Lovely Wicked Things by Trisha Wolfe
Series: Hollow's Row #3
Publisher:Lock Key Press
Publication Date: February 3, 2024
Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Rating:
Goodreads Synopsis: Halen:I’ve created a monster. When past and present collide, the fallout feels like the death of my morality. Every time I look into Kallum’s clashing, feverish eyes, I see a dark omen—the threat of what we’ll do to each other if our desires run wild.
While the Hollow’s Row case comes to a head, a new heinous player enters the scene. As the Alchemist threatens the town, I’m torn between a promise to help my friend, and my loyalty to Kallum—the man who has sacrificed everything for me.
I’ve created a monster—but he’s my monster. And if I can’t control Kallum’s chaotic nature, I’ll lose him…just as I’ve lost everyone I’ve loved.
There could be a future for us, but only if we don’t damn ourselves first.
Kallum:
The moment Halen St. James crashed my world, I made a vow to harbor her darkness, the lovely spark who ignited my black soul. But now, it’s time for Halen to finally step out of her shadows.
I would do—and have done—anything to keep her mine. I’ve become a villain to protect her. Even from herself.
When she looks into my eyes with recognition, I’m a man reborn, redeemed by her cleansing fire. Only there’s a vital piece of our story missing, and without it, I’ll always fear losing her—a primal fear that provokes the demon within.
The truth lies somewhere in the murky marsh waters, where killers and philosophers intwine, obscuring ancient wisdoms and feasting on the sweetest nectar.
I was created for her, to devour her heartbreak, and she was designed for me, the muse to the devil himself.
Content warnings: Mention of loss of loved ones/grief
Mention of SA / Violence / gore
Murder / detailed crime scenes
Knife / sharp object / blood play / breath play
Occult references and rituals
Review:
This is book 3 of the Hollow Row series with Halen and Kallum. In the first two books they are helping catch a very creepy ritualistic murderer. This is the conclusion/ wrap up of the case and their time together and a full unraveling of all the dark secrets they are both keeping.
I enjoyed this series, it got really weird and increasingly dark as it moved on. In this last book, I felt like it was too wordy at times when I wanted more action and movement from the plot. The ending was ultimately pretty obvious but still very fun.
I still really liked Kallum and his dark, broody persona. And Halen was eerily broken and wonderful throughout the series. I think that this was a great representation of a female main character that was both strong but also suffering. She was doing her best to hold herself together through deaths in her family, murders, chasing a murderer, and then also dealing with Kallum's creepy/hotness.
I liked that the plot continued to be driven by the occult/ philosphy worlds in a way that allowed them to be played together. It was interesting and a very weird take. Sometimes it got a bit bogged down though because both can be so deep but also so vague for broader audiences.
I am glad that I finished out the series, it was very entertaining and I like what the author has done. That said if you aren't into spicy, weird, dark, occult things, this one will not be for you.
