Something Wicked (Idle Reputations)

Name: Something Wicked (Idle Reputations)
Price: 15.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.6 (164 reviews)
Author: Falon Ballard

by Falon Ballard

3.6

Published Dec 2, 2025

About this book

In the wake of a revolution that has toppled Avon’s monarchy, the nation’s future rests on a brutal mandate: to run for president, candidates must execute the former ruler of their province. For Callum, the son of a dethroned king, this task is an agonizing necessity, but he lacks the cold resolve to commit patricide. He finds an unlikely, albeit dangerous, ally in Lady Caterine, a Gifted courtesan at the elite club La Puissance.

Cate possesses the rare ability to manipulate the emotions of those who experience pleasure in her presence, a talent Callum desperately needs to dull his conscience. Their alliance is built on friction and deep-seated prejudice, as Callum harbors a profound mistrust of the Gifted. Yet, despite their mutual resistance, an inexplicable and intense connection sparks between them.

As they navigate a web of political treachery, they realize that a sinister force is festering within the walls of La Puissance, threatening to consume the country entirely. To save Avon, Callum and Cate must navigate a treacherous landscape of intimacy and suspicion, where baring their souls to one another might be the ultimate act of betrayal.

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Paperback: $15.99 Hardcover: $17.30

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What readers are saying

i'd rather be reading

disappointing :/

"rating: 2.75★ Moulin Rouge meets Lady Macbeth is a very intriguing concept, but unfortunately it's just not executed well here. The world building is pretty flimsy. We're introduced to the idea of the Gifted, individuals who are born with their own unique gifts, but beyond that there isn't really much explanation to them or how that magic system works. There's also the idea of Bonding between someone gifted and someone not, but that's also not fully explained. I also think only women seem to be Gifted, but that's also not really explicitly spelled out from what I remember. The whole Moulin Rouge x Macbeth, mashup frankly was pretty messy. I thought it was kind of odd that she just straight up used Harold's name from Moulin Rouge as the bordello owner, but also he was such a barely present character for how much of a central point he was, it was very odd. I also don't really understand why anyone would think the owner of a dance hall is the best option to lead a country. Lady M enters the picture with zero background, which is also never really explained either. One second Harold is bemoaning the financial ruin of the dance hall, and then next thing you know, he just suddenly has a girlfriend? wife? Who is suddenly now just paying for it all. She's also a pretty flat, one dimensional villain, which is really unexciting these days in fantasy. The love story between Caterine and Callum is instalust without much depth, which was disappointing. I also feel like this is a case of an author not having fleshed out characters with interesting flaws that have me intrigued and really falling in love with them. It was just overall very meh, Callum has like five minutes of resistance to her before he goes back on his promise to himself to not… Allow himself to be vulnerable to her power lol. I'm kind of at a loss about the world building. Why do the royals seem to just be able to run around without bodyguards / random people wandering their home? security? Why would any random person who kills the monarch get to take over? What time period is this supposed to be in/fashioned after? Overall, this is definitely been one of my more disappointing reads this year. I think this could do with a lot more work on the worldbuilding and characters, and if she's trying to lean into romantic with the romance leading, there could definitely be more work on building that relationship in more effective ways. an honest arc review ♡ ["

May 7, 2026

Shannon

lush, dramatic romantasy

"Falon Ballard’s Something Wicked is a lush, dramatic romantasy that fully commits to the Macbeth meets Moulin Rouge energy it promises. The story follows Lady Caterine, a magically gifted courtesan living in the kingdom of Avon after a violent revolution overthrew the monarchy. When former prince Callum asks for her help during the kingdom’s first presidential election, the two get pulled into dangerous politics, secrets, and growing attraction while trying to survive a very unstable world. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this book. The setting feels glamorous and dangerous at the same time, and Cate was an easy character to root for because she’s smart, ambitious, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect herself and the people she cares about. The romance between Cate and Callum had great tension, especially because they never fully trust each other. I also liked that the story balanced the romance with the larger political conflict and magical worldbuilding. The audiobook made the story even more immersive, especially during the emotional and high-stakes scenes. Overall, this was an entertaining romantasy with strong chemistry, good pacing, and a world that kept me interested the whole time. ["

May 14, 2026

Shayla

Captivating

"Love love love! I ordered this book just based on vibes (like I do a large majority of my books) and I was so pleasantly surprised. The world building the character development, the politics. All of it was very enjoyable and had a wonderful side of romance! I am so looking forward to the next book and did not want this one to end. Not to mention the spice was so wonderfully thought out and didn’t feel like it was just thrown in just for the sake of spice. ["

January 31, 2026 Verified Purchase

Madeline Walsh

Amazing Romantasy moulin rouge inspired

"This book had me hooked obsessed swooning loving all the emotions and I could not get enough!!!! I love it!!!! The Moulin Rouge theme throughout had me even more obsessed!!!! I cannot wait for the next one!!! ["

January 3, 2026 Verified Purchase