A Gorgeous Villain by Saffron A. Kent

This was one of my most anticipated reads by Saffron A. Kent and it didn't disappoint. A Gorgeous Villain is the second book in the St. Mary's Rebels series featuring Callie Thorne and Reed Jackson. Their story is a second-chance romance that spans two years. Thankfully, the author has included the prequel—The Wild Mustang & The Dancing Fairy—so you won't be missing out on anything. I have a lot of thoughts about this book and at times, I couldn't help but think how young and naive Callie was. She was so adamant about not forgiving Reed for breaking her heart but she also couldn't help but yearn for him even though he used her. Reed had a lot of groveling to do and I can honestly say that he truly turned things around—shockingly. I hated him for hurting Callie but he had his reasons and not everything was what it seemed.

"I want to remember the pain, the misery. The tears I've cried. I want to remember my heartbreak. So I never make the same mistake again."

The angst and longing that these two had for each other was my favorite part of this book. There was so much tension and chemistry between the two—there always has been. Callie and Reed was an amazing but frustrating couple because he refused to forgive himself while she desperately wanted him to love her. I do have to admit that the dirty talking and sex between Callie and Reed was "tamer" compared to Salem and Arrow in My Darling Arrow. Yes, they had their sexy moments but most of it was Reed being incredibly sweet and protective over Callie. There was a part of this book that I didn't like and it was Callie and Reed's first time together. She lied and made him assume things. They also didn't practice safe sex. We all knew this was going to happen but the how left me a little unsatisfied.

"She does it for me. She always has. Her tight ballerina body and those big blue eyes and that good girl braid. And now with her feistiness, she's irresistible."

In the end, I really enjoyed reading Callie and Reed's story. Theirs was a heartbreaking romance but it was all worth it in the end. Reed was so focused on revenge that he never realized he had already fallen in love a long time ago. Callie's brothers also made a special appearance—Conrad and Ledger. We finally know who Wyn will end up with! I'm so excited for her story. Poe will obviously end up with the guardian she supposedly "hates." Even though Reed used and broke Callie's heart in the past, he made it up to her in the end and she forgave him. Both characters were likeable and I felt for them. If you love reading angsty second-chance romances with a hero who can be an "asshole" but also possessive and protective of his heroine, then I highly recommend giving this series a try!

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆