Beautiful poison: Love is Death Series Book 1

by Cleo Orléans

In a world full of craziness, she's the queen.

Everything's fair game if you don't play by the rules.

She's the wolf in sheep's clothing.

By day she's wearing a mask of humanity, in the dark the monster comes out to play.

This psychopath would do anything for her obsession. And that includes killing.


There's only one rule: Don't provoke the predator.
But if you do? Be careful everyone. The wolf is coming for you.
And it's always hungry…

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

Reviews

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Cleo Orléans for providing the eARC. This is my honest opinion.
A Poison That Works Slowly


Some stories feel like a slow-acting poison. You do not immediately notice what they are doing to you, but once they have seeped in, they refuse to let go.

'Beautiful Poison' is one of those books. From the very first chapters, a veil of mystery hangs over the story, a veil that is gradually drawn tighter. Nothing is what it seems, and that is precisely what makes this book so intriguing.

Cassandra is without a doubt the beating heart of this story. She is not a conventional protagonist. Complex, elusive and at times downright disorienting. Those very qualities are what make her so compelling. As the story progresses, more layers are revealed and fully understanding her becomes increasingly difficult. Is she a victim, an observer or perhaps something far more dangerous? That uncertainty keeps the reader constantly on edge.

The strength of 'Beautiful Poison' does not lie in fast-paced action, but in atmosphere and subtle, underlying tension. Cleo Orléans works with silence, suggestion and emotional weight. The story slowly creeps under your skin and makes you question motives, memories and truth itself. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with the psychological aspect being just as important as what actually happens.

At times the pacing could have been slightly tighter, and the story feels more like a creeping fog than a storm. Yet that very slowness suits Cassandra and the threatening atmosphere of the book.

'Beautiful Poison' is a novel for readers who enjoy mystery, psychological tension and characters who cannot be confined to a single role. Cassandra lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned. Perhaps that is the most poisonous and at the same time most beautiful aspect of this story.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, thrilling and absolutely mysterious!

This book had me completely on edge. Just when I thought id come to understand the FMC & MMC, I was wrong.

Cassie gives me dark witchy vibes. She is darkkkkk and her love of blood is something else. Both her and Domanik are deranged in their own ways.

The story was good, but at times seemed a little confusing. But despite that I honestly couldn't stop reading.

I'm not usually a huge fan of books that end on a cliffhanger, but this changed the game. I cannot wait to read the second one because I need to know what the fate of the two main characters are.

* I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review based on my thoughts and opinions whilst reading this book. *

[Missfit · Rating 5 out of 5]

‎"Normals might even call me downright crazy, but that, once again, is something one might argue about."
‎— Cassie Cain.
‎
‎💚 FMC who can kill, use her brain, and is possessive af
‎💚 Prosecutor MMC
‎💚 Multi POV
‎💚 Opposite twins
‎💚 Hidden identity
‎💚 "Love letters"
‎💚 Murder mystery
‎
‎If starting 2026 with a good book guarantees clear skin, then I’ll be glowing like a freaking streetlight thanks to Beautiful Poison by Cleo Orlèans 💁‍♀️💅
‎
‎What if ✨ SHE ✨ is the one who’s obsessed that she’d kill anyone who breathes too close to him? She’s a predator fully aware of her claws, her "flaws", and know exactly how to hide them. She’s protective in a very "you’d thank me if you knew what I’ve done for you" way. Reading her chapters feels like watching a robot try to mimic human emotions, because she doesn’t really have them. Barely 🙂
‎
‎Everyone, meet Cassandra "Cassie" Cain.
‎
‎But you can just call her my new wife.
‎
‎As someone who would rather pour bleach into my eyes than read dark romance where the FMC is hunted like a helpless mouse (🤢), a character like Cassie is the only reason I’d make an exception. That’s why I was lowkey annoyed when Miss Orlèans kept teasing us with gorgeous character art on Facebook, I was like, just drop it into my inbox already 😡
‎
‎So when the ARC finally arrived I was thrilled because lived up to my expectations 🥰
‎
‎Cassie, oh Cassie, I could write a 10k word essay about why I love her 😍 You know how in books like this, readers sometimes dread the FMC’s POV because she’s whiny, bland, or painfully boring? Not here. Being inside Cassie’s head is delightful. It’s like Wednesday Addams and Amy Dunne got married and had a daughter who enjoys crafting poisons and hunting, but not for the reasons you might think 😉
‎
‎Even when it comes to her love interest, Dominik, she admits he gives her butterflies she wants to stab.
‎
‎Queen behavior 👸😌
‎
‎Cassie and Dominik’s relationship had me chuckling in one chapter and rubbing my forehead in the next. For Cassie, it’s all about control, and how Dominik takes it from her. For Dominik, it’s about being his true self, something Cassie ultimately accepts. I can’t go into detail, but oooh la la the chemistry is chemistrying??? Cassie stalks him. Dominik turns to her for safety (which is hilariously ironic hahaha 😭). They’re unhinged. I’m unhinged for rooting for them. And at this point, I’m starting to suspect the author might be unhinged too, because what the hell with all these "romantic" gestures??? 😩
‎
‎And nopr, this isn’t just about romance. You can tell when an author does their homework. Cassie and Dominik’s professions not just slapped on to make them look cool. At one point, I literally had to open my dictionary app because Cassie started speaking forensic jargon, and I shamefully have never studied a corpse. My bad, truly 😔
‎
‎Sure, this book had some meh moments like how quickly the murder investigation was resolved, how easily Cassie handled her hunting, and a bit of repetition, BUT none of it affected my enjoyment! The writing more than made up for it without trying too hard to be edgy.
‎
‎Starting the year with a dark romance was never part of my plan, but heyya I’m not complaining 😏 In under 200 pages, Miss Orlèans convinced me that maybe dark romance isn’t so bad after all ... We just need more Cassies. Also, I would kill for even the tiniest femdom scene in book two, if the cliffhanger in this one doesn’t kill me first.
‎
‎And yes, Beautiful Poison ends on a cliffhanger (but it’s worth it, I swear! 👀)

[beca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Cleo Orléans for providing me with an ARC.

Beautiful Poison is not a love story meant to be romanticized. It’s the kind of book that makes you uncomfortable in the best and worst ways, because it forces you to look at a version of love that is obsessive, controlling, and deeply unsettling.

Cassandra and Dominik don’t come together to heal each other. They gravitate toward the darkness they recognize in one another. Their connection feels less like romance and more like a dangerous agreement, a quiet understanding that whatever this is, it will not end well. And that tension is what makes the book so addictive.

There isn’t much action, but it never feels empty. The suspense lives in the silence, in the things left unsaid, in the moments where you feel something is wrong long before you can explain why. More than once, I caught myself waiting for everything to fall apart.

Cassandra is strange, unsettling, and fascinating. She’s not easy to like, but she’s impossible to ignore. The shifting points of view only add to the unease, making you question everyone’s motives and trust no one completely.

Beautiful Poison is slow, dark, and intentionally uncomfortable. It doesn’t offer redemption or easy answers, only the unsettling question of how far these characters are willing to go before they destroy each other. And honestly, that’s exactly why I want to keep reading.

[MortyPie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely needs a trigger warning. It’s not too graphic or anything but I disagree with the author in their author note about not needing one to keep it spoiler free. A trigger warning would not spoil this book in the slightest.
Anyways, overall I enjoyed the book but there was a few things that were confusing and I felt that it could have continued since it was short rather than separating it into another book.
The thing that was confusing was some character traits/how the characters acted. Specifically the MMC. It was from his own perspective but it changed towards the end which contradicted how he was behaving through the book. Maybe it will be better explained in the next book/s but for now it didn’t really make sense. The FMC is great. I loved her. A little weird but very logical.
The plot was good. It was more in the background but still important to the overall romance side of the story.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Received this book as an ARC for an honest review**

“Are you a bad person, too?”
“Probably.”
"But monsters don’t fear other monsters."

If ever there was a synopsis that pulled you in with the perfect description without giving away a single detail of what to expect, this would be it.

We meet the Queen, who is powerful and deadly and looks nothing like the danger that dwells under her perfect mask of beauty.

And she has an unhealthy obsession.

She finds small talk and most human interaction distasteful and unnecessary.

Except when it comes to him.

But someone seems to be finding comfort in getting too close to what is hers.

Which begs the question. Do they know who they are provoking and what she is willing to do for him?

Without giving away anything, do proceed with caution; this book is dark and unexpected, but so very fascinating.

[Moonlight_reading_29 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Cleo Orleans for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

Overall, the story was good, but at times it left me feeling a bit confused. Just when I thought I was starting to understand the characters and what was happening, I found myself confused again. That said, the ending definitely did its job, it left me with so much curiosity. I’m really interested in reading book two to see where the story goes next.

[Aguiness Naná · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we talk about love, we almost always associate it with light: comfort, emotional security, reciprocity. However, there is a side of love that few people dare to explore, the side where feeling is mixed with obsession, control, desire for possession and even psychological violence. It is on this uncomfortable threshold that Beautiful Poison settles, refusing any easy romanticism and imposing on the reader the question: how far does love go when it turns into a force that can destroy?

In the book there are no filters, no smoothings, there are no characters designed to be loved. There are gray morals, there are unjustifiable choices, there are moments of emotional and psychological climax that generate real discomfort. Cassandra and Dominik are the engine of this darkness, and what binds them is not really love, it is obsession and it is an almost unhealthy fascination with the danger that the other represents.

The thriller here does not depend only on violence or action, but above all on psychological tension. The narrative works with silences, omissions, power games, subtle manipulations and moments when we realise that something is about to collapse, even when we still don't know what. In each chapter, there is the feeling that someone has exceeded an invisible limit and that, from there, there is no longer a possible return.

Dominik is one of the most responsible for this tension. His obsession with Cassandra, and the way she corresponds to it, is not treated as a caricatured toxic novel, but as a silent pact between two individuals who recognise each other in defects, desires and perversions. The reader realises that this connection does not exist to heal, but to consume. And the more they are consumed, the more dangerous the game becomes.

Cassandra's relationship with her twin sister adds another layer to the thriller component. It's not just emotional rivalry; it's a latent threat. The duality between those two women works as a distorted mirror, where danger comes not only from the men of the story, but also from female proximity, competition, resentment and the feeling that someone is always about to betray, expose or take the place of the other.

What I liked most about the book was the fact that the environment never becomes safe. The reader does not rest. There is always a restlessness, something between the lines that suggests that the characters are not only capable of debateable acts, but of truly unforgivable acts. The pitch-black genre requires exactly this: not only to suggest evil, but to allow it space to breathe.

The narrative in multiple perspectives reinforces this effect, creating the impression that we are inside a house with several doors ajar, and in each chapter we peek through a different one. We don't always see enough to understand, but we see enough to distrust and it is this distrust that keeps the tense and claustrophobic rhythm tense.

Even though I am not fluent in English, I felt that the text fulfils its function as a psychological thriller, the writing pulls the reader into the darkness of the characters and forces him to confront the annoyance. There are times when the rhythm extends more than necessary, but this slowness also contributes to the effect: evil here does not run, it infiltrates.

Beautiful Poison is, basically, a book about obsession, power and distorted morality. He doesn't try to redeem anyone and that, for me, is his greatest merit as a dark romance/pitch-black. I left the book with more questions than answers and with a voracious curiosity about how the series intends to scale the darkness it has already presented.

I'm looking forward to the continuation, not to see Cassandra and Dominik happy, but to see how far they can go before they destroy each other.

[Lindsayrosereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC! I could not have started my year with a stronger, darker, more addictive read. Beautiful Poison grabbed me from the first chapter and did not let go. I devoured it in a day and would have read it in one sitting if real life hadn’t dared interrupt.

This book reads more like a dark psychological thriller than a romance and I mean that as the highest compliment. The story is told from the perspective of a serial-killer FMC, and somehow, disturbingly, you end up firmly on her side. Cleo Orléans writes her in a way that makes you forget, at least for a moment, that she’s murdering people. Her voice is controlled, intelligent, detached, and chillingly compelling. Watching her mask herself as “normal” while hiding the monster underneath was fascinating and deeply unsettling in the best way.

The dynamic between the FMC and the MMC is equally twisted and magnetic. Their connection is built on obsession, not love, at least not yet. She tracks his phone. He bugs her apartment and dates her sister just to stay close. It’s unhealthy, unhinged, and somehow weirdly intimate. There’s no traditional romance here, but the yearning, tension, and obsession between them crackle through every scene. You feel that something explosive is coming.

The mystery thread running through the book is just as gripping. The MMC is hunting a killer… who may or may not be far closer than he realizes, and the constant tension of who knows what kept me turning pages. And that final twist? Absolutely brutal. I closed the book, desperate for the sequel.

Fair warning: this book contains graphic, on-page violence and is not for the faint of heart. But if you love morally grey (or fully black) FMCs, psychological thrillers with sharp teeth, and stories that blur the line between predator and protector, Beautiful Poison is unforgettable.

If you’re a Dexter fan who’s ever wanted a darker, more intimate, more obsessive version — this is your book. 🖤

[Lovelette · Rating 4 out of 5]

✉️ Anonymous letters, hidden identities, and a woman who knows exactly how unhinged she is.

📖 Beautiful Poison by Cleo Orleans
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️
Dark psychological thriller romance (please read TWs)

Tropes:
🩸 Unhinged FMC
🔪 Serial unaliver FMC
🎭 Secret identity
🏠 Look at him and you 💀
💌 Anonymous love letters

Cassandra is a forensic chemist by day—and a calculated unaliver by night. A self-aware psychopath, she’s perfected the art of wearing a mask so convincing no one suspects what she truly is. She’s also been quietly, obsessively in love with her sister’s boyfriend, Dominik, a sharp prosecutor who drinks and gambles more than he should—but is far more perceptive than he lets on.

This book is so twisty, I loved every second of it. I don’t usually read psychological thrillers, but this one completely hooked me because it plays with your mind. Even when you think you understand the direction of the plot, it knots itself tighter and pulls you somewhere else entirely. It’s confusing in the best way.

I loved Cassandra as a character. Her inner monologue is sharp, observant, and brutally honest—especially her irritation with people. She knows exactly who and what she is, and that self-awareness makes her fascinating rather than chaotic. Watching how carefully she maintains her façade, while knowing how dangerous she truly is, was one of my favorite parts of the book.

Dominik intrigued me just as much. I don’t fully have my grasp on him yet, but as the story unfolds, it’s clear there’s far more going on beneath the surface. His role in the narrative feels intentional and controlled, and I’m very interested to see how his POV and motivations evolve as the series continues.

This story messed with my head in the best way possible. It’s dark, smart, unsettling, and incredibly addictive.

Please tell me the next book is coming out this year because this wait is torture.

Thank you Cleo Orleans for this ARC—I need more immediately.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

​A Darkly Addictive Masterclass in Suspense
​I found myself completely absorbed in Beautiful Poison, finishing the entire book in one sitting. It is an incredibly polished start to a trilogy, perfect for anyone who loves dark, clever tales that blur the lines between right and wrong.

​Why it’s a must-read:

​Sophisticated Writing:
The author has a gift for creating morally complex characters with sharp, realistic dialogue. They use a wide vocabulary in surprising ways that make the more macabre details—like the "blood for lipstick" coloring—stand out as uniquely creative.

​Immaculate Vibes:
The atmosphere is dark and addictive. The obsession with blood and the chilling collection of trophies give the story a stylish, intense edge.

​Flawless Execution:
The multiple POVs were handled perfectly with zero filler. Every aspect of the story fits together like a puzzle, making the mystery even more intriguing as the pieces fall into place.

​That Ending:
A total "WOW" moment. It was so much fun to look back at earlier chapters and realize the hints were there all along. It’s one of those endings that makes you rethink everything you’ve just read.

​The FMC and MMC are both harboring massive secrets, and the tension of what they don’t know about each other is brilliant. I caught myself rooting for the "bad guy" and I’m already dying to see this duo team up in the next book—they would be absolutely killer together!

​I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.

[Zakiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. To me, it gave off Hannibal and Dexter vibes. The obsession with blood and keeping things that could be considered trophies reminded me mostly of Dexter, along with working with the police. The obsession in many ways reminds me of Hannibal, but going more into that route would be spoilers.
The writing was great, and I read through it all in one go because I wanted to know what happened next. The characters had realistic thoughts and dialogue. The author very clearly has a wide vocabulary that they used in surprising ways.
The multiple povs were executed perfectly and made the story even more intriguing. Unlike other books I've read, all aspects of the story fit into place and don't feel like filler. Everything works.
The ending was definitely a surprise. It made it so much fun to look at earlier chapters and see that there were definitely a few hints of what was going to happen. Once the second book comes out, I'm sure that I'll want to read it as well.
I would absolutely recommend this book. The vibes were immaculate, as was everything else. And it seems like the second book will only be better (although it is going to be hard to get better than this)

I forgot to mention, I am an ARC reader and was honoured to be given this book in advance in exchange for writing an honest review.

[darkreadswithnalieee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Beautiful Poison by Cleo Orleans

First, I want to thank Cleo Orleans for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Beautiful Poison. I truly enjoyed this book, and it left me eager for what comes next.
One of the most interesting aspects of this story is the FMC, Cassandra (Cassie), who has alexithymia. Reading from her perspective was fascinating—especially seeing how she logically analyzes emotions and determines how she should feel in certain situations rather than instinctively experiencing them. It added a unique layer to the story and made Cassie stand out as a character.
Cassie’s devotion to Dominik is intense and unwavering. She would do anything to protect him—even eliminate threats to ensure his safety. I loved how possessive she is over him, even though she keeps those feelings hidden and unspoken. There’s something incredibly compelling about her quiet, calculated loyalty.
And Dominik? Exactly what I wanted. Knowing that he’s just as obsessed—if not more—with Cassie was perfection. The fact that he secretly installs cameras in her room to watch her gave full stalker vibes, and honestly… I was here for it. Their dynamic is dark, twisted, and addictive in the best way.
The cliffhanger was shocking—but also one of those moments where you think, I knew it, while still being left desperate for answers. It set up book two perfectly, and I already know the continuation is going to be intense.
Final thoughts: Beautiful Poison is dark, intriguing, and emotionally gripping. With a unique FMC, obsessive devotion, and a cliffhanger that leaves you craving more, this book is a must-read for fans of morally gray romance and psychological tension. I can’t wait for book two.
⭐ Highly recommended. ⭐

[Readwithsamijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo Orleans is one of those authors you know is gonna get big at some point, its just a wait for now and im so glad I discovered her.

Her stories break you and definitely need to pay attention to trigger warnings.

This book is no different except instead of having one big story she has split it (not sure how many books are going to be in this series). So the slow build up and cliffhanger make complete sense. This is going to be one that absolutely blows me away i can feel it already so im impatiently waiting on the next installment to see what happens.

I loved that Cassandra is not just a Killer who keeps trophies in the form of lipstick made from her victims blood but that she works as a scientist and uses that knowledge to keep from being caught. Ive often wondered if there are more people like that in the real world.

Dominik is the prosecuter that she helps solve crimes for and who she is in love with unfortunately he is dating her sister. Both have an incredible connection and I cant wait to find out what Cassandras sisters secret is because there is more to her than meets the eye, and I dont trust her ar all.

Either way read the trigger warnings and who knows you might be the next person to fall in love with Cleos stories

[ishaa💗 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Poison is one of those stories that slowly seeps into you and refuses to let go.

What starts off feeling deceptively simple turns into something far darker, deeper, and emotionally tangled. The characters are written with such quiet intensity — every interaction feels loaded, every glance and silence matters more than words.

I loved how the story balances intimacy with unease. There’s a constant sense that something isn’t right, yet you can’t stop turning the pages. The bond between the leads is complex, layered, and unsettling in the most addictive way.

The writing is sharp, atmospheric, and immersive. Nothing feels rushed or over-explained, which makes the tension hit even harder. By the end, I was left thinking about the story long after I closed the book — and that, to me, is the mark of a powerful read.

If you enjoy psychological depth, morally grey characters, and stories that blur the line between love and danger, Beautiful Poison is absolutely worth the read.

🖤 Highly recommended.

[Elle Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Poison hooked me from page one and refused to let go. This is book one in the Love Is Death trilogy, and I’m already feral for the next installment.

I love a female serial-killer trope, but what made this feel so refreshing is that she’s not a product of trauma. She’s just an actual psychopath. Full stop. No tragic “origin story,” no softening. Just a wolf in sheep’s clothing who’s terrifyingly self-aware and thrives in the darkness. It’s deliciously unhinged in the best way.

The vibes are very Dexter meets YOU: calculating, obsessive, darkly funny at times, and deeply unsettling. I thought I knew exactly where the plot was heading (and maybe it still is), but the twist at the end absolutely derailed me. I need book two immediately because the way this ended? Exciting!

It’s a fast, bingeable read. Perfect for when you want something dark, twisted, and fun. There were a few areas I wish had been fleshed out more, but honestly? I ate it up anyway.

Bring on more murder, obsession, and chaos. I’m ready.

[TheNorksWife · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author, first of the books I’ve read from them.

I went into it not knowing what to expect, just the premise. I love dark romance and as a dark romance reader I generally know what I’m getting myself into, but I have to say I disagree with the author in not providing any trigger warnings. Particularly the one about cheating, which is a hard line for me and honestly the only trigger I care about when looking at a book’s warnings. To not fully spoil the book I won’t say more than that, other than there is a lot of it…

I also often felt a bit confused about who each character was and what their relationship was to the other person. I understood the plot line which was intriguing, but I felt like a bit more clarity was needed in some chapters.

Hopefully the author will add trigger warnings before the book is released later this month, because honestly they wouldn’t ruin or spoil the book like they think.

[Ro Chelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

°·._.·♡ ARC Review ♡·._.·°

Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book and leave my honest review.

The story follows Cassandra and Dominik, she’s a blood analyst and secret serial killer and he’s a prosecutor. They’re bother obsessed with each other but there’s just two little problems: he’s dating her twin sister (not a psychopath that we know of…) and someone is trying to kill him.

First off this was ✨dark✨ and it is crazy work by the author not to put a TW list 👀 so look after yourselves.

I have thoughts and theories upon thoughts and theories about this one! I loved the premise and an FMC that is so completely unhinged that there is no resonance with her at all, but you can’t look away because you need to see what demented thing she does next! Although she does give Dexter vibes, she is not above killing people because they rub her the wrong way or look at her man funny…👀

That being said I was left really confused by some of the narrative and I didn’t feel like it flowed in places, I wonder if this was deliberate on the author’s part to show the inconsistencies in the MCs minds or unintentional because it was jarring to read.

•°¯`•• Spoiler Alert! ••´¯°•
Spoilers only in that these are my theories on the final chapter: was Dominik an unreliable narrator the whole time? Does he have an evil twin? Is he the other serial killer and he’s been messing with us? Does Dominik have multiple personality disorder? I have no idea 🤷‍♀️

Overall, I’m left with more questions than I started with but I do need to find out what happens.
Rating: 🩸🩸🩸🩸

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read! The police collaborations gave me serious CSI vibes and added a thrilling, procedural edge that made the mystery even more addictive. The story line was brilliantly woven, full of twists that kept me guessing right until the end.And that ending, WOW. I caught myself actually rooting for the “bad guy” (or maybe the good one, depending on how you see it). It’s one of those endings that makes you sit back and rethink everything you’ve just read. And can we talk about the “blood for lipstick coloring”? Totally wild, totally creative, and exactly the kind of detail that makes Cleo Orléans’ writing stand out.If you love dark, clever, and twisted tales that blur the line between right and wrong, Beautiful Poison is a must-read.

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review-Author
Beautiful Poison by Cleo Orleans
Book one of Love is Death
Star Rating: 3.5⭐️
Pub Date: Jan 13, 2026
Genre: Crime/Thriller/Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Format: Digital

I enjoyed this story through the POV from Cassandra because she’s a “psychopath” from the beginning to is in a lab and she is obsessive over blood and the taste, the color etc. so I was like hell yeah. It was interesting and there is crime involved. To me this wasn’t really a dark romance between Cassie and Dominik imo. I still enjoyed the story I just wanted more of the craziness. I literally had so many thoughts I can’t really say without giving spoilers. The ending was kinda meh too. I just didn’t believe Dom and Cassie’s connection… sadly. I really wanted to love it but as for unhinged, Cassie definitely is.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’ALL! Beautiful Poison is dark, feral, and unapologetically savage 😈🐺 By day, she’s masked in humanity; by night, she’s pure predator—and watching that switch flip is delicious. Cleo Orleans writes with sharp, addictive prose that feels slick, dangerous, and intimate, pulling you straight into a love-is-death obsession where rules are laughable and bodies are collateral. The MC is a wolf in sheep’s clothing—calculating, obsessive, and terrifyingly devoted—and every page hums with menace, hunger, and “touch her and die” energy. It’s messy, twisted, and bold… just shy of perfection, but absolutely binge-worthy. Don’t provoke her. You’ve been warned. 🔪🔥.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookish_Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Beautiful Poison was a fast, engaging read with a smooth flow that made it easy to fall into the story. The slow unraveling of both characters added just the right amount of mystery, revealing their inner worlds piece by piece. Each of them carries a dark obsession, and watching those obsessions unknowingly complement one another was incredible. Their shared desires and interests are what make them such a perfect match, and following that realization unfold was so satisfying. The ending absolutely caught me off guard and left me with a million questions. Book two can’t come soon enough.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️

Beautiful Poison is about a female serial killer who works in a crime lab.

It it very much giving female Dexter vibes.

In the beginning, I felt as if the author was addicted to using a thesaurus. It almost came off as if she was trying to make her writing sound more sophisticated. Thankfully, I feel as though it evened out pretty quickly.

Overall, this is a good start to this series.
At times I felt like I had missed an entire chapter. Her ideas just didn't seem to flow easily and I found myself confused as to what was happening and why certain people were being hunted.
I still don't truly understand the situation between the FMC, her twin sister, and the MMC. The characters need more background and context.

But honestly, the plot and pacing was so addicting that even these things didn't keep me from reading. I was hooked and just hoped it would all make sense in the end.

[Khendle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book (thank you to the author!) and thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s a fairly quick read and I really enjoyed the storyline and characters. I haven’t read a book where the fmc is the psychopath so I enjoyed the change of pace. The twist at the end was a complete shock to me and I look forward to reading the next instalment! The inner monologue and of the fmc felt a little repetitive and the science jargon went right over my head and kind of took me out of the story. But other than that, the pace was good, characters were interesting and the story felt unique to me!

[Cailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Poison was the perfect start to this trilogy. It was creative and well written. It was also a very quick read, I finished in just a few hours. The FMC and MMC are both holding secrets having no idea how much they actually have in common. I felt like the story had Dexter vibes and I am curious to see where it goes. I’d like to see them team up, they’d be killer together! Thank you Cleo Orleans for this ARC. I am happy to volunteer my honest review.

[Ashley C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Poison is an interesting, suspenseful, and wild ride. It certainly peaked my interest and had me devouring the chaos. I enjoyed these characters, the mystery, and the way this story is built…I’m very intrigued to see where things go. Cassie is so unhinged, possessive, completely obsessed, and loves to hunt. Don’t mess with what’s hers, she’ll let her monster out to play 😈

Thank you so much Cleo Orléans for this ARC 🫶🏻

[TheMoonBrewCozyGrimoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book it was a quick read and kept my attention the entire way through. I didn’t see the ending of this coming , and I have a couple hunches about book two that I already can’t wait to dive into. The budding love affair was done perfectly without being too creepy .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Arc Review 📚

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I read this in 3 hours!!

My reason for 4 stars is I'm very confused by some of the book, but I'm hoping book 2 will clear some of that up for me.

But as usual I love how she writes her characters and the relationships between them, and the flow of her storyline ❣️

What a cliff hanger though!! Book 2 now yes?

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wild. I loved the blood, the trophies, the twists and turns. The dark vibes that this gave off were deliciously wicked. I devoured this book in one day. It reaches out and pulls you into its world. And it doesn’t let go until it’s decided it’s dine with you. I am absolutely in love with everything this book is.

[Kendra Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I started and finished it in one day, only stopping for family dinner. The story between Cassie and Dominik had me going through a number of emotions. And the mystery of what’s going on with Dominik had me guessing. I love when a story grips me like that and wish the book was longer because I wasn’t ready for it to end.