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E.V.I.L. #1
Wanted: Rogues and Bards
Welcome to E.V.I.L! (Every Villain is Legendary.)
Mission Guidelines
1. Be evil. (Except, y’know, when someone’s in trouble, or might need a rescue out of an open grave, things like that.)
2. Adopt new members. (At least, Fenric would love to keep the sexy bard, but would Lirion even want to join them?)
3. Retrieve Fenric’s mother’s stolen treasures (and beat up the heroes who stole them if possible)
4. Rescue Lirion’s sister and wait, what do you mean breaking up a sex ring and helping a village from being overrun by finfolk LOWERED our villain rankings overnight?
Future Goals climb the villain rankings, find a lair, get revenge, and trash talk The Box
Welcome and try not to die (but if you do our necromancer will raise you).
This book contains questionable baking practices, Tub Time™, and emotional support pecs.
Tags:
LitRPG, gay romance, shapeshifting, high fantasy, possessed clubs, accidental poisonings, chosen family, heroes vs. villains, band of brothers, a shapeshifting rogue, an elf necromancer, a loquacious barbarian, a warlock with a talking stick, a half-merman pirate, a poisonous Puppy, quest of vengeance, Fenric’s not sure how he became the mother hen of the group, Maxie doesn’t need more seduction lessons, Lirion begs to differ, Tub Time is sacred, incompetence can be sexy, apparently, High Seas Hijinks, another example of a bard f*cking his way in AND out of trouble, if villain bad, why hot?, calling all Hop on board, the shenanigan ship is about to sail! Skelebabies
Trigger Warnings: sex ring (that they break up)
Mission Guidelines
1. Be evil. (Except, y’know, when someone’s in trouble, or might need a rescue out of an open grave, things like that.)
2. Adopt new members. (At least, Fenric would love to keep the sexy bard, but would Lirion even want to join them?)
3. Retrieve Fenric’s mother’s stolen treasures (and beat up the heroes who stole them if possible)
4. Rescue Lirion’s sister and wait, what do you mean breaking up a sex ring and helping a village from being overrun by finfolk LOWERED our villain rankings overnight?
Future Goals climb the villain rankings, find a lair, get revenge, and trash talk The Box
Welcome and try not to die (but if you do our necromancer will raise you).
This book contains questionable baking practices, Tub Time™, and emotional support pecs.
Tags:
LitRPG, gay romance, shapeshifting, high fantasy, possessed clubs, accidental poisonings, chosen family, heroes vs. villains, band of brothers, a shapeshifting rogue, an elf necromancer, a loquacious barbarian, a warlock with a talking stick, a half-merman pirate, a poisonous Puppy, quest of vengeance, Fenric’s not sure how he became the mother hen of the group, Maxie doesn’t need more seduction lessons, Lirion begs to differ, Tub Time is sacred, incompetence can be sexy, apparently, High Seas Hijinks, another example of a bard f*cking his way in AND out of trouble, if villain bad, why hot?, calling all Hop on board, the shenanigan ship is about to sail! Skelebabies
Trigger Warnings: sex ring (that they break up)
482 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2026
About the author
A.J. Sherwood
91 books2,169 followersAJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 20, 2026
It took me ages to read this. In fact I broke off twice to read other books.
I’m not sure why I didn’t like it at first. Or why it suddenly clicked and I loved it.
But I did really enjoy this and I’m so glad I stuck with it. It was a close call I have to admit.
But I grew to love this crazy group of “villains” and cant wait for more.
I’m not sure why I didn’t like it at first. Or why it suddenly clicked and I loved it.
But I did really enjoy this and I’m so glad I stuck with it. It was a close call I have to admit.
But I grew to love this crazy group of “villains” and cant wait for more.
September 11, 2026
i have never laughed so hard in my life. this book was absolute hilarity, absolute chaos, absolutely perfect. it was exactly what i needed to get back into the reading mood. i absolutely, desperately, need more. the characters were all absolutely brilliant, hilarious in each their own way. this ragtag found family group is absolutely going to burn the place down, and somehow still come out the good guys, even though that's the last thing they wanted. XD from the sweet innocent 'puppy' who is desperate to do the right thing while also desperately wanting to be a villain, to the necromancer who has to keep raising his party from the dead, to the poor incubus who go dragged along into the mess while saving his sister. i actually laughed so hard my sides hurt, multiple times, and yet the intense risk they were all taking, the high stakes, kept me absolutely gripped. i devoured this book in two days and i only stopped reading because i had no choice but to sleep. if you love the absolute chaos of critical role / Dropout, then this is absolutely a series you will love.
thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and Netgalley for this ARC
thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and Netgalley for this ARC
September 22, 2026
Unfortunately, nothing could save this book after the absolute horror show of having to read the line “New grave, who dis?” in the first chapter. If you’re going to write a fantasy world, please don’t add ridiculous 21st century phrases no dictionary would ever endorse.
Add to that characters who are flat, main characters who don’t even meet until 20+% through the book, and 500 pages of random shenanigans, and I am out. This style may work for some, but not for me.
Add to that characters who are flat, main characters who don’t even meet until 20+% through the book, and 500 pages of random shenanigans, and I am out. This style may work for some, but not for me.
September 25, 2026
Love, adore, obsessed, need more, very reluctant to wait for the next book yet forced to wait anyway. Villains with morals who are very bad at being truly evil (even if they don't mind being criminal) just really hits the right spot
Read
September 23, 2026A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
This is the first book in the E.V.I.L. series, and your experience with this book will be shaped by how closely your sense of humor matches with the authors’. Or, at least one of the authors. This is a fairly standard fantasy book taking place in some Morrowind-esque world with brothels on every street, heroes who are more evil than the villains, and the occasional mermaid or goblin.
The plot is fine, with the derring do and audacious rescue attempt, but it’s the aftermath that didn’t work for me.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two and hope these issues resolve themselves, since all of the characters and their gimmicks have been introduced. And I do recommend it, but this is a book you may want to sample to see if you in case you vibe with the early humor.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
This is the first book in the E.V.I.L. series, and your experience with this book will be shaped by how closely your sense of humor matches with the authors’. Or, at least one of the authors. This is a fairly standard fantasy book taking place in some Morrowind-esque world with brothels on every street, heroes who are more evil than the villains, and the occasional mermaid or goblin.
The plot is fine, with the derring do and audacious rescue attempt, but it’s the aftermath that didn’t work for me.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two and hope these issues resolve themselves, since all of the characters and their gimmicks have been introduced. And I do recommend it, but this is a book you may want to sample to see if you in case you vibe with the early humor.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
September 16, 2026
4.25 series
I usually balk at books that are more than 400 pages long nowadays. But I missed Drake's books (I've enjoyed a few of her fantasy romance series), and I thought, why not take a chance on one of her collaborations? I didn't even realize it was almost 500 pages until I loaded it onto my Kindle. At first, I thought I would bow out, but then I figured, well, I'll at least give it a try for the first three chapters.
And well, I was hooked!
This wasn't exactly a traditional adventure romance, per se. The tags mention LitRPG - a genre that I'm still not familiar with - there are heroes and villains with different ranks (which is apparently one of the features of RPGs, whatever that means). What I experienced instead was an introduction to a ragtag group of (questionable) villains - because they really are SOFTIES - and their various skills and missions.
I just adored these people!
The main "couple" (again, I'm using the term loosely because I don't think romance is the main menu here) doesn't even meet until several chapters into the book. Instead, it's all about Fenric and his friends, how they accept a new member (whom Fenric found buried alive in a coffin), and all their shenanigans as Fenric tries to find his mother's treasure. Lirion joins the group a bit later, as he is also on a mission to save his sister from a sex-trafficking ring.
I was really INTO this!
I finished it within two days (which is quick by my standards considering the length), and I already can't wait to read more adventures set in this world. There is still so much to uncover, each of the characters is interesting, and I would LOVE to learn more about their pasts.
Especially the youngest, Maxie a.k.a. Puppy.
Because I KNOW that boy has an important past to tell.
I usually balk at books that are more than 400 pages long nowadays. But I missed Drake's books (I've enjoyed a few of her fantasy romance series), and I thought, why not take a chance on one of her collaborations? I didn't even realize it was almost 500 pages until I loaded it onto my Kindle. At first, I thought I would bow out, but then I figured, well, I'll at least give it a try for the first three chapters.
And well, I was hooked!
This wasn't exactly a traditional adventure romance, per se. The tags mention LitRPG - a genre that I'm still not familiar with - there are heroes and villains with different ranks (which is apparently one of the features of RPGs, whatever that means). What I experienced instead was an introduction to a ragtag group of (questionable) villains - because they really are SOFTIES - and their various skills and missions.
I just adored these people!
The main "couple" (again, I'm using the term loosely because I don't think romance is the main menu here) doesn't even meet until several chapters into the book. Instead, it's all about Fenric and his friends, how they accept a new member (whom Fenric found buried alive in a coffin), and all their shenanigans as Fenric tries to find his mother's treasure. Lirion joins the group a bit later, as he is also on a mission to save his sister from a sex-trafficking ring.
I was really INTO this!
I finished it within two days (which is quick by my standards considering the length), and I already can't wait to read more adventures set in this world. There is still so much to uncover, each of the characters is interesting, and I would LOVE to learn more about their pasts.
Especially the youngest, Maxie a.k.a. Puppy.
Because I KNOW that boy has an important past to tell.
September 22, 2026
This is not a LitRPG. This is just a fantasy book. This has nothing to do with any RPG beyond taking place in a D&Desque world. I also don’t know why one of the tropes listed is paranormal when this is a fantasy book taking place in a fantasy world where sirens, elves, and shapeshifters are par for the course. I guess it’s just a “list every trope to get people to buy the book” thing editors do, and I think it hurts the book in the long run when people pick it up expecting what’s on the container only to be disappointed by what it a solid book … just not the one they were promised.
This is the first book in the E.V.I.L. series, and it does several things very well. The characters are distinct, their ties to one another sincere, and the small hints of worldbuilding — especially about Maxie’s past and possible future — were interesting. However, there are issues with the pacing, with how the dark subject matter of rescuing people from sex traffickers is handled, and the effect of two authors on one story.
First, the characters. Malfas and Belstrom, the warlock and the barbarian, are the least fleshed out and feel more written for comedic effect than plot purposes. Unfortunately, not finding them funny, I found them to be the least interesting and the least important to the story. Rain is bright and cheerful, and for me the most charming. Fenric became more interesting as his past and his motivations were revealed, but those came about rather late in the plot. Hapi, the warlock, is by far my favorite character, and Maxie my least … and the first third of the book is very much focused on Maxie, how sweet and adorable and innocent and super-duper-eyrollingly-twee and just so gosh darn cute that I thought about DNFing because I was tired. Not of Maxie himself, but how the other characters treat him.
With Lirion’s arrival, some 40% into the book, the pacing picks up and the tone begins to change. From a light and zany “we’re so funny!” vibe to a “let’s break up a sex ring and save the day!” vibe … and then the reality of rescuing young men and women who have been starved, beaten, enslaved and raped hit. But here’s the problem with that … the book doesn’t want to deal with it. Instead of facing the results of the plot they wrote, the authors just drop it into a Disney “everyone’s okay, and going home to have normal lives!”
I found it to be somewhat offensive, to be honest. No, I don’t need angst and trauma, but nor do I need the book to wipe its hands of the consequences of the plot chosen to be the focus of much of the story.
Towards the end, when motivations for Fenric are revealed and more world building about the religion, the predations of the so-called heroes, the reality of lords taking advantage of their people are brought to Maxie’s attention — who sees this as horrifying and unjust — the book really began to get interesting to me. There’s a hint of depth here I’d like to see explored, so I’ll happily pick up book two when it’s out to see what happens next.
I just wish this book had been a little more careful and/or deliberate in how it handled its own story. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
October 15, 2026
The first book in a new promising series. However for me at 500 pages it was too long and I feel at least 100 pages could have been cut without losing any of the story.
Fenric and his gang aspire to be villians and they want to work their way up the villian charts. Unfortunately for them, they are rather good guys.
Fenric resuces Maxie from being buried underground and takes him home to the gang. He loves to cook but his villianous thing is that his food kills and the gang die only to be bought back by their necromancer.
Looking forward to more.
Fenric and his gang aspire to be villians and they want to work their way up the villian charts. Unfortunately for them, they are rather good guys.
Fenric resuces Maxie from being buried underground and takes him home to the gang. He loves to cook but his villianous thing is that his food kills and the gang die only to be bought back by their necromancer.
Looking forward to more.
September 26, 2026
Wow... Two of my favourite authors writing together had my hopes and expectations for this book soaring .... and they were fully met!
This book was so much fun to read and I can't wait to get the next books.
Not only were the main characters a joy, with some surprises but also the found family was perfect
They are so much fun
This is definitely one of my best reads this year and I can't wait to get the audiobook
This book was so much fun to read and I can't wait to get the next books.
Not only were the main characters a joy, with some surprises but also the found family was perfect
They are so much fun
This is definitely one of my best reads this year and I can't wait to get the audiobook
September 19, 2026
September 2026
Kindle edition
Cover is nice and bright. Sounded good. Took me a while to get through. The puppy introduction was cute, as was the poisoning acceptance and brotherhood feel of the team. Did feel a bit reminiscent of the trifecta set up. The abilities were cool but can't say I was that interested in the pairing. Will read the next one.
Kindle edition
Cover is nice and bright. Sounded good. Took me a while to get through. The puppy introduction was cute, as was the poisoning acceptance and brotherhood feel of the team. Did feel a bit reminiscent of the trifecta set up. The abilities were cool but can't say I was that interested in the pairing. Will read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2026
I really struggled with this one. I'm honestly not sure just what it was but it took a long time for me to get into the story. It might have been a "me" issue.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
September 21, 2026
This marvellous group of so called villains are absolute chaos gremlins and I loved every minute of their often hilarious adventures.
October 17, 2026
4.5 stars
Delightfully ridiculous, ridiculously entertaining, hilarious, ridiculous, entertaining… even feel-good and delightful.
Delightfully ridiculous, ridiculously entertaining, hilarious, ridiculous, entertaining… even feel-good and delightful.
Did Not Finish
September 16, 2026I think I just prefer playing a campaign rather than reading one, and I was hoping for a different style of humour. DNF at 22%-- just not for me.
September 12, 2026
Lirion was a bard in serious trouble. When the man who smirked at him admitted he had lured Lirion’s sister onto a ship bound for a sex trade brothel, he sliced his throat. Because they had been in the main room of another brothel and there had been a lot of shouting, the town watch was in hot pursuit. Incubus or not, that was not going to get him out of this mess. Fenric ran his pursuers all over town trying to escape the drunk card players he had been trying to fleece. Getting turned around, he ended up out by the poor cemetery. After getting his bearings, he set off across the cemetery toward their rental house a short distance away. But the thumping followed by sobbing from a nearby fresh grave had Fenric prying open the lid and taking the poor bedraggled young noble with the puppy dog eyes home with him to feed him and introduce him to his companion. Rescuing Maxie was not going to improve their villain’s ratings but that fact that he turned out to be an accidental deadly poisoner will help. Now if Fenric could just figure out Lirion, whom he keeps crossing paths with. That encounter in the alley woke something up in Fenric he hadn’t felt in years.
Rogues and Bars is Book one of Wanted. It is such a delight to have AJ Sherwood and Jocelyn Drake writing together again. Oh the snark and AJ writes the best blurbs. Current tags: Tags:
LitRPG, gay romance, shapeshifting, high fantasy, possessed clubs, accidental poisonings, chosen family, heroes vs. villains, band of brothers, a shapeshifting rogue, an elf necromancer, a loquacious barbarian, a warlock with a talking stick, a half-merman pirate, a poisonous Puppy, quest of vengeance, Fenric’s not sure how he became the mother hen of the group, Maxie doesn’t need more seduction lessons, Lirion begs to differ, Tub Time is sacred, incompetence can be sexy, apparently, High Seas Hijinks, another example of a bard f*cking his way in AND out of trouble, if villain bad, why hot?, calling all passengers: Hop on board, the shenanigan ship is about to sail! Skelebabies
Heroes and Villains. Who’s really the bad guys here?
I received this book to review as the authors Patreon member
Rogues and Bars is Book one of Wanted. It is such a delight to have AJ Sherwood and Jocelyn Drake writing together again. Oh the snark and AJ writes the best blurbs. Current tags: Tags:
LitRPG, gay romance, shapeshifting, high fantasy, possessed clubs, accidental poisonings, chosen family, heroes vs. villains, band of brothers, a shapeshifting rogue, an elf necromancer, a loquacious barbarian, a warlock with a talking stick, a half-merman pirate, a poisonous Puppy, quest of vengeance, Fenric’s not sure how he became the mother hen of the group, Maxie doesn’t need more seduction lessons, Lirion begs to differ, Tub Time is sacred, incompetence can be sexy, apparently, High Seas Hijinks, another example of a bard f*cking his way in AND out of trouble, if villain bad, why hot?, calling all passengers: Hop on board, the shenanigan ship is about to sail! Skelebabies
Heroes and Villains. Who’s really the bad guys here?
I received this book to review as the authors Patreon member
October 12, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is the perfect “popcorn read” (and yes, I am borrowing this expression from Tammy, but it is just the perfect way to describe this book!) and it delivers everything the synopsis promises (aside from LitRPG; I don’t know why lately they stick this tag on everything. I mean, I get that it is a genre that is becoming popular, and I am quite grateful for it, because I love it, but come on!!!! ). Anyway, this book is a lot of fun, as we get to follow the shenanigans of an adorable group of villains. (But… they’re not really so villainous. And we love them all the more for it!).
Anyway, this book has a great found family, and the characters are all so adorable (hilariously so, from time to time), and then… skelebabies!!! I shouldn’t really add more to this review!
But, if skelebabies are not enough (and yes, in this case I am judging you!), we also have quite an interesting cast of characters, each one of them with some unique skills and features. And they are all built around fantasy clichés (especially the D&D ones), but they are made up of contrasting clichés, and they are all so precious for this.
In this book, the spotlight is on Fenrir and Lirion, and they are pretty great, but I am really excited about the next book because, if I got things right, the focus of that book will be Hapi and… obviously I fall for the Necromancer!
I am also sooo curious about Maxie, but to be honest, I want to know more about all these characters. Because, adorable!!!
I know this is not a highly informative review, but even if the book is quite long (even if it doesn’t feel like a long book, I devoured it in no time!) I don’t have a lot to say. I have already said Skelebabies!! And I have mentioned how adorable the characters are, right? The rest is following their shenanigans as they try to climb the ranks of the villains while accidentally saving people right and left. In the most villainous ways, obviously!
It’s just the perfect book if you want something fun and light, and if you read it, please, do yourself a favour, and do not skip the Tags at the beginning of the book.
This book is the perfect “popcorn read” (and yes, I am borrowing this expression from Tammy, but it is just the perfect way to describe this book!) and it delivers everything the synopsis promises (aside from LitRPG; I don’t know why lately they stick this tag on everything. I mean, I get that it is a genre that is becoming popular, and I am quite grateful for it, because I love it, but come on!!!! ). Anyway, this book is a lot of fun, as we get to follow the shenanigans of an adorable group of villains. (But… they’re not really so villainous. And we love them all the more for it!).
Anyway, this book has a great found family, and the characters are all so adorable (hilariously so, from time to time), and then… skelebabies!!! I shouldn’t really add more to this review!
But, if skelebabies are not enough (and yes, in this case I am judging you!), we also have quite an interesting cast of characters, each one of them with some unique skills and features. And they are all built around fantasy clichés (especially the D&D ones), but they are made up of contrasting clichés, and they are all so precious for this.
In this book, the spotlight is on Fenrir and Lirion, and they are pretty great, but I am really excited about the next book because, if I got things right, the focus of that book will be Hapi and… obviously I fall for the Necromancer!
I am also sooo curious about Maxie, but to be honest, I want to know more about all these characters. Because, adorable!!!
I know this is not a highly informative review, but even if the book is quite long (even if it doesn’t feel like a long book, I devoured it in no time!) I don’t have a lot to say. I have already said Skelebabies!! And I have mentioned how adorable the characters are, right? The rest is following their shenanigans as they try to climb the ranks of the villains while accidentally saving people right and left. In the most villainous ways, obviously!
It’s just the perfect book if you want something fun and light, and if you read it, please, do yourself a favour, and do not skip the Tags at the beginning of the book.
October 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for providing this eARC!
“The heroes weren't anything like we believed them to be. I know you wanted me to do good in the world and to save people, but it’s been a full-time job just saving myself. Besides, I’m not seeing much in this world worth saving.” - Fenric
"Wanted: Rogues and Bards" is the most low-fantasy high-fantasy novel I have ever read! (Compliment.) This not-so-evil group of villainous men takes readers along with them on their various adventures to rescue a kidnapped sister and to recover a mother’s final gift while simultaneously attempting to rise in the villainous ranks of their world. As you get deeper into the plot, more and more ridiculousness ensues, and characters’ unique abilities are discovered & revealed. (As are even more questions about them.)
I LOVED the way the authors wrote about the work that Lirion and Aria do in the sex industry, as there is power in it, not shame. The relationship between our two love birds is certainly a slow-burn, and nearly crosses into only-one-bed territory while on the ship. I enjoyed the pair’s dynamic thoroughly, as well as the general bickering and supportive dynamic among the group.
Between learning the reason for the Very Important Tub on deck, Maxie powering up those ridiculous puppy dog eyes and offering a Kraken death by baked goods, and the “evil” deeds accomplished by the group while trying to accomplish their goals, I really enjoyed this read.
I am looking forward to learning how the rankings turned out, what happened to the Kraken, the location of the new lair, and figuring out who or what Maxie really is in the next novel!
“The heroes weren't anything like we believed them to be. I know you wanted me to do good in the world and to save people, but it’s been a full-time job just saving myself. Besides, I’m not seeing much in this world worth saving.” - Fenric
"Wanted: Rogues and Bards" is the most low-fantasy high-fantasy novel I have ever read! (Compliment.) This not-so-evil group of villainous men takes readers along with them on their various adventures to rescue a kidnapped sister and to recover a mother’s final gift while simultaneously attempting to rise in the villainous ranks of their world. As you get deeper into the plot, more and more ridiculousness ensues, and characters’ unique abilities are discovered & revealed. (As are even more questions about them.)
I LOVED the way the authors wrote about the work that Lirion and Aria do in the sex industry, as there is power in it, not shame. The relationship between our two love birds is certainly a slow-burn, and nearly crosses into only-one-bed territory while on the ship. I enjoyed the pair’s dynamic thoroughly, as well as the general bickering and supportive dynamic among the group.
Between learning the reason for the Very Important Tub on deck, Maxie powering up those ridiculous puppy dog eyes and offering a Kraken death by baked goods, and the “evil” deeds accomplished by the group while trying to accomplish their goals, I really enjoyed this read.
I am looking forward to learning how the rankings turned out, what happened to the Kraken, the location of the new lair, and figuring out who or what Maxie really is in the next novel!
September 22, 2026
I’m a huge fan of AJ Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake individually, but them as a duo? Count me in. I already absolutely adored their shared dragon series, but what they’ve created with their “villains” here? Omg… it was SO good.
Funny, easy-to-read writing style? Check. Found family and underdogs? Check. D&D-style adventures with quests, heroes vs. villains, and characters you can’t help but immediately fall in love with? Definitely a double check.
I’m simply in love. I really needed a funny, snappy story like this right now, the kind that just pulls you in and makes you forget everything else for a while. I loved the humor, the fact that things go spectacularly wrong on a regular basis, but that there’s also so much heart. We have clever heists, idiots to lovers, villains who aren’t really all that villainous (don’t tell them I said that), secrets, tension, and basically everything I could have wished for.
Fenric and Lirion immediately found their way into my heart, and so did our necromancer, pirate, sorcerer, barbarian, and our poison puppy. I genuinely loved this whole ridiculous group so much.
This review has definitely turned into more of a ramble, but honestly? I think I like these kinds of reviews the most. They’re spontaneous, straight from the heart, and honest.
I just really wish more readers would discover these authors for themselves, because I have genuinely loved every single book of theirs I’ve read so far.
Funny, easy-to-read writing style? Check. Found family and underdogs? Check. D&D-style adventures with quests, heroes vs. villains, and characters you can’t help but immediately fall in love with? Definitely a double check.
I’m simply in love. I really needed a funny, snappy story like this right now, the kind that just pulls you in and makes you forget everything else for a while. I loved the humor, the fact that things go spectacularly wrong on a regular basis, but that there’s also so much heart. We have clever heists, idiots to lovers, villains who aren’t really all that villainous (don’t tell them I said that), secrets, tension, and basically everything I could have wished for.
Fenric and Lirion immediately found their way into my heart, and so did our necromancer, pirate, sorcerer, barbarian, and our poison puppy. I genuinely loved this whole ridiculous group so much.
This review has definitely turned into more of a ramble, but honestly? I think I like these kinds of reviews the most. They’re spontaneous, straight from the heart, and honest.
I just really wish more readers would discover these authors for themselves, because I have genuinely loved every single book of theirs I’ve read so far.
September 24, 2026
500 stars!
This book is fecking awesome!
It's charming and fun, with good humor and emotional depth.
It has some of the coolest powerful magical beings. Some of them are strong, sexy, and capable. Some of them are sweet and adorable. Some of them are nerdy and brilliant. I love all of them. I want to join this found family. They are hilarious. 😂
Reading about how much of a sweetheart Fenric is makes me sappy. I'm head over heels for him. He's so sweet to Puppy and Lirion. Being so capable and caring is damned sexy.
There's lots of action and adventure, and this book might not be considered a romance book, but the love that grows between the two main MCs is just so dang romantic. It's the sweetest love story. Also, they're very hot together. 🔥
I'm dying for the next book! I just want more already. There are some mysteries that still need solving. I can't wait!
I so hope Wanted: Rogues and Bards will get an audiobook! One with a narrator who really knows how to put the joy in the silliness and shenanigans like Michael Ferraiuolo or Nick J Russo can.
I love this book sooo much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book is fecking awesome!
It's charming and fun, with good humor and emotional depth.
It has some of the coolest powerful magical beings. Some of them are strong, sexy, and capable. Some of them are sweet and adorable. Some of them are nerdy and brilliant. I love all of them. I want to join this found family. They are hilarious. 😂
Reading about how much of a sweetheart Fenric is makes me sappy. I'm head over heels for him. He's so sweet to Puppy and Lirion. Being so capable and caring is damned sexy.
There's lots of action and adventure, and this book might not be considered a romance book, but the love that grows between the two main MCs is just so dang romantic. It's the sweetest love story. Also, they're very hot together. 🔥
I'm dying for the next book! I just want more already. There are some mysteries that still need solving. I can't wait!
I so hope Wanted: Rogues and Bards will get an audiobook! One with a narrator who really knows how to put the joy in the silliness and shenanigans like Michael Ferraiuolo or Nick J Russo can.
I love this book sooo much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Review of advance copy
this was everything I expected from these authors. They are just brilliant along and wonderful together. I loved the found family vibes, the party. I enjoyed the world, the plot was great and I enjoyed the romance. I do believe I liked the world most of all and can’t wait to for more.
tropes:
LitRPG, gay romance, shapeshifting, high fantasy, possessed clubs, accidental poisonings, chosen family, heroes vs. villains, band of brothers, a shapeshifting rogue, an elf necromancer, a loquacious barbarian, a warlock with a talking stick, a half-merman pirate, a poisonous Puppy, quest of vengeance, Fenric’s not sure how he became the mother hen of the group, Maxie doesn’t need more seduction lessons, Lirion begs to differ, Tub Time is sacred, incompetence can be sexy, apparently, High Seas Hijinks, another example of a bard f*cking his way in AND out of trouble, if villain bad, why hot?, calling all passengers: Hop on board, the shenanigan ship is about to sail! Skelebabies | CW: sex ring (that they break up)
tropes:
LitRPG, gay romance, shapeshifting, high fantasy, possessed clubs, accidental poisonings, chosen family, heroes vs. villains, band of brothers, a shapeshifting rogue, an elf necromancer, a loquacious barbarian, a warlock with a talking stick, a half-merman pirate, a poisonous Puppy, quest of vengeance, Fenric’s not sure how he became the mother hen of the group, Maxie doesn’t need more seduction lessons, Lirion begs to differ, Tub Time is sacred, incompetence can be sexy, apparently, High Seas Hijinks, another example of a bard f*cking his way in AND out of trouble, if villain bad, why hot?, calling all passengers: Hop on board, the shenanigan ship is about to sail! Skelebabies | CW: sex ring (that they break up)
September 11, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the arc
Wanted: Rogues and Bards follow two main characters; a sneaky rogue named Fenric and a succubus bard called Lirion. They esch have a mission, one needs to rescue his sister and the other wants some missing family heirlooms. They stumbled into each other on their individual missions, before eventually teaming up with E.V.I.L., Fenric's band of misfit villians, to complete their quests.
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like I was reading a book about someone's D&D campaign. The magic was familiar, the world easy to understand, and the characters likeable. I personally the intelligent barbarian and necromancer. The story is overall interested and the romance between Lirion and Fenric is adorable.
The only reason it didnt get 5 stars from me is that is fell into a pitfall a few times that every D&D campaign hits at some points: a few times the story felt a bit lagging for me.
BUT overall I enjoyed it and will definitely be continuing the series.
Wanted: Rogues and Bards follow two main characters; a sneaky rogue named Fenric and a succubus bard called Lirion. They esch have a mission, one needs to rescue his sister and the other wants some missing family heirlooms. They stumbled into each other on their individual missions, before eventually teaming up with E.V.I.L., Fenric's band of misfit villians, to complete their quests.
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like I was reading a book about someone's D&D campaign. The magic was familiar, the world easy to understand, and the characters likeable. I personally the intelligent barbarian and necromancer. The story is overall interested and the romance between Lirion and Fenric is adorable.
The only reason it didnt get 5 stars from me is that is fell into a pitfall a few times that every D&D campaign hits at some points: a few times the story felt a bit lagging for me.
BUT overall I enjoyed it and will definitely be continuing the series.
September 20, 2026
Tired of villains who actually succeed? Meet E.V.I.L., a bumbling crew whose attempts at dastardly deeds invariably end in accidental heroism. Led by the perpetually exasperated Fenric, they're desperate to reclaim their villainous reputation, retrieve what's rightfully theirs, and somehow, finally be bad.
Dive into a hilariously chaotic world where epic high fantasy meets thrilling LitRPG. Here, found family triumphs, a heartwarming gay romance blossoms between Fenric and the charming bard Lirion, and incompetence proves surprisingly endearing. Expect laugh-out-loud humor, unforgettable characters, and a delightfully snarky tone reminiscent of your favorite D&D campaigns gone wonderfully off-script.
Join AJ Sherwood and Jocelyn Drake on an adventure where the lines between good and evil gleefully blur. Discover a vibrant world that proves being bad can be a whole lot of fun.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Dive into a hilariously chaotic world where epic high fantasy meets thrilling LitRPG. Here, found family triumphs, a heartwarming gay romance blossoms between Fenric and the charming bard Lirion, and incompetence proves surprisingly endearing. Expect laugh-out-loud humor, unforgettable characters, and a delightfully snarky tone reminiscent of your favorite D&D campaigns gone wonderfully off-script.
Join AJ Sherwood and Jocelyn Drake on an adventure where the lines between good and evil gleefully blur. Discover a vibrant world that proves being bad can be a whole lot of fun.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 14, 2026
Well that was bonkers and I loved it!
A fantasy world ruled by a Royal Family and a mystical box? I'm here for it.
A bunch of Villains with hearts of gold who can't help but do good? Loving it
A quest to free an enslaved succubus and retrieve a stolen treasure? Where do I sign up?
I laughed so hard at some of their antics. Held my breath as they were attacked by Finfolk and wondered about their sanity during Tub Time.
Fenric and Lyrion our two protagonists for this story were so sweet together, going from enemies (or adversaries at least) to lovers to happily ever after. I enjoyed their emotional journey as much as their steamy shenanigans and was so glad they finally pulled their heads out of their asses and communicated.
This was a fun story full of heart, heat and insanity. I can't wait to see what befalls Hapi in the next book
A fantasy world ruled by a Royal Family and a mystical box? I'm here for it.
A bunch of Villains with hearts of gold who can't help but do good? Loving it
A quest to free an enslaved succubus and retrieve a stolen treasure? Where do I sign up?
I laughed so hard at some of their antics. Held my breath as they were attacked by Finfolk and wondered about their sanity during Tub Time.
Fenric and Lyrion our two protagonists for this story were so sweet together, going from enemies (or adversaries at least) to lovers to happily ever after. I enjoyed their emotional journey as much as their steamy shenanigans and was so glad they finally pulled their heads out of their asses and communicated.
This was a fun story full of heart, heat and insanity. I can't wait to see what befalls Hapi in the next book
September 13, 2026
A 500 page book that flew by in a flash and left me eagerly awaiting the next in the series. This isn't a surprise to me as I adore A.J Sherwood and her books are an instant read. The comedy and characters in the books were truly fantastic as you both root for them and roll their eyes as their antics. Both the found family and DND adventure vibes are delightfully strong in the strong.
The romance was solidly built and the group as a whole were a delight to read, I'll be interested to see if the next book stays with Fenric & Lirion or if we focus on another in this found family as I already love them all. Judging by the the title though I'm guessing its the later so I can't wait to see who else with join this group.
The romance was solidly built and the group as a whole were a delight to read, I'll be interested to see if the next book stays with Fenric & Lirion or if we focus on another in this found family as I already love them all. Judging by the the title though I'm guessing its the later so I can't wait to see who else with join this group.
September 15, 2026
I tried to sit here and come up with something to say, but idk. Mostly it felt like doing a ttrpg planning sesh with folx who don't actually play ttrpgs, just act like they do bc they think they'd be really great at it and they have seen a lot of CR vids. The details I actually cared about were kinda tossed aside for ones I didn't think needed as much attention as they got. The characters were cool and I'd prolly come back specifically for that reason and not for the litrpg-ness. I have the attention span of a fucking gnat right now, and I'm struggling to place thoughts into coherent sentences. This is what you get. It sucked, I think? But it was also okay? If you don't think ab it like it's a litrpg? It was a good attempt? Ugh.
September 17, 2026
Fenric & Lirion
This was a fun read! Villains with a soft heart. E.V.I.L tries really hard to climb the ranks of the villains but between the better villains and the heroes messing with the rankings, they are just squeezing by with some light villainy and maybe some heroics. Trading favors, Fen and Lir team up with the rest of the gang to get a couple personal jobs done and hopefully score some loot. With Lir being an incubus, he must be fed on the journey north and Fen just happens to taste mighty fine. As the two become closer, it’s obvious to everyone it them that whatever they are telling themselves about why it would t work, isn’t true. Fun plot, great characters and lots of laughs.
This was a fun read! Villains with a soft heart. E.V.I.L tries really hard to climb the ranks of the villains but between the better villains and the heroes messing with the rankings, they are just squeezing by with some light villainy and maybe some heroics. Trading favors, Fen and Lir team up with the rest of the gang to get a couple personal jobs done and hopefully score some loot. With Lir being an incubus, he must be fed on the journey north and Fen just happens to taste mighty fine. As the two become closer, it’s obvious to everyone it them that whatever they are telling themselves about why it would t work, isn’t true. Fun plot, great characters and lots of laughs.
October 24, 2026
To be completely honest, I almost dnf’d this book. The pacing felt way off near the beginning, and it kind of was a slog to get to where our two main characters finally met. I’m glad I pushed through though, cos dnf’ing this book would have been a huge shame.
In the end, I loved this story. E.V.I.L. is made up of a group of villains who, as it turns out, have hearts far bigger than their infamy (or hopes of infamy). The characters are so well fleshed out, and there is just the right amount of adventure, spice, and emotions to keep the story going (once it gets going). I’m looking forward to reading the next book in 2027 (unless I can get an arc before then?? 👀) and am grateful to both the publisher, authors, and NetGalley for the ARC.
In the end, I loved this story. E.V.I.L. is made up of a group of villains who, as it turns out, have hearts far bigger than their infamy (or hopes of infamy). The characters are so well fleshed out, and there is just the right amount of adventure, spice, and emotions to keep the story going (once it gets going). I’m looking forward to reading the next book in 2027 (unless I can get an arc before then?? 👀) and am grateful to both the publisher, authors, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wanted: Rogues and Bards is the first book in the new E.V.I.L. series by the authors AJ Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake. This is the story of Fenric and Lirion. This was a wonderful story that I couldn't put down once I started. I loved the characters and world building that went into this book. This was everything I hoped for when reading a story from AJ Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake. This book had me laughing out loud so many times. I loved the found family aspect of the story because found family is the best. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book as a 5 star read.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
September 13, 2026
Great start to a new series
I love these two authors. Great world building to set up the series. All of the members of EVIL are special with a giant heart. There are so many secrets to still uncover. Our first happy couple is Fenric and Lirion. They run into each other several times each ending in chaos. They finally end up joining forces with the rest of EVIL and a crazy and heartfelt adventure commences. The book of course is hilarious, sexy and passion filled. I can't wait to read the next book about Happi our resident necromancer. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!
I love these two authors. Great world building to set up the series. All of the members of EVIL are special with a giant heart. There are so many secrets to still uncover. Our first happy couple is Fenric and Lirion. They run into each other several times each ending in chaos. They finally end up joining forces with the rest of EVIL and a crazy and heartfelt adventure commences. The book of course is hilarious, sexy and passion filled. I can't wait to read the next book about Happi our resident necromancer. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!
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