I was supposed to expose him. Soren Nixon, the untouchable media mogul, the one who hides behind locked doors and whispered oaths. My job was simple. Uncover the truth behind The Forsaken Society. But nothing about him is simple. I found a man who is carved from control and sin, who spends his free time fighting in underground rings to feel something real. He’s dangerous in ways I can’t write about, intoxicating in ways I can’t resist. Every secret pulls me deeper into his world. Every touch makes me forget my purpose. He’s everything I should fear. But when he looks at me as if I am already his, I start to wonder. Maybe the story I have been chasing is the one that will destroy me.
USA 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.
200 pages of absolute cringe😭😭 aside from the multiple typo errors, I could not take any part of this book seriously as both the characters were so childish I was literally cringing everytime they spoke. Can we also please stop trying to force the ‘I’m a bad bitch’ personality on FMCs😭
Venomous Deceit is an enemies-to-lovers story where the lead characters, Cressida and Soren, are often at loggerheads—I loved it.
Soren is an alpha male who always gets what he wants, so he is a mite surprised when Cressida doesn’t always do everything when he snaps his fingers. Likewise, Cressida is an independent woman who can think for herself and tells Soren so in many different ways. For example, when he enters her house late at night. ‘… I grab a fork from the counter. He eyes it for a moment, then his gaze meets mine. “Do you plan to stab me with that?” “Yes, I do. If you don’t leave.”’ I hit him with a bright smile. She is a powerful character and just what Soren needed. I can’t say her challenging him was necessarily something he enjoyed; however, it did intrigue him, as no other woman had been so bold, and I enjoyed it immensely 🤣.
I am so pleased to see Soren do something with Maya, his sister; my lips are sealed, but it pleased me to no end. Actually, having other characters from previous books naturally placed in this story is great because it allows readers to see how they are doing and their relationships, too. It also gives us insight into how far Soren has grown by his acceptance of their choice of wives, especially Reon. In fact, Soren undergoes another change in this book, and, without giving anything away, it shows him in a completely different light—one where I like him much better. Don’t panic; he is still the domineering man he always has been. He definitely is a complex character.
While this story has darker elements, it also features terrific lighter moments with great humour. The fun banter between the lead characters, in particular, makes for a few giggles—many are sarcastic, led by Cressida. I can honestly say, you are going to love it!
I really liked this book; it was a pretty straightforward plot. I was honestly expecting more conflict in the third quarter of the book, but other than that that it was a quick and entertaining read!
"Maybe the story I have been chasing is the one that will destroy me..."
I was craving Soren's story, even though in the first book, this man wasn't my favorite!!! But I loved the mysterious aura he was carrying... The obsessive devotion to his sister!!! He was a media mogul, the king of a hidden society, he was laying down rules, and at the same time, he was breaking them by fighting and with his no marriage rule!!! This man was full of contradictions and I fell hard for him!!! Poor Cressida had no idea what she was dealing with!!!! She was a tough cookie to crack, but this man had the ability to crash her in ways she was never expecting!!!
"She could literally destroy everything, and here I am playing a game with her. But I can't seem to stop."
Cressida was a strong woman!!! A journalist who was chasing the big stories, and at the moment, she was swimming in dangerous waters, since she was after the Forsaken Society and its head... the powerful and mighty Soren Nixon... She is also a devoted single mother that she could do anything to protect her son!!! But as she is digging into Soren's life, she is discovering things that might change her forever... This enigma of a man is getting under her skin in every turn and it is impossible to keep fighting him all the time...
"I know this man is dangerous. He's dark, full of deadly secrets, and someone I absolutely don't trust. But I need this story. And something in Soren's hidden shadows calls to me."
These two were amazing together!!! I liked that Cressida wasn't afraid of Soren and she was giving him hell at every turn... But also, I liked how she managed to soften him toward her!!! He was a changed man and I loved how Soren was with her!!! I also liked that he decided to make changes inside his family, cause he really needed that separation!!! These two were perfect for each other and I enjoyed their ride very much!!! And I am really wishing for another one story about Boston... Maybe with Soren's sister??? Or not!!! But I need another story into this world. Period.
"In the shadows, we hunt. In the night, we kill."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Since meeting Soren in the first book I hoped that he would get his story and now well I devoured this book within the space of 24 hours.
Soren is the Lord of the Forsaken Society, our initial meeting of him he came across as ruthless and calculating - so it would have to be a special woman who would turn his world upside down and that would be Cressida.
Now she is a journalist and how she became entangled in Soren’s world is she is writing a story on him. Cressida is a feisty and fierce woman and not only that she goes above and beyond for her son. She is certainly not afraid to challenge Soren unlike many of those he would face on a daily basis, and this definitely piques his interest. But before he pursues this he gets Cressida to drop the story she is writing on him and he has a clever way of not only doing this but he ensures she is within his proximity for the foreseeable
I had a feeling that when Soren would fall for someone it would be intense and possessive and this is exactly what we get. I mean Soren was ever only concerned about was the Society and his sister and while he witnessed Reon and Arlo falling hard he couldn’t quite understand it, until Cressida - and this is why I loved seeing this man who firmly believed that he wouldn’t be tied down become so obsessed.
Yes this couple had chemistry it was clearly evident but you know what I enjoyed the most about these two? They would challenge on another on the daily, those head to head battles in which neither would back down.
Overall I absolutely loved this book. Thank you so much to the author who provided the e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
I really liked Cressida’s character — her strength and confidence were the only impressive things in this story. Other than that, there was nothing remarkable about the novel. The events were boring to the point of exhaustion, and I could barely push myself to keep reading.
Her relationship with Soren felt completely forced. There was no spark or chemistry between them. No matter how much the author tried, she couldn’t make me accept them as a couple. And the sexual jokes around the dinner table… wtff is that? It was disgusting rather than funny or appealing.
I didn’t like Soren in the first book and in his own story, nothing really changed. His presence felt robotic and emotionless, and he didn’t make me feel anything at all.
Two stars only for Cressida otherwise, this book doesn’t deserve even one star or my time.
Wow, Soren and Cressida’s book is so well written! It has single mom, billionaire MMC, workplace romance, secret society, and so much more.
I really enjoyed reading Soren’s book, especially after disliking him in the first one. His story gave me a deeper understanding of his relationship with his sister, Maya, and why he did everything for her.
I loved how he pursued Cressida and how he accepted her son, even though he had sworn off children. His character growth was so beautiful to read.
This is a 4.5-star read, and I highly recommend it!
I love how crazy fierce and strong Cressida is as a single mum. how she will always put him first (along with living her life and making bank). I love how he thinks she won't get under his skin and love isn't something for him.. until it is and he is in denial. I love that he showed her he can put her and Oliver first before Maya when she is the only family he has.
I knew I'd love Soren but I didn't expect to love Cress more! "The Fork" - enough said! 🫶 TL, writes witty characters that are badass. 💯 recommend the series.
Venomous Deceit, the third and final book in this interconnected series was the best of the three.
Soren Nixon, what a surprise he was. When he finally takes off his mask, we get to see who he truly is underneath.
Cressida Knight, a journalist who wants the story and secrets of the man no one else dares to get close enough to to get.
I'll admit I wasn't sure about Soren from the previous books but I was completely surprised by his character. He is devoted to his job, the society and his sister. He has a softer side that Cressida manages to get to, with the help of Oliver. Cressida is pure strength. When she wants something, nothing would stop her. Fiercely protective of her son amd isnt scared to stand up for herself.
I loved both of these characters. Their banter was great, the push pull and the spice....whew!
Highly recommend Venomous Deceit and the other two vooks in this Secret Society series.
Soren’s story is told in Venomous Deceit. Media mogul and Lord of The Forsaken Society. Soren is pure alpha male, mysterious and intriguing. Cressida a single mom and a determined journalist. She is after Soren and his secret society. I really liked Cressida’s devotion to her son. He always came first. And her determination and dedication to do her job showcased her inner strength. With Soren and his dominant nature she never backed away. Look out Soren you may have met your match! Their banter and back and forth is filled with sarcasm and snark. And the chemistry and energy between them was electrify. I loved seeing their interactions, loved seeing their connection build and grow. Once I started their story I couldn’t put it down! 4.5 stars for these two dynamic characters and their journey
We hear of Soren in the previous books and know him to be a man you do not cross - ever! His only family is his sister who quite frankly, isn't right in the head and he now has a journalism trying to reveal his secrets - which isn't a safe thing to try and do!!
Cressida is a badass - in the best possible way! The most important person in her life is her son who she shares custody with with her ex-husband and she is determined to tell Sorens story!
They may start as enemies - kinda - but the heat sizzles between them and I really enjoyed their chemistry and their banter, they made me smile and I could easily read more of them!!
The Forsaken Society was untouchable. Generations of secrets and wealth, who came together to rid the world of evil that no one else would. Soren was a media mogul and Cressida was a determined journalist, set to uncover the secrets and story of Soren Nixon.
However the hurricane known as Cressida came in like a force to show the anti-relationship, anti-love, anti-kid man, that anything is possible. And this strong lord would bow down to his lady and let her into his life and heart and fight to keep her and her son safe from his sister whom he enabled for far too long.
Props to the single moms who fight every single day. Plus the fork scene was priceless.
This entire series is absolutely amazing. Soren has always kind of been this big baddie in the background. When you read this book, though he is the biggest softy especially when it comes to Cressida. Cressida is my kind of girl. She has a take no prisoners, go toe to toe with the guy in front of you kind of person and I love her. I absolutely love when the MMC who is totally against love gets hit upside the head with
This was a great read. Soren as the last of the forsaken to find their forever. Not as dangerous or mysterious as the previous books. Cressida was one bad ass woman. Perfect for him.
This is the best book of the series! Cressida is a spitfire and I loved her fight! I wasn’t sure if anyone could catch the eye of Soren and no one but this black cat could!
Cressida has an adorable son and a fight in her that is unrivaled. She wants the inside scoop into the darkness that Soren hides and will stop at nothing! Each heated moment between Soren and Cressida brings them closer together and my goodness my goodness when they came together is was everything!!!
Arc review: oh my lords these men 🫠 finally we get Soren's story and it did not disapoint. Soren and Cressida's story is so worth the wait. Cressida is a take no s@#t fmc who isn't afraid to get creative with the pointy end... I loved seeing soren's relationship with his sister unfold and getting to see the man behind the mask. Absolutely loved the banter between these 2 and oh the tasty tasty spice that only T.L smith can do. this entire series is *chefs kiss*
Absolutely loved this book. We finally meet the Lord. Can a feisty journalist get the scope on him. All bets are off with these two.
I’m sad the Forsaken Society is over. Through these three books we meet three powerful men. Each set in their own ways. That is until three beautiful ladies captured their hearts.
I didn’t know how I would feel about Soren just based on our interaction with him in the other books. But boy was I pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up loving him.
Did he need a strong FMC? Yes he did. Did Cressida come in with both hands swinging? Yes she did!!
I loved how strong and determined Cressida is. As a divorced mom who was trying to balance her life as well as getting along with her ex for the sake of her son she was rocking it!
This book took me by surprise and I have to admit I was not looking forward to Soren’s book as he’s a bit of an ahole. But from start to finish I was captivated and Cressaida is the perfect woman for Soren. This couple are probably my favourite in the series so far.
This is Book 3 in the Venomous series ✨ (and yes, you can totally read it as a standalone!)
This one is Soren’s story our mysterious, broody Forsaken Lord and ever since book one, I needed to know what was going on behind that cold, powerful exterior.
And Cressida?? Absolute queen behavior. Her bad a$$ attitude had me cheering the whole time. She wasn’t intimidated by Soren for a second… even when she probably should have been. The confidence, the fire, the way she challenged him at every turn? Obsessed.
The banter was sharp, witty, and so fun, and let’s just say the spice definitely delivered 🌶️🔥 Perfect balance of tension and chemistry.
Thank you to Enticing Journey Book Promotions for sending me the eARC before release day.
Oh, oh, Soren, the man you are. God, this was such an unexpected surprise. I know I waited like crazy for his book and I was nooot disappointed. It was such an emotional roller coaster. I loved Cressida for her stubbornness, loyalty, patience and inteligence and I loved Soren for trying to be better, for her and for them. I mean, who wasn't entranced with him in the first book? I don't want to give a spoiler, but you are in for the ride of your life. 🤯🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author. Soren, oh Soren! I did not expect to fall in love with this book and the fierceness that is Cressida was unmatched. I loved this book and devoured it in a day simply because I just needed to know what happened. I kept on wishing for more story to unfold but it was still perfect. And seeing Reon and Lilith as well as Arlo and Cora was fun.
I have to say with each book this series got better! It shows great improvement from the author. Anyway my thought in this Soren is perfect and should be recognized more bc what do u mean he FaceTimed her because they couldn’t be seen having lunch together?! He also went up against his sister -who no one likes but she’s all he’s ever had- for her! I did like Maya’s development throughout the story even though she was a side character. And of course I love that we got more of Arlo and Cora and Reon and Lilith. And Oliver is so cute! The way he idolizes Soren is adorable and he’s like the son he never had. I love how obsessed all these men are with their women. Like all the gestures Soren did and how he was only soft for her, I won’t go into detail bc I don’t wanna spoil too much but this was definitely an easy and entertaining read. Overall I give it 4.25 and RECOMMEND 💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The MMC feels like a completely different person than we met in book one. It’s jarring. Maybe if I hadn’t have read all 3 books in succession I wouldn’t have cared as much. But, it was jarring. And, For him being the leader of the secret society, this book was really missing any details or events from the society - which featured very prominently in books 1 & 2 (of which those events this MMC was mostly the villain / one to be feared at).
Idk what I really expected. All of these books sacrificed plot for spice. But this one was bar far the worst.