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Ruthless Villains #1
Ruthless Villains
The enemy of my enemy is not my friend. It is the person whose heart I want to cut out.
In a world where magic is distributed equally, there are some people who refuse to share their power. Dark mages. Lethal. Selfish. And utterly without morals.
Audrey Sable is one of them. As a poison mage, she can bring men to their knees with a flick of her wrist. But the man she really wants to kill will not go down so easily. Callan Blackwell is also a powerful dark mage, and he would like nothing better than to see Audrey beg for mercy at his feet. But their hatred for one another will have to wait.
When the heroic champions of equality prepare to launch an attack that will wipe out the remaining dark mages, Audrey and Callan are forced to put their war on hold and instead work together. They have one chance to stop the self-righteous heroes before it is too late, but their mutual animosity is bound to get in the way of the mission. And the problem with blazing feelings like hatred is that it only takes one spark to turn it into burning passion.
Audrey and Callan's temporary union is undoubtedly a dangerous one. To the world. And most of all, to their own ruthless hearts.
In a world where magic is distributed equally, there are some people who refuse to share their power. Dark mages. Lethal. Selfish. And utterly without morals.
Audrey Sable is one of them. As a poison mage, she can bring men to their knees with a flick of her wrist. But the man she really wants to kill will not go down so easily. Callan Blackwell is also a powerful dark mage, and he would like nothing better than to see Audrey beg for mercy at his feet. But their hatred for one another will have to wait.
When the heroic champions of equality prepare to launch an attack that will wipe out the remaining dark mages, Audrey and Callan are forced to put their war on hold and instead work together. They have one chance to stop the self-righteous heroes before it is too late, but their mutual animosity is bound to get in the way of the mission. And the problem with blazing feelings like hatred is that it only takes one spark to turn it into burning passion.
Audrey and Callan's temporary union is undoubtedly a dangerous one. To the world. And most of all, to their own ruthless hearts.
305 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2022
1207 people are currently reading
17680 people want to read
About the author
Marion Blackwood
34 books1,811 followersMarion Blackwood is the author of The Oncoming Storm series, the Court of Elves series, the Ruthless Villains series, the Ruthless Enemy trilogy, and the Flame and Thorns series. She has a Master's Degree in English and History Education, and she worked as a high school teacher before becoming a full-time author. When she's not busy writing fantasy books or traveling the world, she reads, binges shows, and loses at video games. Marion has previously lived in the US and China, but now she once again calls the beautiful country of Sweden home. To find out more, visit: www.marionblackwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews
October 27, 2022
This review is going to be pretty harsh. I was SO excited for this book from the promotion I saw for it and the beautiful cover. However, I was massively disappointed. Off the bat, the writing at the beginning of the book is atrocious. I am not usually critical of writing at all because I feel like most books are written decently enough, but the writing here was so distractingly bad that I couldn’t stop noticing it. I can’t say at what point it got better, but I felt that the writing was much better towards the middle and end of the book.
Let’s talk plot. There is such a good idea for a story here, but it was just poorly executed. I really like the idea of two villains being villainous with no remorse, but unfortunately it didn’t work. The impression I got from reading this book is that it was intended to be a really spicy fantasy book, and the ideas for the spice came first, and plot came second. I don’t mind a book that is more spice than plot if it is done really well, but the spice was quite lackluster IMO, so it didn’t warrant being more important than the plot. The little bit of plot was very contrived and awkward. Everything worked out too conveniently all the time.
In terms of characters, there is SO much potential for complex, evil, villains, but unfortunately Audrey and Callan’s ONLY personality trait is that they hate each other. There is no depth to the characters beyond their hate for each other. And even their hate seems overly dramatic and forced.
Repetitiveness. There are at least 5 scenes throughout this short book where Audrey and Callan fight each other with their magic only to end in a standoff as they realize they can’t kill each other yet. These scenes were so repetitive and cringey.
The ending. I don’t know if the ending was intended to be a comedy but I was laughing at how ridiculous it was. The “boom you thought I was gonna fall for that?” happened like 6 times?! It did not lead to an exciting plot twist, it only made me more annoyed each time they revealed how they knew the other person was gonna do something and prepared for that situation.
Overall, really disappointed with this book because there is so much potential but the writing, plot, characters and spice were all lacking.
Let’s talk plot. There is such a good idea for a story here, but it was just poorly executed. I really like the idea of two villains being villainous with no remorse, but unfortunately it didn’t work. The impression I got from reading this book is that it was intended to be a really spicy fantasy book, and the ideas for the spice came first, and plot came second. I don’t mind a book that is more spice than plot if it is done really well, but the spice was quite lackluster IMO, so it didn’t warrant being more important than the plot. The little bit of plot was very contrived and awkward. Everything worked out too conveniently all the time.
In terms of characters, there is SO much potential for complex, evil, villains, but unfortunately Audrey and Callan’s ONLY personality trait is that they hate each other. There is no depth to the characters beyond their hate for each other. And even their hate seems overly dramatic and forced.
Repetitiveness. There are at least 5 scenes throughout this short book where Audrey and Callan fight each other with their magic only to end in a standoff as they realize they can’t kill each other yet. These scenes were so repetitive and cringey.
The ending. I don’t know if the ending was intended to be a comedy but I was laughing at how ridiculous it was. The “boom you thought I was gonna fall for that?” happened like 6 times?! It did not lead to an exciting plot twist, it only made me more annoyed each time they revealed how they knew the other person was gonna do something and prepared for that situation.
Overall, really disappointed with this book because there is so much potential but the writing, plot, characters and spice were all lacking.
June 15, 2023
Dumb….All the good tropes but not executed well.
I blame Booktok for this rec.
I blame Booktok for this rec.
January 5, 2023
I’m very much against the Only He Can Give Me An Orgasm trope
July 10, 2023
Y’all I get it, they want to kill each other but also are now tasked with working together which forces them into constant forced proximity that creates this building sexual tension. It’s a song that has been sung before, and one I don’t particularly dislike. However, I got through 60% of the book and when I tell you every chapter is the same, EVERY FUCKING CHAPTER IS THE EXACT SAME. They have a task to complete, they bicker about it, one goes behind the other's back, they duel, threaten to kill each other, don’t for the sake of the mission, power balances are up in the air, she does something provocative to shift them in her favour. Rinse and repeat.
Final take away: it wasn’t actually bad, just was not very good. very redundant and lacking in character complexity.
Final take away: it wasn’t actually bad, just was not very good. very redundant and lacking in character complexity.
December 16, 2022
For such a beautiful cover and promising plot this book turned out to be a disappointment. The whole time I was having a hard time comprehending how both MCs despite being in their late 20s had maturity level worse than a middle schooler. I'm never trusting a booktok recommendation again.
October 31, 2022
5 stars★★★★★
**I was provided with an ARC from Marion Blackwood for an honest review**
✿ my review is also posted on my blog ✿
This book is out now! Go forth and read this amazing book! It's got villains, enemies-to-lovers, knife to throats (and privates), poison magic, and general chaos! I love it and you can quote me on that.
The Ruthless Villains reviews:
#1 Ruthless Villains: ★★★★★
#2 Wicked Villains: 24th November 2022 release
☞ Trigger warnings: **contains spoilers*
I am a ride or die Marion Blackwood fan.
If Marion Blackwood has a million fans I am one of them. If Marion Blackwood has ten fans I am one of them. If Marion Blackwood has only one fan and that is me. If Marion Blackwood has no fans, that means I am dead.
I have been following the journey of Marion Blackwood's work and Ruthless Villains is the natural progression of her writing. It is so fun and so dark!!
Her two other series A Storm of Silver and Ash and The Traitor Spy are both morally grey characters that dip their toes into the dark but ultimately they fight for free will and oppose forces that threaten their way of life. Ruthless Villains expands on the morally dark, and enters straight up villainous, shadowing two snarky immoral self-aware characters that many would label sociopathic. They lie, scheme, manipulate, threaten, lack empathy and have a tendency to maim and kill, all for personal gain and because they can. The Oncoming Storm series had shades of sociopathy and the Court of Elves series delved deeper into the idea of absolute power, control and dictatorship. Ruthless Villains is the culmination of these ideas and character progressions, where the main characters have no desire for 'good' or 'right' but simply wish to take and subject others to their mercy with no scruples of morality. They don't care about 'innocents'. They don't care about equality or injustice. They want control and dominance. I love it.
This is the dark romance fantasy of my dreams. When reading reviews and talking to friends about dark fantasies, I am constantly shocked and horrified at the abuses the male main character inflicts on the main female character with zero to no retaliation. Men in these dark romances have lately been straight insanity... like huh ???? HUH??? He did WHAT?? And you stayed and fell in love with the guy who sent your dad an illegally obtained video of you and him?!?! absolutely not. do not pass go. straight to jail immediately. (I am looking at you The Darkest Temptation)
I like thinking that Ruthless Villains are two people who are equal opportunist villains. They both wish the other the utmost violent and humiliating death, and come precariously close in achieving these goals multiple times. There are no one-sided abuses, no it is equal opportunity maiming and attempted murder. The first chapter includes one of them stabbing the other!! immacualte. *chefs kiss*
Maybe this is the ultimate enemies-to-lovers. I have always believed that there are no truer enemies than the ones constantly trying to murder each other. I think when they become lovers, they are still enemies so even that descriptor isn't entirely true. Maybe they're just enemies-who-are-also-lovers? enemies-and-lovers? Whatever, it's still steamy and very dangerous.
What's the plot?? Right that. Ummmm they have to kidnap a guy from an aristocratic high security ball in a heavily guarded city and then smuggle him out of said city waste away under their care from all the torture and maiming they plan to subject him to so that he ultimately agrees to do their bidding and become a glorified lap dog for their evil deeds. Pretty simple. The hard part is that the two main characters not only loathe each other with their entire beings but they are actively and constantly trying to send the other into an early grave. Not a very healthy conducive work environment when you cannot trust the other to help or watch your back because they will definitely be the one to lodge their dagger into your back. Unfortunately for Audrey and Callan our enemies turned reluctant collegues, the other dark mages cannot kidnap this poor self-righteous guy because everyone else has active warrants plastered all over the city. Hard to enter the city to do a sneaky crime when the police know what you look like from the last time you did a crime (which for the record was not sneaky at all rather boisterous and publicly violent).
Audrey and Callan are the only dark mages that can pull off this nearly impossible task. No worries. A temporary truce is placed so they stop trying to murder each other and instead focus their energies in working together to do this kidnapping. I would call their working relationship turbulant at best, criminal at worst. Not surprising but a great read. The schemes, the reluctant role play, and of course the sexual tension make this story a blast to read. Audrey is the sneaky poison mage, who is more finesse and precision. Callan is pure brute force, a battering ram in most situations. They complement each others techniques and spirits, symbiotic when united. This dynamic makes me so excited for future books of their collective minds causing destruction and chaos.
My one critique was that with the two main characters constantly trying to murder each other, it got a little old. It would have been more exciting if they tried to murder each other using other tactics the other didn't see coming, like for the poison mage to use actual poison rather than her magic but the first scene where the stabbing happens I guess relieves this one sticking point as it was a wound used without magic, just a girl and her dagger. The lack of trust made every scene, every interaction anxiety ridden, rife with the reader anticipating when the next explosion of emotion happens that leads one of them to try and murder the other. This resulted in action scene after action scene with only brief respites in between.
To counter my criticism I will say my favourite parts where the shower scene, the after dinner party debrief and the heart scene (ew omg that sooo hot i'm in love).
I would also like to note my Marion Blackwood theory which I developed during the Court of Elves series (you can peruse in my review of The Wicked Betrayal here ) does not currently apply but you never know!! When the two protagonists align their goals, then maybe!!?! Fingers crossed!
This was filled with twists and turns that made my head spin and my heart race. I loved every second and I will trust Marion Blackwood with my life (or at least my reading taste which is basically the same thing). I eagerly anticipate the next book and will pray to the gods for an arc!!
Would I recommend this book?
100%!! I recommend it for people who like Marvels and Misfits, A Demon Bound, Fortune Favors the Cruel and The Song of the Marked.
Dark Romance lovers will love this book, especially if you loved Ruthless People.
Of course if you like Marion Blackwoods backlist - A Storm of Silver and Ash and The Traitor Spy.
Will I continue reading this series?
Definitely.
Will I re-read this book?
Yeah I will cherish this arc for all of time.
✧ 24th October ✧
review to come when I can stop blushing and twirling around my apartment.
✧ 9th October ✧
what a morning. the sun is shining. the birds chirping. this arc was approved. i'm unstoppable rn.
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October 17, 2022
This was a really Interesting idea, and the spice was great, but the storytelling fell flat for me (though it did pick up about halfway through).
I loved the dangerous sensuality and how the struggle for dominance extended to the spice. However, it did feel like their motivation was told somewhat artlessly in a way that didn’t give readers the chance to infer, like when Callan kept stating variations of he’s so in charge so why does Audrey’s badassery turn him on?
There was also some repetitive diction, including the repeated use of the phrase “poison magic” where the author could have just described the effects of the magic; the kind of magic didn’t need to be stated so often.
Overall, it felt like the author was telling instead of showing, like she didn’t trust readers to understand what was going on without stating what was happening. One example is when we already know the MCs are on their way to meet a forger, a fact about which they and we are all aware, and the MC stops at a door to say, “this is where we’ll find the forger.”
It also feels like some dialogue is for the audience rather than making sense between the characters. For example, Callan tells Audrey she can’t use magic when her hands are held apart but presumably she knows this, so why would Callan say it? It’s just to inform the audience and it feels unrealistic.
Furthermore, the way the characters think about themselves in their own POV feels somewhat flat, like the author is trying so hard to make sure readers know they’re the bad guys that the characters themselves feel like villain stock characters.
Finally, the end felt like a Scooby Doo unveiling, with the bad guys telling their whole plot and how they did it. It was a reveal but the way it was written made it feel like I was supposed to be shocked as if it were a plot twist. It was interesting, though.
I loved the dangerous sensuality and how the struggle for dominance extended to the spice. However, it did feel like their motivation was told somewhat artlessly in a way that didn’t give readers the chance to infer, like when Callan kept stating variations of he’s so in charge so why does Audrey’s badassery turn him on?
There was also some repetitive diction, including the repeated use of the phrase “poison magic” where the author could have just described the effects of the magic; the kind of magic didn’t need to be stated so often.
Overall, it felt like the author was telling instead of showing, like she didn’t trust readers to understand what was going on without stating what was happening. One example is when we already know the MCs are on their way to meet a forger, a fact about which they and we are all aware, and the MC stops at a door to say, “this is where we’ll find the forger.”
It also feels like some dialogue is for the audience rather than making sense between the characters. For example, Callan tells Audrey she can’t use magic when her hands are held apart but presumably she knows this, so why would Callan say it? It’s just to inform the audience and it feels unrealistic.
Furthermore, the way the characters think about themselves in their own POV feels somewhat flat, like the author is trying so hard to make sure readers know they’re the bad guys that the characters themselves feel like villain stock characters.
Finally, the end felt like a Scooby Doo unveiling, with the bad guys telling their whole plot and how they did it. It was a reveal but the way it was written made it feel like I was supposed to be shocked as if it were a plot twist. It was interesting, though.
December 4, 2022
Ruthless Villains
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
I know we all love when one of the main characters is a villain, but what if both main characters are villains??? Audrey and Callan are both dark mages who refused to give up their powers to the city, and instead ran off to the country to keep and live freely among other dark mages. But now their way of life is in danger from the “heros” of their home town. Can Audrey and Callan work together to neutralize this threat?
This isn’t just about two villains, it’s about two villains who have been trying to kill each other for years. Yes we have an enemies-to-lovers trope and I loved it! These two also stay villains throughout the entire book which I love. I will say the only thing that bothered me is the ending of the book. I felt like the last struggle just kept going back and forth. There is plenty of action and violence in this book so you’re never bored. Plus the 🌶️ is 🥵! So if you’re looking for a good villain story then this is it!!
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
I know we all love when one of the main characters is a villain, but what if both main characters are villains??? Audrey and Callan are both dark mages who refused to give up their powers to the city, and instead ran off to the country to keep and live freely among other dark mages. But now their way of life is in danger from the “heros” of their home town. Can Audrey and Callan work together to neutralize this threat?
This isn’t just about two villains, it’s about two villains who have been trying to kill each other for years. Yes we have an enemies-to-lovers trope and I loved it! These two also stay villains throughout the entire book which I love. I will say the only thing that bothered me is the ending of the book. I felt like the last struggle just kept going back and forth. There is plenty of action and violence in this book so you’re never bored. Plus the 🌶️ is 🥵! So if you’re looking for a good villain story then this is it!!
October 15, 2022
5⭐️
4🌶️
WOW... I devoured this book.
I absolutely loved the pacing, story building, and plot. It wasn’t overly complex or heavy. I also really liked that both the MMC and FMC were villains.
I found the banter and vengeance between Callan and Audrey to be AMAZING! They were a bomb waiting to explode and the TENSION…. Oh my… the spice was soooo good people! 🤌🏻
The book ends on a enticing cliffhanger and AHHH I’m already itching for book two.
You might enjoy this book if you like:
✔️enemies to lovers…
tries to k!ll each other multiple times
✔️forced proximity
✔️morally grey MMC
and FMC
✔️Unique magic system
✔️smut🌶️
✔️b0nd@age
✔️dom/praise
4🌶️
WOW... I devoured this book.
I absolutely loved the pacing, story building, and plot. It wasn’t overly complex or heavy. I also really liked that both the MMC and FMC were villains.
I found the banter and vengeance between Callan and Audrey to be AMAZING! They were a bomb waiting to explode and the TENSION…. Oh my… the spice was soooo good people! 🤌🏻
The book ends on a enticing cliffhanger and AHHH I’m already itching for book two.
You might enjoy this book if you like:
✔️enemies to lovers…
tries to k!ll each other multiple times
✔️forced proximity
✔️morally grey MMC
and FMC
✔️Unique magic system
✔️smut🌶️
✔️b0nd@age
✔️dom/praise
June 15, 2023
I saw this book on BookTok and was instantly drawn to the story and the characters. Sadly, this one didn’t work for me.
The plot itself was interesting enough, but the world building lacked some information. There are so many things thrown in our face and other things that are essential for understanding this world, were just left out.
There is so much repetition. We read the same scene over and over again, with just very small aberrations. They nearly kill each other, but then realize they can’t because they need each other to achieve their goals. And don’t let me get started on the ending. This whole thing where they both anticipated what the other had planned again and again was ridiculous.
The writing itself wasn’t something I enjoyed. It felt clunky and rough, like some polishing was missing.
I don’t think I’m intrigued enough to continue this series, I don’t really care about the characters and their love/hate antics.
The plot itself was interesting enough, but the world building lacked some information. There are so many things thrown in our face and other things that are essential for understanding this world, were just left out.
There is so much repetition. We read the same scene over and over again, with just very small aberrations. They nearly kill each other, but then realize they can’t because they need each other to achieve their goals. And don’t let me get started on the ending. This whole thing where they both anticipated what the other had planned again and again was ridiculous.
The writing itself wasn’t something I enjoyed. It felt clunky and rough, like some polishing was missing.
I don’t think I’m intrigued enough to continue this series, I don’t really care about the characters and their love/hate antics.
January 10, 2023
10/01/2023
2023 reads book 5
“I don’t think there is such a thing as destiny. I think people make choices."
Fun smut, VERY repetitive storyline. This was a constant wave of them trying to kill eachother, getting very close and then going "but I can't kill them for the mission". The ending was pretty much what I expected, with the constant "but wait, turns out I planned ahead that you would be planning ahead that I would plan ahead that YOU would plan ahead." A little ridiculous all in all, but they actually had some fun chemistry going if they weren't trying to kill eachother, so I'll probably read the next books in the series!
2023 reads book 5
“I don’t think there is such a thing as destiny. I think people make choices."
Fun smut, VERY repetitive storyline. This was a constant wave of them trying to kill eachother, getting very close and then going "but I can't kill them for the mission". The ending was pretty much what I expected, with the constant "but wait, turns out I planned ahead that you would be planning ahead that I would plan ahead that YOU would plan ahead." A little ridiculous all in all, but they actually had some fun chemistry going if they weren't trying to kill eachother, so I'll probably read the next books in the series!
October 23, 2022
Not everyone is born with magic in Eldar, but those who are, share it with the others. Then there are those who refuse to share. Dark mages without any moral. Audrey Sable and Callan Blackwell are two of them. They hate each other and have an ongoing war between them. But when the "heroes" of Eldar plan to wipe out the remaining dark mages, Audrey and Callan suddenly have to work together to survive.
"They say that poison is a coward’s weapon. I say that they have never known the intoxicating rush of power that comes from watching a man beg you for mercy while your poison slowly chokes him to death."
The first sentences really got my attention! Unfortunatly it didn't quite live up to my expectations after that, but here's what I liked. I love the premise of following the villains, and although it felt unusual to cheer for the bad guys I enjoyed it. I liked the magic system and that people were born with different powers (or no power at all). I appreciated the dual POV. One last small, yet crucial, detail: the cover. How gorgeous?!
Now, the things I didn't like... There's a lot of repetitions. Almost on every page their smiles are described; "a smile laced with threats", "he was smiling like the villain he was", "he smirked", "a wicked grin curled his lips", "a wicked grin spread across my lips", "a smirk curled my lips". Gets tiresome real fast. The author also tends to be over explicit, like she doesn't trust the reader to understand. For example, I don't need the characters to say that they hate each other on multiple occasions, I got that after reading a few pages. I think most readers prefer "show, don't tell" - at least, I do. Another thing that bothers me is that although Audrey and Callan supposedly are clever people, they don't seem to get that the other will retaliate when they "prank" each other. It makes them look like spoiled brats!
So... do I want to read the next book when it releases? Of course I do! Especially with that cliffhanger! Please, remember to check TW before reading; this book is for a mature audience and it has a lot of violence and sexual content. Nothing that bothers me, but it's not for everyone.
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
"They say that poison is a coward’s weapon. I say that they have never known the intoxicating rush of power that comes from watching a man beg you for mercy while your poison slowly chokes him to death."
The first sentences really got my attention! Unfortunatly it didn't quite live up to my expectations after that, but here's what I liked. I love the premise of following the villains, and although it felt unusual to cheer for the bad guys I enjoyed it. I liked the magic system and that people were born with different powers (or no power at all). I appreciated the dual POV. One last small, yet crucial, detail: the cover. How gorgeous?!
Now, the things I didn't like... There's a lot of repetitions. Almost on every page their smiles are described; "a smile laced with threats", "he was smiling like the villain he was", "he smirked", "a wicked grin curled his lips", "a wicked grin spread across my lips", "a smirk curled my lips". Gets tiresome real fast. The author also tends to be over explicit, like she doesn't trust the reader to understand. For example, I don't need the characters to say that they hate each other on multiple occasions, I got that after reading a few pages. I think most readers prefer "show, don't tell" - at least, I do. Another thing that bothers me is that although Audrey and Callan supposedly are clever people, they don't seem to get that the other will retaliate when they "prank" each other. It makes them look like spoiled brats!
So... do I want to read the next book when it releases? Of course I do! Especially with that cliffhanger! Please, remember to check TW before reading; this book is for a mature audience and it has a lot of violence and sexual content. Nothing that bothers me, but it's not for everyone.
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
October 26, 2022
I ate this the hell up LOL
now these characters are actually villains (lowkey they’re conservatives — tw haha) and I say this because they don’t believe in peace, harmony, and sharing wealth (the good guys don’t really believe in it either but I digress)
anyway this book is a bit cartoony in that the two main characters hate each other really ~just because~ but I guess it makes sense because they are simply evil for the sake of being evil. (Their villain origin stories are truly not enough love from their parents SIS PLS)
when they are forced to work together, they still hate each other and constantly try to maim/kill each other, as they should!!! but they also have sexc times (truly because they’re both hot and horny)
SPEAKING OF THEM BEING HOT, I am on the floor for Audrey 🧎🏽♀️she could truly do whatever she wants to me and I’ll thank her omg. she’s up there with Jude duarte and Lana myers on the list of murderous girlbosses who I will defend to the ends of the earth. AND she’s not (sorry that got a little gay but wow)
anyway the last 5% had me screaming in a local coffee shop at 9PM on a weekday can’t wait for book 2
now these characters are actually villains (lowkey they’re conservatives — tw haha) and I say this because they don’t believe in peace, harmony, and sharing wealth (the good guys don’t really believe in it either but I digress)
anyway this book is a bit cartoony in that the two main characters hate each other really ~just because~ but I guess it makes sense because they are simply evil for the sake of being evil. (Their villain origin stories are truly not enough love from their parents SIS PLS)
when they are forced to work together, they still hate each other and constantly try to maim/kill each other, as they should!!! but they also have sexc times (truly because they’re both hot and horny)
SPEAKING OF THEM BEING HOT, I am on the floor for Audrey 🧎🏽♀️she could truly do whatever she wants to me and I’ll thank her omg. she’s up there with Jude duarte and Lana myers on the list of murderous girlbosses who I will defend to the ends of the earth. AND she’s not (sorry that got a little gay but wow)
anyway the last 5% had me screaming in a local coffee shop at 9PM on a weekday can’t wait for book 2
November 29, 2022
The fact that the phrase "long black hair" was used at least 9 times in the first 50% (yeah I counted it was that bad) of this book and about 15 times overall shows that either this author desperately needs an editor or that editor needs to be fired. I was literally groaning by the 3rd appearance of this phrase because it's often used multiple times on the same fucking page.
November 26, 2022
Edit: it was more Mr and Mrs Smith vibes. But I still enjoyed it.
Enemies with benefits + knives to throats??? am I finally getting the JudeCardan that I deserved???
Enemies with benefits + knives to throats??? am I finally getting the JudeCardan that I deserved???
August 18, 2024
Buddy Read! Spoilers from the beginning :)
I gave it 3 stars since the last 25% of the book was tolerable but upon further refection from all my highlights- 2.5 stars and all because there is no contraception/std talk or care. In this modern day? Who cares what world it is in, build this in to it! Like "magical" contraception or a potion for pete's sake...
Anyway, the story has so many contrived scenes and forced proximity that it took away from the enjoyment of a "fantasy" story. The villains are not as "bad" OR smart, as we are promised in the blurbs. I am sorry- please make your villains live up to the reputation of being bad. And for being some of the last 6 remaining in the Land, by actually being cunning and smart.
These 2 characters were immature, rash and had NO finesse. Just brutes. He constantly wants to "dominate" her sexually and interestingly enough, she wants to do the same to him! They had so much in common. The scenes had spice but it was NOT a turn on, no intimacy, nothing to catch the heart strings. His only claim to fame is his magically vibrating fingers. So I understand her addiction lol.
You know the scenes are not engaging when I am thinking more about the dress she was wearing that he just removed. "Dark green, huh. Isn't that the same description from the last 2 sex scenes? A dark green dress? Hmmm..."
But to build every single sexual encounter on domination and vibration? Shallow. Repetitive.
Its a series, world building has major holes, plot was thin, it ends on a cliffy, and I will not be continuing. You have been warned!
I gave it 3 stars since the last 25% of the book was tolerable but upon further refection from all my highlights- 2.5 stars and all because there is no contraception/std talk or care. In this modern day? Who cares what world it is in, build this in to it! Like "magical" contraception or a potion for pete's sake...
Anyway, the story has so many contrived scenes and forced proximity that it took away from the enjoyment of a "fantasy" story. The villains are not as "bad" OR smart, as we are promised in the blurbs. I am sorry- please make your villains live up to the reputation of being bad. And for being some of the last 6 remaining in the Land, by actually being cunning and smart.
These 2 characters were immature, rash and had NO finesse. Just brutes. He constantly wants to "dominate" her sexually and interestingly enough, she wants to do the same to him! They had so much in common. The scenes had spice but it was NOT a turn on, no intimacy, nothing to catch the heart strings. His only claim to fame is his magically vibrating fingers. So I understand her addiction lol.
You know the scenes are not engaging when I am thinking more about the dress she was wearing that he just removed. "Dark green, huh. Isn't that the same description from the last 2 sex scenes? A dark green dress? Hmmm..."
But to build every single sexual encounter on domination and vibration? Shallow. Repetitive.
Its a series, world building has major holes, plot was thin, it ends on a cliffy, and I will not be continuing. You have been warned!
October 13, 2022
Marion is one of my all time favourite authors. Her character writing skills are always on point and she has perfected the art of sassy witty banter. When she said she was going to release an adult fantasy series I was all the way here for it and I was not disappointed.
Audrey and Callan are Villians. Not the pretend to be Villians but are secretly good guys kind of Villians either but actual bad people which I loved! It’s so so refreshing. Of course their back stories make you understand their motives but they are still out there killing innocents with no remorse at all.
They spent the book double crossing and trying to kill each other in a struggle for dominance which crosses over into the bedroom.
It’s spicy. Like fan yourself kind of spicy. Please read the trigger warnings carefully but it’s all consensual which I liked.
There were twists and turns and constant action which made it an exciting and easy read. I could not put it down and can’t wait to get my hands on the second one.
Thankyou for trusting me with an arc copy of your book Marion. You never ever disappoint.
Audrey and Callan are Villians. Not the pretend to be Villians but are secretly good guys kind of Villians either but actual bad people which I loved! It’s so so refreshing. Of course their back stories make you understand their motives but they are still out there killing innocents with no remorse at all.
They spent the book double crossing and trying to kill each other in a struggle for dominance which crosses over into the bedroom.
It’s spicy. Like fan yourself kind of spicy. Please read the trigger warnings carefully but it’s all consensual which I liked.
There were twists and turns and constant action which made it an exciting and easy read. I could not put it down and can’t wait to get my hands on the second one.
Thankyou for trusting me with an arc copy of your book Marion. You never ever disappoint.
January 1, 2023
1.5⭐️ (rounded down bc the only thing stopping this from being a straight 1⭐️ is the decent smut)
I regret not DNFing this when I should have. It feels written for 12 year olds but has all the smut of an adult novel. No worldbuilding. The magic system is BARELY developed. The dialogue is cliché. The source of all this hatred is also a stupid, petty land dispute ????
These characters don’t have real personalities or depth or substance.
Painfully juvenile and lackluster writing that is not only weirdly long-winded, but overly repetitive. Like…we get it. Audrey uses her poison magic to magically poison people with her poison magic. I can only read about her calling on her poison magic to send magic over to poison people with magic so many times before screaming from the rooftops how desperately I need this author to find out that synonyms exist and you don’t need to remind us that Audrey’s poison magic is magic that uses poison.
Did I mention Audrey is a poison magic mage? She uses her magic to poison people 🤩magically🤩
Uuuuggghhhhhhhh
It just reads like a first draft attempt at fantasy. It’s so disappointing
CW: explicit sexual content, violence, murder
I regret not DNFing this when I should have. It feels written for 12 year olds but has all the smut of an adult novel. No worldbuilding. The magic system is BARELY developed. The dialogue is cliché. The source of all this hatred is also a stupid, petty land dispute ????
These characters don’t have real personalities or depth or substance.
Painfully juvenile and lackluster writing that is not only weirdly long-winded, but overly repetitive. Like…we get it. Audrey uses her poison magic to magically poison people with her poison magic. I can only read about her calling on her poison magic to send magic over to poison people with magic so many times before screaming from the rooftops how desperately I need this author to find out that synonyms exist and you don’t need to remind us that Audrey’s poison magic is magic that uses poison.
Did I mention Audrey is a poison magic mage? She uses her magic to poison people 🤩magically🤩
Uuuuggghhhhhhhh
It just reads like a first draft attempt at fantasy. It’s so disappointing
CW: explicit sexual content, violence, murder
November 18, 2022
dnf @10%
im sorry....but this really needs an editor
the plot was intriguing enough but it feels like a very very rough first draft it just isn't working
im sorry....but this really needs an editor
the plot was intriguing enough but it feels like a very very rough first draft it just isn't working
April 24, 2023
Somebody throw a bucket of cold water on me because this book has me burning 🥵🔥
Y’all!! Y’all!!! I’m addicted. Slow burn intense enemies to lovers where both characters are villainous AND teasing each other to see who breaks first??😮💨
These two try to kill each other every other chapter, combined with the banter dripping from every page I was a swirling mess 😅 the romance is the focus throughout the story which I’m not complaining 😏 the story feels more character driven (my favorites) with a touch of magic and dark mages (I want some poison power!). Also, the light BDSM was a nice surprise 😗
Prepare yourselves for the steam because it is perfectly timed throughout the story and it increases in level as the attraction between these two intensifies… don’t ask me the color of nothing, what mission, no idea 😜🔥
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this gem for review
Y’all!! Y’all!!! I’m addicted. Slow burn intense enemies to lovers where both characters are villainous AND teasing each other to see who breaks first??😮💨
These two try to kill each other every other chapter, combined with the banter dripping from every page I was a swirling mess 😅 the romance is the focus throughout the story which I’m not complaining 😏 the story feels more character driven (my favorites) with a touch of magic and dark mages (I want some poison power!). Also, the light BDSM was a nice surprise 😗
Prepare yourselves for the steam because it is perfectly timed throughout the story and it increases in level as the attraction between these two intensifies… don’t ask me the color of nothing, what mission, no idea 😜🔥
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this gem for review
February 11, 2023
Fun for the villain lovers.
June 21, 2025
1,75/5
December 14, 2023
2.5 stars
January 2, 2023
Didn’t really live up to my expectations
January 26, 2024
First off Marion, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to read this book. It has been one good ride! I really enjoyed it.
Below is a spoilerfree review of Ruthless Villains.
Oh. My. God. This book is having me in a chokehold. Enemies to (sort of) lovers, forced to work together, one bed trope, dagger to the throat, sworn nemesis... SPICE? It really had everything I hoped for when Marion released an announcement that she was searching for ARC readers.
I normally don't rate ARC books 5 stars that easily, but this was such an easy 5 star. To start off with the plot, it was simply put amazing. Every time I thought I figured something out, there was just the smallest twist. Every time I was almost begging for them to finally, finally make a move... You surprised me again, Marion. And god, did I love it!
The world building is truly unique and unlike something I've read before. It has something with elements, mages and definitely gave me knight vibes if you get me. It was dark but also a very quick and light read. I loved what Marion did with the magic system and it was easy to follow. The writingstyle was superb and I really, really loved the dual POV to see both their reactions and reasonings behind their actions.
The characters are so loveable! A bad ass female lead? Hell yeah. Grumpy, tall and dark male lead? Hell yeah. They were absolutely lovely. The spice in this book was amazing. Normally I cringe when I read spicy scenes when it isn't executed well, but this spice actually really added to the story and it had a lot of depth. It has a nice tension built and I liked what the author did with easing into the heaviness of the scenes. It wasn't just thrown at your face, but there was a gradually building point which made sense for the plot and the characters.
That ending though. What are you doing to me Marion? Like, I need the second book right now my friend because that was one hell of a twist!
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves fantasy, magic systems, spice, certain tropes and a quick and easy read.
Below is a spoilerfree review of Ruthless Villains.
Oh. My. God. This book is having me in a chokehold. Enemies to (sort of) lovers, forced to work together, one bed trope, dagger to the throat, sworn nemesis... SPICE? It really had everything I hoped for when Marion released an announcement that she was searching for ARC readers.
I normally don't rate ARC books 5 stars that easily, but this was such an easy 5 star. To start off with the plot, it was simply put amazing. Every time I thought I figured something out, there was just the smallest twist. Every time I was almost begging for them to finally, finally make a move... You surprised me again, Marion. And god, did I love it!
The world building is truly unique and unlike something I've read before. It has something with elements, mages and definitely gave me knight vibes if you get me. It was dark but also a very quick and light read. I loved what Marion did with the magic system and it was easy to follow. The writingstyle was superb and I really, really loved the dual POV to see both their reactions and reasonings behind their actions.
The characters are so loveable! A bad ass female lead? Hell yeah. Grumpy, tall and dark male lead? Hell yeah. They were absolutely lovely. The spice in this book was amazing. Normally I cringe when I read spicy scenes when it isn't executed well, but this spice actually really added to the story and it had a lot of depth. It has a nice tension built and I liked what the author did with easing into the heaviness of the scenes. It wasn't just thrown at your face, but there was a gradually building point which made sense for the plot and the characters.
That ending though. What are you doing to me Marion? Like, I need the second book right now my friend because that was one hell of a twist!
I will definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves fantasy, magic systems, spice, certain tropes and a quick and easy read.
December 5, 2022
I *really* wanted to like this book. I discovered it on Booktok, and from the little snippets the author posted on there (in condensed form, as they usually come) I went straight to KU for this (thankful it was on KU after reading it because it sucked).
This book was about 1/3 of the length it should’ve been, and if it was fully fleshed out to a fuller length with more detailed plot, it could’ve been my next favorite series ever. It has so much potential but it reads like a rough draft that has had grammatical and punctuation editing and that’s it, they just sent it off to publishing.
The 🌶️ spice 🌶️ in this book is a 5/5, thankfully. I’ve read books before that are mostly spice with a little plot but this one just really left the reader underwhelmed by having this be about mages and violence (exciting!) but then it was executed so poorly.
Don’t think I’ll read the next one, thought the description sounds like it would be part 2/3 of what the story needed to be in this one.
This book was about 1/3 of the length it should’ve been, and if it was fully fleshed out to a fuller length with more detailed plot, it could’ve been my next favorite series ever. It has so much potential but it reads like a rough draft that has had grammatical and punctuation editing and that’s it, they just sent it off to publishing.
The 🌶️ spice 🌶️ in this book is a 5/5, thankfully. I’ve read books before that are mostly spice with a little plot but this one just really left the reader underwhelmed by having this be about mages and violence (exciting!) but then it was executed so poorly.
Don’t think I’ll read the next one, thought the description sounds like it would be part 2/3 of what the story needed to be in this one.
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars. Liked it, didn’t love it. Will be reading the next book tho.
November 12, 2022
I went into this story hoping for a smouldering romance and it did not disappoint. Audrey (poison magic) and Callan (force magic) are dark mages that have wages war against each other for years. At every opportunity, they try to kill each other. In this world dark mages are considered villains because they essentially defected from society by not finishing the graduation ceremony that would put their powers into the Great Current.
Some ppl are born with magic and some aren't but everyone is supposed to hone their magic skills from age 10 and then put them in the current at age 20 so that magic can be distributed evenly to the population and everyone has some form of diluted magical ability. Dark mages have their power in full and live in relative secret.
The healer in the group called together the remaining dark mages to tell them that the "heroes" have acquired a Binder who can bind the powers of a dark mage and force them to complete the ceremony. This is a danger so they make a plan to team up together and kidnap the Binder so he can't do that.
Audrey and Callan end up teaming up together and calling a temporary truce so that they can finish the mission. However, they realize they are attracted to each other and that causes a bit of muddled emotions as well as complications.
I actually really enjoyed this story. It's a refreshing take in a fantasy realm where the villains are bad but not actually that bad considering the rules of society. Almost like anti-heros if you will. I liked that even though they are the opposite sex, Audrey especially can hold her own very well against Callan's machinations. It took a bit to actually see them start to actually like each other but when they did, their chemistry was hot. I'm also a sucker for a man who knows he loves a woman before she knows even if doesn't like that he has these feelings.
The only things that prevented this from being a 5 star for me are small things like descriptors for settings like the bathroom im an inn. I couldn't tell if this was a time period before running water or not. They were riding horses and carrying sacks but had square showerheads in the ceiling? It didn't seem to match. Also some of the lines were a bit repetitive like them always being impressed with the other in their internal dialogue all the time. Other than that, I do plan to read the next one when it comes out and see where things end up with Audrey and Callan after that ending.
Some ppl are born with magic and some aren't but everyone is supposed to hone their magic skills from age 10 and then put them in the current at age 20 so that magic can be distributed evenly to the population and everyone has some form of diluted magical ability. Dark mages have their power in full and live in relative secret.
The healer in the group called together the remaining dark mages to tell them that the "heroes" have acquired a Binder who can bind the powers of a dark mage and force them to complete the ceremony. This is a danger so they make a plan to team up together and kidnap the Binder so he can't do that.
Audrey and Callan end up teaming up together and calling a temporary truce so that they can finish the mission. However, they realize they are attracted to each other and that causes a bit of muddled emotions as well as complications.
I actually really enjoyed this story. It's a refreshing take in a fantasy realm where the villains are bad but not actually that bad considering the rules of society. Almost like anti-heros if you will. I liked that even though they are the opposite sex, Audrey especially can hold her own very well against Callan's machinations. It took a bit to actually see them start to actually like each other but when they did, their chemistry was hot. I'm also a sucker for a man who knows he loves a woman before she knows even if doesn't like that he has these feelings.
The only things that prevented this from being a 5 star for me are small things like descriptors for settings like the bathroom im an inn. I couldn't tell if this was a time period before running water or not. They were riding horses and carrying sacks but had square showerheads in the ceiling? It didn't seem to match. Also some of the lines were a bit repetitive like them always being impressed with the other in their internal dialogue all the time. Other than that, I do plan to read the next one when it comes out and see where things end up with Audrey and Callan after that ending.
April 20, 2023
Yesss. There is nothing more than I love than a good villain story. Not villains being heroes, but actually being what they are meant to be. I adored this book and am so glad that it is a series because I desperately want to read more. If you are a fan of enemies to lovers, dark romance, and close proximity, then you are going to devour this book.
October 23, 2022
5⭐️ 4🌶️
This book starts fast and keeps going. The writing is smooth, funny, and the plot was so well thought out. This story has all the good tropes. Some of my favorites were the one horse, one bed, fake relationship, and of course the true enemies to lovers. The magic system is really interesting, I personally have not read another fantasy like it. Something to keep in mind is that this story is told from the villain’s point of view, and these villains do have some darker tastes and personality traits. Check your trigger warnings.
I LOVED the dynamic between Audrey and Callan. I really enjoyed the history they share as well as how their relationship develops through the story. Their enemies to lovers trope is a real rollercoaster and I am here for it. I also really enjoyed the constant switch between POVs. It made the story much deeper getting both perspectives!
This is the first book of a series, and it is a wonderful dive into the world. I was graciously gifted this as an ARC reader and I am so happy I was able to find a new favorite read. 🖤
This book starts fast and keeps going. The writing is smooth, funny, and the plot was so well thought out. This story has all the good tropes. Some of my favorites were the one horse, one bed, fake relationship, and of course the true enemies to lovers. The magic system is really interesting, I personally have not read another fantasy like it. Something to keep in mind is that this story is told from the villain’s point of view, and these villains do have some darker tastes and personality traits. Check your trigger warnings.
I LOVED the dynamic between Audrey and Callan. I really enjoyed the history they share as well as how their relationship develops through the story. Their enemies to lovers trope is a real rollercoaster and I am here for it. I also really enjoyed the constant switch between POVs. It made the story much deeper getting both perspectives!
This is the first book of a series, and it is a wonderful dive into the world. I was graciously gifted this as an ARC reader and I am so happy I was able to find a new favorite read. 🖤
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