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Sweetest Venom

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I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I witnessed something I shouldn’t have.

I know I should report the crime, but the only problem with that is we are all part of The Sect of the Virtuous Legacy, and it's their rule of law and punishment for all families belonging to The Sect to report any crime to them. We have traditions and laws–a way things work–and I need to be married before they will listen. Arranged marriages in The Sect are a given if you want to be sworn in.

One step down that aisle, and I know everything is going to change. I didn’t know that the three men I saw that night also had a plan. They too knew the rules, and they too were waiting, and the one thing I didn’t anticipate was their dedication to cover their tracks.

Somewhere along the way the hatred vanishes, and I start to realise they were never my enemies. They might be ruthless killers, but they’re my protectors, men who will worship the ground I walk on as long as I am loyal to them.

When things go south, I need to prove my loyalty, but it’s impossible when I’m torn between my love for them all, so instead, I will prove they made the right choice with me, and I belong right by their side.

Sweetest Venom is a why choose standalone.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2023

157 people are currently reading
407 people want to read

About the author

Jaye Pratt

42 books596 followers

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5 stars
221 (46%)
4 stars
144 (30%)
3 stars
83 (17%)
2 stars
16 (3%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Charlotte.
4,013 reviews62 followers
January 25, 2023
Just wow!! If you like your men darker, twisted and hot as hell well then Sweetest Venom with be right up your street. I do and it was!! My word was Astor, Java and Hart not only steamy and seductive but they used it to full effect to manipulate Dove (FMC) who gets caught up with them when she sees something that she shouldn't have and becomes entangled in a their plotting. Their not exactly good guys and have their own quirks and anxieties but I couldn't help but like all of that about them. Its definitely one roller coaster ride of a book with all the plot twists and turns. It's just a brilliant read
Profile Image for JJ.
343 reviews
May 11, 2023
2.75/5 stars.
Astor&Java&Hart&Dove.
Wow what did i just read. I knew it would be a reverse harem dark romance but this. Idk I guess I have some limits when I love fictional men and these over here killed women and that isn't excused in my book so I couldn't even make myself like them.
Astor is dominant ocd freak and the most toxic and alfa male and I guess the leader on this group because when they married they all took his last name and he always is in charge. Java is a stalker, acts like a child most of the time, with emotions that can change in a minute, his father was a serial killer that kidnaped young girls and froze them alive. Hart is the most damaged one, from the outside and the inside, pyromaniac that kills prostitutes; the shit his family did made me sick. Dove was fine but just like they said easily manipulated and molded esp in the beginning. They played her like a toy. The sex stuff was fine, nothing too dark, there were three/foursomes, MM stuff also (Java is bi and idk about Astor but they had a relationship prior to this and he was obsessed and still is with Astor). The writing was ridiculous at times, the author tried to put every quirky thing that thought was relevant and that the reader would find interestong but it was lacking. Also there were plot holes. The book has [HEA].
Profile Image for Brandi.
347 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2023
This book was amazing! It’s a fast-paced dark romance that is why-choose and has secret societies, lots of steamy scenes, some funny moments, three very unique antiheroes, and one girl just figuring out how to navigate this crazy world she’s in.

Dove is quite relatable as she’s absolutely terrified of the dark, loves her family dearly and will do anything for them, and can be tough when necessary. When we first see her she thinks one thing is happening and has it all planned out but then she gets a huge surprise that throws all of her plans out the window and she’s left standing there trying to figure out what to do. There’s a bit of character growth for her throughout the book and by the end she’s pretty freaking awesome and puts her guys in their place.

Astor is an extremely dominating control-freak and is a bit OCD about things. He wasn’t keen on Dove being in his life and at the beginning he is definitely not a knight in shining armor. Hart is such a broken man with a really sad past and let’s not forget he’s a pyromaniac. His fascination with fire is almost like an addiction for him. Java is one of the most unique characters I’ve ever read! He gets obsessions with people and things, he’s a stalker, he can be so childlike and have sensitive feelings, he’s super protective of those he cares for, and he likes giving unique gifts.

There’s such a great mix of characters in this book and there’s so much going on that will keep you highly invested in the story. There are also a lot of character crossovers that were really great. I loved this book and it’s definitely being added to my list of favorites!
Profile Image for Shauni.
579 reviews
January 25, 2023
I found this author when she did an amazing co-write with Crystal North (Knox Academy), and it led me to devouring each of her books. Never have I been so grateful for finding a new to me author. Jaye’s writing is brilliant, with a plot I never expected, so much action, a lot of spice and men I will drool over. Sweetest Venom is no different, fast paced and addictive, causing me to ignore all of my “adulting” responsibilities but it was SO WORTH IT.
I normally struggle with WhyChoose/RH standalones but this was so well written that I got absolutely everything I love reading in a RH. Honestly, it’s the best one I’ve ever read. The men, each one I loved for different reasons but one darker character definitely got my motors running. If only I could have a man who brings me gifts the way he does.
I love Dove, and loved watching her become a Queen in her own right whilst each relationship grew with each of her men.
I was so happy and swooning with the little surprises throughout.
I loved this book. Normally at this point, I’d say if you love a specific trope then to read this book, however with Sweetest Venom it doesn’t matter, just read it, you will love it.
Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kylee.
636 reviews
January 29, 2023
This books was everything and so much more! I could not get enough. I loved this dark romance! It had me hungry for more. I will say some moments made me laugh. Each character is so unique and the FMC is figuring out the world she is in. This books was so worth every minute I have read. It was addictive and fast paced, which I loved.

Dove the FMC is someone who I felt became a queen in her own way. I love the way she is so protective of her family and friends and will do anything for them. The men, I love each of them all for something so different. I love the way the relationships strengthen throughout the book and grow.

Spice? Hell yes! It was sooooo good. The chemistry between these characters had me fanning myself lol.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a dark why choose stand-alone. It was so worth the read and I am so glad I read it. Couldn’t have asked for a better read!
Profile Image for Sidney Alexander.
281 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2023
AMAZING. This book was so freaking good I couldn't put it down- like staying up till 2 am to finish.

Okay sooooo we have Dove that saw something she shouldn't have and thought it be easier to leave but couldn't bare to leave her family. So I’m their marriage is protection. So she set to marry.

Astor, Java, and Hart are three friends that have done things that have only made them closer. And just so happen to be involved with the thing Dove saw. Oh and Astor is like royalty in their community.

The four of them come together and things get very spicy in all aspects of everyday life. The twists and turns throughout this book will have your attention from beginning until the end. By the end I was wanting more.

If you have read any of Jaye’s other books you will seriously want to read this one. If not I would seriously recommend you read this book. I can’t wait to read more Jaye!!!!!
Profile Image for Momof3.
248 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2023
This book was so freaking good I couldn't put it down. Dove wanted to run away because she saw something she shouldn't have but couldn't bare to leave her family. Astor, Java, and Hart are three friends that have done things that have only made them closer. The four of them come together and things get very spicy, not just in the bedroom. The twists and turns throughout this book literally held my attention from beginning until the end. I seriously didn't want to put it down. By the end I was wanting more. If you have read an of this author's other books you will seriously want to read this one. If not I would seriously recommend you read this book. Especially if you like why choose, dark romance with lots of spice thrown in.
Profile Image for Jolene St Germain Triggs.
762 reviews9 followers
January 24, 2023
What a brilliant world this author just took me to! This stand alone has some characters that will melt your heart...and your panties lol. Dove is so strong and brave and I love her way of just looking at something a little deeper than others see, how she can take something and just figure it out.
The men are hard to describe without giving too much away, but I love how they each had their roles to play to make their little unit complete. Astor with his authority and command of every room he enters, so hot! Java has meaningful talks and single-minded focus. Hart with the forbidden. It was just such a fun ride. I love their world, loved seeing old friends and I can't wait until the next adventure!
Profile Image for Jeanette Durant.
721 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2023
I'm a big fan of Jaye Pratt's reverse harem romances and the darker the better. Sweetest Venom had all the elements I love in a dark enemies to lovers romance. There was tension, dominant/submissive relationships and murderous tendencies.
First of all I loved Java, his stalker like possessiveness was scarily hot and the way he was so obsessed with Dove was everything I never knew I needed.
Hart was complicated, but underneath perfectly loveable.
Astor is your typical dominant alpha and his dynamic with Dove and Java was super hot.
Take away all the steamy scenes and the storyline was addictive and all consuming.
I would love to hear more from this world and I really liked all the crossover character appearances.
43 reviews
January 25, 2023
LOVED IT!

I absolutely loved this standalone, RH. Oftentimes I feel that the stand-alone stories leave too much left unresolved or the endings feel rushed however that was not the case with this book. This author is one of my favorites whether she is writing a series or a stand-alone. I have yet to be disappointed by a book with her name on it. I did not feel that this book was overly dark or full of triggers but each reader has a different threshold. The male characters are definitely not white knights, they are beautifully flawed and deliciously damaged. I loved the character crossover from other stories. I would highly recommend this book. You will not be able to put it down!
1,030 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2023
This is my first Jaye Pratt book and it will not be my last, Sweetest Venom really surprised me. I went into this book expecting dark, mafia, secret society, why choose and we got that but somehow it was so much more. I love Java, he is the kind of unhinged that thrills you. There is no way of knowing where his compulsions lead but they will be dark and bloody. Dove was the typical mafia princess but with a tiny bit edge at first but Astor, Hart and Java sharpened her into a lethal force. I really enjoyed the secret society aspect as well. I loved that even though she knew the type of world she lived in Dove was still quite sheltered. Each of the guys brought their own unique baggage that translated into so much depravity. I really loved this book.
Profile Image for Trixie.
23 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2023
I received an ARC copy to review and I am so happy that I had the opportunity! If you like incredibly dark, twisted, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, cult, and why choose, this is the book to read! I couldn't put it down. Normally I prefer my RH books to be a series because standalones can feel rushed but Jaye Pratt accomplished the impossible! My only complaint......I didn't want it to be over! Now one of my absolute favorites!

Astor is the extreme alphahole you can't help but fall for...eventually! Hart is deliciously damaged both physically and emotionally due to his past. Then we have Java (my fav), who is terrifically twisted in all the darkest ways! And finally Dove, the lucky girl who gets them all for herself, although she wouldn't have agreed in the beginning!
527 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2023
I won't lie...it took me several chapters to really get into this book. I couldn't even pinpoint for you what it was that was holding me back but once I got into it I finished it quickly. This MMFM reverse harem has all the 'touch her and d!e' vibes as well as some obsession. Definitely check the TWs if you have them.
I think Hart was my favorite of the 3 guys, though each of them had plenty to love and hate about them. This is NOT a feel good story but I REALLY enjoyed the ride.
I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because there were times that the writing style just didn't really flow for me and it really took me out of the story.
This book has:
-multiple POV
-TWs galore (including dub con towards the beginning)
-some MM
-mafia-esque community
-an HEA
54 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2023
Buckle yourself in and be prepared for a wild exciting ride.
This read will drop you into a world full of love lust death intrigue and red hot action.!
Sexy well described characters and their deep dark world will grab you and drag you in til the end.
The characters are deep and broken and make you wish for more ( I hope we are getting more) .. their world is dark and deadly, so is their love but it's theirs and the will burn the world if anyone tries to take what's theirs . She is theirs and they are hers and no man or woman will break them apart.
Read this three times and loved it each time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for coffeeinlibraries.
434 reviews41 followers
January 28, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
MFC: didn’t care for her.
MMC(s): Java was the best. Astor and Hart were alright.
Plot: 2/5
Book cover: 1/5
Would I buy a physical copy?: No.


This book was chaotic.

The writing was chopping, the pacing was back and forth, people were losing their shit on each for no reason at random times, and our MFC couldn’t decide if she was ‘badass’ or a ‘meek wife who was preparing her whole life for this’ was she?? Because it didn’t seem like it, whatsoever.

I love Java though. He was great.

Did I finish it? You bet your ass I did. Even though I wanted to stop reading at multiple points, I couldn’t help but continue on to see how it ended. 😂
Profile Image for Amber.
1,387 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down; it was a great, fast-paced read! This book is action-packed and has some twists that just makes the plot even better.

I loved Dove. She is so much stronger than anyone realizes especially since she was sheltered from so much of what the Sect really does. Astor, Hart, and Java are dark men and a bit damaged from their pasts. They work so well together and end up matching perfectly with Dove. I also loved the cameo from Jolie and a couple of her men!

This book has some steamy scenes including some MM scenes. I’m glad there is going to be more of these characters to come in Jaye’s newsletters because I loved them!

8 reviews
January 29, 2023
This was great - like seriously great. The story line, the characters, features of other characters from other series. This book had everything.

The boys - wow. They are seriously psychos, but they are written in a way you move past their craziness and fall in love with them. Java - serial stalker, Hart - fire lover and Astor - the dominant leader. I can not pick one.

Every book I’ve read from Jaye Pratt - leaves me wanting more and more. So I will say it again - I can not wait for what comes next with this series!!

PS: when Creed and Chester came into the story, I nearly died. My favourite characters in the G.O.D.S series.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
532 reviews15 followers
January 31, 2023
Holy smokes Batman! Another awesome, hot,sexy, dark, dirty and so much more new read by Jaye Pratt. I love every book written and those to come. Dove and her men are an amazing foursome brought together by her future husband to receive protection for his infractions. Astor was born to be a leader and follows the rules to a T. Hart is the boy nobody loved or wanted until fate brought him to Astor. Finally, Java is the man you want to love like crazy, who is actually crazy, obsessive, has a thirst for blood and giving presents. I did not want this book to end and can’t wait to see if another book comes to fruition.
Profile Image for Cindy Vernon.
384 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2023
This book was seriously nuts but I enjoyed it anyway, maybe because it was nuts. Dove and her family belong to the Sect, like a cross between the mafia and a cult. Women can get out before their arranged marriages but if they do, they can never see their family again. Dove doesn't want to be banished but is surprised when she is marrying a powerful man and his friends. She had seen them do something compromising and this was a way to make sure that she keeps her mouth shut. But they find they are all compatible and one of the men already has an obsession with Dove. It's spicy, it's violent and a fun ride to read!
350 reviews5 followers
January 22, 2023
OMG!!!! I loved this book. The characters and story line are amazing. Jaye did it again with another great story. I cannot decide if I love Java or Hart more, they are both equally twisted although I'm not sure if I would want any of Java's gifts. Once I started this book, I did not put it down until I was finished. Oh I do also want to mention that in this book there is a crossover of characters from the G.O.D.S.series. I love it when authors do this. This book is most definitely a must read!!!!!
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,872 reviews119 followers
January 26, 2023
Romance with a twist, a very dark and steamy twist is the best way to describe Sweetest Venom! This RH story took me by surprise and is my new obsession!

Hart, Java, Astor and Dove, are the most unlikely group and yet they don’t make sense apart!! Each man has his dark side, each man has his quirks but each man has Dove and she ain’t messing around!

This story is not your average romance and it will take you to places you guaranteed have never been, unless you’re a fan of the dark, then I highly suggest this book!

This story is jam packed with twists, turns and surprises you will love!
Profile Image for Lena.
245 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2023
Sweetest Venom is deliciously dark and twisted. Dove, Astor, Java and Hart don’t start off on the right foot, but there’s a lot at play that Dove hasn’t found out about yet. As secrets continue to be revealed, Dove learns to embrace all three men. Dove embraces everything Astor, Java and Hart tell her she needs to be and more. All their broken pieces fit together and she fights for it all.

I really enjoyed the story - no cliffhanger but it does interconnect with previous stories by Jaye Pratt. If you’ve read her previous books, you’ll see some familiar characters!
228 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2023
If you live dark, twisted and f'ed up guys this book is for you. Dive the fmc thinks she knows what her life is going to be like and her wedding day but when she sees something she shouldn't have all those plans of hers go out the window and Astor, Java and Hart are at the end of that black wedding isle!
This book has alot of twists and turns and a whole lot of touch her a die vibes. Can Dove and her guys overcome enemies from the past and the present and get their HEA or at least a few hearts in jars??
Profile Image for Kristin Lindes.
537 reviews21 followers
January 26, 2023
Java is MINE!!!! Now that I have that important piece of information out of the way.....This is a permanent resident on my top 10 for this year. With Secret Societies and C#lts involved. Some cameos from a much loved series by the same author. Plots and twists. Love and viol€nce. Dove, Astor, Hart and Java deliver EVERYTHING you need. I promise that you absolutely CANNOT live without this book (IMO).
Profile Image for Martha.
509 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2023
Jaye Pratt writes Amazing stories, so if you know, you know. Sweetest Venom is a Why Choose Dark Romance Standalone. I will say to check Trigger Warnings before reading. This book not only has secret societies, twists, turns, and so much more. I couldn't put this book down. I was engulfed in this story that I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend that you check out this book if you haven't read it yet.
Profile Image for Lori.
44 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2023
Well I must admit, Jaye Pratt and Sweetest Venom is very new to me. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, but I was greatly surprised. This isn't usually my type of book. Dove, Astor, Java & Hunt make a dynamic team/family. I couldn't wait to get to the end. This book comes full circle with an HEA (of which I'm grateful) There were some hard areas to read , but I got through, and I'm so glad I did. I'm a FAN of Jaye Pratt.
I was given this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karissa Kirk.
442 reviews9 followers
January 28, 2023
I wish I could’ve read this sooner but had a line of ARCs to read. This book was SO GOOD! I usually am not a fan of standalones because they never seem detailed enough or long enough but Jaye did an amazing job with this story! I really enjoyed the characters. The guys are not your cookie cutter good guys and I loved that. Dove was a character I instantly liked and grew so much through the book. I really enjoyed it!
20 reviews
January 30, 2023
I love a good standalone story in genera but add the RH factor and I’m in heaven!! We have Dove our FMC and she saw something she shouldn’t have. And then we have Astor, Hart and Java that are very close friends. This book had it all for me, the arranged marriage, dark and twisty with lots of spice and add in a secret society!! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for what Jaye Pratt comes up with next!!
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