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The Venomous #2
Venomous Attraction
He’s supposed to fix broken minds.
Instead, he’s unraveling mine.
Thread by thread.
Dangerous. Obsessive. Addictive.
He’s not the settling down type.
Too bad I’m not in the market for a fling.
I’ve played the game enough times to know a man like that is used to getting his way.
Before I can stop myself, I’m tangled in his dark web. Paralyzed by the way I want him.
The harder I push, the tighter he pulls.
It started as an attraction, but now it’s bordering on venomous.
Instead, he’s unraveling mine.
Thread by thread.
Dangerous. Obsessive. Addictive.
He’s not the settling down type.
Too bad I’m not in the market for a fling.
I’ve played the game enough times to know a man like that is used to getting his way.
Before I can stop myself, I’m tangled in his dark web. Paralyzed by the way I want him.
The harder I push, the tighter he pulls.
It started as an attraction, but now it’s bordering on venomous.
254 pages, ebook
Published December 30, 2025
About the author
T.L. Smith
87 books6,875 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
Did Not Finish
February 13, 2026Soft DNF might come back to this but wth was this I read like 40pg and something about the writing is not doing it for me maybe a little cliche and arlo is giving me (Mean energy)😬
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Who was going to tell me that the second one is out??? WAIT WHO WAS GOING TO TELL ME THAT THERES A SECOND ONE !!! I'm pretty sure the author note in venomous kiss said STANDALONE (I'm going to eat this up as soon as possible)
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Who was going to tell me that the second one is out??? WAIT WHO WAS GOING TO TELL ME THAT THERES A SECOND ONE !!! I'm pretty sure the author note in venomous kiss said STANDALONE (I'm going to eat this up as soon as possible)
January 17, 2026
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great.
It took me entirely too long to read 251 pages.
It didn't hold my interest very well.
The FMC is kind of annoying, so that also didn't help.
It took me entirely too long to read 251 pages.
It didn't hold my interest very well.
The FMC is kind of annoying, so that also didn't help.
March 19, 2026
If you were intrigued by Arlo in the previous book, this one won’t let you down. He’s a complex protagonist who, without meaning to or even realising it, falls for Cora.
We’ll learn a lot more about the Forsaken Society, and there’s a subplot that’s sure to make an impression.
I like the balance of the book; it has everything. Although Cora isn’t the best protagonist, Arlo makes up for it.
Of course, it’s made me excited to read the next one. Let’s keep going!
We’ll learn a lot more about the Forsaken Society, and there’s a subplot that’s sure to make an impression.
I like the balance of the book; it has everything. Although Cora isn’t the best protagonist, Arlo makes up for it.
Of course, it’s made me excited to read the next one. Let’s keep going!
December 27, 2025
If you have read venomous kiss you will remember that Arlo is a member of the Forsaken Society and therapist and now we are getting his story about the woman who captured his attention. Who might this be? Well it is Cora Ashford a real estate agent.
Initial contact between the pair was made when Arlo requested that Cora would be the one to find the new property, his instructions were very clear, no one but her would assist. Arlo was very straight forward and blunt with his intentions, but Cora was firm and held out because she knew exactly what she wanted and that was something along the lines of a long lasting relationship rather than a fling. This only contributed to the brewing tension and banter between the pair - you see Arlo wasn’t used to chasing a woman, but he soon came to realise he was quite content in chasing Cora👀
When Cora noticed that Arlo’s efforts became more strenuous her walls started to crumble. I mean this man firmly claimed her at a gala - talk about a man obsessed 🤭.
Overall I absolutely loved these two; the plot, the banter, the chemistry of this couple - all these elements were perfection.
I’m so excited for the next couple in this series. Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Secret Society
🖤 He falls first and hard
🖤 Possessive/Obsessive MMC
🖤 Feisty FMC
Initial contact between the pair was made when Arlo requested that Cora would be the one to find the new property, his instructions were very clear, no one but her would assist. Arlo was very straight forward and blunt with his intentions, but Cora was firm and held out because she knew exactly what she wanted and that was something along the lines of a long lasting relationship rather than a fling. This only contributed to the brewing tension and banter between the pair - you see Arlo wasn’t used to chasing a woman, but he soon came to realise he was quite content in chasing Cora👀
When Cora noticed that Arlo’s efforts became more strenuous her walls started to crumble. I mean this man firmly claimed her at a gala - talk about a man obsessed 🤭.
Overall I absolutely loved these two; the plot, the banter, the chemistry of this couple - all these elements were perfection.
I’m so excited for the next couple in this series. Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Secret Society
🖤 He falls first and hard
🖤 Possessive/Obsessive MMC
🖤 Feisty FMC
December 30, 2025
arc review to come 🖤
January 4, 2026
This relationship was lust but I was entertained
December 24, 2025
Possessive. Obsessed. Unhinged energy. 🖤
Arlo is a man who knows exactly what he wants — and once Cora is in his line of sight, walking away isn’t an option.
Cora is strong, independent, and not looking for distractions. Her life revolves around her career and taking care of her mom, not falling for a man who refuses to let her keep her walls intact.
When Arlo steps into her world, everything shifts. She’s thrown off balance, resisting every pull — because taking the easy way has never been her style.
Just as she finally agrees to give him a chance, secrets start to surface… threatening to destroy everything before it even begins. ✨
This new series from T.L. Smith has me hooked, and I need the next book ASAP.
Manifesting Soren’s story next. 🤞📚
Arlo is a man who knows exactly what he wants — and once Cora is in his line of sight, walking away isn’t an option.
Cora is strong, independent, and not looking for distractions. Her life revolves around her career and taking care of her mom, not falling for a man who refuses to let her keep her walls intact.
When Arlo steps into her world, everything shifts. She’s thrown off balance, resisting every pull — because taking the easy way has never been her style.
Just as she finally agrees to give him a chance, secrets start to surface… threatening to destroy everything before it even begins. ✨
This new series from T.L. Smith has me hooked, and I need the next book ASAP.
Manifesting Soren’s story next. 🤞📚
February 11, 2026
4⭐️
I may have finished this book in December and forgot to write a review…🫣 Anywho I’ve been really enjoying this series so far! The MMCs are unhinged in the best ways and the FMCs don’t take any shit which I love🤭 I also really enjoyed seeing Arlo’s therapist notes on himself at the beginning of every chapter. Overall this book was a spicy unhinged ride and I was here for every second of it!
I may have finished this book in December and forgot to write a review…🫣 Anywho I’ve been really enjoying this series so far! The MMCs are unhinged in the best ways and the FMCs don’t take any shit which I love🤭 I also really enjoyed seeing Arlo’s therapist notes on himself at the beginning of every chapter. Overall this book was a spicy unhinged ride and I was here for every second of it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arlo! I really wanted a Soren story after Venomous Kiss, but Arlo made me change my mind from chapter one! The chemistry jumped off the page. I do love a TL unhinged MMC.
#villianlover
#villianlover
January 22, 2026
Genuinely have to stop listening to booktok reviews.
This was just two people who were in lust with each other. Tons of lust and no real romantic build up, but then boom they’re in love. I didn’t hate it, but I wouldn’t reread it and will remove it from my brain by tomorrow.
This was just two people who were in lust with each other. Tons of lust and no real romantic build up, but then boom they’re in love. I didn’t hate it, but I wouldn’t reread it and will remove it from my brain by tomorrow.
January 7, 2026
3.89
I liked this book enough to give it 4 stars, but I did have some annoyances that kinda pissed me off. I think I liked the first book better than this one simply because I liked our FMC more.
Cora is this books FMC, a real estate agent that somehow only works for the first third of the book. This is a reoccurring pattern that I notice when reading books when the main characters, especially the FMC, have steady careers. They’re used to advanced their personality and lore, but then the careers are kind of forgotten about. This is what I felt happened in this book. She won my heart at the beginning because she was a hardworking woman that KNEW the struggles and how hard it was for her to be where she was career wise. She knew she EARNED her position, which made me proud for her and able to root for her. However, the deeper we dive into the romance, the less her career seems to make an appearance. This bothered me a little bit but I was able to move past it.
Something else I didn’t love about her was how inconsistent she was. Arlo is our MMC, and just like the last book, their relationship is mainly sexual. I don’t love that because I like the yearning and attention to little details that a more emotional connection can give. However, I knew what I was getting into, so I didn’t penalize them for it that much. Back to the inconsistencies, the amount of times that he propositioned her for sex and she said no one minute and the next gives in are CRAZYYY. IT HAPPENS SO MUCH. This pissed me off because this man from the beginning he knew he wanted her. Okay all good. But she was very clear with herself that she wanted more than sex. She wanted marriage and more of an emotional, deeper relationship. SO WHY IS SHE GIVING IN EVERY SINGLE TIME to have another sex only relationship??? I understand lust, but girl please. Pick something and stick to it 😭.
As for our MMC Arlo, there’s not much to say. He was the typical obsessive, dark, and rich guy in your typical dark romance book. He’s a therapist though, so that was interesting about him. His career is very flexible, so it makes sense that it’s only mentioned once in a while, but I still would have loved to see more of him working (the reason I’m not judging this harshly is because he was in the last book, and we saw him work a LOT over there, so his career is kinda established) I did see a lot more outside-of-sex bonding in this relationship to the last, which is to be expected since our FMC here doesn’t have out last FMC’s personality and blood lust.
Overall, it was a fun and quick read, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series when the next book comes out.
I liked this book enough to give it 4 stars, but I did have some annoyances that kinda pissed me off. I think I liked the first book better than this one simply because I liked our FMC more.
Cora is this books FMC, a real estate agent that somehow only works for the first third of the book. This is a reoccurring pattern that I notice when reading books when the main characters, especially the FMC, have steady careers. They’re used to advanced their personality and lore, but then the careers are kind of forgotten about. This is what I felt happened in this book. She won my heart at the beginning because she was a hardworking woman that KNEW the struggles and how hard it was for her to be where she was career wise. She knew she EARNED her position, which made me proud for her and able to root for her. However, the deeper we dive into the romance, the less her career seems to make an appearance. This bothered me a little bit but I was able to move past it.
Something else I didn’t love about her was how inconsistent she was. Arlo is our MMC, and just like the last book, their relationship is mainly sexual. I don’t love that because I like the yearning and attention to little details that a more emotional connection can give. However, I knew what I was getting into, so I didn’t penalize them for it that much. Back to the inconsistencies, the amount of times that he propositioned her for sex and she said no one minute and the next gives in are CRAZYYY. IT HAPPENS SO MUCH. This pissed me off because this man from the beginning he knew he wanted her. Okay all good. But she was very clear with herself that she wanted more than sex. She wanted marriage and more of an emotional, deeper relationship. SO WHY IS SHE GIVING IN EVERY SINGLE TIME to have another sex only relationship??? I understand lust, but girl please. Pick something and stick to it 😭.
As for our MMC Arlo, there’s not much to say. He was the typical obsessive, dark, and rich guy in your typical dark romance book. He’s a therapist though, so that was interesting about him. His career is very flexible, so it makes sense that it’s only mentioned once in a while, but I still would have loved to see more of him working (the reason I’m not judging this harshly is because he was in the last book, and we saw him work a LOT over there, so his career is kinda established) I did see a lot more outside-of-sex bonding in this relationship to the last, which is to be expected since our FMC here doesn’t have out last FMC’s personality and blood lust.
Overall, it was a fun and quick read, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series when the next book comes out.
March 10, 2026
This book was so good!! I devoured it. From the start the tension and chemistry had me hooked, and I could not put it down.
That man… whew 🥵 the pursuit was relentless. He did not give up, and honestly watching him chase, push, and refuse to walk away was half the fun. The obsession, the tension, the way he zeroed in on her — it was addictive to read.
T.L. Smith always knows how to write characters that feel a little unhinged in the best way, and this book delivered exactly that. The chemistry was intense, the moments between them were 🔥, and the story kept me fully entertained the whole way through.
Everything about this one just worked for me — the vibes, the characters, the spice… all of it. If you love a persistent, obsessive MMC who knows exactly what he wants, you’ll probably eat this up like I did. 🤭
That man… whew 🥵 the pursuit was relentless. He did not give up, and honestly watching him chase, push, and refuse to walk away was half the fun. The obsession, the tension, the way he zeroed in on her — it was addictive to read.
T.L. Smith always knows how to write characters that feel a little unhinged in the best way, and this book delivered exactly that. The chemistry was intense, the moments between them were 🔥, and the story kept me fully entertained the whole way through.
Everything about this one just worked for me — the vibes, the characters, the spice… all of it. If you love a persistent, obsessive MMC who knows exactly what he wants, you’ll probably eat this up like I did. 🤭
December 31, 2025
Arlo was arrogant, controlling, and very intelligent. Cora was hardworking, determined, and strong-willed and together they were dynamite.
I loved how strong-willed Cora was and showed Arlo she wasn’t going to be pushed past her limits. She was a powerhouse in her own right, and it’s no wonder Arlo was intrigued by her. The attraction they both felt was overpowering and yet Cora still managed to stay away from Arlo at times—what a strong woman!
Being a prominent member of the secret society, Forsaken, Arlo had his quirks and enjoyed them immensely. His attraction to Cora became almost an addiction and not even the Forsaken Society continued to stay at the top of his priorities. Certainly a shock for Cora but more so for Arlo.
Another fantastic story by this sensational author.
I loved how strong-willed Cora was and showed Arlo she wasn’t going to be pushed past her limits. She was a powerhouse in her own right, and it’s no wonder Arlo was intrigued by her. The attraction they both felt was overpowering and yet Cora still managed to stay away from Arlo at times—what a strong woman!
Being a prominent member of the secret society, Forsaken, Arlo had his quirks and enjoyed them immensely. His attraction to Cora became almost an addiction and not even the Forsaken Society continued to stay at the top of his priorities. Certainly a shock for Cora but more so for Arlo.
Another fantastic story by this sensational author.
January 25, 2026
i really liked arlo. a hot, grumpy billionaire who only had eyes for miss cora😫 🙂↕️ he was basically like, well… i like her so now i’m just gonna do everything i can including stalking to get her to be with me. ..we love a persistent man😌. cora was independent and strong, but i liked seeing her slowly let her walls down for him. 🥹 cute read!! 🥰
‘“I listen when you talk. I listen to everything you say, Cora. And even the words you can’t quite bring yourself to say out loud to me.”’ -arlo 😩🥹
‘But I’ll do it. Because once you’re in, you’re in. And I’m so fucking in for her.’-arlo
‘I’ve become obsessed with a man, and I never thought that would ever happen. But I’m so glad he’s even more obsessed with me than I am with him. However, he’s trained better at hiding it.’-cora 🥹
‘“I listen when you talk. I listen to everything you say, Cora. And even the words you can’t quite bring yourself to say out loud to me.”’ -arlo 😩🥹
‘But I’ll do it. Because once you’re in, you’re in. And I’m so fucking in for her.’-arlo
‘I’ve become obsessed with a man, and I never thought that would ever happen. But I’m so glad he’s even more obsessed with me than I am with him. However, he’s trained better at hiding it.’-cora 🥹
January 5, 2026
Oh Arlo, Arlo, Arlo ... 😍
We actually meet Arlo in book one of those series and learn about the forsaken society. Needless to say, he isn't a nice guy, he has certain 'things' he likes - mu®d3r and ch0king during s3x being the main two!
All that changes when he meets Cora. The strong standoffish woman who stands up to him and says no!
Attraction, steam, realisation that you can actually meet your person and a storyline alongside side characters that I really enjoyed!!
We actually meet Arlo in book one of those series and learn about the forsaken society. Needless to say, he isn't a nice guy, he has certain 'things' he likes - mu®d3r and ch0king during s3x being the main two!
All that changes when he meets Cora. The strong standoffish woman who stands up to him and says no!
Attraction, steam, realisation that you can actually meet your person and a storyline alongside side characters that I really enjoyed!!
January 5, 2026
working on review
March 26, 2026
3.5⭐️ It was fun and exciting till it became very predictable
But I enjoyed this read !!! What else can I hope for 😉
But I enjoyed this read !!! What else can I hope for 😉
April 24, 2026
No because I love Arlo.
Obsessed? That, he is.
Obsessed? That, he is.
December 30, 2025
WOOOOW!! This book had me hooked immediately! I could not stop reading the perfection that was the push and pull between Arlo and Cora!
From the moment they are both on the same page you can feel the chemistry and you know things are about to get sooo good! Cora’s ability to push Arlo in ways no one else has shows him that maybe he isn’t so broken and the stability he brings to Cora…so beautiful!
I could not get enough of the steam between these two when they finally came together because…HOTTTT!
I definitely got sucked into this book more so than the first and I know it’s just going to keep getting better!
From the moment they are both on the same page you can feel the chemistry and you know things are about to get sooo good! Cora’s ability to push Arlo in ways no one else has shows him that maybe he isn’t so broken and the stability he brings to Cora…so beautiful!
I could not get enough of the steam between these two when they finally came together because…HOTTTT!
I definitely got sucked into this book more so than the first and I know it’s just going to keep getting better!
Review of advance copy received from Author
love this series
love this family
loved Arlo and Coras heartstopping broken dark twisted insta love
Gripping
all the feels
ready for more
whos next
love this family
loved Arlo and Coras heartstopping broken dark twisted insta love
Gripping
all the feels
ready for more
whos next
December 18, 2025
“That’s a red flag, you know” “We can go to Six Flags, and I can show you them all” Pretty much sums up Arlo.
Possessive, obsessive, venomous, controlling, precise is Arlo in a nutshell and we are here for this morally grey man. However these FMC’s are fierce and giving their male suitors and run for their dang money! Cora and Arlo are like two pit bulls in a cage and you don’t know which one will come out in victory. But no matter how the path to attraction leads, in the end a power couple will be created that can burn the world down and these two have it all!
I literally could not put this book down and was determined to read it and one day and I did. As these new series unfold they get better and better each time.
Possessive, obsessive, venomous, controlling, precise is Arlo in a nutshell and we are here for this morally grey man. However these FMC’s are fierce and giving their male suitors and run for their dang money! Cora and Arlo are like two pit bulls in a cage and you don’t know which one will come out in victory. But no matter how the path to attraction leads, in the end a power couple will be created that can burn the world down and these two have it all!
I literally could not put this book down and was determined to read it and one day and I did. As these new series unfold they get better and better each time.
December 30, 2025
This book will suck you in from the first chapter. Arlo and Cora are like two vipers that are trying to beat each other, their attraction is white hot and explosive. Another fabulous read in this series and it did not disappoint. 5 big stars
January 11, 2026
senti eñ ending rushed pero overrall estuvo buenooo
December 17, 2025
Damn Girl! Those 2 are fire 🔥
The chemistry is off the charts for Arlo & Cora! The sexual chemistry is on another level.. loved every word!
Loved reading the struggle to gain composure between these 2!
I think these 2 just stole the best couple of the series so far!
Dark romance written by T L Smith! Definitely recommend this book 🙌🏻 Thank for another great read!
The chemistry is off the charts for Arlo & Cora! The sexual chemistry is on another level.. loved every word!
Loved reading the struggle to gain composure between these 2!
I think these 2 just stole the best couple of the series so far!
Dark romance written by T L Smith! Definitely recommend this book 🙌🏻 Thank for another great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was upset at first for getting an Arlo book rather than a Soren book, but holy fff, I was not disappointed.
Cora wasn't extremely special, but her resilience was rather fascinating. I really liked Arlo with all his turbulent personality. I liked him working through his trauma and finally advancing a step from his past.
I kind of relate to her while also understanding him. I liked their relationship, somewhat like a cat and mouse type of thing. I loooved the happy ending even though it was a bit rushed in my opinion.
This is an ARC Review. Thank you for this honour ❤️
Cora wasn't extremely special, but her resilience was rather fascinating. I really liked Arlo with all his turbulent personality. I liked him working through his trauma and finally advancing a step from his past.
I kind of relate to her while also understanding him. I liked their relationship, somewhat like a cat and mouse type of thing. I loooved the happy ending even though it was a bit rushed in my opinion.
This is an ARC Review. Thank you for this honour ❤️
December 17, 2025
Okay what?!!! This book is amazing! I loved every second of it. I was hooked on from page one! I literally have no words. It was just sooo good and amazing, loved it!!
February 6, 2026
Cora, such a baddie fr.
Her dynamic w/ Arlo actually had me laughing omg 😭 they were so funny.
The chemistry between them? Yeah… insane
Her dynamic w/ Arlo actually had me laughing omg 😭 they were so funny.
The chemistry between them? Yeah… insane
March 11, 2026
what the hell was this dumpster fire mess
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews