What do you think?
Rate this book
Embracing Evil
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26Between duty and desire lies a darkness that could ruin them all.
Keeran is used to living his life in the morally grey. Yet Aelia's presence has him wrestling with the dark impulses that haunt his people, testing the limits of his restraint. Despite enemies surrounding them from all angles, in every shade of evil, the only person he's uncertain he can protect Aelia from is himself.
Aelia dreamt of magic her entire life. But now the power coiling beneath her skin feels wild, uncontrollable… and she's no longer sure she wants it. With war closing in, she must decide not just what she is willing to do to survive, but what she is willing to become.
Xiomara knows what it means to hate. It is the air in her lungs, the crimson in her blood, the shield around her heart. So when the King forces her to work with Caden, the dragon rider who led the attack on her people all those decades ago, Xiomara is fully prepared to make his life a living hell. But the fires of hell spread quickly, and soon it is she who is consumed by their blaze.
Keeran is used to living his life in the morally grey. Yet Aelia's presence has him wrestling with the dark impulses that haunt his people, testing the limits of his restraint. Despite enemies surrounding them from all angles, in every shade of evil, the only person he's uncertain he can protect Aelia from is himself.
Aelia dreamt of magic her entire life. But now the power coiling beneath her skin feels wild, uncontrollable… and she's no longer sure she wants it. With war closing in, she must decide not just what she is willing to do to survive, but what she is willing to become.
Xiomara knows what it means to hate. It is the air in her lungs, the crimson in her blood, the shield around her heart. So when the King forces her to work with Caden, the dragon rider who led the attack on her people all those decades ago, Xiomara is fully prepared to make his life a living hell. But the fires of hell spread quickly, and soon it is she who is consumed by their blaze.
522 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 25, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really wanted to like this book seeing as I loved the first. Unfortunately, this book didn’t do it for me. I put it away more often than I could count and it took me way to long to get into the story.
First of all, what I loved. The introduction of Xiomara was an absolute plus. Her internal struggles felt real and I really connected with her. Caden also was a good add. Although I did feel they took up more of the story, leaving the original as a bit of a side story. The plot was intriguing and had a lot of potential and the political intrigues were definitely elevated. The worldbuilding also definitely deepened. Where the first was mainly spent on the road, you now get a deeper understanding of the world and its magic.
Where the first book had me gripped from page 1, only slowing down in the middle, this book didn’t grip me at all. Maybe that’s because there was no recap of the first book. Making me feel lost in the beginning. Apparently I remembered a lot less from book 1 than I expected. The spice in the first book was extremely mild and slow paced, yet I loved it. The wall scene lives in my head rent-free. This book has a lot more spice but it didn’t work for me. The first scene with “his beast” making him a they? That made me cringe so bad. Some scenes also felt like they were just placed there to up the spice without fitting into the situation/ story.
I was hoping for some character development for Aelia, who's sass became downright stubbornness at the end of book 1. Unfortunately, she stayed too stubborn for too long in this book as well. Risking others because she wanted to do what she wanted to do. Only in the end did that start to change slightly but by that time, it was too late for me to appreciate her. I still love Keeran but he is anything but morally grey. In order to be morally grey, morals need to be constantly tested, making a choice between good and bad. Keeran, although “fighting his inner beast” is always in control, considerate, and doesn’t make a single “bad” discission. Fighting for your life or the ones you love doesn’t make you morally grey! He deserves someone better than Aelia, that’s for sure.
Lastly the writing. This book felt a bit repetitive, not trusting the reader enough to retain the information already given. One of the things I loved about this series was the fact that the main characters were mature. The writing style however, did not reflect that to me. In fact, it felt very YA with all the fuck this, fucking that, bitches etc.
All in all this wasn’t a book for me. Maybe a lot of it was because there was no recap making me feel lost and less connected. So as a tip for other readers that have read it months ago, I do advise to read the first one again. I am thankful for the author for providing me with the ARC but I wont be continuing this series.
On a scale of 1-10, I gave this one a 6.
First of all, what I loved. The introduction of Xiomara was an absolute plus. Her internal struggles felt real and I really connected with her. Caden also was a good add. Although I did feel they took up more of the story, leaving the original as a bit of a side story. The plot was intriguing and had a lot of potential and the political intrigues were definitely elevated. The worldbuilding also definitely deepened. Where the first was mainly spent on the road, you now get a deeper understanding of the world and its magic.
Where the first book had me gripped from page 1, only slowing down in the middle, this book didn’t grip me at all. Maybe that’s because there was no recap of the first book. Making me feel lost in the beginning. Apparently I remembered a lot less from book 1 than I expected. The spice in the first book was extremely mild and slow paced, yet I loved it. The wall scene lives in my head rent-free. This book has a lot more spice but it didn’t work for me. The first scene with “his beast” making him a they? That made me cringe so bad. Some scenes also felt like they were just placed there to up the spice without fitting into the situation/ story.
I was hoping for some character development for Aelia, who's sass became downright stubbornness at the end of book 1. Unfortunately, she stayed too stubborn for too long in this book as well. Risking others because she wanted to do what she wanted to do. Only in the end did that start to change slightly but by that time, it was too late for me to appreciate her. I still love Keeran but he is anything but morally grey. In order to be morally grey, morals need to be constantly tested, making a choice between good and bad. Keeran, although “fighting his inner beast” is always in control, considerate, and doesn’t make a single “bad” discission. Fighting for your life or the ones you love doesn’t make you morally grey! He deserves someone better than Aelia, that’s for sure.
Lastly the writing. This book felt a bit repetitive, not trusting the reader enough to retain the information already given. One of the things I loved about this series was the fact that the main characters were mature. The writing style however, did not reflect that to me. In fact, it felt very YA with all the fuck this, fucking that, bitches etc.
All in all this wasn’t a book for me. Maybe a lot of it was because there was no recap making me feel lost and less connected. So as a tip for other readers that have read it months ago, I do advise to read the first one again. I am thankful for the author for providing me with the ARC but I wont be continuing this series.
On a scale of 1-10, I gave this one a 6.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again I’m blown away by the emotional rollercoaster that I have been subjected to in the second instalment of the Rise of Darkness series. The pacing, once again, did not disappoint and I’m eternally grateful for the less agonising cliffhanger this time.
I paced myself through this book to allow myself to process the depth of anger, fear and foreboding it wracked me with, but I have easily have fallen into the depths of the world and decimated it in an eight hour sitting if I’d have been willing to suffer the emotional damage it would have undoubtedly wracked me with.
Be prepared for character development from our favourite characters from A night of Ruin and The Lure of Evil and the introduction of new loveable monsters and deplorable villains.
So pleased to see the character development between Aelia and Keeran, was relieved to see evolving into something we all prayed would happen in the first book, can’t wait to see more of this power couple and the promise of more powerful bonds from new characters in the future books.
This book is the perfect blend of magical creatures and political turmoil; great for those who love books with mythical creatures and grand battles between good and evil that don’t overlook the complexity of war and the burden of that on the characters humanity.
I am excited to see where this story takes us and anticipate the next book in the series.
I paced myself through this book to allow myself to process the depth of anger, fear and foreboding it wracked me with, but I have easily have fallen into the depths of the world and decimated it in an eight hour sitting if I’d have been willing to suffer the emotional damage it would have undoubtedly wracked me with.
Be prepared for character development from our favourite characters from A night of Ruin and The Lure of Evil and the introduction of new loveable monsters and deplorable villains.
So pleased to see the character development between Aelia and Keeran, was relieved to see evolving into something we all prayed would happen in the first book, can’t wait to see more of this power couple and the promise of more powerful bonds from new characters in the future books.
This book is the perfect blend of magical creatures and political turmoil; great for those who love books with mythical creatures and grand battles between good and evil that don’t overlook the complexity of war and the burden of that on the characters humanity.
I am excited to see where this story takes us and anticipate the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, wow, wow!
This book had it ALL. The plot line was so interwoven, it had mystery, angst, heartbreak, found family, self discovery and so many twist and turns I was LITERALLY on the edge of my seat! I loved it. The multiple POVs were on point and I don’t just mean the MMC or FMC, *so* many side stories.
My heart broke for one character. I really thought they had found their endgame. I did not expect that treachery, after all they had given up. Then that ending blew me away. Desperate to know what happens in the next book!!
That’s before I even get to Keeran and Aelia. To read not only Aelia’s journey of self discovery but also Keeran’s journey (even if somewhat reluctant) into leading the Rach-Mah. Their blossoming relationship was endearing to read, the spice was well placed and added to the story. Along with some totally heartwarming moments!
“There is no force on this earth that can keep me from you,”
“Even if we are taken into the next life, I will find you. I will always find you.”
I was sent an ARC version of this book from the author which I absolutely devoured. Can’t wait to read the next one!
This book had it ALL. The plot line was so interwoven, it had mystery, angst, heartbreak, found family, self discovery and so many twist and turns I was LITERALLY on the edge of my seat! I loved it. The multiple POVs were on point and I don’t just mean the MMC or FMC, *so* many side stories.
My heart broke for one character. I really thought they had found their endgame. I did not expect that treachery, after all they had given up. Then that ending blew me away. Desperate to know what happens in the next book!!
That’s before I even get to Keeran and Aelia. To read not only Aelia’s journey of self discovery but also Keeran’s journey (even if somewhat reluctant) into leading the Rach-Mah. Their blossoming relationship was endearing to read, the spice was well placed and added to the story. Along with some totally heartwarming moments!
“There is no force on this earth that can keep me from you,”
“Even if we are taken into the next life, I will find you. I will always find you.”
I was sent an ARC version of this book from the author which I absolutely devoured. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book in almost one sitting. From the very first chapter I couldn't put it down—it just kept pulling me into a world full of danger, dragons, secrets, and addictive tension.
The dragon shifters were everything I wanted, the chemistry was absolutely scorching, and the romance had me kicking my feet one minute and holding my breath the next. Every chapter ended with me saying "just one more," until suddenly it was 2 a.m.
What really made this book special, though, was the characters. They felt so real that I already miss them, and I genuinely can't wait to be back in their world. They're flawed, fierce, hilarious, heartbreaking, and impossible not to love.
And that ending... I was SWEATING. I don't think I've ever turned pages so fast in my life. It left me desperate for the next book and wondering how I'm supposed to move on after that final chapter.
If you love spicy dragon shifter romantasy, morally grey characters, edge-of-your-seat twists, and books that completely consume your life for a few days, don't even think twice. Read it.
The dragon shifters were everything I wanted, the chemistry was absolutely scorching, and the romance had me kicking my feet one minute and holding my breath the next. Every chapter ended with me saying "just one more," until suddenly it was 2 a.m.
What really made this book special, though, was the characters. They felt so real that I already miss them, and I genuinely can't wait to be back in their world. They're flawed, fierce, hilarious, heartbreaking, and impossible not to love.
And that ending... I was SWEATING. I don't think I've ever turned pages so fast in my life. It left me desperate for the next book and wondering how I'm supposed to move on after that final chapter.
If you love spicy dragon shifter romantasy, morally grey characters, edge-of-your-seat twists, and books that completely consume your life for a few days, don't even think twice. Read it.
August 10, 2026
Thank you to Jenny Bassett for gifting me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Wow. I tried so hard to slow down and make this book last, but I just couldn’t stop reading!
The action really ramped up in this one, and I was completely hooked. I loved the introduction of all the new characters and how much they added to the story and the world. It feels like the series is only getting bigger, and I’m so excited to see where it goes next.
There were so many moments where I genuinely didn’t want to put the book down, and then THAT ENDING?! Jenny, what are you doing to us?? How am I supposed to patiently wait for the next one after that?!
And, of course, I can’t finish this review without mentioning the spice because it was top-notch. 😏🔥
I already loved this series, but this instalment has left me even more invested. I need the next book immediately, please and thank you.
Wow. I tried so hard to slow down and make this book last, but I just couldn’t stop reading!
The action really ramped up in this one, and I was completely hooked. I loved the introduction of all the new characters and how much they added to the story and the world. It feels like the series is only getting bigger, and I’m so excited to see where it goes next.
There were so many moments where I genuinely didn’t want to put the book down, and then THAT ENDING?! Jenny, what are you doing to us?? How am I supposed to patiently wait for the next one after that?!
And, of course, I can’t finish this review without mentioning the spice because it was top-notch. 😏🔥
I already loved this series, but this instalment has left me even more invested. I need the next book immediately, please and thank you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Embracing Evil by Jenny Bassett was every bit as enjoyable as the first book! This spicy dragon shifter romantasy was fast-paced from start to finish, making it impossible to put down.
The character development was fantastic, and I loved seeing the relationships grow and the characters become even more layered. The spice was great, perfectly balanced with the action and emotional moments.
One of my favourite parts was the world-building. While book one was mostly spent on the road, this sequel really opened up the world, and it was brilliant getting to explore so much more of it. It made the story feel even richer and more immersive.
And that ending?! There has to be a book three after that! I absolutely need to know what happens next, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
The character development was fantastic, and I loved seeing the relationships grow and the characters become even more layered. The spice was great, perfectly balanced with the action and emotional moments.
One of my favourite parts was the world-building. While book one was mostly spent on the road, this sequel really opened up the world, and it was brilliant getting to explore so much more of it. It made the story feel even richer and more immersive.
And that ending?! There has to be a book three after that! I absolutely need to know what happens next, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
August 11, 2026
*ARC review* I absolutely loved and devoured the first book in this series but I just couldn’t get into this one.
I put it down so many times and even read another book in between.
I did finish it and it was better towards the last 30% of the book.
I hated the introduction of Xiomara at the start but by the last few chapters of her POV I liked her a bit more. Although she started to feel more like the main character instead of Aelia.
Keeran is like the biggest softie in this book which was disappointing because he had that morally grey attitude in the first one, which I felt he was lacking in book 2.
I’ve given a 4 star because it wasn’t a bad read.
But I don’t think I’ll carry on with the series.
Thank you so much to Jenny for letting me ARC read the first two books.
I put it down so many times and even read another book in between.
I did finish it and it was better towards the last 30% of the book.
I hated the introduction of Xiomara at the start but by the last few chapters of her POV I liked her a bit more. Although she started to feel more like the main character instead of Aelia.
Keeran is like the biggest softie in this book which was disappointing because he had that morally grey attitude in the first one, which I felt he was lacking in book 2.
I’ve given a 4 star because it wasn’t a bad read.
But I don’t think I’ll carry on with the series.
Thank you so much to Jenny for letting me ARC read the first two books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was not nearly prepared enough for the action in embracing evil. It was absolutely, heart racing brilliant! Book 2 follows Aelia and Keerans journey into the depths of the dragon clans and the battles they face together and personally. We are introduced to new, badass characters and pulled through their present only to be left wanting more. Embracing evil is action packed, with more depth in character arcs and world building and will have you sitting at the edge of your seat. Also, that ending!? Please tell me there’s a book 3 coming soon, I need more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Embracing Evil, and I loved every minute of it! It had everything I wanted from a dragon shifter romantasy—fast-paced action, plenty of spice, and characters that kept growing in all the best ways. The expanded world-building was one of my favourite parts, especially since the first book was mostly spent travelling. Omg the ending! There’s no way this can be the end… I desperately need book three, and I already can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Well done Jennny on creating another great book!
Well done Jennny on creating another great book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thankyou for the ARC.
Jenny expertly expands on the foundations of the world she created in the Lure of Evil adding complexities and new characters with so much depth. If you are a fan of dragon shifters, found family, and some spicy spice then this is definitely one for you.
Whilst I adored book one, this one didn’t quite draw me in in the same way, however, I’m sure there are many who will love it just as much.
Jenny expertly expands on the foundations of the world she created in the Lure of Evil adding complexities and new characters with so much depth. If you are a fan of dragon shifters, found family, and some spicy spice then this is definitely one for you.
Whilst I adored book one, this one didn’t quite draw me in in the same way, however, I’m sure there are many who will love it just as much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Embracing Evil, and I loved every second of it! It was every bit as gripping as the first book, with the perfect mix of action, romance, and spice. One of my favourite parts was seeing how much the characters grew throughout the story, and getting different perspectives made the world and relationships feel even richer. With that ending i absolutely can’t wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read, thank you to the author for sharing her work... this book took a little bit to get into but once the story develops its a wonderful romance with intense battle scenes.
"Even if we are taken in this life, I will find you. I will always find you" 😍
"Even if we are taken in this life, I will find you. I will always find you" 😍
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews