Kiss the Villain Review

This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it definitely delivered. Kiss the Villain is an MM dark romance following Garret Carson—who, if you’ve been reading the Legacy of Gods series, you’ll recognize as the golden boy of the Heathens—and Kayden Lockwood, a criminal teaching criminal law. Yes, you read that right.

What makes this story so compelling is the way it peels back Garret’s perfect image and shows you everything that’s been hiding underneath. It’s about power, obsession, dominance, and possession—but also about identity, and the tension between the role someone plays and who they really are. These characters are not good people, and the book doesn’t pretend otherwise, but somehow, I still found myself rooting for them.

Please don’t forget to check the trigger warnings!

Rina Kent has a way of writing complex characters that stay with you long after the last page. The story is dark and intense, and while it’s not overflowing with spice, what’s there is well done and fits the tone of the book.

I gave it 4 stars overall, and I’m really excited for where this new series is going. We already know Vaughn is next, and I have a few theories about book three—can’t wait to see who it’s about.

Kiss the Villain by Rina Kent

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating

🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice

#kissthevillain #rinakent #darkromance #mmromance #booktok

2025/4/12 Edited to

... Read moreIn 'Kiss the Villain', Rina Kent masterfully explores the intricacies of moral ambiguity through her characters. The narrative is set in a new series that intertwines dark themes with captivating storytelling. Readers are drawn to the complexity of the characters; Garret, the seemingly perfect golden boy, and Kayden, a morally grey professor who teaches criminal law. Their relationship delves into the deeper struggles of identity and power dynamics, highlighting how love can blossom in the most twisted circumstances. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself questioning who deserves redemption and whether love can truly conquer all when entangled with darker impulses. Kent's writing style combines intensity and raw emotion, keeping readers engaged. The reference to trigger warnings underscores the importance of mental health awareness as sensitive topics arise throughout the story. Overall, 'Kiss the Villain' promises to be a captivating addition to the MM dark romance genre, appealing to its avid audience and new readers alike. Fans can eagerly anticipate Vaughn's story in the upcoming installment, exploring further the legacy Kent has begun with this thrilling series that addresses the shadows of the human experience.

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