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Venom #1
Passion & Venom
Imagine this:
Your husband is murdered on your wedding day.
Your gown is soiled in his blood.
You are taken hostage...
Treated like a caged animal.
The man behind your husband's murder is revealed.
His name is Draco Molina.
Draco has power. Respect. Wealth.
He is a savage beast of a man - dominant in every way.
Soon after, he makes you an offer that you can't refuse.
All you have do is submit to him, and in return you won't be punished.
He will reward you handsomely.
But if you disobey, you must be prepared to face the consequences.
What do you do when the most wanted man in the world . . . wants you?
**Please Note: This story contains dark elements that may not be suitable for everyone. If you are sensitive to darker matters or if they make you feel uncomfortable in anyway, please consider that before reading Passion & Venom. I will be the first person to tell you that this story is NOT for everyone. To all the others that are eager to read it . . . The Jefe awaits.**
Your husband is murdered on your wedding day.
Your gown is soiled in his blood.
You are taken hostage...
Treated like a caged animal.
The man behind your husband's murder is revealed.
His name is Draco Molina.
Draco has power. Respect. Wealth.
He is a savage beast of a man - dominant in every way.
Soon after, he makes you an offer that you can't refuse.
All you have do is submit to him, and in return you won't be punished.
He will reward you handsomely.
But if you disobey, you must be prepared to face the consequences.
What do you do when the most wanted man in the world . . . wants you?
**Please Note: This story contains dark elements that may not be suitable for everyone. If you are sensitive to darker matters or if they make you feel uncomfortable in anyway, please consider that before reading Passion & Venom. I will be the first person to tell you that this story is NOT for everyone. To all the others that are eager to read it . . . The Jefe awaits.**
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2016
1123 people are currently reading
7428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 636 reviews
August 10, 2020
**Spoilers**
The cover is excellent; really pulls you in and once in, the story clamps down on you. It's a dark, twisted, semi-psychological, and sinister book. If you have triggers about rape, torture, kidnapping or gruesome/gory murder scenes; then you may need to sit this out. If none of those triggers bothers you, then you are in for a fast, thoroughly engaging and thrilling story.
This is the story of Gianna Nicotera, daughter of a mob boss, newly married to a mob boss who was, within mere hours after the wedding, gruesomely gunned down in her presence. The story quickly shifts, and we see Gianna being held hostage by her husband's murderers and they systematically attempt to dehumanize her, but what they never accounted for was a hostage with a backbone; one who would not cower even in the face of extreme torture.
I liked Gianna; she was far from stupid, did not simper, and she had a formidable strength of character. Shanora did a splendid job with Gianna's character and thank God for that because had she been another simpering-cowering-virgin hostage, this book would have been over before it started.
Next, we meet Jefe/Draco, the mob boss who ordered the hit on Gianna's husband and at whose mercy she finds herself presently. Draco is an anti-hero of sorts and one you find yourself wanting to hurt. Badly. That man is in need of a bullet to the head, but not before his limbs are detached from his body. Truth be told, my feelings for Draco swung end to end on a spectrum; much like Gianna soon found herself. Most times you hate him until he says/does something that makes you pause the vitriol.
He wants her and all of her. Will he be her protector or her ruin? Will she give in to his demands or fight? Is she willing to give her body over to this despicable man whom she hates but also desires?
And the Ice Princess emerges. I am so ready for book 2!
January 14, 2021
Excuse me... Sorry... Unpopular opinion coming through...
I clearly didn't read the same book as everyone else. My 2021 reading goal was to be more generous with my stars... it's not even the middle of January yet and I've already failed. I can't even round this up to 2 stars because I hated Passion & Venom.
Look, I love dark romances and I dive into them knowing that there's going to be problematic and triggering themes... But this just didn't work for me.
I don't think I've ever been this angry with a male lead before. Draco was the WORST piece of shit ever. And he was nowhere near being redeemable. Thing is, giving an asshole character good looks and a "tragic" background doesn't make them more likeable!! FUCK Draco. I hate this psychotic asshole. He's just a pretentious waste of space with delusions of grandeur. I get what the author was trying to do with the whole correlation between food and sex. But this guy BASICALLY STARVES THE HEROINE. And for what?? FOR WHAT?! So degrading. And then he punishes her with non consensual "pleasure". Draco's logic? Nonexistent.
He clearly sucks at his job too because all his underlings are useless asswipes with no loyalty. Half the conflicts occur because of his idiotic underlings! But I mean, birds of a feather flock together, right? And what even was his job? I think I missed that part.
I also really disliked Giana. She was so spoiled and bratty. Girl, I don't care about your wedding dress. And I can't believe she gave into her lust so damn quickly. Like, her husband's dead body wasn't even cold yet. But... I'll give her the benefit of the doubt because SHE CLEARLY HAS STOCKHOLM SYNDROME.
The writing needed more editing too. Some parts felt very awkward and stilted. But to be honest, good writing wouldn't even be able to salvage this storyline. And don't even get me started on the ending... The scene at the end felt like it was there for shock value and as a cheap way to push the MC's together. Violence against women for no damn reason other than to further the plot? Nope. Bye.
I'm just going to pretend this book never happened.
Rating: 1/5
I clearly didn't read the same book as everyone else. My 2021 reading goal was to be more generous with my stars... it's not even the middle of January yet and I've already failed. I can't even round this up to 2 stars because I hated Passion & Venom.
Look, I love dark romances and I dive into them knowing that there's going to be problematic and triggering themes... But this just didn't work for me.
I don't think I've ever been this angry with a male lead before. Draco was the WORST piece of shit ever. And he was nowhere near being redeemable. Thing is, giving an asshole character good looks and a "tragic" background doesn't make them more likeable!! FUCK Draco. I hate this psychotic asshole. He's just a pretentious waste of space with delusions of grandeur. I get what the author was trying to do with the whole correlation between food and sex. But this guy BASICALLY STARVES THE HEROINE. And for what?? FOR WHAT?! So degrading. And then he punishes her with non consensual "pleasure". Draco's logic? Nonexistent.
He clearly sucks at his job too because all his underlings are useless asswipes with no loyalty. Half the conflicts occur because of his idiotic underlings! But I mean, birds of a feather flock together, right? And what even was his job? I think I missed that part.
I also really disliked Giana. She was so spoiled and bratty. Girl, I don't care about your wedding dress. And I can't believe she gave into her lust so damn quickly. Like, her husband's dead body wasn't even cold yet. But... I'll give her the benefit of the doubt because SHE CLEARLY HAS STOCKHOLM SYNDROME.
The writing needed more editing too. Some parts felt very awkward and stilted. But to be honest, good writing wouldn't even be able to salvage this storyline. And don't even get me started on the ending... The scene at the end felt like it was there for shock value and as a cheap way to push the MC's together. Violence against women for no damn reason other than to further the plot? Nope. Bye.
I'm just going to pretend this book never happened.
Rating: 1/5
February 16, 2017
Okay, This was just Nasty but i love it, i'm sick i know :D! Lol.. Passion & Venom by Shanora Williams is unlike anything i have ever read, it is not for the faint-hearted, It is dark, twisted and GROSS! Jefe "Draco" is not your typical alpha male he's batshit crazy.
"i scalped his head myself. scooped the eyeballs out with a hot spoon cut off the skin with some of my best knives. had some of my men clean it down to the bone and then bring it back here."
Gina was kidnapped and her husband was shot and killed in front of her on her wedding day by Draco Molina. He was her father's friend *Awkward* Although he didn't plan to actually have her he can't let her go either.
This princess is ready to snatch up the big crown and become the one thing she was deathly afraid of. A Queen. with veins full of venom and a heart full of ice.
Am i the only one who kept thinking about Ronaldo and what happened to him? i'm glad book 2 is almost here coz there's a lot of unanswered questions.
"i scalped his head myself. scooped the eyeballs out with a hot spoon cut off the skin with some of my best knives. had some of my men clean it down to the bone and then bring it back here."
Gina was kidnapped and her husband was shot and killed in front of her on her wedding day by Draco Molina. He was her father's friend *Awkward* Although he didn't plan to actually have her he can't let her go either.
This princess is ready to snatch up the big crown and become the one thing she was deathly afraid of. A Queen. with veins full of venom and a heart full of ice.
Am i the only one who kept thinking about Ronaldo and what happened to him? i'm glad book 2 is almost here coz there's a lot of unanswered questions.
October 5, 2022
TW for torture, kidnapping, assault, murder
This is SUPER dark, so know that going in. I loved every minute of it. Gia's husband is murder the day of their wedding and she is kidnapped and held on an island in extremely horrible conditions. When the man in charge of her kidnapping visits and realizes he knows her from their childhood, he brings her to his house and keeps her there. He is definitely NOT nice to her because he is determined to break her and make her obey him. Gia isn't scared of Draco, even though she knows she should be. Instead, she's angry her took her life away. So she sees how far she can push him before it's too far for her. So much happened in this book and I really loved the connection between Gia and Draco. Draco is definitely not a good guy, but I was still dying to see Gia give in and just be with him. The ending took a very dark turn, but that ending has me so ready for book two. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
This is SUPER dark, so know that going in. I loved every minute of it. Gia's husband is murder the day of their wedding and she is kidnapped and held on an island in extremely horrible conditions. When the man in charge of her kidnapping visits and realizes he knows her from their childhood, he brings her to his house and keeps her there. He is definitely NOT nice to her because he is determined to break her and make her obey him. Gia isn't scared of Draco, even though she knows she should be. Instead, she's angry her took her life away. So she sees how far she can push him before it's too far for her. So much happened in this book and I really loved the connection between Gia and Draco. Draco is definitely not a good guy, but I was still dying to see Gia give in and just be with him. The ending took a very dark turn, but that ending has me so ready for book two. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
February 10, 2017
6 Dark, Twisted, YES! Stars
You know when you scroll through your Facebook Newsfeed and there are advertisements, well I saw one for Passion and Venom and I thought what the heck, let’s try it. I one clicked it, not knowing the storyline or the author, but only that the book would be dark.
When I started the book I knew within the first page I was going to love it. Right away I loved the writing style and I liked where the story was going. As I kept on reading, I kept on looking at my reading percentage wishing it wouldn’t go up because I seriously didn’t want the book to end.
If you are like me, you love dark books. I’ve read hundreds of dark books and kidnapping is one of my favorite plots, but they are a dime a dozen. However, Passion and Venom is so good and so interesting, you will be blown away like me.
Gianna is kidnapped on her wedding day and she watches her husband get killed. She doesn’t know why she is kidnapped but she knows her husband was the target and she is the baggage that comes with it. I really liked the beginning because it hits you with a bang and you get into the heart of the story.
Gianna is not your regular damsel. Yes, she’s kidnapped, but she puts up a good fight and the crying is to a minimal. I like a healthy balance of awesome strong Heroine, yet a little broken and a little in pain and ready for saving, she fits the bill to the T.
Draco is mean, nasty and ruthless. I have read books where the Hero is pretty tough, but Draco takes the cake. I really loved to hate him. He’s a complicated man with issues. He’s strong, powerful and very successful. Men are scared of him and women want to be with him and he knows it.
He sees something in Gianna, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to change and give her hearts and candy. If Gianna is going to be staying under his roof, then she needs to play by his rules or there will be consequences.
What really worked for me is that this book isn’t your typical dominate / submissive type of read. There wasn’t cheesy dialogue or predicable storyline. Everything was meant for a reason. The tension between Draco and Gianna is wicked hot. The steam was off the charts and I gobbled it up. T
Usually I would say this book is not for everyone, but after reading it, I’m going to say it is. If you like dark books, you will love this one. It has everything a dark reading junkie like me loves. It has a twisted alpha Hero, a strong, yet damsel Heroine, a twisted storyline that will continue to keep you guessing.
I loved this book. I have a major book hang over and the only complaint I have is that the author has NO RELEASE date for book 2. I’m going to cry.
PS. I went to stalk this author after I finished reading Passion and Venom and I realized I read one of her earlier books and gave her a low rating. It just goes to show that you should NEVER give up on authors. They may blow you away, even if it’s two years later. I’m going to grab another book by her now.
AMAZON 99 CENTS
You know when you scroll through your Facebook Newsfeed and there are advertisements, well I saw one for Passion and Venom and I thought what the heck, let’s try it. I one clicked it, not knowing the storyline or the author, but only that the book would be dark.
When I started the book I knew within the first page I was going to love it. Right away I loved the writing style and I liked where the story was going. As I kept on reading, I kept on looking at my reading percentage wishing it wouldn’t go up because I seriously didn’t want the book to end.
If you are like me, you love dark books. I’ve read hundreds of dark books and kidnapping is one of my favorite plots, but they are a dime a dozen. However, Passion and Venom is so good and so interesting, you will be blown away like me.
Gianna is kidnapped on her wedding day and she watches her husband get killed. She doesn’t know why she is kidnapped but she knows her husband was the target and she is the baggage that comes with it. I really liked the beginning because it hits you with a bang and you get into the heart of the story.
Gianna is not your regular damsel. Yes, she’s kidnapped, but she puts up a good fight and the crying is to a minimal. I like a healthy balance of awesome strong Heroine, yet a little broken and a little in pain and ready for saving, she fits the bill to the T.
Draco is mean, nasty and ruthless. I have read books where the Hero is pretty tough, but Draco takes the cake. I really loved to hate him. He’s a complicated man with issues. He’s strong, powerful and very successful. Men are scared of him and women want to be with him and he knows it.
He sees something in Gianna, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to change and give her hearts and candy. If Gianna is going to be staying under his roof, then she needs to play by his rules or there will be consequences.
What really worked for me is that this book isn’t your typical dominate / submissive type of read. There wasn’t cheesy dialogue or predicable storyline. Everything was meant for a reason. The tension between Draco and Gianna is wicked hot. The steam was off the charts and I gobbled it up. T
Usually I would say this book is not for everyone, but after reading it, I’m going to say it is. If you like dark books, you will love this one. It has everything a dark reading junkie like me loves. It has a twisted alpha Hero, a strong, yet damsel Heroine, a twisted storyline that will continue to keep you guessing.
I loved this book. I have a major book hang over and the only complaint I have is that the author has NO RELEASE date for book 2. I’m going to cry.
PS. I went to stalk this author after I finished reading Passion and Venom and I realized I read one of her earlier books and gave her a low rating. It just goes to show that you should NEVER give up on authors. They may blow you away, even if it’s two years later. I’m going to grab another book by her now.
AMAZON 99 CENTS
September 4, 2017
This is the first book I'm reading from this author & I loved it.
Gia has suffered it all. With her parents already dead, her husband is shot right in front of her and she is kidnapped on her wedding day! You would think she has suffered it all but NO, she receives some more abuse & gets raped.
In my opinion I think Gia is a strong, stubborn heroine who always stands up for herself. She has a backbone which I really loved. One thing which I did not like was how quickly she got over her husband, I would understand if he was an asshole to her but she literally described him as her hero. Onwards she has sex with the same guy who got her husband killed without putting up a fight so that was a big no no. I would have expected her to wait for a little while at least. I’m left wondering did Gia’s husband use her just for her name? I guess I’ll have to wait to find out.
Draco is a hard character. Most times I hated him but sometimes he would do sweet things for Gia which I loved. He is very dark but he does sort out the man who abused Gia. I’m still not 100% sure about Draco, wondering why he does the things he does, why did he have Gia’s husband killed?...
I’m moving onto book two RIGHT AWAY because it ended with a cliff hanger and I need my answers!!
Gia has suffered it all. With her parents already dead, her husband is shot right in front of her and she is kidnapped on her wedding day! You would think she has suffered it all but NO, she receives some more abuse & gets raped.
In my opinion I think Gia is a strong, stubborn heroine who always stands up for herself. She has a backbone which I really loved. One thing which I did not like was how quickly she got over her husband, I would understand if he was an asshole to her but she literally described him as her hero. Onwards she has sex with the same guy who got her husband killed without putting up a fight so that was a big no no. I would have expected her to wait for a little while at least. I’m left wondering did Gia’s husband use her just for her name? I guess I’ll have to wait to find out.
Draco is a hard character. Most times I hated him but sometimes he would do sweet things for Gia which I loved. He is very dark but he does sort out the man who abused Gia. I’m still not 100% sure about Draco, wondering why he does the things he does, why did he have Gia’s husband killed?...
I’m moving onto book two RIGHT AWAY because it ended with a cliff hanger and I need my answers!!
September 27, 2017
Ohoho...
I actually liked this one, very much in fact!
It was dark, very raw, very vile, brutal and somehow alluring in the most deprived way possible...
Gianna Nicotera is a daughter of a crime lord yet protected and kept away from all the vile, cruel shit happening and yet she falls for a man from the same cloth of violence and death.
But on her wedding day, her husband is executed and she s been kidnapped and taken as a collateral to face the fate more gruesome and tragic...
When she's presented to the dangerous wanted crime lord Draco Molina and upon finding out her name, he actually recognizes her as his family used to do business with Lion Nicotera, Gia's diseased father.
But there are rules. Draco's rules that must be followed at any cost...and Gia, not prepared, not willing to submit to those rules or Draco, she puts her life in constant threat, and she's lingering somewhere in between wanting to escape and not giving shit if she died in the process, testing Draco's limits and boundaries...
Until she pushes too far, and her resilience and boldness causes a rift in Draco's ranks, finding out that Draco has enemies closer than he thought, Gia is violated...
and then revenged...by Draco.
But for her to fully survive her fate, she needs to accept Draco as her partner, as her king, so she could alter the course of her actions...
That vile act has damaged her body but it didn't break her, it didn't destroy her...and from the scarred tissue she will awoke a brand new self and execute her vengence...using Draco's power....as she ploys her own game plan of survival
As I said before, this was really raw, palpably gruesome and vividly violent thus completely fulfilling the essence of a dark read.
Yet I haven't really figured out the whole Draco Molina's persona...hmmm, maybe I wasn't supposed to figure him out in the first place, but the vague, mysterious and somewhat obsessively compulsive actions of violent punishments without the true explanation made me pause and think...hmmm?! 😕
Yet I m eager to find out what will happen next in this clusterfuck of actions
I actually liked this one, very much in fact!
It was dark, very raw, very vile, brutal and somehow alluring in the most deprived way possible...
Gianna Nicotera is a daughter of a crime lord yet protected and kept away from all the vile, cruel shit happening and yet she falls for a man from the same cloth of violence and death.
But on her wedding day, her husband is executed and she s been kidnapped and taken as a collateral to face the fate more gruesome and tragic...
When she's presented to the dangerous wanted crime lord Draco Molina and upon finding out her name, he actually recognizes her as his family used to do business with Lion Nicotera, Gia's diseased father.
But there are rules. Draco's rules that must be followed at any cost...and Gia, not prepared, not willing to submit to those rules or Draco, she puts her life in constant threat, and she's lingering somewhere in between wanting to escape and not giving shit if she died in the process, testing Draco's limits and boundaries...
Until she pushes too far, and her resilience and boldness causes a rift in Draco's ranks, finding out that Draco has enemies closer than he thought, Gia is violated...
and then revenged...by Draco.
But for her to fully survive her fate, she needs to accept Draco as her partner, as her king, so she could alter the course of her actions...
I have accepted my fate. And that fate is to become just as dangerous and ruthless as Draco Molina.
My new partner.
My new king.
That vile act has damaged her body but it didn't break her, it didn't destroy her...and from the scarred tissue she will awoke a brand new self and execute her vengence...using Draco's power....as she ploys her own game plan of survival
I have accepted, but that doesn’t make him a winner. I will own that man. I will make him do things for me he never thought he would do for a woman. And as soon as he’s comfortable—as soon as I see he has fallen for me—I will end him. The most wanted man in the world will be dead.
I will be free.
And he will be nothing.
As I said before, this was really raw, palpably gruesome and vividly violent thus completely fulfilling the essence of a dark read.
Yet I haven't really figured out the whole Draco Molina's persona...hmmm, maybe I wasn't supposed to figure him out in the first place, but the vague, mysterious and somewhat obsessively compulsive actions of violent punishments without the true explanation made me pause and think...hmmm?! 😕
Yet I m eager to find out what will happen next in this clusterfuck of actions
May 22, 2017
2.75 stars
I wasn't a fan of the writing style but I loved the heroine's resilient spirit. This story was fast-paced with a singular POV and included some gory scenes. The ending seemed very rushed but this was an okay read. I'm curious about how Gia will progress in book two.
I wasn't a fan of the writing style but I loved the heroine's resilient spirit. This story was fast-paced with a singular POV and included some gory scenes. The ending seemed very rushed but this was an okay read. I'm curious about how Gia will progress in book two.
March 26, 2021
DNF'd at 82% -_-
April 4, 2019
-3.5 stars-
Well, I liked it. It wasn't that bad but I read a lot of sick & twisted books and this one was a little bit light for me. 😜
Well, I liked it. It wasn't that bad but I read a lot of sick & twisted books and this one was a little bit light for me. 😜
February 8, 2017
"Passion or venom? And you ask me what my choice is? The venom. Every. single. fucking. ounce of it."
This is the first book I've read by Shanora Williams and it definitely will not be my last. Where has she been all my life? I was poisoned, the venom kept me turning the pages. The passion made me hunger for more. An intense, dark ride from start to finish! I loved it. If you like mafia themed stories, anti-heroes, and fierce heroines. This is a must read.
You know the start, if you've read the blurb, I'm not going to reiterate it. Gianna is a prisoner to one of the biggest cartels. Unbeknownst to her, this has been her fate for a long time. Will she accept fate or fight for her freedom? I need a fight within my captive stories. I need the push and pull. Gianna took the hits and kept fighting. Her ferocity gave me goosebumps.
The anti-hero, Drago is just that. A anti-hero. You won't get love and romance if that's what your after. This man is darkly delicious. Although he's ruthless, there's that spark of humanity. It's there, but not so much that we lose his twisted charisma. You'll want to slap his face and kiss him at the same time. Well, I did, because I love danger. Draco & Danger coincide.
"Because normal men don’t excite me. Normal is boring. Normal has never been apart of my life. Normal, just like love, is fucking useless."
This book really got my adrenaline pumping. I couldn't tell you what I expected, but I was totally blown away with what transpired. I'm still feeling the sting from that ending. I'm dying to know how this will play out. I felt the wind, I heard the thunder, and now I'm waiting for the storm.
This is the first book I've read by Shanora Williams and it definitely will not be my last. Where has she been all my life? I was poisoned, the venom kept me turning the pages. The passion made me hunger for more. An intense, dark ride from start to finish! I loved it. If you like mafia themed stories, anti-heroes, and fierce heroines. This is a must read.
You know the start, if you've read the blurb, I'm not going to reiterate it. Gianna is a prisoner to one of the biggest cartels. Unbeknownst to her, this has been her fate for a long time. Will she accept fate or fight for her freedom? I need a fight within my captive stories. I need the push and pull. Gianna took the hits and kept fighting. Her ferocity gave me goosebumps.
The anti-hero, Drago is just that. A anti-hero. You won't get love and romance if that's what your after. This man is darkly delicious. Although he's ruthless, there's that spark of humanity. It's there, but not so much that we lose his twisted charisma. You'll want to slap his face and kiss him at the same time. Well, I did, because I love danger. Draco & Danger coincide.
"Because normal men don’t excite me. Normal is boring. Normal has never been apart of my life. Normal, just like love, is fucking useless."
This book really got my adrenaline pumping. I couldn't tell you what I expected, but I was totally blown away with what transpired. I'm still feeling the sting from that ending. I'm dying to know how this will play out. I felt the wind, I heard the thunder, and now I'm waiting for the storm.
July 9, 2021
Bir kusmadım yani, o kadar. Böyle arka zekalı bir kadın karakteri ve aynı zamanda da erkek karakteri okumamıştım. Tencere kapak ikisi de arka zekalı, beyinleri kafalarının içinde eriyerek kulaklarından akalı çok olmuş. SALAKLAR!! BEYİNSİZ MALLAR!! Al birini vur ötekine. Kitabın puanı da 4.05 yazık yazık...
September 3, 2016
{ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.}
Title: Venom & Passion
Author: S. Williams
Category: Dark Romance
Series or Standalone: Part of a series, Book #1
POV: Dual
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Scorching Level: 4
HEA: Not telling
Dark & gritty and only the beginning!!! Be ready to meet the Jefe!!! I am huge fan of this author and this dark and suspenseful read kept me glued to my seat!
Gianna thought she had her life planned. She had just married the love of her life and she was just about to go to her honeymoon...Everything changed when her past came to knock on her door.
Taken, bound and imprisoned in a remote location, she finds herself in a nightmare. Humiliated and treated like an animal, she tries to survive in a place that holds no regard for human beings. She has no idea why she was taken; she doesn't know who took her.
They call him the Jefe and he is the most intimidating man she has ever met. It doesn't help that he seems familiar.
Draco is used to being feared. He is after all a criminal and he has just eliminated one of his strongest enemies. What he didn't expect was Gianna. Can she endure his tests? Will she be able to survive?
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. The book is not for everyone. Expect torture, abuse and blood. Stay away if you are squeamish.
For those who love the darker genre, you will love this one. The characters were not easy to like but I do believe we will be able to get to know them better in the next installment.
I cannot wait for the next book. Great start!
4 Stars
February 9, 2017
3 “Passion or Venom” Stars.
With a powerful blurb and a stunning cover, Passion & Venom captured my attention the first moment I laid eyes on it.
Dark romances is a genre I really enjoy to read. So I was really excited about this one.
The Prologue was as captivating as the blurb. But then I started chapter one and it was like I was reading another story. It just didn't feel the same. The excitement I was feeling diminished the moment pee got involved. Yes, there was a lot of it in the first chapters. And it wasn't like it was "gross" no, I just feel like I didn't need to know that kind of information.
Ok back to the story.
After witnessing her new husband murder, Gianna is taken hostage and locked away. Treated like an animal, Gianna awaits for the one they called “El Jefe” to decide her future. Little did she know the journey she was about to start.
“I have officially been trapped in hell, and Draco is the devil himself.”
Draco Molina was the man behind Gianna’s husband murder and he wanted nothing but her submission in every possible way.
Dark and sinful would be the perfect words to describe “El Jefe”. He is a heartless man who won't stop until he gets what he wants.
“This man has ruined my entire life an yet I’m craving parts of him that I shouldn’t.”
The relationship between Draco & Gianna was a cocktail of hate, lust and power. The kind of relationship I usually love between the main characters. The problem? It didn't have THAT spark. You know, the one that makes you shiver or pull out your hair. I was waiting for the moment when shit hit the fan between them and when it happened it was all too rushed that I didn't enjoy it.
Passion & Venom’s plot was intriguing enough to keep me reading even though I felt the book dragged for the first half. There were parts of the story I really enjoyed and others that I think were unnecessary.
And even though the story didn't hit enough of my love buttons, I’m looking forward to read the next book. Why? Because as I said before, the plot is intriguing enough to keep reading it and the ending has an interesting twist so yes, see you soon Draco Molina.
Don't let my review push you away from this book. Who knows, maybe you will love it ;).
With a powerful blurb and a stunning cover, Passion & Venom captured my attention the first moment I laid eyes on it.
Dark romances is a genre I really enjoy to read. So I was really excited about this one.
The Prologue was as captivating as the blurb. But then I started chapter one and it was like I was reading another story. It just didn't feel the same. The excitement I was feeling diminished the moment pee got involved. Yes, there was a lot of it in the first chapters. And it wasn't like it was "gross" no, I just feel like I didn't need to know that kind of information.
Ok back to the story.
After witnessing her new husband murder, Gianna is taken hostage and locked away. Treated like an animal, Gianna awaits for the one they called “El Jefe” to decide her future. Little did she know the journey she was about to start.
“I have officially been trapped in hell, and Draco is the devil himself.”
Draco Molina was the man behind Gianna’s husband murder and he wanted nothing but her submission in every possible way.
Dark and sinful would be the perfect words to describe “El Jefe”. He is a heartless man who won't stop until he gets what he wants.
“This man has ruined my entire life an yet I’m craving parts of him that I shouldn’t.”
The relationship between Draco & Gianna was a cocktail of hate, lust and power. The kind of relationship I usually love between the main characters. The problem? It didn't have THAT spark. You know, the one that makes you shiver or pull out your hair. I was waiting for the moment when shit hit the fan between them and when it happened it was all too rushed that I didn't enjoy it.
Passion & Venom’s plot was intriguing enough to keep me reading even though I felt the book dragged for the first half. There were parts of the story I really enjoyed and others that I think were unnecessary.
And even though the story didn't hit enough of my love buttons, I’m looking forward to read the next book. Why? Because as I said before, the plot is intriguing enough to keep reading it and the ending has an interesting twist so yes, see you soon Draco Molina.
Don't let my review push you away from this book. Who knows, maybe you will love it ;).
October 13, 2016
I really don't know how to review this properly..I liked this book but for some reason that I can't put my finger on I feel like something was missing from this story. Comparing to Tainted Black and Doomsday Love which were excellent and I loved this one fell a little short for me.
With that being said this book is no way bad at all..the story was good with lots of action and sizzle. I always enjoy a good cartel type book and Draco Molina is the perfect mob boss " El Jefe". Hopefully the wait for the second book won't be too long.
With that being said this book is no way bad at all..the story was good with lots of action and sizzle. I always enjoy a good cartel type book and Draco Molina is the perfect mob boss " El Jefe". Hopefully the wait for the second book won't be too long.
March 3, 2017
Draco Molina,yo soy tu niñita 
September 16, 2016
The blurb hinted that it was going to be a dark read but I didn’t really feel it was dark. The writing and attempt of gory and dark scenes were amateurishly done. It didn’t come across as authentic. The heroine’s attempt at bravado came off as just plain stupid, considering the situation she was in, and the hero’s attempt to appear fearful came off as contrived.
When I read a book, I like to feel the emotions the characters are experiencing and the writing felt mechanical and lackluster.
When I read a book, I like to feel the emotions the characters are experiencing and the writing felt mechanical and lackluster.
February 8, 2017
DNF at 45%
I'm so sad about this because I was actually really, really excited about this book. The cover is what drew me in at first, because let's be honest: IT'S FUCKING STUNNING!! And the blurb sounded amazing!
So, yeah, I was really excited about this book but unfortunately, the writing was too weak in my opinion and didn't flow well. I couldn't connect with the characters, I felt like the story wasn't going anywhere and it's like nothing was actually happening...
So, I had to call this one a DNF...
I'm so sad about this because I was actually really, really excited about this book. The cover is what drew me in at first, because let's be honest: IT'S FUCKING STUNNING!! And the blurb sounded amazing!
So, yeah, I was really excited about this book but unfortunately, the writing was too weak in my opinion and didn't flow well. I couldn't connect with the characters, I felt like the story wasn't going anywhere and it's like nothing was actually happening...
So, I had to call this one a DNF...
September 4, 2016
Gianna---Just finished with the wedding of any woman's dream. Perfect wedding dress, Perfect location, Perfect wedding ring... As they are heading to celebrate their wedding with a honeymoon to the Perfect place, their car is ambushed....
Locked in a cell, Gianna's life has changed so much in such a little time.
Draco---The man behind it all. The man who is cruel beyond belief. Never cracks under pressure, holding that straight face at all times. Does he truly know who is being held in his cell? Who is the new wife of Trigger Tony?
This book lets us begin a journey that is dark, cruel and very gritty. The players in this game of Passion and Venom are ones who have me biting my nails for the next book asap!!!
Locked in a cell, Gianna's life has changed so much in such a little time.
Draco---The man behind it all. The man who is cruel beyond belief. Never cracks under pressure, holding that straight face at all times. Does he truly know who is being held in his cell? Who is the new wife of Trigger Tony?
This book lets us begin a journey that is dark, cruel and very gritty. The players in this game of Passion and Venom are ones who have me biting my nails for the next book asap!!!
August 23, 2017
Passion or venom? And you ask me what my choice is? The venom. Every. single. fucking. ounce of it
It's explosive at best , a very violent start to what seems like a blood spattered and gruesome love story. Gianna Nicotera is a Mafia Princessa. Her father Lion Nicotera is the right hand man of Molina , who leads a ruthless cartel based in Mexico. Somehow Draco Molina sees Gia in a shooting range and her Green eyes shoot a bullet straight through his heart. He's done for, totally enamoured and spellbound. There and then Lion tells Draco,that Gianna belongs to him, is being groomed to be his Queen, by his side. From then on their paths separate and after a lot of upheaval, they stand on opposites sides of the door in a garden torture shed , As captors and captive. She's still in her torn , blood spattered, urine soaked Wedding Gown , and he's in suave clothes as her holder. She catches his eye and he reinstates her in his bedroom, his castle, his heart.
But Gia will never forgive not forget the “Pinche hijo de puta!” Fucking son of a bitch. Draco for murdering her husband, Trigger Toni , barely hours into her marriage , and stealing her and subjecting her to vicious tortures, starvation, and rape at his guard's hands
I was passionate. Passion was what I knew. Passion and hope were what kept me going. The Princess is ready to snatch up the big crown and become the one thing she was deathly afraid of. A queen. With veins full of venom and a heart full of ice. A queen who will no longer bow down, but have everyone else kneeling at her feet.
Gianna Ricci is no more.
But Gianna Nicotera is here, and she is hungry for a massacre.
She rises from the ashes , from Shed to palace , she'll survive and bring down the Molinas !
The story is pulse pounding and grossly captivating . A horrendous train accident that I'm forced to watch cause my eyes & my mind is hooked. Line and sinker !!!!
The action packed , racy thriller is penned so tight and thrillingly , I had to finish it in one sitting.
I loved the premise, the setting, the characterisation and the anticipation. Not everything is what meets the eye so I'm accepting some shocking revelations and tight lipped secrets to evolve
off to read book 2 now
5 Chocolate Cosmos Stars
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It's explosive at best , a very violent start to what seems like a blood spattered and gruesome love story. Gianna Nicotera is a Mafia Princessa. Her father Lion Nicotera is the right hand man of Molina , who leads a ruthless cartel based in Mexico. Somehow Draco Molina sees Gia in a shooting range and her Green eyes shoot a bullet straight through his heart. He's done for, totally enamoured and spellbound. There and then Lion tells Draco,that Gianna belongs to him, is being groomed to be his Queen, by his side. From then on their paths separate and after a lot of upheaval, they stand on opposites sides of the door in a garden torture shed , As captors and captive. She's still in her torn , blood spattered, urine soaked Wedding Gown , and he's in suave clothes as her holder. She catches his eye and he reinstates her in his bedroom, his castle, his heart.
But Gia will never forgive not forget the “Pinche hijo de puta!” Fucking son of a bitch. Draco for murdering her husband, Trigger Toni , barely hours into her marriage , and stealing her and subjecting her to vicious tortures, starvation, and rape at his guard's hands
I was passionate. Passion was what I knew. Passion and hope were what kept me going. The Princess is ready to snatch up the big crown and become the one thing she was deathly afraid of. A queen. With veins full of venom and a heart full of ice. A queen who will no longer bow down, but have everyone else kneeling at her feet.
Gianna Ricci is no more.
But Gianna Nicotera is here, and she is hungry for a massacre.
She rises from the ashes , from Shed to palace , she'll survive and bring down the Molinas !
The story is pulse pounding and grossly captivating . A horrendous train accident that I'm forced to watch cause my eyes & my mind is hooked. Line and sinker !!!!
The action packed , racy thriller is penned so tight and thrillingly , I had to finish it in one sitting.
I loved the premise, the setting, the characterisation and the anticipation. Not everything is what meets the eye so I'm accepting some shocking revelations and tight lipped secrets to evolve
off to read book 2 now
5 Chocolate Cosmos Stars
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
September 5, 2017
Gia - Kidnapped.
Toni - Gia's husband. Dead. Hit ordered by mob-boss Draco [Malfoy] joke, Draco Molina, a SOB.
Gia is one of those girls whose heart lives in her vagina. It thoroughly disappointed me despite all the false, show-like bravado she had going on.
“I am the woman with a wrath he should be afraid of.”
Lol.
“But Gianna Nicotera is here, and she is hungry for a massacre.”
Oh, honey, you so stupid.
I'm not calling on myself, but be one or the other. Smart or stupid. Knowledgeable or ignorant. Brave or timid. This little half act she had going on didn't impress me. A little bit of sass and backtalk, some stupid, flimsy, supposedly "brave" actions to defy authority like, oh - I don't know, crashing a car in an attempt to run anyway even though she knows she has tracking implants in her.
For all the talk about her being smart, I couldn't buy into the idea until she shows real smarts. And that's where it's left for grabs in the following book.
“He has me right where he wants me…and I fucking hate him for it.”
Well, I am hoping I don't get a HEA, because she was treated like the scum of the earth. All the fancy, pancy nonsense and artsy words of revenge in the end. Well, I severely doubt it, but I hope she does get her revenge and doesn't fall in love. I hope she doesn't fall low and behold to Draco's tragic past, forgive him and accept him for them to become this weird Mafia couple. I do want venom, and "every ounce". It would be super, duper, uber cool to see all that love garb defied ... for once.
#rememberronaldo
Incase anyone has forgotten the limbless man in the shed.
Triggers for those uncomfortable about going into it:
• A F/F scene featuring Gia, as her punishment by Draco who watches.
• An anal rape scene.
•Dubious consent between H and h during most points of sexual contact.
•A pee scene.
Despite all of that, there is decent writing, and it was thrilling to read even if I was detached from the characters. And even if I originally thought it was about pirates (because I didn't read the synopsis.)
Toni - Gia's husband. Dead. Hit ordered by mob-boss Draco [Malfoy] joke, Draco Molina, a SOB.
Gia is one of those girls whose heart lives in her vagina. It thoroughly disappointed me despite all the false, show-like bravado she had going on.
“I am the woman with a wrath he should be afraid of.”
Lol.
“But Gianna Nicotera is here, and she is hungry for a massacre.”
Oh, honey, you so stupid.
I'm not calling on myself, but be one or the other. Smart or stupid. Knowledgeable or ignorant. Brave or timid. This little half act she had going on didn't impress me. A little bit of sass and backtalk, some stupid, flimsy, supposedly "brave" actions to defy authority like, oh - I don't know, crashing a car in an attempt to run anyway even though she knows she has tracking implants in her.
For all the talk about her being smart, I couldn't buy into the idea until she shows real smarts. And that's where it's left for grabs in the following book.
“He has me right where he wants me…and I fucking hate him for it.”
Well, I am hoping I don't get a HEA, because she was treated like the scum of the earth. All the fancy, pancy nonsense and artsy words of revenge in the end. Well, I severely doubt it, but I hope she does get her revenge and doesn't fall in love. I hope she doesn't fall low and behold to Draco's tragic past, forgive him and accept him for them to become this weird Mafia couple. I do want venom, and "every ounce". It would be super, duper, uber cool to see all that love garb defied ... for once.
#rememberronaldo
Incase anyone has forgotten the limbless man in the shed.
Triggers for those uncomfortable about going into it:
• A F/F scene featuring Gia, as her punishment by Draco who watches.
• An anal rape scene.
•Dubious consent between H and h during most points of sexual contact.
•A pee scene.
Despite all of that, there is decent writing, and it was thrilling to read even if I was detached from the characters. And even if I originally thought it was about pirates (because I didn't read the synopsis.)
August 1, 2016
OH MY WOW, I cannot believe what I read. This book is so fucking twisted, messed up and so dark that I feel utterly corrupted and demoralized right now. But holy shit, as fucked up as I am at the moment, I freaking LOVED it. Every. Single. Moment. I couldn't stop flipping the pages, wanting so much more of it. The farther I dove into the book, the more intense and bloody it got. The plot, the characters, the emotions it'll draw out of you are so addictive that you'll get pulled in deeper and deeper. You won't be able to get enough of it all.
Just a fair warning though: this book really involves so much blood, violence, abuse... Think of anything you can about a dark, twisted romance, this book has it. So if you're sensitive about these kind of extreme stuff, you might want to think again. Because once you're in, you're in. There's no turning back.
Draco Molina—the Jefe; he's cold, heartless and oh so cruel. But then you get these tiny peeks at his humanity, vulnerability and weakness over Gianna and again, you can't help but ask for more. He's this huge enigma that'll have you trying your hardest to figure out, to draw his past out of him. At first, I was so blown away by his dominance, the way he controlled and threw his people around, but Christ almighty when it came to Gianna Nicotera, he shows this different side of him that makes me swoon like no other. (See, my evil, fucked up side is coming out to play because of this.) Draco is a mean asshole that no matter how much you want to loathe and despise him, you'll just end up wanting and loving him even more.
Gianna Nicotera, on the other hand, has this unique strength and feistiness in her. I loved how she defied rules no matter how scared she got, especially knowing that she won't have anything to lose. I love how she faced everything head on and just took all that was given to her—whether it may be punishment or reward. She took everything with a certain determination that will have you cheering for her to go on. And I'm definitely dying to know her next move after all that just happened.
The intensity of the brutality, crudeness and darkness by which Shanora Williams has written this book is so staggering that your brain and your heart will just go numb. I think this is Ms. Williams toying over the idea of going over the ledge and plunging over the deep end. And let me tell you, it worked pretty damn well if you ask me. This read may not be for everybody; I feel like it'll have a narrower, more specific audience, but personally, it was downright perfect and brilliant. She accomplished blowing my wits and carving my heart straight out of my chest. That title? Oh hell yes, did I feel all that PASSION & VENOM the entire time. And I. WANT. MORE. Draco Molina may be the most wanted man in the whole galaxy at this moment and I'd still die for more.
Just a fair warning though: this book really involves so much blood, violence, abuse... Think of anything you can about a dark, twisted romance, this book has it. So if you're sensitive about these kind of extreme stuff, you might want to think again. Because once you're in, you're in. There's no turning back.
Draco Molina—the Jefe; he's cold, heartless and oh so cruel. But then you get these tiny peeks at his humanity, vulnerability and weakness over Gianna and again, you can't help but ask for more. He's this huge enigma that'll have you trying your hardest to figure out, to draw his past out of him. At first, I was so blown away by his dominance, the way he controlled and threw his people around, but Christ almighty when it came to Gianna Nicotera, he shows this different side of him that makes me swoon like no other. (See, my evil, fucked up side is coming out to play because of this.) Draco is a mean asshole that no matter how much you want to loathe and despise him, you'll just end up wanting and loving him even more.
Gianna Nicotera, on the other hand, has this unique strength and feistiness in her. I loved how she defied rules no matter how scared she got, especially knowing that she won't have anything to lose. I love how she faced everything head on and just took all that was given to her—whether it may be punishment or reward. She took everything with a certain determination that will have you cheering for her to go on. And I'm definitely dying to know her next move after all that just happened.
The intensity of the brutality, crudeness and darkness by which Shanora Williams has written this book is so staggering that your brain and your heart will just go numb. I think this is Ms. Williams toying over the idea of going over the ledge and plunging over the deep end. And let me tell you, it worked pretty damn well if you ask me. This read may not be for everybody; I feel like it'll have a narrower, more specific audience, but personally, it was downright perfect and brilliant. She accomplished blowing my wits and carving my heart straight out of my chest. That title? Oh hell yes, did I feel all that PASSION & VENOM the entire time. And I. WANT. MORE. Draco Molina may be the most wanted man in the whole galaxy at this moment and I'd still die for more.
August 13, 2019
Prima di iniziare con la recensione, ecco a voi tre piccole ragioni per leggere questo libro:
1. Draco Molina.
2. Draco Molina.
3. Draco Molina e il machete.
"Passione o veleno?
E mi chiedete quale sia la mia scelta?
V e l e n o
Ogni. Singola. Fottuta. Goccia."
Passion & Venom è il primo libro della nuova serie Venom, di cui inutile dire aspetto già il secondo libro in modo ossessivo. Ci racconta di Gianna, il giorno del suo matrimonio, felice e contenta appena sposata con Toni. Fino a quando, Toni le muore davanti. Un imboscata. Lei viene rapita e portata in un posto sconosciuto, legata, intontita. Sapeva degli affari di Toni, sapeva che entrare nella vita di un uomo mafioso portava certi rischi, ma lei era già abituata con il padre, che aveva guadagnato rispetto quando era ancora in vita.
In questa cella ci rimane per quasi metà libro, dove conosce il suo compagno di "stanza" e insieme cercano di architettare un modo per uscire da lì.
Poi arriva Draco Molina.
E il mondo smette di girare.
Draco Molina è un bastardo. Però DIO MIO, che uomo. In quel posto è il Jefe, il capo, tutti dipendono da lui e tutti fanno ciò che lui dice di fare.
Se lei non rispetta gli orari per la colazione e la cena, riceverà una punizione. Se non fa come lui dice, riceverà una punizione. E che punizioni...
Però, nessuno deve toccare Gianna. Chi si azzarda, ne pagherà le conseguenze.
Avrei tante cose da dire, ma non voglio finire troppo in spoiler perchè il libro è corto di per sè e succedono un po' di cose. Shanora ha creato una storia da sballo, i personaggi sono splendidi, creati mostruosamente bene. La scrittura è fluida, diretta, secca. Lo leggi in un istante ma poi ti rendi conto che volevi gustartelo un po' di più.
1. Draco Molina.
2. Draco Molina.
3. Draco Molina e il machete.
"Passione o veleno?
E mi chiedete quale sia la mia scelta?
V e l e n o
Ogni. Singola. Fottuta. Goccia."
Passion & Venom è il primo libro della nuova serie Venom, di cui inutile dire aspetto già il secondo libro in modo ossessivo. Ci racconta di Gianna, il giorno del suo matrimonio, felice e contenta appena sposata con Toni. Fino a quando, Toni le muore davanti. Un imboscata. Lei viene rapita e portata in un posto sconosciuto, legata, intontita. Sapeva degli affari di Toni, sapeva che entrare nella vita di un uomo mafioso portava certi rischi, ma lei era già abituata con il padre, che aveva guadagnato rispetto quando era ancora in vita.
In questa cella ci rimane per quasi metà libro, dove conosce il suo compagno di "stanza" e insieme cercano di architettare un modo per uscire da lì.
Poi arriva Draco Molina.
E il mondo smette di girare.
Draco Molina è un bastardo. Però DIO MIO, che uomo. In quel posto è il Jefe, il capo, tutti dipendono da lui e tutti fanno ciò che lui dice di fare.
Se lei non rispetta gli orari per la colazione e la cena, riceverà una punizione. Se non fa come lui dice, riceverà una punizione. E che punizioni...
Però, nessuno deve toccare Gianna. Chi si azzarda, ne pagherà le conseguenze.
Avrei tante cose da dire, ma non voglio finire troppo in spoiler perchè il libro è corto di per sè e succedono un po' di cose. Shanora ha creato una storia da sballo, i personaggi sono splendidi, creati mostruosamente bene. La scrittura è fluida, diretta, secca. Lo leggi in un istante ma poi ti rendi conto che volevi gustartelo un po' di più.
September 6, 2016
P&V is the first novel I've read by Williams and oh what a friggin intro! This story is like the Sopranos on steroids! I wasn't ready but DAGNABBIT I was NOT giving up my seat on the P&V train! The highest quality of writing, believable scenes and characters thanks to extensive character and scene development, and continuous "ermagad" moments is why this author is an"A-lister" in the literary world!
Poor Gia! She thought she was beginning her fairytale life with her new husband and BOOM! The unthinkable happens and Gia's life ends as she knows it! Enters Draco. Draco is a mean, unbending, alpha asshole and I absolutely ADORE his ass! He doesn't need anyone to like him. He demands respect. From everyone. Including Gia. However, Gia is not like the timid and pliable "guests" Draco has uh ummmm....."housed" in the past. Fortunately for us as readers, Gia and Draco are like oil and water(best drama in life!). Finding common ground between the two is a story within itself. The mayhem and angst between the two.....stuff dark dreams are made of.....literally!
This story will exploit your emotions, drain you until you're nothing but a blubbering mess, and leave you to only find true comfort in your wine of choice. P&V is so much more than one of the greatest Mafia stories of the year, it is an experience of the senses, a mindf*ck so delicious it will annihilate you IF you are not prepared!
5 fabulous stars!
Poor Gia! She thought she was beginning her fairytale life with her new husband and BOOM! The unthinkable happens and Gia's life ends as she knows it! Enters Draco. Draco is a mean, unbending, alpha asshole and I absolutely ADORE his ass! He doesn't need anyone to like him. He demands respect. From everyone. Including Gia. However, Gia is not like the timid and pliable "guests" Draco has uh ummmm....."housed" in the past. Fortunately for us as readers, Gia and Draco are like oil and water(best drama in life!). Finding common ground between the two is a story within itself. The mayhem and angst between the two.....stuff dark dreams are made of.....literally!
This story will exploit your emotions, drain you until you're nothing but a blubbering mess, and leave you to only find true comfort in your wine of choice. P&V is so much more than one of the greatest Mafia stories of the year, it is an experience of the senses, a mindf*ck so delicious it will annihilate you IF you are not prepared!
5 fabulous stars!
September 14, 2016
Let's just take a minute to talk about this amazing cover.....it immediately grabbed my attention. This beautiful and dark cover fits this story perfectly. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this highly addictive story. This is my first book from this author. I read this book in one day because I could not put it down. It was dark, very dark and full of mystery. Certain parts of this book gave me the chills! Draco Molina, ahhhh!! I got so mad at him and then loved him a chapter later! He is a very complex man and all I want is more! So many things I want to say but I don't want to give anything away because so much happens. I just need more ASAP!!! I'm so excited that's there's more to come. If you are a fan of dark, steamy romance with a moody, dominating Jefe then you can't go wrong with this book!!! You will be on the edge pretty much the whole way through but you won't be able to peel your eyes away!!
This author knows how to deliver dark and twisted that is for sure!! She brings it full force not knowing what to expect next! 5 stars for me!!!!
This author knows how to deliver dark and twisted that is for sure!! She brings it full force not knowing what to expect next! 5 stars for me!!!!
Read
April 20, 2017DNF @20%
So, instead of introducing himself like any normal human being, this Draco guy decides to make a dramatic entrance by killing Gianna's fiancee (on their wedding day) and having her kidnapped by thugs who pee on people...
That entire scene could've been avoided really.
So, instead of introducing himself like any normal human being, this Draco guy decides to make a dramatic entrance by killing Gianna's fiancee (on their wedding day) and having her kidnapped by thugs who pee on people...
That entire scene could've been avoided really.
Read
March 18, 2017DNF at 37%
I'm just so freaking bored. This guy is an a** and I'm over it.
I'm just so freaking bored. This guy is an a** and I'm over it.
June 2, 2021
3 Stars
TW: SA, rape, murder
I found this both underwhelming and overdramatic at the same time.
I didn't care for the writing style, which felt choppy and stilted at times. Gia was fine but, despite her hatred for Draco, she couldn't help but want him 🙄 Like sure, sleep with the man who your husband, starved you, is keeping your husband's , and forced you to receive . Gia's wishy-washy betraying body syndrome was cliche and very annoying.
Draco is a total sadistic asshole and we're supposed to feel bad for him because his father died when he was young and Draco is so lonely. There is nothing redeemable about him so far, unless you argue that his actions at the end make up for everything else. Indeed, was that It seemed like the entire purpose was to push Gia and Draco together and I didn't appreciate it.
Besides Draco just using her body and having a weird fascination with her, there was really nothing going on in the plot. However, Gia evidently has big plans to get out of her situation which I guess we'll see if they come to fruition. I love dark romances but there was no substance to this one past genre cliches.
Series:
Book 1: Passion & Venom → 3 Stars
Book 2: Venom & Ecstasy → 3 Stars
Book 3: Venom & Glory → 2.5 Stars
TW: SA, rape, murder
I found this both underwhelming and overdramatic at the same time.
I didn't care for the writing style, which felt choppy and stilted at times. Gia was fine but, despite her hatred for Draco, she couldn't help but want him 🙄 Like sure, sleep with the man who your husband, starved you, is keeping your husband's , and forced you to receive . Gia's wishy-washy betraying body syndrome was cliche and very annoying.
Draco is a total sadistic asshole and we're supposed to feel bad for him because his father died when he was young and Draco is so lonely. There is nothing redeemable about him so far, unless you argue that his actions at the end make up for everything else. Indeed, was that It seemed like the entire purpose was to push Gia and Draco together and I didn't appreciate it.
Besides Draco just using her body and having a weird fascination with her, there was really nothing going on in the plot. However, Gia evidently has big plans to get out of her situation which I guess we'll see if they come to fruition. I love dark romances but there was no substance to this one past genre cliches.
Series:
Book 1: Passion & Venom → 3 Stars
Book 2: Venom & Ecstasy → 3 Stars
Book 3: Venom & Glory → 2.5 Stars
January 30, 2019
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Dark romance (as you may know if you read my reviews and such) and I have to say, Passion & Venom was just a perfect example of this genre to me!
Make no mistake; This is a DARK READ! There is . It is 100% a dark and gritty Mafia Romance and I loved it from start to finish!
This story is told from the heroine, Gianna Nicotera's, POV and each chapter records basically 1 day's events. I generally always prefer Dual POV to single POV. However, having only Gianna's perspective in this story really heightens the intrigue in our Hero, Draco.
PLOT:
Passion & Venom is a Mafia Romance set in Mexico (We think) and is centered around the kidnapping of Gianna Nicotera. She is the daughter of Leon Nicotera who was a feared and respected Italian Mobster. Her story begins with her wedding to a man named "Trigger Tony".. Shortly after her wedding, she is kidnapped with her husband is murdered right in front of her. She ends up in the hands of a group of brutal men working for a very Dangerous man known as, El Jefe or Draco Mollina.
From the moment we meet Draco we see that he is a brutal and controlling man. He is every bit the violent cartel leader he is made out to be; dolling out violent punishments when he sees fit, demanding respect from everyone around him. However, Draco is very much intrigued by his new captive and you can tell from the beginning that he treats her differently than he would any other in her place.
As Gianna longs to gain her freedom and Draco attempts to tame his new "guest", we find there are dangers beyond that of the tall, dark and deadly Mr. Mollina. And those dangers might just be closer than one would think...
IN REFLECTION
First of all - The characters -
Gianna has to be one of my favorite heroines that I have ever read. She is so strong, fearless, smart, tenacious, brave, and kind. She is just a super badass and I can not wait to read the rest of her through this trilogy.
El Jefe aka Draco Mollina was such a great dark romance anti-hero. There have been some reviews saying the found him to be too 'bad' or too dark even for a dark romance, but I totally disagree.
OBVIOUSLY, I DON'T CONDONE ANY OF THE BEHAVIOR IN THIS BOOK That being said...
Was he a controlling prick with a violent disposition and sociopathic tendencies? Yes.
Was he rude and cruel and hurtful? Yes.
However, even with all Draco does to our heroine, he never beats or hurts her in anger (), never allows his men to touch her (in fact he said:
"From this moment on, she will not be talked to and she will definitely not be touched. If I find out that any of you touched her in anyway, I will be sure to break your fucking hands off and stuff every single one of your grubby fingers down your fucking throats.” The men are dead silent as they stare at him. 'Is that fucking clear?")
He lets her have some freedom from the house, he gives her gifts, and shows her as much kindness as a man like him is capable of in the given situation.
I don't know. In my opinion, he just wasn't THAT dark to where I was turned off. I have read Heros who were much much worse than Draco and still loved them in the end.
ON TO BOOK 2!
September 12, 2016
I love this authors work so when I heard she was going to go darker I was so excited and Passion & Venom didn't disappoint.
Gianna's just got married to Antonio who's in the mafia. It's supposed to be the happiest day of her life, getting married to the man she loves. On their way to their honeymoon, their car is hijacked, resulting in Antonios murder and Giannas abduction. Thrown in a room with Ronaldo (who I need to know more about) Gianna still puts up a fight. She's out spoken to the point even I was shushing her, she's very head strong, she's sassy, doesn't back down easily and I really liked her.
Draco is not a nice man at all. He does very bad things...Kidnap, torture, murder. He's deadly. And I fucking loved him!!! There's more to him than just been a mafia boss. You keep getting these other glimpses of a slightly softer side that quickly had me lusting after him. And his type of punishment with Gia is something I could totally get on board with. He's hard, determined and knows what he wants and how he's going to get it. You may not like him, but he'll make damn sure you respect him.
With a story that kept me hooked, it's got twists, hotness and some dark for those dark lovers, this book had it all. I devoured every word and can't wait for more.
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