A review by snowydaze
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This book was pitched to me as a dark academia meets Shakespeare novel. Although it hits both of these points, I found the characters to be very one-dimensional and the women to be overly sexualized for most of the novel. The plot, was run of the mill, with relationships between characters that seemed to be lacking of any depth besides some weird love triangles. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Drug use, Grief, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Murder, and Physical abuse