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Ruthless Villains #4
Vicious Villains
The people of Eldar are stepping up their efforts to rid their beloved city state of dark mages, and they are bringing the fight into the hills. When calamity strikes, Audrey and Callan can no longer deal with the situation on their own. Forced to admit that they need help, they journey to Malgrave to find the one person who might be able to provide it.
But the city of Malgrave is not for the faint of heart. A lethal dark mage rules half of the city with an iron fist, and he has no reason to help anyone with their problems. On the contrary, he enjoys wielding his power selfishly from atop his throne of metal. To make matters worse, he also has a history with Callan that ended badly.
In order to win the war against Eldar, Callan and Audrey need to persuade him to help. But the deck is stacked against them from the very beginning. Can they navigate the sinful streets of Malgrave together and secure the assistance they need without getting swept away by Callan's blood-soaked past?
But the city of Malgrave is not for the faint of heart. A lethal dark mage rules half of the city with an iron fist, and he has no reason to help anyone with their problems. On the contrary, he enjoys wielding his power selfishly from atop his throne of metal. To make matters worse, he also has a history with Callan that ended badly.
In order to win the war against Eldar, Callan and Audrey need to persuade him to help. But the deck is stacked against them from the very beginning. Can they navigate the sinful streets of Malgrave together and secure the assistance they need without getting swept away by Callan's blood-soaked past?
325 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2023
261 people are currently reading
2025 people want to read
About the author
Marion Blackwood
34 books1,831 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 61 reviews
March 7, 2023
(3.5 stars)
I honestly think I blacked out reading this.
anyway realizing that Audrey is so Morgana pendragon seasons 3-5 coded permanently rearranged my brain chemistry I can’t stop thinking about it, I’m in love
I honestly think I blacked out reading this.
anyway realizing that Audrey is so Morgana pendragon seasons 3-5 coded permanently rearranged my brain chemistry I can’t stop thinking about it, I’m in love
July 7, 2023
Most of the book was a solid but kinda meh three stars, but the ending brought it back up to the series standard four.
March 2, 2023
Super good. Cannot wait for the last!
February 28, 2023
3.5 Stars
March 4, 2023
This series has me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait for the next book !
March 11, 2023
🧪Vicious Villains -Ruthless Villains Book 4- Review🧪
Couple: Audrey and Callan
Author: Marion Blackwood
Tropes: enemy to lover, dare romance, guild romance, morally grey romance, mage romance, PNR
Review: Book 4 takes us on a new adventure and tests the boundary of Audrey and Callan’s new relationship. The dual POV in this series is a literal lifesaver! Getting to read the struggles from both ends just makes the characters and plot that much better!
We travel to the stone palace in this book and meet a bitter rival from Callan’s past. We learn just how devious Callan has been in his past and see just how much he cares for Audrey when she gets put in the line of fire. His character has had so much growth in these first 4 books and the way he blindly trusts Audrey now is eye opening for a character that is morally grey like him. The fact that he acknowledges in this book how he is flabbergasted how he lasted this long during their battles and deceptions makes him a strong male lead.
Audrey has also had growth, while not as much yet. To me, her growth has been in areas she needed it but I am excited to see the growth she has in the last book…I think it will be epic!
As far as romance goes, Callan really begins to go soft in book 4. If we did not know about his feelings before…we sure do now! I loved seeing Marion develop this softness in Callan. Having dual POV the whole series gave it a nice touch as well (maybe some future male POV scenes??). The intensity of both characters was astounding in this book and add on to the fact the while Callan wants to shield Audrey but also understands the need to fight with him…perfect!
Book 4 also has the most epic quest feel to it. Of course we see deception and betrayal, but the plotting in this book is next level and shows us just how much action book 5 will have. For anyone who loves fantasy and dark magic romances this is for you!
Rating: 1,000+ Callan is the antihero
Couple: Audrey and Callan
Author: Marion Blackwood
Tropes: enemy to lover, dare romance, guild romance, morally grey romance, mage romance, PNR
Review: Book 4 takes us on a new adventure and tests the boundary of Audrey and Callan’s new relationship. The dual POV in this series is a literal lifesaver! Getting to read the struggles from both ends just makes the characters and plot that much better!
We travel to the stone palace in this book and meet a bitter rival from Callan’s past. We learn just how devious Callan has been in his past and see just how much he cares for Audrey when she gets put in the line of fire. His character has had so much growth in these first 4 books and the way he blindly trusts Audrey now is eye opening for a character that is morally grey like him. The fact that he acknowledges in this book how he is flabbergasted how he lasted this long during their battles and deceptions makes him a strong male lead.
Audrey has also had growth, while not as much yet. To me, her growth has been in areas she needed it but I am excited to see the growth she has in the last book…I think it will be epic!
As far as romance goes, Callan really begins to go soft in book 4. If we did not know about his feelings before…we sure do now! I loved seeing Marion develop this softness in Callan. Having dual POV the whole series gave it a nice touch as well (maybe some future male POV scenes??). The intensity of both characters was astounding in this book and add on to the fact the while Callan wants to shield Audrey but also understands the need to fight with him…perfect!
Book 4 also has the most epic quest feel to it. Of course we see deception and betrayal, but the plotting in this book is next level and shows us just how much action book 5 will have. For anyone who loves fantasy and dark magic romances this is for you!
Rating: 1,000+ Callan is the antihero
March 22, 2023
Audrey and Callan are tasked with getting the manpower they needed to survive a war against Eldar, as well as getting a metal mage who could destroy the Blade of Equilibrium. Easy right? Nope.
Opinion: 3 ✨
Previously I have commended the author for Audrey and Callans character development, and rightfully so. However, that was then and this is now. We have to evolve with the story and characters which was something unfortunately lacking in this book; instead of evolution we got repetition which is extremely frustrating when there is so much scope and depth we could’ve delved into being that these two characters are well known Dark Mages.
On the flip side, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Callans past and that ending had a huge wow factor, it felt like too much of a deviation from the main objective and I felt I was being explained the story rather than immersed into it.
I will forever adore Marion for her quick witted and dark romantic phrases like, “touch her and die”.
Opinion: 3 ✨
Previously I have commended the author for Audrey and Callans character development, and rightfully so. However, that was then and this is now. We have to evolve with the story and characters which was something unfortunately lacking in this book; instead of evolution we got repetition which is extremely frustrating when there is so much scope and depth we could’ve delved into being that these two characters are well known Dark Mages.
On the flip side, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Callans past and that ending had a huge wow factor, it felt like too much of a deviation from the main objective and I felt I was being explained the story rather than immersed into it.
I will forever adore Marion for her quick witted and dark romantic phrases like, “touch her and die”.
So despite me bringing negative vibes in my review, please don’t let this damper how much of a dynamic, funny and witty read book 4 was.
A well set up filler book for the finale. 👀🤔📖
March 4, 2023
True rating: 3.75
I totally thought this book was going to end on a cliffhanger. It sorta did, in the way that all the others have with the mega plot arc of wiping out the heros in Eldar, but Callan and Audrey managed to take out Trevor for Levi, so, the plot for this book did end up concluding within its 330 pages.
Page 245 onwards was a bit of a slog, but it picked up again at around 285/290.
The scene with a drugged up Callan was very funny and I wished it had gone on longer, but I understand why it didn't.
The last 3 books have set up a pattern of getting the final chapter from the other character's POV (so if the last chapter was Audrey POV, there'd be bonus content of the same chapter from Callan's POV and vice verse). I love the author for doing that. This book, however, has bonus content of the last chapter from Levi's POV.....very intrigued by that (I'm literally going to read it rn).
Can't wait to see the dark mages win in book 5!
I totally thought this book was going to end on a cliffhanger. It sorta did, in the way that all the others have with the mega plot arc of wiping out the heros in Eldar, but Callan and Audrey managed to take out Trevor for Levi, so, the plot for this book did end up concluding within its 330 pages.
Page 245 onwards was a bit of a slog, but it picked up again at around 285/290.
The scene with a drugged up Callan was very funny and I wished it had gone on longer, but I understand why it didn't.
The last 3 books have set up a pattern of getting the final chapter from the other character's POV (so if the last chapter was Audrey POV, there'd be bonus content of the same chapter from Callan's POV and vice verse). I love the author for doing that. This book, however, has bonus content of the last chapter from Levi's POV.....very intrigued by that (I'm literally going to read it rn).
Can't wait to see the dark mages win in book 5!
July 30, 2023
I really like the world, the magic system, and the characters.
Just the plot is trying a bit too hard to be unpredictable and mind-blowing for me.
I just find it weird that we are reading the pov of the two characters who create the plan but are in the dark about the plan until it is over. I understand that it would be boring to tell us the plan and then show us the plan, but showing us how much these characters struggle with situations and then at the end saying "everything went according to plan" feels weird. Also their plan sounds like it would have a 1% chance of working. I guess they got saved by the plot armor.
I still enjoyed reading it, but i was sad that Paige and Henry weren't in this book.
Just the plot is trying a bit too hard to be unpredictable and mind-blowing for me.
I just find it weird that we are reading the pov of the two characters who create the plan but are in the dark about the plan until it is over. I understand that it would be boring to tell us the plan and then show us the plan, but showing us how much these characters struggle with situations and then at the end saying "everything went according to plan" feels weird. Also their plan sounds like it would have a 1% chance of working. I guess they got saved by the plot armor.
I still enjoyed reading it, but i was sad that Paige and Henry weren't in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
Not the best in this series so far
I have read all of the other series’ by this author. She does a great job at character building, and my opinion on what I didn’t like about this book may be unpopular, but with this being the 4th book, the sex scenes were probably the worst part. They are repetitive and excruciating long. They happen so often, that I skip pages to get back to the story, and find myself skipping 10-15 pages to find it over. They don’t add any value to the story. Based on the other stories I have read by this author, she has thoroughly entertained me with stories that felt like she tried to push some porn in and failed because it is always a very similar scene.
I have read all of the other series’ by this author. She does a great job at character building, and my opinion on what I didn’t like about this book may be unpopular, but with this being the 4th book, the sex scenes were probably the worst part. They are repetitive and excruciating long. They happen so often, that I skip pages to get back to the story, and find myself skipping 10-15 pages to find it over. They don’t add any value to the story. Based on the other stories I have read by this author, she has thoroughly entertained me with stories that felt like she tried to push some porn in and failed because it is always a very similar scene.
March 2, 2023
This series
Honestly, I love these books. It's a refreshing take on the pile of fantasy books to pick from. Both of the main characters are fantastic, I absolutely love that the POV switches between the two, and their entire dynamic. The magic is interesting. The spice is 🤌🤌🤌
It's everything morally grey.... dark grey, in the best way haha. There are battles and issues but nothing so devastating that creates anxiety for me 🤣 it's almost a good, witty pallette cleanser bookwhen all the other books have the same basic premise.
I've read each book almost exactly on release day, and I'm looking forward to the next.
Honestly, I love these books. It's a refreshing take on the pile of fantasy books to pick from. Both of the main characters are fantastic, I absolutely love that the POV switches between the two, and their entire dynamic. The magic is interesting. The spice is 🤌🤌🤌
It's everything morally grey.... dark grey, in the best way haha. There are battles and issues but nothing so devastating that creates anxiety for me 🤣 it's almost a good, witty pallette cleanser bookwhen all the other books have the same basic premise.
I've read each book almost exactly on release day, and I'm looking forward to the next.
March 13, 2023
My opinion is this is the best book of the series yet. While I’ve enjoyed the dynamics,humor and sexual tension all along, now that Audrey and Callan are openly romantically involved their is an amazing and magnetic partnership between them. These two are deeply possessive of each other yet still acknowledge their mage instincts at the same time.
Marion Blackwood has done an outstanding job incorporating witty writing and entertaining interactions into this series, and it does not go unappreciated by me. While I love a good “touch her and die” vibe, the easy alliance these two MCs have keep me hooked.
Marion Blackwood has done an outstanding job incorporating witty writing and entertaining interactions into this series, and it does not go unappreciated by me. While I love a good “touch her and die” vibe, the easy alliance these two MCs have keep me hooked.
February 28, 2023
Another fun installment to the series! I don't even know how to describe it, but these are so quick to fly through!
The mission and stakes felt similar to book 1 and I really liked how the focus was back on the two MCs (although I did like the side characters in the last few books). I was also really relieved that Audrey and Callan didn't lose their edge after the ending of the previous book. I found their communication really refreshing! As always, I loved the magic system and political intrigue.
Can't wait to see how the series wraps up in April!
The mission and stakes felt similar to book 1 and I really liked how the focus was back on the two MCs (although I did like the side characters in the last few books). I was also really relieved that Audrey and Callan didn't lose their edge after the ending of the previous book. I found their communication really refreshing! As always, I loved the magic system and political intrigue.
Can't wait to see how the series wraps up in April!
March 1, 2023
excellent continuation
I am loving everything about this series! I especially loved this one, because we get a huge glimpse into Callan’s past and why he has the reputation that he has. We also get to see him and Aubrey opening up more and being more vulnerable with each other as these two dark mates learn to let each other in. As always, the scheming is brilliantly done and executed. The snarkiness and witty banter are on point! I can’t wait for the final showdown in book 5!
I am loving everything about this series! I especially loved this one, because we get a huge glimpse into Callan’s past and why he has the reputation that he has. We also get to see him and Aubrey opening up more and being more vulnerable with each other as these two dark mates learn to let each other in. As always, the scheming is brilliantly done and executed. The snarkiness and witty banter are on point! I can’t wait for the final showdown in book 5!
March 5, 2023
Awesome side adventure! New characters, new city! Loved it! So awesome to see two people in a relationship talk about their feelings and struggles, and take the time to figure it out together. I loved this portion of the story because it allowed the characters space to create their relationship without the judgement of their allies in the first few books.
So happy Levi will get to join us in the next book!! I hope he can teach Audrey to throw her nerve pain power!! Can’t wait for April!!!
So happy Levi will get to join us in the next book!! I hope he can teach Audrey to throw her nerve pain power!! Can’t wait for April!!!
March 8, 2023
Amazing book, Marion Blackwood never disappoints! It was so fascinating learning more about Callan and how he became “Cold blooded Callan” and such a great Dark Mage. I also loved seeing Audrey and Callans relationship bloom as they navigated what it’s like to be a couple versus enemies lol the buildup at the end with the war looming has me on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait for book 5, it’s going to be freakin crazy!😍🔥
March 21, 2023
My only problem was that the first half didn’t not interest me as much as the second. I love the relationship between Callan and Audrey, their banter is still amazing even now as they are together and it has not diminished their characters. If anything, the more flirtatious banter just adds much more charm between them.
Overall, it’s fun, flirty and action-packed throughout and has set up the next book well which I’m excited to read.
Overall, it’s fun, flirty and action-packed throughout and has set up the next book well which I’m excited to read.
April 20, 2023
Another great installment in the series! It was fun to see them now that they've declared their love for each other and it was entertaining to see them navigate the intricacies of being lovers after being enemies for so long. We also visit a new town, meet new characters and new enemies.
The story was really quick passed and thoroughly enjoyable!
The story was really quick passed and thoroughly enjoyable!
May 11, 2023
The Series Keeps Getting Better and Better!!!
I didn’t think I’d enjoy the Ruthless Villains series as much as I have, there’s so much more world building, humor and plot twists than I originally had imagined and I’m SO THANKFUL 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. If you’re on the fence about reading this series, this is your sign to do it!
I didn’t think I’d enjoy the Ruthless Villains series as much as I have, there’s so much more world building, humor and plot twists than I originally had imagined and I’m SO THANKFUL 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. If you’re on the fence about reading this series, this is your sign to do it!
February 28, 2023
3.5⭐️
I liked the story/plot the least in this one, it was almost like a side quest to me.
The spicy scenes were hotttttttt as always
One typo, that surprised me I don’t remember there usually being any. “Beat” of sweat instead of “bead” of sweat.
I liked the story/plot the least in this one, it was almost like a side quest to me.
The spicy scenes were hotttttttt as always
One typo, that surprised me I don’t remember there usually being any. “Beat” of sweat instead of “bead” of sweat.
March 1, 2023
After finishing the first three I couldn’t wait for this one to come out and to find there will be another, to say I’m excited is an understatement.
I really like this story enough for a 5 star rating. This is more of a side quest but is definitely needed for the story to evolve.
I really like this story enough for a 5 star rating. This is more of a side quest but is definitely needed for the story to evolve.
March 5, 2023
I enjoyed this book's story more than the first 3. The romance was again top notch! However, I don't see how this character's story can keep going and be as interesting as the rest. I think this should have been the last one.
March 10, 2023
The entire series has been a fun, easy to follow and read series. Each book wraps up it's own story line nicely while alluding to the next book in the series. It's fun to see the dynamic between Callan and Audrey shift as they try to be more than enemies with benefits.
March 14, 2023
Fun flirty sexy evil
I just love the characters. Spice level is perfect... Sex not as a plot point but as fun addition that dislplays their love of one another. Cant wait for next book!
I just love the characters. Spice level is perfect... Sex not as a plot point but as fun addition that dislplays their love of one another. Cant wait for next book!
May 12, 2023
The rest of the books have had me hooked but this one was a little slower in pace. While the overall reading time was only a few days I very nearly DNF so took a break and came back to it. Hopefully the final book will be a similar pace to the previous books
June 21, 2025
a fun read
These books are just a good solid read. 4-5 stars for vibes. Characters are funny and clever and have good chemistry and the plot is decent enough to keep moving along. Easy and fun read and the magic system is cool.
These books are just a good solid read. 4-5 stars for vibes. Characters are funny and clever and have good chemistry and the plot is decent enough to keep moving along. Easy and fun read and the magic system is cool.
December 24, 2025
It's been a while since I read this series but I remember being so hooked I binged the whole thing in a weekend, it was fantastic 😍 I hate that I didn't come here to leave a proper review when I read them, but I'm here now catching up!
March 7, 2023
Obsessed. Phenomenal.
March 15, 2023
This unfortunately felt like a filler book. I was hoping to see more of Paige and Henry. Maybe in the next book. I skim read this one. A bit boring really
March 24, 2023
Page Turner!
Wow... I haven't been able to put these books down! You think that it's slowly drawing to a close, then wham! Something else happens.
Wow... I haven't been able to put these books down! You think that it's slowly drawing to a close, then wham! Something else happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews