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Vicious Devotion
Her pack is destroyed. Her Alpha is dead. All that Pheir has left is rage.
According to the Conclave, that isn’t punishment enough. For her mutiny, she’ll be married into the enemy Timber pack and forced to abandon her old loyalties.
As far as Pheir’s concerned, being held captive is just a hitch in her plot for revenge. She will find a way to bring her former leader back from the dead. If the Timbers try to stop her, they’ll learn what happens to people who get in her way.
But the Timbers aren’t as united as they seem.
Even outside of Alpha Lev’s newly-assigned marriage, there’s tension between her most trusted officers. Aren and Caius are diametrically opposed, yet the three of them keep finding their way into each other’s beds.
Adding their rival, Pheir, to the mix is fuel to the fire - but the more they learn of their entwined histories, the less they recognize each other.
What if they aren’t the people they thought they were?
What if digging for each others’ weaknesses unearthed their own?
What if the restless feelings they have for each other have developed into something other than hate?
According to the Conclave, that isn’t punishment enough. For her mutiny, she’ll be married into the enemy Timber pack and forced to abandon her old loyalties.
As far as Pheir’s concerned, being held captive is just a hitch in her plot for revenge. She will find a way to bring her former leader back from the dead. If the Timbers try to stop her, they’ll learn what happens to people who get in her way.
But the Timbers aren’t as united as they seem.
Even outside of Alpha Lev’s newly-assigned marriage, there’s tension between her most trusted officers. Aren and Caius are diametrically opposed, yet the three of them keep finding their way into each other’s beds.
Adding their rival, Pheir, to the mix is fuel to the fire - but the more they learn of their entwined histories, the less they recognize each other.
What if they aren’t the people they thought they were?
What if digging for each others’ weaknesses unearthed their own?
What if the restless feelings they have for each other have developed into something other than hate?
ebook
First published March 3, 2023
21 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Aveda Vice
10 books399 followersAveda Vice (any pronouns) is a pansexual author of unconventional kink and monstrous romances. In their books, you’ll find a fondness for queer creatures, polyamorous love, and grumpy girls. She falls down rabbit holes, decorates every day like it’s Halloween, and is going to hell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 6, 2023
In another lifetime, a different kind of blood would be spilled. This time, though, blood mingles on their tongues, lost in the scent of arousal and assurance and devotion. Beneath them, the ground hums a symphony.
This is the kind of book that brilliantly conquers a part of your mind! I’ll certainly be thinking about it for quite some time. It focuses on four unique, complex, and completely alluring individuals. Each goes through their own journey, that being self-discovery, freedom, or salvation. These four characters grow such intense relationships and throughout the story, they grow and unite with each other to create an intricate web. I really loved that there was a subtle hint of the “fated” and the “meant-to-be”. As like their souls were meant to collide.
This book is essentially multiple stories merging with each other. There is the cult (kind-of) trope, abandonment issues, self-doubt and so much more. The book is also as hot and steamy as Vesta’s breath! Hint: she is a phoenix.
The writing was amazing. I don’t think the book would have worked out if the writing wasn’t so good. There are four dynamic characters with secrets and sorrows that demanded time and talent to present their growth individually, as a pair, and all together. Along with that, there are interesting world-building and side characters. The idea of the residual magic really stuck with me.
I do think that the book was a bit longer than I would’ve liked. It stretched more than necessary in certain parts, and although its length the last few chapters were a bit hurried. They left me a bit confused as the story was rushing to the finish line. Also, I couldn’t connect with Lev as much as I desired. Don’t get me wrong, I liked her. She’s an Alpha fmc! What’s not to like? But, it felt like the adoration for her was a fact. As though the reader meant to love her because it was stated that she was kind and whole-hearted. Fortunately, there were actions to back up those claims.
I would love to read the stories of the side characters. If this book was any indication, any following stories will be a blast. Take into account that this story is about were-creatures, harpies, dryads, and other magical beings.
ARC Review
Did I like it? Yes! Like a siren’s kiss.
Would I reread it? Probably yes.
4.5/5⭐
4.5/5🌶️
This is the kind of book that brilliantly conquers a part of your mind! I’ll certainly be thinking about it for quite some time. It focuses on four unique, complex, and completely alluring individuals. Each goes through their own journey, that being self-discovery, freedom, or salvation. These four characters grow such intense relationships and throughout the story, they grow and unite with each other to create an intricate web. I really loved that there was a subtle hint of the “fated” and the “meant-to-be”. As like their souls were meant to collide.
This book is essentially multiple stories merging with each other. There is the cult (kind-of) trope, abandonment issues, self-doubt and so much more. The book is also as hot and steamy as Vesta’s breath! Hint: she is a phoenix.
The writing was amazing. I don’t think the book would have worked out if the writing wasn’t so good. There are four dynamic characters with secrets and sorrows that demanded time and talent to present their growth individually, as a pair, and all together. Along with that, there are interesting world-building and side characters. The idea of the residual magic really stuck with me.
I do think that the book was a bit longer than I would’ve liked. It stretched more than necessary in certain parts, and although its length the last few chapters were a bit hurried. They left me a bit confused as the story was rushing to the finish line. Also, I couldn’t connect with Lev as much as I desired. Don’t get me wrong, I liked her. She’s an Alpha fmc! What’s not to like? But, it felt like the adoration for her was a fact. As though the reader meant to love her because it was stated that she was kind and whole-hearted. Fortunately, there were actions to back up those claims.
I would love to read the stories of the side characters. If this book was any indication, any following stories will be a blast. Take into account that this story is about were-creatures, harpies, dryads, and other magical beings.
ARC Review
Did I like it? Yes! Like a siren’s kiss.
Would I reread it? Probably yes.
4.5/5⭐
4.5/5🌶️
July 4, 2023
I can’t wait to gush about this 😍
4.5
TW: Violence, gore, blood, fire and burns, toxic/abusive relationships (former), brainwashing/cult, messy trauma recovery and healing process, descriptions and mentions of trauma, attempted murder, claustrophobia, child abuse (physical, neglect), choking/drowning, coerced sex (former), blood play, captive sex, cnc, restraint/bondage
Pheir’s alpha was killed in front of her and now she’s being forced into a marriage of convenience by the Conclave to rid her of her pack bonds. They have her prisoner but that just means she can be close to Vestas ashes. She will avenge her alpha and she will make everyone pay. The Timbers have Pheir and as alpha Lev will have to marry her. She was already confused with her relationship with her beta Aren and combatant Cauis, but throwing Pheir in the mix just adds to the confusion. They have fought against Pheir on the battlefield. They have tried to kill her. How will they make this work? Their lives have been intertwined but do they even know to what extent?
I was excited to get into Vicious Devotion after Bound. I truly did not know what to expect from it. Bound was the most “monster” book I had read and it was dirty as fuck. (Truly the hate fuck of all hate fucks) I was wondering where they would take the story and how the addition of another character would fit into the mix. While I didn’t know where it would go I love how authentic the story felt to these characters.
Vicious Devotion has everything I come to expect from an Aveda Vice book. It has the stunning writing saying the nastiest shit. It of course had the tangible wanting that they do so damn well. Like nobody does it like them type of wanting. But, like every other one of their books, it also has a deeper conversation on autonomy and being your own. Showcasing the freedom in being your own in the fullness of your autonomy and how that effects your choices. This book so wonderfully expounds on the power of freedom. The power of one’s name. It talks about the innate need to be wanted and seen and so wholly known. The healing in feeling wanted and the strength in allowing yourself that vulnerability. It also does a beautiful job of exploring what healing can look like. Showing that healing isn’t always linear and that it can be messy but that doesn’t take away from the healing. And all of this is done with the care he always gives these conversations.
But don’t let all of that fool you into thinking this is a sweet little romance. This is truly nasty as fuck. Like genuinely dirty being out in the woods lmao This is also FFMM and everybody is fucking. This is also monster fucking like they are not basically humans with wing they are monsters. One girl is a literal wererabbit which was new for me 😂 I do tend to forget they are monsters until they bring up the bunny ears or their fur or her feathers because they feel human in the way you connect to their feelings and pain.
I really came to love these characters. They each brought something so special to the story. We met Pheir Aren and Cauis in Bound but Lev is new. I really love how they play off one another. How they each push each other to not just be one thing. That the two reserved ones learn to let themselves just exist without all their self imposed rules. And the two that are a little wild learn to take pause instead of living in that reactionary state from trauma.
Pheir is feral and strong and so fucking resilient. I loved seeing her playful side as she comes into herself.
Aren is so sturdy. He wants to be someone that his people can rely on. I loved getting to see him let loose though.
Lev is great. She is a strong badass alpha that also allows herself to be soft. She cares so deeply and can see people’s potential in such a beautiful way.
Cauis is my actual baby. I will fight god for him. He broke my damn heart. Watching his growth wrecked me in the best way. The fur under his pillow THE FUR UNDER HIS PILLOW 😭😭
I had no idea where this story was going to go after bound but I always trust Aveda to bring me along for a hell of a ride.
(I was given an ARC of this from the author but that in no way sways my opinion or rating)
4.5
TW: Violence, gore, blood, fire and burns, toxic/abusive relationships (former), brainwashing/cult, messy trauma recovery and healing process, descriptions and mentions of trauma, attempted murder, claustrophobia, child abuse (physical, neglect), choking/drowning, coerced sex (former), blood play, captive sex, cnc, restraint/bondage
Pheir’s alpha was killed in front of her and now she’s being forced into a marriage of convenience by the Conclave to rid her of her pack bonds. They have her prisoner but that just means she can be close to Vestas ashes. She will avenge her alpha and she will make everyone pay. The Timbers have Pheir and as alpha Lev will have to marry her. She was already confused with her relationship with her beta Aren and combatant Cauis, but throwing Pheir in the mix just adds to the confusion. They have fought against Pheir on the battlefield. They have tried to kill her. How will they make this work? Their lives have been intertwined but do they even know to what extent?
I was excited to get into Vicious Devotion after Bound. I truly did not know what to expect from it. Bound was the most “monster” book I had read and it was dirty as fuck. (Truly the hate fuck of all hate fucks) I was wondering where they would take the story and how the addition of another character would fit into the mix. While I didn’t know where it would go I love how authentic the story felt to these characters.
Vicious Devotion has everything I come to expect from an Aveda Vice book. It has the stunning writing saying the nastiest shit. It of course had the tangible wanting that they do so damn well. Like nobody does it like them type of wanting. But, like every other one of their books, it also has a deeper conversation on autonomy and being your own. Showcasing the freedom in being your own in the fullness of your autonomy and how that effects your choices. This book so wonderfully expounds on the power of freedom. The power of one’s name. It talks about the innate need to be wanted and seen and so wholly known. The healing in feeling wanted and the strength in allowing yourself that vulnerability. It also does a beautiful job of exploring what healing can look like. Showing that healing isn’t always linear and that it can be messy but that doesn’t take away from the healing. And all of this is done with the care he always gives these conversations.
But don’t let all of that fool you into thinking this is a sweet little romance. This is truly nasty as fuck. Like genuinely dirty being out in the woods lmao This is also FFMM and everybody is fucking. This is also monster fucking like they are not basically humans with wing they are monsters. One girl is a literal wererabbit which was new for me 😂 I do tend to forget they are monsters until they bring up the bunny ears or their fur or her feathers because they feel human in the way you connect to their feelings and pain.
I really came to love these characters. They each brought something so special to the story. We met Pheir Aren and Cauis in Bound but Lev is new. I really love how they play off one another. How they each push each other to not just be one thing. That the two reserved ones learn to let themselves just exist without all their self imposed rules. And the two that are a little wild learn to take pause instead of living in that reactionary state from trauma.
Pheir is feral and strong and so fucking resilient. I loved seeing her playful side as she comes into herself.
Aren is so sturdy. He wants to be someone that his people can rely on. I loved getting to see him let loose though.
Lev is great. She is a strong badass alpha that also allows herself to be soft. She cares so deeply and can see people’s potential in such a beautiful way.
Cauis is my actual baby. I will fight god for him. He broke my damn heart. Watching his growth wrecked me in the best way. The fur under his pillow THE FUR UNDER HIS PILLOW 😭😭
I had no idea where this story was going to go after bound but I always trust Aveda to bring me along for a hell of a ride.
(I was given an ARC of this from the author but that in no way sways my opinion or rating)
June 26, 2023
CW: emotional abuse
An MMFF enemies to lovers monster romance that explores the difficulty of healing from abusive relationships. When Vesta is defeated in battle, the three surviving members of her pack/cult are given in marriage to Alphas. Pheir is furious but she also sees it as an opportunity to take down Lev and the Timbers. She was exhausting, rash and reckless. I had to keep reminding myself that she had clearly been brainwashed by Vesta and it would take some time (and herbal remedy) for her to start seeing clearly again, much less give Lev, Aren, and Caius a chance.
All four characters need and complement each other. There’s no other pairing that would work. Lev and Aren have been a great Alpha-Beta team but Caius has been insecure about his place with them as a pack member and sex partner. The three were in an uneasy dance before Pheir entered the mix. And while it takes a while before they can trust Pheir won’t stab them, they were all on the same page sexually from the start. The trick is whether and how they’ll get to the same place emotionally and romantically and that takes a lot of time and healing from trauma.
I’m always interested in how characters recover from abusive relationships and whether those dynamics get replicated in their current relationships. In this case, Pheir has been driven by her hatred of Lev and the Timbers for years. Caius has a facial scar because a time she attacked him. She really wants to kill them and that’s synonymous with her grief over Vesta’s death. It’s hard for her to see how she went from being abused by her parents to being abused by Vesta, since she sees Vesta as her savior. Caius was also abused by his parents and he and Pheir bond over the divergent paths their lives took while being so similar at their core. Lev was also emotionally abused by Vesta before Vesta went off and started her cult. Despite not appearing on page for most of the book, Vesta’s presence looms large as each character reckons with the wreckage she left behind and sifts through their memories.
While Lev and Pheir have an arranged marriage, complete with some of the most beautiful marriage vows I’ve ever read, there’s a long road ahead of them before a romance is possible. The trajectory for both Caius and then Pheir to truly trust Lev and Aren felt believable. The way they figure out their way to becoming a quad was more satisfying because the resolution of the low moment doesn’t go straight to the HEA. We get time built in for healing, with several months of celibacy and courting. This is especially important for Pheir who has never had a real choice about what happens to her. I thought this was handled well.
This was different in tone from Vice’s other stories, which tend to be atmospheric and moody. This was more straight-forward and plot-driven. The structure includes flashbacks before Vesta’s death so we can see what all four characters were struggling with before they found each other. This includes some necessary backstory but it also slowed things down, particularly in the first half of the story. This is a long book and would have benefitted from being trimmed down. We could have lost the Conclave bigotry or Singer subplots.
I’m still not sure what the werecreatures look like. They’re walking, talking animals? But maybe have some human elements? It was really hard to envision what any of them looked like what with all the descriptions of fur, talons, and snouts. Eventually I decided to not think too hard about it. Best to just enjoy the ride.
I've gone back and forth on the rating. While this really lagged in the middle, I did enjoy it overall. The way this handled Pheir's healing in the end is what pushed it to 4 stars for me.
Characters: Pheir is a feral harpy and soldier. Lev is a wererabbit Alpha of the Timber pack. Aren is a werelynx Beta. Caius is a werewolverine combatant with tongue piercings.
Content notes: intimate partner violence , emotional abuse , cult, past child physical abuse , Caius’s family kicked him out, self-harming behaviors, panic attack, nightmare, partial immolation and recovery from severe burns, recent death of Vestal Alpha and most of pack, off page mass slaughter of another pack, murder, attempted murder, arson, physical assault, possession, trafficking (other pack, off page), mating bites, on page sex, power exchange, MMFF group sex, menage, DP, primal play, breath play, breeding kink, rimming, alcohol, gendered pejoratives, ableist language
An MMFF enemies to lovers monster romance that explores the difficulty of healing from abusive relationships. When Vesta is defeated in battle, the three surviving members of her pack/cult are given in marriage to Alphas. Pheir is furious but she also sees it as an opportunity to take down Lev and the Timbers. She was exhausting, rash and reckless. I had to keep reminding myself that she had clearly been brainwashed by Vesta and it would take some time (and herbal remedy) for her to start seeing clearly again, much less give Lev, Aren, and Caius a chance.
All four characters need and complement each other. There’s no other pairing that would work. Lev and Aren have been a great Alpha-Beta team but Caius has been insecure about his place with them as a pack member and sex partner. The three were in an uneasy dance before Pheir entered the mix. And while it takes a while before they can trust Pheir won’t stab them, they were all on the same page sexually from the start. The trick is whether and how they’ll get to the same place emotionally and romantically and that takes a lot of time and healing from trauma.
I’m always interested in how characters recover from abusive relationships and whether those dynamics get replicated in their current relationships. In this case, Pheir has been driven by her hatred of Lev and the Timbers for years. Caius has a facial scar because a time she attacked him. She really wants to kill them and that’s synonymous with her grief over Vesta’s death. It’s hard for her to see how she went from being abused by her parents to being abused by Vesta, since she sees Vesta as her savior. Caius was also abused by his parents and he and Pheir bond over the divergent paths their lives took while being so similar at their core. Lev was also emotionally abused by Vesta before Vesta went off and started her cult. Despite not appearing on page for most of the book, Vesta’s presence looms large as each character reckons with the wreckage she left behind and sifts through their memories.
While Lev and Pheir have an arranged marriage, complete with some of the most beautiful marriage vows I’ve ever read, there’s a long road ahead of them before a romance is possible. The trajectory for both Caius and then Pheir to truly trust Lev and Aren felt believable. The way they figure out their way to becoming a quad was more satisfying because the resolution of the low moment doesn’t go straight to the HEA. We get time built in for healing, with several months of celibacy and courting. This is especially important for Pheir who has never had a real choice about what happens to her. I thought this was handled well.
This was different in tone from Vice’s other stories, which tend to be atmospheric and moody. This was more straight-forward and plot-driven. The structure includes flashbacks before Vesta’s death so we can see what all four characters were struggling with before they found each other. This includes some necessary backstory but it also slowed things down, particularly in the first half of the story. This is a long book and would have benefitted from being trimmed down. We could have lost the Conclave bigotry or Singer subplots.
I’m still not sure what the werecreatures look like. They’re walking, talking animals? But maybe have some human elements? It was really hard to envision what any of them looked like what with all the descriptions of fur, talons, and snouts. Eventually I decided to not think too hard about it. Best to just enjoy the ride.
I've gone back and forth on the rating. While this really lagged in the middle, I did enjoy it overall. The way this handled Pheir's healing in the end is what pushed it to 4 stars for me.
Characters: Pheir is a feral harpy and soldier. Lev is a wererabbit Alpha of the Timber pack. Aren is a werelynx Beta. Caius is a werewolverine combatant with tongue piercings.
Content notes: intimate partner violence , emotional abuse , cult, past child physical abuse , Caius’s family kicked him out, self-harming behaviors, panic attack, nightmare, partial immolation and recovery from severe burns, recent death of Vestal Alpha and most of pack, off page mass slaughter of another pack, murder, attempted murder, arson, physical assault, possession, trafficking (other pack, off page), mating bites, on page sex, power exchange, MMFF group sex, menage, DP, primal play, breath play, breeding kink, rimming, alcohol, gendered pejoratives, ableist language
March 4, 2023
I am going feral. This is a warning.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, enemies-AND-lovers is the SUPERIOR TROPE. There's so much more tension and pining. Chef's kiss.
This deals with a lot more than sex, though. It has a complex portrayal of cult life, what it is like to deal with the aftermath of brainwashing and the hardship is finding where you stand, when the rug of lies is pulled out from under you.
It also has a very poignant message about trust, and more specifically, how to keep trusting people when at every turn someone seems to want to sabotage you.
There are also queer shifters fucking. So it has something for everyone.
I will call Lev alpha, or sir, in every way she wants me to. I am prostrate at her feet.
Thank you to the author for letting me be one of the first to experience the wonderful and wild ride this book is.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, enemies-AND-lovers is the SUPERIOR TROPE. There's so much more tension and pining. Chef's kiss.
This deals with a lot more than sex, though. It has a complex portrayal of cult life, what it is like to deal with the aftermath of brainwashing and the hardship is finding where you stand, when the rug of lies is pulled out from under you.
It also has a very poignant message about trust, and more specifically, how to keep trusting people when at every turn someone seems to want to sabotage you.
There are also queer shifters fucking. So it has something for everyone.
I will call Lev alpha, or sir, in every way she wants me to. I am prostrate at her feet.
Thank you to the author for letting me be one of the first to experience the wonderful and wild ride this book is.
August 7, 2024
It took a loooong time to build up but once it did, it was amazing.
May 16, 2024
If Aveda Vice has 1000 fans I'm one of the them. If Aveda Vice has 100 fans I'm still one of them. If Aveda Vice has 1 fan that's ME. If Aveda Vice has 0 fans I am no longer on this earth.
November 10, 2024
*4.5/5 stars
I read this almost in one sitting; something about Vice's writing makes me unable to put down their books.
I read this almost in one sitting; something about Vice's writing makes me unable to put down their books.
February 16, 2023
Honestly, at this point, I think it's safe to say Aveda Vice has solidified themselves as one of my favorite authors. With that said, I'm extremely grateful that I've given an ARC for my honest review.
Short review: Do y'all ever, like, just scream because a line is just so GOOD?
Long review: Move aside enemies-to-lovers, enemies AND lovers are coming through. Vicious Devious is a perfectly paced 'why choose?' w/w/m/m romance between a harpy, a wererabbit, a werelynx, and a werewolverine that, no matter what combo of characters was on the page, you're going to end up in your feels over how perfectly the author pieced these characters together. I giggled, I cried, I highlighted so many good lines.
I have zero complaints and will be forcing this book on anybody that will listen. I highly recommend, especially if you love
- vicious and angry FMCs with a lot of feelings to sift through
-equally emotionally constipated MMCs also with a lot of baggage
-'why choose' romance
-the alpha is a wererabbit
-there's a lionfish siren that barely has any on-page time, but I'm obsessed with her
Short review: Do y'all ever, like, just scream because a line is just so GOOD?
Long review: Move aside enemies-to-lovers, enemies AND lovers are coming through. Vicious Devious is a perfectly paced 'why choose?' w/w/m/m romance between a harpy, a wererabbit, a werelynx, and a werewolverine that, no matter what combo of characters was on the page, you're going to end up in your feels over how perfectly the author pieced these characters together. I giggled, I cried, I highlighted so many good lines.
I have zero complaints and will be forcing this book on anybody that will listen. I highly recommend, especially if you love
- vicious and angry FMCs with a lot of feelings to sift through
-equally emotionally constipated MMCs also with a lot of baggage
-'why choose' romance
-the alpha is a wererabbit
-there's a lionfish siren that barely has any on-page time, but I'm obsessed with her
January 7, 2024
This took me longer than I thought it would to finish. Not because I didn’t like it but because it was incredibly heavy. I needed breaks to process. For a book about monsterf 🍆 it’s not actually about monsterf 🍆. (Though there is A LOT of monsterf 🍆) This was such a brutal and beautifully complex MMFF poly nest tale, I have nothing to compare it to. DO: make sure to read those content warnings. DO NOTE: Not one person in here is “human” they are all anthropomorphic animals. Your imagination will be stretched to its limit.
“No amount of reasoning explains how they fit together. They’re carved from different trees, discolored wood with knots and grains that don’t align, pieces broken and mismatched, yet the sanding and shaping of their lives has worn down the grooves until they join perfectly” - Aren, werelynx
Again, this is not your standard monster smut romance. This is a tale about hatred. This is a book about belonging. This is a story about rebirth. Fitting, because the whole thing starts with a dead Phoenix.
“No amount of reasoning explains how they fit together. They’re carved from different trees, discolored wood with knots and grains that don’t align, pieces broken and mismatched, yet the sanding and shaping of their lives has worn down the grooves until they join perfectly” - Aren, werelynx
Again, this is not your standard monster smut romance. This is a tale about hatred. This is a book about belonging. This is a story about rebirth. Fitting, because the whole thing starts with a dead Phoenix.
June 14, 2023
I know I just read over 500 pages about them but I need more.
This was all I wanted and more.
full review to come.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
-
[sees the cover]
[sees the tropes]
- Enemies AND lovers
- Marriage of convenience
- "I'll kill you if you touch me" becomes
- "If anyone touches you, I'll kill them"
- Found family
- Hate to love
[vibrates in excitement]
Cannot imagine this being better than Bound but it's Aveda Vice so I am prepared to fall in love all over again.
This was all I wanted and more.
full review to come.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
-
[sees the cover]
[sees the tropes]
- Enemies AND lovers
- Marriage of convenience
- "I'll kill you if you touch me" becomes
- "If anyone touches you, I'll kill them"
- Found family
- Hate to love
[vibrates in excitement]
Cannot imagine this being better than Bound but it's Aveda Vice so I am prepared to fall in love all over again.
March 7, 2023
MMFF, Monster, 3rd Rotating POV
Notes: Actual Enemies to Lovers, Traumatized Stabby "Unlikable" FMC (Pheir), FF Marriage of Convenience, Found Family, Pack of Misfits, Healing from Trauma (all MCs), Healing from a Cult (Phier)
This book made me realize that I'm entirely too Demi(romantic and sexual) for enemies to lovers. I did enjoy the aspect of recovery from trauma and found family.
I do love that Aveda commits to rotating POV. It's not just manly chapters from the main FMC then a maybe few chapters from other MCs sprinkled in, her books feel like each love interest is a main character and as important as our "FMC".
Notes: Actual Enemies to Lovers, Traumatized Stabby "Unlikable" FMC (Pheir), FF Marriage of Convenience, Found Family, Pack of Misfits, Healing from Trauma (all MCs), Healing from a Cult (Phier)
This book made me realize that I'm entirely too Demi(romantic and sexual) for enemies to lovers. I did enjoy the aspect of recovery from trauma and found family.
I do love that Aveda commits to rotating POV. It's not just manly chapters from the main FMC then a maybe few chapters from other MCs sprinkled in, her books feel like each love interest is a main character and as important as our "FMC".
z-dnf-2023
July 12, 20236% I just don’t want to read emotional, healing, world building tome. I just want a smutty little monster romance. I’m not a completionist. Do I feel guilty? Yes. But I don’t let that make me read a book, so I’m not going to start now.
November 9, 2024
More like a 4.25 stars. I really enjoyed it, sometimes I was a little annoyed at going back in the past but I understood that it was to help with context. Overall, I loved this book. Literally finished it in like two days or a day and a half. I could have stayed in this story forever and read about Aden, Caius, Pheir and Lev. They’re connection was palpable and I just loved that even though their list was quick, their love wasn’t. And I liked how they gave each other space and understanding to be themselves. I just really loved it, it was so heartfelt. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a werewolf book that has magic and enemies to lovers trope.
dnf
July 5, 2024DNF at 3%
Its really hard to read - characters are annoying from page 1
Its really hard to read - characters are annoying from page 1
March 17, 2025
New concept for me, I really liked the story and the dynamic between the characters
November 13, 2025
It didn’t really make sense as a fantasy book, I just wish it was a contemporary setup so the prose doesn’t get murky with the very weak but nonetheless existent world building.
April 4, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Can't stop thinking about this book .. so 5 stars not 4.5)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Her pack is destroyed. Her Alpha is dead. All that Pheir has left is rage.
According to the Conclave, that isn’t punishment enough. For her mutiny, she’ll be married into the enemy Timber pack and forced to abandon her old loyalties.
Even outside of Alpha Lev’s newly-assigned marriage, there’s tension between her most trusted officers. Aren and Caius are diametrically opposed, yet the three of them keep finding their way into each other’s beds.
Adding their rival, Pheir, to the mix is fuel to the fire - but the more they learn of their entwined histories, the less they recognize each other.
What if they aren’t the people they thought they were?
----
Authors like Aveda Vice and Beatrix Hollow really make me love and crave "reverse harem"/poly stories. I enjoyed and savored this book, it was spicy as it was sweet. I will be rereading this book over and over in the future.
I loved everything about this group's relationship(s) and dynamics. I loved how it showed how much hatred and frustration there was, not only in Pheir, but also Caius and Aren and Lev, and how it slowly shifted to something more.
I always struggle writing a coherent review, so let me rant about these lovely characters.
I do not know what else to say, I feel like I could go on forever. I just love this book, and there was just so little I felt missing from it. *sighs happily*
FYI, I did get this as an ARC from the author. I requested this book because I love the author and all opinions are my own (if you cannot tell by my ramblings).
Now time to shrink down and censor this review for Amazon upon publishing <3
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Her pack is destroyed. Her Alpha is dead. All that Pheir has left is rage.
According to the Conclave, that isn’t punishment enough. For her mutiny, she’ll be married into the enemy Timber pack and forced to abandon her old loyalties.
Even outside of Alpha Lev’s newly-assigned marriage, there’s tension between her most trusted officers. Aren and Caius are diametrically opposed, yet the three of them keep finding their way into each other’s beds.
Adding their rival, Pheir, to the mix is fuel to the fire - but the more they learn of their entwined histories, the less they recognize each other.
What if they aren’t the people they thought they were?
----
Authors like Aveda Vice and Beatrix Hollow really make me love and crave "reverse harem"/poly stories. I enjoyed and savored this book, it was spicy as it was sweet. I will be rereading this book over and over in the future.
I loved everything about this group's relationship(s) and dynamics. I loved how it showed how much hatred and frustration there was, not only in Pheir, but also Caius and Aren and Lev, and how it slowly shifted to something more.
I always struggle writing a coherent review, so let me rant about these lovely characters.
I do not know what else to say, I feel like I could go on forever. I just love this book, and there was just so little I felt missing from it. *sighs happily*
FYI, I did get this as an ARC from the author. I requested this book because I love the author and all opinions are my own (if you cannot tell by my ramblings).
Now time to shrink down and censor this review for Amazon upon publishing <3
June 1, 2023
4⭐️ 4🌶️
MOOD: adventurous, challenging, sad, dark, funny, emotional, tense
TROPES: enemies and lovers, forced marriage, marriage of convenience, found family
FAV QUOTE: I want your smile when I say something you haven't though of, because you're happy I brought it up instead of pissed that you didn't think of it first.
First, apologies because I received this ARC back in March. I was so excited to read it but I got stuck around 65% (around chapter 40) and didn't pick it back up until May. I know why I go struck but I'll mention that below Possible Spoilers because it deals with the structure/writing style would could affect how someone goes into the story.
I read Inextricably Tied and Bound before this and would recommend that.
THE GOOD: One of my favorite aspects to Aveda's stories, besides the spicy scenes, is the world-building. The overall story and the world that is created are amazing. Specific to this book - the residue that's left by a character that's no longer around at the start of the book, and their reach/extent, was so interesting to read. Each of the four main characters (Pheir, Lev, Aren, and Cauis) feels different and that can be a challenge when working with, or reading, four POVs. While everyone does grow over the course of the story, I find both Pheir and Cauis to be the most interesting.
THE NEUTRAL: I think I said this in my review of Bound but the type of "shifter" in this story is still hard for me to picture when reading.
THE MEH: My only difficulties came from the structure and juggling four POVs.
CW: (provided by the author on their website) violence, gore, blood, fire, abusive relationship, cult/brainwashing, trauma recovery
Possible Spoiler:
Related to the structure of the book - there is A LOT of time jumping (and it's for all four POVs). I understand why it was structured this way but it's what made me put the book down because it was hard for me to follow.
MOOD: adventurous, challenging, sad, dark, funny, emotional, tense
TROPES: enemies and lovers, forced marriage, marriage of convenience, found family
FAV QUOTE: I want your smile when I say something you haven't though of, because you're happy I brought it up instead of pissed that you didn't think of it first.
First, apologies because I received this ARC back in March. I was so excited to read it but I got stuck around 65% (around chapter 40) and didn't pick it back up until May. I know why I go struck but I'll mention that below Possible Spoilers because it deals with the structure/writing style would could affect how someone goes into the story.
I read Inextricably Tied and Bound before this and would recommend that.
THE GOOD: One of my favorite aspects to Aveda's stories, besides the spicy scenes, is the world-building. The overall story and the world that is created are amazing. Specific to this book - the residue that's left by a character that's no longer around at the start of the book, and their reach/extent, was so interesting to read. Each of the four main characters (Pheir, Lev, Aren, and Cauis) feels different and that can be a challenge when working with, or reading, four POVs. While everyone does grow over the course of the story, I find both Pheir and Cauis to be the most interesting.
THE NEUTRAL: I think I said this in my review of Bound but the type of "shifter" in this story is still hard for me to picture when reading.
THE MEH: My only difficulties came from the structure and juggling four POVs.
CW: (provided by the author on their website) violence, gore, blood, fire, abusive relationship, cult/brainwashing, trauma recovery
Possible Spoiler:
Related to the structure of the book - there is A LOT of time jumping (and it's for all four POVs). I understand why it was structured this way but it's what made me put the book down because it was hard for me to follow.
May 1, 2023
As ever, Aveda delivers one of my favourite tropes, Scent of Pining Hero, but now in a kind of polyam technicolour. There is sooooo much wanting and waiting in a book where there is also lots of explicit sex. No mean feat. But Vice does it every time. The novel feels both like a natural progression of their monsterf*cker brand and a new departure. When they published Yours, Insatiably just a couple of years ago, the author wrote how daunting they found the idea of producing a full-length novel (a wonderful one, btw). From that perspective, what they've attempted with this book is not only incredibly impressive but also part of a wonderful writing arc. Four difference POVs? Time slip for all four POVs (and not just dual timeline)? Setting up two other polyam romances? It's a lot. In a good way. A really good way. It goes without saying this is one for fans of Enemies to Lovers (the captivity situation gave me all sorts of classic medieval romance vibes) but that trope doesn't encompass all the types of relationships going on here. My favourite dynamic was the stoic leadership of Len and Aren versus the damaged chaos agents that are Caius and Pheir. This is definitely one I can imagine rereading to fully appreciate its complexity.
**The author always compiles comprehensive trigger warning and I really encourage people to check them out. Not only do we have abusive romantic and familiar relationship backgrounds here, but also a very disturbing cult situation.
**The author always compiles comprehensive trigger warning and I really encourage people to check them out. Not only do we have abusive romantic and familiar relationship backgrounds here, but also a very disturbing cult situation.
March 3, 2023
“I don’t know, Caius. It could be the start of your love story with her: first blood at first sight.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I will not lie, it was intense and slightly out of my comfort read, but i stuck with the story and was rewarded!
Before starting this book i had a treasure hunting for 'Bound' (novella which should be read before VD) and it added the excitement for this read.
I liked the idea and general story-line, world-building and creature variety were done so good. I was hooked and couldn't put this book down.
We have an A/B/O dynamics in this story, and if you imagine standard stuff, you will be pleasantly surprised. Pack and power dynamics were amazing.
At first i was confused with multiple POVs, cause some of them were more emotional and hectic then others, but after couple of chapters i had no issues with understanding who is a main character of the chapter.
Characters? What characters we had, they are so different, their past left a mark on them, future is unpredictable. And our heroes had a wild ride full of emotions, traumas, love, longing, lust, grief and anger, so good and fun to follow.
Also many thanks to Aveda Vice for providing me ARC in exchange for honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I will not lie, it was intense and slightly out of my comfort read, but i stuck with the story and was rewarded!
Before starting this book i had a treasure hunting for 'Bound' (novella which should be read before VD) and it added the excitement for this read.
I liked the idea and general story-line, world-building and creature variety were done so good. I was hooked and couldn't put this book down.
We have an A/B/O dynamics in this story, and if you imagine standard stuff, you will be pleasantly surprised. Pack and power dynamics were amazing.
At first i was confused with multiple POVs, cause some of them were more emotional and hectic then others, but after couple of chapters i had no issues with understanding who is a main character of the chapter.
Characters? What characters we had, they are so different, their past left a mark on them, future is unpredictable. And our heroes had a wild ride full of emotions, traumas, love, longing, lust, grief and anger, so good and fun to follow.
Also many thanks to Aveda Vice for providing me ARC in exchange for honest review.
April 12, 2023
5/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is so good! I like the buildup of their relationship overall. First, Lev & Aren as a unit. Then, Caius opens up. Then, Pheir. The progression was gradual and realistic, and makes it easy for us readers to believe the relationship. There was also an adequate amount of time for each of our main characters to grow and learn and have their character development. The steamy scenes in here were also VERY steamy. The worldbuilding is a bit confusing at times but maybe as the series progressed we will see more of this world, so I don't mind it that much. The "final" battle scene doesn't makes sense to me, though. My only question after reading that part is, "What the fuck happened?"
Nonetheless, I still recommend this book and I think the length is justifiable and if you like reading very steamy books, this one's for you!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is so good! I like the buildup of their relationship overall. First, Lev & Aren as a unit. Then, Caius opens up. Then, Pheir. The progression was gradual and realistic, and makes it easy for us readers to believe the relationship. There was also an adequate amount of time for each of our main characters to grow and learn and have their character development. The steamy scenes in here were also VERY steamy. The worldbuilding is a bit confusing at times but maybe as the series progressed we will see more of this world, so I don't mind it that much. The "final" battle scene doesn't makes sense to me, though. My only question after reading that part is, "What the fuck happened?"
Nonetheless, I still recommend this book and I think the length is justifiable and if you like reading very steamy books, this one's for you!
March 3, 2023
Things I loved:
- well-defined relationships between each 4 members of the polycule
- the ANGST, which this quote best expresses it “Sometimes being offered tenderness feels like the very proof that you’ve been ruined.” - on earth we’re briefly gorgeous / ocean vuong
- the time given for the polycule to develope organically (no insta-love!)
- great communication(later in the book) and growth of all characters
- at the beginning they were the type of enemies that wouldn't hesitate to kill eachother
- very well written sex scenes (not an easy feat when there's 3 or more people involved)
Can't wait for the next books in this series! I will definitely be purchasing the paperback when it comes out <3
I recieved an ARC copy and I hope my semi-coherent review will encourage someone to give this book a try!
- well-defined relationships between each 4 members of the polycule
- the ANGST, which this quote best expresses it “Sometimes being offered tenderness feels like the very proof that you’ve been ruined.” - on earth we’re briefly gorgeous / ocean vuong
- the time given for the polycule to develope organically (no insta-love!)
- great communication(later in the book) and growth of all characters
- at the beginning they were the type of enemies that wouldn't hesitate to kill eachother
- very well written sex scenes (not an easy feat when there's 3 or more people involved)
Can't wait for the next books in this series! I will definitely be purchasing the paperback when it comes out <3
I recieved an ARC copy and I hope my semi-coherent review will encourage someone to give this book a try!
March 3, 2023
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Definitely read Bound first if you haven't, it's not only hot as hell but it gives some context to Vicious Devotion that is helpful. I love each of the characters in the polyamorous M/M/W/W grouping so much. Everyone has past trauma to work through and they all have to face it at some point in the book, and I loved how Vice addressed everyone's trauma and how they grew through it as individuals and as a group.
The sex scenes were so steamy from beginning to end, no matter the relationship status of the characters. Similarly, the progression from hatred and distrust to the opposite was so believably written. Enemies to lovers feels too reductive a label for this book!
Definitely read Bound first if you haven't, it's not only hot as hell but it gives some context to Vicious Devotion that is helpful. I love each of the characters in the polyamorous M/M/W/W grouping so much. Everyone has past trauma to work through and they all have to face it at some point in the book, and I loved how Vice addressed everyone's trauma and how they grew through it as individuals and as a group.
The sex scenes were so steamy from beginning to end, no matter the relationship status of the characters. Similarly, the progression from hatred and distrust to the opposite was so believably written. Enemies to lovers feels too reductive a label for this book!
July 17, 2023
An MMFF romance between werecreatures with 2 of them hating each other, the other 2 in love with each other, and 2 of them in a one-sided rivalry?! This book was amazing with fleshing out opposite personalities and making them all grow and come to terms with their mess throughout the book. It was slow burn but also steamy as all heeeeck and I really enjoyed not only the steamy (and they were filthy) scenes that had me pausing to picture how it would work out but also the scenes where we have a traumatized and brainwashed woman that does not know what is real and what is in her head and omg the mess of it all.
Highly recommend not only this book but also this author
Highly recommend not only this book but also this author
March 3, 2023
ARC review
I really enjoyed this story. The spice was amazing and there was a good amount like it wasn’t just straight up smut. It had plot. The fantasy world seemed pretty interested and I’d for sure be team Lev for my alpha. The hate to love was done so well and the moments you started to see them soften was 🥰. I loved the poly relationship they ended up growing together as well as the found family aspect. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting but I loved it. At the start, I was a little bored but once it started to pick up I kept wanting to go back to it.
I really enjoyed this story. The spice was amazing and there was a good amount like it wasn’t just straight up smut. It had plot. The fantasy world seemed pretty interested and I’d for sure be team Lev for my alpha. The hate to love was done so well and the moments you started to see them soften was 🥰. I loved the poly relationship they ended up growing together as well as the found family aspect. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting but I loved it. At the start, I was a little bored but once it started to pick up I kept wanting to go back to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2023
I'd call this a 4.5
The plot was so good. It was a little bulky in the beginning with so much back story but I'd say the 2nd half of the book felt like it flew by. The story was compelling with an ending I didn't expect. The characters were so well fleshed out and I felt like I really understood them. I didn't love any of them but that is more of a me thing than the characters themselves.
The spice was 10 out of 10 with mm, mf, mmff, and ff. Sometimes it was just dirty, angry fun times but other times it was sweet and loving.
The plot was so good. It was a little bulky in the beginning with so much back story but I'd say the 2nd half of the book felt like it flew by. The story was compelling with an ending I didn't expect. The characters were so well fleshed out and I felt like I really understood them. I didn't love any of them but that is more of a me thing than the characters themselves.
The spice was 10 out of 10 with mm, mf, mmff, and ff. Sometimes it was just dirty, angry fun times but other times it was sweet and loving.
August 10, 2023
3.5 This took me FOREVER to get into because it's a behemoth of a story and like. I liked it so much by the time I got into it, that just took a WHILE. Also while I LOVE a shifter romance the constant animal traits kinda weirded me out a bit. So. Idk. Not exactly what I was looking for, but I liked it.
Read
April 20, 2023I unfortunately wasn't into this because I'm just not into furries (the shifters maintained high animal features rather than reverting to mostly human). 🤷🏼♀️ I would continue to read other non-shifter books by this author though. Like I enjoyed their "Hunger" and "Lost Touch" duets.
March 15, 2023
Omg love this so much spicy and fun
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