This was the book that I needed to bust my reading slump. After a few meh-reads before it, I was really starting to worry that maybe I had fallen down the reading rabbit hole and it was just me being picky. Then comes Venom and Vice.... boom. Slump busted. After devouring the first book, I dove right into Venom & Vice, the world building that book 1 lays down continues into this one. Casek & Ashley have an undeniable connection that will melt the pages right off your kindle. Just saying. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.

It took me some time to get this book, though I'd been in possession of an eARC from netgalley for a while because I didn't realize at first that it was the second in a series.
So I read the first book, and then came back to this one.
This urban fantasy could hook you from the first chapter if you are the right kind of reader. It starts with an electric scene between the main character and the LI, however, I felt that their relationship after that kinda fell flat, like the best part of their interactiosn was given right up front.
I can see why other reviewers are hot and bothered over Casek, but I found his brooding and angsty nature to be a little bit off putting, and even though he is fae, and the main character, Ashley, is recently turned fae, there's a weird power dynamic because Casek is an OLD fae. (though the fae don't age, but it's still weird to me.)
I can tell that this was intended to be slightly spicy maybe for a tad older audience because of the spice, but it came across as a fantasy I might have tried to read in high school.
young adult audiences might enjoy this book, and I can't honestly say that I didn't enjoy it, but I likely wont be returning to this series.

I feel like this author has been writing for years.
Being my first Faery book I didn't know what to expect and loved it.
Magic sex sounds mind blowing!
I loved the storyline and how the characters interacted with each other.

2nd in series about Ashley and Casek.
A magical fantasy about the fae.
Casek is assigned to protect and teach Ashley about the Fae and her magic.
They don't like each other but there is a chemistry between them.
Good suspense intrigue drama and romance.
Also a little of Fae and Merlin myths.
Enjoyed reading.
Voluntarily reviewed.

Venom And Vice is book two in the Of Myth and Man series and is Ashley and Casek's book. Casek and Ashley definitely have some tension on this book that is palpable from the get go. This book continues but expands on the storyline from book one so it's recommended that this series is to be read in order. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I felt a little confused until about three quarters in. I didn’t read the first book which was my own fault. The world is super detailed and brings you in. My only con was how predictable the story was.

I really enjoyed the flow of this book, it was quite clique in places and I thought the romance felt a bit rushed but it was paced nicely overall and I wasn't expecting who the killer was. I would probably have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book in the series and had more of the world building but it was not bad as a standalone too.

Phew, this was a hot read. I'm not a big fantasy reader but I quite enjoyed this.
I read it as a stand alone, without reading the book prior, and I had no difficulties understanding the world Jill Ramsower had created, but I would love to read the entire series from start to finish to get the full effect.
The heat between Casek and Ash was super hot and full of fire and I loved it!
Would recommend to any fantasy lovers and lovers of sexy stories!

This is the second novel in a series. I read it as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the first book to get the full backstory and get to know the characters. The story line of the first novel is referenced enough to keep up to speed with the characters and give you the basis of the plot without giving away the entire story. Each novel looks like it will follow a different couple with the previous books MC making regular appearances throughout.

This novel follows Ashley, a newly transformed fae and Casek a fae member of the hunt. The hunt are a faerie sect separate from the faerie queen. There is a backstory based on King Arthur and Merlin makes an appearance.

The backstory is engaging. It's a new spin on a topic that has been covered a lot. The romance starts of a little abruptly (probably because I didn't read the first book) and of course has hurdles to overcome. There is some open door scenes and some closed door scenes, so I'd give it a 2.5 spice rating. Some of the descriptors were not my thing, but didn't take away for the book.

Things I liked:
A new spin on Arthurian legend
Fae are both good and not
Women can handle their own damn selves, but you can help out
not exactly enemies to lovers, but dislike to lovers
A magical dog
Strong female friendships

Thinks I didn't love:
The MMC needs to protect the FMC because she's a danger to herself because she's too independent

Trigger Warning: death of a parent

When I requested this book I had failed to notice it was the second book of series. And this time, I would definitely recommend reading the first book. There was so much that I had no idea what they were talking about here. Hell, I have absolutely no idea how the one main character even became a fae. So much world building done in the first book that directly affects this one, so there was a lot I didn't understand.

And maybe that's part of why I just couldn't get into this. A small part. Honestly though, I just wasn't interested in the story. There is a lot of emotions and feelings going on, which bores me. There is a tiny bit of action, but not enough and not until the end. And I never was able to care even a tiny bit about their relationship.

So Ashley was turned into a fae in the first book and, unlike her best friend, she has yet to show any signs of even having any sort of power. Which a huge source of frustration for her. When she tags along with said best friend to go visit the queen (which was made into some sort of huge deal....and then nothing happens) she meets Merlin who says she'll be his student. He is able to unlock her magic, but he's a damn poor teacher considering he just leaves and later sends his dog to watch over her.

Casek is appointed to be the one to help her learn to use her magic and control it. He has a dark past and was traumatized by the loss of his sister. Seeing so much of his sister in Ashley, he is terrified of her powers drawing the wrong attention, and of her rushing in head first getting her killed. So he turns out to be a damn poor teacher as well.

When we're not getting the two of them stressing over their feelings for each other, we're dealing with a killer out there that is clearly targeting Casek. Honestly, this killer was the most interesting part of the whole book. When we find out who it is and why they're doing what they are, it all makes sense. But it also leaves new questions behind.

I won't be continuing this series and I don't think if had I read the first book it would have changed my mind. It's an interesting premise, but it failed to hold my attention.

So, honestly, I didn't love this. I think someone who was more into the Fae in general would like this story but I think there was something lost in translation for me.

Venom & Vice, Jill Ramsower

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

“Why was he the first person I noticed in a room and the only one I couldn’t seem to forget when my eyes closed at night? Why did I always end up gravitating towards him, trying to start conversations and finding ways to coax out the tiniest reactions from him?”

The Plot:

Venom & Vice is the second installment in the Of Myth & Man Series. In the previous novel, we were introduced to this magical world of Fae that is kept hidden and only accessible through Ireland, when the main character moved to the new country a job opportunity. Venom & Vice picks up from Ashley, the previous main character Becca’s best friend’s POV, at the end of the first novel. Ashley has recently been brought back from death’s doorstep from Merlin (yes, THE Merlin) and has been turned into a Fae. Throughout the novel, we follow Ashley as she discovers her new strengths and powers with help from the broody, reserved love interest, Casek. While searching for answers, Ashley finds an unexpected and whirlwind of a romance.

What I love about this series, is how it takes its own spin on the popular idea of Fae fantasy stories. The Fae follow different rules and their history is much more interesting, as we discover it twines with much of human history from Shakespeare to King Arthur. Though this novel is considered a Romance novel, the worldbuilding and cohesive connections the author makes between ‘real’ and ‘fantasy’ worlds is highly impressive and something that is usually lacking in contemporary romance novels. On top of the plot, the main characters were refreshingly emotionally mature and there was no infidelity, abuse, or extreme toxicity that usually comes with the Romance category.

“I could protect myself. I might rely on others to help me, but not out of helplessness. If I leaned on my friends, it was because I chose to do so on my terms.”

Characters and Relationships:

Ashley & Casek

“Promise me, Caz. I’ve already lost my father. If I lose you, too, I won’t… I won’t survive it.”
“Don’t you see? I’m in the same position. I lost one woman I loved. It would break me to lose another.”

These two were absolutely amazing together. They weren’t perfect by any means at all, he was overbearing, and she was determined to push him away, but after they surprisingly talked it out and had a solid conversation about it they decided to work on themselves to be a better partner. I was so shocked that I almost fell off my bed. In contemporary romance you never see emotional maturity, and I fell in love with the both of them because of it.

“His kiss was a bandage to my gaping wound. He swathed me in the comfort of his touch, each reverent glide of his tongue a silent vow. He’d heard me, and he understood. And above all, he wanted to do whatever he could to end my suffering.”

The smut scenes were realistic and enthralling. I love finding a novel, like this one, that has the best of both worlds, a world I want to escape to and a relationship with sex I will be jealous of.

Lochlan & Casek

“I think I’m going to enjoy watching you complete this assignment more than I anticipated.”
“You’re a dick, you know that?”
He threw back his head on a peel of laughter.

Their friendship was hilarious. Lochlan was very much playing matchmaker, pitting Casek and Ashley together, but boy was he right. Lochlan knew what was best for his friend and then helped him grow into who he needed to be for Ashley, which was very wholesome content I highly enjoyed.

Ashley & Her Dad

“This may sound crazy, but I missed my chance at father-daughter dances. I’d love if you’d indulge me in a song before we go.”
“Yeah, we can do that.”
“This has been a dream, Ashley. Thank you.”

Seeing Ashley develop a relationship with her father was a bit unexpected, but wholly appreciated. Her growing to realize that the addict and the man he is now are two different people was beautiful. That turning into him being killed right after they rekindle their relationship was painful. A book that makes me cry, instantly becomes a favorite, and these two pulled lots of tears from me.

Honorable Mentions:

- Ashley and Becca’s relationship was fine, but most of it was Becca lying about things happening to Ashley, which was a little disappointed. Though, girls’ night with Cat was so cozy and redeeming
- Knight and Ashley made me miss my own dog. Him protecting her and coming to save her with Casek was all I never knew I needed.

The Ending:

“Dance with me.”
“I didn’t think you danced.”
“Only in exceptional circumstances.”

The ending set up the plot line for the next novel, and hints that the next couple could involve Cat and Fenodree, which I for one am very excited to see. Ashley and Casek got their Happily Ever After and from the looks of it, they will never get enough of one another. The ending was predictable, but enjoyable. Venom & Vice gets a 4/5 from me because of how enjoyable it was to read and how impressed I was by the worldbuilding and overall cohesiveness. It was a joy and I look forward to reading the third installment later this year.


until next time,

love ana <3

Magical realism and fae set in the perfect Ireland backdrop, Jill Ramsower gives us the second hot and thrilling sequel in the Myth and Man series!

This sequel follows Ashley and Casek in their dual pov as Ashley discovers her powers. In their journey Casek is assigned as her bodyguard creating a wonderful tension between the two.
A perfect sunshine/grump duo Ashley and Casek respectively.

Love the urban fantasy world set in Ireland with all of the Knights of the Round Table tie-ins. The plot itself was quite predictable but it definitely felt more character heavy than plot heavy.

While Ashley and Casek where enjoyable and had all the tropes I love; much of it still fell flat for me. The opening had such a strong (and steamy start) that the rest of it felt weak in comparison. I was hoping for maybe more spice of just a little more chemistry between Ashley and Casek.

Overall: It was an enjoyable book that was fast passed and just attention grabbing enough. The spice that was there was well written- but left me wanting more. While the romantic tropes were great; the chemistry seemed lacking at times. But, I do love the world in this series and all the lore/myth that is wound into it.

Venom and Vice is the 2nd book in the Of Myth and Man series. After finishing book 1, I was excited for Casek and Ashley's story and I was not disappointed. At first glance, it seemed like these two did not get along but with Ashley finally coming into her magical powers, Casek was assigned to train and protect her which led to them spending more time together.
They were both flawed characters but were fantastic together. They had such great chemistry and I enjoyed the push and pull between them and seeing the progression of their relationship.
The story was engrossing and I really loved this world the author created by combining fantasy, the legend of King Arthur and fae, however the world building was not as in depth as the first book which I sort of missed.
The plot was fast paced and had me at the edge of my seat. Filled with mystery, suspense, great banter, steam, heartbreak, twists and turns and so much more. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to lovers of fantasy romance.

The second book in the Of Myth and Man series, Venom and Vice features brooding Casek and bubbly Ashley, along with other characters from the first book, Curse and Craving. Casek is tasked with training Ashley to learn about and control her newfound magic. However, a fear gorda is on the loose, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake.

I found Venom and Vice to be a gripping, fast paced read (I read it in a day!). It was enlightening to learn about Casek’s backstory and how he ended up in the Wild Hunt. This story features elements that I love such as grumpy/sunshine, morally grey characters, and even forced proximity.

In order to get a sense of the world in this series, I highly recommend starting with Curse and Craving before moving onto Venom and Vice. Of the two, Venom and Vice is my favorite so far (Casek is a lovable grump!) and I eagerly anticipate book 3!

Special thanks to NetGalley & Victory Editing for a free ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Of course this was great, I’m really enjoying this series! I love the different take of far and their world, the introduction to creatures I haven’t read about before. I love the steamy chemistry and the easy to follow intriguing storyline. I definitely am in on the next book.

First, I didn’t realize that this wasn’t meant to be a standalone when I started it. While it could be read alone, there is a lot of world building and the characters are introduced in the first book, Curse & Craving. I got a copy of the first book and read it first, as I felt it would be a disservice to the review of book two if I didn’t like it due to the fact I was missing crucial information from book one. I’m very glad I did this and I really enjoyed Curse & Craving.

Now onto Venom & Vice. Venom & Vice is book 2 in the Of Myth and Man series by Jill Ramsower and is an urban fantasy novel set in modern Belfast, Ireland. In this book, Ashley and Casek must work together to train her new rare abilities while also facing inner demons that resurface and the Unseelie monsters that threaten their existence.

Ashley is first introduced as Becca’s best friend in the first book and after an unfortunate incident, she is thrown into a new world, forced to figure out her new powers on her own. Casek is a broody member of the Hunt appointed to be her trainer, much to his dismay. The two reluctantly find themselves growing closer as they deal with outside forces attacking people around Belfast, creating some mysterious and dangerous circumstances for them both as the crime scenes start to look like something out of Casek’s past.

This story is told in Dual POV and drew me in the second I started it. The world that has been created is immersive and I felt like I had been drawn into it headfirst. Between the Fae magic, the mystery surrounding the crimes that are taking place, and the unexpected connections to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table legends, it was hard to put this one down. The author is incredibly descriptive and ties up majority of the story with a nice bow at the end, just leaving enough mystery to continue on with the next book.

The cover of the book is what originally drew me in. While I don’t judge books by their covers, I was instantly intrigued by this one. The book hooked me quickly and I’ll definitely be finishing the series when the next two come out. I can’t wait to see what else might be in store.

*I was provided with an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I enjoyed this fantasy/fae storyline with romance entwined throughout and the take on King Arthur. I found the writing engaging although some parts were a little predictable for me. The book itself is fairly fast paced and the characters themselves are on the most part quite enjoyable. The ‘spicy’ scenes aren’t as spicy as I was expecting sadly!

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒄. 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐


Continuation of the unique take on King Arthur's story with the combination of various mythical creatures, which if you didn't know- I did like the most in this ongoing new adult (if I'm not mistaken) fantasy/ paranormal romance series- and the number one reason I read this.


𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:

-𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐲
-𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
-𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞
-𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
-𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞, 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧-𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲/ 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬


To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this book, especially this series.

I must admit that I am intrigued by the story's premise, particularly its take on the King Arthur legend. I was captivated by how the events would be intertwined, the characters, and so on, especially how the story ended on Curses and Cravings and if it would satisfy me more than the 1st book.

The first half was good I think it was better than the first book because of how engaging and compelling the writing was.

My main issue with this book, or should I say series, so far is the lack of character presence, growth, and consistency when it comes to romance chemistry. Aside from that, they didn't have any distinguishing characteristics, like the first pairing, aside from the powers they suddenly possessed or knew, and I didn't like those parts at all, even the steamy parts or chapters felt dull.

As intriguing as the premise of King Arthur is, the world-building is fragile and superficial. It would have been preferable if it had been shown instead.

There were also times when some scenes didn't feel like they belonged in a fantasy/paranormal world?


Although the rest of the characters felt dry to me as well, I'm still hoping that this improves? The premise is intriguing, and it disappointed me that it didn't live up to my expectations, let alone find any interesting parts aside from the premise.

Overall, this was a rather underwhelming installment. I'm still hoping for developments in the next book and hoping that those tropes, themes, and the premise will be fully exploited and the villain/character qualities will be more striking.

1 ★for the cover. 3 ★

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. and Jill Ramsower for the free ARC!

Fantasy Romance MF 4/5 - Spicy 3/5

I had a hard time putting this book down. The chemistry between the main characters felt like oil and water but in a good way. The banter was cute between a moody male lead and fiery female lead.

The world was relatable and seemed like present day but with a fantasy touch of other worlds. I did not read the first book and felt like I was missing a key pieces sometimes. Even without the previous story, I really enjoyed this book.

With character growth, magic and things that go bump in the night along with a little bit of mystery. Whets not to like.

I was not over or underwhelmed on details. The story moved at a good pace and kept me engaged. Some references to death/murder, kidnapping, torture, and alcoholics.

First time reader of this author but, I will be keeping an eye out to read the next one.

My review will be posted to Instagram, good reads and amazon by release day.

** Always check age ratings and trigger warnings.