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A Villainous Introduction
(Grimmstead Academy – Book 1)
by Candace Wondrak
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
PNR, Medium Burn RH, Gothic
Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
Down & Dirty
Dark, melodic and creepy… this is a Noir type horror/romance that bleeds mystery, and it’s free on Kindle Unlimited.
What is it about?
(Blurb from GoodReads)
When offered a position at the obscure Grimmstead Academy, I jump on it. It’s not that I’m running from my past, it’s just…well, some things are better left forgotten.
An academy for lost souls and criminals? Not exactly what I signed up for, but as I’m about to learn, once you step within the halls of Grimmstead, you can never leave. As the days wear on, I find out that no one is innocent here. Not me, not the ruggedly attractive headmaster, and certainly not its dangerous, handsome students.
Me coming to Grimmstead was like a lamb running into a den of lions, only these lions are just as likely to attack each other as they are me. Mysteries lie within the heart of Grimmstead Academy, and I just might be the key to it all.
The walls of Grimmstead are painted with three things.
Depravity.
Insanity.
And blood.
If you can’t trust your own mind, who can you trust?
Note:
A Villainous Introduction is the first book in a planned RH (Reverse Harem) trilogy. There is graphic violence in this book, along with steamy scenes.
Thoughts on A Villainous Introduction
4.5 rounded up
The creep factor is high in these gothic halls, bleeding that noir feel through the pages as deftly as horror novels of old. Not only is this place a mysterious cavern of strange and surreal, it is also a place out of time, locked into an antique struggle against life, reality and death.
Felice, who is far from as innocent as she first appears, is the perfect and diabolically intentional, addition to Grimmstead – though if the games are played ON her, or if she is a tool to torture the others, is still up to debate. Probably both.
Wicked.
Pros:
- Well written.
- Flat out creepy.
- The characters are beyond explanation.
Cons:
- Not many, except you really don’t know what is going on.
- Short.
Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
Cliffhanger
Rating
Mature (18+)
Romantic Dynamic
MMMMMF(?)
Character Age Range
19+
My Final Verdict on A Villainous Introduction
Shadowy and ominous, this book is old fashioned fright with a Noir touch, presenting darkness and desire in equal measure. Free on Kindle Unlimited.
Published February 1st, 2020
172 Pages
If you enjoyed this review of A Villainous Introduction, please consider checking out a few of my other articles.
- Wraith Captive by Lacey Carter Anderson – A Book Review
- Noir Reformatory by Foss & Thorn – A Book Review
- April’s Fools by Ivy Asher & Raven Kennedy – A Book Review

Your Turn
What are you reading today? Have you read this yet? How about other books by Candace Wondrak? Leave a comment, I would love to talk!
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