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Bors is hungry for revenge after one of his assignments spins out of control. Not only is he tortured by the man he was hired to murder, the president of a notorious and ruthless motorcycle club, but he’s also left in the care of the man’s deranged daughter, Ivy. And she knows exactly who is chained and at her mercy, the one she has wanted dead for three years.

During captivity, Bors witnesses what has become of Ivy’s life, and finds himself trapped between hatred and sorrow for his female tormentor.

“It only took one day for me to hate her more than my worst enemy.
Only took two to start planning her death.
And only three… to fall in love with her.”

Bors is an avenger. Especially Ivy’s.

207 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2022

83 people are currently reading
593 people want to read

About the author

India R. Adams

48 books1,389 followers
Souls on fire…

USA TODAY bestselling author India R Adams writes stories of souls on fire. Whether India’s characters are feeling the heat from hell or the wings of grace, they are all transforming and want to share their journey with you. Her novels range from Dark MC, Paranormal, to Contemporary, but each story is either a path of destruction or a road to redemption.

Sometimes both.

So, if you want to read about voyages of the heart, the grit to rise from one’s knees, or the strength to break free of the binds of a spirit, then pick one of India’s stories because she believes damaged souls are worth saving and that there is nothing more beautiful than a soul on fire.

One of the best ways to follow India and stay up to date with her latest work is her newsletter. As a thank you gift, she is presently offering Hostile Illusions with the signup!

NEWSLETTER : https://bit.ly/2IszVH7

WEBSITE : https://indiaradams.com/

MORE WAYS TO FOLLOW!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.5k followers
Want to Read
May 6, 2019
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |


Stand-alone
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
Bors is hungry for revenge after one of his assignments spins out of control. Not only is he tortured by the man he was hired to murder, the president of a notorious and ruthless motorcycle club, but he’s also left in the care of the man’s deranged daughter, Ivy. And she knows exactly who is chained and at her mercy, the one she has wanted dead for three years.
During captivity, Bors witnesses what has become of Ivy’s life, and finds himself trapped between hatred and sorrow for his female tormentor.
“It only took one day for me to hate her more than my worst enemy.
Only took two to start planning her death.
And only three… to fall in love with her.”
Bors is an avenger. Especially Ivy’s.
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,054 reviews320 followers
April 11, 2024


This book contains some very VERY dark themes. One in particular that hits a trigger for most, although we don't 'witness' the event, just the aftermath. The author does go into more detail before the story and even gives you page numbers to avoid. I wouldn't let it stop you trying what is a fantastic book, as you can skip it and not loose track of the plot.

I've not read any work by the author before, but if her other work is as good as this then I will be certainly be adding her to my TBR list. Ivy's Poison was a dark and gritty romantic suspense. I really liked both Bors' and Ivy, at heart they are both good people who do bad things for (at least in their minds) good reasons. There was no stepping back from the edge here, India R. Adams leads you right to the edge of the precipice and pushes you over into the fiery pits of hell.

I'd only planned on reading a few chapters of this, however once I started this I quite simply couldn't put it down. It really is a captivating read, sucking you down into the story and not letting you escape until the very end. The quality and style of writing are both good, the plot was intriguing and fast paced with some very unexpected twists.

I found both main characters both believable and likeable. I also appreciated how easy it was to believe in the plot, there was no 'squinting' in order to accept what was happening. (Well other than the whole assassin setting part). Bors is quite badly hurt at one point and I loved that we didn't have a 'Die Hard' moment of the severely beaten guy getting up and wiping out a small army.

This is hands down my favourite of the Cavalieri Della Morte books so far, and it will take some amazing writing to better this one.
Profile Image for Nikki Landis.
Author 144 books2,112 followers
May 6, 2019


There's a reason India Adams is one of my all time favorite authors. Her writing touches the depth of my soul and her words resonate deep with their truth, power, and understanding. Adams is known for her stories that cover difficult but necessary topics of abuse, sexual assault and trauma, love, loss, human trafficking, and more.

The story of Bors and Ivy is true to form. Like every other book I've read by Adams, there's shocking and brutal aspects but also an underlying hope that imperfect and damaged people can find love and forgiveness, healing and security despite their faults and mistakes. Bors and Ivy are both twisted and scarred in ways that are hard to read at times but I loved the gritty realism of their lives and the perseverance of character they both display.

Their love story isn't planned but I found it perfectly imperfect. Bors and Ivy grow on you as you read and pretty soon they become as cherished and loved as a best friend. I wanted many times to reach into the book and prevent their suffering but that's a testament to excellent writing that I was so sucked into the story. This is a hard, brutal, and beautifully crafted read that should not be missed. I won't give away spoilers but suffice it to say that there's so much to love about this book and you'll be rooting for our lost souls the entire time from start to finish.

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5

Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
Profile Image for Katerina.
361 reviews7 followers
May 4, 2019
Bors🖤🖤Growl😘
Profile Image for • Island Queen Reads • Ofa •.
765 reviews90 followers
August 30, 2020
Ivy’s Poison by India R. Adams is the fifth book of the Cavalieri Della Morte series, an author collaboration series of thirteen interconnected standalones that will push every single one of limits. And while this is only the first book of the series, I have read so far, I have to admit that my interest has been piqued enough to binge on the rest of the series.

It’s been approximately 65 days since I was able to pick up and book and finish it. The book funk I was in was seriously messing with my ability to concentrate and get lost in a fictional world. However, as soon as I picked up this novel, every single worry I had disappeared. I was immediately consumed from the very first page, tunnel vision is a very real thing, all that was on my mind was finding out what happened next, and I was only 5% in! Adams’ writing never fails to surprise me, never fails to have me on the edge of my seat. With it being Adams’ first dark romance, a complete 360 from her usual novels, this book pushes beyond any human capability and emotion. I’ve always been a big fan of dark romance, one of my go to genre’s, so I am definitely very particular about them; but this story surprised me. It’s a thousand percent crazier, two thousand percent more violent and twisted and over a million percent more hot.

After an intense yet memorable one night stand with the girl with red hair and pink streaks, Bors is enchanted. Well, as enchanted as a giant, brooding assassin can get. When he’s on an assignment, he runs into her again and from there all hell (and my ovaries) broke loose. It’s a complete rollercoaster ride from there, with secrets revealed and bones broken. But one thing he does know, is that he’s not letting Ivy go, despite how crazy she really is, because in turn, becoming her poison doesn’t sound so bad after all.

Dive in for an over the top alpha male, an insane and feisty heroine and a whole lot of lust, sex and blood. I promise you, it’s the kind of book that can’t be explained, it needs to be experienced. Experience a dark world of romance where bikers, assassins, call girls & twisted dilemmas consume you.
Profile Image for Mimiorphee.
711 reviews41 followers
May 2, 2019
If you've read India R. Adams' other books, you know they aren't exactly light, but the darkness that Ivy's Poison promised had me pinning for it for months! And there it is... wow... promises delivered!!!

The first scenes will plunge you into the twisted and heart chattering atmosphere of Ivy and Bors' tumultuous story. The extend of the shadows the author went to was incredibly well handled. 

Ivy's world of abuse, her stress, the threats hanging over her head, sized me. Not knowing where she stood, what her motives, maybe game were, was thrilling. And in her mysterious predicaments, Bors' enigmatic and possessive ways added a gripping edge to an already messed up situation. 

You have to trust the author to take you down a chilling and terrible path, and at the some time to balance it with the light she loves soothing her readers with. The equilibrium is once again beautiful and raw. You can count on her to open your eyes on matters that will break your heart, and all the while make you smile with the sweetest scenes. 


I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Profile Image for Cat Imb || The Reading Cat ||.
418 reviews42 followers
May 1, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you India R. Adams!

This was Adams’ first dark romance book. Let me repeat that. THIS WAS ADAMS’ FORST DARK ROMANCE BOOK. Okay, just wanted to make sure you got that, because as I was reading, I would forget. It was THAT well done. It had darkness, heck a lot of it, but it was also sexy, alluring with its subtleties and shocking with its twists. And most importantly, the characters were captivating and believable. It had everything I look for in a good, heck, a great dark romance.

Bors and Ivy are complicated to say the least. They are both SO much more than what you see at first glance. They have incredible depth, countless daemons, and yet still cary that glimmer of light within them - the India R. Adams signature.

The other Adams signature? Subject matter that is usually kept in the dark, but that must be brought to light for awareness. We unfortunately don’t live in this rose-coloured world we think we do. Horrible things happen right under our noses and we have no idea. Adams is trying to rip off those rose tinted glasses we have glued to our faces and make a change in this world.

Well that took a deep plunge! Anyways, if you LOVE sexy assassins, feisty heroines, lust-filled scenes and riveting action, this is for you!
Profile Image for Naadira  Moodley (BookedMercy) .
369 reviews80 followers
April 30, 2019
Ivy’s Poison was a dark and compelling read. This is my first book in the Cavalieri Della Morte series and I am glad that this book was my first. The blurb lured me in and India R. Adams worked her magic and kept me hooked until the very last page. This book is not for sensitive readers. There are many triggers in this. My heart broke.

It’s all about sex between Ivy and Bors. Their sex is vicious and not supposed to be more than a one night stand but fate has other plans. They are both keeping secrets. Secrets that make them enemies but the more Bors gets to know Ivy, the more his heart beats for her. She cracks through his shields and he will do anything to protect her.

Ivy’s life is so painful and heartbreaking. She has had to make sacrifices and endure a lot to protect the ones she loves even though some of them definitely do not deserve her.

Ivy’s Poison is definitely worth a read.
Profile Image for Annette Brignac.
203 reviews54 followers
May 2, 2019
You. Need. This. Book.

India has taken the Dark Romance genre by storm with this AMAZING story! Bors and Ivy are so complicatedly beautiful together and they are so damn HOT together! She got at least 5 minutes of rambling VMs afterI finished reading!

The flow is perfect. The story makes you want to keep turning the pages to find out what’s going to happen next. There’s some humor in this story to lighten it a bit.

I’m going to stop before I accidentally spoil something. But I will say this...

India has this way of taking something so difficult to talk about, and creating a story that readers devour.. She writes stories that need to be told. This is absolutely one of those stories.

I absolutely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,368 reviews145 followers
April 21, 2019
Omg India has killed me yet again.
This book was graphic dark and gritty, but oh so deliciously worth it. She had me on the edge of my seat from page 1 and my head is still spinning the next day.
This book has so many characters that you will fall in love with and have you rooting for them to overcome their pain and struggles.
This book needs to be read to be believed.
Would give it more stars if I could!
Profile Image for Stephanie S.
693 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2019
BORSSSSSSS!!! I could so see this one going further than a novella but it was perfect for this part of their story. I didn't feel short changed in this one as it was complete and not rushed. India's words always call to me no matter what she writes. Let's talk about that cover also!! It is exactly who I envison for Bors and all his yumminess!!!!

If you enjoy a short HAWT AF Assasin that has no problems doing his job and then is brought to his knees the next moment, this one is for you!!
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
May 3, 2019
I’m not even certain on where to start this review, this book absolutely floored me with how good it is. India Adams is one of my favorite writers and I do love how complex her stories are and this was no exception. This was the first dark and gritty story by India and a change from the style I’m use to by her but I hope to get much more stories like this, I’m convinced she can’t write anything that’s not amazing! Now please read the warnings that come with this book if you have certain triggers when it comes to abuse and be aware that this is not a puppies and rainbows type of story but one of two incredibly broken souls that are damaged to the point of it tugging on your heartstrings but they are brought together to soothe each other without even realizing initially that they are each other’s salvation.

I loved Bors and his dark barbarian type behavior from the very first chapter and I can honestly say that in that situation I held no remorse for anyone except 1 person and I relished in what Bors did and knew I would love him from then on no matter what else he did. For a man who was so tarnished and tainted that he tried to push away his humanity he also had a amazing side that was so caring that became all you saw. Once he claimed you as his your protection was his only concern!!

Now Ivy was so resilient that I had no idea how she was still breathing at times. She was a product of a absolutely horrible upbringing that destroyed her soul and although she never thought she could escape unscathed she still walked tall and didn’t cower and I respected her strength.

The circumstances in this story are not easy to read but unfortunately do occur in reality which makes it a much tougher pill to swallow and will shatter you but as is India’s style it’s a story you can’t walk away from!

I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Profile Image for Erin Scorpio.
157 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2019
Wow! Just wow! I love a man who is rough and tumble and a whole lot of don't mess with me, but is really a softy inside. Bors is all that and more. He's a cold blooded assassin, the best in his field. He I a member of the Cavalier Della More mob,essentially. One of the most feared group globally. You do not want the Cavalier I looking for you.
He has a chance encounter with a woman, one who becomes his obsession. They run into each other once more and the feeling is the same, still obsessed. She sets him up to be taken by her family, a ruthless MC. Little does he know she holds a secret ,a big one that will forever change their lives.
This story was awesome, there were however a couple of dark,really dark moments, which she does warn you about, but even those were written incredibly well. Fits in with this awesome series!
Profile Image for Book Boyfriend Whoarder Mari.
703 reviews214 followers
April 23, 2019
This is one of the first books I read in this series. Even without the background of the series it was an easy book to dive into without getting confused.

I cannot stress enough that this is what India R Adams is good at. Giving you WTF moments filled with angst, emotion, hope and redemption.

Bors is seriously one of a kind. That big bad tough guy was a teddy bear on the inside. Don’t underestimate him though, because he’s a skilled assassin I’d like to never piss off.

Ivy, she was so much more than a victim of her circumstances. She was a survivor. My heart bled for her with every turn and twist.

This story was fast paced and action packed. It was raw, gritty, emotional and sexy. India wove a world filled with blood and gore yet love and hope shined through.

5 Bloody WTF Stars!

The best of this series by far.
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,809 reviews173 followers
April 27, 2022
This book is dark gritty and all the things we love about India’s writing! It’s so emotional the subjects it touches on are raw painful and so real and the steam between these two the chemistry is so hot this is definitely one of my favorites from this author!
Profile Image for Tashi.
283 reviews60 followers
December 14, 2019
Aww I loved this one even had A cry..
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
May 6, 2019
4.5 stars ~ Jess
These keep getting better and better!

I was looking forward to Bors' story after we are left with him not checking in as he should. I was anxious to see what happened to him and what sort of trouble he found himself in. I guess I didn't expect to find him such trouble. He is on an assignment that has something that happened a few years ago coming around full circle.

Ivy has been trying very hard to just survive the crappy situation that is her life. Crappy is not even an accurate word. Awful, painful, bloody, those are a bit better. But there is something about "Champ" that gives her a glimmer of hope, a word she doesn't dare to even think about. But a set-up, some lies, a lot of blood later, it looks like her hope might just be gone.

Bors is a big, bad, assassin. But he makes me laugh and swoon a bit. Ivy is the perfect, mouthy, counterpart to match his brand of danger. While all of these books can be read as a standalone, I find myself loving them in order and enjoying this series more and more. This was dark and brutal and by an author I have never read before. The storyline was gritty and captivating. I am already ready for more and I am looking forward to checking out what else this author has to offer.

Profile Image for Maggie.
117 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2019
This is my first book of India R. Adams. Funny how I discovered her books, it was thru a joke on Facebook post and she replied, and I thought, this author is cool AF, so yeah, I decided to try her latest book. Even thought my TBR list is unbelievably long. Oh man, I was hooked! And I meant spend-my-day-devouring-ignoring-my-dog kinda hooked. I can see the stinky eyes my dog has been giving me all day. The beginning of the book caught my attention right away. Yeah yeah, trigger warning blah blah blah, but c'mon, look at the cover, do you expect rainbows and unicorns? I sure AF didn't.

The book is about Bors and Ivy. I am so glad Ivy is a strong and ballsy character. The kind of female character I like to read. She didn't have a choice, in her environment, she has to be strong or die. I also like that Bors is totally lethal but yet can be vulnerable sometimes. There is no BS in this book, no filler, no boring stuffs. Just full on actions. The ending tho, man, all I say that it is PERFECT. Brilliantly written.

India, I am going to stalk the hell out of you now. Watch your behind.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,036 reviews434 followers
May 2, 2019
Well as I sit here after finishing reading this I’m in awe of this author. I’m also wondering how I’m gonna give this book the review it deserves.

I actually went into this blind. I’d not read anything by this author before but as I read the previous books in this collection I knew I’d want to read it. Now that I’ve read the blurb I know I’m not gonna say anymore of the storyline so you won’t get any spoilers from me.

I will say wow to the two main characters Bors and Ivy. Bors is one of the Cavalieri Della Morte. He’s a fearless assassin. Ivy is feisty but broke. She’s worn down so much she’s left with little hope until she meets Bors. These two together are hot.

This is a fantastic addition to this series. Although each book can be read as a stand-alone don’t do it. They are all brilliant reads so far that you won’t want to miss out on.

I’ll certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for EducatedBookFreak.
642 reviews
May 2, 2019
This book was so good. I have loved every book in this series so far! The charger creates characters that have been through a lot, but have survived everything. It makes you feel so happy and sad for them at the same time. She creates this masterpiece that you could read over and over again!!

Bors got my attention right off the bat. I loved this character and how alpha he was. The growl was my favorite!!! Ivy is this strong, alpha female who has endured so much in her life. I felt connected to them and could feel the struggles they endured. The author created a world that drug you in from the very beginning.

This story is one everyone should read. It is not for the light hearted, but you come to love these type of books so much!!! I highly recommend this book to romance lovers everywhere!!
Profile Image for Lindsay Crook.
1,084 reviews39 followers
April 21, 2019
I love Bors he's so growly and biiiggg!!!..I totally call dibs!!

What an absolutely amazing edition to this series I was hooked from the start (that prologue wow)...India has truly shown how versatile her writing is with this dark and dirty tale..I loved the violence and dude those sexy times were hot..This is hands down my favourite book by this author and I hope it's not the last time she lets her darkness shine.
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews27 followers
April 28, 2019
This book is, for now, the most brutal out of Cavalieri Della Mort books. Be warned THERE ARE LOTS of triggers - read the warning! Not saying more as it could spoil the reading.
This one is full of doubtful situations, hate, MC life (but it will not be on the good side - hated them). I had never read books written by Ms. Adams, but now I'm sure I will be reading her other book for sure as this one kept me on the verge of tears and cry for everything that was going on.
Even after a few hours after reading the book I'm still delirious even only by thinking about Bors and Ivy's story.
LOVED IT! But read it with A LOT CAUTION
Profile Image for TheeBlaQueScribe.
166 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2019
I finished this book in one night, I straight up devoured it! There was no way I could put it down! You get pulled in from page one and your struck until your done and what an amazing experience that is! You laugh, you cry, and you get angry. But in the end you realized you just experienced one of the best books you’ve ever read!
Profile Image for Janneke Wolbers.
478 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2019
This was my first book by India, It certainly wont be the last!
First read the warnings before you continue cause this is a dark book!
So if you dont want to be triggerd, the author will tell you where to go so you wont.
I love the dual POV just wished we would have gotten more from Ivy :)
I am absolutly loving these series! And cannot wait for the rest!
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews735 followers
June 11, 2019

I have nothing else to add about India R Adams writing that I haven't already praised to heavens...and I will continue to do so.

Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,482 reviews273 followers
April 23, 2019
The 5th book in this delicious series is here! When Bors, one of the Cavalieri Della Morte Assassins, gets set up and taken captive by his own mark he doesn’t expect to be given to the MC president’s daughter, Ivy, to be tortured. Ivy has her own reasons for wanting revenge on Bors. When Bors gets the surprise of a lifetime what will he do? Will she be able to exact that revenge she wants or will Bors seep into her heart and prove not everything she was told is true? I Love This Series and you won’t be disappointed with this installment either!! This might be a short and sexy romantic suspense but there are so many twists that will keep you reading until the very end! Told in dual POV
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
April 23, 2019
The prologue of Ivy's Poison grabbed me. Hot, delicious and funny. I was ready for a wild and crazy ride into Bors and Ivy's journey. An assassin and a jaded princess.

Bors past slapped him when he noticed the woman next to his hit was the same woman he had dreamt about for years.

Ivy has been used, abused and tortured by her father and his gang for years but maintains to have a smile on her face regardless.

When Bors is taken captive he is faced with secrets. One of Ivy's that tears at his heart. The other of the ruthless club prez, Ivy's father.

I loved this story and the characters!

Each book in the Cavalieri Della Morte series is written by a different author.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,547 reviews80 followers
May 1, 2019
WOW! What an amazing story!

This was one hell of a roller coaster ride! I completely devoured this book in one sitting, on the edge of my seat, biting my nails! It was incredible. So full of action, suspense, intrigue and one hot sexy man. I have found my new book boyfriend Bors! Big, sexy and oh so growly - yum! Each character is amazing and I can’t wait to read about the other assassins.

India’s writing is always fantastic and this book does not disappoint.

Highly recommend this book. Must read!
Profile Image for Jade Simcox.
853 reviews72 followers
May 4, 2019
I was beginning to give up on this series tbh.
The other books have been ok but not what I was expecting for this series. But Ivy’s Poison lived up to my expectations.
I never read India R Adams before so I had no idea what to expect going into the story.
This book is dark and the author gives you a heads up about the very first chapter giving you the option to not read it. It was hard to read but so worth it because it set the stage for Bors and the kind of man he was.
Ivy has had a terrible upbringing. Being the daughter to President if a biker club. But not all biker clubs are good and this one is the worst of the worst. No father should force his daughter to do what Ivy had to do. She lived in this world where abuse was a daily occurrence and she just wanted to be safe.
Bors is everything in a man you want. He can kickass and hold his own, but at the same time he cares, is loyal and protects with his whole heart.
India R Adams manages to balance this book with the dark as well as the light. So even though this book is hard to read it makes it worth while in the end.
To say this was a novella, which I normally struggle with l. I didn’t with this one, I was invested from page 1 and hooked until the last page. There was action packed in, and a bit of suspense.
I might have to start stalking this author and her books. I feel in love with her writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews