My Sweet Poison

by Zoe Blake

No one is innocent.

We were meant to be collateral damage.
We became their obsession instead.

Pierce Worthington needed someone to blame. I was convenient.
When his brother dies in a scandalous wreck, threatening to drag the Worthington name through the filth, Pierce does what his family has always done.
He finds a sacrificial lamb. Me.

With a single phone call, he has me arrested for murder.
With a single glance, he decides prison is no longer enough.
He doesn't just want me punished.
He wants me desperate. Dependent.
Owned by the man who holds my freedom between his teeth.

But I'm not the only woman caught in a monster's game.

Greyson Stockford knows where the bodies are buried because he put them there.
When my best friend gets too close to the truth, he doesn't threaten her. He takes her.
Locks her away where no one can hear her scream or fight back.
Because breaking her will is only the beginning.
Making her crave the man who destroyed her life? That's the real torture.

Two ruthless billionaires.
Two women who refuse to be broken.
Nothing is as it seems.
No one is innocent.
And the most treacherous enemy may be the one sharing your bed.

My Sweet Poison is a standalone Gothic billionaire dark romance featuring enemies-to-obsession, forced proximity, and heroines who resist the men determined to own them.

Genres: Dark Romance, Billionaire Romance, Enemies To Lovers

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 15, 2026

About the author

Zoe Blake is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the romantic suspense saga The Cavalieri Billionaire Legacy inspired by her own heritage as well as her obsession with jewelry, travel, and the salacious gossip of history’s most infamous families.

She delights in writing Dark Romance books filled with overly possessive billionaires, taboo scenes, and unexpected twists. She usually spends her ill-gotten gains on martinis, vacations, and red lipstick.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zoeblakebooks/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeblakebooks/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeblakebooks

Reviews

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Worthington twins. One died. An innocent woman framed for murder.

Madison is in the middle of a huge tangled web with the Worthington family. She briefly dated one of the twins and a car accident led to the death of Jameson.

We also have two other characters POVs, Madison’s BFF and her entanglement with this murder trial.

It’s the drama and suspense that 💯 captivated me and had me reading this in a few short hours.

“How? Why? This is all fucking insane! Evil twins? Seriously? This is the real world, not some trashy TV soap opera.”

Oh but this book was full of spice and drama. Multiple POVs. And two couples. Two romance stories.
Madison is fighting to prove her innocence. Her BFF was kidnapped and so was she… it’s all a messy tangled drama romance and I freaking loved it.

[charis harris]

First off this book is from multiple different people's viewpoint and at first I was not keen but once I got a handle on who was who I loved hearing the different people's thoughts.
The book has two different couples and two forced weddings something I have never seen two couples in the same book before but it was really well written and I loved both couples.
As with all Zoe Blakes books there is dubious consent and possessive, arrogant morally grey heroes.
5 stars!

[Erika Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly a bit skeptical on reading this. Nothing to do with what the story was about or the genre, just the multiple POV’s. The multiple POV’s in this book had me feeling a bit discouraged from reading and skipping entirely but I’m really happy I didn’t. It was a bit confusing at first having to recall what happened previously when chapters would switch to a characters POV’s of someone else that wasn’t at all in the earlier scenes but once I’d gotten it, smooth sailing from there.

Absolutely loved both couples. Had a good time while reading as it kept me wanting more. I really don’t think I’ve read a dark romance like this and I’m really glad I stayed and read till the end. Really loved the relationship and banter between Greyson and Hailey. My favourite moment just has to be while they’re on his jet, and she’s arguing with Greyson about how she doesn’t want to consummate the marriage and toast to it because its a hostage situation— and he shot back saying it’s not a hostage situation if there isn’t a ransom LMAOOO. Gave a bit of respect to Skylar honestly, for being able to walk away and leaving to start fresh.

Amazing book, kept me on my toes and I’m always excited for what Zoe comes up with next. Thank you so much as well for the ARC 💗

[Bex’s reading corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really more like the dark and twisted mash up of days of our lives and gossip girl! Loved every moment of whiplash provided during this rollercoaster ride! I wasn’t sure how I’d like the multiple pov’s but I wasn’t at all confused, throughly hooked into all the different stuff and things. I floved that there was a character guide at the beginning too. Cannot wait to see what happens next

[Brittany Azolino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well….my lanta! So. Freaking. Good. Loved this book! So many twists and turns that keep you hooked until the last second. Normally I can figure out twists almost immediately. I thought I had this one figured out a couple times. Noooope! But I sure did love it when it was revealed.

Madison and Hailey are new to town and making their mark. Pierce and Greyson are two ex-best friend billionaires with similar end goals. The events that threw them together were wild and those women were not about to make it easy on them. Though morally gray alpha males don’t need nor want easy. The challenge is what they craved. They fought hard for their woman while maintaining the path to reach their goal and clean a mess of someone else’s making.

There’s a bunch of tropes wrapped up in this book. A story for two separate couples played out similar to a soap opera. Once second it’s Madison. The next it’s Greyson. Scenes cut out in the middle of good parts and you get sucked in by the wait for the completion. Makes it super hard to put down.

Zoe Blake knocked it out of the park, as always. All around, awesome book! I hope we get more from that small town. 💜

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Hastings is being charged for the death of Jameson Worthington but she didn’t kill him. Pierce Worthington has no problem making Madison out to be the scapegoat. She is the perfect pawn. When Madison and her friend Hailey fight to prove that Madison is innocent, things go from bad to worst. Pierce is a cold evil man or so we read in the beginning. Things aren’t what they seem and I knew it from the start. With Madison fighting to prove that she was set up, she has to be removed from the equation. Hailey also is a fighter. She isn’t about to let her BFF go to jail. But she has been talking too much and Greyson has to remove her as well.

Pierce and Greyson were friends. We learn about the reason for the falling out. This story starts off at a dead run and doesn’t stop. I had a feeling about what was going on with Jameson and Pierce but it went beyond that. Twins at odds with each other. Pierce is the first-born heir. Jameson is so much worse than Pierce. As I was reading the story it reminded me of Dark Obsession. Both women were treated like pawns to the men. The guys deciding on their fate. Skylar is an ex and has worked her way through the men. She believes she deserves to be a Worthington. Even the staff of Ravencroft has secrets. This is a rollercoaster that you need to strap into and hold on tight. You are never sure as who the crazy one. Have to say, they all are. LOL I enjoyed this story. I shows that even a girl can have her dream man even if he is a bit cracked. And being superficial, like Skylar, will never get you a man. Will we be getting a story for Rylee?

Was thrilled to read the first chapter of “Brutal Heir.” I can’t wait till this book is out.

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

[Soft Nectarine ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If DARK romance was a TELENOVELA 🖤✨ multiple couples & storylines but the same brand of unhinged rich men who will stop at nothing to make a CLAIM!

✨🖤💍🏃🏽‍♀️💨🤵🏻💸🖤✨

”I viewed her innocence and natural beauty as a vacuum that needed to be filled with all my dark, obsessive desires.”

This has all the marks of a great soap opera ✨ entitled rich men, family secrets, evil twins & hasty forced marriages as two regular regular besties get entangled in a revenge scheme. Two different couples and multiple storylines but the same flavour of MMCs with 0 boundaries or sense of morality.

Funniest moment: when the twin said he tried to kill his brother in the womb with the umbilical cord *howling b/c WHAT*

You can expect laughably ridiculous & over-the-top scenarios BUT also dark smutty moments that will make you blush with pretend outrage 👀 Why are the most unhinged men also the hottest???

🖤 the girlies can run but they can’t hide

💚 tons of simultaneous fighting & fucking

🖤 it gets DARK with insta love, unhinged rich men and non con

💚 what does a bathtub, cliff edge and a plane have in common………

Over-exaggerated ridiculous twists but so addictive! I found the multiple POVs made for a fast paced & dynamic reading. As if I needed another reason to inhale this book!

4.5 ⭐️

morally grey & protective MMCs
forced proximity
best friends FMCs
spanking
insta love
non con
body betrayal
kidnappings
BDSM vibes
multiple POVs
violence
HEA

Thank you to Zoe Blake for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

What did I just read? I’m writing this with a very amused expression — and not because the book is bad, absolutely not.

At first I was like huh? What’s happening, who’s talking, and why are there so many POVs to follow? And then the lightbulb went off: oh right, this is exactly like a TV soap opera. You know the ones — the scene cuts right at the most dramatic moment while the main character just stares at a wall. This book is that.

Twins — one evil, one… well, less evil. An innocent woman and her best friend. A cheating ex‑girlfriend and a former best friend. Plenty of drama already. And then you add a butler who sees everything, and the plot is complete.

Zoe pulls this off with skill and keeps the reader hooked the entire time. She calls herself a “mean author” in the foreword, but honestly, she isn’t. Sure, those sizzling hot scenes she warns about do end abruptly — but so do all good soap operas.

And yes, despite all the chaos, betrayals, twists, and dramatic cliffhanger‑style moments, the story does deliver a happy ending. The kind that fits perfectly with the over‑the‑top, soap‑opera energy running through the whole book.

I enjoyed this immensely, even though it’s not Zoe’s typical style. And I absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves soap‑opera chaos, betrayals, the betrayed, murder mysteries, and all‑knowing butlers — with enough plot twists to make any telenovela proud.

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Zoe Blake for a long time now, and honestly, she’s one of the main reasons I fell back into reading so hard. At this point, I fully blame her for my book obsession—no regrets though!

So whenever she drops something new, I’m already excited… and this one did not disappoint. Her dark romance just hits different—intense, addictive, and impossible to put down.

Getting two couples in one book was such a treat, but I won’t lie—I wanted even more. This easily could’ve been a duet. I would’ve loved extra time with both couples, more POV chapters, and yes… definitely more of those steamy scenes.

The whole story had this dramatic, chaotic energy—like high-society scandal mixed with over-the-top soap drama in the best way. The twists kept coming, and I was hooked the entire time.

I was a little hesitant about multiple POVs at first, but it worked so well. Each voice felt distinct, and I never felt lost. Plus, the character guide at the beginning was such a nice touch—it made everything easier to follow right away.

Such a fun, addictive read. I’m already impatient for whatever comes next!

[Lucy wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc copy won

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gothic romance
Dark themes
Trigger warnings
Brothers ex girlfriend
Multiple pov

This book was so different to Zoe’s other books that I’ve read before but I absolutely devoured it in one sitting.
This is a multiple pov book with it being the Female lead and the male lead and then his best friends and her best friends pov plus a few extra characters pov.
It has dark themes so do check the trigger warnings
Honestly loved it and highly recommend it if you love Zoe’s other books. 📚

Without trying to spoil it
The h was in a car accident with the H brother that caused his death the H wants revenge and has everyone in his pockets because of his wealth and his last name. So he has her arrested and provides fake evidence to send her down for life until he decides he doesn’t want that anymore and takes her for himself. Her best friend knows what he’s done so his best friend corners her best friend and decides to kidnap her to. And that’s all I’m giving 🫣

[Mariliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Zoe Blake hits the mark with her men and women. She captivates me from beginning to end, masterfully weaving the stories together. She's the queen of clichés that I love: dark romances, billionaires, male protagonists with a rigid moral compass—followed and enforced mercilessly—plus my favorite trope: touch her and die, with men completely obsessed and hopelessly in love. The spice is real, people.

Greyson and Hailey are wonderful.

This book raises the bar to such a high level that a literary hangover is inevitable. I could read this book over and over again and never get tired of it. And now, what do I do? What do I read after this? Whatever it is, it simply won't be enough—and that's not fair. Bravo, Zoe Blake.

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that at first I was a little, just a little, disappointed because I was expecting the first Diamanti heir. But then this gem landed in my inbox, and all that disappointment disappeared. Even though we don’t have Sebastian’s story yet, Zoe delivered a book packed with everything we love: twists? Check! Steamy scenes? It’s a Zoe book, so of course, check! A satisfying plot and an even more satisfying ending? Definitely check! And the bonus? We get two intertwined couples! And did I mention it’s a Gothic tale with a perfectly executed revenge scheme? Please check it out!

[Ajanae’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison is caught in the crosshairs of the Worthington family. Pierce Worthington is doing everything he can to point the blame to Madison except she’s innocent. Madison’s best friend Hailey has seen too much and is caught in the web so Greyson Stockford takes her.

This book had so many twists and turns, the revenge plot and overall pacing of the book and in true Zoe fashion, the spice was well done.

Billionaire romance
Revenge
Dark romance
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity

Thank you for the arc!

[R Rais · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. and the most foremost...When a Pierce Worthington said, " My family had been on Virginia soil since the first settlement, before it was a colony." Its like Pierce is talking to every white racist americans screaming "deport immigrants!"


2. With, " THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL ROMANCE NOVEL...." From the author, i was expecting something more edgy than the usual zoe's. But, for me this book is still a level below the Richard's Dark Obsession.


3. With Zoe, i know for sure i will never unsatisfied with the fast pace of the story, burning the sheets segs scenes, domineering men and the women who will fight while enjoying being under their firm spankin hand right from the start..lol..


4. Over all, My Sweet Poison is sexy with dark obsession. But Richard's Dark twisted plotting Obsession still win for me.

[jamies_bookreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! I do not know how Zoe continually makes me fall in love with a villain, but every time I am. Pierce is manipulative and unhinged and I love him. There is nothing he won’t do to make Madison his. It doesn’t matter that she was his brother’s.

What I was not expecting was to love his best friend just as much!

I seriously cannot wait for y’all to be able to read this book on May 15 when it releases!

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was like watching a telenovela. It had me so caught up that I couldn’t put this book down until the very end. And the best part you get a lots of POV’s it was quite interesting. And even more so you don’t just get one possessive,obsessive alpha male oh no you don’t, you have two of them in one frame!Man… this was the best I have had read. The mystery, the gothic,the butler! Man… this was some read!

[Heather Blitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! At first when I learned there would be a few couples in this story, I thought id get lost quickly. That didnt happen. The separate relationships were so captivating and so individual it was easy to keep up with. I LOVE the dramatic soap opera feel to this book. The spicey scenes were fire and I love that the females have spark to them. They fight back. Thank you Zoe for another fantastic read!

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Sweet Poison is OH SO GOOD! There are multiple stories told into ultimately one story.

I haven’t read a book like this. Oh I have read billionaire and strong women romance but what made this different was that there were two stories told at once. Pierce and Madison, Greyson and Hailey’s. The ending has them all coming together. Like I said this book was OH SO GOOD!

I love what this author did with this book. I could barely put it down for life things. 5+ STARS!

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is billed as a Gothic soap opera—I went in with an open mind, because I could see multiple POVs with two couples. I was happy to be lead along with the secrets and scheming of the characters. The men are rich, powerful, and morally dubious while the women are feisty and passionate, perfectly fit for the drama that surrounds them. I loved how the author kept skilfully tightening the story until you realise how everything is connected. Fun read.

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy, spicy, spicy!!! This is one of my new favorite books. So much going on all the time, it read so fast. Not a lot of character depth but enough to make them all unique and interesting. So much background intrigue, dominating men “ruining” women’s lives and money/power being tossed around everywhere. My only regret is that it wasn’t longer

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up on the soap opera Young and the Restless and a love for VC Andrews, and this gave me those vibes in spades!
✅ lots of drama
✅ multiple POVs
✅ obsessive, possessive alphas who fall fast and hard
✅ gothic setting- lots of storms, mansion on a cliff.
✅ spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️

I really enjoyed this one!! There’s nothing Zoe can write that I won’t love!

[Danielle Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. It has all the drama of a Gothic soap opera. Two couples with morally grey men😈. Men that will stop at nothing to get what they want. A very evil villain and a Gothic manner. It literally has it all! Does not disappoint and spice off the charts🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. I did receive as an arc to review.

[Mary Sines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is different as it follows two couples through many twists and turns almost soap opera style. It definitely has Zoe Blake’s style and vibes down pat and I loved every page. What will happen with these two forced proximity couples? Run, do not walk to grab this when it releases into the wild! Thank you Zoe, for the ARC! You knocked it out of the park again.

[Tanya Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists and turns will have you captivated from the beginning. The point of views throughout this read were amazing on how they let you connect with the characters. The atmosphere just comes to fruition in your mind and the spice is spicy. Zoe truly never disappoints

[Ann Ritger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Blake put a unique tilt to a great genre…. Just enough Darkness to make it her own, and the characters were believable albeit a little over the top.
Pay attention to the details when reading it, the intrigue is tricky.

[Jedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a mixture of so many voices, it was crazy, but still so good. Madison has found herself mixed up with the Worthington's NOT a place anyone wants to be and things are not looking good.

Power, wealth, revenge, plot twists, steamy scenes and so much more, nothing is a it should be.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're reading a book by Zoe you know you're gonna walk away fulfilled completely no questions asked. With that being said loved reading Madison and Pierce's story. Full of drama, spice, enemies to lovers, dark romance and so good.

[Paige Willerick · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many twists, turns, revenge plots, and spice! Every chapter had a wtf moment. I loved it!

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!

RTC

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns, gritty and raw…this book has it all. This enemies to lovers read had you wondering to the end. I did feel a little disoriented in the beginning…two couples each talking developing the story.Blake blows through this plot with prose that have you raising your eyebrows…can that be the world of the super rich? Can the two couples really find each other in this manner? Buckle you seatbelts, grab a hot drink and delve into the world of action/dark romance. Enjoy❤️