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Domestic Decay #4
Domestic Decay 4
Will and his family travel to the Champion Authority's Eastern HQ.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
46 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Anya Merchant
204 books252 followersTo find all of my books, including the ones which have been removed for sale by Amazon, check out my website/subscribestar, https://www.anyamerchant.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 31, 2021
If you've read this far in the series you know what to expect from Anya Merchant. As a fan the authors long-form plots are definitely getting better with a sharp drop in the number of loose ends that need to be tied up plot-wise.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2021
Gets heavier by the book.
This review has spoilers for books 1-3.
This series is starting to get hard to read for me. Not because it's bad, it's not. It's just starting to get a little too heavy for me. I can't wait for the next book and I really hope the characters get their shit together but if book 5 continues the trend of things getting heavier and darker each book, idk if I'll be able to read book 6.
This review has spoilers for books 1-3.
This series is starting to get hard to read for me. Not because it's bad, it's not. It's just starting to get a little too heavy for me. I can't wait for the next book and I really hope the characters get their shit together but if book 5 continues the trend of things getting heavier and darker each book, idk if I'll be able to read book 6.
September 30, 2021
Domestic Decay 4 by Anya Merchant
definition of Wow: expressing astonishment or admiration. This very much applies!
Where to begin? Others have no doubt already given a recap-style review of what happens in this book so I won't dwell much... We are still reeling from a catastrophe that all but leveled a city. Our heroes are hurt and feel like their world could not get any worse when they are called to stand before a committee of supers that decide whether they were acting in the best interest of the people or if a super should lose their position of protector. Taking their wounded Avery to the Tower and their more advanced medical professionals they hope they will at least get her the attention she needs.
Upon their arrival, they find that although the great RELIC is still revered, the villain Lockpick is attracting as much attention but of the worst kind. Familiar faces creep back into some of their lives and although they feel mostly safe, they know that not everyone here will greet them with open arms. With Avery in recovery and the family feeling under scrutiny from supers who think they are as much to blame for the terror in Lancaster City as the escape convicts they have failed to apprehend. And Will is starting to feel like hero-central might not be free of the evils within people. Even supers.
This book has more hops into the past and like the previous book, they feel more relatable and poignant to the present. I still felt like every time they cut back and forth that I was feeling whiplash because I like both times. I’m invested in living both stories. And of course, the present is more fun but they both are exciting. Will has more sexy times in this book, hooray! I won’t spoil them, just enjoy the knowledge that very sexy things happen within! Also some huge leaps in the story. All great and emotional stuff you don’t want to miss! Just when I think a book can’t possibly top its previous siblings, I get proven WRONG! I LOVE THIS SERIES! I can’t imagine it failing me at this point as every volume makes me sure to INSTA-BUY the next one!
Don’t think on it for one nanosecond!
I did receive an ARC for this story but that was after I had already pre-order it.
I would have bought it, regardless.
Buy it! Read it! Love it!
Cheers!
definition of Wow: expressing astonishment or admiration. This very much applies!
Where to begin? Others have no doubt already given a recap-style review of what happens in this book so I won't dwell much... We are still reeling from a catastrophe that all but leveled a city. Our heroes are hurt and feel like their world could not get any worse when they are called to stand before a committee of supers that decide whether they were acting in the best interest of the people or if a super should lose their position of protector. Taking their wounded Avery to the Tower and their more advanced medical professionals they hope they will at least get her the attention she needs.
Upon their arrival, they find that although the great RELIC is still revered, the villain Lockpick is attracting as much attention but of the worst kind. Familiar faces creep back into some of their lives and although they feel mostly safe, they know that not everyone here will greet them with open arms. With Avery in recovery and the family feeling under scrutiny from supers who think they are as much to blame for the terror in Lancaster City as the escape convicts they have failed to apprehend. And Will is starting to feel like hero-central might not be free of the evils within people. Even supers.
This book has more hops into the past and like the previous book, they feel more relatable and poignant to the present. I still felt like every time they cut back and forth that I was feeling whiplash because I like both times. I’m invested in living both stories. And of course, the present is more fun but they both are exciting. Will has more sexy times in this book, hooray! I won’t spoil them, just enjoy the knowledge that very sexy things happen within! Also some huge leaps in the story. All great and emotional stuff you don’t want to miss! Just when I think a book can’t possibly top its previous siblings, I get proven WRONG! I LOVE THIS SERIES! I can’t imagine it failing me at this point as every volume makes me sure to INSTA-BUY the next one!
Don’t think on it for one nanosecond!
I did receive an ARC for this story but that was after I had already pre-order it.
I would have bought it, regardless.
Buy it! Read it! Love it!
Cheers!
September 30, 2021
(minor spoilers)
When the team is summoned to Champion Authority HQ, our hero Will finds a lot of contempt and even open hostility toward him there. After all, he broke the expectations of a hero when he detoured into villainy in his early teen years with his father. It doesn't matter that he paid his time in prison -- they have a pecking order, and he doesn't fit into it.
Meanwhile, one of Jess's old rivals has a place in the pecking order that she'd like to put Jess.
But Will finds that the champions at HQ don't meet his expectations of heroes either. And he works toward what he judges to actually be right, as hard and complicated as that may be.
Anya's sexy scenes are great, as always. Jess is definitely a hot character when she gets sexy.
We meet an interesting new character with subtle powers. He may play a large role in events to come. Or perhaps not. The possibility is there.
And something big is coming. We've had fun with the characters and gotten to know them for three books now. There are signs -- hints, rustlings in the bushes -- that something big is on its way to roll through the world Will and his family inhabit. Anya tends to be at her best writing when those times occur. I'm waiting eagerly for more books in this series!
When the team is summoned to Champion Authority HQ, our hero Will finds a lot of contempt and even open hostility toward him there. After all, he broke the expectations of a hero when he detoured into villainy in his early teen years with his father. It doesn't matter that he paid his time in prison -- they have a pecking order, and he doesn't fit into it.
Meanwhile, one of Jess's old rivals has a place in the pecking order that she'd like to put Jess.
But Will finds that the champions at HQ don't meet his expectations of heroes either. And he works toward what he judges to actually be right, as hard and complicated as that may be.
Anya's sexy scenes are great, as always. Jess is definitely a hot character when she gets sexy.
We meet an interesting new character with subtle powers. He may play a large role in events to come. Or perhaps not. The possibility is there.
And something big is coming. We've had fun with the characters and gotten to know them for three books now. There are signs -- hints, rustlings in the bushes -- that something big is on its way to roll through the world Will and his family inhabit. Anya tends to be at her best writing when those times occur. I'm waiting eagerly for more books in this series!
January 12, 2026
The Series Takes a Serious, Intriguing Turn [4/5 Stars]
So, you’ve made it to book four. If the first three volumes were about Will navigating the complex web of his found family and their pent-up desires, Domestic Decay 4 is where the series fully commits to its superhero roots and gets political. After the events that “all but leveled a city,” Will and his family are summoned to the Champion Authority’s Eastern HQ for a reckoning . The change of scenery from their fractured home to the heart of the superhero establishment brings the series’ central conflicts into sharp, often harsh, focus. This isn’t just a spicy superhero romance anymore; it’s becoming a full-blown conspiracy thriller with a side of steamy drama, and I’m here for it. A strong 4 out of 5 stars.
Key Themes: Power, Corruption, and Doing the Right Thing
Institutional Corruption & Hypocrisy: The move to the “Lighthouse” (the superhero HQ) brilliantly exposes the rot within the system . Will, a reformed villain, finds contempt and hostility from the so-called heroes, while he discovers that many of them don’t live up to their own ideals . The book asks: who are the real villains when the heroes are more concerned with their “pecking order” than justice? .
Moral Complexity in a Black-and-White World: The series has always thrived on shades of gray, and this installment deepens that . Faced with a corrupt institution, Will is forced to work toward what he judges to be right, “as hard and complicated as that may be,” rather than following orders . It’s a satisfying evolution from personal survival to principled rebellion.
The Weight of the Past: The story “gets heavier by the book,” and readers noted it’s starting to feel “a little too heavy” for some . The flashbacks to Halberd and the history of Will’s family are no longer just backstory; they are directly informing present dangers and moral dilemmas, showing how past sins inevitably shape the present .
Character Analysis: Under Scrutiny and Evolving
Will / Lockpick: Will is in a crucible. Publicly scorned as an ex-con in a world of polished heroes, his development is about externalizing his internal moral code . He’s less reactive and more strategically defiant, which is a compelling shift, even if some readers still find him occasionally frustrating .
Jess / Relic: Forced to return to the public eye, Jess contends with old rivals and the politics she left behind . Her role evolves from household matriarch to a powerhouse navigating professional hostility, showing new dimensions of her strength .
The Supporting Cast: Avery’s arc reaches a crucial point, and her relationship with the family faces serious tests . New characters are introduced, including one with “subtle powers” who could be pivotal, hinting at a larger, expanding world .
Writing Style & Pacing: Sharper Plotting, Familiar Rhythms
Anya Merchant’s plot construction is noticeably tighter here; one fan noted her “long-form plots are definitely getting better with a sharp drop in the number of loose ends” . The central mystery and political maneuvering at the HQ provide a propulsive through-line.
The use of flashbacks remains a point of contention. While some felt they were “more relatable and poignant to the present” than in book three, others still experienced “whiplash” from the constant cutting between timelines, wanting to stay immersed in both the exciting past and present stories . The prose remains engaging and direct, effectively balancing tense bureaucratic drama with the series' signature intimate moments.
What I Liked vs. What Gave Me Pause
Liked:
The Elevated Stakes: Taking the fight to the heart of the Champion Authority raises the series’ ambition significantly. It’s no longer just about local villains, but about systemic evil.
World-Building Expansion: The HQ setting introduces new hierarchies, politics, and characters, making the superhero world feel vast and lived-in .
Plot Twists and Payoffs: Reviews consistently praise the “unexpected direction” and “twists and turns,” noting that the suspense is “growing and the plot thickens” in rewarding ways .
Disliked (or Considerations):
The Relentless Tone: The acknowledged “heavier” and darker tone, while compelling, might be a bit much for readers who loved the earlier books' more domestic, simmering tension .
Pacing Whiplash: The flashback structure, though improved, still interrupts narrative momentum for some readers .
Character Frustrations: A late-book decision by a key character (avoiding spoilers) felt to some like a rushed or unearned emotional turn .
Final Verdict & Who Should Read It
Final Verdict: Domestic Decay 4 is the book where the series matures from a taboo-adjacent superhero drama into a legitimately gripping superhero conspiracy. The “sexy scenes are great, as always,” but they now serve a plot that feels consequential and expansive . It ends with a strong sense that “something big is coming,” making Book 5 an insta-buy for invested fans .
You’ll love this book if: You’re already committed to Will’s journey and want to see the story scale up. If you enjoy deconstructing superhero tropes, political intrigue within organizations, and stories where the line between hero and villain is brilliantly blurred, this is a peak entry in the series.
Consider this your off-ramp if: You preferred the more contained, slow-burn family drama of the first book. The darker tone and complex institutional plotting might feel like a departure from what initially hooked you.
If you’ve enjoyed the ride so far, this is a must-read that proves the series has serious staying power. Just be prepared for a story that’s less about "will they/won't they" and more about "how will they bring the whole corrupt system down?" .
So, you’ve made it to book four. If the first three volumes were about Will navigating the complex web of his found family and their pent-up desires, Domestic Decay 4 is where the series fully commits to its superhero roots and gets political. After the events that “all but leveled a city,” Will and his family are summoned to the Champion Authority’s Eastern HQ for a reckoning . The change of scenery from their fractured home to the heart of the superhero establishment brings the series’ central conflicts into sharp, often harsh, focus. This isn’t just a spicy superhero romance anymore; it’s becoming a full-blown conspiracy thriller with a side of steamy drama, and I’m here for it. A strong 4 out of 5 stars.
Key Themes: Power, Corruption, and Doing the Right Thing
Institutional Corruption & Hypocrisy: The move to the “Lighthouse” (the superhero HQ) brilliantly exposes the rot within the system . Will, a reformed villain, finds contempt and hostility from the so-called heroes, while he discovers that many of them don’t live up to their own ideals . The book asks: who are the real villains when the heroes are more concerned with their “pecking order” than justice? .
Moral Complexity in a Black-and-White World: The series has always thrived on shades of gray, and this installment deepens that . Faced with a corrupt institution, Will is forced to work toward what he judges to be right, “as hard and complicated as that may be,” rather than following orders . It’s a satisfying evolution from personal survival to principled rebellion.
The Weight of the Past: The story “gets heavier by the book,” and readers noted it’s starting to feel “a little too heavy” for some . The flashbacks to Halberd and the history of Will’s family are no longer just backstory; they are directly informing present dangers and moral dilemmas, showing how past sins inevitably shape the present .
Character Analysis: Under Scrutiny and Evolving
Will / Lockpick: Will is in a crucible. Publicly scorned as an ex-con in a world of polished heroes, his development is about externalizing his internal moral code . He’s less reactive and more strategically defiant, which is a compelling shift, even if some readers still find him occasionally frustrating .
Jess / Relic: Forced to return to the public eye, Jess contends with old rivals and the politics she left behind . Her role evolves from household matriarch to a powerhouse navigating professional hostility, showing new dimensions of her strength .
The Supporting Cast: Avery’s arc reaches a crucial point, and her relationship with the family faces serious tests . New characters are introduced, including one with “subtle powers” who could be pivotal, hinting at a larger, expanding world .
Writing Style & Pacing: Sharper Plotting, Familiar Rhythms
Anya Merchant’s plot construction is noticeably tighter here; one fan noted her “long-form plots are definitely getting better with a sharp drop in the number of loose ends” . The central mystery and political maneuvering at the HQ provide a propulsive through-line.
The use of flashbacks remains a point of contention. While some felt they were “more relatable and poignant to the present” than in book three, others still experienced “whiplash” from the constant cutting between timelines, wanting to stay immersed in both the exciting past and present stories . The prose remains engaging and direct, effectively balancing tense bureaucratic drama with the series' signature intimate moments.
What I Liked vs. What Gave Me Pause
Liked:
The Elevated Stakes: Taking the fight to the heart of the Champion Authority raises the series’ ambition significantly. It’s no longer just about local villains, but about systemic evil.
World-Building Expansion: The HQ setting introduces new hierarchies, politics, and characters, making the superhero world feel vast and lived-in .
Plot Twists and Payoffs: Reviews consistently praise the “unexpected direction” and “twists and turns,” noting that the suspense is “growing and the plot thickens” in rewarding ways .
Disliked (or Considerations):
The Relentless Tone: The acknowledged “heavier” and darker tone, while compelling, might be a bit much for readers who loved the earlier books' more domestic, simmering tension .
Pacing Whiplash: The flashback structure, though improved, still interrupts narrative momentum for some readers .
Character Frustrations: A late-book decision by a key character (avoiding spoilers) felt to some like a rushed or unearned emotional turn .
Final Verdict & Who Should Read It
Final Verdict: Domestic Decay 4 is the book where the series matures from a taboo-adjacent superhero drama into a legitimately gripping superhero conspiracy. The “sexy scenes are great, as always,” but they now serve a plot that feels consequential and expansive . It ends with a strong sense that “something big is coming,” making Book 5 an insta-buy for invested fans .
You’ll love this book if: You’re already committed to Will’s journey and want to see the story scale up. If you enjoy deconstructing superhero tropes, political intrigue within organizations, and stories where the line between hero and villain is brilliantly blurred, this is a peak entry in the series.
Consider this your off-ramp if: You preferred the more contained, slow-burn family drama of the first book. The darker tone and complex institutional plotting might feel like a departure from what initially hooked you.
If you’ve enjoyed the ride so far, this is a must-read that proves the series has serious staying power. Just be prepared for a story that’s less about "will they/won't they" and more about "how will they bring the whole corrupt system down?" .
May 15, 2022
Awesome!
Seriously, this series keeps getting better and better. I'm completely hooked. I think what I enjoy most is how complex the characters are. It's not black and white like you'd expect, but numerous shades of grey. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth reading.
Seriously, this series keeps getting better and better. I'm completely hooked. I think what I enjoy most is how complex the characters are. It's not black and white like you'd expect, but numerous shades of grey. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth reading.
September 30, 2021
More and more excellent story, full of well written emotions and great sex, come in this 4th installment. This series is so good and, as usual, leaves me eager for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2021
Entertaining
The adventure continues and twists keep coming. I was pleasantly suprised about the unexpected direction that this book went in. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
The adventure continues and twists keep coming. I was pleasantly suprised about the unexpected direction that this book went in. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
December 28, 2021
Excellent Book
The family has to travel to the Lighthouse, the super hero HQ. There are multiple twists and turns, action and adventure. Betrayed by an old friend and help from an enemy! Looking forward to the next book!
The family has to travel to the Lighthouse, the super hero HQ. There are multiple twists and turns, action and adventure. Betrayed by an old friend and help from an enemy! Looking forward to the next book!
October 3, 2021
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
January 26, 2022
Awesome
I just can't stop listening to this it's sooo good the story is just amazing tip 10 favorites easy can't wait to start the next one
I just can't stop listening to this it's sooo good the story is just amazing tip 10 favorites easy can't wait to start the next one
April 15, 2022
NO! *sprays water on author* BAD! No cliffhangers!
May 30, 2022
Wonderful story
I am enjoying this fun action pack adventure of Lock pick as he returns from being a villain to maybe going back as a hero.
I am enjoying this fun action pack adventure of Lock pick as he returns from being a villain to maybe going back as a hero.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews