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Poisonous Kiss
The only reason my father forced me to marry
him
was for more power.
My father just signed a death certificate. Whether that’s mine or his own, is still to be decided.
He was jealous that he didn’t have as much power as the head of the mafia. He craved the status and wealth that came with it. He was stuck working for him instead.
The obvious decision was to marry me off to the son, Ezra Hayes, in hopes that the union between the two families would make his wish come true.
Too bad my only goal since I turned 18 was to get away from this wretched city and all of the men within it.
Now I just have to escape my husband too.
Poisonous Kiss contains mature and graphic content that is not suitable for all audiences. Please check the content warnings at the front of the book before proceeding.
My father just signed a death certificate. Whether that’s mine or his own, is still to be decided.
He was jealous that he didn’t have as much power as the head of the mafia. He craved the status and wealth that came with it. He was stuck working for him instead.
The obvious decision was to marry me off to the son, Ezra Hayes, in hopes that the union between the two families would make his wish come true.
Too bad my only goal since I turned 18 was to get away from this wretched city and all of the men within it.
Now I just have to escape my husband too.
Poisonous Kiss contains mature and graphic content that is not suitable for all audiences. Please check the content warnings at the front of the book before proceeding.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2024
9 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
gave-up-on
May 27, 2024DNF. The heroine is promiscuous as hell. Not my idea of a good book..
May 27, 2024
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Oh my, where to start with this scrumptious little mafia romance novella! Bethanie Loren's writing just snatches you up and sucks you in from beginning to end. I couldn't put this book down, it was just phenomenal! Briar, our FMC is a cunning and spunky badass. And, Ezra! He is sexy, he is domineering, and you'll be drooling over him. If you like mafia romances or need something to get you out of a slump pick up Poisonous Kiss, you'll read it in 1 sitting and I promise you'll be happy you did.
Oh my, where to start with this scrumptious little mafia romance novella! Bethanie Loren's writing just snatches you up and sucks you in from beginning to end. I couldn't put this book down, it was just phenomenal! Briar, our FMC is a cunning and spunky badass. And, Ezra! He is sexy, he is domineering, and you'll be drooling over him. If you like mafia romances or need something to get you out of a slump pick up Poisonous Kiss, you'll read it in 1 sitting and I promise you'll be happy you did.
May 27, 2024
Thank you beautiful for the gifted copy !!
4🌟
This was quite interesting, Briar and Ezra were truly the duo. The dirty talk between these two was freaking amazing and hot !!
This was for sure a quick read that will keep you on your toes. The plot was really good and so were the characters .
So be sure to grab yours and give it a try. I know l am late but happy release to this amazing author!!!
4🌟
This was quite interesting, Briar and Ezra were truly the duo. The dirty talk between these two was freaking amazing and hot !!
This was for sure a quick read that will keep you on your toes. The plot was really good and so were the characters .
So be sure to grab yours and give it a try. I know l am late but happy release to this amazing author!!!
June 9, 2024
Received as an ARC.
🐍 Mafia novella
🐍 Arranged marriage
🐍 Enemies to lovers
🐍 Forced proximity
🐍 Touch her and 💀
She short, she spicy, she goooood 🥵 honestly my only complaint is that although I knew this was a super short novella going into it I felt it should have been a full length novel. I needed expansion on a lot of the story to make it perfect, it was extremely fast paced. So essentially what I’m saying is, I want more!!! Which isn’t a bad thing 😂
🐍 Mafia novella
🐍 Arranged marriage
🐍 Enemies to lovers
🐍 Forced proximity
🐍 Touch her and 💀
She short, she spicy, she goooood 🥵 honestly my only complaint is that although I knew this was a super short novella going into it I felt it should have been a full length novel. I needed expansion on a lot of the story to make it perfect, it was extremely fast paced. So essentially what I’m saying is, I want more!!! Which isn’t a bad thing 😂
May 16, 2024
Absolutely loved this mafia book, good amount of spice for such a quick read I wanted more of this book. MFC is a bad ass and MMC is also a bad ass who fights for his women
May 25, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Saying that I loved this book isn’t enough. I’m obsessed with Briar and Ezra.
The plot was soo good, just like the spice, and the dirty talking got me since page 1.
Highly recommended if you’re searching for a quick read with a possessive MMC and a badass FMC!
The strawberry scene tho… 🥵
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Saying that I loved this book isn’t enough. I’m obsessed with Briar and Ezra.
The plot was soo good, just like the spice, and the dirty talking got me since page 1.
Highly recommended if you’re searching for a quick read with a possessive MMC and a badass FMC!
The strawberry scene tho… 🥵
May 22, 2024
Poisonous Kiss is a good quick read!
What you get.....
♡Dark Romance
♡Forced Marriage
♡Arranged Marriage
♡Enemies to Lovers
♡Spicy
♡Chase Through the Forest
♡Cat and Mouse
♡Mafia Romance
♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡Possessive MMC
♡Who Hurt You
♡Strong FMC
I loved this fast-paced spicy Mafia Novella! You get plot with a good mix of steamy scenes. They had amazing chemistry 🔥🥵🔥🥵 I hope we get more!!
What you get.....
♡Dark Romance
♡Forced Marriage
♡Arranged Marriage
♡Enemies to Lovers
♡Spicy
♡Chase Through the Forest
♡Cat and Mouse
♡Mafia Romance
♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡Possessive MMC
♡Who Hurt You
♡Strong FMC
I loved this fast-paced spicy Mafia Novella! You get plot with a good mix of steamy scenes. They had amazing chemistry 🔥🥵🔥🥵 I hope we get more!!
May 22, 2024
It's a short story for me, but it's such an amazingne. I loved every second and devoured it at super speed. I absolutely loved the main characters in this. They're so cute together. I'm glad Revenge was served, and love was found. I'm obsessed with HAE stories, and I'm so happy this one had one!
June 13, 2024
Stars: 🌟 🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Trauma: no.
Super quick Mafia read. Check your trigger warnings before you read this. Storyline was good, I think my issue is that the book was too short. There was many times where I felt the chapter needing expanding on. But, for a super quick read it was fine.
Insta-love from him, forced marriage, forced proximity, kidnapping. Fast-paced, HEA. The plot was not unique but it wasn’t written badly in that I wanted to DNF. The book is not bad, more so it is not my cup of tea.
It wouldn’t be a book I would read again, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Trauma: no.
Super quick Mafia read. Check your trigger warnings before you read this. Storyline was good, I think my issue is that the book was too short. There was many times where I felt the chapter needing expanding on. But, for a super quick read it was fine.
Insta-love from him, forced marriage, forced proximity, kidnapping. Fast-paced, HEA. The plot was not unique but it wasn’t written badly in that I wanted to DNF. The book is not bad, more so it is not my cup of tea.
It wouldn’t be a book I would read again, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
HOLY SHIT! I AM IN LOVE! GIRL IS TRYING TO LEAVE HER DAD WHO IS AN ASSHOLE! SHE GOES OUT TO THE CLUB HOOKS UP WITH THE YOUNGEST SON OF THE MAFIA DON. THE NEXT MORNING FINDS OUT SHE IS MARRYING THE OLDEST SON🤣🤣🤣. 🔟🔟. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
May 31, 2024
Despite this being a short, quick read, it was totally worth the time. I really enjoyed this.
Briar is the daughter of the third most powerful mafia boss. She is unloved and abused by her father, then promised in marriage to the son of the most powerful mafia boss. A man she has never met and swears to kill the minute she gets the chance so she can make her escape from this life. She was not prepared for Ezra as the man to become her husband.
Both characters are bossy and stubborn, but play off each other so well. I would have loved for this to be a full length book versus a novella so there could be more character development, but I still found myself liking them and feeling involved in the story. The story flowed well and had me engrossed throughout. I did not want to put it down.
The heat between these two was palpable and descriptive. Although, anyone with triggers should heed the warnings.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. I can only hope the author will revisit this in the future and re-write to give this story greater length, or perhaps a sequel. I will be looking forward to more from this author in the future.
Briar is the daughter of the third most powerful mafia boss. She is unloved and abused by her father, then promised in marriage to the son of the most powerful mafia boss. A man she has never met and swears to kill the minute she gets the chance so she can make her escape from this life. She was not prepared for Ezra as the man to become her husband.
Both characters are bossy and stubborn, but play off each other so well. I would have loved for this to be a full length book versus a novella so there could be more character development, but I still found myself liking them and feeling involved in the story. The story flowed well and had me engrossed throughout. I did not want to put it down.
The heat between these two was palpable and descriptive. Although, anyone with triggers should heed the warnings.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. I can only hope the author will revisit this in the future and re-write to give this story greater length, or perhaps a sequel. I will be looking forward to more from this author in the future.
December 2, 2024
I'm rating this book 3 stars. It was an interesting read. I enjoyed reading it. It would have been better if there was a part where the FMC shares her traumatic, parental abuse part with the MMC.
Book Summary:
What happens when you have an abusive father who often locks you up in a room with no food? What happens when you think of making an escape plan in that time? What happens when you finally plan to leave and you get to know your dad has arranged a meeting for you to meet your future husband? What happens when plan on poisoning your soon-to-be-husband? Do you think you'll be able to succeed in that?
Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Dark mafia romance
>> Age-gap
>> Enemies to lovers
>> Forced Arranged marriage
>> Touch her & d!e
>> Abusive parent / Attempted murder
>> Blood play / domination & subm!ssion
>> Degr@dation / Pr@ise / Cat & mouse play
>> Breed!ng / Sp@nking / Food play
>> Torture / V!olence / drugg!ng
>> Electrocution / exhibitionism
>> Kidn@pping / Org@sm control / edg!ng / org@sm denial
>> Marking / possessiveness MMC / Je@lousy / Pr@ise
>> HEA
If you like a short spicy mafia read, do read this book.
Book Summary:
What happens when you have an abusive father who often locks you up in a room with no food? What happens when you think of making an escape plan in that time? What happens when you finally plan to leave and you get to know your dad has arranged a meeting for you to meet your future husband? What happens when plan on poisoning your soon-to-be-husband? Do you think you'll be able to succeed in that?
Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Dark mafia romance
>> Age-gap
>> Enemies to lovers
>> Forced Arranged marriage
>> Touch her & d!e
>> Abusive parent / Attempted murder
>> Blood play / domination & subm!ssion
>> Degr@dation / Pr@ise / Cat & mouse play
>> Breed!ng / Sp@nking / Food play
>> Torture / V!olence / drugg!ng
>> Electrocution / exhibitionism
>> Kidn@pping / Org@sm control / edg!ng / org@sm denial
>> Marking / possessiveness MMC / Je@lousy / Pr@ise
>> HEA
If you like a short spicy mafia read, do read this book.
June 6, 2024
This was a VERY interesting mafia romance novella.
Briar is forced into an arranged marriage with Ezra by her father and does some questionable things to be able to be free from the mafia world and the morally gray men in her life. For me, this didn't feel like a novella, it felt a lot longer just with the sheer amount of plot, plot twists, and spice that Bethanie put into it. It was very fast-paced, leaving you wondering what's coming next. I HIGHLY disliked Briar's dad with a PASSION. I really liked how Ezra was himself, kinks and all and how he kept calling her "river" (Which he explains why later on in the story and it was the SWEETEST reasoning. Their dynamic with each other (Briar and Ezra) was one of my favorites and I am obsessed with how Ezra was possessive, unhinged at times but so sweet to her over time. I really loved this novella and can't wait to see what Bethanie writes next!
Briar is forced into an arranged marriage with Ezra by her father and does some questionable things to be able to be free from the mafia world and the morally gray men in her life. For me, this didn't feel like a novella, it felt a lot longer just with the sheer amount of plot, plot twists, and spice that Bethanie put into it. It was very fast-paced, leaving you wondering what's coming next. I HIGHLY disliked Briar's dad with a PASSION. I really liked how Ezra was himself, kinks and all and how he kept calling her "river" (Which he explains why later on in the story and it was the SWEETEST reasoning. Their dynamic with each other (Briar and Ezra) was one of my favorites and I am obsessed with how Ezra was possessive, unhinged at times but so sweet to her over time. I really loved this novella and can't wait to see what Bethanie writes next!
January 25, 2025
Briar forced into an arranged marriage for her own father’s gain towards power to be head of the mafia. Instead of working towards and it and being jealous he marries his daughter off to the son, Ezra. Not only does briar have to get away from her father, but now she is left to have to escape her soon to be husband too.
Technically this being my first dark romance book it was really good! There was a great storyline and even left a bit of a thriller feel in a way. This book was a fast paced read for me and definitely a start into dark romance books that I never really thought of trying fully on my own so this opens up another genre to read. I would definitely recommend this book if dark romance is something you want to try out and see if you like it!
There are definitely triggers in book, but Bethanie Loren puts them all out in the open to see before you even begin it.
Technically this being my first dark romance book it was really good! There was a great storyline and even left a bit of a thriller feel in a way. This book was a fast paced read for me and definitely a start into dark romance books that I never really thought of trying fully on my own so this opens up another genre to read. I would definitely recommend this book if dark romance is something you want to try out and see if you like it!
There are definitely triggers in book, but Bethanie Loren puts them all out in the open to see before you even begin it.
June 6, 2024
I seen Beth's post on social media about her book and I had to read it! It's a short and quick arranged marriage mafia book, but it was a good read! I absolutely loved the FMC Briar attitude, I was laughing multiple times. Especially when they meet, and her first words are "oh f*ck." And not hello or hi like MMC Ezra was hoping.
The spice was good too - there is a food scene and phew ;) no spoilers here, you gotta read it!
Normally I like if an arranged book is longer, but this story hit the spot for me. I didn't feel as though things were rushed too much.
I couldn't decide what to read on my TBR so when I seen how short this book was, I thought it was a great book to read on a day off. :)
I loved it!
The spice was good too - there is a food scene and phew ;) no spoilers here, you gotta read it!
Normally I like if an arranged book is longer, but this story hit the spot for me. I didn't feel as though things were rushed too much.
I couldn't decide what to read on my TBR so when I seen how short this book was, I thought it was a great book to read on a day off. :)
I loved it!
June 18, 2024
This mafia romance novella is an absolute must-read! Bethanie Loren's writing will pull you in from the very first page and keep you hooked until the end. I was completely captivated and couldn't put this book down – it's absolutely phenomenal! The main character, Briar, is cunning and fierce, and Ezra is irresistibly sexy and domineering. If you're a fan of mafia romances or just need a book to shake you out of a reading slump, grab a copy of Poisonous Kiss. I devoured it in one sitting, and I guarantee you'll be thrilled that you did!
July 30, 2024
Absolutely love love love love!!!!!!!!!!!
Poisonous Kiss is one of the cutest fast paced novellas I’ve read in a long time. It hits all the wickets. Briar is spunky, feisty, and overall just wants to be free of the life of a mafia daughter.
So she plots to get her freedom!
Ezra is the son of the head of the mafia and is told to marry Briar and needless to say sparks fly even when kisses get poisonous! 💋💋
If you love primal plays in the woods, feisty FMCs and MMCs who fight for what they want this is literally the perfect quick read!
Poisonous Kiss is one of the cutest fast paced novellas I’ve read in a long time. It hits all the wickets. Briar is spunky, feisty, and overall just wants to be free of the life of a mafia daughter.
So she plots to get her freedom!
Ezra is the son of the head of the mafia and is told to marry Briar and needless to say sparks fly even when kisses get poisonous! 💋💋
If you love primal plays in the woods, feisty FMCs and MMCs who fight for what they want this is literally the perfect quick read!
September 24, 2025
2 ⭐️ Read - but there’s a lot to like!
The characters are very interesting and individual. They have a lot to contribute to the story. Overall, the characters and story have so much potential and I enjoyed the experience of reading this book that clearly had a lot of thought and care put into it.
Unfortunately, I found that not every idea or thought was fully thought through. The trains of thought are very short and abrupt, which left me confused at multiple points throughout the reading experience. This also contributed to some plot holes.
The characters are very interesting and individual. They have a lot to contribute to the story. Overall, the characters and story have so much potential and I enjoyed the experience of reading this book that clearly had a lot of thought and care put into it.
Unfortunately, I found that not every idea or thought was fully thought through. The trains of thought are very short and abrupt, which left me confused at multiple points throughout the reading experience. This also contributed to some plot holes.
May 13, 2024
Talk about a good quick mafia read. Check trigger warnings before going into this. The MMC is the son of the boss who is only doing as dad tells him for now. The FMC is planning ways to get away from her very controlling father. A forced marriage can lead to unexpected things. The spice is good and a little on the darker side. The MMC and FMC both do some morally gray things.
Overall I rate this quick read as 4 stars and 2.5 peppers.
Overall I rate this quick read as 4 stars and 2.5 peppers.
May 21, 2024
This was a quick, wham bam thank you ma'am, short, spicy, mafia romance and i loved every minute of it!!
I read this book in a day and want more!! briar is a badass who is trying to escape a bad living situation with her father and falls in the hands of who she thinks is her enemy too. Ezra will turn into the person she cant live without even after she gives him a poisonous kiss!!
I def recommend reading this book!!
I read this book in a day and want more!! briar is a badass who is trying to escape a bad living situation with her father and falls in the hands of who she thinks is her enemy too. Ezra will turn into the person she cant live without even after she gives him a poisonous kiss!!
I def recommend reading this book!!
June 4, 2024
Wooo! Is it hot in here or is it just me? This book was deliciously dark and a huge page turner. I don't know how many times I highlighted things in this book that “thrilled” me to no end, made me blush, and giggle like a schoolgirl. The spice was definitely spicy. The storyline was perfect and the chemistry between the two MCs? On fire! I loved following along with Ezra and Briar. Those who wronged them see ya!
July 12, 2024
Im kind of obsessed with this story!!! It's like Bethanie took everything dark and twisted that I love and put it in a book!!! I devoured this novella in less than an hour!!! It was so good and everything I needed!! It's a fast-paced book, but the story didn't feel rushed!! EZRA stole my heart!!!! I need him, I want him, he is everything!! Briar has no fear and does what she has to do, which I love!! Her and Ezra make the perfect team!!
December 28, 2024
fun quick read
The best laid plans don’t always go according to plan. Briar had a plan to escape her father only to be forced to marry her father’s boss’s son Ezra. She makes one last ditch attempt that unfortunately doesn’t go her way. Ezra whisks her away from everyone and together they have an explosive time together. Eventually this arrangement becomes more than what either one of them thought.
The best laid plans don’t always go according to plan. Briar had a plan to escape her father only to be forced to marry her father’s boss’s son Ezra. She makes one last ditch attempt that unfortunately doesn’t go her way. Ezra whisks her away from everyone and together they have an explosive time together. Eventually this arrangement becomes more than what either one of them thought.
May 12, 2024
LOOVVEEEE. My only complaint is that I NEED MORE!!
It was the PERFECT plot to spice ratio. Bethanie did such a great job and I’m seriously impressed for this being her first “real” book. I’m literally obsessed.
The FMC definitely went through some trauma but the MMC… for one…🤤🤤🤤 and he was the perfect combination of dirty yet soft for her😍
It was the PERFECT plot to spice ratio. Bethanie did such a great job and I’m seriously impressed for this being her first “real” book. I’m literally obsessed.
The FMC definitely went through some trauma but the MMC… for one…🤤🤤🤤 and he was the perfect combination of dirty yet soft for her😍
May 23, 2024
Please read the TW before reading the book.
Fast paced, novella that pulled me in quickly. Lots of spice throughout. I enjoyed the story, though I do wish parts of the plot were drawn out just a little more. Would have been 5 stars if it had been filled out a little.
I would recommend this to others though that enjoy a quick, sexy mafia read.
Fast paced, novella that pulled me in quickly. Lots of spice throughout. I enjoyed the story, though I do wish parts of the plot were drawn out just a little more. Would have been 5 stars if it had been filled out a little.
I would recommend this to others though that enjoy a quick, sexy mafia read.
September 13, 2024
This was a fun surprise. I am not a huge mafia romance reader, but I really enjoyed this one! Briar and Ezra's hate to love dynamic had me right from the very beginning.
And by the ending, their spice had me sweating! These two are the power duo you didn't know you needed.
I will say, I would have loved to see more of them in a longer novel, but still really enjoyed nonetheless!
And by the ending, their spice had me sweating! These two are the power duo you didn't know you needed.
I will say, I would have loved to see more of them in a longer novel, but still really enjoyed nonetheless!
January 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m obsessed with this short Mafia romance 😍
✨Touch her and 💀
✨Mafia
✨Arranged Marriage
✨Enemies to lovers
Briar and Ezra are forced into a marriage set up by their fathers - what could go wrong? 🤣 Ezra totally falls first and his level of obsession with Briar is just 🫠
The spice in this is just 🥵
Absolutely fantastic read - highly recommend this 🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m obsessed with this short Mafia romance 😍
✨Touch her and 💀
✨Mafia
✨Arranged Marriage
✨Enemies to lovers
Briar and Ezra are forced into a marriage set up by their fathers - what could go wrong? 🤣 Ezra totally falls first and his level of obsession with Briar is just 🫠
The spice in this is just 🥵
Absolutely fantastic read - highly recommend this 🔥
January 27, 2025
4 - a good mafia style smut 💫🥵
I was very lucky to be sent a copy of this and it was a perfect palate cleanser after all the fantasy books I’ve been reading. The action doesn’t stop and keeps you gripped throughout. I think I’d have given this 5 if it was a little bit longer so not as intense the entire time. Overall a solid sexy book 🫶🏻
I was very lucky to be sent a copy of this and it was a perfect palate cleanser after all the fantasy books I’ve been reading. The action doesn’t stop and keeps you gripped throughout. I think I’d have given this 5 if it was a little bit longer so not as intense the entire time. Overall a solid sexy book 🫶🏻
May 22, 2024
Overall the book was very good but it did seem a little rushed, but it wasn’t super noticeable!! Overall though I really loved their characters and loved that he was super protective of her and f*%#@ed in front of her asshole father!!
April 25, 2025
If you’re looking for a quick read with spice this is your book. Not much to say except that I loved the characters and the audacity she had. I loved it it was hot and spicy and everything I was looking for in a quick read. 5/5⭐️ 5/5🌶️.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews