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Villain Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 566 ratings

The sexy and emotional companion novella to the New York Times bestselling romance HERO.

Nadia Ray is not just a broadcast meteorologist. She’s Boston’s morning television It Girl. Successful and independent, she’s put a past she’s ashamed of behind her and is forging a future she can be proud of. However, when her new boss discovers her secret he blackmails her, intent on using Nadia’s popularity to make them the number one morning show in Massachusetts. He wants her to be part of uncovering the city’s biggest scandal – a secret billionaire Caine Carraway is hiding.

Soon Nadia is thrown into the path of Caine’s best friend: sexy, wealthy bachelor Henry Lexington. But she doesn’t encounter the dashing high society gentleman Henry is purported to be. Instead she’s faced with an insulting and defensive villain who misjudges her at every turn.

When Henry finally realizes the truth, and decides to make amends, Nadia wants nothing to do with him. But she underestimates his determination and charm and soon they find themselves embroiled in an intense, passionate affair.

An affair Nadia knows must come to an end before their feelings grow any deeper and he discovers her secrets.

After all, Henry Lexington isn’t the only one who played the part of a villain once…

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young

"Young pens a wonderful romance with lovable, multi-faceted characterswho want what everyone wants--someone to love them, no matter what."--
RT Book Reviews

"Full of tenderness, fire, sexiness and intrigue,
Every Little Thing is everything I hope to find in a romance. I loved this book, love thisseries and am desperately hoping for more installments sooner thanlater!"--Vilma's Book Blog

"Ms. Young delivers acharacter-driven storyline that is gripping from the get-go, injecting a beloved enemies-to-lovers trope with intense angst anderoticism"--Natasha is a Book Junkie

"A really sexy book...Highly recommend this one."--USAToday.com

"Humor, heartbreak, drama, and passion."--The Reading Cafe

"Young writes stories that stay with you long after you flip that last page."--Under the Covers

"Charismatic characters, witty dialogue, blazing-hot sex scenes, andreal-life issues make this book an easy one to devour."--Fresh Fiction

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B076J8XL43
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (December 5, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 5, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2126 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 199 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 566 ratings

About the author

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Samantha Young
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Samantha is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, #1 Amazon bestselling author, and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavoodles.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
566 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They describe the story as sweet, intriguing, and complex. Readers love the characters, especially the fierce heroine and their playful relationship. The banter and chemistry between the couple is described as hilarious and steamy. The writing style is well-written and can be read as a standalone. Customers appreciate the emotional content, with moments of heartbreak and soul-searching. The romance builds beautifully from enemies to lovers.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

30 customers mention "Readability"29 positive1 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it an enjoyable escape and refresher read with engaging characters and chemistry. The book is described as an epic, quick read that serves as a satisfying follow-up to the first book in the series.

"...I loved this little book. It was a great refresher read. It made me smile, giggle, swoon, and get that warm feeling from reading a great book." Read more

"...The story was genuinely well - written, and I really liked that it wasn't overly angsty and had a super sweet happily ever after!" Read more

"...Please let there be more!!! This is another winner from this amazing author." Read more

"...Still, he really jumped to conclusions there. This is a short Novella which I liked because the time that it took for the events to occur and then..." Read more

24 customers mention "Story quality"19 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find it sweet and sexy, with an intriguing plot that keeps them guessing. The characters are loved by readers, and the book is described as a nice love story well-written. Readers praise the author as gifted and say the plot and relationship never feel rushed. Overall, the book is described as fast-paced and exciting, leaving you wanting more in the series.

"...to reading this novella, but this short romance was the perfect combination of suspenseful and sweet!..." Read more

"...The plot and relationship never feels rushed and it leaves you wanting more in this series. Please let there be more!!!..." Read more

"...Initially I loved this book. It was fast paced and exciting and I thought it would be another 5 star like Hero was to me...." Read more

"...She’s an exceptionally gifted storyteller. Villain just fell a little short for me...." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the heroine fabulous and fierce, and the relationship between Nadia and Henry playful and perfect. Readers also appreciate learning more about Henry Lexington's true identity behind his charm and wealth.

"...Nadia is a fabulous and fierce heroine. She is a broadcast meteorologist on one of Boston’s top morning shows...." Read more

"...I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in the story as well, and although Henry's mother was absolutely horrible, it was great to see Caine..." Read more

"...I must have gone temporarily crazy. Villain is so dang good. I absolutely love Nadia. She’s strong and speaks her mind...." Read more

"...But if you love fast-paced books with brilliant banter and completely loveable characters, this book is for you...." Read more

12 customers mention "Humor"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor and chemistry between the couple. They find the banter hilarious and the writing style engaging. The book is described as a quick, romantic read with good dialogue and well-drawn characters.

"...Can I be her when I grow up? Henry and Nadia have such a fun banter and steamy chemistry. I was in a reading funk...." Read more

"...They were both bull-headed and feisty, and it was fun to follow their banter. They really were quite the perfect pair for each other!..." Read more

"...This novella is sexy and fun. A great read. I loved getting to see Caine and Alexa. Made me want to go back and re-read Hero...." Read more

"...-written books with moments of heartbreak, moments of soul searching, humor, and of course, sexy schmexy loving. Villain was no different...." Read more

6 customers mention "Chemistry"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the chemistry between the characters. They find the banter amusing and the story engaging.

"...Henry and Nadia have such a fun banter and steamy chemistry. I was in a reading funk. Everything I picked up wasn’t satisfying me...." Read more

"This novella was so epic! I loved the banter, the chemistry, THE EVERYTHING!..." Read more

"...The banter and cuteness was almost too much. It was great. I loved the chemistry, not so much an enemy to lovers book, but close enough." Read more

"...Their banter was hilarious and chemistry off the charts. Great book!" Read more

5 customers mention "Writing style"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the novella fast-paced and well-written, and it can be read as a standalone.

"...This can be read as a complete standalone. Henry Lexington is Cane Carraway’s best friend (from Hero)...." Read more

"Samantha Young always delivers wonderfully well-written books with moments of heartbreak, moments of soul searching, humor, and of course, sexy..." Read more

"...from enemies to lovers in a thrilling way and I loved the writing style, humour and banter between this couple...." Read more

"...Now I want more Nadia and Henry ! Sweet, funny, little angsty, well flawless written, addictive and sexy!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Emotional content"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional content of the book. They find it meaningful, with moments of heartbreak, soul-searching, humor, and substance. The book is well-written with fewer words than most people need to make a meaningful story.

"...Somehow, Samantha Young is able to give a thoughtful, emotional, meaningful story in fewer words than most people need to make a fully formed story...." Read more

"...Young always delivers wonderfully well-written books with moments of heartbreak, moments of soul searching, humor, and of course, sexy schmexy..." Read more

"...the author places the reader in the action and you feel the wonderful rollercoaster of emotions...." Read more

"Full of substance...." Read more

4 customers mention "Romance"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the romance. They found the story thrilling and kept them rooting for the couple from start to finish. The characters were described as a perfect match for each other.

"...They really were quite the perfect pair for each other!..." Read more

"This novella was fast paced and well written. The romance built beautifully from enemies to lovers in a thrilling way and I loved the writing style..." Read more

"...your stomach flip, of putting a lump in your throat, and keeping you rooting for the couple from the start to the end...." Read more

"Trust and love a great combo. Samantha Young has written a lovely novel about two people in the spotlight that find each other...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2017
    This book!!!! The hero, Henry, is one of Boston’s most eligible bachelors. Henry is so swoon worthy. My toes curled and I did a little dance every time he popped up. Nadia is a fabulous and fierce heroine. She is a broadcast meteorologist on one of Boston’s top morning shows. Can I be her when I grow up?

    Henry and Nadia have such a fun banter and steamy chemistry. I was in a reading funk. Everything I picked up wasn’t satisfying me. So I opened Villain. I was intrigued from the start. Not far in I was envisioning this book as a TV show. I loved this little book. It was a great refresher read. It made me smile, giggle, swoon, and get that warm feeling from reading a great book.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2018
    I've really enjoyed every book I've read by Samantha Young, but I absolutely loved 'Hero', so I quickly snagged 'Villain' up when it first came out. Unfortunately I just got around to reading this novella, but this short romance was the perfect combination of suspenseful and sweet!

    Nadia and Henry's characters were great! They were both bull-headed and feisty, and it was fun to follow their banter. They really were quite the perfect pair for each other! I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in the story as well, and although Henry's mother was absolutely horrible, it was great to see Caine and Lexie again.

    The storyline had a very intriguing and complex plot that really kept me guessing. It was told from Nadia's point of view, and I flew through it at a rather fast pace wanting answers to my questions and wondering if Nadia and Henry could be together. The story was genuinely well - written, and I really liked that it wasn't overly angsty and had a super sweet happily ever after!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2017
    Usually I'm critical of novellas, I don't like getting a rushed, confensed story. This novella is not like that at all! Somehow, Samantha Young is able to give a thoughtful, emotional, meaningful story in fewer words than most people need to make a fully formed story. The plot and relationship never feels rushed and it leaves you wanting more in this series. Please let there be more!!! This is another winner from this amazing author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2021
    I’m not sure why it took me over a year after reading Hero, one of my all-time favorite novels to read it’s companion Novel 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻.

    𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 is told from Nadia Ray’s perspective and coincides with the timeline of the book Hero. I recommend reading Hero first, as it’s amazing and the characters are in this book like Lexie and Cade, however you don’t have to. This can be read as a complete standalone.

    Henry Lexington is Cane Carraway’s best friend (from Hero). When Nadia’s boss, an a-hole named Dick sexually harasses her, threatens, and blackmails her since he knows what huge “secret” from her past, she is forced to gather information about Cane Carraway, the broody wealthy, Boston socialite businessman from Hero. Nadia doesn’t go down without a fight. After gathering said information Nadia was planning on doing the right thing, however Henry already has the wrong idea about Nadia.

    I wasn’t a fan of how Henry threatened her which is chalked up to him caring for his best friend Cane. Still, he really jumped to conclusions there. This is a short Novella which I liked because the time that it took for the events to occur and then for Henry to show his kind side wasn’t dragged on. He quickly realizes what’s really going on and feels bad.

    This book was shortened so their actual relationship was sped up to make the timeline work for the book.

    Initially I loved this book. It was fast paced and exciting and I thought it would be another 5 star like Hero was to me.

    The constant berating of the heroine for being a not even plus sized but around a size 8-10 maybe was a bit outrageous and unbelievable. I truly don’t feel that in real life people are constantly and I’m talking literally every other scene put down about their body. People called her fat when she was also compared to the actress from Madmen, which is hot not fat! This was so frustrating! When the hero Henry didn’t verbally berate his mother for doing that to poor Nadia, I got even more annoyed with him than I already was.

    Sure, Henry was nice to Nadia but damn, they had a one-night stand, a few dates and he just claims to want to be with her when I felt no prior indicators that Henry had these feelings. It would have been nice if there was some indication or intrigue on Henry’s side as to why he likes Nadia.

    She’s insecure but my biggest issue was the constant fat shaming, Henry being a schmuck and not ever defending his woman. Geez. I like my heroes to take the heroine’s side and I felt that didn’t happen enough here.

    Still, I really like Samantha Young’s writing. Some of her books aren’t for me. I generally don’t like pushy heroes who don’t take into consideration what the heroine wants. If a heroine says to give her space, I believe that should be respected. Henry was so pushy to me as was the hero from On Dublin Street. So, while I don’t love her pushy heroes, I did love two other books of hers.

    Henry Lexington is Cane Carraway’s best friend (from Hero). When Nadia’s boss, an a-hole named Dick sexually harasses her, threatens, and blackmails her since he knows what huge “secret” from her past, she is forced to gather information about Cane Carraway, the broody wealthy, Boston socialite businessman from Hero. Nadia doesn’t go down without a fight. After gathering said information Nadia was planning on doing the right thing, however Henry already has the wrong idea about Nadia.

    I wasn’t a fan of how Henry threatened her which is chalked up to him caring for his best friend Cane. Still, he really jumped to conclusions there. This is a short Novella which I liked because the time that it took for the events to occur and then for Henry to show his kind side wasn’t dragged on. He quickly realizes what’s really going on and feels bad.

    This book was shortened so their actual relationship was sped up to make the timeline work for the book.

    Initially I loved this book. It was fast paced and exciting and I thought it would be another 5 star like Hero was to me.

    The constant berating of the heroine for being a not even plus sized but around a size 8-10 maybe was a bit outrageous and unbelievable. I truly don’t feel that in real life people are constantly and I’m talking literally every other scene put down about their body. People called her fat when she was also compared to the actress from Madmen, which is hot not fat! This was so frustrating! When the hero Henry didn’t verbally berate his mother for doing that to poor Nadia, I got even more annoyed with him than I already was.

    Sure, Henry was nice to Nadia but damn, they had a one-night stand, a few dates and he just claims to want to be with her when I felt no prior indicators that Henry had these feelings. It would have been nice if there was some indication or intrigue on Henry’s side as to why he likes Nadia.

    She’s insecure but my biggest issue was the constant fat shaming, Henry being a schmuck and not ever defending his woman. Geez. I like my heroes to take the heroine’s side and I felt that didn’t happen enough here.

    Still, I really like Samantha Young’s writing. Some of her books aren’t for me. I generally don’t like pushy heroes who don’t take into consideration what the heroine wants. If a heroine says to give her space, I believe that should be respected. Henry was so pushy to me as was the hero from On Dublin Street. So, while I don’t love her pushy heroes, I did love two other books of hers.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2018
    I seriously can’t get enough of Samantha Young’s writing. I don’t know why I’ve been hoarding her last few books and not reading them. I must have gone temporarily crazy. Villain is so dang good. I absolutely love Nadia. She’s strong and speaks her mind. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t. She is definitely the kind of girl you’d want as your best friend. I forgot how much I liked Henry from Hero. He’s a loyal best friend and sexy as hell. He and Nadia are perfect for each other.

    This novella is sexy and fun. A great read. I loved getting to see Caine and Alexa. Made me want to go back and re-read Hero. I can’t wait to read whatever Samantha puts out next.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2017
    Samantha Young always delivers wonderfully well-written books with moments of heartbreak, moments of soul searching, humor, and of course, sexy schmexy loving.

    Villain was no different. I loved Nadia and Henry.

    I can’t pinpoint why exactly, but Villain felt less developed than some of her other books. Rushed. There was tension, but it was easily resolved without fuss. I wasn’t ready for the book to end, partially because it felt as though we were given quick snapshots of time and events. I wanted more. I wanted to unpack a few scenes and dig deeper. Admittedly I’m a greedy reader and hate when any of Young’s books end, as I always want to stay longer in the wonderful worlds she creates. See? Greedy reader.

    If you’re new to Samantha Young, you must keep reading her books. She’s an exceptionally gifted storyteller. Villain just fell a little short for me. But if you love fast-paced books with brilliant banter and completely loveable characters, this book is for you. Samantha Young's books are always an auto-buy for me, and always will be. She is just that good.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!!!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 25, 2019
    Love everything that Samantha writes and if you want a read that you won’t put down, this is the book for you
  • Suzanne Tibbo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nadia's happy life is being turned upside down
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2018
    Nadia's happy life is being turned upside down. Her boss Dick (well named) is blackmailing her into digging around into the life of Cain Carraway, one of Boston's high flyers. He has worked his way up, but Dick seems to think there's more to it and wants to discredit him. Dick doesn't want to get his hands dirty though.

    Cain's business partner Henry Lexington has got wind of Nadia's digging and is determined to stop her. Yet another guy on Nadia's case. Is her past always going to haunt her?

    Henry has all the charm in the world to everyone else but Nadia has now seen a different side to him. Henry, on the other hand is determined to make amends with her and prove that he isn't such a bad guy.

    Nadia is a really good strong character, and for a change she is the "villain" of this story, though not nearly as bad as I expected her to be. Henry on the other hand is a complete charmer. A good story which grabs your interest straight away. Well worth a read.
  • rennmaus21
    2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed...
    Reviewed in Germany on February 2, 2018
    I loved Hero and the Dublin Street series by Samantha Young but this one didn't really do it for me. The problem is when you start disliking the main character, here Nadia Ray, far too much self centered, and apart from her curves I couldn't fathom why the most eligible bachelor of Boston, Henry, is so into her. Nadia discovers some problematic facts about Caine and Alexa, Henry wants her to stop, they hate each other in the beginning and that would be an ideal start for enemies to lovers story but then Nadia ruins the whole thing by telling him, ok we have a sexual attraction, let's get it over and be done with, that really killed the mood for me. Also the fact that she knows things about Caine and Alexa and could us these against them is no longer mentioned as their love affair unfolds, this could have been potential for some interesting twists and turns but the author justs drops it all over sudden, why? Sorry but this time only 2 stars for this book....
  • @Renae_Reads_Romance
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in Australia on December 11, 2017
    I’m so happy that we finally got Nadia and Henry’s story. It was everything I hoped it would be.
    A definite must read for fans of Hero!
  • Leslina21
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2018
    Great book! Devoured it in one sitting!

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