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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
I'm not sure how Onley James made me fall in love with psychopaths, but somehow through this series, she did. This novel might be my second favorite, with Unhinged being the first. It was nice to the brothers interacting from both Archer's and Mac's POV. And I loved the interaction between Noah and Archer. I loved the heat and chemistry between Archer and Mac and their snark as well. Watch out for that ending, though. It's not really a cliffhanger, but Onley does leave you waiting with baited breath for the next novel!
This book felt most out of place in the series for me. Archer was supposed to be aloof and murdery, not super caring and overworked with a hidden agenda. I dunno. Wasn’t a fan.
Review:
I'm a fan of the additional world building, but it's also starting to get muddy with so many different directions.
I'm a fan of the additional world building, but it's also starting to get muddy with so many different directions.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4: Great, calling it good doesn’t feel adequate. I really liked it and had a very good time reading it.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4: Brown Girl Spicy
Multiple descriptive and detailed open door scenes; smut is very prominent but it does not overtake plot
Perspective: third
Tense: past
POV: dual
Source: Library: Hoopla
As a member of Onley’s Patreon, I got to read this book as it was written. However, I tend to force myself to stop reading before the end simply so that when the book comes out, I can binge the whole thing, complete with the utter rush of excitement and action that is always present.
Lunatic was an exception in that I really struggled to stop myself from checking Onley’s page. I needed to know what was going to happen next with Archer and Mac, more so than almost any other couple in the Necessary Evils’ series. There was just something about Archer, about how vulnerable he allowed himself to be, about the complicated man that Mac turned out to be when he was initially presented as very much what you see if what you get – I really wanted to see how their HEA played out.
There were moments during this book when I really needed Noah to share his Squishmallow – either with myself or Archer, or preferably both of; there were also moments when I was laughing so hard I had to explain myself to my daughters! One of those was in the strip club – when you read it, you’ll know! My favourite characters this time: Grover the tapeworm; Molly fangirling and Archer. Archer captured my whole damned heart from the prologue where he was trying to be tough in the face of horrors, to his confessions to Mac, to their well-deserved HEA.
Some of this book was hard to read – the human trafficking, the language used for the people who were suffering – it was sickening. As usual, the warnings should be heeded.
This book was hot, like burning up the pages hot. The chemistry between Mac and Archer was scorching, made even more so by the fact that Mac understood Archer in a way that no one else ever had. And when he didn’t get it, or was unsure, he was prepared to ask for help to make sure he was giving Archer what he needed. We got to spend time with all of the Mulvaneys (and their additions like Calliope and Cricket), and the relationship between Archer and Noah was so special to see, it really touched my heart. When they shared a moment of mutual understanding that only people who had suffered as they had could appreciate, I really and truly welled up in tears.
Every time I read one of the Necessary Evils books, I decide that this couple is my favourite and nothing will change that. And every time, the next book surpasses that. Mac and Archer are on my permanent re-read list because there are so many nuances that in this first reading of their full story, I picked up things that I had missed.
I loved the hints regarding Aiden and Thomas; Felix is an absolute demon and his game of tic-tac-toe with Mac may be one of my favourite moments; Archer and Noah bonding was absolutely amazing; the storyline was very well handled; Avi and Asa getting to play with new ways to murder people was excellent – I loved every single page! It’s so difficult not to spoil things by revealing too much, so all I will say is that anyone looking forward to reading about the pirate Mulvaney will definitely not be disappointed.
A solid 5/5 from me and I look forward to the last in the series when it comes out.
I received an early release ARC from the author.
Lunatic was an exception in that I really struggled to stop myself from checking Onley’s page. I needed to know what was going to happen next with Archer and Mac, more so than almost any other couple in the Necessary Evils’ series. There was just something about Archer, about how vulnerable he allowed himself to be, about the complicated man that Mac turned out to be when he was initially presented as very much what you see if what you get – I really wanted to see how their HEA played out.
There were moments during this book when I really needed Noah to share his Squishmallow – either with myself or Archer, or preferably both of; there were also moments when I was laughing so hard I had to explain myself to my daughters! One of those was in the strip club – when you read it, you’ll know! My favourite characters this time: Grover the tapeworm; Molly fangirling and Archer. Archer captured my whole damned heart from the prologue where he was trying to be tough in the face of horrors, to his confessions to Mac, to their well-deserved HEA.
Some of this book was hard to read – the human trafficking, the language used for the people who were suffering – it was sickening. As usual, the warnings should be heeded.
This book was hot, like burning up the pages hot. The chemistry between Mac and Archer was scorching, made even more so by the fact that Mac understood Archer in a way that no one else ever had. And when he didn’t get it, or was unsure, he was prepared to ask for help to make sure he was giving Archer what he needed. We got to spend time with all of the Mulvaneys (and their additions like Calliope and Cricket), and the relationship between Archer and Noah was so special to see, it really touched my heart. When they shared a moment of mutual understanding that only people who had suffered as they had could appreciate, I really and truly welled up in tears.
Every time I read one of the Necessary Evils books, I decide that this couple is my favourite and nothing will change that. And every time, the next book surpasses that. Mac and Archer are on my permanent re-read list because there are so many nuances that in this first reading of their full story, I picked up things that I had missed.
I loved the hints regarding Aiden and Thomas; Felix is an absolute demon and his game of tic-tac-toe with Mac may be one of my favourite moments; Archer and Noah bonding was absolutely amazing; the storyline was very well handled; Avi and Asa getting to play with new ways to murder people was excellent – I loved every single page! It’s so difficult not to spoil things by revealing too much, so all I will say is that anyone looking forward to reading about the pirate Mulvaney will definitely not be disappointed.
A solid 5/5 from me and I look forward to the last in the series when it comes out.
I received an early release ARC from the author.
Archer is a sweetheart, and I wasn't expecting that. He's always been so aloof in the other books, but I think he's my favorite Mulvaney now (or atleast tied with my earlier fav, August.) His and Mac's romance was sweet and possessive and exactly what I needed to pull me out of my reading slump. Absolutely loved this book, and can't wait for Thomas and Aiden's story!
pretty good for the first half, but towards the end, it wasn’t the best.
Another great addition to the Necessary Evils series!
*****
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: Dark, Anti-Hero, MM, enemies to lovers
Triggers: Gratuitous violence
*****
At long last, we have Archer's book. The story of the drunk poker player who didn't give a hoot about the outside world is going to get his happy ending. Archer was not at all what I had anticipated... As I watched the layers of his past unfold, I finally started to understand who he was. Mac, oh that dirty talking dominant... good heavens. Mac and Archer have an intensely love-hate relationship, which makes their dynamic extremely “heated” (wink wink).
The plot included cameo appearances from several of our favorite characters, which put a huge smile on my face. The storyline was very intriguing and suspenseful, and it featured two distinct story arcs: the first involved discovering who is out to kill Mac, and the second concerned a new school (maybe a spinoff?). Both had me staying up past my bedtime (and late to work the next day… oops), because I truly needed to know how it would all play out.
The end... OMG! The only thing I can say is that I need that last book as soon as possible!
This sixth book in the series was another exciting read and again, I enjoyed the characters, creativity, and of course… the gratuitous violence. To get to see some characters from the Elite Protection Series was just a happy bonus.
I am a big Onley James fan and I am here for the duration! This is another winner in my book! Happy reading!
*****
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: Dark, Anti-Hero, MM, enemies to lovers
Triggers: Gratuitous violence
*****
At long last, we have Archer's book. The story of the drunk poker player who didn't give a hoot about the outside world is going to get his happy ending. Archer was not at all what I had anticipated... As I watched the layers of his past unfold, I finally started to understand who he was. Mac, oh that dirty talking dominant... good heavens. Mac and Archer have an intensely love-hate relationship, which makes their dynamic extremely “heated” (wink wink).
The plot included cameo appearances from several of our favorite characters, which put a huge smile on my face. The storyline was very intriguing and suspenseful, and it featured two distinct story arcs: the first involved discovering who is out to kill Mac, and the second concerned a new school (maybe a spinoff?). Both had me staying up past my bedtime (and late to work the next day… oops), because I truly needed to know how it would all play out.
The end... OMG! The only thing I can say is that I need that last book as soon as possible!
This sixth book in the series was another exciting read and again, I enjoyed the characters, creativity, and of course… the gratuitous violence. To get to see some characters from the Elite Protection Series was just a happy bonus.
I am a big Onley James fan and I am here for the duration! This is another winner in my book! Happy reading!
Like the rest of this series, I loved this book. I've been waiting for Archer's story as he's been on the peripheral of his brother's stories, but never seemed to really be a part of them. Not as removed as Aiden, but close. I'm glad that what we saw of him up to this point wasn't necessarily the real Archer, and we got to see the man behind the persona. As always, there's a ton of wit, sexy times, and murder. What more could you ask for?
Wow. Just wow. I truly never expected such depth and emotion from Archer, but our boy is such a well of hidden feelings and all it took was Mac to bring it out of him! Mac, while he seems domineering at the beginning of the book (which is smokin hot, ya girl has a TYPE) had just as many feelings and insecurities as well. These two cinnamon roll bbs, they made my heart want to burst! The story was immaculate and gut wrenching as always (especially bc I'm sure it's rooted in truth) and the interactions with the brothers and spouses were funny AF! And that epilogue! OMG I cannot WAIT! I mean I have to, but I'm gonna be a bear and my husband is gonna be so done with me! How did we get so lucky to be blessed with an amazing author like Onley? Keep them coming Onley, PLEASE!!
challenging
dark
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:
Yes