Venom and Velvet

by Dani Antoinette

I was taken from my wedding by a man fueled by revenge.

One black rose changed everything, and the man I thought was the villain has turned out to be my salvation.

I’m thrown into a world full of secrets, greed, and deceit.

One where the monsters hunt you down and try to swallow your sins.

But I won’t be the little mouse in a den of snakes any longer.

I trusted the wrong man before, a man intent on ruining my life.

And now I’m ready to settle the score.

But the road to revenge is a dark path that you can never get off, and with a cruel twist of fate, I’m left with only a shattered glimpse of the past.

I’ll risk it all to find out the truth, but will it be too late?

I made a deal with the Devil, and I’ll do anything to get free.

Venom and Velvet will be released on June 26th!

Venom and Velvet is a full-length enemies-to-lovers romance. This is book two in the Venom series. It is a continuation of book one and should not be read as a standalone. CW: This book contain dark themes and is intended for mature readers.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2023

About the author

A total bookworm and a hopeless romantic, Dani Antoinette likes to write the kind of stories she loves to read—stories about hot alpha males who embrace the thin line between right and wrong, and the strong, fearless women who are able to handle them. When Dani isn’t devouring books by her favorite authors at her local café in downtown Chicago, she spends her time interviewing prospective characters out loud in public places, all while planning her takeover of the romance world.

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Reviews

[Karrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cian Blackwood is becoming one of my top book boyfriends. 🥵🥵

Venom and Lace was sexy and so full of drama and I wasn’t sure how it could get any better, but Dani pulled through! Venom and Velvet has all the suspense, the action, the lies, and holy hell the SPICE!

Nova was a total badass this book, she was ready to get her revenge, but she was also struggling with the trauma of everything that happened in book one. But with Juliet and Cian by her side, she was ready to bring down Ryzen.

Overall, this book was exactly what I hoped for and so much more. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and once we got to the ending, it felt like we got a happy ending, but what’s to come is going to be WILD!!!

[Riley Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review
Plot: 🐍 🐍🐍🐍🐍
Smut: 💜💜💜💜💜
All around: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Where to start? “Venom & Velvet” was more than I even expected for book 2 of the Venom series by @daniantoinette Nova the FMC, thought she was on a rollercoaster ride in book one “Venom & Lace” and that’s just so far from her new reality as she learns more of her enemy and the lengths he is willing to go to keep his secrets and his billionaire persona. Because let’s face it he is smart but not “Sexual wellness shop owner” Nova smart.
And in the end love prevails and enemies fall, or do they? This double billionaire dark romance takes you on a journey of twist and turns and oh shit moments that even for someone like me who always sees them coming I saw nothing, the way Dani has captivated me with her characters is truly a gift. Let’s also not forget her ability to write many spicy scenes is CHEFS 💋!!!
***** and Novas love from the very first book is one I think everyone has a glimpse of hope for, one where he would burn the world down for her, but also allows her independence and freedom of thought and decisions. But lays SOOO GOOD if you know what I mean 😜 He loves her but he values her more. The FMC is truly a woman we all can relate to; stubborn, eager for success without a handout, funny, sarcastic and she has a best friend that their relationship truly withstands the test of betrayal, heartbreak, a psychopath, the mafia and the FBI! Where do I sign up for my own Juliet?!? they truly are ride or die 👀
The deceit and lies that started years before Nova ever came into the picture are all weight placed on her shoulders now. The question is who will save her? Who truly has her best interest at heart? And will she survive All that has been plotted against her? Do yourself the favor and snag this series because I have a feeling Author @daniantoinette will be taking the dark romance world by storm and will be a huge household name for all of us book lovers real soon!
🐍💜🔪❤️‍🔥🌶️🚩🥵⭐️

[Melissa Kennard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani Antoinette has absolutely become one of my top favorite authors!! She combines romance, suspense and thrills together so perfectly! Her writing style flows so smoothly, her plotting perfectly paced and I absolutely adore her characters and the relationships formed in her books and I just have to say her spice is written so perfectly, nothing cringe or any "icks" about it! Dani is truly a talented author and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us!

Venom & Velvet is book 2 in the Venom series and CANNOT be read as a standalone. So please, stop here and go read Venom & Lace if you have not read it already. It is a must!! Huge spoiler for book 1 coming up!


In book 1 we are left off with an extreme cliffhanger, Nova and Juliet having been kidnapped and not truly knowing who the "bad guys" are or who to trust. Thankfully, that is quickly revealed to us in book 2 and then we are taken on a huge, suspenseful adventure of Nova trying to reveal Ryzen's darkest secret. I can't say too much because I just can't spoil this book, but know when you pick this book up, real life will cease to exist until you read that last page.

Again, I absolutely love everything about this book! Book 1 was a top read of the year for me and now that book 2 is out it's right there with it! With a lot of series, book 1 is always the best, but this is not the case in the Venom series. Book 2 is equally as good as book 1 and I have no doubt book 3 will be just as great. Oh and another cliffhanger!!! How cruel (kidding... Kind of)!! If your thinking about reading this series, just do it!!! I promise you will NOT regret it!!!

[Katie Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If anything happens to you because of this, I will hunt each and every single one of them down and kill them. I will burn the whole damn world down to keep you safe, do you understand?"

And that quote is why we fall for the villain, nothing will stop him from protecting his queen. This is the second book in the enemies to lovers series, Venom. It takes place right after the ending of the first book. If I didn’t already hate Ryzen before, I sure did after this book. Nova and Cian bring you on a roller coaster ride of emotions throughout this novel. It’s amazing how manipulative and cunning some people can be and the lengths at which one will go for power and greed. Sometimes the worst of mankind can be sitting right across from you smiling with his handsome dimpled face, which Dani portrayed flawlessly. The twist at the end I didn’t see coming and I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Carina Hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow up to book one. I loved the connection between Cian and Nova they were meant to be! The story continued full of suspense and excitement and kept me thoroughly entertained all the way through. the writing was excellent and the book flowed beautifully. I 100% would love to read more my this author and recommend this book and series.

[Wined and Spine | Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Dani Antoinette writes it, I will read it. I’ve yet to find a book that sucks me in as much as this series (and I’ve read a lot of books). The writing was amazing and had such a great flow, the spice was extra spicy, and the excitement/suspense was off the charts. Also Nova and Cian are *chefs kiss* 🥰 Dani, you’ve ruined me in the best way possible. Thank you ❤️

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shut. The. Front. Door! Holy cow was this good. This one picks up right where Venom and Lace left off and let me tell you, I blew through this one just as fast! This was so amazing and I loved it. The spice. The chemistry. The plot. The friendships. It has it all and I want more. I absolutely can NOT wait for the next one in this series. Also I love the covers of these. So good.

[lily reads and other things · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES YES YES YES THIE WAS MINDBLOWING AND CIAN IS AMAZING

[Brblake · Rating 5 out of 5]

holy cheese balls

please tell me there is a book 3 im going to die a slow horrid death if not……i need eros and juliet and more cian and nova

[Books Tea Magic · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the prologue, I was hooked again. Simultaneously worried and angry, dismayed and hopeful. The whole spectrum of emotions ran through my brain in this installment — and that to me is a sign of well built characters — that we become invested in their story. ❤️ Wicked good, slightly panic inducing, stomach dropping continuation with a definite edge, and cliffhanger ending!

[Dani Antoinette]

He could destroy me…but nothing prepared me for how much I wanted him to.

Eek! Venom and Velvet is here! Thank you all for all your shares, likes and comments! I can't wait to share Venom and Velvet with everyone!

Amazon: bit.ly/VenomVelvetPreOrderAmz

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Venom and Velvet has a more serious tone with more thriller and mafia elements compared to the first book in the series. It was also pretty good. What I didn’t like was how gullible the FMC was and I just wanted to shake her sometimes. Girl, think with your brain and not with that thing between your legs! I also don’t appreciate it in general when characters are deliberately evasive when answering questions to “protect” whoever is asking. Just answer the damn questions. For me it’s a derivative of the miscommunication trope and it’s just not my thing.

This series would be great for romance lovers who enjoy a lot of spice in their books. My favorite tropes here are enemies to lovers and touch her and you 💀. If you like sunshine FMCs and broody, tattooed MMCs, then this book is for you.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I despise authors that regularly make the main female character an idiot who constantly makes bad choices and causes her own problems but keeps saying how smart, and brave they are. It is an easy read if you can put up with the main characters antics, otherwise it’s just painful.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the first book in the series, this book is almost really really good. It's suspenseful and fast-paced with lots of twists and turns, including (finally) one I didn't see coming at the very end.

Brief synopsis (contains spoilers for Venom & Lace): the story picks up right where Venom & Lace ended, with Cian having saved Nova and Juliet from an attempted abduction by masked men, presumably members of the Voledetti mafia. Cian calls in an FBI connection, but instead of jumping in to help, they convince Nova that there is enough circumstantial evidence against *her* that she could be indicted for multiple crimes if she doesn't help them get the evidence they need to arrest Ryzen, which they hope to do in order to convince him to flip on the Voledettis. Nova agrees and is sent back to Ryzen, this time to pretend she has developed genuine feelings for him and string him along while she collects evidence. It's incredibly dangerous, and of course Nova takes a bunch of risks to try to get the evidence the FBI needs as soon as possible.

This book is darker in tone than the first one because Nova is in much more immediate danger. She also struggles much more to be around Ryzen now that she knows for sure what kind of person he is and has to pretend to be falling in love with him. Honestly, this bit felt a little heavy-handed to me, and I still think it would have been a stronger story element if she *had* genuinely had feelings for him during the bulk of the first book (she starts to like him for like a week or two, but then he starts treating her poorly and she snaps out of it).

SPOILERS IN THIS PARAGRAPH I also thought the section where she has amnesia could have been a lot more suspenseful if somehow Antoinette had structured it so that the reader didn't know what was going on, at least not fully. Nova's confusion and not knowing whom to trust makes sense for her character, but the reader isn't in that place with her because we know exactly what kind of danger she's in and why. END SPOILERS Like with the first book, she just shows her hand too early.

Two chapters of this book are written from other characters' POVs. I didn't feel like Cian's chapter was particularly necessary. The final chapter, told from a third character's POV, sets up the next and final book in the trilogy, but honestly I'm not sure if I'm invested enough in that part of the narrative to read it. Almost one of the original plot points has been resolved as of the end of book 2, and the one thread that remains just doesn't matter a whole lot to me, although if you're invested in the suspense then I say go for it.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐
3🌶️

After Venom & Lace all I wanted was answers, answers to the craziness that book 1 was.
Lucky for me book 2 didn't turn down on the craziness but it did turn up the mafia, and I am not even mad about that.

This book felt like a bridge between book 1 and whatever Dani has planned for us in the upcoming books. It felt like Nova was closing a chapter in her life in some unconventional ways (but then again, the mafia will do that to you) and I loved how we got to see a more badass look from her.

I have nothing to say about Cian. I love him, you love him, we all love him. The spice? Chef's kiss 🤌🏻. I'm gonna put this out into the universe but... I need NEED a whole book in his POV. I think it would make for a great action book specially if his siblings are involved. I really enjoyed their dynamics and I hope they make an appearance in the upcoming books, because ... 👀

I need a Thora and Kaviathin book ASAP and AND a Juliet and Eros book. No buts, I need it. Dani, I need them.

Anyway, I want to thank Dani for providing me with an ARC of her second book, even though as always I ended up reading from KU (gotta give back to authors as much as you can). But as always, my opinions are always my own!

[Rachelle Denis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give this 3.5 stars more accurately! I liked this book, but it rushes over important events - I’d much rather see the action unfold realistically and at a gripping pace rather than it just being done and over with so quickly. I like the relationship dynamic between Cian and Nova, but the entire dynamic is sexual and the pet names are cringe, I wish the relationship was portrayed with actions to support how they say they feel about each-other. The multiple POV’s randomly creeping up at the end of the book is completely random, would have been better to have a larger books with multiple POV if that is what the vision was.. or to keep it for another book? You can’t just give a character in a book their POV randomly at the end of the book to be like “Bam-this is what’s been going on the whole time”. Good book, would be an even better book if laid out better, having focus on character development and expansion on important themes! This is a second book to (I believe a 3.. maybe 4 book series, so we will see how the next book is!) I kind of figured out the plot twist before the ending, just didn’t know with which other character it was with.

[Sierra Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God.
Talk about being sucked into a book and being taken on one hell of a journey!! I absolutely loved going on this wild ride with Nova. Talk about being dealt so many frustrating cards and still finding a way to fight through it all! How can you not with a yummy man like Cian stealing your heart?
I absolutely adore the characters in this book--within reason, mind you! There are some I wanted to shake by the shoulders and some I was outright screaming at. (Yes, I did get looks from my husband! LOL) You are NOT prepared for the ride this book is going to take you on, but I guarantee you're going to love it in the process!! Cian was very well done. I am extremely fond of him. His family, I adore. But there's also one or two I started out not being able to stand. But, as Nova won them over, they won me over, too.
I couldn't put this down. Every chance I had to read, I did. I finished this in 2 days flat and I definitely want this as a paperback for my desk.
Sit down, buckle up, and get ready for this journey. ;)

[Mireya · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦂🦂🦂
Oh, My God. I had not expected this second book to go like this… at all.

The drama and suspense going on were so well written, I had major anxiety reading Nova pull that badass FMC as always. I have to admit she’s one of my favorite female book characters, she’s so strong throughout the book, still trying to get over her trauma in the first book and Cian is always by her side, trying to make her safe and always watching over her.

And the introduction of this new villain, Kaviathin, was *chefs kiss*, and I’ll put my hand on fire to say that he‘ll be Thora’s love interest, mark my words. Not to mention the story behind his sister, what’s up with that? I need more details, hell I need a book on him. Dani, make that happen please, make my mafia girly happy.

The suspense, the drama, That final chapter????!!!!! I was never so caught up surprised as I just was. That was a POV that I did not expect at all.

I love Cian and Nova chemistry, but Nova and Valik’s friendship was super cute to witness. Yet, I still have a suspected feeling towards Juliet.

[Oksana (myreadsjournal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have NO IDEA how excited I was to finally read the second book in the Venom series! Ever since Venom & Lace I couldn't stop thinking about these characters and the anxiety while waiting for the second book was destroying me! 🤭

I loved this book! Dani Antoinette delivered it, yet again! 🔥

Nova was such a freaking badass in this one! She was so ready to fight for herself and to make the bad guys pay for the pain they caused. I loved how fierce she was, so smart, just so freaking great!

Cian Blackwood had my heart since the first book. Yup, since his very first appearance. I mean c'mon, the club scene? I'm happy to reread that scene alone over and over. And over. And over. 🤭
I love him so much and I have no words for how amazing and great and loving and sweet he is! 😭 The things that man says are just... wow and wowza and gimme more! 😮‍💨

Nova and Cian are just 🔥🔥🔥 they bring you on this exciting, nerv wracking and adventurous roller coaster of emotions and you just don't want it to stop! I was so invested in them - hell, I still am 100% invested in them!, - and I can't get enough of them! I finished this book and I want more. And more. And MORE!

Venom & Velvet is full of twists and turns and keeps you on edge since practically the first page. And then you reach the end, your jaw drops to the floor and you want to scream your lungs out BECAUSE HOW IN THE WORLD am I supposed to wait, again!! Dani!! 😭😭😭

This book was more than I was expected and I already am counting the days for the third book. Dani, PLEASE don't make us wait too long! 👀🤭

Thank you so much Dani Antoinette for the ARC of this book! 💗

[L.B. August · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌹𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 🌹
𝕍𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕍𝕖𝕝𝕧𝕖𝕥 𝕓𝕪 @authordaniantoinette
👉𝕊𝕨𝕚𝕡𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤👉

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖:🌶🌶🌶.5 (multiple detailed sex scenes in different locations)

Venom and Velvet is book two of this enemies to lovers series and can't be read as a standalone. Both book one, Venom and Lace, and Velvet can be found on Kindle Unlimited now!

𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤: This book gave me everything I wanted and more! It reads like a thriller romance with twists and turns that will keep you invested. It gave me Mindf*ck Series vibes, and I can't tell you exactly why 😅 Velvet picks up right where Lace ends, which I love, and doesn't skip a beat. Cian is my top book boyfriend 😍🥵 tattooed, brooding, protective, and encouraging all of my favorite things. I adore Nova's witty personality and all-around badass-ness. These two are fire, and I can't get enough of them.

This book does end on a cliffhanger, and book 3 is expected in the fall.

[Alyssa Ritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

one thing dani antionette can always do is make me ANXIOUS!!! i cannot believe the amount of anxiety i felt throughout the entirely of this book! Okay characters- Nova is such a powerful woman and I love the balance of her own strength mixed with the desire for her man’s protection. Now… Cian, my man, UGH, i love a man that is willing to burn the world to get the girl he loves. The spice is always so beautifully written. It’s not too much and doesn’t take away from the plot. The ending… was just chefs kiss😚🤌🏼it left me feeling a sense of peace… yet craving so much more! im so excited for book 3 this fall!🥵

[Stormy Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first series to read by Dani Antoinette and I absolutely devoured it!!! I won book 2 on goodreads giveaway and I'm so glad I did or I would have never discovered her! Venom and Lace was fantastic. The deception, lies, sex and the unknown this book is for you! I can't wait till book 3 comes out. Cian is my absolute favorite but if I'm being honest I think I fell more in love with Valik the bodyguard.

[Randi B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won Venom #2 in a goodreads giveaway, but you must read Venom #1 first as it is a duet.

Venom #2 was well-written, but had moments that seemed a little far fetched. With that being said, there are some truly depraved people in real life, so was it so unbelievable? I did love the rollercoaster of emotions and the wild ride of a "love" triangle. I enjoy smutty books with a vicious set of twists, so this was right in my wheelhouse.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crap balls what an amazing book. I absolutely love this book it had me turning pages and my heart beating so fast especially when Nova crashed and woke up with no memories I was like nooooo! This can't be happening she had all the evidence and then omg the rest of the book just got better and better. This book ends on a cliffhanger with no mention of book 3 but sometime in fall 2023 please let us know when I'm on a hangover with this book. I highly recommend this series

[Cassie Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. What just happened? But seriously, what happened?

That CANNOT be the end?! Dani, I have some thoughts lol

This book took things up a notch! The spice, the angst, the hatred, the anxiety!

I'm hooked. I need more. Like right now.

I didn't think I could hate Ryzen anymore than I already did. But, boy oh boy, did he prove me wrong.

I'm ready for book 3 please and thank you. I'll just be over hiring my nails, waiting to know Nova and Cian's future....

[Jenn Hott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely Worth the Wait

This did not disappoint.
This is the Second book to Venom and Lace and hot damn it’s just as good as the first! I will not spoil anything but I will say one thing, this book kept me on my toes and I was not expecting anything that happened.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the last book to come out! Dani Antoinette did a fantastic job with this!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER! I’m gonna lose it!
This was such a good part two. I was Team Scorpion Tattoo from the very beginning & was not disappointed.
Love Valik, Love Dracula, Love Thora. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 3 & my fingers are crossed for Milliani. 🩷

[Malea · Rating 3 out of 5]

On your toes

This book was a giveaway. I was bummed that it was the second in a series and not able to stand alone. I did read the first one, but it's also ending on a cliffhanger... setting you up for a third. The characters are created well and the storyline is intriguing.

[Melissa Magier · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible ending

I am so disappointed with this series. Both books were great and kept you on your toes only to end with a cliffhanger and no mention of another book. Now I'm just left in limbo.

[Ana Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am wasting no time running thru this 3 part series. The author has absolutely nailed this fast paced plot; I am so lost in this story and characters and what's going to happen next?! The suspense, the plot, the characters, the spice... this whole book is 🔥🔥🔥