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Monstrous #2
Venomous
To save him, she will destroy everything…
I survived my first year at Alystair University. Barely. Now, I’m haunted by nightmares that blur the line between waking life and dreams. An ache in my chest serves as a constant reminder of the friends I failed to protect. Letting Nick go was the only way to protect him, but my plan backfires as Nick's own monster surfaces, threatening to consume him. Our love turns to bitter conflict, leaving us as adversaries in a war neither of us imagined.
Little does he know, I struck a perilous Bargain with three powerful entities to ensure Nick's survival. It drives me deep into the pit of the Underworld, a prison where vicious beings lurk and only one hellish creature holds the key to fulfilling my end of the deal.
Every day becomes a race against time, my own heart, and the beast that claws at my soul. As Nick unravels, so do I, battling monstrous urges that once terrified me but now may be my only hope to protect him. Because a relentless threat stalks me, forcing me to make a deadly choice: suppress my monster within and protect my friends, or unleash its deadly power to save the man I love, destroying everything in the process.
I survived my first year at Alystair University. Barely. Now, I’m haunted by nightmares that blur the line between waking life and dreams. An ache in my chest serves as a constant reminder of the friends I failed to protect. Letting Nick go was the only way to protect him, but my plan backfires as Nick's own monster surfaces, threatening to consume him. Our love turns to bitter conflict, leaving us as adversaries in a war neither of us imagined.
Little does he know, I struck a perilous Bargain with three powerful entities to ensure Nick's survival. It drives me deep into the pit of the Underworld, a prison where vicious beings lurk and only one hellish creature holds the key to fulfilling my end of the deal.
Every day becomes a race against time, my own heart, and the beast that claws at my soul. As Nick unravels, so do I, battling monstrous urges that once terrified me but now may be my only hope to protect him. Because a relentless threat stalks me, forcing me to make a deadly choice: suppress my monster within and protect my friends, or unleash its deadly power to save the man I love, destroying everything in the process.
608 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2024
29 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Nicole M. Rubino
5 books114 followersNicole Rubino is a lover of fantasy, though she loves a steamy contemporary romance for good measure. Monstrous is her debut adult novel, and is the first of a three-book series. Morticia Addams is her role model, and you will often find Nicole belting out the tunes to any Stevie Nicks or Fleetwood Mac song (alas, not well). The mother of four young dragons (children), Nicole manages the beautiful chaos of her home by channeling it into her poor characters instead. Nicole lives in New York with her 100% Aries of a husband and said dragons.
Follow me on Instagram & Tik Tok: @nic_reads_and_writes
Follow me on Instagram & Tik Tok: @nic_reads_and_writes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 14, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
NICOLE THE ENDING MY HEART
SO MANY EMOTIONS
I’m crying because it’s over and book 3 is coming out IN A YEAR 😭😭
Such a great addition to Rhi & Nick’s story
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥ monster college
❥ dark academia
❥ greek mythology
❥ spicy romance
❥ darker than book 1
❥ girl gang vibes
❥ twists on twists
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
│ ⊹ 𝟺.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
NICOLE THE ENDING MY HEART
SO MANY EMOTIONS
I’m crying because it’s over and book 3 is coming out IN A YEAR 😭😭
Such a great addition to Rhi & Nick’s story
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥ monster college
❥ dark academia
❥ greek mythology
❥ spicy romance
❥ darker than book 1
❥ girl gang vibes
❥ twists on twists
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
November 11, 2024
I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Your mental health is important. Please do be advised of content warnings and keep yourself aware of and safe from any triggers you may have.
Rhiannon and Nick.
“There will be no one else. Not for him, not for you. In this life or the next.”
In a word, unputdownable. Everything you want in a dark/ monster romance in just over 400 pages!
Whether at home for the summer or back at Alystair University for sophomore year, monstrous things are brewing. And beneath Rhiannon’s skin, something venomous and bloodthirsty lurks.
But there’s so much more going on than just Rhi’s journey to comfort in her own (new) skin, and I loved getting to see more of that!
I want to start out by saying that I knew 8 percent into this book that it was going to be a five star read for me, and then I proceeded to read it from start to finish in one sitting because I COULD NOT STOP. Nicole did her THANG with Monstrous, but Venomous takes us to a whole different level, and you can really tell that she poured her heart and soul & then some into writing this book.
There are no shortage of twists and BEWARE of that cliff ending. I’m as hungry for the next book in this series as Rhi is for blood.
⬇️Read if you love⬇️
Soul mates
Good girl
Touch him and die | touch her and die
Girl gang
Chosen family
Playing w/ her food | bite your tongue 👅
Academic setting
Monster school
Lovers > enemies > lovers
Unhinged MMC
Threads of fate
Fighting fate
Magical bargain
Star crossed
Secrets
Prophecies
Tension @ 100
Feminine rage
Magic
Mythology
Gods & monsters
Intimate storytelling 👀
Morally gray MMC
So much spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to Nicole M. Rubino for the absolute privilege of reading this as an ARC!
Your mental health is important. Please do be advised of content warnings and keep yourself aware of and safe from any triggers you may have.
Rhiannon and Nick.
“There will be no one else. Not for him, not for you. In this life or the next.”
In a word, unputdownable. Everything you want in a dark/ monster romance in just over 400 pages!
Whether at home for the summer or back at Alystair University for sophomore year, monstrous things are brewing. And beneath Rhiannon’s skin, something venomous and bloodthirsty lurks.
But there’s so much more going on than just Rhi’s journey to comfort in her own (new) skin, and I loved getting to see more of that!
I want to start out by saying that I knew 8 percent into this book that it was going to be a five star read for me, and then I proceeded to read it from start to finish in one sitting because I COULD NOT STOP. Nicole did her THANG with Monstrous, but Venomous takes us to a whole different level, and you can really tell that she poured her heart and soul & then some into writing this book.
There are no shortage of twists and BEWARE of that cliff ending. I’m as hungry for the next book in this series as Rhi is for blood.
⬇️Read if you love⬇️
Soul mates
Good girl
Touch him and die | touch her and die
Girl gang
Chosen family
Playing w/ her food | bite your tongue 👅
Academic setting
Monster school
Lovers > enemies > lovers
Unhinged MMC
Threads of fate
Fighting fate
Magical bargain
Star crossed
Secrets
Prophecies
Tension @ 100
Feminine rage
Magic
Mythology
Gods & monsters
Intimate storytelling 👀
Morally gray MMC
So much spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to Nicole M. Rubino for the absolute privilege of reading this as an ARC!
October 30, 2024
Rhi may have survived her first year at Alystair but will I survive this book??
Venomous picks up right after Monstrous ended, which is great and means you are completely thrown back into the world. It also means that the ending of Monstrous hits you harder than a train and gives you whiplash.
From that moment onwards we see Rhi struggle to keep her friends safe, and determined to keep Nick away from her -which we all know won't work forever. All I can say is that the author really outdid herself. Venomous is a great sequel to Monstrous, and will leave you wanting more. If you liked the first book (the girl gang, the found family aspect, the female rage, the dark, Greek mythology, etc.) you'll like this one as well. Venomous is darker, more gorey, the stakes are higher. It's also spicier and I enjoyed all of it. And sometimes it made me laugh as well, because... well, I'll just say he, and his friend, deserved it.
I did suffer towards the end. I could see what was getting closer (I guessed the plot twist!! so proud of myself there, even tho it meant my suffering doubled because I knew what was going to happen) and I was stressing, so much. I'm a simple girl who wants a happy ending, and I knew as I turned the pages that I wouldn't have it here.
So all in all, if you liked Monstrous do not hesitate to pick Venomous up right now. It'll leave you wanting for more 😈
Thank you so much to both the author and Good Girls PR for the arc 🖤
And happiest release day!!
Venomous picks up right after Monstrous ended, which is great and means you are completely thrown back into the world. It also means that the ending of Monstrous hits you harder than a train and gives you whiplash.
From that moment onwards we see Rhi struggle to keep her friends safe, and determined to keep Nick away from her -which we all know won't work forever. All I can say is that the author really outdid herself. Venomous is a great sequel to Monstrous, and will leave you wanting more. If you liked the first book (the girl gang, the found family aspect, the female rage, the dark, Greek mythology, etc.) you'll like this one as well. Venomous is darker, more gorey, the stakes are higher. It's also spicier and I enjoyed all of it. And sometimes it made me laugh as well, because... well, I'll just say he, and his friend, deserved it.
I did suffer towards the end. I could see what was getting closer (I guessed the plot twist!! so proud of myself there, even tho it meant my suffering doubled because I knew what was going to happen) and I was stressing, so much. I'm a simple girl who wants a happy ending, and I knew as I turned the pages that I wouldn't have it here.
So all in all, if you liked Monstrous do not hesitate to pick Venomous up right now. It'll leave you wanting for more 😈
Thank you so much to both the author and Good Girls PR for the arc 🖤
And happiest release day!!
October 1, 2024
WOW THIS BOOK WAS JUST AS AMAZING AS THE FIRST ONE.
FIRST let’s start with the cover art. Literally took my breath away when I first saw it. Amazing job and I cannot wait to own it as a physical copy one day.
Second of course is the book itself. Wow just wow!!! I loved her writing style in the first one and the second one just hits the ground running and held me captive until I closed the book. The writing style flows so well and the visual imagery had me right there next to Rhi the whole time. It showed up in my hands begging to be read and it concluded while I was screaming wanting more. No spoilers here but the angst and lovers to enemies drama had me shaking from the tension. This series is definitely one of my favorites and I will be recommending it to anyone I know that loves a Greek myths x Zodiac Academy monster romance where the girliepop doesn’t contain that female rage 😈 with some dark themes and girl gang support!! Literally can’t wait for the next book (and this one isn’t even out yet 😭😭😭)
This was received as a free ARC from the author.
FIRST let’s start with the cover art. Literally took my breath away when I first saw it. Amazing job and I cannot wait to own it as a physical copy one day.
Second of course is the book itself. Wow just wow!!! I loved her writing style in the first one and the second one just hits the ground running and held me captive until I closed the book. The writing style flows so well and the visual imagery had me right there next to Rhi the whole time. It showed up in my hands begging to be read and it concluded while I was screaming wanting more. No spoilers here but the angst and lovers to enemies drama had me shaking from the tension. This series is definitely one of my favorites and I will be recommending it to anyone I know that loves a Greek myths x Zodiac Academy monster romance where the girliepop doesn’t contain that female rage 😈 with some dark themes and girl gang support!! Literally can’t wait for the next book (and this one isn’t even out yet 😭😭😭)
This was received as a free ARC from the author.
October 22, 2024
I’ve been waiting so long for book two of the Monstrous series & when I finally got to ARC read it, I devoured it (just like I did book one, Monstrous).
I was eager to see where Nick and Rhi went after the ending to book one, and it was such a bumpy, ferocious, rough ride that left me utterly devastated and heartbroken.
Nicole paints a beautiful picture of heartache with some sexual tension tossed in and it leaves you reeling. The feelings you’ll feel and the tears you’ll cry are immeasurable. I got whiplash from all the feelings I felt, and even in the end, I still don’t know what I’m feeling other than empty and sad.
If you haven’t read Monstrous, get on it NOW, because Venomous is so much more. More feelings, more emotions, more spice, and who doesn’t love a woman who eats a man 😌
The Venomous release date is October 30th, just in time for spooky season.
I was eager to see where Nick and Rhi went after the ending to book one, and it was such a bumpy, ferocious, rough ride that left me utterly devastated and heartbroken.
Nicole paints a beautiful picture of heartache with some sexual tension tossed in and it leaves you reeling. The feelings you’ll feel and the tears you’ll cry are immeasurable. I got whiplash from all the feelings I felt, and even in the end, I still don’t know what I’m feeling other than empty and sad.
If you haven’t read Monstrous, get on it NOW, because Venomous is so much more. More feelings, more emotions, more spice, and who doesn’t love a woman who eats a man 😌
The Venomous release date is October 30th, just in time for spooky season.
October 29, 2024
I am speechless and have no words to describe how completely broken and angry this book has made me.
Once again, I have trust issues and no longer know who I can trust in this series.
I cannot wait for the next one!!
All I can say is
A - someone will betray her
B - not all prophecies come to fruition the way you think they will.
Once again, I have trust issues and no longer know who I can trust in this series.
I cannot wait for the next one!!
All I can say is
A - someone will betray her
B - not all prophecies come to fruition the way you think they will.
November 4, 2024
Screaming, crying, throwing up. I don’t want to wait a year for the next book. I love this series for its romance, fierce friendships, mythology and writing style.
October 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
October 30, 2024
This book was so addicting, I truly couldn’t put it down. I loved the plot twists, the sexual tension, the romance, the betrayals. Everything. I love the girl gang & Nick with my whole heart! What a roller coaster. Now I’m gonna go cry for a bit.
December 30, 2024
~ ACR Review ~
My Rating m: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2
Genres: Dark romance, Greek mythology, Light horror, paranormal, Feminine rage
My thoughts:
I have waited a while for this book and it did not disappoint💞
Venomous is without a doubt going to be be on my list of top reads of 2024!
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, had me crying with frustration the cruel twists of fate.
I had my heart broken, put back together again, cradled lovingly then, our amazing author, took my fragile heart and dashed it to the ground and stomping on it till there was only pulp left…
I can’t express how many tears I shed over this book or how much I love it.
Because Venomous is a second book in a series that needs to be read in order, and the fast pace and intriguing plot follows months after the events of book one and the fallout from the harrowing end of Rhi’s first year at Alystair University.
I don’t want to spoil this enthralling story, but I can tell you Venomous had me reading it like I was eating popcorn.
“Just one more piece” after every chapter, needing to know what happened next.
TW/CW: PTSD, Anxiety and panic attacks, Greif and trauma, Body horror, blood and gore, loss of loved ones, End on a cliffhanger
Thank you so much to Nicole for this wickedly marvellous ARC. There was so many moments this book had me exclaiming out loud and hoping alongside Rhi to the last that everything workout well in the end.
I also never thought I would read a book and say aloud to my cats, “Well, they deserved to be cannibalised.
My Rating m: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2
Genres: Dark romance, Greek mythology, Light horror, paranormal, Feminine rage
My thoughts:
I have waited a while for this book and it did not disappoint💞
Venomous is without a doubt going to be be on my list of top reads of 2024!
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, had me crying with frustration the cruel twists of fate.
I had my heart broken, put back together again, cradled lovingly then, our amazing author, took my fragile heart and dashed it to the ground and stomping on it till there was only pulp left…
I can’t express how many tears I shed over this book or how much I love it.
Because Venomous is a second book in a series that needs to be read in order, and the fast pace and intriguing plot follows months after the events of book one and the fallout from the harrowing end of Rhi’s first year at Alystair University.
I don’t want to spoil this enthralling story, but I can tell you Venomous had me reading it like I was eating popcorn.
“Just one more piece” after every chapter, needing to know what happened next.
TW/CW: PTSD, Anxiety and panic attacks, Greif and trauma, Body horror, blood and gore, loss of loved ones, End on a cliffhanger
Thank you so much to Nicole for this wickedly marvellous ARC. There was so many moments this book had me exclaiming out loud and hoping alongside Rhi to the last that everything workout well in the end.
I also never thought I would read a book and say aloud to my cats, “Well, they deserved to be cannibalised.
October 17, 2025
I’m eating this series up!! So so good! Filled with Greek mythology, dark romance, and monsters galore. This one was spicier and darker than the first but fits the bill for original unhinged dark romance. Couldn’t put it down and will be salivating for the next book
November 1, 2024
OMG THIS BOOK ABSOLUTELY A MASTERPIECE I loved it had read book 1 again before reading this and I highly recommend it.
November 7, 2024
“One hour, twenty-six minutes, and fourteen seconds. That’s how long it takes for me to devour him.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Author: Nicole M. Rubino
Publisher: Independently Published
Series: Monstrous Series
Release Date: 30th October 2024
What you’ll find in this book:
- Soulmates
- Deadly Bargains
- Lovers to Enemies to ?
- Hurt Him to Save Him
- Feminine Rage
- “Touch her and d!e”
- Monster College
- Body Horror/Cannibalism
Ooooooh well now I have so many more questions! Nicole, you absolutely blew any expectations I had for this book out of the water. Every single part of this book was phenomenal, I was enthralled from the first page to the last and now of course cannot wait for the next book in the series. If you’re looking for a book heavy with the Greek mythology vibes, a strong girl gang who have always got one another’s backs, sizzling spice with a possessive MMC who knows how to use his charm and lots of secrets being revealed then look no further.
We hit the ground running in this book, visiting Rhi’s childhood home following Rhi’s first year at Alystair university. Haunted by the events of book one, we read as Rhi deals with the toll this has taken on her both emotionally and in terms of controlling her powers. Having to push away Nick in order to keep him safe is also taking its toll, and eventually what was once love between them turns into something bitter, truly pulling at your heart strings. The question is how far will Rhi go to keep Nick safe, and what will she discover about herself along the way.
I absolutely adore Rhi and the whole girl gang, the way their have each others backs throughout the entire book and the found family vibes is my favourite part of this book. We definitely only build on the relationship between the girls in the first book to form and even stronger foundation that sees Rhi through some absolutely rough times and is so crucial to the story. On another note, damn, Nicholas!! Doesn’t that man just know exactly what he’s doing, and when he calls Rhi “beautiful little liar” I absolutely melted. The relationship between these two is an absolute rollercoaster in this book, and I’m so unbelievably excited to read what happens in the next book.
The story progression in this book was *chefs kiss perfection! Oh and the secrets that we get revealed in this book were fabulous, everything just fits so well and allows for a story that flows incredibly well and keeps you reading page after page. I want to keep this review as spoiler free as I can, but trust me when I say the Greek mythology influence on this book works in the most phenomenal manner. I adore Greek mythology so this is just another fabulous element that I so thoroughly enjoyed. We get to meet new characters, and explore different locations and it all just works together so damn well.
Nicole, I’d give it more than five stars if I could, sublime!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Author: Nicole M. Rubino
Publisher: Independently Published
Series: Monstrous Series
Release Date: 30th October 2024
What you’ll find in this book:
- Soulmates
- Deadly Bargains
- Lovers to Enemies to ?
- Hurt Him to Save Him
- Feminine Rage
- “Touch her and d!e”
- Monster College
- Body Horror/Cannibalism
Ooooooh well now I have so many more questions! Nicole, you absolutely blew any expectations I had for this book out of the water. Every single part of this book was phenomenal, I was enthralled from the first page to the last and now of course cannot wait for the next book in the series. If you’re looking for a book heavy with the Greek mythology vibes, a strong girl gang who have always got one another’s backs, sizzling spice with a possessive MMC who knows how to use his charm and lots of secrets being revealed then look no further.
We hit the ground running in this book, visiting Rhi’s childhood home following Rhi’s first year at Alystair university. Haunted by the events of book one, we read as Rhi deals with the toll this has taken on her both emotionally and in terms of controlling her powers. Having to push away Nick in order to keep him safe is also taking its toll, and eventually what was once love between them turns into something bitter, truly pulling at your heart strings. The question is how far will Rhi go to keep Nick safe, and what will she discover about herself along the way.
I absolutely adore Rhi and the whole girl gang, the way their have each others backs throughout the entire book and the found family vibes is my favourite part of this book. We definitely only build on the relationship between the girls in the first book to form and even stronger foundation that sees Rhi through some absolutely rough times and is so crucial to the story. On another note, damn, Nicholas!! Doesn’t that man just know exactly what he’s doing, and when he calls Rhi “beautiful little liar” I absolutely melted. The relationship between these two is an absolute rollercoaster in this book, and I’m so unbelievably excited to read what happens in the next book.
The story progression in this book was *chefs kiss perfection! Oh and the secrets that we get revealed in this book were fabulous, everything just fits so well and allows for a story that flows incredibly well and keeps you reading page after page. I want to keep this review as spoiler free as I can, but trust me when I say the Greek mythology influence on this book works in the most phenomenal manner. I adore Greek mythology so this is just another fabulous element that I so thoroughly enjoyed. We get to meet new characters, and explore different locations and it all just works together so damn well.
Nicole, I’d give it more than five stars if I could, sublime!
July 1, 2025
Title: Venomous Book 2 of the Monstrous Series: By Nicole Rubino
RAB: who's Author's first or last name starts with ANY LETTERS in SUMMER or (+8)
#of Pages 608 of which was read from my Kindle, (+7)
RAB Published October 30,2024 (+8)
RAB: who's title starts with ANY LETTERS in SUMMER or VACATION.(+8)
Rab: with a Green cover (+8)
RAB: that takes place in Summer.(+8)
RAB: that is a Young Adult Fantasy.(+8)
Rhiannon's change from the girl who only knows that her parents are human and no clue about her heritage. Over time with the aid of her best friends (Girl Group) she slowly learns to trust in friend and having their backs whenever needed, no matter the issues.
I see her growing up into an incredibly strong young woman with a broken heart.
As the book opens and new characters are introduced i find that i was a bit blindsided as events unfolded. Not only did they leave me gaping in surprise but also in total shock in the twist that i never saw coming.
There are more than 1 of these twists, but also the the fact that she suffers from PTSD from the previous school year and betrayals that should have never been. Least in my mind they shouldn't have
Rhi, as referred by those closest to her, bounces back and forth a great deal trying to overcome the Horrors from those lost. in all she is still the friend they all love and circle around to lift up and become stronger for it. I would defiantly start her out as a 5 ending as a 2.
Honestly I think that most of the guys are horrible with egos that you could easily hate for so many reasons that reveling them would simply dampen the story itself.
Loved the support that is shown not only from her girl friends but also from the instructors, as well as the man that she fell in love with, despite his faults.
I do wish that there had been a bit deeper reflections on the other "Monsters" ranging from her friends to those that she fights with to the gods themselves.
As far as things I'd change if possible would be making some of the scenes not only last longer but, but more with riddles to be solved, intense fights that lead to not only some dead ends but traps that need to be overcome.
For those that are not into reading of mythical creatures, Gods, and things that simply go bump in the night, might not find this series as one that is as captivating as myself. There are truly so many heros both male and female that its can be a complicated Dance at times between them.
Personal Review: All in all recommending this series is not difficult in the least as most young adults would find this a trip to remember.
i have rated Venomous as a 5star (+6+)
Total 411 words
________________________________________________________)
RAB: who's Author's first or last name starts with ANY LETTERS in SUMMER or (+8)
#of Pages 608 of which was read from my Kindle, (+7)
RAB Published October 30,2024 (+8)
RAB: who's title starts with ANY LETTERS in SUMMER or VACATION.(+8)
Rab: with a Green cover (+8)
RAB: that takes place in Summer.(+8)
RAB: that is a Young Adult Fantasy.(+8)
Rhiannon's change from the girl who only knows that her parents are human and no clue about her heritage. Over time with the aid of her best friends (Girl Group) she slowly learns to trust in friend and having their backs whenever needed, no matter the issues.
I see her growing up into an incredibly strong young woman with a broken heart.
As the book opens and new characters are introduced i find that i was a bit blindsided as events unfolded. Not only did they leave me gaping in surprise but also in total shock in the twist that i never saw coming.
There are more than 1 of these twists, but also the the fact that she suffers from PTSD from the previous school year and betrayals that should have never been. Least in my mind they shouldn't have
Rhi, as referred by those closest to her, bounces back and forth a great deal trying to overcome the Horrors from those lost. in all she is still the friend they all love and circle around to lift up and become stronger for it. I would defiantly start her out as a 5 ending as a 2.
Honestly I think that most of the guys are horrible with egos that you could easily hate for so many reasons that reveling them would simply dampen the story itself.
Loved the support that is shown not only from her girl friends but also from the instructors, as well as the man that she fell in love with, despite his faults.
I do wish that there had been a bit deeper reflections on the other "Monsters" ranging from her friends to those that she fights with to the gods themselves.
As far as things I'd change if possible would be making some of the scenes not only last longer but, but more with riddles to be solved, intense fights that lead to not only some dead ends but traps that need to be overcome.
For those that are not into reading of mythical creatures, Gods, and things that simply go bump in the night, might not find this series as one that is as captivating as myself. There are truly so many heros both male and female that its can be a complicated Dance at times between them.
Personal Review: All in all recommending this series is not difficult in the least as most young adults would find this a trip to remember.
i have rated Venomous as a 5star (+6+)
Total 411 words
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October 18, 2024
"𝔅𝔢𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔥𝔦𝔪 𝔴𝔬𝔲𝔩𝔡 𝔟𝔢 𝔩𝔦𝔨𝔢 𝔰𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔠𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔩𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 𝔦𝔫 𝔞 𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔢𝔰𝔰 𝔰𝔨𝔶. ℑ’𝔡 𝔟𝔢 𝔩𝔬𝔰𝔱 𝔦𝔫 𝔞 𝔳𝔬𝔦𝔡 𝔬𝔣 𝔡𝔞𝔯𝔨𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰."
"𝔗𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔟𝔢 𝔫𝔬 𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔢𝔩𝔰𝔢. 𝔑𝔬𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔶𝔬𝔲. 𝔑𝔬𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔥𝔦𝔪. ℑ𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢 𝔬𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔫𝔢𝔵𝔱."
“ℑ’𝔡 𝔣𝔞𝔠𝔢 𝔞𝔩𝔩 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯𝔰 𝔬𝔣 ℌ𝔢𝔩𝔩 𝔱𝔬 𝔣𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔶𝔬𝔲, 𝔟𝔢𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔢 ℑ’𝔡 𝔠𝔥𝔬𝔬𝔰𝔢 𝔭𝔢𝔞𝔠𝔢 𝔦𝔫 ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔳𝔢𝔫 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔲.”
💀 ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴀᴄᴇᴅᴇᴍɪᴀ
🖤 ɢɪʀʟ ɢᴀɴɢ
🦇 ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ sʜɪғᴛɪɴɢ
🐉 ᴅᴇsᴄᴇɴᴅᴀɴᴛs ᴏғ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs
🕷 ᴍᴀɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ
🕸 ᴍʏᴛʜᴏʟᴏɢʏ
🎃 ʜᴏʀʀᴏʀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🔥 ᴍᴇᴅɪᴜᴍ ʙᴜʀɴ
🩸 ᴜɴʜɪɴɢᴇᴅ ᴍᴄs
🥀 sᴏᴜʟᴍᴀᴛᴇs
🌶 sᴘɪᴄᴇ
In this one you get to find out what kind of "monster" Nick is, and Rhi has multiple encounters with famous Greek Mythology characters & deities.
Not only that, you get to see who Rhi's real parents are.
So all in all it was a fun read (except for grieving over a certain someone) that answered a lot of questions but also created more. For example, I would've like more of an explanation about Rhi's mother and how that works but since this is a series I'm sure we'll be finding out in the next book.
It continues to give Wednesday x Percy Jackson vibes but for adults, just like the first one. I enjoyed how well this book still stuck with the same vibe of the first book.
There is a big nod to Wednesday in the first one that continues to the second. It feels like an iykyk Easter egg type thing.
As mentioned allover social media, and in the dedication of the book, Rhi eats someone.
The scene is very reminiscent of Jennifer's Body, but this guy actually deserves it and no one can change my mind.
He has a friend who also gets what he deserves with a huge reference to Witches of Eastwick.
As for Nick and Rhi's relationship, there's a lot of brooding over a prophecy but when they finally get over themselves and get back together the spice is hella spicy. Definitely spices harder than in the first book.
Then there's a massive cliffhanger.... it's soul crushing but at the same time you just know things are going to work out hopefully in the next book.
"𝔗𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔟𝔢 𝔫𝔬 𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔢𝔩𝔰𝔢. 𝔑𝔬𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔶𝔬𝔲. 𝔑𝔬𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔥𝔦𝔪. ℑ𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢 𝔬𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔫𝔢𝔵𝔱."
“ℑ’𝔡 𝔣𝔞𝔠𝔢 𝔞𝔩𝔩 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯𝔰 𝔬𝔣 ℌ𝔢𝔩𝔩 𝔱𝔬 𝔣𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔶𝔬𝔲, 𝔟𝔢𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔢 ℑ’𝔡 𝔠𝔥𝔬𝔬𝔰𝔢 𝔭𝔢𝔞𝔠𝔢 𝔦𝔫 ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔳𝔢𝔫 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔲.”
💀 ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴀᴄᴇᴅᴇᴍɪᴀ
🖤 ɢɪʀʟ ɢᴀɴɢ
🦇 ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ sʜɪғᴛɪɴɢ
🐉 ᴅᴇsᴄᴇɴᴅᴀɴᴛs ᴏғ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀs
🕷 ᴍᴀɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ
🕸 ᴍʏᴛʜᴏʟᴏɢʏ
🎃 ʜᴏʀʀᴏʀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🔥 ᴍᴇᴅɪᴜᴍ ʙᴜʀɴ
🩸 ᴜɴʜɪɴɢᴇᴅ ᴍᴄs
🥀 sᴏᴜʟᴍᴀᴛᴇs
🌶 sᴘɪᴄᴇ
In this one you get to find out what kind of "monster" Nick is, and Rhi has multiple encounters with famous Greek Mythology characters & deities.
Not only that, you get to see who Rhi's real parents are.
So all in all it was a fun read (except for grieving over a certain someone) that answered a lot of questions but also created more. For example, I would've like more of an explanation about Rhi's mother and how that works but since this is a series I'm sure we'll be finding out in the next book.
It continues to give Wednesday x Percy Jackson vibes but for adults, just like the first one. I enjoyed how well this book still stuck with the same vibe of the first book.
There is a big nod to Wednesday in the first one that continues to the second. It feels like an iykyk Easter egg type thing.
As mentioned allover social media, and in the dedication of the book, Rhi eats someone.
The scene is very reminiscent of Jennifer's Body, but this guy actually deserves it and no one can change my mind.
He has a friend who also gets what he deserves with a huge reference to Witches of Eastwick.
As for Nick and Rhi's relationship, there's a lot of brooding over a prophecy but when they finally get over themselves and get back together the spice is hella spicy. Definitely spices harder than in the first book.
Then there's a massive cliffhanger.... it's soul crushing but at the same time you just know things are going to work out hopefully in the next book.
October 25, 2024
Venomous is the second book in a planned trilogy which follows Rhiannon Owens as she attends a university for the descendants of monsters of legend. The majority of the monsters are based in Greek mythology however there are some sprinklings of other traditions. In Venomous we are following Rhi as she grapples with a prophecy that she will kill her ex-boyfriend as well as striking a bargain with an unusual alliance.
Whilst I enjoyed Monstrous when I read it, Venomous just HIT for me. I really enjoyed the way that Rhi really comes into her power in this book and there were some really fun moments *cough*RhiEatingARapist *cough* as well as the interpersonal relationships just being incredibly strong. The Girl Gang were at the core of Monstrous and they remain at the centre of the narrative in this book as Rhi initially attempts to shoulder her problems by herself but her friends are tenacious and gladly share in Rhi’s problems, looking for solutions.
Whilst some readers might feel that the messaging of feminine rage in this book was a little on-the-nose, I really enjoying the theme throughout this book that the monsters of myth aren’t truly the villains as well as men just being pigs. And now all I can hear is Circe in Epic saying that all she did was “reveal their true forms” when she turns Odysseus’ men into pigs. This theme feels very timely (unfortunately, when is it not?) and I love that Rubino does not temper the characters’ rage and they get to do what many wish they could in real life. The cannibalism scene was everything that I hoped for and more!
I am really excited and intrigued to see where this story goes next and additionally so that we will be getting a novella in the summer! The epilogue of Venomous sets up some very interesting things for what is next and I can’t wait to see how it pays off.
Whilst I enjoyed Monstrous when I read it, Venomous just HIT for me. I really enjoyed the way that Rhi really comes into her power in this book and there were some really fun moments *cough*RhiEatingARapist *cough* as well as the interpersonal relationships just being incredibly strong. The Girl Gang were at the core of Monstrous and they remain at the centre of the narrative in this book as Rhi initially attempts to shoulder her problems by herself but her friends are tenacious and gladly share in Rhi’s problems, looking for solutions.
Whilst some readers might feel that the messaging of feminine rage in this book was a little on-the-nose, I really enjoying the theme throughout this book that the monsters of myth aren’t truly the villains as well as men just being pigs. And now all I can hear is Circe in Epic saying that all she did was “reveal their true forms” when she turns Odysseus’ men into pigs. This theme feels very timely (unfortunately, when is it not?) and I love that Rubino does not temper the characters’ rage and they get to do what many wish they could in real life. The cannibalism scene was everything that I hoped for and more!
I am really excited and intrigued to see where this story goes next and additionally so that we will be getting a novella in the summer! The epilogue of Venomous sets up some very interesting things for what is next and I can’t wait to see how it pays off.
October 24, 2024
I remember the day I finished reading Monstrous. I remember sitting in bed, feeling absolutely empty inside knowing it was over. But then I remembered, Venomous was just around the corner and I couldn't wait to eat it up.
The world Rubino has created transcends anything you've read with dark academia and mythology. We return to Rhi's world, hearts heavy after book 1's losses, reveals, and heartbreaks, trying to pick up the pieces and finding ways to move forward. One of the things that sold me on this story to begin with was the main character and her fierce loyalty to her friends. Rhi is a girl's girl through and through, and you really see it in this book. You see how her friends band together to help her heal, all while healing respectively. Another thing I love so much about Rubino's storytelling is how she weaves relationships, how she gets you to believe in her characters (even with their flaws and betrayals) and I know these characters will stay with me forever.
And then we get to the feminine rage. And the enemies to lovers bit (and WOO did I need a cold drink after THOSE chapters). And the big reveals. The MYTHOLOGY!! The way she weaves mythological creatures and Gods that we may (or sometimes may not) be familiar with into this world is so satisfying. I often say this book felt like the first sip of a fresh soda--crisp, delicious, and refreshing. And now I need 20 more cans.
This book did NOT disappoint. The ending broke my heart, the epilogue tore me to pieces, but I still have hope for an AWESOME third and final installment of Nick and Rhi's story.
Come for the mythology and feminine rage, stay for the spice. A+ Nicole!
The world Rubino has created transcends anything you've read with dark academia and mythology. We return to Rhi's world, hearts heavy after book 1's losses, reveals, and heartbreaks, trying to pick up the pieces and finding ways to move forward. One of the things that sold me on this story to begin with was the main character and her fierce loyalty to her friends. Rhi is a girl's girl through and through, and you really see it in this book. You see how her friends band together to help her heal, all while healing respectively. Another thing I love so much about Rubino's storytelling is how she weaves relationships, how she gets you to believe in her characters (even with their flaws and betrayals) and I know these characters will stay with me forever.
And then we get to the feminine rage. And the enemies to lovers bit (and WOO did I need a cold drink after THOSE chapters). And the big reveals. The MYTHOLOGY!! The way she weaves mythological creatures and Gods that we may (or sometimes may not) be familiar with into this world is so satisfying. I often say this book felt like the first sip of a fresh soda--crisp, delicious, and refreshing. And now I need 20 more cans.
This book did NOT disappoint. The ending broke my heart, the epilogue tore me to pieces, but I still have hope for an AWESOME third and final installment of Nick and Rhi's story.
Come for the mythology and feminine rage, stay for the spice. A+ Nicole!
October 28, 2024
I didn't want to put down this second installment of Rhi and Nick's story. Please note that if you are reading this review, there are a few minor comments that may spoil some developments in the first book if you haven't read it yet.
I love Rhi and Nick so much. Rhi is such a strong character; she is willing to do anything to protect those she loves, and I liked seeing more of the girl gang in action. There were some fantastic moments of female rage thrown into the story, and damn, I was cheering for their unique brand of justice. The tension between Rhi and Nick in this book is off the charts. My heart felt pulled in many different directions, from lovers to enemies and back to lovers. Often, we see a lot of touch her and be unlived vibes, and it's so exciting to see both that and Rhi, who will go to bat for him as well.
Nick is the tortured MMC we all love and crave. He's wading through his emotions and troubles behind the scenes and is still there for Rhi as she pushes him away. I don't want to say too much more and spoil what unfolds between the two of them, but I do have to say that the spice was well-written and added the perfect touch to the story.
Twists and turns are sprinkled throughout the book, keeping me guessing and looking forward to uncovering more secrets. I like that we get to learn more about Rhi's parents and also more about Nick. In a way, I still got an adult Percy Jackson vibe, but in the best way possible, with the adventure aspects and the found family. Rhi's girl gang is a chef's kiss. The ending left me with so many questions, and the cliffhanger has me ready to see what will happen in the next book.
I love Rhi and Nick so much. Rhi is such a strong character; she is willing to do anything to protect those she loves, and I liked seeing more of the girl gang in action. There were some fantastic moments of female rage thrown into the story, and damn, I was cheering for their unique brand of justice. The tension between Rhi and Nick in this book is off the charts. My heart felt pulled in many different directions, from lovers to enemies and back to lovers. Often, we see a lot of touch her and be unlived vibes, and it's so exciting to see both that and Rhi, who will go to bat for him as well.
Nick is the tortured MMC we all love and crave. He's wading through his emotions and troubles behind the scenes and is still there for Rhi as she pushes him away. I don't want to say too much more and spoil what unfolds between the two of them, but I do have to say that the spice was well-written and added the perfect touch to the story.
Twists and turns are sprinkled throughout the book, keeping me guessing and looking forward to uncovering more secrets. I like that we get to learn more about Rhi's parents and also more about Nick. In a way, I still got an adult Percy Jackson vibe, but in the best way possible, with the adventure aspects and the found family. Rhi's girl gang is a chef's kiss. The ending left me with so many questions, and the cliffhanger has me ready to see what will happen in the next book.
October 24, 2024
ARC READ- 4.5/5 ⭐️
I rate books completely based on vibes and this delivered!!! I picked it up as soon as I finished writing the review for the first book and read it in one sitting
Venomous picks up a few months the events of Monstrous and drives straight into the beautiful chaos. Trying to save the man she loves, Rhi will do anything for him… including keeping away no matter how much it hurts her and Nick leaves no time to express how much he hates it.
The book shows the lingering trauma from the events of book1 and we see how it shapes the events of book2 so the continuity was great
The female rage in this book…. I DEVOURED IT.
Showing references to how pop culture vilifies monsters like medusa and Circe ect. But at the end of the day, they're all almost always the victims of SA and the gods and heroes who punish them are still lauded. And this is such a powerful statement.
“Medusa's story is nothing if a blaring testament to the injustice suffered by women”
"Have you ever noticed how when men lose their shit, they're praised for it? The world treats rage and vengeance as a sign of power when it comes to men, but when women display any emotion other than appeasement, we're labeled as emotional, unstable, or crazy."
Stalker Nick was my absolute favorite but I think I might enjoy seeing book 3 Nick even more- which brings me to my next point IT ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!!
And at the end of the day… is it really cannibalism if you’re a monster eating men who deserve it?
I rate books completely based on vibes and this delivered!!! I picked it up as soon as I finished writing the review for the first book and read it in one sitting
Venomous picks up a few months the events of Monstrous and drives straight into the beautiful chaos. Trying to save the man she loves, Rhi will do anything for him… including keeping away no matter how much it hurts her and Nick leaves no time to express how much he hates it.
The book shows the lingering trauma from the events of book1 and we see how it shapes the events of book2 so the continuity was great
The female rage in this book…. I DEVOURED IT.
Showing references to how pop culture vilifies monsters like medusa and Circe ect. But at the end of the day, they're all almost always the victims of SA and the gods and heroes who punish them are still lauded. And this is such a powerful statement.
“Medusa's story is nothing if a blaring testament to the injustice suffered by women”
"Have you ever noticed how when men lose their shit, they're praised for it? The world treats rage and vengeance as a sign of power when it comes to men, but when women display any emotion other than appeasement, we're labeled as emotional, unstable, or crazy."
Stalker Nick was my absolute favorite but I think I might enjoy seeing book 3 Nick even more- which brings me to my next point IT ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!!
And at the end of the day… is it really cannibalism if you’re a monster eating men who deserve it?
November 13, 2024
**4.5 stars
Y'all. Monstrous was good, but Venomous? We get the monster we deserved in this one. From both Nick and Rhi. And I love them both for different reasons. We get the falling apart Nick. The one who is becoming unhinged with his love for Rhi. And we get the revenge era Rhi. The two of them becoming darker together is *chef's kiss* and I can't wait to see how these two evolve in the final book. I just know it's going to be good.
And just like in Monstrous, we get strong female friendships in Venomous. Those same friendships that Rhi built in book 1 are strong in book 2, but they are so much more complex as her and Nick's relationship evolves. But these friendships are bigger than how a man might come between them, and there are moments throughout the book that just make me love the friendships they have with one another, especially a moment for one of the girls in particular (no spoilers though).
BUT the ending. Why did we have to have such a heartbreaking ending?? And why do we have to wait for the next book?? Can we at least have a date for when the next one comes out? Pretty please. 🙏
Check your trigger warnings, but if you're good with those, definitely check out this series. It's one I wish I would have picked up sooner - even if that means I have to wait to find out what happens!
Thank you to Nicole Rubino & Good Girls PR for the gifted eARC, finished copy, and swag pack!
Y'all. Monstrous was good, but Venomous? We get the monster we deserved in this one. From both Nick and Rhi. And I love them both for different reasons. We get the falling apart Nick. The one who is becoming unhinged with his love for Rhi. And we get the revenge era Rhi. The two of them becoming darker together is *chef's kiss* and I can't wait to see how these two evolve in the final book. I just know it's going to be good.
And just like in Monstrous, we get strong female friendships in Venomous. Those same friendships that Rhi built in book 1 are strong in book 2, but they are so much more complex as her and Nick's relationship evolves. But these friendships are bigger than how a man might come between them, and there are moments throughout the book that just make me love the friendships they have with one another, especially a moment for one of the girls in particular (no spoilers though).
BUT the ending. Why did we have to have such a heartbreaking ending?? And why do we have to wait for the next book?? Can we at least have a date for when the next one comes out? Pretty please. 🙏
Check your trigger warnings, but if you're good with those, definitely check out this series. It's one I wish I would have picked up sooner - even if that means I have to wait to find out what happens!
Thank you to Nicole Rubino & Good Girls PR for the gifted eARC, finished copy, and swag pack!
October 4, 2024
Venomous picks up a few months after Monstrous and we see Rhi dealing with the aftermath of the events of book 1
One of the things that really stood out to me was that we really explored the lingering trauma from the events of book 1. We see how it shapes the events of book 2 and the continuity here was great.
We’ve delved even deeper to the monstrous side of Greek mythology and expanded our cast of monsters and deities in a very satisfying way.
The relationship and interactions between Nicholas and Rhiannanon has also been sooooo good to read. Nick the stalker has become my favourite Nick and I’m living for these two.
The second huge thing that resonates, is the feminist vibe for the so called monsters.
About how pop culture vilifies monsters like medusa and Circe ect. But at the end of the day, they’re all almost always the victims of SA and the gods and heroes who punish them are still lauded. And this is such a powerful statement. Because aren’t women still dealing with this today?
‘Medusa’s story is nothing if a blaring testament to the injustice suffered by women’
It’s getting deep.
In other notes. Jesse is gross. Astrid remains awesome. And I’m low-key deathly afraid of being haunted now.
Also that cliffhanger! One of my FAVE tropes is incoming for book 3 and I. Am. PUMPED!
Thank you Nicole for the Arc!
One of the things that really stood out to me was that we really explored the lingering trauma from the events of book 1. We see how it shapes the events of book 2 and the continuity here was great.
We’ve delved even deeper to the monstrous side of Greek mythology and expanded our cast of monsters and deities in a very satisfying way.
The relationship and interactions between Nicholas and Rhiannanon has also been sooooo good to read. Nick the stalker has become my favourite Nick and I’m living for these two.
The second huge thing that resonates, is the feminist vibe for the so called monsters.
About how pop culture vilifies monsters like medusa and Circe ect. But at the end of the day, they’re all almost always the victims of SA and the gods and heroes who punish them are still lauded. And this is such a powerful statement. Because aren’t women still dealing with this today?
‘Medusa’s story is nothing if a blaring testament to the injustice suffered by women’
It’s getting deep.
In other notes. Jesse is gross. Astrid remains awesome. And I’m low-key deathly afraid of being haunted now.
Also that cliffhanger! One of my FAVE tropes is incoming for book 3 and I. Am. PUMPED!
Thank you Nicole for the Arc!
October 27, 2024
🔥"Keep looking at me like that," he warns in a savage tone, "and I'll have to fck you so hard you'll beg me for mercy."
I can't help the taunting tilt of my lips. "Isn't that the idea?"
Black encompasses the gold of his eyes.
"That fcking mouth."
🔥"I'm a woman...
A monster...
Your retribution...
And your worst fcking nightmare."
4.5/5 ⭐
2.5/5 🌶️
Okay I just have to preface... this review is SO HARD for me to write without giving away any spoilers!!! LOL. Don't worry... don't worry... I'm not going to. But the things I want to rave about? I CANT because it would give away the "OMFG moments in this book". I already messaged Nicole, the author, about them though so.... I guess it's all good 😉
This is the sequel to Monstrous, which I devoured just last month, and I could not wait for this one to come out!!! I was on the edge of my damn seat!
I can just absolutely tell that Nicole Rubino is a girls' girl—her monologues on the double standards between men and women are spot-on. Rhi, the main character, has these epic "female rage" moments that had me screaming. It’s all about how women aren't allowed to be angry like men are, and honestly, it was such a badass female power moment!
I ate this plot up and really REALLY enjoy this world Nicole has built. It’s dark, mythical, and full of secrets, and I’m living for the monster element. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done so well, and the secrets unveiled in this one set up book 3 perfectly, which is coming out in 2025 (I AM SO EXCITED FOR IT!!!!!)
Nicole has me hooked, and I just want more of this world. I can't wait for book 3!!!
**Just know, you HAVE to read book 1, Monstrous, before you read this one. This is the sequel!
Thank you so much Nicole for allowing me to read this advanced copy!
I can't help the taunting tilt of my lips. "Isn't that the idea?"
Black encompasses the gold of his eyes.
"That fcking mouth."
🔥"I'm a woman...
A monster...
Your retribution...
And your worst fcking nightmare."
4.5/5 ⭐
2.5/5 🌶️
Okay I just have to preface... this review is SO HARD for me to write without giving away any spoilers!!! LOL. Don't worry... don't worry... I'm not going to. But the things I want to rave about? I CANT because it would give away the "OMFG moments in this book". I already messaged Nicole, the author, about them though so.... I guess it's all good 😉
This is the sequel to Monstrous, which I devoured just last month, and I could not wait for this one to come out!!! I was on the edge of my damn seat!
I can just absolutely tell that Nicole Rubino is a girls' girl—her monologues on the double standards between men and women are spot-on. Rhi, the main character, has these epic "female rage" moments that had me screaming. It’s all about how women aren't allowed to be angry like men are, and honestly, it was such a badass female power moment!
I ate this plot up and really REALLY enjoy this world Nicole has built. It’s dark, mythical, and full of secrets, and I’m living for the monster element. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done so well, and the secrets unveiled in this one set up book 3 perfectly, which is coming out in 2025 (I AM SO EXCITED FOR IT!!!!!)
Nicole has me hooked, and I just want more of this world. I can't wait for book 3!!!
**Just know, you HAVE to read book 1, Monstrous, before you read this one. This is the sequel!
Thank you so much Nicole for allowing me to read this advanced copy!
October 11, 2024
Venomous - Nicole. M. Rubino
5+✨
First of all, what the FUCK Nicole? Why have you done this to me? What was that ending?! You can’t do that! And then expect me to wait a whole ass year for the next book… No I won’t accept that, you monster!
Okay jokes and my heartbreak aside, this book was amazing. I loved Rhi and the girl gang in book 1, and I loved them even more in book 2. Nick and me had a love hate relationship in book 1, but in book 2 absolutely loved him.
Right so the plot twists here gave me whiplash, I honestly didn’t see any of it coming and taking me by surprise like that is not an easy thing to do, but Nicole nailed it. I loved the action, I was never bored and there was always something going on keeping me on my toes.
Nicole has a way of writing characters so amazingly that I really wanted to kill some of them myself, and hug others. I could always see the scenes clearly in my mind as I was reading, and I could feel the emotions the characters were feeling. I am speechless, I don’t know what more to say,
🩸 Gods and Monsters
🩸Prophesies
🩸Girl gang
🩸Dark academia
🩸Greek mythology
🩸Found family
🩸Betrayal
🩸Hurt him to save him
🩸Lovers to enemies to…?
🩸Deadly bargains
Venomous will be out on October 30th, so pre order it now!
Thank you Nicole for this ARC!
I am leaving this review voluntarily💕
5+✨
First of all, what the FUCK Nicole? Why have you done this to me? What was that ending?! You can’t do that! And then expect me to wait a whole ass year for the next book… No I won’t accept that, you monster!
Okay jokes and my heartbreak aside, this book was amazing. I loved Rhi and the girl gang in book 1, and I loved them even more in book 2. Nick and me had a love hate relationship in book 1, but in book 2 absolutely loved him.
Right so the plot twists here gave me whiplash, I honestly didn’t see any of it coming and taking me by surprise like that is not an easy thing to do, but Nicole nailed it. I loved the action, I was never bored and there was always something going on keeping me on my toes.
Nicole has a way of writing characters so amazingly that I really wanted to kill some of them myself, and hug others. I could always see the scenes clearly in my mind as I was reading, and I could feel the emotions the characters were feeling. I am speechless, I don’t know what more to say,
🩸 Gods and Monsters
🩸Prophesies
🩸Girl gang
🩸Dark academia
🩸Greek mythology
🩸Found family
🩸Betrayal
🩸Hurt him to save him
🩸Lovers to enemies to…?
🩸Deadly bargains
Venomous will be out on October 30th, so pre order it now!
Thank you Nicole for this ARC!
I am leaving this review voluntarily💕
July 6, 2025
4,5 stars
Dark fantasy with monster college, deadly bargains, feminine rage and found family mixed with Greek mythology. Second book in the Monstrous trilogy, picks up right where the first book ended.
The stakes were even higher than they were in the first book and this book was also darker compared to the first one. Once again, I really enjoyed the strong friendships and found family aspect between the characters. I liked the lovers to enemies arc between Rhi and Nick and can’t wait to see how things turn out for them in the 3rd book.
The plot was interesting and kept me hooked. There was a lot happening, both action-wise but also in character and relationship development.
Can’t wait to read the 3rd book, Vicious, later this year!
“Are you taunting me out of boredom or obsession? Because I don’t have time for either.”
“If I have to break to keep him alive, then it’s only fair I break something of his in return.”
“Was my hand around your throat not enough for you to get the message?”
“I’d face all the dangers of Hell to find you, before I’d choose peace in Heaven without you.”
“There’s a point where a human that appears monstrous becomes more terrifying than the monster itself.”
Dark fantasy with monster college, deadly bargains, feminine rage and found family mixed with Greek mythology. Second book in the Monstrous trilogy, picks up right where the first book ended.
The stakes were even higher than they were in the first book and this book was also darker compared to the first one. Once again, I really enjoyed the strong friendships and found family aspect between the characters. I liked the lovers to enemies arc between Rhi and Nick and can’t wait to see how things turn out for them in the 3rd book.
The plot was interesting and kept me hooked. There was a lot happening, both action-wise but also in character and relationship development.
Can’t wait to read the 3rd book, Vicious, later this year!
“Are you taunting me out of boredom or obsession? Because I don’t have time for either.”
“If I have to break to keep him alive, then it’s only fair I break something of his in return.”
“Was my hand around your throat not enough for you to get the message?”
“I’d face all the dangers of Hell to find you, before I’d choose peace in Heaven without you.”
“There’s a point where a human that appears monstrous becomes more terrifying than the monster itself.”
October 17, 2024
~ARC Review~
This was such a wondrous, heartrending piece of work! I truly adore the relationship Rhi has with her girl gang and I feel like we got to see even more character development and feminine rage from all of them. Without any spoilers, we finally see Scylla come out to play a bit more, and we also get to see Nick’s dark side 😈
The spice was delicious without being overbearing/distracting from the plot whatsoever - and just wait until you get to the Scotch scene 🥃🥵
The touch her/him and 💀 was on a whole other level - the level where everyone dines 🍽️
Also, make sure you have tissues nearby because you very likely will bawl like a baby - just let it happen; it’ll get better 🖤
Questions I had from Monstrous were definitely answered, and some surprises/characters popped up that I can’t wait to see addressed in the next book!
*Be aware that this is the second book in a trilogy and does end on a cliffhanger. Do check in with content warnings as this is significantly darker than Monstrous and contains more graphic vi0lence/g0re and consensual sex scenes.
I received an advance copy of this book and my review is given voluntarily.
This was such a wondrous, heartrending piece of work! I truly adore the relationship Rhi has with her girl gang and I feel like we got to see even more character development and feminine rage from all of them. Without any spoilers, we finally see Scylla come out to play a bit more, and we also get to see Nick’s dark side 😈
The spice was delicious without being overbearing/distracting from the plot whatsoever - and just wait until you get to the Scotch scene 🥃🥵
The touch her/him and 💀 was on a whole other level - the level where everyone dines 🍽️
Also, make sure you have tissues nearby because you very likely will bawl like a baby - just let it happen; it’ll get better 🖤
Questions I had from Monstrous were definitely answered, and some surprises/characters popped up that I can’t wait to see addressed in the next book!
*Be aware that this is the second book in a trilogy and does end on a cliffhanger. Do check in with content warnings as this is significantly darker than Monstrous and contains more graphic vi0lence/g0re and consensual sex scenes.
I received an advance copy of this book and my review is given voluntarily.
November 3, 2025
🏺 Greek Mythology References
😈 Monster Girl Gang
❤️ Soulmates
🔥 Spicy Scenes
📚 Street Team Member
“And then I realize: being without him would be like searching for light in a starless sky. I’d be lost in a void of darkness.”
“Vicious, beautiful liar.”
“I relish the way his eyes drink me in and swallow me down, like a man unable to quench an insatiable thirst.”
Well… thanks for that ending, Nicole! What a setup for book 2. We’re in a time crunch for, literally, the love of her life! There have been these mysterious issues that were solved to an extent, but I can tell that it’s now coming to a head - ready or not, here we go! It’s ON!
Just like in Monstrous, I loved the monsters - and how Nicole makes the clear point of not all monsters having fangs and claws. These are monsters hiding in plain sight. Monsters that you and I deal with on a daily basis. That was clever!
The twist had me like a stab in the back! Prepare yourself! Venomous has ALL the angst between Rhi and Nick - we get the good, the bad and the ugly… I’m just so torn up about how that ended and how Vicious is beginning! Talk about one HELL of an ending!
P.S. Did I mention that Rhi eats someone? Just saying.
😈 Monster Girl Gang
❤️ Soulmates
🔥 Spicy Scenes
📚 Street Team Member
“And then I realize: being without him would be like searching for light in a starless sky. I’d be lost in a void of darkness.”
“Vicious, beautiful liar.”
“I relish the way his eyes drink me in and swallow me down, like a man unable to quench an insatiable thirst.”
Well… thanks for that ending, Nicole! What a setup for book 2. We’re in a time crunch for, literally, the love of her life! There have been these mysterious issues that were solved to an extent, but I can tell that it’s now coming to a head - ready or not, here we go! It’s ON!
Just like in Monstrous, I loved the monsters - and how Nicole makes the clear point of not all monsters having fangs and claws. These are monsters hiding in plain sight. Monsters that you and I deal with on a daily basis. That was clever!
The twist had me like a stab in the back! Prepare yourself! Venomous has ALL the angst between Rhi and Nick - we get the good, the bad and the ugly… I’m just so torn up about how that ended and how Vicious is beginning! Talk about one HELL of an ending!
P.S. Did I mention that Rhi eats someone? Just saying.
November 4, 2025
I’m sad this book is over! I was dying to read it and at the same time I was putting it off because it’s over 500 pages. I flew through this book within a few days. This is book two in the series and it picks up right where book one ended. I was immediately wrapped up in this monstrous world again. Between Rhi and Nick and the girl gang, I was hooked! The journey that Rhi goes on through this book is wild. Everytime she turns around it’s another big fiasco which makes this story so intriguing. There were so many big moments in this story for Rhi, between her thread and discovering who she really is. She’s also still in school and grieving her best friend while trying to figure out who’s cloaking her thread. Rhi is also constantly worried about what will eventually happen to Nick. Nick and Rhi have this magical love in this story and it’s my favorite part. It’s super spicy at times on a monster level. My heart hurt at the end of Rhi’s story. I loved hearing Nicks pov in the last chapter.
The way this story ends again has me wanting to read book three immediately, especially because it just came out.
The way this story ends again has me wanting to read book three immediately, especially because it just came out.
October 29, 2024
So do I cry or scream now? A YEAR?!!!! After that ending?!!! 😭😱😭
As you can probably deduce from this being the second book in a trilogy (it’s a trilogy right? Not longer? lol) it ends on a cliffhanger. I thought the ending to book 1 was bad, nope this one was much worse
THAT being said oh my god I love this book! It’s so much better than book one and I’m loving it!
There is so much that happens and we find out that I don’t know how to review it without spoilers so this will be short!
🖤Monster College
🖤Dark Academia
🖤Greek Mythology
🖤Spicy Romance
If your someone who doesn’t mind cliffhangers you’ll love this series, and even if you aren’t a fan of cliffhangers you need to start this series Nicole M Rubino’s writing will just hook you from the beginning and NOT let you go!
Now I’ll be patiently (trying too at least) waiting for book 3!
Thank you to Good.Girls.PR for this ARC!
As you can probably deduce from this being the second book in a trilogy (it’s a trilogy right? Not longer? lol) it ends on a cliffhanger. I thought the ending to book 1 was bad, nope this one was much worse
THAT being said oh my god I love this book! It’s so much better than book one and I’m loving it!
There is so much that happens and we find out that I don’t know how to review it without spoilers so this will be short!
🖤Monster College
🖤Dark Academia
🖤Greek Mythology
🖤Spicy Romance
If your someone who doesn’t mind cliffhangers you’ll love this series, and even if you aren’t a fan of cliffhangers you need to start this series Nicole M Rubino’s writing will just hook you from the beginning and NOT let you go!
Now I’ll be patiently (trying too at least) waiting for book 3!
Thank you to Good.Girls.PR for this ARC!
August 28, 2025
The deeper I sink into this series, the more I’m utterly consumed by Nick. His dominance, his possessiveness, and the way pure darkness clings to him—it’s intoxicating in the most dangerous way. Every word he speaks feels like a knife’s edge, cutting straight into the war raging inside him. The tension, the push and pull between him and Rhi, had me hanging onto every page. But Rhi… my god, Rhi. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a FMC more. She’s fierce, flawed, and finally stepping into her own power. Watching her strength unfurl with each chapter, watching her realize she’s a force all her own, gave me goosebumps. She’s not just surviving fate, she’s learning how to bend it to her will.
And that ending? It destroyed me. Fate played the cruelest hand, leaving me breathless and broken, desperate for the next book. Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that Rhi isn’t done. She’s coming back for her man…
Love this twisted, love this cruel… and yet I’d beg for more.
And that ending? It destroyed me. Fate played the cruelest hand, leaving me breathless and broken, desperate for the next book. Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that Rhi isn’t done. She’s coming back for her man…
Love this twisted, love this cruel… and yet I’d beg for more.
November 7, 2025
“Holy f*ck” about covers it. This sequel drags every nerve through glass and still finds room for hope.
We’re back with Rhi over summer break, still raw from book one. She’s pulled away from everyone, especially Nick, and slips back into a fragile truce with former best-friend/ex Jesse. Then jealousy ignites, truths surface, and the “I think I know who they are” theory turns into a twist I didn’t see coming.
The prophecy from Monstrous is in full swing. Rhi’s racing to derail fate while the world widens: Fates, Hades, Titans, the Greek-myth sandbox gets bigger and darker. The girl-gang sisterhood keeps the heart beating, tackling grief, anxiety, and loyalty without losing the banter. We’re reminded that “monsters” isn’t always about bloodlines.
That ending… jaw on floor. A betrayal from the least expected corner, a letter that wrecks you, and a cliffhanger for Rhi × Nick that demands the next book.
We’re back with Rhi over summer break, still raw from book one. She’s pulled away from everyone, especially Nick, and slips back into a fragile truce with former best-friend/ex Jesse. Then jealousy ignites, truths surface, and the “I think I know who they are” theory turns into a twist I didn’t see coming.
The prophecy from Monstrous is in full swing. Rhi’s racing to derail fate while the world widens: Fates, Hades, Titans, the Greek-myth sandbox gets bigger and darker. The girl-gang sisterhood keeps the heart beating, tackling grief, anxiety, and loyalty without losing the banter. We’re reminded that “monsters” isn’t always about bloodlines.
That ending… jaw on floor. A betrayal from the least expected corner, a letter that wrecks you, and a cliffhanger for Rhi × Nick that demands the next book.
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