Dark Soldiers

Black Venom Crew #3

by Alisha Williams

My happiness and joy were ripped from me in a matter of seconds.

My men avenge me like they always do, but a part of me is still broken.

A piece of me is missing. And I don’t think I’ll ever be whole again until I can fill it.

I’ve changed, that much I know. I’m a woman on a mission and I’ll do anything it takes to give my men what they need.

Life goes on like normal, we’re all dealing with things in our own way or so that’s what I’ve tricked myself into thinking, when an unexpected guest comes into our lives.

He changes my whole world, giving it a new meaning I didn’t know how badly I needed.

With our lives changing drastically so quickly, the guys are learning to adjust while still running one of the biggest, deadliest crews on this side of the country.

Some things will never change. They’re still my dark, depraved soldiers and I wouldn’t have them any other way.

But even though we’ve defeated one monster, there’s always more lurking in the shadows.

Will the guys be able to protect me this time? Or will the past finally come to get me?

Even with all the uncertainty around us, one thing I know for sure is, We’re Black Venom Crew. We’re strong and this will not break us.


PLEASE READ THE TW IN THE BOOK BEFORE READING!

Genres: Why Choose, Dark Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, High School, Dark

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2023

About the author

I'm a 32 year old mama of 2. I LOVE to read and write. I'll read just about anything, but Reverse harems are my favorite!

Reviews

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Soldiers has all the action, the emotions, the smuttiness, and the page turner moments to make you want to keep reading.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was a fucking blind fool, not seeing it before. I held myself back for so long thinking who I truly am, deep down, would send her running. Oh, it did alright, just not away from me. She ran right to me, got on her knees, and begged for more.

Caution - very heavy themes are discussed in this book. If you have any triggers, please read the Content Warning available in the book.

This book was a dichotomy of super spicy smut and heartbreaking sadness. It is smut-heavy, with little plot progression (though significant time IS spent on healing emotional and physical scars).

Raven is the perfect match for her Black Venom Crew men, craving their depravity and dark desires, but still pushing back when their OTT J/P sides come out. I loved how Quinton was the soft space she could come to as a counterbalance to the others’ crazy.

Ultra fast burn and spicy, there are MF and group scenes, including one MMF scene (yes, sword crossing is involved). Many darker kinks are explored in explicit detail; Raven is all for it.

Genre: Dark Crew Romance
Tropes/Features: Friends to lovers, virgin FMC, possessive MMCs, Stalker/Bodyguard, brothers and twins, psycho unalivers, unhinged MMCs, touch her and die, dark kinks
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose – MFMMMM (one MM interaction), fast burn, intense spice with lots of kinks
Book Type/Ending: Book Three in Black Venom Crew series, cliffhanger
TW/CW: Listed in book

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first two, but this missed the mark. The plot didn’t progress at all and it was basically filled with them all fucking Raven. It became way too repetitive with the whole getting her pregnant thing and what they kept picturing doing to her when she got pregnant. I mean, we get it, they want to have babies with her! 🙄

The issue with Quinton and Lincoln went on way too long in the book and their resolution could have happened earlier on since they only had to fight it out, but yet it took almost the entire book to figure that out.

I know Alisha likes MM in her books, but her having Quinton and Lincoln have a sexual relationship seemed like an afterthought and just randomly put in this book. This wasnt referenced anywhere else in the first two books so, to me, it was completely random.

I think ultimately this could have been a 3 part series. I’m in too deep, so I’ll read the last book, but I don’t have high hopes.

[Sydnie Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely phenomenal and had be feeling all kinds of different emotions as I read. This has quickly become a favorite series for me and is jam packed with the kind of tropes and spiciness I love. There is so much going on in this series and so many characters to fall in love with but one thing is for sure, the Black Venom Crew will definitely steal you heart!

[Erinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one has more plot and twists and turns and so much more emotion! Still loving this series. Can’t wait for what’s next!!

[Brooke]

DNF at 18%

So so cringy and bad writing. Which to be fair the first two books had as well, but for some reason now I can’t handle that.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay first check your trigger warnings. Second this book brought so many emotions that I had to take some breaks. Alisha Williams did such an amazing job on this book and I can’t wait for the last one.

[Eliza_lovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

✨Book Review✨

I love this series but this book felt a bit slower with less action than the previous two
- which makes sense, there was time needed for healing and normalcy for Raven & her men. This book picks up right at the cliff hanger at the ending of book 2. It’s traumatic and heartbreaking and fits the vibe of the plot. Please read the content warnings before reading if you have any triggers.

Bonus: another masked men chase scene and all characters get their POV with Raven.

Overall I’m super excited for the conclusion on this series to see what happens with Raven’s father and her men.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I demolished this book in a day. I have enjoyed this series since the beginning, and it still has me sucked in. Be mindful of triggers on this one. It is largely about coping with loss. Spice is off the charts, similar to the second book, maybe a little more. 100% recommend to continue on with this one. As always, there is the funny, sad, angry, and happy feels throughout.

[L C · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to write what I want with this review without spoiling the plot but I will try my best. Firstly, check the triggers if you have any, the events Raven and her guys go through are dark and even as someone who lives a trigger free life I had to take a few breaks. Secondly, I applaud Alisha for the empathy and realism in which the characters dealt with the loss they suffered. Having gone through a loss myself recently I did think twice before reading but I am so glad I did. The varying emotions discussed were relatable and reassuring that what I have felt is normal. Not exactly what I expected to experience reading a dark romance book but hey it was welcome!

I have always adored Raven and her band of merry men ever since the ultimate tease that was little bird. The way they rallied around her after the accident and struggled with their need for control made the polycule feel like your own group of friends. My heart broke for Quinton, it is only natural that he would blame himself but Raven stamping that out was so on brand for her strong character. I feel like I need to reconsider my choices though because even with him being the ultimate alpha hole and having me want to punch him Link remains my favourite. I do love a bit of primal.

While the emotions were ramped up in this instalment it didn’t stop the spice which was as always on point. Glad that the cliffy at the end also wasn’t as big this time, not sure my poor heart could cope otherwise. Bring on more with hopefully more twins!

[Brittanie England · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy 😮‍💨! There is so much to unpack here!! If you haven’t read the first two books in this series, then this review will spoil a few things, so continue at your own risk.

You pick up where you’re dropped off from book 2 and your heart is in your throat for the first few chapters…and I don’t think I realized how intense the next scenes were going to be. And when I say they are intense, they are emotionally draining. After the accident the only thing I can think of is …the baby! Having gone through the same loss that Raven deals with was rough. You know that pain and I could relate to her on that level. And her poor guys, I swear everyone handled it in a somewhat normal manner, and u mean as normal as these psychos can be. But Link, oh he took over the top possibles alphahole to a whole other level. I think he is on his own…I mean I get it, I totally do, but he just blew my mind. Also I just wanted to pull Quinton from the book and give him a hug and never let go. I just love Hunter's crazy side and I never expect what’s going to come out of his mouth next! And the twins, I will forever love the twins!!!

While a lot of this story is based on Raven healing, the spice in this book is off the charts! Oh boy, I loved that not only was there one primal scene, but two and her men are masked! 😮‍💨😮‍💨 I’m such a sucker for primal play in books! ohhh and for those that are out there looking for some period play, this has it!

Alisha Girl! This series so far is some top shelf deliciousnesses! I'm dying for book 4 already! Bring it on!

[Autumn Marci · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want just sex and zero progression to the story/plot, and very little (to no) character growth, this is the book for you.

I love sex in books, but then sell it as that and not like there’s an actual plot/story to this series. The first book was so good and these last two are pure porn…which again is fine if that’s how it’s marketed, but the premise in the descriptions led me to believe a lot more would be happening other than Raven’s holes all filled at all times for nearly every chapter.

:/


MY RATING SYSTEM

5* An AMAZING book that got me feeling ALLTHEFEELS, especially makes me laugh. It’s always Something that I’ll think about for DAYS (and in a couple of instances…WEEKS 😭).

4* A pretty damn excellent book that kept me reaching for it. ALMOST as good as a 5* but it had me missing some feels/just didn’t hit like a 5*. This is usually my max rating.

3* is a solid read but little things here and there that were just meh and could have been better. Still a “good” rating in my eyes.

2* have a lot more issues that are harder to ignore and makes me usually not read any further books if it’s a series. These are the ones I can go into depth on reviews sometimes because SO much irks me about them.

1* I just couldn’t believe I wasted my time on a book that clearly the author had zero care about themselves. It’s just pure trash (which I hate to say about someone’s work, but it was clearly not written with any care at all).

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the books I have read this year, this one I devoured in 2 days, the quickest of any book, and that says a lot, because Alisha pulled out all the stops with this one.

Book three picks up where book two ended, and we the readers follow Raven's journey as she works through her feelings and emotions, and she processes the loss of her baby. Link, Hunter, Taylor, and Travis are processing their own feelings and emotions around what happened, but none more so than Link who takes it next level. His dominant, jealous, and possessive nature makes it hard for him to be the one Raven can lean on.

Raven loves each of her men equally. However, Link's controlling nature has them questioning themselves, none more so that Quinton. Quinton blames himself, and when he tries to put distance between them, let me tell you, Raven is having none of that, especially with Link.

Link, Hunter, Taylor, and Travis give Raven what she needs. She is perfect for them as they are for her. Raven craves their depravity and dark desires and knows how to push boundaries when they show their jealous and possessive sides. And Quinton, we can not forget him. He gives something to Raven that she can not get from her guys. He is in her safe space when it gets too much. He gives her a balance that is gentle and peaceful but gives her love that is soft and comforting. Making you fall in love with him even more.

This book has all the actions, emotions, and page turning moments that will keep you reading. And that smuttiness, because ladies be prepared for the fast burn, spicy scenes, and the exploration of darker kinks as told in explicit detail.

Because that ending, whilst is brings happiness to one, it brings uncertainty to the others as they now face, together what these changes mean for their future, and I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds for Raven and the Black Venom Crew in book 4!

I highly recommend both the author and the book.

I received an ARC. Therefore, I am voluntarily submitting a review.

[Eden Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000000% obsessed.
I planned on just reading a little before watching football with my cousin but I ended up just sitting there while he watched and I read this book. From the first chapter my brain was like "every second you're not having family Christmas time your face is in this book" In all honesty, if it wasn't the holiday season I would have finished this in one sitting.
You start this book by holding your breath until you let it out only to make room for another gasp. Good, bad, sensual, dramatic, all the gasps.
All the boys have their special place to give Raven what she needs. Quinton gives the gentle love and 'first time crush' experience, Link is painted in red flags but holy sh*t it makes it more attractive, the twins give her double duty (literally), and Hunter of course gives the comedy and the 'metal decor'
I swear she put just about every k*nk you can think of, which depending on the person either means fabulous things or 'yeah let's not'. Thankfully I fall on the first side.
Bottom line, I'd recommend this whole series to everyone and this book is the best one yet.

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book; Raven and her men are one steamy bunch. When Raven is taken her men lose their minds looking for her, they never thought they would find her in the state she was. This book was one amazing action filled steamy, emotional book that will have you at the edge of your seat from start to finish. Raven is one strong willed woman who knows who and what she wants but is also scared and emotional from what she went through. Link, Hunter Quinton, Travis and Tayler are all so protective over her but after the situation they are keeping her even closer. While this book really shows how their strong their relationship is it also shows us more depth into the characters and how deep their love for Raven is. I loved the twists and surprises we got along the way, and I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book. I have loved Raven's story and the alpha broody men that love her they will capture your attention and keep you reading until the end. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Josmely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raven is definitely one of the strongest fmc I've read about. Shes gone through so much and is still fighting every day. I honestly don't know what she and her men would do without each other. They complete each other perfectly. I like how every guy treats her different and she loves every minute of it.
Raven is just as dark and 🩸 thirsty as them.

This one focused on them trying to recover and move on from what happened while having a lot of s3.x.
The way she has them all wrapped around her finger is admirable. I think we got to see what they would do to keep Raven safe.

So much happened that I don't even know what could potentially happen in the next book. This makes me scared bc I need them to be happy.

Ngl Link kinda of annoyed me in this one a little bit. The whole shes mine and I get jealous of the other guys got old really fast. Also I LOVED how the Link and Quinton thing wasn't all lovey dovey bc I honestly didn't see any type of chemistry between them in the other books so making it just physical made a lot more sense.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book had me all in my feels. It starts right where Venomous Queen left off. So much happens in a very short amount of time and some of it was heartbreaking. The aftermath is hard. Quentin blames himself and tries to put distance between him and Raven, but she shuts that down. Link is kind of a total @ss and I really wanted to throat punch him through most of the book. Like I really don’t like how he thinks he loves Raven more than the others, or he has more claim on her. Hunter is amazing as always, he knows what Raven needs and does everything in his power to make sure she gets it. Travis and Taylor were a little less prominent in this I felt, and I want them back lol. Love those twin times!! And Q is so sweet and loving with Raven, I love that for her. She needs all her guys and all their personalities and kinks, and they need her just as much. It’s a pretty beautiful relationship. Can’t wait for the next book

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEEDED this book after the way the last book ended. This exceeded all the expectations I had for Raven and her dark soldiers. There are some dark and emotional points in this book. Check TWs.

Raven went through so much. She went through physical, mental, and emotional pain. Link, Hunter, Taylor, Travis, and Quinton were there for her every step of the way. Even after everything, Raven did not allow them to treat her like glass and pushed for what she wanted and needed from them. Her bratty attitude made it clear she would never accept less from them.

Raven's relationships with the guys strengthened in this book.There is no less spice but you see the caring and compassionate sides of her men more in this book then in the previous books, as they help her heal. You see the all-consuming love they have for her and only her. That love can be over the top at times, but she loves it. They will always be controlling and dominant, but they have that soft side only Raven gets to see.

[Ande GIDGET Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo much emotion. I cried for Raven when she was going through the worst pain of her life. And felt sorry for Q for the guilt he felt because of it. Again I was completely annoyed with Link but I still love him, he's such a broody overbearing alpha, but I still love him. I absolutely loved all the primal play, it was hella steamy. And I loved that Alisha stayed true to Raven 's character and she was still strong and sassy and took no BS even when she was being vulnerable. And how when she rescued Andrew, it was the universe coming full circle right then and I agree with her that her baby sent her Andrew. I fell in love with each of the guys even more watching how much they all took to and loved him just as much as Raven did. I was so happy we got a good ending for this book because I didn't think I could handle another heartbreaking cliffy again. I can't wait to see what happens next for the Black Venom Crew.

[Laurenloveslit81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been loving the BVC and I was dying for this book after that cliffhanger and as always, Alisha did not let me down with how it all played out. The events of what happens to Raven after the accident are the catalyst for this whole book and I highly recommend you need the TW’s for this books.

Raven and her guys have a lot to deal with in this book and the story line is heavy on the emotion and the development of their relationships as a result of what happened to her. But not to worry, not all is heavy and we get lots of laughs and spice from the BVC (the gym scene in particular had me fanning myself!)

The majority of the excitement happens at the beginning and end of the book and while this cliffy isn’t brutal, it definitely left me wanting the next book ASAP (especially because I really need Daddy Linc to get his act together). I’m super excited for the last book but I’ll be sad to see this series wrap up.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Soldier is the third book in the Black Venom Crew series and it is dark. Please check all trigger warnings on this one. We start off right after that massive cliff hanger from The Venomous Queen. Raven spends a great deal of the book recovering from her ordeal. We get a look into how she and the guys handle trauma and drama in the relationship. There's a lot of extreme emotions and spice from all the characters. My favorites of Raven's guys are Quinton and Hunter, I enjoy their fun personalities. I wish we got more interaction with the twins in this book. I will admit Linc is a bit much for me during this story. For the leader of a gang he is so needed. The characters fight their way through all the drama and emotions, to come out stronger in the end. I really enjoyed this ending, It appears as if everyone finally got on the same page and were working together. The tension had finally died down. While this book does not have as dramatic of a cliffhanger as the previous books, it still leaves us with an open ended story. We will have to wait for the four and final book to see where the story goes.

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕜 𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕓𝕪 𝔸𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕒 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕞𝕤
𝚊𝚛𝚌 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠

I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wow, this book. Emotionally, it’s not an easy read. Heavier than the previous books, but done with reality and grace. Amazing how well the author incorporated the spicy scenes into a very heavy, emotional plot line. Alisha is one of my favorite dark romance , reverse harem authors. When I tell you, she can write a group scene, I don’t say that lightly! 😳🥵
This book had me turning pages until very late past my bedtime. Link was starting to have me super aggravated with his over possessiveness, and not wanting to share Raven. As usual, with Alisha’s main female characters, she don’t put up with that ish. I absolutely loved everything about this story. Easy five stars.! Cannot wait for the final book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Samantha Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is my favorite!!!!

Dark Soldiers is book #3 in the Black Venom Crew series. This is a dark why choose romance. Make sure to check the trigger warning.

Alisha wasn't playing with this one!!!!!

We pick up where we left off and it's a wild ride the whole way thru!!! Your emotions will be all over the place, you will probably cry (I did) and the spice in this one will have you SWEATING!!!!

Raven and her guys are everything. I love them so much and I hate they are going thru what they are going thru but I know they will come out the other side so much stronger and closer. But Link, that man is delicious!!! It's a tie between him and Hunter for my favorites, but I guess I could always just take both 😂😂

If you haven't started this series yet, go do it right now!!! Its absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!!!

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will love conquer all in the end? Yes yes I think it will.

I love this series so far. I have to say I used to like Linc. And rutted for them to be together but I don't care for him much or how he treats people. His treatment of Q was rediculous as if you could control a car accident. I hate how she is so dick drunk she doesn't stick up for herself either. She should of spoke up to him about how he treated Q and Andy. That behavior is unexceptable. It was unavoidable. He demands loyalty and respect but yet gives nobody any. He isn't any better then any other club. Besides that I love the series and I love the other guys. Now they just need to catch her father and live happily ever after and all will be good. Can't wait for the last book. Wish it wasn't til the end of the year to read it. A whole year ugh. Oh well. It's soo good and good enough to wait

[Skay Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get this book. I missed the crew and needed more of them in my life. This book was kinda hard dealing with all of Raven’s trauma. She’s been through so much my heart just aches. I’m not sure how I feel about Link anymore. I usually pick the overbearing one as my favorite… he’s just too much. He’s too controlling and it’s a strain for the other guys and I do not like that. I honestly loved this book, but it was mostly just sex. I started skipping over those scenes because I had just finished one and another started. The story is so fantastic I would still one-click these books. The last three chapters are the absolute best. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just keeps getting more and more complex. There is the heavier content in the beginning due to the cliffhanger that was book 2. Raven has gone through so much and she had a long journey to overcome all of the pain she has suffered. The guys all dealt with what happened different ways but my heart absolutely broke for Quinton and how he placed the blame on himself. Linc was being his usual broody alpha-hole self, which isn’t surprising but I was glad when Raven finally went back at him. He needs it and I honestly wanted to smack him a bit. Hunter was still crazy and even though I missed the twins in this book I understood why they had less on page time.

Alisha kept us on our toes this entire book and I can only imagine what she’s got in store for the finale for our favorite crew.

[Arriana Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book forever now and alisha did not disappoint!!! This book definitely wasn't as crazy as the other 2 but still had all the angst you would hope for. Hunter will forever be my favorite but they other guys had there moments too. There was so many emotions reading this book. Raven went thru so much in this book I just want to hold her, but she's got her guys for that so she doesn't need me. LOL. She is so strong and one of my all time favorite FMC. Even tho this book doesn't end on a technical cliffhanger it still hints and more and I can't wait for the final book!!

[Shari Virgillito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. that ending was something else. We pick up right where we left off in book too and let’s just say that roller coaster went super fast! High emotions, definitely some triggers for some, juicy delicious sometimes just BVC steamy sessions (which were on point), and then you get hit in the feels. This book was a super emotional roller coaster but absolutely worth every minute. Raven is a beast and all her guys are absolutely insane! Yes including Q.. you’ll see when you read it!
Please read the trigger warnings, they’re there for reason. Emotional health is just as important as physical health bc this book is not sunshine and roses but is delightfully dark.

[Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review

I CANNOT express to you how much I enjoy this author's writing. Her stories always stick to me no matter what and this series is probably the one that use always my most anticipated.

Raven and her guys really go through so much in this book that really makes my heart ache for all of them in this 3rd installment. The boys will go over the moon for Raven and although they've all had some hardships and difficulties, they always find a common ground amongst them all.

I was beyond happy and sad and my emotions were seriously going through whiplash at times. Ms. Williams is definitely a go-to author for me and can't wait for more!

[Haylee S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not wait for Dark Soldiers as the cliff hanger we were left with in the last book had me anxiously waiting for the next!!
I missed these guys and i could not wait for the characters to build more in their relationships within this book, which we got, there was a lot of emotional healing which i love reading.
Check the Triggers!
This book at times were hard felt with the trauma that our Raven girl has been through in the past it literally hurt my heart (Ravens story is so good). Dark Soldiers was VERY heavy on the SMUT, i felt it overtook a lot, but i still loved it, i cannot wait for the next book.