Wretched Wrath

by Rochelle L. Wilcox

Hel’s henchman, come to reclaim his obsession.
An elf newly free, desperate to find her dragon.
A mate bond he’ll exploit to feed his twisted desires—if she lets him.

Wregen gave himself to Hel, the queen of the dead, centuries ago. She trained him to be like her, to covet the dark pleasures she permits. He keeps only one secret from his cruel mistress: his fixation on Finaan, a living elf he helped trap in Helheim. Even Finaan doesn’t know the things Wregen has done to her while she slept or how much he needs her. But then she escapes, and Wregen is sent to retrieve her or suffer Hel’s wrath.

Finaan has no idea why she craves Wregen, why he filled her depraved dreams in Helheim. Those unwelcome desires don’t matter now, though. She’s free, trying to put Hel’s realm behind her and find the dragon she thought dead. So when Wregen appears and abducts her, Finaan fights him and her traitorous body, as she searches for a way to return to the land of the living.

Will Wregen drag Finaan to Helheim, or can she dig out the remnants of a soul that Hel thinks she destroyed?

Wretched Wrath is the provocative first book of The Helheim Duet, a DARK fantasy romance set in the same universe as Tales of the Vanir (TOTV). Expect a slow burn that won’t be satisfied in this book and a cliffhanger ending. If you’re craving a morally black, unhinged MMC, a fierce FMC, enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, forced proximity, and he falls first, along with plenty of banter and tension, you’ve found your next obsession.

If you haven’t read TOTV yet, that series is best read first. Wretched Wrath contains spoilers, particularly for Books III and IV.

Wretched Wrath is DARK and contains content many readers will find disturbing, including non-con involving fingers, memories of non-con by the MMC while the FMC slept, graphic torture and violent deaths. It includes frequent profanity and spice (but not on-page sex; that’ll come in Book II).

For a full list of triggers, please see the book’s “Content Warning” page.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2026

About the author

Rochelle Wilcox was born and raised in Las Vegas, where she learned at an early age the value of fantasy and escape. Raised by a single mom — one of the first women trained to deal poker in the early 70's — Rochelle spent more time in casinos than most adults. She and her husband decided to leave the desert behind and raise their sons in Northern California, where they spent as much time on the water with their boys as they could.

Despite her lifelong passion for story-telling, Rochelle's path took her to law school and then to a practice focused on media law and appeals. But her love of writing wasn't sated with briefs bound by legal principles and a fealty to facts. And so she set to paper the story that had been playing in her mind for years, based on the Norse mythology she loved as a child. Rochelle retired from her legal practice in 2022 to travel and write.

She released her first book, Lost Long, Book I of The Road to Ragnarök, in 2012, and the rest of that four-book series in 2022. Book IV, Heavy Heart, was named N. N. Light's Book Heaven's Best Romantic Fantasy of 2022, and it was one of three finalists for Best Indie Book of 2022.

Her second series, Tales of the Vanir, was rapid released in 2025: Sacred Struggle on May 22; Frenzied Fate on June 26; Divine Dilemma on July 31; and Mythical Menace on September 5. Mythical Menace was named N. N. Light's Book Heaven's Best Romantasy of 2025.

Book I of the duet she's drafting, Wretched Wrath, will be released in the summer of 2026.

Reviews

[GheridenTheBookBard]

⭐ 4.75 out of 5 stars

It didn't take long to settle back into the world of Tales of the Vanir. Since it hasn't been that long since the last book, this almost felt like the story never really stopped, just looking at it from a different corner of the world.

Wregen, our MMC, is morally black, more than a little unhinged, but never felt too hard to understand what was driving him. I couldn't always predict what he'd do next, but I got why he made some of the choices he did. Finaan, fierce in her own right, was a great balance to that. She's stubborn, stands her ground, and never lets Wregen walk all over her.

The tension and slow burn made sense for this story, and I liked that the author let it unfold instead of trying to rush it.

I turned the last page with plenty of questions still floating around in my head, and... I'm okay with that. Now I'm just looking forward to seeing where Wregen and Finaan end up in book two.

[Zandra Ellerström]

4,5/5 ⭐️

Review of advanced copy received from the author.

Before you read this book, read the trigger warnings. This book is not for soft readers.

You could read this as a standalone, but I do think that you miss some depth from the previous series. I struggled a bit in the beginning and had to go back to the recap a few times. But this also stood in the applications. So I was aware of this and the author had done a great with the recap in the beginning.

This is book one in this series and we get Norse/Viking mythology, combined with Elfs/fae, shapeshifters, dragons, drakinis, dragon riders, serpents that fly, Hel’s hounds, Norse gods etc.

This story does not leave you bored. It’s high-stakes action throughout the story. The world-building and atmosphere are amazing and exactly what I want in a fantasy world. The author does an amazing job writing Norse mythology and fantasy. I loved all of it.

Now the MMC Wregen:
Half fae and half shapeshifter, forced to be a beast, a serpent called Wrath. Are bound by the Helheims queen to serve and to do her bidding. This MMC was so hard to like. He is totally morally black with a difficult background. He is narcissistic, abusive, mean to everyone, have a sex-addicted and so only thinking of one thing. He uses everyone to get what he wants and desires. But he also struggle with his inner beast and they aren’t always on the same path. But throughout the story, you slowly learn more about the man and learn to separate the man from the beast. And the changes these two go through for the FMC, his mate. So in the end you actually turn out to be rooting for him and understand him. Not liking him, but understanding.

FMC Finaan: she is fierce and doesn’t back down or fear him like everyone else. Wregen has to work to prove his worth with her and I absolutely loved this. She does however need him to save her dragon trapped in Helheim. So even if she don't like him. He is still her mate and know the way in Helheim. She is forced to work with him.

Finaan: " What I want, I scoft. Is to see a little bit of humanity from you".
Wregen: "How many times must I tell you" "That I don't have none" "Make no mistake, my vary mate. I am the moste evil creature you will ever encounter"

So I think this is where the story really takes off. When Finaan, Wregen and Svend a companion to Wregen. Who calls him master all the time and does everything for him, whether it is pleasure or blood. And with the drakinis and a funny squirrel (Ratatosker) a messenger between gods, tossed out from Yggdrasill. These companions (or new founded family) take on the journey to go back to Helheim to try and save the Finaans dragon. Or in secret Wrengens way to get Finaan back to Helheim.

My favourite scen was when Finaan instead of riding the drakinis had to ride Wrenges beast form wrath. To me this was a epic moment and even Wrath felt happy.

This story is so skillfully written. To be able to write such an unhinged MMC and still in the end you are rooting for him. The adventure is both fun and wild. I just couldn’t put the book down and I want to read book two now. I’m also intrigued to read the other series from the author.

Thank you Rochelle L. Wilcox for giving me this opportunity. This is an advanced copy received from the author and I give my honest review freely.

[Sam Carr]

Oof! That was a book and a half!
I wasn't sure initially if this book was going to be for me as honestly the beginning actually shocked me (yes I read the content warnings) and it did take me a few chapters to get into the flow of it. However, once I got into it, and got a feel for the story and characters, I did enjoy it and whizzed through it.

Wretched Wrath is the first book in a new duet from Rochelle Wilcox, set in the same world as her last series Tales of the Vanir. This is a lot darker and gritty though, so definitely check the TWs before diving in as there are some very difficult themes dealt with right from the get go! It's pretty fast paced and full of action all the way through, so it kept me on my toes.

The world building is really immersive and detailed but easy to navigate and picture. The Norse mythology is woven really well into the whole story so that it is recognisable but also felt unique with the addition of dragons and elves. 

The main characters are well developed and nuanced. Wregen, the MMC, is totally unhinged, obsessive and morally black but completely unapologetic about it. He has done absolutely despicable things and not all of them because Hel has ordered him to.  He is a complex character who seems to have absolutely zero redeemable features but at the same feels utterly compelling. It's fair to say he disgusted me for pretty much half the book but I kept turning the pages to find out more about him.

Finaan, the MFC, is a good personality match for Wregen; fierce and independent. She is also a complex and flawed character but has the strength to stand up to him. I enjoyed the dynamics between these two characters throughout the book. She fights him and pushes back on every point when he tries to intimidate her into backing down. It's so satisfying to see his reaction when it happens. There is lots of tension and angst along with a whole bunch of other  emotions! I loved that we get to see growth from both MCs as the story progresses.
I enjoyed the range of supporting characters in this book, and it was great to see some familiar faces from Tales of the Vanir. Ruxi and Ratta are firm favourites! I'd be quite happy to see Hel banished to her pit!

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how these two characters navigate their bond in the next book and to see how this story unfolds. 

A huge thank you to Rochelle L. Wilcox and Meg at Literary Inspired for the privilege of an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own and honestly/ voluntarily given.

[Bookish Emili Reads]

Wretched Wrath by Rochelle L. Wilcox is a dark and engaging read that leans into intensity, both in its tone and its character dynamics. The story does not hold back from exploring difficult emotions, and that willingness gives it a strong presence from the start.
One of the book’s most effective elements is its atmosphere. Wilcox creates a setting that feels tense and deliberate, with a sense of unease that carries through the narrative. The tone is consistent, which helps anchor the story even when the subject matter becomes heavy. This controlled use of mood adds weight to the events without overwhelming the reader.
Characterization is a clear strength. The central characters are written with a level of emotional complexity that keeps them interesting. Their motivations are not always clean or easy to align with, but they feel believable within the context of the story. This adds depth, even when the characters make difficult or frustrating choices.
The plot moves at a steady pace, with enough momentum to maintain engagement. There are moments where the tension builds effectively, though some developments can feel slightly predictable as the story unfolds. Even so, the execution is solid, and the emotional stakes help carry those moments.
The writing style is direct and focused. Wilcox does not rely on overly elaborate prose, which works well for a story that depends on emotional clarity and forward movement. Dialogue is functional and supports character development, though at times it could be pushed further to create more distinct voices.
Where the book could improve is in the depth of its thematic exploration. The core ideas are present, but some are not fully developed beyond the immediate plot. Expanding those elements would give the story more lasting impact and add another layer to the reading experience.
Overall, Wretched Wrath is a strong and immersive novel that delivers consistent tone and character-driven tension. It may not surprise at every turn, but it maintains engagement and offers enough emotional depth to make it worthwhile. Readers who appreciate darker, character-focused stories will likely find it a satisfying read.

[Nova McCormack]

A dark, ruthless return to the Tales of the Vanir world that had me riveted from the jump. We get all the dragons, mate bonds, and morally black characters we expect from this world, but everything is amped up to another level. It’s immersive, chaotic, and completely jaw-dropping (and I’m just talking about Wregen’s mouth!).

Let’s get one thing straight: Wregen is demented, depraved, and sadistic. He really has no redeeming qualities unless you consider his physical hotness to be one (and I do!). He is bound in service to the Queen of Helheim, who has meticulously crafted him into her perfect unhinged soldier. Through systematic torture, she has left him able to only find pleasure in pain and sex. Those were the only escapes he was permitted, so needless to say, they are constantly on his mind and he makes sure Finaan knows it, never shy about exactly what he wants from her. To the point where his c*ck pretty much felt like its own character, and I loved it!

Finaan was exceptional. She's a well-rounded character, full of strength, intelligence, and empathy. After centuries trapped in Helheim, she's finally free and determined to find her bonded dragon. Unfortunately, Wregen is right behind her, determined to drag her back. When he comes for her, she knows exactly who he is and the brutality he’s capable of. What she doesn’t expect is for him to claim they are mates. She feels the pull immediately, but she’s not about to give in.

This was such an addictive read. The pacing worked really well for me and it was easy to get lost in the flow. The side characters added levity and heart, giving the story more connection and depth, but at its core this is all about Wregen and Finaan. The dynamic between Wregen’s predatory, possessive energy and Finaan’s fierce, snarky spirit was scorching. The push and pull between them was delicious. He relishes her anger while she fights the undeniable bond every step of the way. Yet beneath all that tension, there’s something deeper at play. The insight into Wregen’s past and the glimmers of humanity were handled so delicately, offering glimpses of growth and maybe even a hint of heart. I was quickly invested in him in a way I didn’t expect. The slow burn and character development made it even stronger. Everything about this book had sharp edges, and I lapped up every one of them.

[Lily Foster]

3⭐️ - 1🌶
☆ Enemies to lovers
☆ Forbidden love
☆ Morally black MMC
☆ Fated mates
☆ Touch her and die

NetGalley ARC review
Thanks to Netgalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op and Rochelle L. Wilcox for the free copy.

I have conflicting feelings about this book and I'm not sure where to start. I am on the fence as to if this was for me or not, but let's break down my thoughts.

The MMC is horrible. Truly pitch black, irredeemable kind of vibe. This book has non consent and dubious consent at best between the main characters. If you choose to accept that about him, you'll be one step closer to loving this book.

Some of the things I didn't like were how crass he is all the time and how he's just always grabbing his dick. It's a theme I noticed from this author based on her one other book I read. I don't like a man who can't control his erections. Not a fan.

Now, the FMC. I'll give it to her, she did do her best to deny him, but as with all fated mates situations, she doesn't have a choice. While in some cases, it can be construed as romantic, it isn't the case here. Even with his character growth, he doesn't deserve her.

And the story... well. We spend a lot of time in caves. Doing nothing but walking around. It took me way too long to read this book because of how slow the story was moving. With this only being a duet, I expected way more from this plot.

So based on all of that, I think we can confidently say I was probably the wrong audience for this book. I wanted to love it, but alas, I can't say that I did. Check your triggers and if you don't like pitch black, stay away.

[Mikell Manley]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars

First and foremost, check the trigger warnings before picking this one up. This book is loaded with dark themes, including non-consensual situations, sexual sadism, possessive behavior, and morally questionable characters. If those themes aren't something you're comfortable reading, this book is definitely not for you.

The MMC starts out as an absolute bastard. He's cruel, obsessive, and at times difficult to root for. However, his character growth throughout the story was one of the strongest aspects of the book. By the end, he becomes someone I genuinely found worthy of the FMC and was surprisingly easy to root for.

My biggest frustration was the FMC. Her character development felt extremely slow, and much of the first half of the book felt repetitive because she continually denied feelings and truths that seemed obvious to both the reader and everyone around her. While her growth does eventually happen, it doesn't truly take off until the final portion of the book.

That said, once both characters finally begin to evolve and the relationship starts moving forward, the story becomes much more engaging. The world-building, dark atmosphere, and emotional payoff kept me invested, and by the end I was completely hooked.

Overall, I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It won't be for everyone, but if you enjoy dark fantasy romance with morally gray characters, heavy trigger warnings, and a hard-earned romance, it's absolutely worth picking up. My only complaint now is that I have to wait for the next book.

[Petya Vitova Buchkova]

I was really excited to dive into this one because the premise had everything I usually love: dragon riders, fated mates, forced proximity, and an unhinged MMC.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t the right fit for me.

The world itself has a lot of potential, but I struggled with just how dark the MMC was. I know that’s exactly what many readers will be looking for, but for me personally, it was hard to connect his dark side with a romantic relationship. Maybe he’ll get his redemption in book two.

If you’re planning to pick this one up, definitely read the trigger warnings beforehand. This is a true dark fantasy, and it doesn’t shy away from the darker themes.

I also haven’t read the author’s previous series, and I do think that affected my experience. There were moments where it felt like I was missing important context or Easter eggs that longtime readers would probably appreciate a lot more. But the author does give a nice recap in the beginning for newcomers.

That said, if you love dark fantasy with an obsessive MMC, high stakes, dragon riders, and intense romance, I think you’ll have a much better time with this than I did.

Thank you to @rochellewilcoxauthor and @literaryinspired for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🖤

This book is for you if you enjoy the following tropes:

💘 Fated mates
🔗 Forced proximity
🔥 Slow burn
⚖️ Morally black MMC
☠️ Unhinged MMC
🐉 Dragon riders
🏡 Found family

#LiteraryInspiredARCs #darkfantasy #romantasy #bookrecs #fantasybooks #slowburnromance #darkreads

[Carrie Engelken]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫4.25/5

ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op

This book delivers everything I love about dark romantasy: complex characters, rich mythology, high emotional stakes, and a romance that feels genuinely earned.

Wretched Wrath blends Norse mythology with dragon lore and Rochelle L. Wilcox creates a vivid and dangerous world where divine forces, ancient prophecies, and impossible choices shape every outcome.

Our FMC and MMC are both deeply flawed, traumatized, and morally.. complicated (ie dark gray lol); yet their struggles feel authentic and compelling.

Their relationship is filled with tension and resistance followed by vulnerability and growth, making every emotional breakthrough feel significant. The mating bond at the center of the story adds another layer of conflict, rather than serving as an easy shortcut to romance or insta-love.
He is over possessive to the point of obsession, she fight the bond- so there is a lot of push/pull and an element of cat/mouse, so the spice is 🤌🏼🤌🏼😮‍💨🪭❤️‍🔥 (though check your triggers, there's some non-con and coercion)

The worldbuilding is immersive without becoming overwhelming. The action scenes are intense and consequential, while the quieter moments provide meaningful character development and emotional depth.

The cliffhanger at the end perfectly sets up Book 2, and leaves the reader questioning what they know/ think.

This is NOT light escapism. It is definitely dark. The story explores trauma, power, sacrifice, and redemption through morally gray characters. Check your triggers!

[Lilith Blake]

It’s best to read the author's previous series to understand this book better, if not, the author included a recap. Also, check the trigger warnings to know if this book is for you!

​This was my first read from this author, and I’m still a bit perplexed whether I liked this book or not. I like that the MMC is morally gray/black, but it was very hard to take Wregen seriously when all he did was talk about his privates and touching them in all kinds of situations. Other than that part, he never lied about who he is and never gave false promises to Finaan. This quote perfectly sums it up:
-“Make no mistake, my skjaldmær. What you saw—that’s who I am, and what I will do as long as I live. This bond between us draws me to you. I will claim you … and soon … but I will never be the male you say you want.”

I loved the FMC's growth throughout the book; she is fierce and determined, with a mission to free her dragon, Panta. Alongside her newfound family and her mate, Wregen, they have to travel to Helheim.

​I liked the plot about the Norse gods, it was a bit different from everything else I’ve read. The world-building was vast, and the characters were detailed with mentions of all kinds of mythical creatures.

​The ending ends in a cliffhanger that definitely piqued my interest for the second book.

The list of tropes:
• ​💘 Fated Mates
• ​❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
• ​❌ Enemies to Lovers
• ​🐉 Dragon Riders
• ​😤☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic
• ​⚖️ Morally Black MMC
• ​💀 Unhinged MMC
• ​🧝‍♀️ Badass Elf FMC
• ​🛡️ "Touch Her and Die" Protective MMC
• ​❤️ He Falls First and Hard
• ​🔒 Forced Proximity

[Priya]

Wretched Wrath completely pulled me into its dark, dangerous world from the very first chapter. It delivered everything I look for in a dark fantasy romance: rich world-building, morally grey characters, dragons, high stakes, and a romance that slowly builds with plenty of tension.

One of my favorite parts of this book was Wregen. He's ruthless, powerful, and incredibly complex, but the more I learned about him, the more invested I became in his story. His dynamic with Finaan was filled with tension, banter, and emotional moments that made the enemies-to-lovers progression feel natural and rewarding.

The world itself was fascinating. Between the dragon riders, Norse-inspired mythology, forbidden romance, and magical elements, every chapter revealed something new. I loved how the story balanced action with quieter character moments, allowing both the plot and relationships to develop at a steady pace.

The slow burn was absolutely worth it. Every interaction between the main characters carried emotional weight, and the chemistry continued to build as the story unfolded. I also appreciated how the supporting characters and the larger fantasy world added depth without taking attention away from the central storyline.

If you enjoy dark romantasy with dragon riders, morally grey characters, forbidden love, fated mates, slow-burn romance, and immersive world-building, Wretched Wrath is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

Thank you so much to Rochelle L. Wilcox for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Readerspalette]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a good book overall, and what initially pulled me in was the character descriptions. They honestly gave me major Thor-universe vibes, which instantly sparked my interest and made me excited to dive into the story.

The beginning was strong. I loved the chemistry between the characters, and their dynamic kept me turning pages. There was plenty of tension, emotion, and spice, and I found myself genuinely invested in where their relationship was heading. The world-building was immersive, and the characters felt layered and well-developed.

One of my favorite aspects was the character growth. Watching them evolve throughout the story felt natural rather than forced, and it made me connect with them more as the book progressed.

That being said, somewhere in the middle, the story started to lose momentum for me. While I enjoyed the romance and the spicy scenes, parts of the plot felt stretched out, and I found myself losing interest at times. I still wanted to know what happened next, but I wasn't quite as hooked as I was at the beginning.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It had great chemistry, an interesting world, strong character development, and plenty of emotional moments. The pacing in the middle kept it from being a five-star read for me, but if you enjoy fantasy romance with tension, spice, and complex characters, it's definitely worth checking out.

[The Bookmarked Fae]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)

Wretched Wrath by Rochelle L. Wilcox is a dark, gritty, and utterly addictive fantasy romance that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Set in a richly crafted world steeped in Norse mythology, this story delivers everything dark fantasy fans crave: an unhinged, morally gray hero, intense emotional stakes, and a deliciously slow-burning romance that simmers with tension.

Wregen is the kind of MMC you can't help but be fascinated by. He's dangerous, obsessive, and deeply flawed, yet somehow impossible to look away from. The chemistry between him and Finaan is electric, filled with equal parts attraction, conflict, and emotional depth. Their relationship kept me turning pages long into the night.

One of the standout aspects of this book is Wilcox's immersive world building. The fantasy elements are layered and vivid without ever becoming overwhelming, making it easy to become completely absorbed in the story. The darker themes are handled with intensity, creating an emotional reading experience that lingers long after the final page.

The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me is that the slow burn and cliffhanger left me desperate for more. Still, if you love dark romantasy with morally gray characters, high stakes, and plenty of angst and tension, Wretched Wrath is absolutely worth picking up.

[Holly Capps]

Wregen and Finaan’s story is one of the wildest rides I’ve been on in a long time! I don’t know what magic the author roped me in with, but I had so many unexpected emotions while reading this story. From detesting Wregen and Wrath to suddenly finding myself caring about them and hoping against hope that there can be some way for them to escape Hel, this took me back and forth so many times I lost count. Finaan, the brave, strong elf she is, must put up with all his quirks, antics, and outbursts, bless her heart. I love how passionate and determined she is to fight the fate written for her when it comes to Wregen; first to deny him, then to gradually look for decency and begin caring for him. The twists and turns that the story takes kept me turning the pages and staying up way past bedtime to see what would happen next.

Favorite Quotes:
“You don’t see it yet, but you will. You. Are. Mine. You may fight it. You’ll hate it. Hate me. But…you’ll never escape me…You’ll crave my depraved touch. As I crave your gentle caress.”
“I need to protect her, but not because she belongs to me. No, I need to protect her because she should always belong to herself.”
“He’s all flame, burning everything in his way as he rips through life. Except me.”
“You deserve to soar with your dragon in the sun. I’m going to make sure you have the life you were always meant to lead.”

[Destiny Wilson]

Unhinged. Fated. Dark.

Wretched Wrath by Rochelle Wilcox absolutely consumed me from the very first page. I was completely hooked by the toxic, high-stakes dynamic between Wregen and Finaan. Wregen is the ultimate unhinged, "he falls first" anti-hero—a deeply twisted henchman of Hel whose centuries-long obsession with Finaan borders on terrifying, yet you can’t help but root for him to find his lost soul. Finaan matches his dark energy perfectly as a fierce, resilient elf fighting against both her literal captor and her own traitorous, fated-mate desires. The sheer tension and sharp banter between them made their forced proximity feel incredibly electric and earned.

Wilcox does a phenomenal job building a bleak, atmospheric world that beautifully expands on the Tales of the Vanir universe, seamlessly blending high-stakes conflict with an agonizingly good slow-burn romance. Be forewarned: this book ends on a massive, soul-crushing cliffhanger that left me desperate for the next installment of The Helheim Duet. If you love your romance dark, your heroes deeply flawed, and your plots packed with enemies-to-lovers angst, this book will absolutely become your next obsession. I cannot wait to see if Finaan can truly redeem Wregen, or if Helheim will claim them both for good.

[Jess Pierce]

When you are the obsession of the cruelest male you’ve ever met, how do you resist him?

Wretched Wrath is the first book in the Helheim Duet and is going to take you on a ride you will never forget.

Wregen is Hel’s henchman, a vile elf, and is more obsessed with having Finaan than anything else. Finaan has just escaped Hel, is trying to lead her people, and is determined to resist the man she hates. The fates may have other plans……

Wretched wrath is dark fantasy at its best. Wregen is the true definition of morally pitch black, and he will give you good reason why his soul may never be saved. His obsession with Finaan will both terrify you and intrigue you.

Finaan is a warrior for her people and will do anything to keep them safe and defeat those who want to send them back to the centuries of Hel they endured. She is strong, fierce, and doesn’t falter under Wregen’s anger and ruthlessness.

Their tale has many surprises in store for you and is one that you don’t want to miss. If you’re up for an adventure that may be a little unhinged, definitely intriguing, and completely engrossing, Wretched Wrath is ready for you.

**This is a dark fantasy so make sure you read the author’s notes prior to diving in.**

[Melissa Fossum]

Ok, this book was described as a dark fantasy/ romantasy with a morally gray MMC. I read a ton of books with this description. So, I start reading this one...and just a few pages in, I'm thinking what the heck is this...equally shocked and disgusted, reading with my mouth hanging open and one eye closed, wondering if I will need to DNF (did not finish) the book, or if I will actually get used to it. I felt totally unprepared for this, and like my impure mind was forever sullied beyond repair! Alas, I kept reading because I ain't no quitter! This MMC is not morally gray. He is morally pitch black!!! And then there is the badass elf FMC who takes none of his crap, creating great banter between the two. I felt like I started to hate him less the more I read on due to the strong character building in the book. Because of the author's descriptive world-building, I found myself easily picturing the scenes playing out in my mind--even if I didn't want to. Lol! It's definitely a slow burn, he falls first kind of book that is very dark and depraved at times, but the author definitely affects your emotions with her writing. If you're into this kind of thing after reading the trigger warnings, give it a go! Oh, and there's a great cliffhanger that will leave you wishing for book 2.

[Jennifer]

📖 ARC Review – Wretched Wrath by Rochelle Wilcox

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

You know you're in for a ride when the trigger warnings read more like a menu. 😅

This book wasn't for me unfortunately. Every time I thought the MMC couldn't get any darker, the story proved me wrong. 😅

Wrath is one of the darkest, most morally black MMCs I've ever read. While I appreciated learning why he became the way he is, I struggled to connect with or root for him. Some of his actions crossed the line for me, making it difficult to enjoy the romance.

I did enjoy the dark fantasy world, the dragon-shifter elements, the fated mates storyline, and the mystery surrounding Hel. Unfortunately, the romance itself just wasn't my cup of tea.

If you love your dark romance with a truly morally black MMC and aren't afraid of heavy trigger warnings, this may be a great fit for you.

🖤 Tropes: ✨ Morally black MMC
🐉 Dragon shifter
💀 Fated mates
🔒 Kidnapping
🩸 Dark fantasy romance
❤️ Obsessive/possessive MMC

⚠️ Please check the trigger warnings before reading this one.

[aissa]

Rochelle Wilcox is rapidly becoming a must read author for me. I was approved for this ARC from Netgalley, but it's tied to another of Wilcox's series, so I went down the rabbit hole and holy hell was it good. This book takes up right after the events that occurred in the Tales of the Vanir so I am definitely saying read that series and jump into this one. You will better understand the world and there are things that you know in this book that were revealed in the previous series. So now, Wregen and Finaan. You need to know this is a DARK fantasy romance. Wregen is morally black and does things to Finaan that are NOT ok. He is reprehensible and does not apologize for his behavior but his character arc is Wow......Finaan is an elf that has been held hostage in a world that's not her own. This is full of dragons, elves and Norse mythology, a squirrel with a scene that's completely hilarious, and other mythical creatures. This is a DUET so don't expect it to tie up in a little bow. We have to wait for the next book to get our resolution. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then drink up! I loved it!

[shut.up.moms.reading]

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a 4/5 star read for me.This is a difficult one to review because it is an extremely developed world and well written book. It just didn’t work for me though. This is the first in a duology but it is part of an entire world by this author based on Norse mythology. I had to read the recap (thankfully) provided in the beginning in order to start this. Now it is possible for this to stand on its own but I think that in order to truly appreciate this book you need to read the other books. Maybe that would have made it a 5 star read. This a pitch black fantasy romance. Read your TWs carefully. The MMC is morally black. I’m not sure this book was what I needed to read right now as a mood reader. It took me a while to get into this one. But stylistically, the book is well written, appropriately paced and very detailed. Readers who love pitch black Romantasy will love this book. I will likely still read the next one as well. Great book but it left me unsettled, but maybe for the dark Romantasy girls that love true darkness that’s a great endorsement.

[Theld]

Wregan knows he's not a good male, but that won't stop him from doing what he must to his mate Finaan and all the other elves who have escaped Helheim. He will get Finaan back where she belongs and will get her to submit to him even if she's disgusted by his devotion to Hel and his sadistic proclivities.

There is something completely wrong with Wregan, he's got a blackened soul and Wrath makes for a twisted partner to his messed up "games", but there's just something about him that makes you like him. What he did to Finaan is so messed up and yet you can't help but root for the two of them to make it which is beyond screwy. I don't understand the point of Svend, but Ruxi and Ratta are my favorite characters in the book. Ratta was funny and Ruxi is so no-nonsense while being mostly non-speaking which is amusing. All the characters work so well together and the world is described in such great and vivid detail.

If you can set aside what Wregan did to Finaan, you'll love this book filled with amazing details and fantastic character chemistry. Rochelle Wilcox offers a stunning retelling of Norse mythology while making it her own and keeping it engaging until the end.

*ARC review

[Brandi Martinez]

Love, love, love the cover artwork!

Let me start by saying that I almost didn't give this book a chance. The first chapter was very raw and I didn't feel like it was the type of escape I typically go for. Had I not committed to the author to read and review I may have stopped.

I am so glad I didn't! Yes its a bit vulgar, yes the MMC is a disgusting prick, but there is so much potential for him. I think the way the book was written was supposed to create those feelings in the reader. It takes you on the same roller coaster journey the FMC experiences with her feelings and emotions.

There are dragons, Hellhounds, unicorns, shifters, worlds, action; it literally has everything!

It is a story involving one of Hels highest level soldiers... Its going to be dark and disgusting in parts otherwise it would not hold true to what most of us would see as believable.

Read the trigger warnings, it is not a feel good fairytale.

This book is absolutely worth the read and I can't wait for the story to continue! Thank you Rochelle L. Wilc0x for providing me the opportunity to read for you!

[Lilith's_Library_]

vengeance, violence, and very bad decisions made for very compelling reasons.

Wretched Wrath is pure dark fantasy romance chaos in the best way—angry characters, sharper-than-swords tension, and a relationship dynamic that feels like it could either end in ruin or obsession (or both, probably both). From the start, it doesn’t bother easing you in. It grabs you by the throat and says: “you’re here now, deal with it.”

The chemistry is feral. The tension is constant. Every interaction between the main characters feels like a mix of threat, attraction, and emotional damage waiting to happen. Nothing is soft, nothing is simple, and absolutely nothing about this romance is “safe”—it’s all edge, heat, and history neither of them know how to outrun.

The world is just as brutal as the romance, full of blood-soaked stakes, emotional baggage, and choices that spiral fast into consequences. Everyone is slightly unhinged in a way that makes the story impossible to look away from.

It’s dark, messy, and completely committed to its own chaos—and somehow that’s exactly what makes it work.

[Lazarra Blair]

Having previously read Tales of the Vanir series i knew i would enjoy this book, I'm a fan of this authors writing style. This book has quite the list of trigger warnings and its not for the faint hearted but thankfully that's not me and I loved it!
As with the previous series the world building was indepth but fully immersive and easy to follow.
Wregan is deplorable but completely captivating. A love hate character and although I spent most of this book despising him i was also embarrassingly obsessed with him and couldn't stop myself from reading into the small hours of the morning just to learn more about him or discover what he would do next.
Finaan, a bit like myself couldn't help but be drawn to him much to her disgust. I loved her fierce, headstrong, independent character which in turn made her the perfect FMC to pair with Wregan. I'm not sure anyone else could put up with him.
This is a fast paced story with plenty of action, although its quite a chunky read its not unnecessarily drawn out and it felt like it was over in no time, so now I'm not so patiently awaiting the next installment to see what comes for them next!

[Printessan]

This book definitely isn't for everyone, but it completely worked for me. The darker tone, the Norse mythology, and the constant tension made it hard to put down.
Wregen is an incredibly unhinged MMC. He's cruel, obsessive, and morally black, yet the author slowly reveals enough of his past to make me understand why he is the way he is. I never expected to become so invested in his journey. Finaan was a great match for him. She's strong, stubborn, and refuses to let him break her, which made their dynamic even more compelling.
I really enjoyed the blend of Norse mythology, dragons, and Helheim. The world felt vivid and dangerous, and I loved discovering more about it as the story unfolded. The slow burn was packed with tension and emotional moments, and I couldn't wait to see how Wregen and Finaan's relationship would develop.
The ending left me with so many questions, and now I really need book two to see where Wregen and Finaan's story goes next.

Thank you so much Rochelle for letting me be a part of your team.❤️🌺

[Sophie]

Review of advanced reader copy
Rating - 2.75

Definitely check trigger warnings for this book.

This book was exactly what it was described as - a dark fantasy romance. Our MMC Finnan was someone I had no connection to whatsoever, and I really struggled to find many reasons to like him. He was truly dark (as it is marketed) but I need some sort of reason to root for the bad guy, especially when he is our MMC. I found his behaviours crossed too many lines for me which in turn struggled for me to enjoy the book and the romance with our FMC.

The plot fell a bit flat for me as well as the world building. I did enjoy the Norse mythology, the dragon shifters and fate mates story, but I felt like this needed to be interpreted a bit more for me to fully engage and enjoy this part of a book.

There were times when I thought about DNFing, but there was something that had me wanting to know what happened next/where this story was going.

That being said, this may just be *too* dark for me and I can see why people would love this book.

[Chasity Trimble]

Wretched Wrath by Rochelle L. Wilcox completely reminded me why she’s become an auto-buy author for me. After loving the Tales of the Vanir series, I was so excited to jump back into this world and she absolutely did not disappoint.

This book was dark, intense, emotional and honestly a little chaotic in the best way. Wregen is the definition of unhinged morally gray MMC energy and I could not look away from him. The tension between him and Finaan had me hooked the entire time because there’s this constant mix of danger, obsession and attraction simmering underneath everything.

Rochelle’s writing style is one of my favorite things about her books. She has a way of building fantasy worlds that feel immersive without making it complicated or hard to follow. Everything flows naturally and before I knew it I was completely pulled back into this world again.

And yes… prepare yourself because that ending absolutely leaves you needing the next book asap!

[Emily McKee]

Wretched Wrath is the first book of the Helheim Duet. It's a dark Fantasy Romance with tropes such as fated mates, enemies to lovers, dragon riders, a kickass FMC and a morally.. dark dark grey MMC.  

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for my honest review of the book  

The beginning of this book drops you right into the deranged MMC's headspace leaving you (or at least me) shocked, appalled and a bit disgusted.  My initial thought was how am I ever going to see this guy as worthy of redemption.  I'll be honest - I still feel all of those things for our MMC but I also can't help but yearn terribly for his redemption.  I love him even though he is honestly pretty appalling.

As the book progresses it just keeps getting better and better and better.  I love the characters, want to know more about the world and can't wait to see how our FMC handles everything that is about to be unloaded on her.  

[Cassandra Western]

Thank you, Rochelle, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wretched Wrath is a dark romantasy, before diving in, make sure you have checked the ⚠️ warnings for this book. It is the first book in the duet of the Helheim Duet.

Wregen is a morally 🖤 (not 🩶), unhinged MMC, where you are thrown directly into his headspace from the outset. He is a cruel and sadistic bastard, that's because he has had to do the bidding for his mistress, Hel. He is bound to her, someone he hates but has to, to survive.

Finaan, she is a strong and fierce FMC, she keeps trying to deny her feelings for Wregen. The danger, obsession, attraction, tension and their mate bond being dangerous could cost her, her life.

The character development in this book flows naturally and the world building is simple but immersive. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, throw in the secrets and betrayals with a cliffhanger like that and now I am eagerly awaiting book 2.

[Nadine Sturgill]

5⭐2.5🌶️
Huge shoutout to author, Rochelle L. Wilcox, and LiteraryInspired for allowing me to get this read before release! This was my first Rochelle L. Wilcox book, and I'm hooked. Absolutely loved it, and plan to dive into Tales of the Vanir before the second book of The Helheim Duet. It's odd to say, but I loved how Wregen is one twisted S.O.B., yet he begins to develop feelings for Finaan, which makes him seem like a decent being. Finaaan is a character that I wouldn't mess with. She seems like a typical female elve, but she is by far something else: the dragons, the ties to other creatures. So much going on. It's definitely a slow burn, but it is not resolved or even truly started by the end of this book. Be prepared for a cliff hanger. There's so much to find out. How will Wregen be after his survival? What has he done to Finaan? Will Hel be an even bigger player? So much to think about and speculate before the next book. Can't wait!