She’s promised to be loyal, dutiful, and obedient, but to whom?Lady Ammalie Avington, Baroness of Faebarrow, has discovered the truth, and it should not come as a surprise: the blood mage who threatened, spellbound, and abducted her intends to bring ruin to the realm–the very one she is sworn to serve. It’s just a terribly inconvenient fact to learn because, well…he’s rather cute.But it’s not safe to pine after the son of a demon, especially not whilst locked up in a tower surrounded by infernal beings and a rival for your affection, nor trapped below ground in a den of beguiling vampires, nor even in the heart of a wild jungle under the tutelage of esoteric witches. Amma just can’t help herself around Damien Maleficus Bloodthorne, danger be damned, but, truly, what danger is there? Damien’s heart, the one he swears to not have, has been softening right before her eyes. Nevermind the weird smoke that sometimes unwittingly emanates from his hands or that faraway look he gets to his eyes, and a voice she can’t hear telling him that he’s meant to be a vessel? Surely it’s all just a bad dream.After finally tasting freedom and learning that Amma may have ancient, innate magical powers of her own, why not use them to do exactly as she pleases?
Summoned to the Wilds by A.K. Caggiano is the second book in the Villains and Virtues series, and it continues the delightful blend of humor, romance, and unexpected twists that make this series so uniquely engaging.
As someone who usually isn’t a fan of romance and is very hit-or-miss with comedy, I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this series as much as I do. But somehow, Caggiano nails it. The combination of lighthearted romance and quirky humor works perfectly here, and it’s a joy to read. The balance of both elements is refreshing, and it never feels forced, which is often the case with books that mix these genres.
Another thing that stands out about this series is its ability to strike a balance between being cozy and comforting, while also diving into some darker, bloodier, and more violent moments. The story is a good example of what I call “cosy-dark. It’s full of lighthearted, cozy moments that will make you smile, but it also has its share of intense, gritty scenes that might not be for the faint of heart. The mix of the two creates an interesting dynamic that keeps you on your toes, and adds layers to the overall experience. I would recommend readers to check trigger warnings before diving in, especially if you’re sensitive to darker content like SA or blood.
“Oh, no.” Damien cut through the air with his hand. “I’ve seen your Chthonic, it’s abysmal.” “Of course it’s Abyssal,” Xander snapped. “That’s where it comes from.” “Abysmal,” Damien stressed. “Terrible, illegible, bad. I’ll do the translations, and you take a turn at dictation.”
The main characters are simply irresistible. They not only manage to fulfill classic tropes, like the damsel in distress or the overpowered demon, but at other times they subvert them in fun and clever ways. One moment, they may be the helpless one in need of rescue, and the next, they’re the driving force of the plot, taking charge and turning everything on its head. It’s this unpredictability that keeps the characters feeling fresh and interesting. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their dynamic is both heartwarming and hilarious. There’s an endearing quality to their relationship that keeps you invested in their journey, no matter how wacky things get.
The humor in this book is wonderfully silly and easy to digest. It’s not the kind of highbrow, intellectual comedy that requires deep thinking, but it’s all the better for it. Instead, it’s fun, goofy, and often downright absurd, in the best possible way. It’s playful and light, making it the perfect escape from more serious or heavy reads. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to deliver a good time, this is exactly what you need.
I have to give a special mention to the spicy scenes in this book, which are unexpectedly hot! In a genre where many romantic or comedic moments can feel a bit cringey or unnecessary, Caggiano manages to craft moments of passion that are both surprisingly sensual and yet funny. I don’t often find romance or sex scenes that add anything meaningful to the narrative, but here, they felt well written and fit right in. Aside from Anna Stephens and KJ Charles, I can’t think of many authors whose romance scenes actually added to the story for me. So, kudos to Caggiano for making them work!
“If I do to you what you want me to do, you’re not going to be able to walk for at least a week, and I’m not carrying you through The Wilds.” “Is that supposed to be discouraging?” she squealed, squeezing her thighs together, all the relief she could get with her hands tied. “I can’t believe it—you really are evil.” “I know,” he droned. “I do keep saying.” Amma couldn’t help but grin up at the ceiling.”
If you’re in the mood for something light, fun, and a little bit wacky, this book will serve as the ideal escape. Summoned to the Wilds is a mood-boosting read that will leave you smiling and eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. (I for one had to start the third right away, as it ends on quite the good, but mean cliff hanger!)
