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Venom Curse #1
The Venom in her Veins
When the first kingdom of Selvarra fell, the ripple that followed reshaped fate itself—awakening something darker.
Despite not knowing her origin, Verena has always been a dreamer, determined to reunite the fractured realms before the world tears itself apart. But fate has other designs. Branded with the mark of The Viper, the ancient curse destined to unravel everything it touches, Verena must face the truth: she was born to destroy the very kingdoms she longs to save. The corruption consuming her veins is growing seductive, becoming impossible to resist. And with every passing breath, she is becoming the nightmare the world already whispers her to be.
Yet deep within the darkness, something else stirs—something older, unbreakable, and defiant of even fate.
Across the realms, Ronan D’Vyre, heir to the dragon kingdom of Ryuu, carries the weight of a crown forged in fire and chains. The dark kingdom has crumbled, and the plague devouring what remains threatens to consume them all. Freedom is the only thing Ronan has ever craved, and he will sacrifice anything to claim it—until his path collides with Verena’s.
To protect his kingdom, he must kill her.
To save her world , she must trust him.
Despite not knowing her origin, Verena has always been a dreamer, determined to reunite the fractured realms before the world tears itself apart. But fate has other designs. Branded with the mark of The Viper, the ancient curse destined to unravel everything it touches, Verena must face the truth: she was born to destroy the very kingdoms she longs to save. The corruption consuming her veins is growing seductive, becoming impossible to resist. And with every passing breath, she is becoming the nightmare the world already whispers her to be.
Yet deep within the darkness, something else stirs—something older, unbreakable, and defiant of even fate.
Across the realms, Ronan D’Vyre, heir to the dragon kingdom of Ryuu, carries the weight of a crown forged in fire and chains. The dark kingdom has crumbled, and the plague devouring what remains threatens to consume them all. Freedom is the only thing Ronan has ever craved, and he will sacrifice anything to claim it—until his path collides with Verena’s.
To protect his kingdom, he must kill her.
To save her world , she must trust him.
512 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2026
28 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 14, 2026
I sometimes struggle to read fantasy books as an avid romance reader, however I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book to read.
This book had me SAT, through my kids being sick, I needed to know how it was going to play out and where the characters would go, and become. The author put so much incredible vocabulary in this book, that you could genuinely make a
movie in your mind, and see what the characters were seeing.
I loved the FMC, a strong and stable character. I loved the MMC, a true book boyfriend 🤤 (need I say more). I loved the plot twists. I loved the character development. I LOVED the romance 😈.
I can't wait to see where this series goes.
This book had me SAT, through my kids being sick, I needed to know how it was going to play out and where the characters would go, and become. The author put so much incredible vocabulary in this book, that you could genuinely make a
movie in your mind, and see what the characters were seeing.
I loved the FMC, a strong and stable character. I loved the MMC, a true book boyfriend 🤤 (need I say more). I loved the plot twists. I loved the character development. I LOVED the romance 😈.
I can't wait to see where this series goes.
January 21, 2026
I was able to beta read this wonderful story. And OMG! It was the perfect dark fantasy romance. I loved Verena, our FMC, I loved how naturally strong she was and it was a nice change to see an FMC who was already trained and able to kick ass. I loved our broody dragon shifter MMC, Ronan, he was literal perfection. And the banter between these two was *chefs kiss*. The pacing of the story was very well done—I constantly wanted to know more and what was gonna happen. This book is going to make you GO THROUGH it in all the emotions and it’s so so worth it. The depth of this story is insane and a book that you could reread multiple times and still find more Easter eggs. You will experience the highest highs and lowest lows so bring tissues. And the ending? 💔 book 1 isn’t out yet and I’m already needing book 2!
We got: slow burn, enemies to lovers, feminine rage, who did this to you, dragon shifters, witches, political intrigue, spice, other mythical creatures/monsters, found family, & secrets/betrayals.
All my dark fantasy peeps you’re gonna want to pick this up, you won’t be disappointed!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
We got: slow burn, enemies to lovers, feminine rage, who did this to you, dragon shifters, witches, political intrigue, spice, other mythical creatures/monsters, found family, & secrets/betrayals.
All my dark fantasy peeps you’re gonna want to pick this up, you won’t be disappointed!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
January 20, 2026
I believe we have our next ACOTAR, our next Fourth Wing, our next Throne of Glass.
This book had my jaw on the floor. I cannot believe this is from a debut author. I screamed, I cried, I kicked my feet, I was emotionally damaged and I am BEYOND obsessed. It gave me everything I want in a romantasy; high stakes, world building, a blood bond (LITERALLY MY FAVORITE), a "who did this to you" moment, chapters that gave me ACOTAR Chapter 54 vibes, a side character that rivals Carrion Swift and Ridoc, a TRUE enemies to lovers (they are destined to kill eachother ok!) and a romance worth SWOONING and kicking your feet over. Verena and Ronan are fierce, she is a STABBY FMC and he is a dragon shifter destined to kill her. Their meet cute where she tries to kill him? Ok I am HOOKED. The world building was so intricate, and RYUU is the equivelent of the Night Court. I am DYING for book 2. The spice? IMMACULATE. I was FANNING myself. Read this book IMMEDIATELY, don't walk, run. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. This is going to live rent free in my head forever.
I have too many annotated quotes.... BUT some favorite quotes:
If you refer to her as an object again, I will show you exactly what ruin looks like.
My eyes widened. "Did you just ... mark me?"
His kiss was fire and smoke, and gods I wanted to burn in it.
"I don't have to claim you to know you're mine," he whispered. "But know, I have always been yours in return."
So, she had chosen violence. Noted.
Gods, there's my ruin.
"We're going to a place that has never failed me. Not once. Not even when destiny demanded I kneel." Oh good, a soul-healing secret haven.
"You don't even know what you do to me," he whispered. "I'd burn kingdoms for this. For you. Do you understand?"
"We'll always find our way back to each other. Even in the dark. Even when all that's left is everything we couldn't remember."
"The best thing I could ever be," I said, voice shaking, "is your mate."
This book had my jaw on the floor. I cannot believe this is from a debut author. I screamed, I cried, I kicked my feet, I was emotionally damaged and I am BEYOND obsessed. It gave me everything I want in a romantasy; high stakes, world building, a blood bond (LITERALLY MY FAVORITE), a "who did this to you" moment, chapters that gave me ACOTAR Chapter 54 vibes, a side character that rivals Carrion Swift and Ridoc, a TRUE enemies to lovers (they are destined to kill eachother ok!) and a romance worth SWOONING and kicking your feet over. Verena and Ronan are fierce, she is a STABBY FMC and he is a dragon shifter destined to kill her. Their meet cute where she tries to kill him? Ok I am HOOKED. The world building was so intricate, and RYUU is the equivelent of the Night Court. I am DYING for book 2. The spice? IMMACULATE. I was FANNING myself. Read this book IMMEDIATELY, don't walk, run. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. This is going to live rent free in my head forever.
I have too many annotated quotes.... BUT some favorite quotes:
If you refer to her as an object again, I will show you exactly what ruin looks like.
My eyes widened. "Did you just ... mark me?"
His kiss was fire and smoke, and gods I wanted to burn in it.
"I don't have to claim you to know you're mine," he whispered. "But know, I have always been yours in return."
So, she had chosen violence. Noted.
Gods, there's my ruin.
"We're going to a place that has never failed me. Not once. Not even when destiny demanded I kneel." Oh good, a soul-healing secret haven.
"You don't even know what you do to me," he whispered. "I'd burn kingdoms for this. For you. Do you understand?"
"We'll always find our way back to each other. Even in the dark. Even when all that's left is everything we couldn't remember."
"The best thing I could ever be," I said, voice shaking, "is your mate."
February 12, 2026
One of the most well written dark fantasy romances I have ever experienced! Feminine rage, true enemies to lovers, AND TOP TIER YEARNING 😮💨
There are layers and layerssssss to this story.
Loved this book so much!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There are layers and layerssssss to this story.
Loved this book so much!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 17, 2026
I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to be a beta reader for this incredible book!
I am not used to reading fantasy books with such intricate world building. I definitely tend to read more "beginner friendly" fantasy. So it was a bit tough to read at times. BUT this book was phenomenal.
The characters, the world, the magic system, the story, the romance. It was all so well written and so beautiful and tragic and everything in between. It was unlike anything I have read before.
Verena and Ronan are two forces to be reckoned with. They are TRUE enemies to lovers.
I just finished and I already can't wait for book 2!
I am not used to reading fantasy books with such intricate world building. I definitely tend to read more "beginner friendly" fantasy. So it was a bit tough to read at times. BUT this book was phenomenal.
The characters, the world, the magic system, the story, the romance. It was all so well written and so beautiful and tragic and everything in between. It was unlike anything I have read before.
Verena and Ronan are two forces to be reckoned with. They are TRUE enemies to lovers.
I just finished and I already can't wait for book 2!
January 25, 2026
Okay this was actually insane 😭🖤
The enemies to lovers was done SO well because you can feel how much they don’t trust each other at first, but the tension slowly turns into something way deeper. Every interaction felt intense and emotional, and I was constantly like “NO don’t fall for him” (but obviously I wanted them to).
The twists?? I did NOT see them coming. I tried so hard to find little Easter eggs for hints along the way. Every time I thought I figured something out I was proved so wrong. It kept getting darker and more heartbreaking in the best way possible. 🐍💀 IYKYK
The beginning was a little slow, but in a good way!! It really helped build the world and made everything feel more intense later.
And the ending… I’m still mad about it. How can you just leave me on the edge like that!? I need to know where the characters end up. Book two, where you at!?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The enemies to lovers was done SO well because you can feel how much they don’t trust each other at first, but the tension slowly turns into something way deeper. Every interaction felt intense and emotional, and I was constantly like “NO don’t fall for him” (but obviously I wanted them to).
The twists?? I did NOT see them coming. I tried so hard to find little Easter eggs for hints along the way. Every time I thought I figured something out I was proved so wrong. It kept getting darker and more heartbreaking in the best way possible. 🐍💀 IYKYK
The beginning was a little slow, but in a good way!! It really helped build the world and made everything feel more intense later.
And the ending… I’m still mad about it. How can you just leave me on the edge like that!? I need to know where the characters end up. Book two, where you at!?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 18, 2026
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
J.E. Caroline has woven a stunning tapestry of love, anger, magic, vengeance, betrayal, loyalty, forgiveness, and the kind of family that’s both inherited and chosen. Bonds, mates, sacrifice, devotion — every thread is intentional, layered, and beautifully crafted. What unfolds isn’t just a story; it’s an experience. A journey that lingers long after the final page.
This isn’t a book to rush through. It demands to be savored. The emotional beats are rich and complex, each one unfolding differently as the story deepens. Moments of beauty sit side by side with brutal devastation, and the contrast makes both hit even harder. I found myself sitting with certain scenes, letting them settle, because they deserved that space.
It’s rare to read something that feels this immersive — this consuming. By the end, I wasn’t just finishing a novel; I was recovering from it.
If you love emotionally intense fantasy with layered relationships, high stakes, and writing that makes you feel everything, this one belongs on your TBR.
J.E. Caroline has woven a stunning tapestry of love, anger, magic, vengeance, betrayal, loyalty, forgiveness, and the kind of family that’s both inherited and chosen. Bonds, mates, sacrifice, devotion — every thread is intentional, layered, and beautifully crafted. What unfolds isn’t just a story; it’s an experience. A journey that lingers long after the final page.
This isn’t a book to rush through. It demands to be savored. The emotional beats are rich and complex, each one unfolding differently as the story deepens. Moments of beauty sit side by side with brutal devastation, and the contrast makes both hit even harder. I found myself sitting with certain scenes, letting them settle, because they deserved that space.
It’s rare to read something that feels this immersive — this consuming. By the end, I wasn’t just finishing a novel; I was recovering from it.
If you love emotionally intense fantasy with layered relationships, high stakes, and writing that makes you feel everything, this one belongs on your TBR.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews