ryan kept pushing on and it just comes to show how resilient and strong of a character he was. He didn’t put himself first until Tate came around and showed him it’s okay to do so. Ryan’s a protector by nature and would do anything for his people. There were times when I was like Ryan bb pls consider yourself for once you deserve to be taken care of, let the load off for a while. I love him, your honour!!!
Tate is the full on definition of possessive with a CAPITAL P. Holy hockey sticks, I’ve never met a more possessive MMC than Tate. The lengths he would go to ensure Ryan was his and when Ryan didn’t follow the rules? Oh boy, YOU IN TROUBLE NOW!!! But Ryan, being the total brat that he is, had Tate wrapped around his finger. It was glorious to see them come together and become a possessive truly insane couple. There’s some things Tate does in the book that I was like ???? This guy is batshit crazy 🤪 you can’t help but love him though even with all his psychotic tendencies.
All in all, you’re getting a full throttle story full of craziness, love, and viciousness. You won’t be bored, and it’ll keep you wanting more.
Incredible. Show stopping. No notes.
Thank you for the ARC, Nisha and S. Legend! 🖤
Having to wait so patiently for the next one might kill me but ITS FINE. ILL SUFFER. 😈
Review of advance copy
I am unsure where to even start with reviewing this book. Firstly, I was extremely blessed and excited to be able to receive an ARC of this book. My first foray into S. Legend was listening to the audiobook of Heartbreak Hockey. This was such a great introduction into the author's work because I immediately went and got all the other audio's that were out. Then she started promoting this book on Instagram and I just immediately knew I had to have it.
I started this book this morning, intending to read a couple of chapters before getting started on my work, and next thing I know, I have finished the book and didn't accomplish not one thing at work. My heart was in my throat at points, the anxiety in my gut was spiking, and I was completely hooked.
This is definitely a dark romance and doesn't skip out on the dark part of that. Also do not even worry about the spice because this author definitely doesn't disappoint in that area. I had to go cool down at parts. I love how the characters are unapologetically vicious.
You are definitely going to want to check those trigger warnings on this one. This is coming from someone who NEVER reads the content warnings and I am thankful I decided to this time. I am lucky in that I don't really have triggers so I can read anything without it affecting my mental health in a long term sense. I was grateful to have some heads up on some of the themes throughout the book.
There were quite a bit of twists in this one that had me going back and reading parts just to see if there was something that I missed to have what I was reading, throw me off. Honestly I cannot wait until the next book comes out and I hate that I have to wait a year. I am also hoping for an audio version of this at some point too. Guess I am going to have to get my author fix by going and FINALLY listening to the rest of the Heartbreak Hockey series audio's now that I have all 5.
I started this book this morning, intending to read a couple of chapters before getting started on my work, and next thing I know, I have finished the book and didn't accomplish not one thing at work. My heart was in my throat at points, the anxiety in my gut was spiking, and I was completely hooked.
This is definitely a dark romance and doesn't skip out on the dark part of that. Also do not even worry about the spice because this author definitely doesn't disappoint in that area. I had to go cool down at parts. I love how the characters are unapologetically vicious.
You are definitely going to want to check those trigger warnings on this one. This is coming from someone who NEVER reads the content warnings and I am thankful I decided to this time. I am lucky in that I don't really have triggers so I can read anything without it affecting my mental health in a long term sense. I was grateful to have some heads up on some of the themes throughout the book.
There were quite a bit of twists in this one that had me going back and reading parts just to see if there was something that I missed to have what I was reading, throw me off. Honestly I cannot wait until the next book comes out and I hate that I have to wait a year. I am also hoping for an audio version of this at some point too. Guess I am going to have to get my author fix by going and FINALLY listening to the rest of the Heartbreak Hockey series audio's now that I have all 5.
August 1, 2026
Vicious Butterfly was dark, twisted, completely unhinged and I absolutely loved every second of it.
Ryan and Tate are two beautifully broken characters whose connection is immediate, obsessive, and impossible to look away from. Their chemistry is intense from the very beginning, but beneath all the possessiveness, tension, and chaos is a relationship built between two people who truly understand what it's like to survive unimaginable trauma.
Ryan completely broke my heart. The abuse and control he endures at the hands of his father are devastating, yet through it all, his unwavering determination to protect his younger siblings never falters. No matter how much he's suffered, that love and loyalty remain untouched, and it made me root for him from the very first page.
Tate quickly became one of my favourite characters. Beneath his intimidating, obsessive exterior is someone carrying just as much pain. Watching him slowly let Ryan in and realising he's capable of love after believing he wasn't was one of the most rewarding parts of the story. Their dynamic is explosive, messy, protective, and incredibly addictive.
The world S. Legend has created is dark, gritty, and impossible to put down. There were plenty of twists, emotional punches, and moments that genuinely had me holding my breath. My only tiny criticism is that I would have loved a little more at the end because I wasn't ready to leave these characters.
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Hockey Coach × Rival Team Captain
🖤 Obsession & Possessiveness
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Protective MCs
🖤 Touch Him and Die
🖤 Trauma & Healing
🖤 Found Family Elements
This was an emotional rollercoaster filled with damaged characters, intense chemistry, and a romance that somehow manages to be both completely chaotic and incredibly beautiful. Ryan and Tate absolutely consumed me, and I'm already counting down until Griff's story.
Ryan and Tate are two beautifully broken characters whose connection is immediate, obsessive, and impossible to look away from. Their chemistry is intense from the very beginning, but beneath all the possessiveness, tension, and chaos is a relationship built between two people who truly understand what it's like to survive unimaginable trauma.
Ryan completely broke my heart. The abuse and control he endures at the hands of his father are devastating, yet through it all, his unwavering determination to protect his younger siblings never falters. No matter how much he's suffered, that love and loyalty remain untouched, and it made me root for him from the very first page.
Tate quickly became one of my favourite characters. Beneath his intimidating, obsessive exterior is someone carrying just as much pain. Watching him slowly let Ryan in and realising he's capable of love after believing he wasn't was one of the most rewarding parts of the story. Their dynamic is explosive, messy, protective, and incredibly addictive.
The world S. Legend has created is dark, gritty, and impossible to put down. There were plenty of twists, emotional punches, and moments that genuinely had me holding my breath. My only tiny criticism is that I would have loved a little more at the end because I wasn't ready to leave these characters.
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Hockey Coach × Rival Team Captain
🖤 Obsession & Possessiveness
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Protective MCs
🖤 Touch Him and Die
🖤 Trauma & Healing
🖤 Found Family Elements
This was an emotional rollercoaster filled with damaged characters, intense chemistry, and a romance that somehow manages to be both completely chaotic and incredibly beautiful. Ryan and Tate absolutely consumed me, and I'm already counting down until Griff's story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5⭐️
This pulled me in immediately with its unique blend of dark romance, hockey, organized crime, and psychological suspense. Ryan and Tate are deeply damaged characters whose trauma shapes every decision they make.
Ryan, in particular, broke my heart. Nearly every choice he makes comes from one place: protecting the people he loves, no matter the personal cost. That unwavering devotion made him incredibly easy to root for, and it raised the emotional stakes throughout the story.
The world S. Legend has created is expansive, and it’s clear this is only the beginning of a much larger interconnected series. I’m especially intrigued to see future books from other characters’ perspectives because there are clearly pieces of the puzzle we haven’t seen yet.
That said, the ending left me wanting more emotional resolution. After everything Ryan endures, I found myself craving a stronger sense of payoff. Some conflicts felt more implied than resolved, and one particular thread involving Ryan’s sacrifices left me feeling more frustrated than satisfied. Rather than exploring the betrayal Ryan had every right to feel, the story moves past it much more quickly than I expected, and I struggled with that choice.
I also would have loved to see one major antagonist receive more on-page consequences. After so much buildup, having that reckoning largely outsourced off-page, instead of fully realized left the ending feeling less cathartic than I’d hoped.
Even with those frustrations, I’m invested in this world and absolutely plan to continue the series. If the next books build on some of these unresolved emotional threads, I think they’ll add an entirely new layer to what was already a compelling start.
I received a complimentary, advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This pulled me in immediately with its unique blend of dark romance, hockey, organized crime, and psychological suspense. Ryan and Tate are deeply damaged characters whose trauma shapes every decision they make.
Ryan, in particular, broke my heart. Nearly every choice he makes comes from one place: protecting the people he loves, no matter the personal cost. That unwavering devotion made him incredibly easy to root for, and it raised the emotional stakes throughout the story.
The world S. Legend has created is expansive, and it’s clear this is only the beginning of a much larger interconnected series. I’m especially intrigued to see future books from other characters’ perspectives because there are clearly pieces of the puzzle we haven’t seen yet.
That said, the ending left me wanting more emotional resolution. After everything Ryan endures, I found myself craving a stronger sense of payoff. Some conflicts felt more implied than resolved, and one particular thread involving Ryan’s sacrifices left me feeling more frustrated than satisfied. Rather than exploring the betrayal Ryan had every right to feel, the story moves past it much more quickly than I expected, and I struggled with that choice.
I also would have loved to see one major antagonist receive more on-page consequences. After so much buildup, having that reckoning largely outsourced off-page, instead of fully realized left the ending feeling less cathartic than I’d hoped.
Even with those frustrations, I’m invested in this world and absolutely plan to continue the series. If the next books build on some of these unresolved emotional threads, I think they’ll add an entirely new layer to what was already a compelling start.
I received a complimentary, advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Obsessed. S. Legend really had me in a chokehold with this book. I didn't expect to dive in so deep into the darkness but now I'm in the hole and I refuse to get myself out of it.
Tate and Ryan... Ryan and Tate, oh my goodness. Let me just put on my rose tinted glasses because I don't want to see the colour of any of these flags flying around. These men, BOYS, oh my. I've read Off Ice Misconduct which focuses on Tate's brother Luke and I'll just say it now. Tate's book is better. I felt way more for my psychotic Hockey Coach/ underground Hockey Kingpin than Mr Mountain Man himself. Not to take anything away from that book because its great fun going back and rereading scenes that match up.
But TATE! Oh my gosh, the true in love virgin king. The way he acted around and towards only Ryan was everything. Now Ryan... Tate is not the only one who got 'touch him and vibes...' let me tell ya. I was so protective of him, and I absolutely would love to know what Kline has planned for his father (evil laugh). I love the quote 'Only a monster can protect you from other monsters.' well call Tate the big bad wolf because Ryan needs his monster to stay under his bed and protect him always. The safety dynamic they create for each other, I don't need others to understand but embrace it for them, they've been through some really hard/dark times and sometimes a safety blanket is needed even if you don't want it. And boy do we go through it, in this book with them.
Overall, lets just say I was just as obsessed with Ryan as Tate was. And I couldn't help playing Raye's 'Where's my Husband!' on loop towards the end in my head. This story is dark and rough round the edges but also humorous, toxic and sexy in the best way. I don't normally read Dark Romances but I'm glad I was able to read this through receiving an ARC and it was honestly better than I could have imagined and I can't wait for more in the series!
North Point has some very intriguing characters and I can't wait to eat them all up with a spoon because I need more. This book just proved that my love language is also OBSESSIVE and I'm gonna need more to be okay, doctors orders.
Do yourself a favour and pick up this book as soon as you can, so you can become just as obsessed as I am.
Tate and Ryan... Ryan and Tate, oh my goodness. Let me just put on my rose tinted glasses because I don't want to see the colour of any of these flags flying around. These men, BOYS, oh my. I've read Off Ice Misconduct which focuses on Tate's brother Luke and I'll just say it now. Tate's book is better. I felt way more for my psychotic Hockey Coach/ underground Hockey Kingpin than Mr Mountain Man himself. Not to take anything away from that book because its great fun going back and rereading scenes that match up.
But TATE! Oh my gosh, the true in love virgin king. The way he acted around and towards only Ryan was everything. Now Ryan... Tate is not the only one who got 'touch him and vibes...' let me tell ya. I was so protective of him, and I absolutely would love to know what Kline has planned for his father (evil laugh). I love the quote 'Only a monster can protect you from other monsters.' well call Tate the big bad wolf because Ryan needs his monster to stay under his bed and protect him always. The safety dynamic they create for each other, I don't need others to understand but embrace it for them, they've been through some really hard/dark times and sometimes a safety blanket is needed even if you don't want it. And boy do we go through it, in this book with them.
Overall, lets just say I was just as obsessed with Ryan as Tate was. And I couldn't help playing Raye's 'Where's my Husband!' on loop towards the end in my head. This story is dark and rough round the edges but also humorous, toxic and sexy in the best way. I don't normally read Dark Romances but I'm glad I was able to read this through receiving an ARC and it was honestly better than I could have imagined and I can't wait for more in the series!
North Point has some very intriguing characters and I can't wait to eat them all up with a spoon because I need more. This book just proved that my love language is also OBSESSIVE and I'm gonna need more to be okay, doctors orders.
Do yourself a favour and pick up this book as soon as you can, so you can become just as obsessed as I am.
August 2, 2026
🖤 Tate & Rhys ❤️💙
I haven't read something this deliciously unhinged in a long-ass time. It's what dark romance dreams are made of. The possessiveness. The obsessiveness. It's just perfect. It's what I crave in every book I read, and S. Legend delivered on every promise. This has quickly become my favorite read of the year. It's just that good.
Yes, Tate is a psychopath, but he's a damn funny one. But also? Hurt. So incredibly hurt.
The possessive love Tate has for Ryan? It's so hot. It's borderline obsessive. It's perfection, and I'll die on that hill.
And the kisses between Tate and Ryan? I swear they were the best part of this whole book. They were everything.
This is not a hearts-and-flowers kind of love story, but damn if I don't find these crazy men's love story romantic.
Then there's Ryan. In the beginning, my heart broke for the pain, frustration, and helplessness he went through. It was so well written that I felt every moment alongside him. Poor baby. This book broke my heart, and it's not for the faint of heart. Feeling trapped like that? It was written so vividly that I could feel it in my bones and taste his pain on my tongue.
These two were made for each other. Like two broken men fusing together to make something whole. Something beautiful. Ryan just knew. He instinctively understood everything Tate needed and gave it to him in the way Tate deserved to be loved. And Tate did the same for Ryan. He loved him exactly the way Ryan needed, understanding his wants, his needs, and all the broken pieces in between.
It was perfect for them. Not for anyone else. This was their love story, and it came with a guaranteed HEA.
I'm damn obsessed with this book, to be honest. It's absolutely worth your time, and I think every true dark romance reader will appreciate this masterpiece for what it is: a damn good time.
I haven't read something this deliciously unhinged in a long-ass time. It's what dark romance dreams are made of. The possessiveness. The obsessiveness. It's just perfect. It's what I crave in every book I read, and S. Legend delivered on every promise. This has quickly become my favorite read of the year. It's just that good.
Yes, Tate is a psychopath, but he's a damn funny one. But also? Hurt. So incredibly hurt.
The possessive love Tate has for Ryan? It's so hot. It's borderline obsessive. It's perfection, and I'll die on that hill.
And the kisses between Tate and Ryan? I swear they were the best part of this whole book. They were everything.
This is not a hearts-and-flowers kind of love story, but damn if I don't find these crazy men's love story romantic.
Then there's Ryan. In the beginning, my heart broke for the pain, frustration, and helplessness he went through. It was so well written that I felt every moment alongside him. Poor baby. This book broke my heart, and it's not for the faint of heart. Feeling trapped like that? It was written so vividly that I could feel it in my bones and taste his pain on my tongue.
These two were made for each other. Like two broken men fusing together to make something whole. Something beautiful. Ryan just knew. He instinctively understood everything Tate needed and gave it to him in the way Tate deserved to be loved. And Tate did the same for Ryan. He loved him exactly the way Ryan needed, understanding his wants, his needs, and all the broken pieces in between.
It was perfect for them. Not for anyone else. This was their love story, and it came with a guaranteed HEA.
I'm damn obsessed with this book, to be honest. It's absolutely worth your time, and I think every true dark romance reader will appreciate this masterpiece for what it is: a damn good time.
July 31, 2026
this was everything I expected it to be (tho long). It had all the emotions that really drives a dark romance for me and adding the academy details was what had me wanting to pick this one up and I wasn't disappointment
troupe:
Touch him & die, Borderline psychopath hockey coach x broken boy hockey player, fake marriage, real claim, bark military hockey academy, morally gray mcs, big guy x even bigger guy, toxically possessive & obsessive characters, hockey "fight club" energy, you're already mine energy, scared but wanting more
troupe:
Touch him & die, Borderline psychopath hockey coach x broken boy hockey player, fake marriage, real claim, bark military hockey academy, morally gray mcs, big guy x even bigger guy, toxically possessive & obsessive characters, hockey "fight club" energy, you're already mine energy, scared but wanting more
Review of advance copy received from Author
If unhinged is your jam and your heart races when you see the words obsessed, possessive, and touch him and die, Vicious Butterfly is the book you need in your hands RIGHT NOW!
It is wicked hot and basically mainlines unhinged obsession straight into your veins, the highs are euphoric, the lows are brutal, Tate VanCourt will one hundred percent be your new drug of choice, and Ryan Savage is the self-sacrificing hottie you didn’t know you needed that will absolutely bring you to your knees. It’s dark, it lives and thrives in the unhinged, and it is without a doubt a read that S. Legend nailed with flawless writing, a plot that won’t quit, characters you can’t get enough of, a wry humor that leans toward the darkside, and blood and emotional wreckage splashed across the pages.
I loved this book so freaking much! It has the ability to make your heart sink all the way to the floor with every bit of Tate’s past that’s revealed and a whole lot of Ryan’s present, the obsession runs both ways, though Ryan’s is definitely less unhinged, Tate does touch him and die so good it’s like a treat I just want to keep stuffing my face full of, I adore how willing Ryan is to give up absolutely everything that means anything to him for the people he loves, and Tate is a sheer genius with plans A-F ten contingency plans and another dozen or so emergency plans and I am totally fascinated and here for it. The age gap between these two works, I love the forbidden coach x hockey player aspect made even better because they’re at rival schools, and any book that has the obsession starting and the spice hitting by page 24, in the dark in the woods, gets my vote for must read. And there’s murder-hockey, do you even need to know anything else to want this book in your hands? I think not.
It is wicked hot and basically mainlines unhinged obsession straight into your veins, the highs are euphoric, the lows are brutal, Tate VanCourt will one hundred percent be your new drug of choice, and Ryan Savage is the self-sacrificing hottie you didn’t know you needed that will absolutely bring you to your knees. It’s dark, it lives and thrives in the unhinged, and it is without a doubt a read that S. Legend nailed with flawless writing, a plot that won’t quit, characters you can’t get enough of, a wry humor that leans toward the darkside, and blood and emotional wreckage splashed across the pages.
I loved this book so freaking much! It has the ability to make your heart sink all the way to the floor with every bit of Tate’s past that’s revealed and a whole lot of Ryan’s present, the obsession runs both ways, though Ryan’s is definitely less unhinged, Tate does touch him and die so good it’s like a treat I just want to keep stuffing my face full of, I adore how willing Ryan is to give up absolutely everything that means anything to him for the people he loves, and Tate is a sheer genius with plans A-F ten contingency plans and another dozen or so emergency plans and I am totally fascinated and here for it. The age gap between these two works, I love the forbidden coach x hockey player aspect made even better because they’re at rival schools, and any book that has the obsession starting and the spice hitting by page 24, in the dark in the woods, gets my vote for must read. And there’s murder-hockey, do you even need to know anything else to want this book in your hands? I think not.
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