Rina Kent has built a reputation for writing unapologetic anti-heroes, but in Kiss the Villain, she takes “unhinged” to a whole new level. Set within the familiar, high-stakes universe of the Legacy of Gods, this standalone MM romance follows the collision of two men who aren’t just morally gray—they are charcoal black.
The Plot: A Game of Titans
Gareth Carson is the ultimate “golden boy.” A genius law student and heir to the Carson empire, he wears a mask of perfection that hides a violent, chaotic interior. His world shatters when a night of mayhem leads him into the clutches of a true villain: Kayden Lockwood.
The twist? Kayden isn’t just a criminal from Gareth’s past; he’s his new criminal law professor. Gasp! What follows is a brutal, psychological power struggle. This isn’t a story about redemption; it’s about two “monsters” recognizing each other and tearing the world down to be together.
The Tropes
- Professor x Student
- Enemies to Lovers
- Villain x Monster
- Age Gap
- Mutual Obsession / Stalking
- Bi/Gay Awakening
Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Filthy
The Good: The chemistry between Gareth and Kayden is radioactive. Rina Kent excels at writing “touch him and you die” energy, and the power shifts between the two leads are handled with clinical precision. Fans of the Legacy of Gods series will also appreciate the cameos from characters like Nikolai and Brandon, which help ground this story in the wider lore.
The Bad: Be warned: this is not a “soft” romance. The narrative leans heavily into transgressive themes, including non-con and dub-con elements right from the start. So trigger warning! Some readers may find the dialogue a bit “Wattpad-coded” or the plot secondary to the constant high-octane smut. If you prefer a plot-heavy mystery, the circular nature of their obsession might feel repetitive.
Ratings
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5 – Explicit, dark, and frequent)
Final Verdict
Kiss the Villain is a polarizing masterpiece of the dark romance genre. It is raw, gritty, and intentionally uncomfortable. If you enjoyed the unhinged energy of God of Fury, this is a mandatory addition to your TBR pile.