This is one of the best covers I’ve seen in a while. I would like to see a special edition of it with fancy sprayed edges. While I did enjoy the story, I wish there had been more depth and context to it. I would have liked to have more background on the side characters, more world building and more information about fated mates.

Something with the formatting on the kindle was completely off. This didn’t affect my overall rating for the book but it is something I think needs to be mentioned. It was incredibly distracting and took me out of the story so often I considered DNF-ing the book more than once.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
***
"The country of Avon is in deep turmoil...Candidates for the first presidential election will be selected by the completion of a special task: to kill the former monarch of their home province. Callum, the son of the recently dethroned king, is determined to be in the running. But to do so, he must come to terms with killing his father, the key to which lies in the hands of Lady Caterine, a Gifted courtesan at La Puissance, Avon’s premiere sex club."
***
If you prefer high fantasy with an intricate plot and slow burn romance...this is not for you. However, if you are looking for a fun and easy read that is 75% smut and 25% plot, then this book IS for you. Personally, I fall into the former category. I prefer a bit of tension between my love interests because I feel that "insta-love" is rather boring. That being said, this was a fun read and the smut scenes were written well!
***
Tropes:
-Bonded/Fated Mates
-Insta-love
-Found Family
-SW representation

REVIEW POSTED TO GOODREADS & TIKTOK.

I was so excited to read Something Wicked by Falon Ballard because the premise of the book sounded so good (plus that cover!) but I felt like it was a little bit of a let down. I think this book would have benefited from more world building. It just didn’t do a great job of creating a world that I wanted to know more about. I also found the characters to be a little bland, they lacked personality. While I was reading, I would kind of forget that it was supposed to be a fantasy since the elements that would make it a fantasy were lacking. I’m not sure who I would recommend this book to.

ARC Review ✨📖
Something Wicked by Falon Ballard
📅 Release Date: 12/2/25

“The country of Avon is in deep turmoil. The Uprising has overthrown Avon's monarchial rulers, and a decree has been issued. Candidates for the first presidential election will be selected by the completion of a special task: to kill the former monarch of their home province.”

Callum, the son of the recently dethroned king and Lady Caterine, a Gifted courtesan at La Puissance, Avon’s premiere sex club.

Magic. Lust. Political unrest. A monarchy toppled by an uprising—and a deadly competition to replace it.

This spicy fantasy features:
💥 Bonded pairs
💥 Power plays
💥 Political tension
💥 Steamy relationships
💥 A courtesan heroine and a dethroned prince

Something Wicked drops you straight into a world rebuilding itself in the shadow of war—and in the heat of desire.

✨ My Thoughts (Spoilers):
I loved the first 60%—the characters, the spice, the tension were all so compelling. But as the story pushed forward, I started to lose a bit of connection. Some motivations felt unclear, and certain late-stage characters didn’t hit as emotionally as I hoped.

I adored the bonded pair element, but wished it had a deeper storyline. And Lady M? I need her backstory—there’s so much potential there that I’m dying to know more about.

Still, this was a fun, sexy, high-stakes fantasy with a lot of promise. I’ll definitely keep watching what Falon Ballard writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the digital review copy in exchange for an honest review 💫

I will not be reviewing this book as I have decided to DNF this book. I do not feel that this storyline is a compelling story. There are pieces of information on letters and diary entries thrown in, however they are hard to follow. I don't find the colors of sexual activity too be interesting either.

Oof. I love Fallon Ballard and was so so excited when she announced a fantasy. But unfortunately that was not very good. I really struggled with the plot to be honest. The world building didn’t make as much sense to me as I would have liked. Unfortunately this fell really flat for me

This book consumed me. I am still reeling from the sheer decadence of it, the tension that laced every page, the way desire and danger blurred until I couldn’t breathe through the heat and heartbreak. Falon Ballard has created something so hypnotic, so seductive, it feels less like reading and more like falling under a spell. The themes of power, legacy, desire, betrayal were tangled with so much grit and beauty. It explores how love is a risk, especially when it comes wrapped in secrets and sharpened by ambition. It’s intimate and political all at once, soaked in lust and blood and aching hope. I was thoroughly enchanted. I’m so looking forward for the next book already.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. First, what drew me in was the COVER. Are you kidding? It's absolutely gorgeous and I want an art print of this because unfortunately, I'm not completely sold on getting a physical copy because the book was good, but I'm not sure about it. I love that this romantasy feels like nothing I've ever read before, with Callum and Cate getting entangled in this sex club for the future of their country. That alone is enough to hook you. But I think my issue was with Callum's character. He felt a little underwhelming and Cate's character felt like she started off great, but then it all got reduced to sex. Which again, it's in the synopsis but I think the timing of the sexy scenes really threw me off because they're emphasizing this danger around them, this politics, but then it's like yes THIS is where our adrenaline should be going.

I kind of also forgot that this was Macbeth and that was what drew me in in the first place because it didn't feel like it was rife with the political and haunting tension that Macbeth and even Moulin Rouge is known for. It felt a little all over the place, kind of grasping at straws. I think there was a lot of things just thrown together and it made for an interesting premise and gorgeous aesthetic, but I was half-rooting for the characters and the romance by the end. I see this is Book 1, and maybe this is an interconnected standalone series? Regardless, even after this, I think it has promise, so I'm open to reading more of this world and hopefully that helps things get fleshed out.

This book had me hooked from the first page. It’s dark, seductive, and just the right amount of dangerous. The chemistry between the main characters is electric, and I loved how their connection built slowly through tension, magic, and sharp banter. The world feels eerie and rich, and the story kept me on edge in the best way. If you’re into witchy vibes, forbidden attraction, and a heroine who doesn’t back down, this one’s for you.

First off shout to NetGalley for giving me this ARC and for me finally remembering to read one! This was a different take on such a classic Romantasy book. Some people are Gifted and others are threatened by it. But Cate’s gift is so much more interesting than the basics, and the immediate attraction of C&C is steamy to say the least. I’m excited to see what others think of this book when it comes out in October!

2.5⭐️ This cover is one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen! It drew me in immediately, and I needed to know what this book was about.

Cate works at a pleasure club, using her Gift to manipulate her patron’s emotions. When new management causes changes, she feels pressure to perform and make as much money as she can. She’s desperate and willing to do whatever she can, including betraying Callum’s trust to secure safety for herself and her sister.

Callum is a prince who is on the side of restricting Gifted people. He doesn’t trust them nor does he like them. He holds a lot of prejudice and seems very ignorant throughout. It’s hard to want to root for him.

They both are weirdly drawn to each other. There is a lot of political talk throughout the novel, and I had trouble feeling connected to all the world building.

Positive thoughts on the book:
The book cover!!! Is by far the coolest thing about this book.

I also found the powers that the Gifted can have to be interesting. I was definitely rooting for Cate’s happiness and wanted to see what was gonna happen to her throughout the novel.

The spice scenes were sexy as hell and had a verrrry hot buildup.

Negative thoughts on the book:
How is it that Callum knew how much his mother fought for the Gifted to have freedom and equality, and yet he was so against those beliefs? All because he believes one Gifted person refused to help heal his mom, so he then takes it out on everyone in that group. Then he reads a single line in his mom’s diary, and suddenly, he feels ashamed and wants to trust the Gifted. I think this plot falls short of where it could be, and needed to be more developed.


***SPOILERS BELOW***


Was it just me or was it a bit icky to find out that the owner of the pleasure house was actually their father? At one point Cate even propositions Harold because she wants to take his pain away, YUCK.

Last complaint: how are they able to keep hooking up when so many bad things are happening? It’s like someone they are close with dies, and then they go and hook up like it’s all they care to do. And I just can’t believe that Callum, while unlikeable, had to have like every family member in his life get killed. That in itself was just overkill.

Overall, the book fell short for me. I was disappointed and wanted more character development.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read in exchange for an honest review!

I really wanted to like this more. I love Macbeth and I love Moulin Rouge. But this just did not hit the mark. The world building is very shallow. I could not get connected to any of the characters. I feel like this would have been better without the fantasy element. If it had just been like a political drama with romance. The fantasy threw it off.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me access to the eARC of this book!

Something Wicked is a wonderful story that gives the feeling of Moulin Rouge but set in a world like Shadow and Bone, with people who have Gifts.
The magic system and the setting really bring you in. The imagery and the ambience of the story telling is wonderful. We are given a lot of information that does not feel very fleshed out, however. It also feels like this book is setting up a sequel, but I could be wrong. Unfortunately I feel like the information I want to know more about won’t be expanded upon in this universe if the story continues.
This was a very fun read. The characters were very well written and thought out. Harold being the name of the owner of the club was a little on the nose, but this was still a fun story over all.

DNF I don’t know what happened but the font style didn’t transfer well on ereader format. I enjoyed the story but had to zoom in for every page to read it so I couldn’t finish.

I think this is a perfect book for those who just read something heavy and need something that is lighter and fast paced. The pacing does not allow for the reader to be bored at any moment and the spice adds to it.
I have to mention the mc is a sex worker so although I said that it isn’t “heavy” it does have elements of sex work and the things they deal with.
It was a bit predictable and to be honest that doesn’t bother me most times but I found it to happen too often. Since it is fast paced there isn’t much world building and I did find it a bit lacking.
Overall, if you need a book that is a light read, fast paced, with some spice, and a bi mc then this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author Falon Ballard for an ARC copy of this book, Something Wicked. This was a great book! It was fast paced and filled with plenty of o intrigue and spice! The ending has a few cliff hangers that make you wonder if there will be a sequel! Definitely a great addition to the romantasy genre!

This book was really great at keeping my interest piqued!
There were a few things I wish were addressed, and more world building in general, but the characters were mostly very detailed.
The story kept me on my toes, but ended a bit abruptly. I realize that it is only the first in a series, but it still was odd timing.
The love scenes were in odd places, but had a good spiciness level.
Overall, I would recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I have loved every book Falon Ballard has written, and I knew this would be no exception. Her take on romantasy was unexpected, bold (fulllllll of spice!), and well done!

I loved Cate and Callum from the start - their chemistry was there immediately, and I enjoyed the care Ballard put into showcasing each of their relationships with their families. The magic in this world was fresh and interesting - I really liked the concept of the Gifted! If I had to list a critique, it’s one I rarely give: I wish this book was longer! I felt like we could’ve had more time to dive into these characters, the magic, and the political system to really feel more immersed. I loved this one and just wish I had more time in this world (but have a feeling a sequel is on the way 👀).

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for this eARC!

I ARC read Something Wicked and found it to be a great, abet anxiety-inducing, time. For the 'Oops, I fell in love crowd', I might invite you into this dark fantasy world.

I felt the tension in these enemies to lovers at every turn and overall, I quite enjoyed the ride. Today must have been the kind of day I needed a straight-and-narrow read, where we know where we stand the whole story through (even if our main characters want to play at being lost and caught up in it all).

Expect all the classic twists here, ties up with a neat little bow. I fear I might feel a bit raw now.

I WANTED TO ADORE IT. I PROMISE I DID.

My rating: 2.75 stars

What you can expect:
- Intriguing politics
- Fated mates
- Opposites attract
- Courtesan vs. prince
- Sex work rep.
- Open doors romance
- Moulin Rouge meets Macbeth
- Family secrets
- Epistolary elements

My thoughts:
When I saw the two main sources of inspiration for this book were not only one of my most beloved Shakespeare's plays, but my absolute favorite musical ever, I was immediately hyped. The premise was so good and the cover art so stunning, it wasn't a want, it was A NEED.

To my eternal dismay, though, I'm incredibly sad to say I didn't love it. I wish I did, believe me, but unfortunately, it all fell flat for me.
Bear with me, this is going to be a long one, okay?

From a plot point of view, this book had a good handful of elements that were so interesting from the get-go, I can't believe it amounted to nothing in the end. Take the politics, for example. The population segregation that ultimately leads to an armed civil uprising seeking equal rights and the violent overthrowing of the monarchy was such a great idea with SO MUCH potential, I wish had been explored more in depth. Instead, it only served as a bleak background for the romance to take place and ended up being so convoluted, unbalanced and underexplained, I lost all interest in the sociopolitical aspects of the story.

Same thing happened with the "villain". Claiming to be inspired by Macbeth and then doing this to the character of Lady M, makes me wonder what play did the author read. Because what do you mean you had the opportunity to create this perfectly nuanced and multi-layered anti-hero with a full array of complex motivations, and instead you gave us... this? This plain and stereotypical scorned woman who only seeks retribution and her own dominance by basically bullying everyone?

I know what your next question is going to be: was the romance good, at least?
In my personal opinion, the answer is NO. It's not necessarily bad and I'm sure many will enjoy it, but I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters.

Their supposed attraction, subsequent lessons, and how it all comes to be revealed was quite dull, if I'm being honest. We don't know enough about any of them to form a emotional connection, so their so-called bond was kind of lacklustre and not at all convincing.
The spicy scenes were somehow more utilitarian than evoking—also, oddly placed within the major political events and using a mix of contemporary and more traditionally conservative terms—, and their dialogues and interactions so, SO repetitive and bland, by the last 30% of the book I found myself barely skimming through them.

(IE: after one kind-of intense fight, the MMC is deeply wounded. He tells the FMC he loves her, to which she replies "I love you too. I need to find person X." No emotion, no worry, no sense of urgency. The dialogue is just that, him telling her he loves her, her acting as if she had been informed of the weather and told to bring an umbrella.
It made me guffaw, because why???? This was clearly a conscious choice. The FMC is understandably shocked, physically and emotionally exhausted, terrified for her sister and her lover. She has endured and discovered a lot in the last few hours, so of course it makes sense she's feeling all this, right??
But I know all that solely because that's what common sense is telling me and not thanks to the author. Because instead of giving the interaction details of the emotions, or descriptions of the tone of voice, body language and other non-verbal cues, she just... didn't.)


Now, about the things I did enjoy:

One was the epistolary aspect of the book. I have nothing to remark other than it was phenomenally well done. It really kept my interest piqued throughout the novel and I audibly gasped when one of the twists dropped because that one particular bomb I DID NOT see coming.
I did also love the sex work rep. in the story, how the society model was built around the magic and how the characters have some personal growth in terms of beliefs, prejudices and morals.

Regrettably, I don't think these details above make up for the rest that didn't work for me. Therefore, I won't be reading the sequel and cannot recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and author for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for my honest opinion.