Xander turns into a softie in this one and it’s so wonderful to see his sad, abused heart be loved. 

Perfect ending to one of the most unique series. It has it all - humor, fantastic plot, amazing characters, and tons of breaking the fourth wall.

As much as I hated Xander in the earlier books, it was nice to see him get his own book. It was nice Xander’s self obsession stems from lack of attention and love from his mother. And that’s all he wants- love. It’s an interesting journey to watch him slowly morph from a self-absorption brat to someone who not only desires to be wanted, but deserves to be wanted. Even though he’s a jerk. I really appreciate how Caggiano throws in some really thoughtful, deep themes into each of her books. This was no exception.

The new characters were a delight. The plot was fast and fun. Imps are my favorite. I’m upset this is the last book, but it went out with a bang. Thank you A. K. Caggiano for the gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own.

if you haven't read the villains & virtues series yet, what are you even doing!?!?!?

it is so bittersweet to have the villains & virtues universe come to an end! and with such a fitting book, following the deliciously diabolical xander.

the way this managed to be the most emotional yet also spiciest book of the series???? ok!

while this still had caggiano's trademark silly terry pratcher-esque humor throughout the story, i felt like this was the most down-to-earth and heaviest of the series. it's not super heavy, but there's definitely more of a sensitivity dealing with xander's childhood abuse and toxic relationship with his mother, resulting in insecurity, self-deprecation, and self-loathing.

it was fun to see him meet evangeline and a few other characters who warmed up his jaded little heart and gave him the love and family he deserves 🥲

final line:

Love made one wild and free but safe and sincere too, and it overcame birth and duty and even hopelessness because, in the end, it was the most transcendent of virtues, and even a villain understood that.

Oh my god. 

Xander is a little shit: he’s definitely a brat. But watching his third act in this amazing sickeningly fantastic novel is more than i could have ever asked for.

THIS is how you bring a series to a close. THIS BOOK is everything that i didn’t know I needed when I picked up Throne in the Dark for the first time.

I won’t post spoilers, but my GOD

what to expect 👇🏻

🧡 she’s everything and he’s just pathetic (and he knows it)
🩸 good boy
🧡 found family
🩸 villain redemption 
🧡 she makes him say “please”
🩸 he actually does it
🧡 himbo MC
🩸 badass, brat tamer FMC
🧡 callbacks to other books in the series 
🩸 she asks “who did this to you?”
🧡 poor xander and his mommy issues

i’ll say - the spice in this book was TOP NOTCH. someone needed to put xander in his place and who better to do it than a smoking hot apothecary. 

this book is part of the Villains and Virtues series, and I truly believe that it COULD be read as a standalone, but I also think it means SO MUCH MORE if you read it following the V&V series (you wont regret that series either)

i loved loved loved the chance to get a copy of this closing chapter of V&V, and I am so happy to leave this review and tell everyone to READ THIS BOOK