Unhinged

Malus Vampire Family #2

by Emily Goodwin

Book two in the Malus Mafia series, coming summer 2023

Genres: Vampire Romance

326 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2026

About the author

Emily Goodwin is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over a dozen of romantic titles. Emily writes the kind of books she likes to read, and is a sucker for a swoon-worthy bad boy and happily ever afters.

She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.

Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.


www.emilygoodwinbooks.com
facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooks
emily@emilygoodwinbooks.com

Reviews

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Emily for an advance copy of this amazing book! I was so excited to get my hands on this and it surpassed expectations! The story picks up where it left off has excellent pacing, appropriately placed spice and the plot is plotting! Now I just need book three! 😍

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel didn’t just raise the stakes… it set the whole city on fire and dared you to look away.

Untamed takes everything that made book one addictive and sharpens it into something even more dangerous. The tension is thicker, the politics messier, and the emotional hits? Yeah… they land like a punch you didn’t see coming.

Wren Malus has fully stepped into her power, and watching her navigate this new life is so satisfying. She’s no longer just surviving the darkness… she’s commanding it. But what makes her shine is that she never loses that edge of vulnerability. She loves fiercely, fights harder, and refuses to be a pawn in anyone’s game.

And Xavier…
Let’s be real, this man went from “dangerous obsession” to “touch her and you’re dust.” His devotion is intense, borderline unhinged in the best way, and every interaction between him and Wren feels charged with this electric mix of love, power, and don’t test me energy. The romance evolves beautifully here… deeper, stronger, but still threaded with that delicious tension.

What really elevates this book is the expansion of the world. The fragile alliances between vampires, werewolves, and humans feel like a powder keg ready to explode. The Order? Even more sinister. And the way the story peels back the idea of what a “monster” really is… yeah, it hits.

The pacing is relentless in the best way. Every chapter drops something: a revelation, a threat, a shift in power. There’s no coasting here, just a steady climb toward chaos.

What you’re getting:

* Married power couple energy that could ruin lives
* “Who’s the real villain?” vibes that keep you guessing
* High-stakes political tension across supernatural factions
* A heroine who refuses to be controlled
* A hero who would absolutely burn the world for her

By the end, you’re not just invested… you’re feral for what comes next.

If book one pulled you in, Untamed locks the door behind you and whispers, “you live here now.” 🖤

[Knjiga i Kavica · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENZIJA
# 2 Unhinged - @authoremilygoodwin
4⭐️

❤️ Slow burn
❤️ Touch her and die
❤️ Demons
❤️ Vampires
❤️ Witches
❤️ Romance

Predivna i očaravajuća naslovnica koja vrišti stil i obećava slow burn romansu naše omiljene vještice i vampira. Svima nam već poznata romansa i stil pisanja autorice i u ovom novom serijalu pršte energijom i mistikom. Xavier i Wren bore se za svoje mjesto pod suncem. Neću ulaziti u već poznate detalje autoričina život i svima nam znane posvete u ovoj knjizi. Samo ću reći da je zaista odlično ukomponirala stvaran život s fantazijom. Ako znate poznatu pozadinu primijetit ćete dijelove koji se odnose na situaciju. Na tu temu jedino što imam reći da je život divan. Ali i da ti baca nepredvidive krivulje s kojima se moramo izboriti. Ali kao što autorica navodi u knjizi to se lakše postiže, ako se maknes iz toksične situacije i bilo kojih odnosa koji ti kradu energiju i smanjuju tvoje osobno ja i okruziš se ljudima koji te zaista podržavaju i vole.
Da ne bi sve ostalo na mojoj podršci autorici, vratimo se na knjigu. Naravno opet imamo demone, ali ovaj put situacija se zakomplicirala. Naslucivala sam da se otvara portal Pakla, ali zadnju rečenicu i tko je ključan za to je majstorski izvela.
Veselim se trećem nastavku.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Unhinged is book 2 in the Malus Family series & Twisted must be read first.


Unhinged picked up right where Twisted left off - right in the midst of a life or death situation which is part for the course when you are a demon hunter married into a vampire Mafia family. 

Wren used to hunt the monsters in the world, but always under the Order 's thumb. But after her unorthodox marriage to a powerful vampire she realizes she might actually be falling for him. He has become her protector and the one person she could trust in the world. 

But chaos throughout the city is closing in and it all leads back to Wren and the Order but she just can't figure out how. 

I am loving this series from Emily Goodwin. And loving both Wren and Xavier and even Devon, Theo, Zeke and Mabel. I love Wren and Xavier's dynamic & them getting to know each other. And I can't wait to see what happens next with the series and all the characters. If you are looking for a dark paranormal series, I definitely recommend the Malus family series! 

4.5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I have to say I loved it. I flew through it and I’m already dying for the next book. I do feel as though parts of the story were rushed and not fully fleshed out, but overall I really enjoyed the book and I believe Emily is a wonderful story teller and creates badass FMCs. Following along with Wren’s growth and healing has been really helpful for my own personal journey and I love being able to connect with the story that way while also being able to enjoy the supernatural and dramatic aspects of it. Will definitely be sat for book 3.

[Ashlee Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy chaos and SPICE 🔥

This sequel seriously leveled up—higher stakes, more tension, and Wren + Xavier being the ultimate power couple. Xavier = top-tier book boyfriend (again), and Wren’s growth?? Obsessed.

I’m RUNNING to book 3, Malice, because I need answers ASAP 😭

If you haven’t started this series yet… fix that immediately 🖤📚

[Brittney Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely obsessed with this series! I cannot wait for the next one! Emily’s writing is fantastic! It keeps you on the edge wanting to know what’s next. Imma need book three, STAT! Please and thank you! 😉

Thank you to Emily for the advanced copy!

[Brooke Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HambrightPR and Emily Goodwin for the ARC!
This was way more intense than the first book, Wren and Xavier’s relationship has blossomed and the twists and turns along the way literally made this book impossible to put down.
I’ll be honest there was a few spelling mistakes/grammar, but my dyslexic brain could handle it so you will easily not notice 🤣
Spice is a 🌶️ in my opinion, it’s quick and to the point.
Overall great read and 2nd book for the series!
🖤🖤🖤

[Flex Fler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Emily Goodwin for the free ARC. All opinions are my own in the following ARC Review.

Genres: Paranormal Romance
Tropes: Vampire/Witch, Age Gap, Forbidden Romance, Spice, Magic, Morally Gray Hero, Badass Heroine, Mystery, Betrayal, Found Family
MC: Wren (FMC), Xavier (MMC)
Setting: US East Coast
Triggers: kidnapping, extremists
Epilogue: No, Cliffhanger

Synopsis: As Devon fights for his life, a decision against his wishes is made, changing everything. Soon after, Wren is approached by the Order with an offer that would force her to choose between “safety” and loyalty. When local werewolves seek help over a deadly drug crisis, Wren uncovers signs that something far darker is at work, and that the Order may be more closely involved than anyone realizes. Tensions escalate after a violent attack revealing a possible traitor, while pieces of Devon’s past begin to resurface. Following a trail of missing people, Wren, Xavier, and Devon are led toward a hidden threat tied to a dark ritual responsible for recent deaths. Though the danger is believed to be resolved, chaos soon spreads, and Wren’s family becomes part of the fallout. In the end, one terrifying truth is revealed: Wren was always the key to unlocking unfathomable danger.

Thoughts: I absolutely love Emily’s paranormal universe! This series is such a great addition to it, and love seeing the little easter eggs referencing the locations of the other stories. I secretly hope we get a major cross over at some point. This storyline had me on the edge of my seat, and now I need to know what the Order is up to. I think a major betrayal is coming for Wren and Xavier. I don’t know who, but I feel like it’s going to be a family member. I’ve been enjoying the progression of Xavier and Wren’s relationship. I love seeing how deep they’ve fallen for each other, and how they have special sides of themselves reserved only for one another. I’m glad Wren had the realization of staying her true self, and that Xavier happily embraces exactly who that is. She needed complete acceptance from somebody, and finally gets it from him. I think this healed the part of her that was always seeking approval, allowing her to recognize she never needed to change, only find the right person who appreciated her completely. Highly looking forward to the next book, especially after another nerve-wracking ending.

[Sunshine Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unhinged (Malus Vampire Series, Book Two) by Emily Goodwin

If Twisted cracked your heart open, Unhinged reaches in and twists it.

This sequel doesn’t ease you back into Wren Russo’s world—it throws you headfirst into chaos. The stakes are higher, the enemies closer, and the emotional fallout hits harder. Wren is no longer just a witch trapped in a vampire bargain. She’s becoming something dangerous in her own right… and learning that power always comes with a price.

The demon hunting is relentless, visceral, and intimate in a way that makes every fight feel personal. And at the center of it all is the volatile, magnetic pull between Wren and Xavier. Their dynamic is pure tension—sharp, aching, combustible. Every glance feels loaded. Every quiet moment feels like it could become a war.

Fans of Emily Goodwin’s Thorn Hill series will feel it immediately:
Wren and Xavier carry the same electric energy as Callie and Lucas.

That us-against-the-darkness bond.
The way danger becomes a love language.
The push–pull between what they are and what they feel.

Like Callie and Lucas, Wren and Xavier are forged in fire. Their connection is built under pressure, sharpened by fear, and complicated by power. They don’t fall in love in safety—they fall in love in blood, smoke, and aftermath.

What makes Unhinged unforgettable is how personal the danger becomes. The real threats aren’t faceless monsters. They’re people Wren once trusted. The story cuts into betrayal, grief, rage, and the horrifying realization that sometimes the ones who hurt you most are the ones who raised you.

And that ending?

It doesn’t just cliffhanger.
It devastates.

This is the kind of sequel that proves a series isn’t just good—it’s dangerous. You will finish this book breathless, furious, and desperate for the next installment.

If you love:
• morally gray vampires
• betrayed heroines who grow fangs
• slow-burn tension that hurts
• found family vs. blood family
• and romances born in battle

…Unhinged will ruin you in the best possible way.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give it 2.5 stars but I rounded up because it was an easy read and the storyline was interesting. There was a lot of repetitiveness, like the first book, and boring parts. For a paranormal romance I feel it’s lacking a lot.

To start off, the story itself lacks depth but the characters are also just scratching the surface. What we know of the characters is limited and the history we do find out is repeated instead of built on. I would’ve enjoyed having these characters have deeper back stories, maybe even a flashback chapter here and there to their previous lives that relates to why they are the way they are. Wren’s magical background and family should have been explored and written about in more detail to give us answers rather than a run around side story that led to nowhere and left us still wondering her potential and history. It would also be nice to have some chapters in the POV of the other MCs.

The storyline drags out in places and focuses a lot on how hurt the MC was with her Ex and how she’s falling for her husband. The “spice” scenes were subpar, some of the scenes went into quick graphic detail while other scenes were literally a sentence about them having sex. The relationship of the two MCs felt very rushed in the first book and I expected more from this one to build on their story but it once again felt very rushed. It was very “you’re so special, I trust you, I want to protect you, let’s have sex and figure out this mystery that’s dragging out the whole book”. The demon fighting scenes in this book were scarce… when they did happen they were written pretty well but still lacked the depth of really getting to hate the villain because of past grievances (which were not written about or built up in detail). The ending was a cliffhanger that sets up a cool storyline for the next book but honestly so much was missing from the first two that it’s hard to see how it will all come together.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unhinged picks up right where Twisted left off, with Wren finding herself struggling to keep Devon alive after an order member shot him with an arrow, thinking he was a vampire. While he is recovering, she is approached by a member of the Order, trying to convince her to turn on Xavier and the Malus family, in exchange for allegedly reuniting her with her extended family. Wren refuses, knowing the Order is hiding something, and she continues to dig into both her own past, as well as the alleged overdoses in the city which she is convinced are actually demon possessions. As she digs deeper, she uncovers things that don’t make sense, and finds herself teaming up with warewolves to solve the drug problem, while trying to figure out how the Order is connected to the increased demon presence.

Despite all this, Wren finds her connection with Xavier growing even stronger, and even when her ex tells her everything she always dreamed to hear, she realizes that what she has with Xavier doesn’t even compare, and that true love means not having to become a quieter, smaller version of herself. As she and Xavier fight opponent after opponent, they show everyone, and each other, that they are stronger together.

I received an early copy of this book from the author and it was even better than I imagined! After bingeing book one I wasn’t sure how Emily would be able to top it but boy did she ever. I loved how we saw true development in all the characters and their relationships, and also got more of a glimpse into Wren’s past, which helped explain her state of mind now. Watching Xavier learn to stand beside her instead of in front of her showed how much he values her not only as a partner, but as a hunter. We got another cliffhanger ending so I’ll be waiting on the edge of my seat for book 3 to come out in a few months!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥀 Thoughts 🥀

My god I’m obsessed! This series just keeps getting better! Wren just keeps getting more badass as the story moves on she is scared of no one. The relationship between Wren and Xavier is delicious he lets Wren take the lead and is always there when she needs him. Serious touch her and die type love that just makes you feel some sort of way the spice in this book is just enough.

The found family aspect just grows stronger in book two Wren finally realizes who is on her side and who’s not, she learns more about her true parents and who she is. I love seeing the growth in her embracing her magic side. She’s just done so much growth since the first book.
I still love Mabel hah she’s a bit clueless but she makes me laugh.

The action does not disappoint here either, the ending was setting us up for some good twists thank god I have book three and after posting this I’m jumping right back in.

This series so far is my top series, I don’t compare it to Anita Blake series that Laurell K Hamilton wrote but some parts of this just gives me those feelings of edge of my seat, the romance, the Vampire/werewolf. Anita Blake series will always be my top tier but this is just as good!!!

[b_reads27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Malus Family series: Xavier and Wren. This book starts right from where book 1, Twisted, ends hit the ground running right from the very first page. It is a continuation from Twisted so that book must be read first. Wren is one of my most favorite FMCs now. She is strong and capable and such a badda$$. This book gave me Supernatural (the tv show) vibes and had the perfect balance of demon hunting plot and romance storyline between Xavier and Wren. They are such a power couple, pun intended, and I loved seeing how they went from a forced marriage to a deep connection. I absolutely loved this book and it is such a great paranormal romance series.
The writing in this series is so well done. Such a great story line and I especially love the parts that are witty with great one liners. The authors sense of humor really shows in her writing and adds a bit of lightness and fun weaved in bits throughout the book.
Once again, one heck of an ending! I cannot wait for book 3 to come out to continue this series! Please do not sleep on this series, it’s incredible!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Emily for the advanced reader copy. I absolutely devoured this book!

Please note that if you have note- book one must be read in order to read book two!

Phew, Emily! You had me on my seat this entire time! I absolutely love your stories and the worlds you build! One thing I love is how you add in little Easter eggs from your other stories! I really hope that you choose to expand this world beyond the Malus family!

Book two starts exactly where book one ends. We see the Malus family truly flex their hold on society and understand what it means to be turned. Book two has a lot more detective work by Wren and I love to see her truly shine. Xavier may be 700+ years old, but Wren teaches him something everyday. Their relationship may have started out as an arrangement, but we truly get to see their love blossom in book two.

Wren gives off Willow Rosenberg vibes-iykyk.

I’m so excited for the third installment! I hope you love this world as much as I do!

[Madeline Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in this trilogy last year and I remember enjoying it but i REALLY enjoyed this one. I love a classic vampire and werewolf story but mix in demon hunting humans, secrets & lies, a mystery overtaking the city, and a vampire/witch marriage sign me up!! This book was much faster paced than the first one and picked up right where the first left of making the continuation of the story seamless to jump back into. Xavier the man (or should i say vampire) you are!! Seriously obsessed with him. Wren is such a badass character holding her own in a world that is not her own whilst grappling with the harsh realities of her past that have been revealed. Wren and Xavier’s transition from marriage of convience to real head over heels love was sizzling with chemistry with plenty of heartfelt moments in between. The cliffhanger at the end made me very glad the last book is out because I am immediately picking it up to continue on with this whirlwind of a story.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5

I can’t express just how much I have come to love this series, and I only started book one this year. I have to say that I loved book one, but book two took it out of the park. In this book you will see more tension between the humans, werewolves and vampires; the politics are at a higher stake and the emotional moments between Wren and Xavier hits harder.

I really enjoyed getting to see Wren step into her powers, getting to see her love fiercely, fighter harder and not wanting to be anyone’s game. I loved that she didn’t take no for an answer and that she still showed that she just wants to be loved. Xavier, I really loved getting to see the “touch her and die” side of him. He is devoted to wren and making sure that she is safe, but you will see their love for each other more in this book and to see their tension and chemistry more in this book.


I really can’t wait to see what book three will bring us, and what is going on with The Order.

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren...the woman that you are....

I absolutely love this Female Main Character. Like, I will stop and gush to friends who haven't even read the book yet at how much I love this FMC.

She's badass. She's kind. She's hella smart and SO logical. Not to mention, girl knows how to communicate (beautifully so).

As much as I'd LOVE Xavier's POV (because he's delicious), there is something so special and raw about only seeing this story from Wren's POV.

The plot itself is getting more and more delightfully complex and layered, I'm SO excited for book 3!

note: there is a pretty significant amount of editing errors in this book, especially the further into the book you get. Normally this doesn't bug.me, but there were enough that it took me out of the story.

Overall: Recommend
spice: open door

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not wait for this book to see what would happen with Wren, Xavier and Devon. This book is the 2nd in this series and you must (it's so good so not much of a chore) read book 1 to understand book 2.
I didn't want to put this book down! It started off right where the 1st one ended and it was a roller-coaster the whole way through.
I do love all the family that is part of the story too. I did not expect Devon to come off as he did in part of the book but I guess when life changes you, you change.
I absolutely love the love story of Wren and Xavier. You really feel how much Xavier loves Wren. Wren, of course, is a tough FMC and it's great to see her story unfold and how this has changed her.
I absolutely cannot wait for book 3!

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than book 1! * I recieved an ARC of this book for an honest review*
I will also be purchasing for my collection because it is that good!
Book 2 has us following the Malus family and the Russos more. We see Wren and Xavier become close, and kick ass while doing it. Why should blood, death, drugs and domestic terrorists stop the slow fall into love?
I really enjoyed seeing Wren come into her powers more. Our loveable Devon is still here and getting used to his new life. As well as Mabel and the rest of the Malus crew.
Wren makes a new friend and I am excited to bring in some werewolves. The ending is explosive and will leave you craving more!
If you haven't started any of Emily's books WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Dive right into this paranormal thirst trap! 😀

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I’m not usually a vampire girly, even I can appreciate a cold, ruthless, possessive male like Xavier. What surprised me most is how much I was drawn to his calm, composed nature—there’s something about that quiet control that just works.

Plot-wise, this book delivered. The hunt for answers and buried truths kept things moving at a steady pace, and the added layer of demon hunting paired with a corrupt Order made it all the more intriguing. There was always something simmering beneath the surface, pushing me to keep reading and figure out what was really going on.

Overall, this was a strong second installment that deepened both the romance and the story. I’m definitely excited to see where things go in book three.

[Jazzming Rivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book well enough. Unhinged could have gone through another round of editing before hitting KU and it wasn't a story I had to devour asap but I did think about it between put downs. It wasn't as good as book one, and some of the spicy scenes were so random, but I do love this little family. Mabel, Wren, Gia are my babies. Absolutely adore all three of them, and I can't wait to see more of Theo and Delphi. The story is great, and I love the world building and lore.


I'm excited to keep reading, and I'm so mad this wasn't a complete series when I found it, so I'm mad I have to wait until book 3 releases at the end of the month. At least it's a short wait!

[katapolt13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

Book 2 picks up right where book 1 ends, thank freaking goodness! After the cliffhanger in book 1, I needed to know what has going to happen. Wren and Xavier have such explosive chemistry; I love to watch that brew during this book.

Wren and Xavier are on the hunt to find answers. Things are happening that no one can explain and the vampires are being blamed. As they seem to get closer to answers, the more things turn to chaos.

Holy freaking cliffhanger! I need book 3 stat!

✨ What to Expect ✨
🧛🏻 Vampire x Witch
🥷🏻 Vampire Mafia
🩶 Morally Gray
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
💍 Forced Marriage
☠️ Touch Her & D!e
🫂 Found Family

[Diamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, people!
In the second book in the series, Unhinged, the story continues unabated. So, don't start it if you haven't read the previous one. You'll have quite a few gaps.
The world building continues to be captivating and the plot has intrigue, political games, emotions, tension, power, authority and a lot of darkness. Of course, the characters develop and have depth.
Finally, the author's writing is captivating, enjoyable, emotional, shocking, cinematic, captivating and incredibly dark.

Many thanks to the author and Hambright PR for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choices and Consequences

When I received this book I was a little lost as I did not realize it was book 2 in the series at first. However, I did not hesitate to get book 1 to catch up on everything and I was not disappointed. This series is getting more and more intense as it goes on and I could not put it down. The intrigue and twists were absolutely exhilarating. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Allyssa Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. The romance, the steam, the action, all of it was amazing.

I've read almost every book Emily has published and Xavier and Wren are one of my favourite couples. And definitely 100% my favourite supernatural couple.

I was obsessed with twisted as soon as I read it, and this sequel did not disappoint! I loved seeing how all of the relationships in wrens life evolved, for better or for worse.

Love love love the malus fam!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been laughing, in suspense and thrilled

Emily you’ve done it again. I love how things progress I can see this being another Thorne Hill ( which I love). Hard to put down, even when I had to. Wren is still scared about forever with Xavier but I think she has added so much to his life. I wish Wren had a way to find out more about her lineage but it’s still early and she still can.

[Jennifer Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just want to say I love a female main character who is the main character! Xavier is a great compliment but it’s so fun to see the world through Wrens eyes and her sass and wit. I personally love her dry sense of humor and commentary on the world around her. Her friendship with Mabel is *chefs kiss*. The characters we met in this story both enriched and advanced the plot. I thought this was intriguing and exciting. Now I’m just sitting here waiting for book 3!

[Ida Havard · Rating 2 out of 5]

It shouldn’t had taken me so long to finish this book, but I get that’s a telling in itself.
All I can say is, this book gave me the “this could have been an email” feeling.
Not every book story needs to be a trilogy. This story seems stretched and filled with fluff and unnecessary smut. Honestly this and what happens next could have been 3 to 5 more chapters on the first book.
Also a little cringe with the pop culture references.
2/5

[Darlene Montalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @EmilyGoodwin for book 2 unhinged of the malus vampire series. I absolutely ❤️ book 2 more than book 1. Can’t wait to read more from Emily. I’ve been reading her books for years and she doesn’t disappoint. The action suspense and answers and unanswered questions are. Done just right. I ❤️ the build of the characters and relationships in the story.