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Venom #1
Venom
Vampires, Lycan, and Rock Stars? Oh my...
When Melody Williams goes missing at a concert, at Club Nightshade, her eighteen-year-old cousin, Chelsey Fairfax, sneaks into the club to find answers. Little does she know that some mysteries are better left hidden.
Meanwhile, Venom is in town, a hot new band from Europe, and the owner of Club Nightshade wants them there permanently...
When Melody Williams goes missing at a concert, at Club Nightshade, her eighteen-year-old cousin, Chelsey Fairfax, sneaks into the club to find answers. Little does she know that some mysteries are better left hidden.
Meanwhile, Venom is in town, a hot new band from Europe, and the owner of Club Nightshade wants them there permanently...
ebook
First published August 14, 2014
About the author
Kristen Middleton
190 books766 followersNY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Kristen Middleton, is from the Midwest and not only enjoys writing, but connecting with her readers. Kristen also writes gritty biker books under the name Cassie Alexandra. She is also involved with raising money to help locate missing and exploited children, helping other authors succeed by sharing what she's learned in the self-publishing industry, and volunteering resources or her time whenever she can. "Besides having a passion for writing, I adore children, suspenseful movies, watching Shameless and The Walking Dead, traveling, Moscato wine, Chianti Grill, Savoy Pizza, and meeting new friends."
Kristen Middleton lives in Minnesota
Favorite Quote (Henry Ford)
"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 1, 2018
It was nice as a quick introduction to characters and world building, obviously there is an attraction between the two POV'S i think the story looks very interesting and what a cliffhanger=ger!!!!
November 2, 2015
Actual rating:3.5/5 stars
This book was more engaging than I thought. I really enjoyed the writing style and the way the plot unfolds. Unfortunately, again the ending was too abrupt for my liking, but otherwise, I am eager to continue with the series and to see where it'll go.
This book was more engaging than I thought. I really enjoyed the writing style and the way the plot unfolds. Unfortunately, again the ending was too abrupt for my liking, but otherwise, I am eager to continue with the series and to see where it'll go.
Want to Read
October 30, 2017🎁 FREE on iBooks today (7/7/2019)! 🎁
August 26, 2015
Audiobook
Narration - Meghan Kelly - I didn't care for the narration. I love Meghan's voice, but she is not a character actor. My suggestion to Meghan, (if she were ever to read one of my reviews - lol) would be to get back to the basics. Tell the story and don't try to create all of these character voices, (because right now, you can't) But your voice is lovely, so just drop the pitch a bit for your male characters and change pitch for your females but don't try to turn each one into a caricature. The characters are all too over the top, fake, cartoon like, or with that upper crust lilt, like she's adding an additional syllable to the end of every word. This was very hard for me to listen too. Please find another narrator for this series.
Honestly, I can't say really anything about the story, because the narration killed that for me too.
Sorry, that's all I've got.
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review
Narration - Meghan Kelly - I didn't care for the narration. I love Meghan's voice, but she is not a character actor. My suggestion to Meghan, (if she were ever to read one of my reviews - lol) would be to get back to the basics. Tell the story and don't try to create all of these character voices, (because right now, you can't) But your voice is lovely, so just drop the pitch a bit for your male characters and change pitch for your females but don't try to turn each one into a caricature. The characters are all too over the top, fake, cartoon like, or with that upper crust lilt, like she's adding an additional syllable to the end of every word. This was very hard for me to listen too. Please find another narrator for this series.
Honestly, I can't say really anything about the story, because the narration killed that for me too.
Sorry, that's all I've got.
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review
August 30, 2015
That was the whole thing? It seemed more like a teaser..when you get to read the first 2 chapters before buying the book.
It was interesting...but I really need more to decide if I like it or not. It was just the beginning set up.
It was interesting...but I really need more to decide if I like it or not. It was just the beginning set up.
August 23, 2019
WOW.
This was the best of the stories I read from Middleton. It links to "Blur" very well, mentioning Nikki and Nathan, and having Ethan and Susan from the diner.
There are a lot of supernatural creatures in this one that it's a bit too much in one short story. And yet, I really, really want to read the next one and it's the first Middleton story that I've felt this way about.
So.
Chelsey's cousin Melody goes missing one night after partying at a night club (with fake IDs because these ladies are 18). Chelsey and her best friend Susan go to the club to see if they can learn anything.
And they do.
Slade, the lead singer of Venom, apparently left with Melody the night before and bit her--because he's a vampire (though the rest of the band are lycanthropes). But then there is a shapeshifter in the book as well and maybe a gargoyle but that could be the shifter.
But Slade doesn't remember being with anyone the previous night (and he never goes with fans while the others do, so it's weird that he WAS with someone), though the reader knows--and the band members know.
BUT THEN THE END AND CALEB BEING POINTED A BAD GUY! I didn't like him at all in "Blur" so I was wary at the end of THAT but what the heeeccckkkkkk.
This was the best of the stories I read from Middleton. It links to "Blur" very well, mentioning Nikki and Nathan, and having Ethan and Susan from the diner.
There are a lot of supernatural creatures in this one that it's a bit too much in one short story. And yet, I really, really want to read the next one and it's the first Middleton story that I've felt this way about.
So.
Chelsey's cousin Melody goes missing one night after partying at a night club (with fake IDs because these ladies are 18). Chelsey and her best friend Susan go to the club to see if they can learn anything.
And they do.
Slade, the lead singer of Venom, apparently left with Melody the night before and bit her--because he's a vampire (though the rest of the band are lycanthropes). But then there is a shapeshifter in the book as well and maybe a gargoyle but that could be the shifter.
But Slade doesn't remember being with anyone the previous night (and he never goes with fans while the others do, so it's weird that he WAS with someone), though the reader knows--and the band members know.
BUT THEN THE END AND CALEB BEING POINTED A BAD GUY! I didn't like him at all in "Blur" so I was wary at the end of THAT but what the heeeccckkkkkk.
April 1, 2017
Left hanging
Well, this was rather disappointing...the story leaves you hanging at the end. It read okay, although a little better editing couldn't hurt. But there was no real pull to continue.
Well, this was rather disappointing...the story leaves you hanging at the end. It read okay, although a little better editing couldn't hurt. But there was no real pull to continue.
June 2, 2020
It was okay. Not sure if I'm going to continue this series or not.
January 9, 2017
Although this was quite a short read, this has been my favourite work by this writer. The characters still don't seem to have much depth to them, but the plot line seems to have been more carefully thought out. It seems to be a slight spin off from the Roamers series, but stands well enough by itself. The story moves along at a good pace, and the ending is quite climatic, and a good hook to get people reading the next book in the series.
June 11, 2014
Can't wait for the next one!
May 25, 2016
Another one with Vampires. But it seemed to resemble something similar to Twilight. It chopped and changed too much. And just wasn't very interesting.
February 13, 2023
1 ✰ Again the type of book that leaves you in an cliffhanger and if you want to read the rest you have to pay for it
May 10, 2018
A thrilling suspenseful ride filled with drama, humor, horror, sorrow, sadness as well as smiles and laughs from start to finish, the author covers many types of supernaturals. An intrigue unique read that is fast paced for the most part, it has a very interesting plot with wonderful characters. It is steamy with some very hot hunk that you are so going to love.
When Chelsey hunts down her cousin in a nightclub she has no idea how much it is going to change her life or what all she will lose. One night changes everything as she lives through the nightmare along with finding people she never dreamed and what they do to humans she is terrified. Here is where she meets Slade and his band where she is attacked and loses so much. Slade takes charge and become a night in shinning armor as he sweeps her off her feet to start a new life. His only trouble is keeping her at arms link, he has his reasons why humans aren't his cup of tea.
Ms. Kelly does a wonderful job narrating from her wonderful character voices to the delightful emotions she puts into her audios. Her male and female voices are very good, you always know who is talking and what they are feeling. You can hear the emotions that each character is going through as well as the fear, happiness, confusion and sorrow. There are no background noise, no repeating of words, no volume changes. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. I always knew who was talking, what they are feeling. She really brought the characters to life pulling me in and painting a picture I could see in my mind. I could really hear the desperation in Chelsey’s voice and the powerful emotions that Slade has. This is a very clean, clear audio that is very realistic that you almost feel like you are watching a movie, the characters feel real even though we know they do not exist I found myself watching out the window expecting to see one. I really enjoyed how she shows the sparks flying between these two as their feeling and confusion grow you are pulled in. The narrator makes them feel like they are family. I totally enjoyed listening to this audio.
I listened to the boxset so this part of the review is on it as a whole. Loved the plot, the story line feels real as well as the characters. I really didn’t want it to end and I do hope the author is planning on writing more in this series. When Chelsey said one day she would find and deal with the woman that turned her world upside down I was think you go get her, but I totally understood that now is not the time she has things she must deal with first as she starts her new life with Slade. The way the character said it made me feel there will be more added to this series and I for one can’t wait. I loved the supporting characters they add so much to this series. Many things happen, a lot of twists and turns that are exciting, some will have your throat in your mouth, making your heart beat faster and wanting to get in on the fight yourself. He steam is hot some very hot sex scenes that will heat you up. The danger is real as well as the excitement. It was a very hard audio to put down I needed to find what happened next. There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about these stories. It was well written you can tell a lot of thought went into the writing as well as the narration. I hope you pick it up and give it a listen you are in for one thrilling ride.
When Chelsey hunts down her cousin in a nightclub she has no idea how much it is going to change her life or what all she will lose. One night changes everything as she lives through the nightmare along with finding people she never dreamed and what they do to humans she is terrified. Here is where she meets Slade and his band where she is attacked and loses so much. Slade takes charge and become a night in shinning armor as he sweeps her off her feet to start a new life. His only trouble is keeping her at arms link, he has his reasons why humans aren't his cup of tea.
Ms. Kelly does a wonderful job narrating from her wonderful character voices to the delightful emotions she puts into her audios. Her male and female voices are very good, you always know who is talking and what they are feeling. You can hear the emotions that each character is going through as well as the fear, happiness, confusion and sorrow. There are no background noise, no repeating of words, no volume changes. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. I always knew who was talking, what they are feeling. She really brought the characters to life pulling me in and painting a picture I could see in my mind. I could really hear the desperation in Chelsey’s voice and the powerful emotions that Slade has. This is a very clean, clear audio that is very realistic that you almost feel like you are watching a movie, the characters feel real even though we know they do not exist I found myself watching out the window expecting to see one. I really enjoyed how she shows the sparks flying between these two as their feeling and confusion grow you are pulled in. The narrator makes them feel like they are family. I totally enjoyed listening to this audio.
I listened to the boxset so this part of the review is on it as a whole. Loved the plot, the story line feels real as well as the characters. I really didn’t want it to end and I do hope the author is planning on writing more in this series. When Chelsey said one day she would find and deal with the woman that turned her world upside down I was think you go get her, but I totally understood that now is not the time she has things she must deal with first as she starts her new life with Slade. The way the character said it made me feel there will be more added to this series and I for one can’t wait. I loved the supporting characters they add so much to this series. Many things happen, a lot of twists and turns that are exciting, some will have your throat in your mouth, making your heart beat faster and wanting to get in on the fight yourself. He steam is hot some very hot sex scenes that will heat you up. The danger is real as well as the excitement. It was a very hard audio to put down I needed to find what happened next. There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about these stories. It was well written you can tell a lot of thought went into the writing as well as the narration. I hope you pick it up and give it a listen you are in for one thrilling ride.
August 11, 2019
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Venom
Subtitle: Venom #1
Author: Kristen Middleton
Genre: Paranormal
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series? No
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
When Chelsea’s 18-year-old cousin Melody goes missing she initially is very angry with her and blames her for being irresponsible and putting her mother through unnecessary worry and stress. She goes to find her wayward cousin and bring her home. In the process, she finds a hidden and dangerous world. Something which might have been better left alone.
What I liked about the book:
I loved how fearless Chelsea was about bringing her cousin back. She was the typical responsible girl, working hard to do well at school and annoyed by how Melody was wreckless.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There was nothing in the book I didn’t like.
My favourite bits in the book:
How Slade went against his nature and saved the girls.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the book in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book in the series and I had to restrain myself to buy the next books in the series. After a good fight with myself, I gave in and bought the other two in the series too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is another book in the ‘good’ vampire and ‘good’ Lycan genre. I really enjoyed this one.
Recommendation:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like Fantasy, vampires and shifters this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Vampires, Lycan, and Rock Stars? Oh my...
When Melody Williams goes missing at a concert, at Club Nightshade, her eighteen-year-old cousin, Chelsey Fairfax, sneaks into the club to find answers. Little does she know that some mysteries are better left hidden.
Meanwhile, Venom is in town, a hot new band from Europe, and the owner of Club Nightshade wants them there permanently...
About the Author:
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Kristen Middleton, is from the Midwest and not only enjoys writing, but connecting with her readers. Kristen also writes gritty biker books under the name Cassie Alexandra. She is also involved with raising money to help locate missing and exploited children, helping other authors succeed by sharing what she's learned in the self-publishing industry, and volunteering resources or her time whenever she can. "Besides having a passion for writing, I adore children, suspenseful movies, watching Shameless and The Walking Dead, traveling, Moscato wine, Chianti Grill, Savoy Pizza, and meeting new friends."
Basic Details:
Book Title: Venom
Subtitle: Venom #1
Author: Kristen Middleton
Genre: Paranormal
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series? No
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
When Chelsea’s 18-year-old cousin Melody goes missing she initially is very angry with her and blames her for being irresponsible and putting her mother through unnecessary worry and stress. She goes to find her wayward cousin and bring her home. In the process, she finds a hidden and dangerous world. Something which might have been better left alone.
What I liked about the book:
I loved how fearless Chelsea was about bringing her cousin back. She was the typical responsible girl, working hard to do well at school and annoyed by how Melody was wreckless.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There was nothing in the book I didn’t like.
My favourite bits in the book:
How Slade went against his nature and saved the girls.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the book in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book in the series and I had to restrain myself to buy the next books in the series. After a good fight with myself, I gave in and bought the other two in the series too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is another book in the ‘good’ vampire and ‘good’ Lycan genre. I really enjoyed this one.
Recommendation:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like Fantasy, vampires and shifters this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Vampires, Lycan, and Rock Stars? Oh my...
When Melody Williams goes missing at a concert, at Club Nightshade, her eighteen-year-old cousin, Chelsey Fairfax, sneaks into the club to find answers. Little does she know that some mysteries are better left hidden.
Meanwhile, Venom is in town, a hot new band from Europe, and the owner of Club Nightshade wants them there permanently...
About the Author:
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Kristen Middleton, is from the Midwest and not only enjoys writing, but connecting with her readers. Kristen also writes gritty biker books under the name Cassie Alexandra. She is also involved with raising money to help locate missing and exploited children, helping other authors succeed by sharing what she's learned in the self-publishing industry, and volunteering resources or her time whenever she can. "Besides having a passion for writing, I adore children, suspenseful movies, watching Shameless and The Walking Dead, traveling, Moscato wine, Chianti Grill, Savoy Pizza, and meeting new friends."
October 11, 2018
I read this book at the end of Illusions. At first it was hard to read because I had just finished Illusions and my heart was still breaking. But, I am a little confused. It doesn't mesh a little with the original arc as in we are made to believe Ethan is gone during this time in the original but he shows up in this one. There isn't a clarification of that either. So, now the question is "Was Ethan there or not?" It explains one of the mysterious deaths in the original story but adds more questions. Especially since in the original series it says that the murder happened for another reason. Another thing that I had a hard time with is the thing that drives this male lead is the same for what drove Ethan so it is kind of repetitive. I did enjoy the action in this book, though. I wanted to see what would happen so I didn't put it down until I read it all. I also wonder if Faye was the creature climbing the tree in Blur. I loved hearing about the characters from the original story as well.
December 13, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and although the story was good it had so much potential to be a five star read. One thing that hurt the story for me was the narrator. I'm sorry to say this but disliked her voice for every character. It was whining and annoying. However, I enjoyed the storyline and the plot of the story. I think had I read this story instead of listened to it, I would have rated it higher. There was mystery, suspense, vampires, lycans, rockstars, gargoyles and so much more in this story. Just when the action started happening this story ended leaving me wanting to know what would happen. I hope Melody, her friend Susan and her cousin Chelsey show some growth during this series because their actions are a bit immature. I'm excited to know what happens with Slade, Liam, Jimmy, Shaun, Faye and Ethan. This was a great start to this series and I'm excited to know more, I just wish there was a different narrator.
December 13, 2017
This book is more interesting then I thought it would be, I got the audio version and love the narrator she has an amazing voice, but her male voices are not the best yet, they mostly sound like a girl trying to sound like a guy. I do think she does an amazing job with the female voices and has a nice british accent.
The plot is really good I love how it builds up smoothly and has a lot going on, lots of twists and turns and a good story line.
the ending is good but a real cliff hanger.
It's worth a read but isn't amazing, if you like action and romance then I would check this series out for sure.
I was given this book for free in return for my honest review
The plot is really good I love how it builds up smoothly and has a lot going on, lots of twists and turns and a good story line.
the ending is good but a real cliff hanger.
It's worth a read but isn't amazing, if you like action and romance then I would check this series out for sure.
I was given this book for free in return for my honest review
December 8, 2020
Venom (Venom #1) was a good read by Kristen Middleton. Melody went missing from a concert at a club that she wasn't supposed to be in. Her cousin, Chelsey, sneaks into the club in hopes of finding answers as to where Melody is. Venom is a new hot band from Europe and the club's owner wishes they would stay permanently. Chelsey never expected what the answers are she would find. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more in the series.
February 16, 2020
Cheesy Sees that her cousin is missing . She goes to the last place that her cousin is seen , a nightclub. Chelsey meets Slade for the first time. Slade is the head person for the band. Only thing is he needs to keep her at Arms length. Slade doesn’t like humans. That is a secret that Slade can’t let her know about. Grab it and find out why .
May 13, 2017
rThis is the 7th book I read by Kristen Middleton. This book started good with Melody missing but Chelsey's attitude when she finds out turns me off. Your cousin is missing & you act nonchalant about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2017
I liked it. The story and characters were engaging and the story really draws you in. However, the ending left a lot to be desired. It just leaves you hanging. I'm dying to see what happens next though, so I'll definitely be reading the next installment
June 20, 2018
LOVED IT!!!
Definitely not twilight but interesting and captivating can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. Love K Middleton a.k.a. Cassie Alexandra I have read her MC series and looking forward to reading the rest of the series
Definitely not twilight but interesting and captivating can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. Love K Middleton a.k.a. Cassie Alexandra I have read her MC series and looking forward to reading the rest of the series
August 16, 2021
I listened to all three books in the series. This author is new to me. I enjoyed listening to Meghan Kelly reveal the story on audio.
Cousins Melody and Chelsea are young, naive and romanced by a lycan and vampire rock stars. This is a paranormal series worth reading.
Cousins Melody and Chelsea are young, naive and romanced by a lycan and vampire rock stars. This is a paranormal series worth reading.
February 2, 2024
Short story, quick read, maybe a too quick. Consider it as a draft prologue, with Melody as the top annoyance, Chelsey as mentally a 12yrs old nun, and a “rock star” who does not behave like one, but rather a very caring social worker.
May 31, 2017
A good read!
I found this lite fantasy romance an enjoyable afternoon escape. The characters were exciting with unexpected, terror-filled moments that kept the story interesting.
I found this lite fantasy romance an enjoyable afternoon escape. The characters were exciting with unexpected, terror-filled moments that kept the story interesting.
October 11, 2017
Very fast pace and it kept me reading. But when I came to the end it was so disappointing not because it was bad but because I didn't have the other book yet. A must read.
December 15, 2017
Enjoyable somewhat original series. Entertaining enough to keep me reading....
April 28, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
May 18, 2018
amazing cant wait to read the next book!!!
March 23, 2019
Not satisfied
Hate half book with major cliffhangers. Just when it started to get gud it ends. I hate that just write a whole book or say it's a cliffhanger
Hate half book with major cliffhangers. Just when it started to get gud it ends. I hate that just write a whole book or say it's a cliffhanger
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews