5⭐️/ 4🌶️

Kerri Maniscalco is one of my FAVORITE AUTHORS, so whenever she comes out with a book, it’s not only an IMMEDIATE YES! But also, a guaranteed time that’ll I’ll fall in love with the story. This story was a spin off with Envy, one of Wrath’s brothers from the, “Kingdom of the Wicked” series. This followed, Envy as he took part in a deadly game in order to save his court, and reclaim the power. Along the way, Envy found himself joining forces with the beautiful, artistic, and talented, Camilla Antonius. This story was full of mystery, deciphering hidden clues, secrets, masquerade balls, swoon worthy romance with passionate moments, and a whole lot of Envy and Camilla at each other’s throats… whether it was in the heat of the moment or the tension escalating between them was all the more enjoyable to read about! 

Why am I not surprised that I loved this book? I instantly loved the setting of the story, and the premise of Envy trying to win a secret, elusive game in order to save his court from a mysterious curse. Envy had always been one of Wrath’s brothers that I really liked when reading the other series. With the way Envy ruled his court and behaved with others including Emilia (Wrath’s Queen/ FL from other series), he was quite an alluring and fascinating character. Now, with Envy getting his own book, it was a whole new world into both the mortal and supernatural world. In addition, this new story brought a new character into the fold such as, our leading lady, Camilla. Camilla was an artist/ an art gallery owner, and quite the creative woman to go up against Envy. As much as Envy usually *ahem always managed to snag the attention of potential lovers, with Camilla, she wasn’t easily swayed by his seductive moves. Nonetheless, even Camilla couldn’t help from time to time envisioning certain fantasies with Envy. From Fae, vampires, different personalities from Envy’s others books, magic, and mystery lurking, I was THROUGHLY ENJOYING MYSELF WHILE READING! 

Camilla and Envy found themselves having to work together, but there was also the lingering tension that kept building that created a passionate connection. Between the clever and witty banter to Camilla and Envy challenging each other in unexpected ways, the chemistry between them was great! As much as Envy was always use to getting a lover and having his way, with Camilla she wasn’t easy especially when it came to the inevitable deal they stuck in order to help each other out. I found it interesting that despite Camilla and Envy having their moments where they butter heads, or necessarily didn’t agree on something, there was always that underlying desire for how much they wanted one another. The desire for intimacy was felt on both sides, not just Camilla fantasizing about Envy, Envy was equally fascinated by Camilla and wanted to explore all the pleasures with her. There was a “give and take” kind of thing going on with Camilla and Envy. When I say that I mean like, there were certain moments when Envy and Camilla would one up each other, challenge each other in ways that they hadn’t experienced before. I loved seeing Camilla pull out her own power moves over Envy! Envy may have been a demonic prince, but Camilla learned his game quickly and had her own tricks up her sleeve to use against him. Also, CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE FAKE ENGAGEMENT?! OMG! Envy was quick to think on his feet, but he also basically got what he wanted… Camilla *wink. Envy was a possessive man and I WAS HERE FOR IT! Envy didn’t tolerate ANYBODY SPEAKING BADLY ABOUT CAMILLA! NOPE! Obviously violence isn’t the answer, but like… ENVY WAS SHUTTING THOSE THAT MEANT TO HARM CAMILLA! So it’s ok! 

If you’re reading this book in the hope of finding a romanticized, heroic savior, you’re in the wrong place. This book is centered around a devilish demon prince with the wit, snark, and prowess to command those at his feet. In other words, the villain is the one who will steal your heart a.k.a. Envy. The thing I loved about Envy was, there were moments he would slightly reveal some hidden part of himself, maybe even a small morsel of what he was truly feeling, but at the same time still leaving you in the dark of what he was truly after. Envy was by no means Prince Charming, he was calculated, cunning, deceptive, and manipulative. When it came down to it, Envy was willing to do anything to win the game, though his decision to win the game became complicated when Camilla was drawn into it. As much as Envy was enthralled by Camilla’s sharp tongue and acts of defiance against him, he knew deep down he could never fully let himself be vulnerable with her. Just when I thought MAYBE Envy would tell Camilla how much he wanted her with the way he touched and spoke to her, this man would turn around and surprise me with his turn around of, “yeah never mind, don’t forget I’m a prince of Hell, blah, blah, blah”, I’m paraphrasing, but you get the gist, Envy would not let Camilla or anyone TRULY know him at his core, especially when one time in his life, he made the big mistake that cost him everything. 

MISS CAMILLA ANTONIUS WAS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED! And I mean that in the BEST possible way! From the beginning, I really loved Camilla’s strength and tenacity especially when she went up against Envy with their little games between them. As the story progressed, little details about Camilla’s became more, and hinted that she not only had secrets of her, but also suggested she wasn’t entirely what others thought she was. With the way Camilla suddenly found herself participating in the game with Envy, I assumed Camilla was just human, but certain instances and circumstances made me reconsider what exactly Camilla possessed within her. When I tell you the plot twists that were revealed SPECIFICALLY WITH CAMILLA, I was not prepared for it! I had my suspicions just like Envy and others that Camilla was something other worldly and not entirely human. Camilla had her own skills and secrets hidden deep beneath the surface. Even early on, I thought Camilla was fantastic, but with her secret being revealed towards the middle/ending, I gasped in shock! Kerri Maniscalco did a phenomenal job weaving all the aspects of Camilla’s character, and again, I cannot stress how much I adored Camilla! 

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Kerri Maniscalco has done it again! Another phenomenal written story set within the magical Underworld, the land of Faeries, demons, curses, and more! Camilla was simply outstanding! Camilla’s character arc throughout the story was truly fascinating and revealed so much of her strength and true self. I wasn’t expecting the plot twists that happened along the way, but OMG IT WAS SO GREAT! Camilla wasn’t who I thought she would be, instead she was the kind of character who kept surprising in the best way possible! Envy, the prince of Envy, was one of those characters I enjoyed reading in the other series KOTW, he was always up to something with his cunning skills. Envy finally met his match with Camilla, they were both skillful, strong, intelligent, and equally devious games to play with each other. The overall plot was written very well, and I really loved how the way the game was crafted connected to a deeper well of secrets I didn’t see coming. I was immersed in the worlds of the Seven Circles, Waverley Green, the Unseelie Court, and it was truly magical. The ending was so perfect in that it showed Camilla and Envy getting there happily ever after which they ABSOLUTELY DESERVED! Finally! Made me so happy to see Envy and Camilla enjoying themselves being so romantically in love and of course, up to their deviant behaviors. I’m not sure if this will end up becoming a series or if the next books will focus on the other demon princes, but for this book, I was throughly overjoyed with the way everything was. As a long time fan of Kerri Maniscalco’s books, she always manages to capture my attention, with her creative wording, the attention to details, and creating such complex yet lovable characters, even the morally grey ones.