The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny)

Guides to Villainy and Love #2

by Tiffany Hunt

Assistant to the Villain meets Dreadful in this riotously funny sequel romantasy to The Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating (and Other War Crimes)!

Step Take her on a honeymoon.
Step Learn to co-villain effectively.
Step Try not to get possessed by ancient evil.

Kazimir and Arabella’s villainous honeymoon is interrupted when an old friend seeks sanctuary, King Auremar accelerates his sinister plans, and the Syndicate calls in their debt.

As they navigate assassination attempts and a growing evil, the truth becomes Some feelings can no longer be denied.

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Dark Romance, Fiction, Spicy, Magic

688 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 8, 2026

Reviews

[Noi (in & out)]

I might only be 1/3 in book 1, but I can say without a doubt I'll need this in my hands immediately after.

[Mimi Schweid]

My only question at the moment is why is this one going to be 688 pages?? I'm 55% way through book 1 and also wondering why it's 502 pages. Don't get me wrong, it IS amusing, but why are these so long????

[BookishKB]

🖤 The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) 🖤

📖 Bookish Thoughts

My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• Villain Romance
• Married Couple
• Honeymoon Adventure
• Found Family
• Dark Humor
• Demonic Magic
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: September 8, 2026
Thank you to Scarlett Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaahhhhhh thanks so much podium for my alc and Scarlett press for my arc. The opinions are my own.

Immersive reading is definitely my favorite, and both narrators really freaking bring this to life.

Story picks up right from where the first book left off and the pacing is fantastic. It was really enjoyable watching them realize it was more than just a partnership or lust. The stakes are so much higher , battles, possession, straight up choosing the person you love over dooming the world My fav part is that not only is he the villain getting the girl but the girl is just like nope I’m fine with being villainous too. Chapter headings always make me laugh. 10/10 love this series cannot wait for the next one!

[Katie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

This series is just so much fun and the sequel really stepped it up a notch from the first book. Everything that was good in Dating was amplified in Honeymooning.

We got to see the side characters sooo much more, they really made the whole book so enjoyable. I am obsessed with Sebastian. The humor was fine-tuned and I was laughing out loud nearly every page. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, there was so much action, travel and increased magic at every turn. I was also theorizing like crazy. The author drops little hints nearly every page and I’m not sure if I’m delusional and making things up, or if all my theories are going to come true.

I did think the first book was too long but this one felt very justified in its length with how much was going on and the faster pace. If you enjoyed the first book, you will love this one.

Thank you to Scarlett Press for an advanced copy.

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Thank you @podiumentertainment @scarlettpress.us #partner for the gifted copy of this book!

This is how you do a sequel friends! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I absolutely loved The Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating, so I was VERY curious to see if book two could live up to it...and I think this was the perfect continuation of the series.

I started this one reading the eARC, but then my friends at @podiumentertainment came in clutch and sent me the audiobook and I switched over to audio for the rest. The narrators were really good and I just feel like Anthony Palmini and Rachel Leblang brought that witty and fun vibe to these characters! 🎧🖤

I think I love most about this series is the freakin humor. It is hilarious! Usually fantasy can be so serious. This one does have it’s epic quests and dark magic but it keeps me laughing the whole way through! Tiffany has written this ridiculously witty dialogue with lots of sarcasm and some pretty epic banter! It kind of just feels like a breath of fresh air!

This book was a great continuation with the character development. I liked watching them continue to evolve while the worked through their own issues. There is plenty of adventure and high stakes in this one. There was lots of stress and chaotic moments but I ate all of it up. This one was very long and even though I think it could have been a tad shorter I flew through it because I needed to know all those details that I can’t tell you about. HAHA. I will say though by the end I was basically holding my breath because things got intense.

This was really a perfect sequel. Lots of humor and the characters that I fell in love with in the first book just got better! Super excited to see what comes next!

[Aurora Kretsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Still gave me all the Assistant To The Villain vibes, it is a touch long though. I think 100 pages less would have been ideal.

The storyline of Kaz and the Shadow King was a really interesting twist and I liked the character development, including the introduction of the Scone Lord.

Overall a good book, and I’ll be reading the next one when it comes out for sure!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Scarlett Press, and Tiffany Hunt for the eARC, all opinions are my own!

[Valerie Rivera]

I loved the first book. I need book two like yesterday!!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Scarlett Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The Dark Lord’s Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) was a great sequel to the first book. It continued with the banter, witty remarks, and sarcasm that we all loved in the first book, while building on the found family (introducing a new member) and upping the stakes. Instead of conquering the kingdom, Kazimir finds himself trying to save it and has to battle to maintain control of his own mind in the process.

I loved watching the relationship between Kazimir and Arabella continue to develop while battling their own demons; learning what it means to truly love someone and be loved. They both grow a lot in this one and I can’t wait to see where that growth takes them in the next book. While the lack of communication between them did frustrate me at times, it was necessary for their character growth and was explained in a way that made sense for them.

The moments I enjoyed the most though were seeing the characters bond as a family (in some hilarious ways). In book one we had eyeball golf. Book two gives us the gift of corn hole with pickled organs. “This is it. This is how I meet my end. Not in glorious battle, not saving innocents, but because I threw pickled organs while drinking pirate moonshine.”

The teasing, fun, and easy banter between the characters is what makes this series such a fun read. If you are looking for a book with hilarious villains, let the world burn to save each other energy, and found family, then this is the series for you. I had a really great time reading this and can’t wait for the next one!

[Katie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually loved this story line even more than the first book! Kaz and Arabella’s relationship really grows in the most mature way, I was pleasantly surprised there wasn’t much more drama.

The story continues and I think there is a lot of action in the entry. The book is intimidatingly long but it didn’t feel like a slog, it moves at a pretty brisk pace and keeps you engaged. It has its funny moments and still has times when you want to swoon over these characters and how they begin to overcome their hardships together. There’s still some surprises to this story as well.

There is A LOT of spice haha and it’s not that it’s bad and I’m not really complaining it’s too much but the story was so good I couldn’t wait to get back to it! I don’t actually have a bad thing to say about this. I loved all of it and every much looking forward to the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Scarlett Press for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Scarlett Press for this ARC!

🌟4.5/5 Stars

Just like Book 1, I absolutely loved the humor in this book! I highlighted so many hilarious moments that I will keep coming back to. It was wonderful to see Arabella and Kazimir, the Dark Lady and Dark Lord again! They are a fantastic pair and complement each other so well.

Aside from that, this book had more world-building and depth to what is happening in Solandris.

I loved exploring Kaz and Arabella’s pasts more, and getting a chance to learn what made them who they are. The romantic moments were beautiful, and the sexy moments were sexy.

My only area of criticism is the last 1/3 of the book, when things start to pick up and it’s time for war, I felt some things were a bit rushed. The book could have been a little longer to flesh out more details. But, by the final few chapters it all came together in a way that definitely makes me excited for the next book!

[Dana Biasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honored with the opportunity to ARC read The Dark Lord’s Guide to Honeymooning from the author and Scarlett Press.

This book was everything I expected and more! It was laugh out loud funny with Kaz and Arabella’s banter and the charming misfits that make up Kaz’s inner circle. There is a new character in this book, Sebastian, who adds humor, awkwardness as well as common sense to Kaz’s impulses.

The physical attraction that Kaz and Arabella have towards each other grows stronger in this book. There are plenty of spicy scenes that the reader has come to expect.

The plot line of the story remains strong. The separate internal battles that Kaz and Arabella have keep the story moving along. However, there are miscommunications and mistrust between them. Neither one wants to be the first to share how they truly feel for one another.

We learn more about Kaz and Arabella’s past which was great. Arabella becomes more powerful and badass. Griffin is his usual goofy and accident prone self and is the comic relief the story needs. If you loved the Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating, this book will not disappoint.

[Kristen Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
I think I loved this one as much as I did the second one. I did get frustrated at the miscommunication with Arabella and Kaz at times. They just needed to communicate!!! Haha. But really I loved it. It had humor, a great story and of course some spice. I look forward to continuing this series.

[Di Willemsen]

8 Sept 26

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) is everything I could want in a sequel. Kazimir and Arabella Blackrose are now in their honeymoon phase even if everything isn’t coming up roses. We get a brand new campaign with the same Dark Lord and Dark Lady, only… better, I think. Kaz is still delightfully villainous, Arabella is still carving out her place in the world, and there is no shortage of touch them and pay the ultimate price energy, world domination plotting, dark humor, hilarious banter, chaos, conquest, and sizzling spice. Add in assassination attempts, "preventive custody," the occasional world altering magical event, and a cosmic evil Shadow King with a penchant for world domination that may or may not be possessing Kaz, and you've got a story that is sometimes ridiculous but always utterly delightful. And if that doesn't convince you to read this, well... I don't know what to tell you. It should. It really, really should.

The plot is interesting and engaging. It did take a minute to really get going, but honestly, I was perfectly happy spending more time with these characters. They're just a lot of fun. There are plenty of new adventures, elaborate schemes, and a good battle or two, but we also get answers and more information about people and events that were teased in the first book. We dive right back into the thick of things with the characters I either love or loathe, while a handful of new faces keep things fresh. And of course, no proper villain story would be complete without some dramatic villain monologues. They're surprisingly helpful for filling in the gaps, even if they lean a little more toward telling than showing at times. I also appreciated that the world building expanded without ever weighing the story down. It complemented everything rather than taking over. And I have to say, the God Spire was a curiosity indeed and I mean that in the best way. We even get quick visits to places like Azroth's Claw, Valmont, and Meridian Isle. What more could you want in a world?

There is also some emotional weight here, which I loved. Kaz's emotional intelligence is absolutely abysmal, but somehow that just made me want to hug him even more. Villains need love too. Am I right? And a Dark Lord who is more obsessed with having his wife by his side than the armies at his back? Yes, please. Arabella absolutely came into her own in this book too. Watching her embrace the power, the chaos, and her healing and dominion magic beside Kaz was glorious. I loved her “aggressive compassion,” and I loved seeing her become who she was meant to be.

Beyond all the chaos and humor, there were some touching moments woven into the story. The idea that power shared is power multiplied really stuck with me, and I loved the reminder that loving someone means guarding their blind spots while they fight their own demons.

As much as Kaz and Arabella carry this story, they aren't alone. Vex, Griffin, and Thorne add so much depth, and I am always here for found family vibes with a villainous twist. Then Tiffany Hunt throws Sebastian into the mix. A scone baking, virtuous, noble flower lord somehow surrounded by this wonderfully dysfunctional crew? Absolute found family gold.

And that ending...

Ummm... say what now?

You're really going to leave me hanging with that cliffhanger?

Villainous.

4.5 stars because of the minor emotional damage and a couple of microscopic flows, but I'll absolutely be first in line for the next book.

[Ashley Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy received by NetGalley

If you enjoy broody villains who are horribly in love, a found villainous family, and a story where more meets the eye, you may want to pick up this sequel in the Guides to Villainy and Love Series by Tiffany Hunt

A fun enjoyable sequel to the The Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating & Other War Crimes that follows our broody dark villain and his optimistic golden wife as they continue their journey in using the Heirloom Device and conquer the world (or so they think). During their journey, they embark on many bumps in the rode and some monumental challenges that they not only must face together, but themselves and uncover their true selves. Can the dark lord and lady truly fulfill their desires if they are still finding out who they are in the world?

In this book we are also greeted by a new side character, one who knew the past that Arabella forgot. This book has angst, conflict, and tension. This book also has light-heartedness in moments where we connect with both the main characters as well as their side characters.

I personally enjoyed the story, it was fun to go on the adventures our characters embarked on (some causing me to lose sleep but hey a good book does that right?). I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve, though I did feel it was very drawn out. I am normally not a fan of the whole miscommunication trope - however this one continued the same positive of the previous book where it takes a trope and still makes it unique. t was interesting to see how each of the characters came into their personalities more and we truly see the conflicts of their mindset - so in a way it didn’t feel like a completely “we don’t understand this miscommunication” in both POVs we are able to sympathize with both wanting to talk to them and their inner turmoil with not feeling they can communicate. This book follows multiple popular book tropes and continues to broadcast itself in a different half witty half serious plot line.

The side characters continue to be a fan favorite for a reason, I think I MAYBE like them more than the FMC? (Maybe controversial). I just feel these side characters really bring the “chaotic” and “comical” energy this story needs to be a well written piece. *SPOILER BUT NOT? THOUGHT*: I was worried we would have a betrayal of monumental proportions when it came to certain side characters, however I’m glad to see my trust issues are just me over-reading or overthinking a situation.

Now, I rated this a 3 (genuinely maybe a 3.5) but couldn’t go up because I feel some portions of this book fell flat in connecting the reader. The plot and storyline is spectacular, however (my personal opinion) it didn’t need to be as many pages as it was. I feel the book had multiple pulls and it could’ve done without certain aspects or small chapters that really gave nothing other than extra context. If that was what the author wanted to do and felt they were important, then that is fine! I personally could have done without, but many may disagree with me. It was a good read, a fun ride, but compared to the first I feel it didn’t rise about that so therefore it has to be rated lower on my rating system.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Scarlett Press, Simon & Schuster, as well as Tiffany Hunt for giving me the honor of reading this book before its release on September 8,2026. This review is 100% my personal and honest review of the book.

[Ella (DearFuturePublisher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book described in Emojis:
🖤👑🐉🥐⚔️❤️‍🔥

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book Quote:
"WMSM" - Coming back after publication because there is one quote I NEED to talk about. 👀

Reading Mood Check:
If you're in the mood for villains, dark humor, a completely chaotic found family, a man who is absolutely obsessed with his wife, and a fantasy that can make you laugh one minute and then have you STRESSED the next… this is the one. 🖤 But be warned, this is a long one (though totally worth it).

Quick Summary:
Kazimir and Arabella are officially married and ready for their honeymoon… except this is Kaz and Arabella, so obviously they're not going to spend it relaxing somewhere. Between Kaz battling for control of his own mind, Arabella trying to uncover pieces of her past, the Shadow King, and the small issue of potentially having to save the kingdom instead of conquering it, their honeymoon quickly turns into something much bigger.

Worldbuilding, Characters, Plot and Pacing:
I'll admit it took me a little bit to really get into this one, but once I was in, I was IN. I loved being back with Kazimir and Arabella and especially their constant back-and-forth sparring. Their banter is easily one of my favorite things about them. But I think what I loved most about this book was actually getting to know everyone else. In book one, I was so invested in Kaz and Arabella that everyone else kind of existed around them for me. This time, I felt like I actually got to KNOW the side characters, and it made this weird little villainous found family feel so much more real. And SEBASTIAN. The Scone Lord. 🥐 I adored him. Something Tiffany does SO well is making her characters feel like actual individuals, and even their magic feels that way. Sebastian's magic felt so perfectly him. It wasn't just another cool magical ability thrown into the world..it felt like part of his character. The magic in this series just feels alive in a way I really love. And of course, NYX. 🐉 We only get little sprinkles of her throughout the book, but I loved every single one and especially getting to watch our little shadow dragon start coming into her own.

Now, Kaz and Arabella...

YOU TWO NEED TO TALK TO EACH OTHER.

Miscommunication drives me absolutely crazy and I wanted to reach through this book and shake both of them more than once. 😭 But the frustrating part is that I also understood why they weren't communicating. Kaz is fighting a battle inside his own mind, and Arabella is trying to uncover memories that she doesn't fully understand yet. So yes, they drove me crazy, but their choices also made sense for them. And then I got toward the end completely convinced I knew where the story was going. I did not. 😂

Tropes/What to Expect:
🖤 Villain Romance
💍 Married Couple
⚔️ Touch Her/Him and Die
🐉 Dragons
✨ Dark/Demonic Magic
🥐 The Scone Lord
😂 Dark Humor + Banter
🧠 Missing Memories
👑 Morally Gray Characters
❤️‍🔥 Open Door Spice
👹 Possession/Ancient Evil
🗣️ Miscommunication

Perfect for readers who love:
Villains you can't help rooting for, couples who would burn the world down for each other, found family that actually feels like family, dark humor mixed with real emotional moments, dragons, morally gray romance, unique magic, ridiculous banter, and books that make you think you've figured everything out right before proving you absolutely have not. 🖤

I received an ARC from the publisher, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) is the second installment in the Guides to Villainy and Love series.

One of the highlights of this book is the continued banter between Kaz and Arabella, which remains as funny and entertaining as ever. Their relationship continues to evolve as they navigate their own insecurities while facing a much larger threat: the Shadow King. We also get to spend more time with the supporting cast and explore the found family dynamics that make this series so funny.

The characters are truly the heart of the story:

Kaz: The Dark Lord who is becoming far less villainous thanks to falling in love with the woman he once kidnapped to be his wife.

Arabella: The Dark Lady who has completely captured Kaz's heart despite her unconventional path to marriage. Her magic is powerful and it’s enjoyable to see her go from victim to villain.

Nyx: Arabella's hot pink-scaled dragon, who behaves very much like a rebellious tween.

Griffin: The eccentric scientist whose experiments frequently end in explosions.

Vex: Kaz's dependable right-hand, constantly keeping both the castle and its inhabitants organized.

Thorne: Kaz's general and head of security, whose softer side occasionally shines through his tough exterior.

Sebastian (The Scone Lord): A delightful new addition to the cast. Famous for his baking, especially his scones, Sebastian possesses growth magic that causes flowers and vines to sprout everywhere, especiallywhenever he's stressed.

While I loved spending time with these characters, I struggled with the pacing. The first half of the book felt very slow and often overly detailed. I came close to DNFing several times but ultimately decided to continue. The story picks up considerably in the latter portion, where the plot finally gains momentum and becomes much more engaging.

I also wasn't a fan of the miscommunication trope, which plays a significant role in Kaz and Arabella's relationship throughout the book. Their inability to communicate openly became frustrating at times and added to the slower pace of the story.
At nearly 600 pages, the novel felt longer than necessary. There were several sections that seemed repetitive, and in my opinion, the book could have been trimmed significantly without losing anything essential.

Overall, while I enjoyed the characters, humor, and found family elements, the pacing issues and reliance on miscommunication prevented me from fully enjoying it as much as this first one. At this point, I'm uncertain whether I'll continue with the series.

Thank you to Scarlett Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Allie McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) by Tiffany Hunt is the 2nd book in the Guides to Villainy and Love series.

I was only through the first chapter and I was ALREADY cackling on every single page. Yes, chapter ONE... and I knew immediately that this second book of the series was going to be just as hilarious as the first. (Spoiler: it absolutely is.)

Arabella does not let Kazimir get away with a single ounce of his BS, and that's exactly what makes their dynamic so much fun. When these two go toe to toe, she gives just as good as she gets, every single time. No simpering, no eye-rolling-while-secretly-swooning heroine here — she matches him blow for blow (figuratively speaking, of course), and honestly? It's glorious.

And the pacing! Tiffany Hunt is an absolute master at this. Tension, light comedic beats, intimacy, rapid-fire banter, and pure desperation are all measured out with absolute precision — and just when you think you've caught your breath, she punctuates it all with another moment that has you laughing out loud (that would be me, repeatedly, embarrassing myself in public).

Some of my favorite chaos highlights so far are the "inappropriately chatty" set of black roses that had me almost choking on my tea.

Then there was this absolute gem of a line, which might be the most dire sentence ever uttered in romantasy history: "We're going on our honeymoon. Prepare accordingly."

The names for things again are a delight, and we have more cool place names! The Shattered Sea, Godspire, the Lawless Expanse, Azroth's Claw, and more.

But nothing prepared me for the pickled (both literally and figuratively) cornhole game. I'm not exaggerating when I say this might be the single funniest thing I have ever read in my entire life. I stopped reading, went back, and read that scene three times before I let myself continue the book. THREE TIMES. It was just. That. Funny.

"The real question… is whether we're aiming for the holes, or if the holes are aiming for us."

I rset my case.

Now, yes, some genuinely dire, dangerous, and heartbreaking stuff happens in this book too (because Tiffany Hunt is just as skilled at the dark and desperate moments as she is at the comedy), but I can't say more than that because SPOILERS.

So if you'll excuse me, I have to go find that cornhole scene and read it all over again.

Note: This is an ARC review.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because that's what you did when you loved someone. You stood over their body on a battlefield and commanded an undead monstrosity while your dragon ate your enemies. - The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning

Words cannot genuinely express how much I loved this book. It's not often anymore that I find myself bursting out laughing, but this book did just that. From the first book, I fell in love with Kazimir, Arabella, and the rest of their ragtag villainous crew. That love just kept growing more and more in the second book.

One of the things that I stated I LOVED about Arabella in the first book was that she continued on her path in being a villain, she didn't just fight against Kazimir to turn him into a good person. This woman is a genuine badass. She not only stayed in her villainous ways through this book, but she also still had compassion and kindness when it was deserving. She absolutely gave Kazimir a run for his money, and often kept him in check when he needed it. She is quite literally the perfect wife for the villain.

Kazimir was just epic in this one. He still keeps the crown for top villain husband for me, and I doubt that will change anytime soon. You'll just have to read it to really understand why!

I stated above, but I absolutely love their ragtag group. This is the most found family that I have ever read about, and I am slightly disappointed they're not real (also obviously glad for obvious reasons). Griffin, Thorne, Vex, Kazimir, Arabella, and one of the best inclusions ever - Sebastian -, really are just such a great family. All of them have their weird quirks, but it's amazing how much they love and protect each other - even if they'd never say that. One of the best moments is definitely when we see them playing cornhole. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard at a book as I did then.

Tiffany Hunt is still an absolute MASTER at making things comedic while still holding true to the slightly darker aspects of the novel. The pacing was perfect, and I once again found myself very sad that the book was already over with.

I will ABSOLUTELY be reading the next book, whenever it comes out. Thank you to the wonderful author and netgalley for the ARC of this book. I quite literally cried when I received news about being accepted.

I shall now leave you with this quote:
"Flying. Dying. Someone please stop me from crying." -The Dark Lord's Guide...

[Kaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Tiffany does it again! She writes such fun, immersive, and intriguing stories and creates this world I genuinely never want to leave.

I loved that we got the typical light and flirty feeling of a romcom, but also these high stakes fantasy moments that gave me nervous excitement feelings. The Dual POV was perfect for the narrative, and I appreciated that the author didn’t throw in unnecessary side character views. Though I do wonder if we’ll get a POV from a new character in the next book, I definitely see something being set up!

I adore Kaz and Arabella’s relationship. Their total acceptance of each other and their choices is honestly so refreshing. No harping on each other over mistakes. The foundation of trust and love built in the first book really grew here, and I loved seeing it. I wouldn’t change a thing for Kaz or Arabella as characters.

Can we please talk about Nyx?! She’s giving total tween sister, trouble maker vibes. Yet we see the loyalty and love she has for Arabella. Their relationship is so cute. And when she shows up in THAT scene, I literally cheered out loud. Yes, girl!
We get so much more of this found family in book 2. Thorne and Vex are probably my favorites. But seriously though, what is the deal with Vex’s hair? I need to know why it changes color!

As for the spice, it was perfect. I really liked the blend of some fade to black scenes alongside the more open door intimate moments. While I would’ve liked a little more of the creativity we got in book one, I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

I like how Tiffany ends her books. It’s not an abrupt ending; we get the main plot wrapped up nicely, while still leaving a few mysteries and a sneak peek into what’s coming next. And I can’t wait to find out!

I only had two small things I didn’t love, though they couldn't ruin the read:
- Early on, it felt like there was a little too much of Griffin and it bordered on filler. I was starting to get annoyed with him, but thankfully his character got much better as the book went on.
- I did find the FMC’s fighting abilities a bit unbelievable. Reaching that level of combat takes years, yet she was a master in no time.

The world building, the romance, the humor, and the absolute delight of this book will make it a comfort read for me for years to come. I need the next book immediately!

I’ll add my favorite quotes once published! "Scone Lord" absolutely killed me 😂

5 stars! 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 ARC received from NetGalley.

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2.5🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and Scarlett Press for an e-arc of this book!

Another wicked, villainy, and good time read! This series has been a good balance of banter, plot, spice, and all of the above!

Book 2 picks us up right away our lovely villain couple, Arabella and Kazamir, are in their honeymoon stage of marriage 😜 but we’re still planning on conquering Solandris right? Of course!!!

But another evil lurks deep within the soul of the land and what happens when the villain has to become the savior? A lot of grumpy groaning and moaning of course about it, but plans have to shift and pretty soon, the Dark Lord goes from hunting people…to hosting them? 🤣

Arabella steps into her role as the Dark Lady and I liked this blend of Arabella kind of stepping into the whole villainy thing without losing her sweetness as well. She’s a strong FMC but not annoying and not afraid to tell people that even though their relationship didn’t start off great, in the end, she CHOSE Kaz and no one is going to “save” her from him. She trains and grows her power so that way she can defend herself and is ok to keep Kaz in check at times and at others not afraid to let him loose (or herself for that matter).

We get a lot more background on both Arabella and Kaz and an old friend of Arabella arrives, much to the scorn of Kaz. But it’s ok, he makes the most AMAZING scones and everyone fawns over him (which just means Kaz has even more reason to get rid of him right??).

But while there’s wit and humor, there’s also serious topics and discussions that take place. Both Arabella and Kazamir have dark pasts they don’t want to talk about or in Arabella’s case, apparently isn’t remembering it correctly. And when you have 2 people who aren’t used to talking about feelings?? Miscommunication obviously 🙄 and yes, I hate that trope and you are screaming at the 2 the whole book to just have a single conversation and so much could be avoided but it’s all a part of the journey right?

It was a good read. It did drag on at points for me, it is a bigger book than book 1, but overall I liked the mix of plot and character development. We definitely added a whole new set of questions we have now by the end of the book though! We had a lot happen in the last chunk of the book!

I’m kind of interested what the title might be for the next book. I love this take of humor and seriousness into a series and am excited to read book 3 eventually!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Scarlett Press, Tiffany Hunt, and NetGalley for the ARC! 💕📚

Tiffany Hunt. MA’AM. WHAT. A. RIDE. This second book said, “Oh, you thought we were going to calm down?” Absolutely not. Buckle up, bestie. First of all, I STILL love that Arabella and Kazimir can be 1000% in love and completely obsessed with each other while also being strong, independent people. Their relationship is honestly so refreshing. Give me a powerful FMC who can absolutely wreck someone, doesn’t take crap from anyone (including the MMC), and is given the space to figure out exactly who she is. And Kazimir? Sir. The YEARING. The man is down bad and I am HERE FOR IT. The banter between these two was absolutely on point, and watching them navigate everything while still maintaining their own identities? Chef’s kiss.

The story kept me entertained from beginning to end. The action was basically “you get a fight! YOU get a fight! EVERYONE GETS A FIGHT!” There were definitely moments where I was sitting there with my jaw on the floor going, EXCUSE ME?! And I absolutely love when certain characters finally get what they deserve. Nothing warms my heart quite like fictional justice.

I also loved getting more glimpses into the other characters and seeing how this wonderfully chaotic little family came together. And Nyx. Good Ole Nyx. This dragon is giving sassy teenager who has had ENOUGH of everyone’s nonsense, and honestly? She fits perfectly with Arabella and Kazimir. The family dynamic is immaculate.

BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT SEBASTIAN?! Because… sir? Can anyone else say SUS?! He seems SO innocent, which of course immediately makes me think, Okay, but what are you hiding? Maybe I’m suspicious for no reason. Maybe I have trust issues. Maybe he really is just an innocent little cinnamon roll. But I don’t trust it.

I am VERY interested to see where this story goes because there are clearly more things brewing beneath the surface...LITERALLY... and I need answers approximately yesterday.

Overall, this book delivered action, banter, yearning, dragons, found family, questionable men, and characters getting their comeuppance, basically everything I need to be happy.

I will absolutely be sitting here waiting impatiently for book three, ready to jump straight back into Skyspire with my new villain family the SECOND that next installment becomes available.

Tiffany Hunt, you have my attention. Now please hand over book three.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, yes, this book is almost 600 pages. Yes it has world building, spice, villainy, secrets, battles, trauma, banter and so much chaos 🔥I loved this one even more than the first 🙌

Kaz and Arabella’s relationship grows so much in this book and I really loved watching them become true partners 🥹 They both have some hard truths to face and instead of carrying everything alone, they learn to communicate, recognize each other’s pain and let each other in 💕 Kaz’s emotional growth was especially satisfying. Watching him work through his trauma and figure out what love can really mean for him was one of my favorite parts of the story 🖤

Arabella continues to be a complete badass 👑 She loves Kaz for all of him the darkness, the villainy, the questionable decisions and apparently has no problem embracing a little villainy herself 😈 Girl got me more scared than Kaz sometimes 😂

The plot kept me turning pages. There are more secrets, bigger stakes, battles, possession, difficult choices and plenty of moments where I desperately needed to know what was going to happen next. This book definitely gets more serious than the first but it still has that humor and ridiculousness that makes the series so much fun 😂

Because apparently we’re still doing recreational activities with questionable body parts 😂 Book 1 gave us eyeball golf and now we have cornhole with pickled organs and questionable pirate moonshine 👀 I don't know what kind of world we're living in but I’m clearly invested 😂

I also loved getting more of the found family dynamic ❤️ The addition of Sebastian was fantastic, Nyx continues to be the sassy and colorful teenage dragon we all deserve 💅 Sebastian’s literal cinnamon rolls and suspicious morning glories? Interesting. Very interesting 👀

The contrast between the dark, villainous atmosphere and the cozy, ridiculous humor is what makes this series work so well for me 🖤 The banter is fantastic, the romance is charming and Kaz as a jealous dark lord is everything 😏 These characters manage to be terrifying, adorable, hilarious and deeply dysfunctional all at once.

This one is definitely long but I flew through it. The stakes are higher, the characters are deeper and there is so much happening that I genuinely didn't want to put it down. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait to see what kind of chaos comes next. Like the basement... 👀

TIFFANY, WHAT WAS IN THAT BASEMENT???! 😭

[amandathebookworm 📚🪱 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 of fun! & again thank you to both Scarlett Press & Podium for providing me with an ARC & an ALC!


PLOT
After the attack, Kaz & Arabella are forging forward with their takeover plans. But the attack left some secrets lurking… & will they help or hurt?
- enemies to lovers to ??
- really fun banter
- this is just a campy good time
- dysfunctional found family
- emotionally constipated but obsessed MCs
- dual audiobook
- med/higher spice


PROS
- This audio is simply excellent. Both actors do such a good job with the villainous silliness & I highly HIGHLY recommend going the audio or immersive route if you can.
- This is just a fun time. I love that this leans into the campiness of the supervillains in modern media. It’s so silly but so clever & I just have fun constantly. You can tell the author had fun writing this.
- The found family is turning out FAB. There was an addition this book I truly enjoyed & I just think the dynamic was great. I’m a little nervous about 1 (no spoilers) so we’ll see if my book 3 thoughts are right. 👀
- I was genuinely surprised by a certain character appearance & the impact that had on everything. I wasn’t expecting that & it was a very fun twist.
- Kaz & Arabella’s banter & chemistry is off the charts. They’re just so fun. Their development is a delight.
- I also LOVE Arabella. I love her snark backed up by her wisdom & I love her fully embracing being the Dark Lady.
- The chapter headers are so fun. A small thing but what a treat.


MIDS
- A lot of the relationship conflict in this is based on unwillingness to communicate/miscommunication. Which as a trope I generally don’t like. HOWEVER, I do think it makes sense here given our MCs & their pasts. I don’t particularly think either of them were ready until they were & said miscommunication didn’t prevent plot momentum, which is good. So while it’s not a trope I really enjoy it does make sense for these characters. So it didn’t bother me as much as it typically would & I’m noting it as a mid vs. a con.


CONS
- The magic system is feeling a bit unruly in a messy way. & there’s A LOT going on as far as power sources & lore & it’s feeling a little inconsistent/messy. The rules just feel a little loosey goosey to me I think in a way that is maybe a tad convenient plot armor.


I am absolutely having a blast though & cannot wait to finish this trilogy!

[Megan Witsche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early Arc Read from Netgalley & Scarlett Press

Tropes: Dark Romantasy, Found Family, Assassination Attempts, Ancient Evil, CoVillaining, Chaos, Touch Her & ☠️, Wicked Banter, Dark Humor

Quotes: "Make love first, save the world later. (Priorities people.)”

Review No Spoilers: Kazimir and Arabella embark on a honeymoon where the only thing more dangerous than their enemies are their growing feelings for each other in this deliciously wicked and riotously funny second book in the Guides to Villainy and Love romantasy series that’s Assistant to the Villain meets Dreadful.

Step Four: Take her on a honeymoon.
Step Five: Learn to co-villain effectively.
Step Six: Try not to get possessed by ancient evil.

Now bound by marriage and the formidable power of the Heirloom, Dark Lord Kazimir Blackrose and his Dark Lady Arabella are the realm’s most feared and chaotic power couple. And after years of scheming, Kazimir is poised to conquer Solandris. But when the Alchemist calls in a debt, Kaz is forced to postpone his reign of terror or face consequences even he can’t escape.

Arabella declares it the perfect opportunity for the honeymoon she was never promised. But their villainous getaway soon devolves into mayhem involving mass kidnappings, uncomfortable truths about Kazimir’s demonic past, and a talented pastry chef with heroic blood who won’t stop baking scones.

As if that weren’t enough, Kazimir’s mind is also filling with whispers not his own, while Arabella secretly tries to recover her stolen memories. But the greatest threat may be those three dangerous little words that could shatter their carefully constructed walls and unleash an evil that destroys them all.

This sexy and side splittingly funny fantasy romance is perfect for readers who love villains who stay deliciously wicked (but are catastrophically in love); a powerful heroine carving out her place in the world; touch them and die; plotting world domination; sizzling spice and wickedly amusing banter; dark humor; found family of villains; and a honeymoon phase with assassination attempts.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[LM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) by Tiffany Hunt was my most anticipated read of 2026. The Dark Lord's Guide to Dating (and Other War Crimes) was my favorite book of 2025. From the very first moment I picked it up, I was all in. Tiffany Hunt has a writing style all her own, filled with wit, sarcasm, delightfully misfit characters, clever, high-stakes plots, and just the right amount of spice to fuel the fire.

Kazimir is villainy in every sense of the word. Broody, murderous, brutal, and completely without hesitation or regret. He rules with an iron fist...except when it comes to his wife, the beautiful and spicy Arabella.

Arabella is equal parts patient and determined. She rules her husband, but not in the way you might think. She is the calm to his storm. She is everything he needs, even when he doesn't realize it himself. She somehow turns his pitch-black soul into a medium gray. And he smiles whenever she's around.

Something he never did before. Dark Lords don't smile. This one does whenever Arabella is near.

Together they embark on a long-awaited honeymoon...kind of. It's really more of a scouting mission disguised as a honeymoon. The apocalypse is coming, and they have to figure out how to stop it before King Auremar and the Shadow King grow too powerful.

Kazimir, Arabella, Vex, Thorne, Griffin, Nyx, and, of course, the Scone Lord are the found family you always wanted. I would absolutely pack up and move to Skyspire. I hear they're hiring, and the accommodations are...well, let's just say at least there are the scones. I hear they're fabulous.
I've read more than 150 books so far this year.

This is, hands down, my favorite. I knew it would be.

I don't think I breathed once during Chapter 65. I'm still charged from the intensity of the moment that will live in my head forever. The visualization was so vivid. So intense. So...climactic.

Now I'm already counting down the days until the next installment. Maybe The Dark Lord's Guide to Parenting?

Thank you so very much to Tiffany Hunt and Scarlett Press for the ARC.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Scarlett Press for sending me this ARC!

The Dark Lord’s Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) is the second book in a Fantasy Romance series from and I loved seeing Arabella and Kazimir again!

I loved the first book in this series when I read it last year and was really excited for this one and it didn’t disappoint. This book is long, almost 700 pages, but it doesn’t feel that way, I literally flew through it because there was so much happening, the plot was interesting and perfectly paced and there wasn’t a single boring moment. It starts a few months after book 1 ended with Kaz still intending to conquer the world with Arabella at his side but they must deal with consequences of what happened at the end of book 1 and I enjoyed seeing that, they had a lot to overcome and things weren’t easy, but these two were as amazing and entertaining as ever. Arabella is such a great, badass FMC, she grew so much from who she was at the beginning of book 1 and continued to grow here, I loved her character development and can’t wait to see her again. Kaz was still the villain I came to love in the previous book but was dealing with a lot here, he had some struggles but no matter what Arabella was always the number one priority for him and I loved seeing that. These two might have started as arranged marriage but they became so much more and I adored them together, they drove me mad at times with their less than perfect communication, I was screaming at them in my head to just talk already, but ultimately everything they did was to protect each other and I loved seeing them more vulnerable here and supporting each other and I lived for the ‘touch him/her and die’ vibes. Their banter was amazing, the tension between them palpable and their spicy scenes scorching hot, I loved these two together so much and already can’t wait to see them again in book 3. I also adored the supporting characters, they were all amazing and well written and I enjoyed their dynamics, they made me laugh out loud at times and made a truly beautiful found family.

This is a great second installment in this amazing series, I loved it and recommend this series to everyone.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny) by Tiffany Hunt continues where the first book leaves off and is just as fun and addictive. Once again the chapter titles are hilarious, and the sarcasm, banter, and dry, dark humor are utter perfection. I literally had tears running down my face from laughing so hard but also found myself even more head over heels for Kazimir. The questions I had about his past were answered, even if they took my heart on a rollercoaster.

Step Four: Take her on a honeymoon.
Step Five: Learn to co-villain effectively.
Step Six: Try not to get possessed by ancient evil.

The realm’s villainous power couple, Dark Lord Kazimir Blackrose and Dark Lady Arabella, have married and are busy scheming to take over Solandris. The Alchemist has other plans though and calls in a debt that halts their plans. Well, what better time for a honeymoon! But what villainous honeymoon is complete without utter mayhem? The pair soon find themselves planning mass kidnappings, harboring heroes (including one with a penchant for baking the most delectable pastries), and dealing with, of all things, possession.

The side characters, being the little villains they are, almost threaten at times to take over the story. I love how we learn more about their personalities and roles in their found family. They truly bring some of the most hilarious and heartfelt moments to this read. I hope the third book continues to expand on their stories because there are still unanswered questions. We need all the villain origin stories!

The character growth throughout this book is unmatched. Kazimir and Arabella face staggering truths about their pasts, both individually and as a couple. These hidden and stolen memories are incredibly intense when they surface but help them grow and become that much stronger together. The world isn't ready for what this duo is going to bring!

The Dark Lord's Guide to Honeymooning releases September 8, 2026!

Thank you Tiffany Hunt, Scarlett Press and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ali B. 📚🫶🏻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley.

Wow! Like really wow! This book packed a punch. I feeling like if you could take all the best traits from fantasy books- enemies to lovers, action, mystery, dark humor, kooky side characters, found family, and steamy romance. You would describe this book to a T.

I enjoyed the first in this series and was genuinely excited to read the next. Thank goodness it did not disappoint. Arabella and Kazmir are married (and happily “dating”) bound together with the Heirloom they are now on the path to take over Solandaris.but that doesn’t go according to plan. There are the usual quirky mishaps but there’s a darkness in Kaz that wants to be heard and I’m not just talking about his dominion magic.

After a win on the battlefield, they go back to their fortress to regroup only to be summoned by the Alchemist calling in his debt. Thus begins their honeymoon tour. Fun times with a newly added side characters in Sebastian- A prince of scones and childhood best friend of Arabella’s.
During their honeymoon trip things go awry and the Alchemist assigns them a new tasks to stop the king Auremar from sacrificing people and instead have the Dark Lord and Lady kidnap anyone with Heroic bloodline to save them. How hilarious 😂

During their kidnapping exploits Katz’s darkness stirs more and feelings that neither Arabella or Kaz are willing to share start to drive a wedge between the newlyweds.

Things get darker, more mysterious and definitely more life threatening but highly entertaining! This author is best when things come to their worst. No long drawn out battles or stilted side plots- everything is straight forward momentum with plot thickening excellence. I still love that Kaz and Bella’s romance is fresh and new yet very grounded. The side characters are funny and add layers to the found family and backstories of each other and their Dark Lord.

Secrets are revealed, more are laid out to find and the world is still ending just in new and interesting ways. Utterly delightful! I was hesitant with how long this book was but it was a joyous read and I can’t wait for the next! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!