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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Prior to this book, I have read both the 2 others in this series and all 3 of the books from the first series. Readers who have not read the previous Roaring 20s books may not enjoy this as a standalone, as the plotline and characters build from those.
This book is a great conclusion to a fun series. I love the characters of Wesley & Sebastian. This book brings together beloved characters from the previous books (Roaring 20s Magic & Magic in Manhattan series), and I enjoyed seeing their stories woven into this one. Allie Therin has built a rich world integrating aspects of historical 1920s with magical fantasy. This was one of those stories I finished and immediately wanted to go back a reread just to spend a little more time in this world with these characters.
I enjoyed the narrator and felt he did well differentiating characters and bringing humor and personality to each.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a great conclusion to a fun series. I love the characters of Wesley & Sebastian. This book brings together beloved characters from the previous books (Roaring 20s Magic & Magic in Manhattan series), and I enjoyed seeing their stories woven into this one. Allie Therin has built a rich world integrating aspects of historical 1920s with magical fantasy. This was one of those stories I finished and immediately wanted to go back a reread just to spend a little more time in this world with these characters.
I enjoyed the narrator and felt he did well differentiating characters and bringing humor and personality to each.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was really happy to get the chance to read an ARC of this book - thank you Netgalley!
I went in really excited about getting the whole band together in this story. It took a little longer than I was hoping for, but we got there, and it was fun! The complicated character backstories made for lots of interesting interactions. The lore and magic remains very interesting, as it has throughout both series of books.
I did find it a little hard to keep track of the abilities of all the secondary characters, as well as who had what relic, and what each of them did. It's a complicated setup, and I'm not sure how to keep in clearer, but I would have benefited from rereading the original trilogy immediately before this one.
I also feel like there were several times where the characters discussed a certain possibility or plot point, and then later were surprised by evidence of almost exactly the same theory, and discussed it again as though it were brand new. Likewise, Wesley in particular did a lot of rehashing of exactly the same emotional points at several points through the story.
Overall, this was a great way to wrap up the trilogy, and I was really glad to get to spend some more time with all the characters.
I went in really excited about getting the whole band together in this story. It took a little longer than I was hoping for, but we got there, and it was fun! The complicated character backstories made for lots of interesting interactions. The lore and magic remains very interesting, as it has throughout both series of books.
I did find it a little hard to keep track of the abilities of all the secondary characters, as well as who had what relic, and what each of them did. It's a complicated setup, and I'm not sure how to keep in clearer, but I would have benefited from rereading the original trilogy immediately before this one.
I also feel like there were several times where the characters discussed a certain possibility or plot point, and then later were surprised by evidence of almost exactly the same theory, and discussed it again as though it were brand new. Likewise, Wesley in particular did a lot of rehashing of exactly the same emotional points at several points through the story.
Overall, this was a great way to wrap up the trilogy, and I was really glad to get to spend some more time with all the characters.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Viscounts and Villianry was a fitting ending to Wesley and Sebastian's story.
I continue to enjoy their relationship and dynamic - grumpy x sunshine is a classic trope for a reason. In this one, we also explore the ramifications of Sebastian's losing his magic has on their relationship.
The characters from the first series continued to play a part - especially Arthur and Rory - which is always nice.
This final book also wraps up to the mystery of who was targeting paranormals and honestly, I have no strong feelings on that either way. The strength of this book is definitely in its characters and relationship, whilst the plot is simply serviceable to keep the story ticking along.
Overall though, an enjoyable end to a series and romance I ended up far more invested in than I thought I would be when book one was announced!
I continue to enjoy their relationship and dynamic - grumpy x sunshine is a classic trope for a reason. In this one, we also explore the ramifications of Sebastian's losing his magic has on their relationship.
The characters from the first series continued to play a part - especially Arthur and Rory - which is always nice.
This final book also wraps up to the mystery of who was targeting paranormals and honestly, I have no strong feelings on that either way. The strength of this book is definitely in its characters and relationship, whilst the plot is simply serviceable to keep the story ticking along.
Overall though, an enjoyable end to a series and romance I ended up far more invested in than I thought I would be when book one was announced!
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thanks to Harlequin - Romance and Carina Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I love Sebastian and Wesley! Across the three books of this trilogy, their relationship has grown and deepened. The grumpy/sunshine surface belies a more complicated past, and they are so good for each other in multiple ways, not least in how their relationship helps them understand themselves better.
I'm also a fan of the queer found family aspect (probably enhanced if you've read the previous trilogy, of which this is a spinoff, which I haven't.)
The pacing/tension of the magic conspiracy plot surprised me a bit, seeming to wrap up very suddenly. Perhaps I was simply paying more attention to the interpersonal aspects.
Content warnings: the spice is about the same level as the previous book.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
What an absolutely gorgeous conclusion to Wesley and Sebastian's story.
I loved "Viscounts & Villainy" SO much. I managed to devour it in two days, and I still couldn't get enough of it by the end of it.
It's packed with magic and amazing world-building, action and secret plots, humour and so much romance and feels. Allie Therin is such a talented author, and I seriously cannot get enough of her books. Reading this has made me want to start a re-read of all her previous books (starting with Arthur and Rory's romance of course!).
I loved how well all the different plot threads tied up here; I loved the action and the non-stop clues leading to the explosive finale. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
Most of all, I loved the two protagonists, and their wonderful romance, SO MUCH.
Sebastian's truly a sweetheart, and seeing him put through the emotional wringer in this one wasn't pleasant, but I adored seeing him finally accept himself (and his past) and learn to forgive himself too.
AND WESLEY. God, that man. I love him half to death. He's grumpy and slightly mean, a snarky asshole who's convinced himself he's the worst, not worth loving at all, and seeing him finally accept the love Sebastian's trying to shower him in was WONDERFUL. Ugh, truly, one of my fav characters from Allie to date.
Wesley was used to the man in the mirror looking cold and severe. Untouchable and undesirable. But this man in the reflection was none of those things. He looked like someone’s lover.
Their romance stole my heart, and ALTHOUGH I feel like we were cheated out a proper switch scene; WESLEY DESERVES TO BE TIED UP AND F****D WITHIN AN INCH OF HIS LIFE; IT WOULD CURE HIM (I know this because he told me himself) , I adored watching them finally REALIZE they can have the HEA both of them so desperately crave. My sweet babies <3
Having the gang back together was priceless, and I adored reading about Wesley and Arthur being overprotective mother hens, and I loved the banter between Rory and Wesley SO MUCH. All the other side characters were as priceless as always, and I might have found a new favourite.
“Look at you, out of Arthur’s sight,” Wesley said. “How is he coping? Should we telegram and assure him that you haven’t been mugged or, I don’t know, unacceptably jostled by passersby?”
That epilogue stole my heart <3 truly the best way to say goodbye to this series, although I'll probably beg Allie Therin for more in this universe until I'm dead and buried. I NEED IT!
Wholly recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
I loved "Viscounts & Villainy" SO much. I managed to devour it in two days, and I still couldn't get enough of it by the end of it.
It's packed with magic and amazing world-building, action and secret plots, humour and so much romance and feels. Allie Therin is such a talented author, and I seriously cannot get enough of her books. Reading this has made me want to start a re-read of all her previous books (starting with Arthur and Rory's romance of course!).
I loved how well all the different plot threads tied up here; I loved the action and the non-stop clues leading to the explosive finale. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
Most of all, I loved the two protagonists, and their wonderful romance, SO MUCH.
Sebastian's truly a sweetheart, and seeing him put through the emotional wringer in this one wasn't pleasant, but I adored seeing him finally accept himself (and his past) and learn to forgive himself too.
AND WESLEY. God, that man. I love him half to death. He's grumpy and slightly mean, a snarky asshole who's convinced himself he's the worst, not worth loving at all, and seeing him finally accept the love Sebastian's trying to shower him in was WONDERFUL. Ugh, truly, one of my fav characters from Allie to date.
Wesley was used to the man in the mirror looking cold and severe. Untouchable and undesirable. But this man in the reflection was none of those things. He looked like someone’s lover.
Their romance stole my heart, and ALTHOUGH
Having the gang back together was priceless, and I adored reading about Wesley and Arthur being overprotective mother hens, and I loved the banter between Rory and Wesley SO MUCH. All the other side characters were as priceless as always, and I might have found a new favourite.
“Look at you, out of Arthur’s sight,” Wesley said. “How is he coping? Should we telegram and assure him that you haven’t been mugged or, I don’t know, unacceptably jostled by passersby?”
That epilogue stole my heart <3 truly the best way to say goodbye to this series, although I'll probably beg Allie Therin for more in this universe until I'm dead and buried. I NEED IT!
Wholly recommended.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i read proper scoundrels in the beginning of 2022, after binging the magic in manhattan series. and sebastian and weslesy immediately drew me in. since then, i probably read it four more times, while somehow completely missing that it's sequel had been released, with book 3 planned for this year...
so thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
i really enjoyed book 1 and book 2 set an incredibly high bar. book 3, while starting of a bit slow, is a perfect ending to wesley and sebastian's tale. i do have a few issues with the book, in particular pacing, but for the most part, i'm really happy with viscounts & villainy.
our duo (with arthur and rory) are back in England to track down the mysterious person behind the plot unveiled in book 2. through the course of kick-starting the plot, we get a lot of emotional introspection, especially with sebastian having to deal with losing his magic, and wesley being determined to be there for him.
they're adorable, and tooth-achingly sweet. they've never really had a miscommunication issue, but i do like how they've grown into their relationship. sebastian and weslesy and their romance have always been the heart of this trilogy.
if I had to talk about what I didn't like; the pacing:
not a lot happens in the beginning. and unlike the second book where it was used to explore their budding relationship, here it just dragged. I do feel we didn't need to start in new york. what was covered there could have easily been done on the boat or in London. and then too much happens at the end. again, this worked in the second book, when there was a third one planned. but in the last book of the trilogy, the villain reveal, the majority of the action, and the epilogue, should not all be happening within the last 3 chapters in my opinion.
regardless, wesley and sebastian more than make up for it, and it is an excellent conclusion to an already great series.
(PS: while going through this series, I also discovered that the sequel to liar city, allie therin's modern paranormal series, was recently released as well. it was one of my favourite books of 2023 and has one the most interesting portrayals of empaths that i've come across. highly recommend.)
so thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
i really enjoyed book 1 and book 2 set an incredibly high bar. book 3, while starting of a bit slow, is a perfect ending to wesley and sebastian's tale. i do have a few issues with the book, in particular pacing, but for the most part, i'm really happy with viscounts & villainy.
our duo (with arthur and rory) are back in England to track down the mysterious person behind the plot unveiled in book 2. through the course of kick-starting the plot, we get a lot of emotional introspection, especially with sebastian having to deal with losing his magic, and wesley being determined to be there for him.
they're adorable, and tooth-achingly sweet. they've never really had a miscommunication issue, but i do like how they've grown into their relationship. sebastian and weslesy and their romance have always been the heart of this trilogy.
if I had to talk about what I didn't like; the pacing:
not a lot happens in the beginning. and unlike the second book where it was used to explore their budding relationship, here it just dragged. I do feel we didn't need to start in new york. what was covered there could have easily been done on the boat or in London. and then too much happens at the end. again, this worked in the second book, when there was a third one planned. but in the last book of the trilogy, the villain reveal, the majority of the action, and the epilogue, should not all be happening within the last 3 chapters in my opinion.
regardless, wesley and sebastian more than make up for it, and it is an excellent conclusion to an already great series.
(PS: while going through this series, I also discovered that the sequel to liar city, allie therin's modern paranormal series, was recently released as well. it was one of my favourite books of 2023 and has one the most interesting portrayals of empaths that i've come across. highly recommend.)
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Wesley is up there as one of my favorite characters! My partner likes to say it's because I'm also allergic to feelings but I like to think it's more about his arc, his growth throughout the three books (and sure, that part of him resonate with me). There's a subtlety and nuance to how his character grows, almost as if it sneaks up on him. It's both hilarious and heartwarming.
I don't think I've talked about Allie's talent for blending comedic moments and funny quips with tender, heartfelt actions. I laughed out loud several times while reading this and it made it all the more enjoyable.
Sebastian is possibly the kindest, sweetest person. I understand where Wesley is coming from: what do you do with someone who is so selfless, someone who loves deeply and gives that love so freely?! It's magical. And I also loved seeing moments between Arthur and Rory. Rory is another character I can't get enough of so the vulnerable moments he shares with Wesley and Sebastian were favorites of mine.
Plot-wise, I was once again so invested in the story and the characters that I didn't try very hard to figure things out. Sure, one aspect wasn't a surprise but plenty of others were. Just like in Wonderstruck, Wesley and Sebastian's story ends perfectly. It'd be easy to keep the story going, to give us more of their adventures and their love, but we don't need it for everything to feel complete.
I will never shut up about these books. I will recommend them to EVERYONE and cheer loudly when new people fall in love with them!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Carina Press, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I don't think I've talked about Allie's talent for blending comedic moments and funny quips with tender, heartfelt actions. I laughed out loud several times while reading this and it made it all the more enjoyable.
Sebastian is possibly the kindest, sweetest person. I understand where Wesley is coming from: what do you do with someone who is so selfless, someone who loves deeply and gives that love so freely?! It's magical. And I also loved seeing moments between Arthur and Rory. Rory is another character I can't get enough of so the vulnerable moments he shares with Wesley and Sebastian were favorites of mine.
Plot-wise, I was once again so invested in the story and the characters that I didn't try very hard to figure things out. Sure, one aspect wasn't a surprise but plenty of others were. Just like in Wonderstruck, Wesley and Sebastian's story ends perfectly. It'd be easy to keep the story going, to give us more of their adventures and their love, but we don't need it for everything to feel complete.
I will never shut up about these books. I will recommend them to EVERYONE and cheer loudly when new people fall in love with them!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Carina Press, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who only recently discovered Allie Therin, I already count myself a devoted fan, and Viscounts and Villainy only deepens that admiration. I first fell for her writing through the Sugar and Vice series (that slow burn! that tension!), but this third installment in the historical spinoff series proves she's just as magical in a faster-paced, full-on romantic and magical whirlwind.
Even though Viscounts and Villainy is technically book three of its own series (and a spinoff of another), it's a captivating read in its own right. I came into it with a summary to guide me through the backstory, and while that definitely helped, it’s still clear that Therin has a gift for grounding readers with just enough context to enjoy the ride. That said, if you have read the previous books, you're in for an even richer experience.
What stands out most is the combination of vivid world-building and intricate magic, laced with snappy banter and intense chemistry between the leads. It’s less of a slow burn than Sugar and Vice, but that’s not a complaint as it works wonderfully here, especially with the emotional stakes already well-established by this point in the series.
If you love queer historical fantasy with heart, heat, and a touch of danger, Viscounts and Villainy is absolutely worth diving into. Just maybe have the earlier books close at hand because you'll want to know everything about this world.
Even though Viscounts and Villainy is technically book three of its own series (and a spinoff of another), it's a captivating read in its own right. I came into it with a summary to guide me through the backstory, and while that definitely helped, it’s still clear that Therin has a gift for grounding readers with just enough context to enjoy the ride. That said, if you have read the previous books, you're in for an even richer experience.
What stands out most is the combination of vivid world-building and intricate magic, laced with snappy banter and intense chemistry between the leads. It’s less of a slow burn than Sugar and Vice, but that’s not a complaint as it works wonderfully here, especially with the emotional stakes already well-established by this point in the series.
If you love queer historical fantasy with heart, heat, and a touch of danger, Viscounts and Villainy is absolutely worth diving into. Just maybe have the earlier books close at hand because you'll want to know everything about this world.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Such a delight!
I cannot, and don’t ever want to, get enough of the indubitably sweet Lord Fine and his precious Sebastian. I came to this series late so had the undeniable pleasure of binge reading this trilogy and it was amazing! The excellent mysteries, the mysterious magic, the thrills of discovery, and the joys of friendship all combine to make this a top-notch series and one I want to regularly re-read.
“Do you imagine the streets are full of men willing to sacrifice the literal magic in their veins to save my life? You’re irreplaceable, Sebastian. And your lion is mine more than ever now.”
From the moment I met Wesley I recognized a kindred spirit in his prickly personality and fell in love with his dry wit and his hidden softness. I love that he saves it all for Sebastian and that Sebastian, despite their beginnings, has never been anyone other than himself—a true hero who has a heart of gold. And it’s because of everything that makes Sebastian so lovable, so irresistible that Fine fell and fell hard, though he tried to deny it.
Gah, the levels that Wesley goes to make Sebastian happy—squeal—and the many, many ways these two would do anything for the other—swoons—had my heart fluttering, racing, and beating to their tune. Their love is the true magic and I adore every part of them.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Get ready to revel in the feels, magic, and mystery in this smashing conclusion to a lovely and endlessly fascinating trilogy! From book 1, Sebastian and Wesley became some of my favorite characters, and each book has revealed even more wonderful facets of them and their relationship. In Viscounts & Villainy, Sebastian is struggling to adjust to a life without magic and relies on Wesley to help keep him safe and stable. Meanwhile Wesley is grappling with having tender feelings and emotions (the horror!) and how to show affection. As they race against the clock to uncover a conspiracy to destroy magic, Sebastian must enter Wesley's world of aristocrats, tailcoats, and balls to find the answers they seek. I loved every moment with these two! They have such a hardwon trust and mutual respect, and seeing them so happy and comfortable together gave me all the feels. I also enjoyed seeing the rest of the paranormal crew and getting lots of Rory and Arthur moments. The plot kept me guessing, right up to the end. All in all, this was a delightful journey from New York to England, from speakeasies to cozy ship cabins to lavish country estates. Highly recommend!
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.