Blurb:

I know how villains are made.
I’ve watched their secrets rise from the ashes and emerge from the shadows.
As part of a family tree with roots so twisted, I’m strangled by their vine.
Imprisoned in a world of decadence and sin, I’ve seen Gods among men.
And he is one of them.

He is the villain.
He is the enemy who demands to be the lover.
He is the monster who has shown me pleasure but gives so much pain.
But something has changed…
He’s different.
Darker.
Wildly possessive as his obsession with me grows to an inferno that can’t be controlled.

Yes… he is the villain. 
And he is the end of my beginning.

My 4* Review:

Villains Are Made is the start of the new series Gods Among Men by Alta Hensley. A dark explicit romance between Apollo and Daphne. The author calls it a love story of a villain, inspired by Greek mythology. It is an enemies to lovers tale full of betrayal, secrets and family drama.

“Villains are made. And you just created the worst villain of all.” 

The Godwin family run Medusa Enterprises based in Seattle but also own Heathens Hollow, an island where their home Olympus Manor is situated. Apollo and Ares Godwin are identical twin brothers but are totally different characters. They have been groomed for their roles within the family by their father.

Apollo is a numbers guy and the Chief Financial Officer of Medusa. He is strait laced, focused on the reputation of the family name and married to Daphne.

Ares is the ruthless hitman for the family who is respected and feared. He is the dark, mysterious, dangerous twin who is all about loyalty and would do anything for the family. 

Daphne grew up on the poor side of the island but caught Apollo’s attention. He had promised her the world, to protect and keep her safe but all that disintegrated with their marriage. They both want a divorce but it is forbidden so are having to live a loveless marriage. The whole family are currently caught up in the middle of a crisis involving the twins which could have serious consequences for one of them. When a tragedy befalls the family, it offers up an unexpected opportunity for them to recover from the scandal. For Apollo and Daphne, the near death experience means they could repair their failing marriage?

There are many twists and turns including revelations about their marriage and her awful childhood. Apollo has changed but Daphne isn’t sure if it for better or worse? She needs to learn love him again as he is trying to be a good husband. When a betrayal against the family is exposed, the couple escape to Heathens Hollow but Apollo shows a dark side to his personality once they are there. There is an unusual connection between but the chemistry is strong as they rekindle the lust and desire in their marriage. Daphne confused as Apollo is acting so out of character, he’s being very demanding and determined to make her submit to him. She is shocked and can’t believe she enjoys all he does, having never experienced his kinky side before. 

“Death is not always the worst thing that can be done to someone.”

However, things aren’t what they seem and what will happen when all the secrets are revealed.

I was a little surprised all the red flags didn’t raise her suspicions but Apollo certainly is a good villain. At times I was cross with him and others my heart went out to him. I must admit I was wondering how the truth would be revealed and when everything came to a head, I was surprised how good twists at the end were. After everything can this couple show forgiveness and get a HEA. The author teases us ready for #2 Monsters Are Hidden which is about Daphne’s sister Ani and I have an inkling which Godwin may be involved.