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Quinlan Empire #3
Lovely Venom
I’m not the lost girl he thinks I am. He’s not the monster they warned me about.
Drug enforcement isn’t just a job, it’s my passion.
Until another bust goes sideways, crashing everything around me.
Next, I’m sucked into a new world that leaves me with one choice to not only survive
but to become a princess:
Murder Connor Quinlan.
He’s not just the Irish Mob’s most dangerous unhinged psycho,
Connor is the one-night stand I can’t stop thinking about.
And I’m the one he’s been looking for.
Connor is rich, powerful, and a lethal heartbreaker,
who is on a killing spree to eliminate his enemies.
One night in his bed was all it took to unlock the blackness in my soul
and breathe new light into my own unhinged ways.
We were perfect and terrible for each other at the same time.
But he murdered my father, and he has to die.
Only, when he catches me, he gives me a choice:
Leave and his team will hunt me down. Or stay and spend the night in his bed.
The catch?
I get to try again.
But every failed attempt turns into another surrender.
To his rules. His hands. His hunger.
I don’t know if I hate him or if I can’t live without him.
When the truth comes to light, he refuses to let me go,
even if falling for the woman who was sent to slaughter him
will ruin his life in more ways than one.
Tropes:
Irish Mafia
Age Gap
Enemies to Lovers
Cinderella Vibes
Obsessed MMC x Blackcat FMC
Who’s more unhinged?
Knife Play/CNC
Found Family
Drug enforcement isn’t just a job, it’s my passion.
Until another bust goes sideways, crashing everything around me.
Next, I’m sucked into a new world that leaves me with one choice to not only survive
but to become a princess:
Murder Connor Quinlan.
He’s not just the Irish Mob’s most dangerous unhinged psycho,
Connor is the one-night stand I can’t stop thinking about.
And I’m the one he’s been looking for.
Connor is rich, powerful, and a lethal heartbreaker,
who is on a killing spree to eliminate his enemies.
One night in his bed was all it took to unlock the blackness in my soul
and breathe new light into my own unhinged ways.
We were perfect and terrible for each other at the same time.
But he murdered my father, and he has to die.
Only, when he catches me, he gives me a choice:
Leave and his team will hunt me down. Or stay and spend the night in his bed.
The catch?
I get to try again.
But every failed attempt turns into another surrender.
To his rules. His hands. His hunger.
I don’t know if I hate him or if I can’t live without him.
When the truth comes to light, he refuses to let me go,
even if falling for the woman who was sent to slaughter him
will ruin his life in more ways than one.
Tropes:
Irish Mafia
Age Gap
Enemies to Lovers
Cinderella Vibes
Obsessed MMC x Blackcat FMC
Who’s more unhinged?
Knife Play/CNC
Found Family
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
437 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garland
60 books763 followersDeborah Garland is a top 45 Amazon Bestselling and a 4x Award-Winning author of emotional, funny, and steamy romances!
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
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January 17, 20265⭐️
4🌶️
🐍Irish Mafia
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🐍Cinderella Vibes
🔥Age Gap
🐍Obsessed MMC
🔥Black Cat FMC
🐍Who’s More Unhinged?
🔥Found Family
🐍Dual First Person POV
Welcome back to the Quinlann Empire, where the men are unhinged and the women are sometimes even crazier. I was excited to read Connor’s story and Raina easily matches his crazy. Connor is the second in command and is responsible for the enforcer team. Who could match his unhinged energy better than a former DEA agent sent to kill him by a rival family. When Raina is fired from the DEA, she’s approached by a man claiming she is the lost princess to the Albanian Brotherhood, but to inherit she must kill Connor. Raina and Connor have met before, he’s the nameless guy from the bar and they had an epic night together. On her first attempt Connnor quickly disarms her. He makes a bet with Raina, if she doesn’t come from her punishment, she’ll go free. If she does, he takes her to his bedroom. His obsession only grows with each meeting. She matches his crazy and isn’t afraid of him. Raina fights her feelings for Connor because she struggles to believe he feels that strongly for her. The story of her background and who her true father and the connection to the Brotherhood of course caused issues, since they want Connor dead. The spice is hot between Connor and Raina. They can’t keep their hands off each other. There is creative use of his belt and her knife. As well as smexy after he saves her and unalives some bad guys. Getting to know the side characters of Rhys was so much fun, his neighbor is a hoot. Lovely Venom is a crazy good mafia romance with unhinged characters and spice that will melt your kindle.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading
Plot:5
Engaging:5
Character:5
Thank you Deborah Garland for the ARC.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“She’s chaos wrapped in something beautiful. Sharp enough to cut me open, yet cunning enough to make me crave the pain.”
“Why are you calling me Venom?”
“Because you sink in, slow and sweet, and by the time I’ve felt the poison in my veins, I was already yours.”
“And so we understand each other, every time I get your weapons from you, we take another turn in the sheets.”
“F*€king an assassin hired to unalive me in an alley in broad daylight with dead bodies I unalived for her lying nearby means I’m f*€king certifiable.”
“F*€k, he’s not stolen my heart, he’s captured it.”
“Princess or prisoner, you were going to be mine, forever, no matter what, Venom.”
4🌶️
🐍Irish Mafia
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🐍Cinderella Vibes
🔥Age Gap
🐍Obsessed MMC
🔥Black Cat FMC
🐍Who’s More Unhinged?
🔥Found Family
🐍Dual First Person POV
Welcome back to the Quinlann Empire, where the men are unhinged and the women are sometimes even crazier. I was excited to read Connor’s story and Raina easily matches his crazy. Connor is the second in command and is responsible for the enforcer team. Who could match his unhinged energy better than a former DEA agent sent to kill him by a rival family. When Raina is fired from the DEA, she’s approached by a man claiming she is the lost princess to the Albanian Brotherhood, but to inherit she must kill Connor. Raina and Connor have met before, he’s the nameless guy from the bar and they had an epic night together. On her first attempt Connnor quickly disarms her. He makes a bet with Raina, if she doesn’t come from her punishment, she’ll go free. If she does, he takes her to his bedroom. His obsession only grows with each meeting. She matches his crazy and isn’t afraid of him. Raina fights her feelings for Connor because she struggles to believe he feels that strongly for her. The story of her background and who her true father and the connection to the Brotherhood of course caused issues, since they want Connor dead. The spice is hot between Connor and Raina. They can’t keep their hands off each other. There is creative use of his belt and her knife. As well as smexy after he saves her and unalives some bad guys. Getting to know the side characters of Rhys was so much fun, his neighbor is a hoot. Lovely Venom is a crazy good mafia romance with unhinged characters and spice that will melt your kindle.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading
Plot:5
Engaging:5
Character:5
Thank you Deborah Garland for the ARC.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“She’s chaos wrapped in something beautiful. Sharp enough to cut me open, yet cunning enough to make me crave the pain.”
“Why are you calling me Venom?”
“Because you sink in, slow and sweet, and by the time I’ve felt the poison in my veins, I was already yours.”
“And so we understand each other, every time I get your weapons from you, we take another turn in the sheets.”
“F*€king an assassin hired to unalive me in an alley in broad daylight with dead bodies I unalived for her lying nearby means I’m f*€king certifiable.”
“F*€k, he’s not stolen my heart, he’s captured it.”
“Princess or prisoner, you were going to be mine, forever, no matter what, Venom.”
October 24, 2025
ꍏ꒒ꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑀𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑠 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂 & 𝐴𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑠 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓. 𝑫𝒖𝒆𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
These two narrators were so perfect for these two characters. And truly brought this book to life, I was completely invested in this book even though I read it just a few weeks ago.
Maxine's ability to change her tone and accent while also having the strength and vulnerability for the female lead was amazing.
Aiden Snow (this was my first time listening to this narrator and damn he was excellent) he brought Connor's character to life, his tone, pitch and accents! Perfect.
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖢𝗈𝗇𝗇𝗈𝗋
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖱𝖺𝗂𝗇𝖺
4.5 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘮 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
Raina, she is an undercover DEA agent, for the past few months her focus has solely been to take down Havoc! His evaded her trying to arrest him multiple times and just when she thinks she has another shot, chaos ensues.
Being let go from the one job she has loved doing brings her life to a halt, finding out she is the long lost princess to the Albanians. Now that flips her world upside down, especially when she is given one task.
Kill Connor Quinlan. Her mysterious, dangerous, hot ONS.
Connor, he ensures Quinlan Empire is safe. His the muscle and you most certainly do not want to cross him.
Few months ago he met Raina, and he has become obsessed, he doesn't know who she is , or where she is, until he sees her again.
Undercover DEA agent, someone with an ulterior motive. And when she goes into his home with one mission to kill him (well attempts to), she's his.
This book! Connor freaking Quinlan & Raina.
Absolutely. Perfect.
Firstly the spice! It was 🔥🥵. The chemistry was amazing, the way Connor will do anything and everything for Raina...amazing!
I loved the storyline about her background and how it unraveled and was so happy when I guessed correctly.
The Rhys & Fallon moments!! Had me laughing so much. I cannot wait for their book it's going to be everything I just know it.
Another great book from this author.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Loved catching up with the previous couples.
Rhys & Fallon...oh man😂
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋🔫💋🔫💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑀𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑠 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂 & 𝐴𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑠 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓. 𝑫𝒖𝒆𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
These two narrators were so perfect for these two characters. And truly brought this book to life, I was completely invested in this book even though I read it just a few weeks ago.
Maxine's ability to change her tone and accent while also having the strength and vulnerability for the female lead was amazing.
Aiden Snow (this was my first time listening to this narrator and damn he was excellent) he brought Connor's character to life, his tone, pitch and accents! Perfect.
ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖢𝗈𝗇𝗇𝗈𝗋
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖱𝖺𝗂𝗇𝖺
4.5 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘮 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
Raina, she is an undercover DEA agent, for the past few months her focus has solely been to take down Havoc! His evaded her trying to arrest him multiple times and just when she thinks she has another shot, chaos ensues.
Being let go from the one job she has loved doing brings her life to a halt, finding out she is the long lost princess to the Albanians. Now that flips her world upside down, especially when she is given one task.
Kill Connor Quinlan. Her mysterious, dangerous, hot ONS.
Connor, he ensures Quinlan Empire is safe. His the muscle and you most certainly do not want to cross him.
Few months ago he met Raina, and he has become obsessed, he doesn't know who she is , or where she is, until he sees her again.
Undercover DEA agent, someone with an ulterior motive. And when she goes into his home with one mission to kill him (well attempts to), she's his.
This book! Connor freaking Quinlan & Raina.
Absolutely. Perfect.
Firstly the spice! It was 🔥🥵. The chemistry was amazing, the way Connor will do anything and everything for Raina...amazing!
I loved the storyline about her background and how it unraveled and was so happy when I guessed correctly.
The Rhys & Fallon moments!! Had me laughing so much. I cannot wait for their book it's going to be everything I just know it.
Another great book from this author.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Loved catching up with the previous couples.
Rhys & Fallon...oh man😂
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋🔫💋🔫💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
October 4, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I had a great time reading this ARC!
This is actually my second ARC from this author from this series and she never disappoints!
You get everything. You get the action. The plot. The tension. The smut. Badass FMC and unhinged MMC. The banter?! OMG. The hate f*ck they have?! I loved everything about this book. I was never bored. Something was always happening.
You get rivals from the Irish mob, Greek, Bratva, Italians and Albanians. So much action too!!
The MMC is AMAZING AND OBSESSED! The FMC is just as crazy and unhinged as him. Perfect for each other.
I definitely recommend it. You will love it.
Add to your TBR!
ITS OUT TODAY ON KU & THE AUDIO IS DUET!
I had a great time reading this ARC!
This is actually my second ARC from this author from this series and she never disappoints!
You get everything. You get the action. The plot. The tension. The smut. Badass FMC and unhinged MMC. The banter?! OMG. The hate f*ck they have?! I loved everything about this book. I was never bored. Something was always happening.
You get rivals from the Irish mob, Greek, Bratva, Italians and Albanians. So much action too!!
The MMC is AMAZING AND OBSESSED! The FMC is just as crazy and unhinged as him. Perfect for each other.
I definitely recommend it. You will love it.
Add to your TBR!
ITS OUT TODAY ON KU & THE AUDIO IS DUET!
October 3, 2025
5 ⭐️/3 🌶️
Raina is a baddie-period. That’s my whole review… but also not really, because I have to gush a little more!💕
I loved how her character was written as a strong, no-nonsense, and fierce person, yet with just the right touch of vulnerability that made her so real. Pair that with Connor’s obsessiveness, and wow! Their dynamic made this book absolutely perfect for me.🙌🏼
The writing? Flawless. The plot? Engaging from start to finish. The spice? On point. Honestly, this story delivered everything I wanted and more.
And can we talk about that little glimpse of Fallon and Rhys? I am so excited! I need their story ASAP!🙃
Trope: dea agent x Mafia romance
Raina is a baddie-period. That’s my whole review… but also not really, because I have to gush a little more!💕
I loved how her character was written as a strong, no-nonsense, and fierce person, yet with just the right touch of vulnerability that made her so real. Pair that with Connor’s obsessiveness, and wow! Their dynamic made this book absolutely perfect for me.🙌🏼
The writing? Flawless. The plot? Engaging from start to finish. The spice? On point. Honestly, this story delivered everything I wanted and more.
And can we talk about that little glimpse of Fallon and Rhys? I am so excited! I need their story ASAP!🙃
Trope: dea agent x Mafia romance
October 22, 2025
🍀 “That little whimper tells me everything I need to know about you,” he rasps. “I knew you’d like this Venom”
“You came in here to take my life. Now I get to take your sanity from you…..Let’s see just how depraved you are.”
🖤Whew! I devoured the duet style audiobook for Lovely Venom by Deborah Garland 💚📖🎧 And these narrators!! Maxine Mitchell and Aiden Snow’s performances were PHENOMENAL as Raina and Connor!
🍀Lovely Venom is book 3 in the interconnected standalone series, Quinlan Empire, and it is available NOW on KU and release tomorrow October 22nd on audio 🎧📖💚
🖤These characters had depth, and I felt every moment of their chemistry, giving me all the big feels! I was as invested in the plot, the added history to this world, and their romance had me giggling, tearing up, and feeling the heat!
🍀Forbidden | Mafia Romance
🍀Age Gap
🍀Enemies to Lovers
🍀He Fell First
🖤I remain in love with this world, the fantastic found family, all of the characters we have met along the way, and Lovely Venom did not disappoint! 📖💚
🍀 I definitely recommend checking out Lovely Venom and this entire Irish mafia world Deborah Garland has created with the Quinlan’s and O’Rourke’s!
🖤My most sincere and genuine thank you to Blue Nose Audio and Deborah Garland for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🍀🎧📖💚
*************
This was such a good time and the duet narration was incredible!!
FRTC….Leaving this bit because it was hilarious! Oh the confused, possessive, jealous, OTT Mafia man 😆
"This dedication says it's for women who want to get fked by a psychopath."…
Connor starts going through the others. "This one has four pages of trigger warnings. What the hell is CNC?"
He breezes through a few others, reading the backs of them. "She's got four boyfriends in this one." He looks adorably scandalized.
"I'll DNC you all you want. But I draw the line on adding a second dck to this relationship unless it's a plastic one."
I chuckle into my hand. "CNC.”
“You came in here to take my life. Now I get to take your sanity from you…..Let’s see just how depraved you are.”
🖤Whew! I devoured the duet style audiobook for Lovely Venom by Deborah Garland 💚📖🎧 And these narrators!! Maxine Mitchell and Aiden Snow’s performances were PHENOMENAL as Raina and Connor!
🍀Lovely Venom is book 3 in the interconnected standalone series, Quinlan Empire, and it is available NOW on KU and release tomorrow October 22nd on audio 🎧📖💚
🖤These characters had depth, and I felt every moment of their chemistry, giving me all the big feels! I was as invested in the plot, the added history to this world, and their romance had me giggling, tearing up, and feeling the heat!
🍀Forbidden | Mafia Romance
🍀Age Gap
🍀Enemies to Lovers
🍀He Fell First
🖤I remain in love with this world, the fantastic found family, all of the characters we have met along the way, and Lovely Venom did not disappoint! 📖💚
🍀 I definitely recommend checking out Lovely Venom and this entire Irish mafia world Deborah Garland has created with the Quinlan’s and O’Rourke’s!
🖤My most sincere and genuine thank you to Blue Nose Audio and Deborah Garland for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🍀🎧📖💚
*************
This was such a good time and the duet narration was incredible!!
FRTC….Leaving this bit because it was hilarious! Oh the confused, possessive, jealous, OTT Mafia man 😆
"This dedication says it's for women who want to get fked by a psychopath."…
Connor starts going through the others. "This one has four pages of trigger warnings. What the hell is CNC?"
He breezes through a few others, reading the backs of them. "She's got four boyfriends in this one." He looks adorably scandalized.
"I'll DNC you all you want. But I draw the line on adding a second dck to this relationship unless it's a plastic one."
I chuckle into my hand. "CNC.”
October 25, 2025
The plot of the book was really intriguing, so I was expecting more from it. Everything was just meh until the leads got together and then it went completely downhill. Their interactions felt so cringey! And seriously, what was that way of killing the villain? I mean, come on couldn’t she have just carried an injection with the venom? Why did she have to drink it, deep throat him, lose the antidote, and end up on her deathbed? The only thing I actually liked was that Raina took her revenge herself and didn’t let Conor talk her out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
ARC Review: 4.5⭐️
Lovely Venom is book 3 in the Quinlan Empire series featuring Connor Quinlan & Raina Riatt.
Connor & Raina met many months ago at a bar and got together for the night while Raina was undercover. Connor has been thinking about her ever since and wishes he could find her again.
What he doesn’t expect is to come across his mystery girl and discover she is a DEA agent. He ends up saving her life and is determined to be with her.
In the wake of her mother’s passing, Raina discovers information about her father and how she’ll need to marry someone to help him inherit her families fortune. This man is the biggest rival of the Quinlans.
They task Raina with killing Connor as an act of retaliation for killing their boss and her supposed father, but when she discovers her mark is the man she had a night with months ago she’s unable to follow through.
Connor is determined to win her over but with her loyalty in question, will he manage to claim her for himself or will she go against him for her supposed family ?
I really enjoyed this book and the unknown kept me invested from page one! Connor was determined and Raina was a bad ass ! Ive really been enjoying the Quinlan series and I can’t wait for Rhys & Fallon!
Thank you Deborah $ The Author Agency for the ARC!
Lovely Venom is book 3 in the Quinlan Empire series featuring Connor Quinlan & Raina Riatt.
Connor & Raina met many months ago at a bar and got together for the night while Raina was undercover. Connor has been thinking about her ever since and wishes he could find her again.
What he doesn’t expect is to come across his mystery girl and discover she is a DEA agent. He ends up saving her life and is determined to be with her.
In the wake of her mother’s passing, Raina discovers information about her father and how she’ll need to marry someone to help him inherit her families fortune. This man is the biggest rival of the Quinlans.
They task Raina with killing Connor as an act of retaliation for killing their boss and her supposed father, but when she discovers her mark is the man she had a night with months ago she’s unable to follow through.
Connor is determined to win her over but with her loyalty in question, will he manage to claim her for himself or will she go against him for her supposed family ?
I really enjoyed this book and the unknown kept me invested from page one! Connor was determined and Raina was a bad ass ! Ive really been enjoying the Quinlan series and I can’t wait for Rhys & Fallon!
Thank you Deborah $ The Author Agency for the ARC!
October 3, 2025
This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Connor and Raina’s story.
Raina is a former DEA agent, turned mafia princess, and Connor is wealthy and powerful, as well as one of the Irish mafia’s most dangerous, and unhinged psychos. Raina and Connor shared an unforgettable 1-night stand, and she is tasked with taking down the enemy.
This is a well written action-packed story, with found family, friendships, emotions, tension, obsession, loyalty, enemies / lover, an age gap, making choices, humour, witty banter, vengeance, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and unpredictable, mafia romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
Raina is a former DEA agent, turned mafia princess, and Connor is wealthy and powerful, as well as one of the Irish mafia’s most dangerous, and unhinged psychos. Raina and Connor shared an unforgettable 1-night stand, and she is tasked with taking down the enemy.
This is a well written action-packed story, with found family, friendships, emotions, tension, obsession, loyalty, enemies / lover, an age gap, making choices, humour, witty banter, vengeance, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and unpredictable, mafia romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.
October 8, 2025
This ARC was such a great read! It had everything you could want in a dark mafia romance! Who knew that one hot steamy night between a DEA agent and an Irish Mafia boss would blossom into the perfect mafia love story! So many twists and turns throughout this story it was hard to put it down. Not every “bad man” is a monster..he might just be the missing piece to your madness!
*Irish Mafia
*Enemies to Lovers
*Age gap
*Obsessed MMC
*Black Cat FMC
*touch her and you know…
*found family
If these tropes are your jam..read this book now! I’d love to have someone call me Venom 🐍🖤
*Irish Mafia
*Enemies to Lovers
*Age gap
*Obsessed MMC
*Black Cat FMC
*touch her and you know…
*found family
If these tropes are your jam..read this book now! I’d love to have someone call me Venom 🐍🖤
October 6, 2025
Review by: Jennifer
I am in love with this world that Deborah Garland has created. Connor and Raina's story is no exception. We are getting loads of drama and danger, but we are also getting a level of unhinged touch her and die, while at the same time Raina is this kick butt DEA agent who is more than capable of taking care of herself and we actually get to see that. This was an amazing addition to the series, and I give this 5 stars.
I am in love with this world that Deborah Garland has created. Connor and Raina's story is no exception. We are getting loads of drama and danger, but we are also getting a level of unhinged touch her and die, while at the same time Raina is this kick butt DEA agent who is more than capable of taking care of herself and we actually get to see that. This was an amazing addition to the series, and I give this 5 stars.
October 4, 2025
5 stars!! Wait, make it 10 . . . or a hundred. Author Deborah Garland writes the best mafia romances ever. Without a doubt. Characters that just draw you to them – so multi-layered and fascinating you can’t turn away. They are brutal, raw, frightening, but also loyal, devoted to family and vulnerable. Garland masterfully combines their horrible deeds with their huge hearts. Every story is connected to another story by some thread, some event, some family member. Each book takes you back to previous times, situations and family connections while also introducing new characters, new problems and new relationships. The mafia aspect of the story is riveting. The constant state of almost war and often actual war among the rival families, the lightning strikes of violence and death, the wars within the families, the forbidden relationships that nonetheless are formed between families. All riveting. But what really keeps you turning pages (or leaving your earbuds in hour after hour) is the heart of each story, the against-all-odds-and-all-logic love, the never-faltering loyalty and devotion, and the unending sense of unease, of danger, of impending doom that runs throughout each story.
Lovely Venom, the next story in the Quinlan Empire series, has all that and more. The Quinlans for years provided security for the Astoria O’Rourkes. But through a series of complex events, surprising family connections, duty and honor they are now their own Irish Mafia in Lower Manhattan. All members of any mafia/mob family – whether they be Irish, Italian, Russian, Greek – can be cruel and ruthless. Connor Quinlan is one of the most ruthless. He does the jobs that need to be done, whatever the danger or the cost. The cost to Connor himself. While his brothers and cousins and friends have found a balance to the never-ending stress and danger in their lives with wives and fiancées and children, Connor is considered to be a dangerous unhinged psycho. He has too much blood on his hands and too many buried secrets to even let the mere idea of a happy-ever-after for him enter his mind. Becoming attached, falling in love, should never happen. That life is not for him. So he resigns himself to one-night only encounters while watching his friends and family with a little bit of envy he doesn’t realize he has.
Yes, one-night-only works; it’s always worked. Except he can’t get the last woman he had for one night out of his head. One exciting, thrilling, dangerous night like no other. They met in a bar and certainly didn’t exchange contact information; dating was not the point. But he cannot forget her and all other women have seemed invisible since then. This woman is the only one who’s ever made Connor think maybe. Maybe he could have something real. They had a connection beyond the physical. Surprising, but maybe not so surprising considering the world Connor lives in, she seemed as crazy and unhinged as him, someone that might actually understand him, his life, his needs.
He's tried to keep tabs on her. She showed up at one of the Quinlan Empire work sites, pretending to be a junkie. Connor didn’t buy that, thinking she might be a PI. Or something. But it never entered his mind that she could be a DEA agent. And when he learns that, in the middle of a sting operation and a gunfight, this is a big – huge – problem. For not just Connor but the Quinlans. But he still wants her. Instead of eliminating the DEA agent who could provide endless problems for his family, he shoots the man who is about to kill her.
As if that is not complicated enough, Raina is not only a DEA agent trying to take all these families down but she has just learned she has a family connection to the Albanian Brotherhood, and that Connor Quinlan killed the father she never knew, the head of the Brotherhood. She never imagined her secretive mother’s secrets ran that deep. The highly-placed Brotherhood individual who contacts her tells her she must kill Connor to get revenge, and then as the rightful heir marry her father’s successor and become a powerful princess. Or maybe be in charge of everything herself someday.
Heady stuff. She can’t stand the man she is to marry, but she’s always wondered about her father, her roots, her family, her heritage. She’s too rebellious and impulsive to be a long-term success in the DEA, but is this the path she wants to follow? Killing Connor is presented to her not so much as an option but as a threat – do it or else. Yet even when Raina and Connor learn each other’s true identities and it’s clear that she’s planning to kill him, their attraction is still red hot. And maybe more importantly, their understanding of each other at a deep level.
Garland takes us on this thrilling ride with skill – and a lot of apprehension. Is Raina’s new “family” telling her the truth? Can anybody be trusted? What can Connor do, caught for the first time between loyalty to his family and a woman he must have, whatever the cost? Will things get so far out of hand that there will be no coming back from the destruction?
Lovely Venom is fast-paced, perfectly plotted with a surprise around every corner. It’s raw, violent, vicious, sensual, sexy and startling. Connor and Raina are perfectly matched, fearless, stubborn, dark, edgy but with strong, true feelings. This story was the perfect next book in the Quinlan Empire series and to all the rest of Garland’s books, engrossing, enjoyable and satisfying from first page to last. I received an advance copy of Lovely Venom and I recommend it without hesitation. Get busy reading and listening – Garland’s books are always best in audio and audio and duet narration by Aiden Snow and Maxine Mitchell is out of this world - and catch up before Garland’s next book is out. You won’t regret it. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Lovely Venom, the next story in the Quinlan Empire series, has all that and more. The Quinlans for years provided security for the Astoria O’Rourkes. But through a series of complex events, surprising family connections, duty and honor they are now their own Irish Mafia in Lower Manhattan. All members of any mafia/mob family – whether they be Irish, Italian, Russian, Greek – can be cruel and ruthless. Connor Quinlan is one of the most ruthless. He does the jobs that need to be done, whatever the danger or the cost. The cost to Connor himself. While his brothers and cousins and friends have found a balance to the never-ending stress and danger in their lives with wives and fiancées and children, Connor is considered to be a dangerous unhinged psycho. He has too much blood on his hands and too many buried secrets to even let the mere idea of a happy-ever-after for him enter his mind. Becoming attached, falling in love, should never happen. That life is not for him. So he resigns himself to one-night only encounters while watching his friends and family with a little bit of envy he doesn’t realize he has.
Yes, one-night-only works; it’s always worked. Except he can’t get the last woman he had for one night out of his head. One exciting, thrilling, dangerous night like no other. They met in a bar and certainly didn’t exchange contact information; dating was not the point. But he cannot forget her and all other women have seemed invisible since then. This woman is the only one who’s ever made Connor think maybe. Maybe he could have something real. They had a connection beyond the physical. Surprising, but maybe not so surprising considering the world Connor lives in, she seemed as crazy and unhinged as him, someone that might actually understand him, his life, his needs.
He's tried to keep tabs on her. She showed up at one of the Quinlan Empire work sites, pretending to be a junkie. Connor didn’t buy that, thinking she might be a PI. Or something. But it never entered his mind that she could be a DEA agent. And when he learns that, in the middle of a sting operation and a gunfight, this is a big – huge – problem. For not just Connor but the Quinlans. But he still wants her. Instead of eliminating the DEA agent who could provide endless problems for his family, he shoots the man who is about to kill her.
As if that is not complicated enough, Raina is not only a DEA agent trying to take all these families down but she has just learned she has a family connection to the Albanian Brotherhood, and that Connor Quinlan killed the father she never knew, the head of the Brotherhood. She never imagined her secretive mother’s secrets ran that deep. The highly-placed Brotherhood individual who contacts her tells her she must kill Connor to get revenge, and then as the rightful heir marry her father’s successor and become a powerful princess. Or maybe be in charge of everything herself someday.
Heady stuff. She can’t stand the man she is to marry, but she’s always wondered about her father, her roots, her family, her heritage. She’s too rebellious and impulsive to be a long-term success in the DEA, but is this the path she wants to follow? Killing Connor is presented to her not so much as an option but as a threat – do it or else. Yet even when Raina and Connor learn each other’s true identities and it’s clear that she’s planning to kill him, their attraction is still red hot. And maybe more importantly, their understanding of each other at a deep level.
Garland takes us on this thrilling ride with skill – and a lot of apprehension. Is Raina’s new “family” telling her the truth? Can anybody be trusted? What can Connor do, caught for the first time between loyalty to his family and a woman he must have, whatever the cost? Will things get so far out of hand that there will be no coming back from the destruction?
Lovely Venom is fast-paced, perfectly plotted with a surprise around every corner. It’s raw, violent, vicious, sensual, sexy and startling. Connor and Raina are perfectly matched, fearless, stubborn, dark, edgy but with strong, true feelings. This story was the perfect next book in the Quinlan Empire series and to all the rest of Garland’s books, engrossing, enjoyable and satisfying from first page to last. I received an advance copy of Lovely Venom and I recommend it without hesitation. Get busy reading and listening – Garland’s books are always best in audio and audio and duet narration by Aiden Snow and Maxine Mitchell is out of this world - and catch up before Garland’s next book is out. You won’t regret it. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
October 1, 2025
The Power of Truth, Trust and Love -
This is a thrilling romance story about the warring between the Irish and Armenian mafia groups, where the Armenian mafia sent Raina who was an assassin to try and eliminate Connor, a member of the Irish mafia, by feeding her information that would make the task personal for her. However, Raina and Connor’s intense attraction for each other led to the assassination plot failing, especially after she saved him when his life was in danger. Unfortunately, Raina’s action put a target on her back, as the Armenian mafia saw it as a betrayal, but Connor swore on his life to keep her safe and also help her uncover the real truth about her life.
As luck would have it, once Connor uncovered the truth and Raina also discovered the perpetrators who assaulted her only friend were part of the Armenian mafia, she decided to work with him and his family to deal with the problem. Even though Connor wasn’t happy with the plan they came up with, Raina was insistent that she be the one to execute their plan, which led to a near fatal situation, but she was rescued in time , so they could get the happily ever after they deserved.
The gripping romance story quickly grabbed my attention from the beginning and pulled me into the dark and dangerous mafia world, where the emotional rollercoaster the characters go through, the steamy encounters, secrets, betrayal, violence, family drama and the all out war, added a depth to the storyline, that made it a much better entertaining read. I highly recommend this amazing book and look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a thrilling romance story about the warring between the Irish and Armenian mafia groups, where the Armenian mafia sent Raina who was an assassin to try and eliminate Connor, a member of the Irish mafia, by feeding her information that would make the task personal for her. However, Raina and Connor’s intense attraction for each other led to the assassination plot failing, especially after she saved him when his life was in danger. Unfortunately, Raina’s action put a target on her back, as the Armenian mafia saw it as a betrayal, but Connor swore on his life to keep her safe and also help her uncover the real truth about her life.
As luck would have it, once Connor uncovered the truth and Raina also discovered the perpetrators who assaulted her only friend were part of the Armenian mafia, she decided to work with him and his family to deal with the problem. Even though Connor wasn’t happy with the plan they came up with, Raina was insistent that she be the one to execute their plan, which led to a near fatal situation, but she was rescued in time , so they could get the happily ever after they deserved.
The gripping romance story quickly grabbed my attention from the beginning and pulled me into the dark and dangerous mafia world, where the emotional rollercoaster the characters go through, the steamy encounters, secrets, betrayal, violence, family drama and the all out war, added a depth to the storyline, that made it a much better entertaining read. I highly recommend this amazing book and look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - October 3, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• irish mafia
• age gap
• enemies to lovers
• cinderella vibes
• obsessed mmc x blackcat fmc
• who’s more unhinged?
• knife play / cnc
• found family
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Raina Riatt is a DEA agent whose mission was simple take down Connor Quinlan, the Irish mob’s most feared and dangerous heir. But destiny had other plans. One unforgettable night in his bed turned into the beginning of something that neither of them could control. He’s supposed to be her target, her father’s killer, the monster everyone warned her about…yet he becomes the obsession she can’t walk away from.
Lovely Venom is the perfect mix of passion, danger, and heartbreak. The push and pull between Connor and the heroine had me screaming inside because they’re toxic, dangerous, and still made for each other in the most unhinged way. I loved how every failed attempt to kill him only pulled her deeper into his darkness, until the lines between hate and love blurred completely.
Connor is rich, powerful, obsessed, and absolutely terrifying in all the ways that make you fall harder for him. And Raina is not some lost girl she’s fierce, sharp, and beautifully unhinged herself. Together they’re fire and poison, the kind of couple who destroy and heal at the same time.
Deborah Garland gave us a mafia romance that is wild, raw, and unforgettable. The mafia politics, the family bonds, the forbidden passion it all came together so flawlessly that I couldn’t put the book down. A story that’s dark, twisted, and still somehow achingly romantic.
Thank you so much the author agency for the free ARC!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - October 3, 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• irish mafia
• age gap
• enemies to lovers
• cinderella vibes
• obsessed mmc x blackcat fmc
• who’s more unhinged?
• knife play / cnc
• found family
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Raina Riatt is a DEA agent whose mission was simple take down Connor Quinlan, the Irish mob’s most feared and dangerous heir. But destiny had other plans. One unforgettable night in his bed turned into the beginning of something that neither of them could control. He’s supposed to be her target, her father’s killer, the monster everyone warned her about…yet he becomes the obsession she can’t walk away from.
Lovely Venom is the perfect mix of passion, danger, and heartbreak. The push and pull between Connor and the heroine had me screaming inside because they’re toxic, dangerous, and still made for each other in the most unhinged way. I loved how every failed attempt to kill him only pulled her deeper into his darkness, until the lines between hate and love blurred completely.
Connor is rich, powerful, obsessed, and absolutely terrifying in all the ways that make you fall harder for him. And Raina is not some lost girl she’s fierce, sharp, and beautifully unhinged herself. Together they’re fire and poison, the kind of couple who destroy and heal at the same time.
Deborah Garland gave us a mafia romance that is wild, raw, and unforgettable. The mafia politics, the family bonds, the forbidden passion it all came together so flawlessly that I couldn’t put the book down. A story that’s dark, twisted, and still somehow achingly romantic.
Thank you so much the author agency for the free ARC!
October 3, 2025
I absolutely devoured Lovely Venom. Deborah Garland blends brutal stakes with blistering chemistry to create a book that’s as emotionally intense as it is steamy. Raina is an undercover, driven DEA agent but one night, one one drug bust goes wrong she's stripped of her badge but then gets pulled into a feud between rival mafia families.....when told she's to kill the man who murder her father.....oh and he's the father she never knew of plus he was the head of the mafia family she knew nothing about. But what happens when the man who murdered her father, also happens to be the one-night stand she can’t forget.
Connor Quinlan is deliciously dangerous: wealthy, controlling, and ruthlessly charismatic. He’s the kind of alpha whose darkness pulls you in while you scream at yourself for staying. What happens when he can't get the one night stand out of his system!!? What happens when he finds her again?
What makes this book stand out is the balance between the violence and the vulnerability; Garland doesn’t let go with the spice, it has twice the amount of it then the first two books put together!! Raina is a layered FMC she is flawed, fierce, and stubbornly human—and her inner conflict (revenge vs. an impossible love) kept me turning pages late into the night. Their push-pull dynamic is messy, reckless, and convincing, and the “try again” structure of their encounters raises the stakes in ways that felt both heartbreaking and inevitable. If you like romance that is gritty, unapologetically erotic, and emotionally charged, Lovely Venom and the books before it are a must-read.
Connor Quinlan is deliciously dangerous: wealthy, controlling, and ruthlessly charismatic. He’s the kind of alpha whose darkness pulls you in while you scream at yourself for staying. What happens when he can't get the one night stand out of his system!!? What happens when he finds her again?
What makes this book stand out is the balance between the violence and the vulnerability; Garland doesn’t let go with the spice, it has twice the amount of it then the first two books put together!! Raina is a layered FMC she is flawed, fierce, and stubbornly human—and her inner conflict (revenge vs. an impossible love) kept me turning pages late into the night. Their push-pull dynamic is messy, reckless, and convincing, and the “try again” structure of their encounters raises the stakes in ways that felt both heartbreaking and inevitable. If you like romance that is gritty, unapologetically erotic, and emotionally charged, Lovely Venom and the books before it are a must-read.
October 3, 2025
Overall: 5
First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- If you’re looking at books, I assume you can read - read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
Book:
POV/narrative: 1st person alternating viewpoints
SA/ cliffhanger: standalone but final in a series; best enjoyed when read in order
Ingredients:
writing quality: 5
ease of reading: 5
plot: 4
steam: 5
Notes / opinion:
Connor and Raina are horribly imperfect but wonderfully perfect for each other. Both morally gray (or a bit darker) but still loveable. The banter, the attraction and the falling fit their story so well.
As there are prior characters involved from this series as well as prior series, the books are best enjoyed when read in order. I'm careful with content and know what I wouldn't care for and for other authors I likely would have passed on this. That said, I've read this author's prior works and the story and characters speak louder than the warnings. The content works with the character; it's not there to be gratuitous. You're caught from the first page and hooked through the end.
I rate this book as “Adult” to include:– (Note: rating description below borrowed from another site)
• May contain profanity (or words considered crude)
• May contain passionate and extended kissing
• May contain one or more onscreen semi-detailed or detailed love scenes
• May also contain non page but descriptive intimacy scenes
• May contain graphic descriptions of nudity and/or body
• May contain drug, alcohol or tobacco use
First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- If you’re looking at books, I assume you can read - read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
Book:
POV/narrative: 1st person alternating viewpoints
SA/ cliffhanger: standalone but final in a series; best enjoyed when read in order
Ingredients:
writing quality: 5
ease of reading: 5
plot: 4
steam: 5
Notes / opinion:
Connor and Raina are horribly imperfect but wonderfully perfect for each other. Both morally gray (or a bit darker) but still loveable. The banter, the attraction and the falling fit their story so well.
As there are prior characters involved from this series as well as prior series, the books are best enjoyed when read in order. I'm careful with content and know what I wouldn't care for and for other authors I likely would have passed on this. That said, I've read this author's prior works and the story and characters speak louder than the warnings. The content works with the character; it's not there to be gratuitous. You're caught from the first page and hooked through the end.
I rate this book as “Adult” to include:– (Note: rating description below borrowed from another site)
• May contain profanity (or words considered crude)
• May contain passionate and extended kissing
• May contain one or more onscreen semi-detailed or detailed love scenes
• May also contain non page but descriptive intimacy scenes
• May contain graphic descriptions of nudity and/or body
• May contain drug, alcohol or tobacco use
October 4, 2025
This third book in the Quinlan series was the one I anticipated most. I was so excited to finally get to know Connor better and learn about the suspicious person he seemed to know far more about than he was letting on. Deborah did a fantastic job with the world-building and backstory, setting up all the excitement to come. There’s plenty of action, secrets, and a delicious slow burn (the falling-in-love kind—while the spice was fiery early on and continued throughout the book!).
This book follows Connor, an Irish mob brother, and Raina, a DEA agent whose passion is putting bad guys behind bars—and in her eyes, Connor is one of them. After a bust gone wrong nearly costs Raina her life, a mystery man’s bullet saves her. That failed operation ends her career, but if she thought life was complicated before, things are about to get even crazier. Raina soon discovers she’s the long-lost daughter of the Armenian mob boss—enemies of the Irish.
When the Armenians capture Raina, she’s given an ultimatum: die, or do what they say. Her assignment? Kill Connor. But as she tries to get under his skin, she starts to realize maybe Connor isn’t the bad guy she believed him to be.
Deborah Garland has written another thrilling, romantic addition to this mafia series—and she definitely left the door wide open for future books!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Butterflies: 🦋🦋
#morrallygrey #mafiaromance #quinlanempire #irishmafia #armenianmafia #spicybook #enemiestolovers #foundfamily #forcedproximety #deborahgarland
This book follows Connor, an Irish mob brother, and Raina, a DEA agent whose passion is putting bad guys behind bars—and in her eyes, Connor is one of them. After a bust gone wrong nearly costs Raina her life, a mystery man’s bullet saves her. That failed operation ends her career, but if she thought life was complicated before, things are about to get even crazier. Raina soon discovers she’s the long-lost daughter of the Armenian mob boss—enemies of the Irish.
When the Armenians capture Raina, she’s given an ultimatum: die, or do what they say. Her assignment? Kill Connor. But as she tries to get under his skin, she starts to realize maybe Connor isn’t the bad guy she believed him to be.
Deborah Garland has written another thrilling, romantic addition to this mafia series—and she definitely left the door wide open for future books!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Butterflies: 🦋🦋
#morrallygrey #mafiaromance #quinlanempire #irishmafia #armenianmafia #spicybook #enemiestolovers #foundfamily #forcedproximety #deborahgarland
October 3, 2025
Another fantastic story in the Quinlan Empire series. The author makes it so hard to choose which one you love the most. The females are always fiesty and fierce women. They do not take life lying down. Life might not go their way but they never sit down and just let the world take them out. The men always love the fiestiness. Connor is no exception to the rule. He falls hard and fast. One night with Raina is all it takes to make Connor fall. He has met his equal in all ways. What was supposed to be one night turns into an obsession to find her. He even tattoos her on his body before knowing who she is!!!! If that is not a man after my own heart, I don't know who is. He has no idea she is a DEA agent until he walks into a situation and has to save her life. Once he finds her, he will stop at nothing to have her back in his life permenantly. After a series of unfortunate circumstance Raina is jobless and being used to further a cause she has no idea about. After her mom died, she left her a note about her dad and people use that to use her. I won't go into more details because it will give away to much of the plot. If you want to know more you will have to read it for yourself. You will not regret picking up a Deborah Garland book. She does a fantastic job with the characters she writes. She gives each of them depth and character. You cannot help but fall in love with each of them. The women are strong and the men are the perfect morally grey, possesive, alpha males.
October 10, 2025
4.5⭐️ Read
I felt sorry for Raina and what happened to her mom in the book.
I love how strong, smart, brave Raina was in this book.
Liked Valdrin who work for the mafia and help out Raina and also protected her too.
I Hated Noel and what he did to Valdrin and Raina in the book. But I loved when Raina fought back against Noel in this book. And I am glad when Noel got killed.
Loved the romance between Connor and Raina!!!!
And I also loved how he protected her too.
And I liked Conor's family too and how they protected each other too.
Even though Raina was supposed to kill Connor because she through he killed her father but she ended up falling in love with Connor though out this book.
I felt sad for what happened to Raina's friend Ruby in the book but I am glad they got the bad guys put away for the rest of their lives.
And I am glad that Raina found out the truth about her father in the book.
I also loved that Connor build Raina an bookself and bought her mom's books and also had them and also her Aunt's collection on the bookself too.
This was also an spicy book too. I loved Connor's nickname Venom for Raina in this book.
I liked Rhys Connor's cousin in this book too and how he helped both Raina and Connor.
I loved that Connor quit smoking for Raina because of what happened to her mom and because she also had asthma too. I was so happy when Connor asked Raina to marry him in this book.
I loved Rhys and Fallon and how they were with each other. And I am so happy that Connor and Raina get an happy ending together and I also recommed this book.
I felt sorry for Raina and what happened to her mom in the book.
I love how strong, smart, brave Raina was in this book.
Liked Valdrin who work for the mafia and help out Raina and also protected her too.
I Hated Noel and what he did to Valdrin and Raina in the book. But I loved when Raina fought back against Noel in this book. And I am glad when Noel got killed.
Loved the romance between Connor and Raina!!!!
And I also loved how he protected her too.
And I liked Conor's family too and how they protected each other too.
Even though Raina was supposed to kill Connor because she through he killed her father but she ended up falling in love with Connor though out this book.
I felt sad for what happened to Raina's friend Ruby in the book but I am glad they got the bad guys put away for the rest of their lives.
And I am glad that Raina found out the truth about her father in the book.
I also loved that Connor build Raina an bookself and bought her mom's books and also had them and also her Aunt's collection on the bookself too.
This was also an spicy book too. I loved Connor's nickname Venom for Raina in this book.
I liked Rhys Connor's cousin in this book too and how he helped both Raina and Connor.
I loved that Connor quit smoking for Raina because of what happened to her mom and because she also had asthma too. I was so happy when Connor asked Raina to marry him in this book.
I loved Rhys and Fallon and how they were with each other. And I am so happy that Connor and Raina get an happy ending together and I also recommed this book.
October 21, 2025
ALC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m completely in love with the Quinlan brothers, and with each story Deborah gives us, I fall even harder for this family.
Conor and Raina’s book absolutely blew me away. The plot is gripping, the twists are jaw-dropping, and the emotions hit so deep. Their chemistry? Pure fire. Raina is a storm, fierce, strong, and unafraid to show her dark side, while Conor is the man who loves her exactly as she is. He adores his warrior princess who rocks combat pants and lather jackets instead of heels and gowns, and honestly, it’s everything.
And the audiobook? Wow. @aidensnowvoice and @narratormaxine are perfect for these characters. Their voices capture every spark, every heartbeat, every ounce of passion between Conor and Raina. The emotion they bring makes the story even more unforgettable.
I’m already counting the days until Rhys and Fallon’s story, and praying Deborah gives us Val and Ruby’s too.
If you love intense romance, strong heroines, and emotionally charged storytelling, this series is a must-read (and must-listen). 💕
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this amazing audiobook.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m completely in love with the Quinlan brothers, and with each story Deborah gives us, I fall even harder for this family.
Conor and Raina’s book absolutely blew me away. The plot is gripping, the twists are jaw-dropping, and the emotions hit so deep. Their chemistry? Pure fire. Raina is a storm, fierce, strong, and unafraid to show her dark side, while Conor is the man who loves her exactly as she is. He adores his warrior princess who rocks combat pants and lather jackets instead of heels and gowns, and honestly, it’s everything.
And the audiobook? Wow. @aidensnowvoice and @narratormaxine are perfect for these characters. Their voices capture every spark, every heartbeat, every ounce of passion between Conor and Raina. The emotion they bring makes the story even more unforgettable.
I’m already counting the days until Rhys and Fallon’s story, and praying Deborah gives us Val and Ruby’s too.
If you love intense romance, strong heroines, and emotionally charged storytelling, this series is a must-read (and must-listen). 💕
Thank you Blue Nose Audio for this amazing audiobook.
October 11, 2025
Ahhhh! I'm back with the third book in this brilliant series - The Quinlan Empire - and after reading both Brutal Collateral and Savage Promises over a long summer, this was the perfect start to my autumn reading.
I'm a little obsessed with these Mafia dark romance reads and here we see Connor's story unfold.
Although linked to the first two books, this could easily be read as a standalone read - but I honestly think you'll get much more from this if you read them all in order.
I couldn't help but get sucked right into this storyline from the start.
When Connor and Raina meet, there's an undeniable connection and the chemistry flies off the page.
In true style, this gets spicy nice and quick and I was totally there for it!
I can't really say too much about the plot as I hate giving spoilers, but I feel that this gives us much more danger and violence as well as family secrets than the other books and I was completely immersed and inhaled this over just two sittings.
I loved both of our main characters who were both flawed, but so relatable and I found myself really feeling for both and rooting for them to come up with a plan that would conclude with their own happy ending......together.
It was great to be back in this dark world and riding this crazy emotional rollercoaster.
I honestly can't wait to see what awaits us in the next book!
I'm a little obsessed with these Mafia dark romance reads and here we see Connor's story unfold.
Although linked to the first two books, this could easily be read as a standalone read - but I honestly think you'll get much more from this if you read them all in order.
I couldn't help but get sucked right into this storyline from the start.
When Connor and Raina meet, there's an undeniable connection and the chemistry flies off the page.
In true style, this gets spicy nice and quick and I was totally there for it!
I can't really say too much about the plot as I hate giving spoilers, but I feel that this gives us much more danger and violence as well as family secrets than the other books and I was completely immersed and inhaled this over just two sittings.
I loved both of our main characters who were both flawed, but so relatable and I found myself really feeling for both and rooting for them to come up with a plan that would conclude with their own happy ending......together.
It was great to be back in this dark world and riding this crazy emotional rollercoaster.
I honestly can't wait to see what awaits us in the next book!
October 6, 2025
love it!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Deborah Garland for a gifted copy of this ebook.
I’ve been following the Quinlan Empire series and this did not disappoint! I love Connor and his complete obsession for Raina. This is such a good enemies to lovers romance. She is tasked with killing him and realizes he’s the one she had a good night with a while back and can’t stop thinking about. Mafia drama ensues as they uncover more secrets that change things drastically.
Oh and the spice is spicing! Connor pulls no punches and I love it!
I’m a huge fan of this series and look forward to Rhys’s story. That one I am hoping has a lot of banter based on what we see in this book.
Thank you to The Author Agency and Deborah Garland for a gifted copy of this ebook.
I’ve been following the Quinlan Empire series and this did not disappoint! I love Connor and his complete obsession for Raina. This is such a good enemies to lovers romance. She is tasked with killing him and realizes he’s the one she had a good night with a while back and can’t stop thinking about. Mafia drama ensues as they uncover more secrets that change things drastically.
Oh and the spice is spicing! Connor pulls no punches and I love it!
I’m a huge fan of this series and look forward to Rhys’s story. That one I am hoping has a lot of banter based on what we see in this book.
October 29, 2025
Raina is a hot mess in the best way. A mission cannot go right when she's on the team! LOL!! The angst and slowburn-ish vibes are so good! The high anxiety moments they have when she tries, and fails, to kill Connor, and ends up in his bed instead. So, so good!! I did figure out who her truth behind who her father is almost instantly so there was no shocking DNA results for me. Loved seeing the old characters - at least the ones I could remember. I am looking forward to Cormac's book next!
A special mention for my favorite line in the book is when Connor says "I love you Mrs. Quinlan, and I have built you a bookshelf of psychopaths with ten-inch dicks to prove it." - Such a green flag! lol
A special mention for my favorite line in the book is when Connor says "I love you Mrs. Quinlan, and I have built you a bookshelf of psychopaths with ten-inch dicks to prove it." - Such a green flag! lol
October 3, 2025
Spending a night together, Connor can’t get Riana out of his mind. Although they didn’t exchange names, he is adamant he will find her. Months later, they cross paths again. Raina is on a mission to get Havok, who she had been tracking for ages and trying to capture him. Until the day she finally has him and is about to arrest him, Connor sees her, and he finally finds out she’s DEA. Still unaware of her name. Until he finds out, after his brothers do the digging. After losing her job after Havok got away, she is then face to face with him and learns that she is their family, and the rightful heir of the Albanians. Giving the task of kill Connor for him killing their Kyre, which is finds out is her father. Only she can’t still Connor, after a few attempts, but not on the face that she doesn’t get the chance, but the fact that inside her, she can’t go through with it.
Promising to protect her, Connor and his family find out who is using you and their reasons why. And the truth scares Raina.
To say Connor is a big boy, in all ways, is putting it lightly. That guy is packing, everywhere. Raina is a total powerhouse, one FMC you want on your side. The way Connor just couldn’t keep his hands off her, from the beginning when they first hooked up, he was smitten on her and knew that she was his.
Promising to protect her, Connor and his family find out who is using you and their reasons why. And the truth scares Raina.
To say Connor is a big boy, in all ways, is putting it lightly. That guy is packing, everywhere. Raina is a total powerhouse, one FMC you want on your side. The way Connor just couldn’t keep his hands off her, from the beginning when they first hooked up, he was smitten on her and knew that she was his.
October 5, 2025
After the surprising revelation in the epilogue of the previous book I couldn’t wait for Connor’s story. I mean the Irish mob’s most dangerous psychopath and a woman who turns out to be just as unhinged as he is, you could almost see the flames and when you throw in the fact that the woman in question has a personal reason for wanting to see Connor ‘unalive’, well it was obvious Lovely Venom was going to be one explosive read and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint.
The banter between Connor and Raina was sublime as neither was willing to yield an inch. Their dynamic was fabulous right from the start, they were just so perfectly matched and as for chemistry, well combustible comes to mind. And their relationship was set against a gripping plot involving rival Albanian mafia factions which was engaging with enough twists and turns to keep me engrossed from the opening chapters. I can’t wait to read more from The Quinlan Empire.
The banter between Connor and Raina was sublime as neither was willing to yield an inch. Their dynamic was fabulous right from the start, they were just so perfectly matched and as for chemistry, well combustible comes to mind. And their relationship was set against a gripping plot involving rival Albanian mafia factions which was engaging with enough twists and turns to keep me engrossed from the opening chapters. I can’t wait to read more from The Quinlan Empire.
October 2, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Lovely Venom by Deborah Garland is my first read from this author — and it did not disappoint. The writing is sharp, the storyline gripping, and the characters pull you straight into their chaotic, dangerous world. This book has it all — drama, action, danger, spice, and nonstop twists that kept me turning pages.
Raina is a DEA agent. Connor is part of the Irish mafia. After a one-night stand neither of them can forget, their paths cross again... only now, Raina’s on a mission to kill him. What she doesn’t expect? He’s been looking for her too.
I loved Raina’s dark side, and Connor is sweet and protective — but also unhinged, ruthless, and completely obsessed. He falls hard and fast, and their banter had me laughing more than once. They’re both dangerous, dark, and perfect for each other. Raina keeps trying to kill him — and somehow keeps ending up in his arms instead. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their connection runs deeper than just lust.
If you love your romance unhinged, messy, and unforgettable — this book is for you. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Deborah Garland & The Author Agency for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Lovely Venom by Deborah Garland is my first read from this author — and it did not disappoint. The writing is sharp, the storyline gripping, and the characters pull you straight into their chaotic, dangerous world. This book has it all — drama, action, danger, spice, and nonstop twists that kept me turning pages.
Raina is a DEA agent. Connor is part of the Irish mafia. After a one-night stand neither of them can forget, their paths cross again... only now, Raina’s on a mission to kill him. What she doesn’t expect? He’s been looking for her too.
I loved Raina’s dark side, and Connor is sweet and protective — but also unhinged, ruthless, and completely obsessed. He falls hard and fast, and their banter had me laughing more than once. They’re both dangerous, dark, and perfect for each other. Raina keeps trying to kill him — and somehow keeps ending up in his arms instead. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their connection runs deeper than just lust.
If you love your romance unhinged, messy, and unforgettable — this book is for you. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Deborah Garland & The Author Agency for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 4, 2025
Connor Quinlan… holy hell. The perfect mix of dangerous, magnetic, and completely unhinged. He’s everything your mother warned you about and everything you secretly want. And HER?? She’s not some fragile damsel — she’s sharp, fierce, and just as deadly. Their chemistry is pure chaos and obsession and I was EATING IT UP. Every scene between them crackled with this electric tension that made my heart pound and my brain short-circuit.
Enemies to lovers doesn’t even begin to cover it — it’s rage, lust, betrayal, and need all tangled into one explosive, forbidden mess. The push and pull, the knives, the hunger, the heartbreak… ugh it’s so intoxicating. And when the truth finally hits?? I was just sitting there like 😭😩💔 because HOW am I supposed to recover from this man?? From them??
This isn’t just mafia—it’s love, obsession, vengeance, and ruin all rolled into something raw and addictive. I swear I’ll be thinking about Connor and his blackcat princess for ever.
Enemies to lovers doesn’t even begin to cover it — it’s rage, lust, betrayal, and need all tangled into one explosive, forbidden mess. The push and pull, the knives, the hunger, the heartbreak… ugh it’s so intoxicating. And when the truth finally hits?? I was just sitting there like 😭😩💔 because HOW am I supposed to recover from this man?? From them??
This isn’t just mafia—it’s love, obsession, vengeance, and ruin all rolled into something raw and addictive. I swear I’ll be thinking about Connor and his blackcat princess for ever.
October 19, 2025
The title alone had me curious how it was going to play out from the beginning! Connor coming from the Quinlann Empire is the only male in his brothers left that is not married. Except he ends up having a one night stand with what he ends up finding out is a DEA agent then ends up finding out is his rivalry (the Albanians) child. 🤯
He knew from that first night that they were meant to be. They are both crazy for each other and have those weird killer instincts. They both crave the craziness & thrill of danger!
He was always calling her nymph & she just couldn’t let it go and was curious what nymph meant turns out nymph means venom. Title understood!
I loved this series so so much! Thank you for allowing me to be on the ALC team!
He knew from that first night that they were meant to be. They are both crazy for each other and have those weird killer instincts. They both crave the craziness & thrill of danger!
He was always calling her nymph & she just couldn’t let it go and was curious what nymph meant turns out nymph means venom. Title understood!
I loved this series so so much! Thank you for allowing me to be on the ALC team!
February 4, 2026
This was okayish. I did enjoy the chase between Raina and Connor however it got a bit boring after they got together. For a former DEA agent Raina was quite incompetent lol
story was also decent. looking forward to Rhys and Fallon's story
story was also decent. looking forward to Rhys and Fallon's story
October 4, 2025
In true Quinlan family fashion, be ready to get rode hard and put away wet! Conner Quinlan is not a man to disappoint 🥵
Here I am again. HI! Screaming at you to read another Mafia romance. I have never, not once, been disappointed by a Deborah Garland Mafia story. And there have been many. I feel like she writes all the things I need before I know I need it. 😆 Each time I think, what new twist, kink, and curve will she throw at me this time. Each new story brings fresh characters and great entertainment.
Lovely Venom was *Chef's Kiss*
Conner and Raina's story is fire! It starts off with a bang (literally and physically 😆) and is non-stop obsessive and deadly behaviors to the end. Who doesn't love a leading lady trying to kill the leading man?!?! They're both crazy, unhinged, and a perfect match.
Here I am again. HI! Screaming at you to read another Mafia romance. I have never, not once, been disappointed by a Deborah Garland Mafia story. And there have been many. I feel like she writes all the things I need before I know I need it. 😆 Each time I think, what new twist, kink, and curve will she throw at me this time. Each new story brings fresh characters and great entertainment.
Lovely Venom was *Chef's Kiss*
Conner and Raina's story is fire! It starts off with a bang (literally and physically 😆) and is non-stop obsessive and deadly behaviors to the end. Who doesn't love a leading lady trying to kill the leading man?!?! They're both crazy, unhinged, and a perfect match.
October 3, 2025
Thank you to The Author Agency and Deborah Garland for an ARC of this. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive ARC’s for the previous books in this series as well!! Each book in the series gets better and better. I feel like I say this one’s my favorite every time I read a new one because I just love them all. You continue to meet new people as well as getting the stories of those previously met and it’s just an amazing combination. This is a messy story so if you love some drama, you’re going to love this book. Raina is a DEA agent and Connor is part of the Irish mafia. Their paths cross with a one night stand, but neither of them know the true identity of the other. Then when their paths cross again, Connor realizes that Raina is a DEA agent and Raina is actually on a mission to kill him. What can go wrong?
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