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Venom Riders MC #3
Holden
Bea
Holden is Road Captain of the Venom Riders MC — the man who plans for every contingency and loses sleep over the ones he can't control. For years, he made no secret of the fact that he wanted me. I said no — some lines exist for a reason, and a biker who controls everything and everyone wasn't a line I was willing to cross. Then, just like that, the line was gone. What followed was months of biker domesticity. When tragedy struck, I was ready. Ready to sit in the dark with him, hold the weight, be exactly what he needed. Instead, I had my heart broken.
Holden
I had everything — the woman I’d loved for years, a place in the MC, a chosen family. But then I messed it all up. I did what I always do when my control fails. I picked up a bottle. I don't remember what happened next. I woke to evidence I couldn't explain, and I made a choice. My choice was wrong. I was wrong. So I got to work. Stayed sober. Sat in a grief group. Showed up for the people I'd let down. My only hope is that she gives me a second chance.
Holden is Road Captain of the Venom Riders MC — the man who plans for every contingency and loses sleep over the ones he can't control. For years, he made no secret of the fact that he wanted me. I said no — some lines exist for a reason, and a biker who controls everything and everyone wasn't a line I was willing to cross. Then, just like that, the line was gone. What followed was months of biker domesticity. When tragedy struck, I was ready. Ready to sit in the dark with him, hold the weight, be exactly what he needed. Instead, I had my heart broken.
Holden
I had everything — the woman I’d loved for years, a place in the MC, a chosen family. But then I messed it all up. I did what I always do when my control fails. I picked up a bottle. I don't remember what happened next. I woke to evidence I couldn't explain, and I made a choice. My choice was wrong. I was wrong. So I got to work. Stayed sober. Sat in a grief group. Showed up for the people I'd let down. My only hope is that she gives me a second chance.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2026
About the author
Ivy Myst
82 books71 followersRomance addict, book lover, & eternal believer in happily-ever-afters whether it's an MC romance, the redemption of a groveling hero, or the mystical allure of fae, wolf shifters, or dragons! I write what I like to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 23, 2026
Not as bad as Dutch but not great
So this book gave you a very in-depth look into the author‘s mind that I kind of wish I hadn’t gotten. It is very clear that in her opinion cheating should be forgiven. If it wasn’t clear after Dutch‘s book, which it apparently should have been, her FMC was a therapist and all of her clients that experienced infidelity affairs basically ended up with their spouses again.
That was a really difficult realization for me to have because I’ve loved this author and it wasn’t till Dutch’s book that I had ever felt let down by her. However, then I got this book. She’s still an incredible writer, but these were two characters I just couldn’t get behind. First off it doesn’t make sense that Holden wouldn’t have tried to figure out who the woman was or anything else like that. It also doesn’t make sense that the FMC was more mad that he ended things than that he cheated. Are you joking me right now? Like I can tell you right now if my husband came to me and said I cheated on you last night I don’t remember it so I need to leave you. I would be so furious that he cheated and probably go yeah you’re right. We do need to end it because I apparently have more self-respect than the women in these books. There are almost 8,000,000,000 people on this planet and no reason to stay with a cheater at all. And yet she has her FMC holding therapy sessions, where she feels good about a couple where a man carried on an affair for months and she wants to repair them. I really don’t know what to do with myself because this was one of my top five Indie authors and I just don’t know if I’ll be back after this.
So this book gave you a very in-depth look into the author‘s mind that I kind of wish I hadn’t gotten. It is very clear that in her opinion cheating should be forgiven. If it wasn’t clear after Dutch‘s book, which it apparently should have been, her FMC was a therapist and all of her clients that experienced infidelity affairs basically ended up with their spouses again.
That was a really difficult realization for me to have because I’ve loved this author and it wasn’t till Dutch’s book that I had ever felt let down by her. However, then I got this book. She’s still an incredible writer, but these were two characters I just couldn’t get behind. First off it doesn’t make sense that Holden wouldn’t have tried to figure out who the woman was or anything else like that. It also doesn’t make sense that the FMC was more mad that he ended things than that he cheated. Are you joking me right now? Like I can tell you right now if my husband came to me and said I cheated on you last night I don’t remember it so I need to leave you. I would be so furious that he cheated and probably go yeah you’re right. We do need to end it because I apparently have more self-respect than the women in these books. There are almost 8,000,000,000 people on this planet and no reason to stay with a cheater at all. And yet she has her FMC holding therapy sessions, where she feels good about a couple where a man carried on an affair for months and she wants to repair them. I really don’t know what to do with myself because this was one of my top five Indie authors and I just don’t know if I’ll be back after this.
Read
May 2, 2026I bet he cheats and I just can't. She writes well but I just hate cheating so much. I barely tolerated Colt and Dutch brought back lots of trauma for me. I need to stay in my lane. It's not Ms. Mysts fault that I am a moron.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2026
DNF 57%. If you want to read about everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE) pouring it all out in their therapy sessions? Then this is the book for you. Crazy boring.
Did Not Finish
May 22, 2026I didn't care for the herione 🤷♀️
May 23, 2026
Holden
This is the 3rd installment of the Venom Riders Mc series. Each are standalone, focusing on a member of the club. This time is about Holden and Bea. A beautiful story about what happens when you let grief and guilt take over your life causing even more grief!
Holden is the road captain. He maps out the routes anticipating any problem areas that could arise from rival MC’s. He takes it very seriously and part of who he is shaped by losing his father at the age of 16 to an accident that should have never happened. Working right along side of him is a 19 year old prospect named Danny. Danny is looking forward to the day he will be patched in. We don’t know everything about Danny except it sounds like he comes from a single mom household, so he has taken quite a shine to his older mentor Holden.
Then, there is Bea, the love of Holden’s life. He pursued her for several years before she finally said yes and now they have been together for six months. Part of her hesitancy in getting in a relationship with Holden is because she is a therapist who has worked with some of the members and families. She didn’t want to cross lines. But on one particularly difficult day, her resistance was down and she agreed to go on a date with him. They were inseparable after that. They spent a lot of time at each other’s places and although she was not an official Ol’ Lady yet…it was just a matter of time.
Then, the unthinkable happened. Holden went a run, one he had planned and it went sideways. He came back covered in blood and withdrawn. Bea tried to comfort him, and he took some comfort from her until he sent her away for the night. The next day he went to her and told her they were done. It wasn’t only about his grief, but while blackout drunk and alone he did the unthinkable(or did he) and he did not want her forgiveness. He wanted to set her free.
The rest of the story focuses on Holden facing his grief and guilt. He never got over the grief of losing his father, and the coping mechanisms he developed led to him breaking up with Bea. Many of the chapters focus on his journey through therapy, group sessions, and sobriety check ins to become a better man. Meanwhile, Bea grapples with dealing with the loss of her relationship and the future she had dreamed of with Holden. They spend many chapters apart. Meeting here and there at social gatherings of mutual friends such as marriages and baby births, but keeping their distance, even though each of their hearts are broken. They actually do not resume their relationship until a few chapters before the epilogues, but I absolutely love how Ivy had them come back together. For each of them, getting back to each other was always the goal but only after they worked on themselves first, especially Holden. Bea needed reassurance that he would never disappear emotionally on her again. They waste no time resuming their relationship, I mean it had been over a year and both had been celibate during that time(please note the celibacy part!!!)
They renewed their love with vigor and the rest of the MC were in no doubt that they were back together. Holden also shares a secret about how he felt when he first met her, and it really cemented how ott in love with her he was. IF you have been reading the series you will be happy to note that we see quite a bit of Dutch and Indira, along with Colt and Lilac(Betty and the boys too!) You do not need to read the first 2 in the series, but if you did the scenes with the other characters will make you feel all gooey inside! The story also contains an uncovered betrayal in the MC along with a non betrayal exonerating Holden. We also see the MC opening up their club to a woman who has lost everything. I like how they take of their own.
My final note on the story is to point out that this story a slow burn. You are not going to get the ups and downs you may get with a betrayal type story, because this isn’t what this story is striving for. It is as I said earlier, beautifully written but if you go into this story expecting heavy MC content and OW drama you will not be getting that. If you are not a fan of MC stories, then I think this series by Ivy Myst is a great one to try. I am not saying it doesn’t touch on any of the more dicey aspects of an MC, it does, but it is not what drives the story. For me personally, I can read nitty, gritty MC stories, gratuitous violent Mafia ones, otherworldly shifter stories, romantically explicit, cheating, betrayal, and sweet small town romance. Ultimately, I want to read a well told story that gets me invested in the characters and their lives and this one did that for me.
This is the 3rd installment of the Venom Riders Mc series. Each are standalone, focusing on a member of the club. This time is about Holden and Bea. A beautiful story about what happens when you let grief and guilt take over your life causing even more grief!
Holden is the road captain. He maps out the routes anticipating any problem areas that could arise from rival MC’s. He takes it very seriously and part of who he is shaped by losing his father at the age of 16 to an accident that should have never happened. Working right along side of him is a 19 year old prospect named Danny. Danny is looking forward to the day he will be patched in. We don’t know everything about Danny except it sounds like he comes from a single mom household, so he has taken quite a shine to his older mentor Holden.
Then, there is Bea, the love of Holden’s life. He pursued her for several years before she finally said yes and now they have been together for six months. Part of her hesitancy in getting in a relationship with Holden is because she is a therapist who has worked with some of the members and families. She didn’t want to cross lines. But on one particularly difficult day, her resistance was down and she agreed to go on a date with him. They were inseparable after that. They spent a lot of time at each other’s places and although she was not an official Ol’ Lady yet…it was just a matter of time.
Then, the unthinkable happened. Holden went a run, one he had planned and it went sideways. He came back covered in blood and withdrawn. Bea tried to comfort him, and he took some comfort from her until he sent her away for the night. The next day he went to her and told her they were done. It wasn’t only about his grief, but while blackout drunk and alone he did the unthinkable(or did he) and he did not want her forgiveness. He wanted to set her free.
The rest of the story focuses on Holden facing his grief and guilt. He never got over the grief of losing his father, and the coping mechanisms he developed led to him breaking up with Bea. Many of the chapters focus on his journey through therapy, group sessions, and sobriety check ins to become a better man. Meanwhile, Bea grapples with dealing with the loss of her relationship and the future she had dreamed of with Holden. They spend many chapters apart. Meeting here and there at social gatherings of mutual friends such as marriages and baby births, but keeping their distance, even though each of their hearts are broken. They actually do not resume their relationship until a few chapters before the epilogues, but I absolutely love how Ivy had them come back together. For each of them, getting back to each other was always the goal but only after they worked on themselves first, especially Holden. Bea needed reassurance that he would never disappear emotionally on her again. They waste no time resuming their relationship, I mean it had been over a year and both had been celibate during that time(please note the celibacy part!!!)
They renewed their love with vigor and the rest of the MC were in no doubt that they were back together. Holden also shares a secret about how he felt when he first met her, and it really cemented how ott in love with her he was. IF you have been reading the series you will be happy to note that we see quite a bit of Dutch and Indira, along with Colt and Lilac(Betty and the boys too!) You do not need to read the first 2 in the series, but if you did the scenes with the other characters will make you feel all gooey inside! The story also contains an uncovered betrayal in the MC along with a non betrayal exonerating Holden. We also see the MC opening up their club to a woman who has lost everything. I like how they take of their own.
My final note on the story is to point out that this story a slow burn. You are not going to get the ups and downs you may get with a betrayal type story, because this isn’t what this story is striving for. It is as I said earlier, beautifully written but if you go into this story expecting heavy MC content and OW drama you will not be getting that. If you are not a fan of MC stories, then I think this series by Ivy Myst is a great one to try. I am not saying it doesn’t touch on any of the more dicey aspects of an MC, it does, but it is not what drives the story. For me personally, I can read nitty, gritty MC stories, gratuitous violent Mafia ones, otherworldly shifter stories, romantically explicit, cheating, betrayal, and sweet small town romance. Ultimately, I want to read a well told story that gets me invested in the characters and their lives and this one did that for me.
June 13, 2026
It’s really well written about grief, but there’s nothing else but grief and feelings. I’ve no clue how old either of them are, what she looks like, her parents, his parents. It’s good but way too many details lacking.
I did enjoy this but I wish it wasn’t so drawn out about their feelings, and we could have had more details. Bea and Holden are already in love at the beginning of the book, which I didn’t like. I want more details.
🔵 How old is Bea?
🔵 What does she look like?
🔵 Are her parents still alive, and did she get on with them?
🔵 Does she have any siblings, or any hobbies?
The same questions with Holden. I know absolutely NOTHING about him apart from his father died when he was young.
After something tragic happens to the Mc, Holden doesn’t cope well and ends things with Bea. Rather than try to work through it with her, he finishes with her. Bea quite rightly is devastated and angry at him. For the next 179 pages it’s all about Holden and his feelings, and his journey through grief. While it’s well written there’s BARELY ANYTHING ELSE BUT HIS GRIEF! There’s a tiny bit about Dutch and Indira’s wedding, a tiny bit about Colt and Lilac, and Bea gets a few chapters but the bulk is about Holden and his feelings. I WANT MORE DETAILS! I want to know then as people not just about their feelings. I’ve no idea if Bea has any hobbies, any friends, the same with Holden.
Well written about grief and nothing else.
I did enjoy this but I wish it wasn’t so drawn out about their feelings, and we could have had more details. Bea and Holden are already in love at the beginning of the book, which I didn’t like. I want more details.
🔵 How old is Bea?
🔵 What does she look like?
🔵 Are her parents still alive, and did she get on with them?
🔵 Does she have any siblings, or any hobbies?
The same questions with Holden. I know absolutely NOTHING about him apart from his father died when he was young.
After something tragic happens to the Mc, Holden doesn’t cope well and ends things with Bea. Rather than try to work through it with her, he finishes with her. Bea quite rightly is devastated and angry at him. For the next 179 pages it’s all about Holden and his feelings, and his journey through grief. While it’s well written there’s BARELY ANYTHING ELSE BUT HIS GRIEF! There’s a tiny bit about Dutch and Indira’s wedding, a tiny bit about Colt and Lilac, and Bea gets a few chapters but the bulk is about Holden and his feelings. I WANT MORE DETAILS! I want to know then as people not just about their feelings. I’ve no idea if Bea has any hobbies, any friends, the same with Holden.
Well written about grief and nothing else.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Road Captain and his Bea
This is the third in the Venom Riders MC series and rather different than the other two books that have come before it. It was an intense read that is a slow burn with themes of memories of loss - past and current, drama, emotional angst and perceived betrayal. You see and feel a lot of emotional fallout before the path leads to a hard-won and sweet HEA.
Bea is a confident and careful therapist who gives her all for those she treats and consequently holds herself back from crossing the line with the biker that stars in her dreams. She finally hands her control over to the Road Captain, only to have her heart broken.
Holden tries to keep control of all aspects in his life as he feels the burn of his father’s loss and this reflects in his need to keep safe, everyone he cares about. But when loss hits his world again, he dives deep into the bottle and it takes intense therapy and support before he finds himself on level ground again. Many months pass before he is whole enough to attempt to reach for the light and heart of his life.
From soulful and teary moments and hurtful drama to loving values, I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me.
I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
This is the third in the Venom Riders MC series and rather different than the other two books that have come before it. It was an intense read that is a slow burn with themes of memories of loss - past and current, drama, emotional angst and perceived betrayal. You see and feel a lot of emotional fallout before the path leads to a hard-won and sweet HEA.
Bea is a confident and careful therapist who gives her all for those she treats and consequently holds herself back from crossing the line with the biker that stars in her dreams. She finally hands her control over to the Road Captain, only to have her heart broken.
Holden tries to keep control of all aspects in his life as he feels the burn of his father’s loss and this reflects in his need to keep safe, everyone he cares about. But when loss hits his world again, he dives deep into the bottle and it takes intense therapy and support before he finds himself on level ground again. Many months pass before he is whole enough to attempt to reach for the light and heart of his life.
From soulful and teary moments and hurtful drama to loving values, I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me.
I thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel like I should start with this, but there is no cheating in Holden. It is perceived cheating. Holden is actually a really good guy and loyal. This book is actually largely dealing with the aftermath of grief and moving on and dealing with it properly. It was a lot different than I expected, but I loved it.
I loved Bea from Colt and seeing her work with his and Lilac’ twins. You could see even in that book that Holden only had eyes for Bea. She was very focused on her work within the club and not crossing any lines or blurring boundaries as the therapist for the Venom Riders. I was happy to see her giving him a chance and they were as sweet as I thought they’d be together.
I didn’t look at Holden’s betrayal as insurmountable even at the time. He was obviously in pain and not handling it well. I never for a second doubted his love for Bea. I was surprised he left her as he did, because he so obviously adored her. It was always about more than that, though.
It’s hard to talk about the book without spoiling, but it was a great book and much deeper than I was expecting and I liked that it was different and heartfelt. I have thoroughly loved all of the Venom Riders MC books. I can’t wait for Handful, which is next! Seeing him fall is going to be pretty sweet! I can’t wait! 💜
I loved Bea from Colt and seeing her work with his and Lilac’ twins. You could see even in that book that Holden only had eyes for Bea. She was very focused on her work within the club and not crossing any lines or blurring boundaries as the therapist for the Venom Riders. I was happy to see her giving him a chance and they were as sweet as I thought they’d be together.
I didn’t look at Holden’s betrayal as insurmountable even at the time. He was obviously in pain and not handling it well. I never for a second doubted his love for Bea. I was surprised he left her as he did, because he so obviously adored her. It was always about more than that, though.
It’s hard to talk about the book without spoiling, but it was a great book and much deeper than I was expecting and I liked that it was different and heartfelt. I have thoroughly loved all of the Venom Riders MC books. I can’t wait for Handful, which is next! Seeing him fall is going to be pretty sweet! I can’t wait! 💜
June 14, 2026
Good start of the book. I liked how we get to see how they got together and how they grew together as a couple.
Now the plot was predictable but what I wasn’t expecting and that I disliked was the therapy sessions and dialect… what the heck? Is it an MC story or a book on grief therapy and how to survive a betrayal from a spouse?!!!
I’m sorry but by 45% of the book, we still don’t know what happened, where this ambush came from? Who was it? Did someone betrayed them?? Who was the woman he cheated on Bea with?
And the explanation to those questions were a few lines within a chapter. Perceived cheating and she is angry because he broke up with her before she could and not angry because of the cheating? WTF!! Very anti-climactic.
That’s just boring and disappointing really, if I want to read a self help book or how to survive grief, I’ll get one with that topic only and not an MC romance story?! Where is the drama, the action, the plot twist? It’s all about character building and development, a lot of monologues and inside over thinking… I’m bored!!!
At that point I’m thinking about not loosing more time and energy and start another book, and not finish this mess.
So I DNF it because of the slow pace, the boring story, it wasn’t what I was expecting and I hope the next book will be less misleading.
Now the plot was predictable but what I wasn’t expecting and that I disliked was the therapy sessions and dialect… what the heck? Is it an MC story or a book on grief therapy and how to survive a betrayal from a spouse?!!!
I’m sorry but by 45% of the book, we still don’t know what happened, where this ambush came from? Who was it? Did someone betrayed them?? Who was the woman he cheated on Bea with?
And the explanation to those questions were a few lines within a chapter. Perceived cheating and she is angry because he broke up with her before she could and not angry because of the cheating? WTF!! Very anti-climactic.
That’s just boring and disappointing really, if I want to read a self help book or how to survive grief, I’ll get one with that topic only and not an MC romance story?! Where is the drama, the action, the plot twist? It’s all about character building and development, a lot of monologues and inside over thinking… I’m bored!!!
At that point I’m thinking about not loosing more time and energy and start another book, and not finish this mess.
So I DNF it because of the slow pace, the boring story, it wasn’t what I was expecting and I hope the next book will be less misleading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holden was such an emotional, raw, and beautifully written MC romance. What I loved most about this book was how deeply character-driven it felt — this wasn’t just about the romance, but also about grief, guilt, healing, and learning how to let yourself be loved after carrying the weight of everything for too long.
Holden and Bea completely stole my heart. Their relationship felt mature, intimate, and incredibly real, and the emotional connection between them was just as strong as the chemistry. I especially loved the softer moments between them — the quiet care, the understanding, the way they became each other’s safe place.
The mental health representation and therapy elements added so much depth to the story, and Holden’s struggles with anxiety, responsibility, and grief felt genuinely human. The writing was immersive from the very beginning, and I found myself completely invested in both the romance and the MC storyline.
A slow burn with heart, emotion, tension, and characters that stay with you long after the last page. Definitely one of my favorite MC romances I’ve read recently. 🖤
Holden and Bea completely stole my heart. Their relationship felt mature, intimate, and incredibly real, and the emotional connection between them was just as strong as the chemistry. I especially loved the softer moments between them — the quiet care, the understanding, the way they became each other’s safe place.
The mental health representation and therapy elements added so much depth to the story, and Holden’s struggles with anxiety, responsibility, and grief felt genuinely human. The writing was immersive from the very beginning, and I found myself completely invested in both the romance and the MC storyline.
A slow burn with heart, emotion, tension, and characters that stay with you long after the last page. Definitely one of my favorite MC romances I’ve read recently. 🖤
May 25, 2026
“I’d been halfway in love with her for years. That night I went the rest of the way.”
I was warned that this would be a darker read. By darker I thought , Dark Romance.
It's not Dark Romance Dark . Its emotional trauma and loss Dark. It's doing the work and introspective work Dark. People with way more self awareness and maturity than what I could even comprehend having.
I learned a lot about taking space, sitting with it and being myself.
Holden and Bea is a Romance Yes.
Holden is MC Road Captain and Bea a Therapist.
So both extremely balanced Individuals but there is no such thing as easy trauma..
“This is how they handle the cards they were dealt with.
I’d had a blackout before. Years ago, early in the club, before I understood my limits. I knew what a blackout was—the way a chunk of time just ceased to exist, leaving you on the other side of it with nothing in between. Last night to this morning. Nothing in between.”
I devoured it. I loved every page and I will re-read and reference it in the future I'm sure.
Not fast Paced at all but not without MC drama and Spice ;)
But in essence I personally found it to be about more.
I was warned that this would be a darker read. By darker I thought , Dark Romance.
It's not Dark Romance Dark . Its emotional trauma and loss Dark. It's doing the work and introspective work Dark. People with way more self awareness and maturity than what I could even comprehend having.
I learned a lot about taking space, sitting with it and being myself.
Holden and Bea is a Romance Yes.
Holden is MC Road Captain and Bea a Therapist.
So both extremely balanced Individuals but there is no such thing as easy trauma..
“This is how they handle the cards they were dealt with.
I’d had a blackout before. Years ago, early in the club, before I understood my limits. I knew what a blackout was—the way a chunk of time just ceased to exist, leaving you on the other side of it with nothing in between. Last night to this morning. Nothing in between.”
I devoured it. I loved every page and I will re-read and reference it in the future I'm sure.
Not fast Paced at all but not without MC drama and Spice ;)
But in essence I personally found it to be about more.
May 22, 2026
Book 3 of the series and we meet Holden, Venom Riders Road Captain, and Bea, a therapist.
What I like about this book:
😇🧭Holden's personality and moral compass. He took accountability when he thought he was wrong and made no excuses.
🤗Bea was very much an empathetic character. I'm glad that she had a therapist to help her navigate both her professional and personal problems. We met her in Colt's book when she helped Lilac's twin boys.
💕I like how each book is written differently, if that makes sense, to fit the personality of the main character.
This was an emotional read and a healing journey for both of them. A slow burn so that you get a realistic picture of what it takes and how long it takes to work through issues, face your fears, process grief responsibility and realistically, make relevant changes, and be the person you want to be.
What I like about this book:
😇🧭Holden's personality and moral compass. He took accountability when he thought he was wrong and made no excuses.
🤗Bea was very much an empathetic character. I'm glad that she had a therapist to help her navigate both her professional and personal problems. We met her in Colt's book when she helped Lilac's twin boys.
💕I like how each book is written differently, if that makes sense, to fit the personality of the main character.
This was an emotional read and a healing journey for both of them. A slow burn so that you get a realistic picture of what it takes and how long it takes to work through issues, face your fears, process grief responsibility and realistically, make relevant changes, and be the person you want to be.
June 6, 2026
DNF
Stopped after 70ish percent. The story was just rough. It was hard to read personally. But I’m also a person who doesn’t like to read books based off of assumptions and no angst. I like REAL angst. He thinks he cheated but he didn’t. He breaks up with her because he says she deserves better. When he finds out he didn’t cheat he goes back to her to get her back. She essentially says she’ll take him back if he works on himself. He goes to therapy for 6 months and they live HEA. So for me there was ZERO angst. Like none. All false angst that wasn’t real even if there was a smidge of angst. Which there wasn’t because she was upset that he broke up with her instead of being upset for him cheating on her. She was going to forgive him. She frankly had zero emotion about anything. I need more angst
Stopped after 70ish percent. The story was just rough. It was hard to read personally. But I’m also a person who doesn’t like to read books based off of assumptions and no angst. I like REAL angst. He thinks he cheated but he didn’t. He breaks up with her because he says she deserves better. When he finds out he didn’t cheat he goes back to her to get her back. She essentially says she’ll take him back if he works on himself. He goes to therapy for 6 months and they live HEA. So for me there was ZERO angst. Like none. All false angst that wasn’t real even if there was a smidge of angst. Which there wasn’t because she was upset that he broke up with her instead of being upset for him cheating on her. She was going to forgive him. She frankly had zero emotion about anything. I need more angst
June 18, 2026
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Couple: Holden & Bea
❋❋❋❋❋❋
Okay, Holden is the first Hero in this series that I could get behind and hope for a good ending. Just him not being a manwh*re was a win for me. I felt so bad for him with the situations he had to go through, but feel like it was a bit dragged out. I wish I could have warmed to Bea but I just couldn't mesh with her character at all. I love this authors writing, the storyline and telling was good. I just think having a different take on Bea not being upset about the cheating and more about the option being taken away from her didn't work for me. Also therapy is fine but tends to be overused in these type of books. I was happy for him in the end and for other parties that were involved, like the growing family this group is having and look forward to the next in series.
Couple: Holden & Bea
❋❋❋❋❋❋
Okay, Holden is the first Hero in this series that I could get behind and hope for a good ending. Just him not being a manwh*re was a win for me. I felt so bad for him with the situations he had to go through, but feel like it was a bit dragged out. I wish I could have warmed to Bea but I just couldn't mesh with her character at all. I love this authors writing, the storyline and telling was good. I just think having a different take on Bea not being upset about the cheating and more about the option being taken away from her didn't work for me. Also therapy is fine but tends to be overused in these type of books. I was happy for him in the end and for other parties that were involved, like the growing family this group is having and look forward to the next in series.
June 22, 2026
I love the world that Ivy is creating here, I love a MC book but feel a bit burnt out with the misogyny and brutality in them in regards to the women. So, Ivy's MC books are a great palette cleanser. There’s still the brutality of MC life, but it doesn’t make me hate the men for being gross with the women of the club.
This story was about healing and guilt; Holden had to put the work in and heal himself. There was no doubt him and Bea were it for each other, so the book was about their journey to be together.
I found the characters fully formed and believable which makes this less of an MC story and more a story about love and those hard fought HEAs.
Can’t wait to continue on this Venom Riders MC journey with Ivy and see what’s next!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story was about healing and guilt; Holden had to put the work in and heal himself. There was no doubt him and Bea were it for each other, so the book was about their journey to be together.
I found the characters fully formed and believable which makes this less of an MC story and more a story about love and those hard fought HEAs.
Can’t wait to continue on this Venom Riders MC journey with Ivy and see what’s next!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It is such an emotionally charged story. I absolutely loved it. The writing is phenomenal. I loved this series but Holden is my most favorite one. He is loyal and completely in love with Bea. They are perfect together. When tragedy hits, his grief was really palpable. While dealing with his grief, he thought he betrayed Bea while he was wasted. Not that he has any memory of any betrayal but he couldn’t bear the thought of betraying love of his life and broke up with her. He struggled and worked through his grief, guilt, anxiety and habit of trying to control the outcome. Holden and Bea are truly meant for each other. So when he found his way back to her, she was desperately waiting for him too. I loved their happily ever after.
May 25, 2026
Holden's journey is my favorite out of the series
I loved Holden's story and cried throughout it. His journey of finding himself through unexpected loss and grief is enlightening.
While Bea is the main female lead to Holden's main male lead, I feel this really is a story about Holden and how he finds himself.
Kudos to Ivy Myst for writing a thoughtful and respectful story about loss and grief.
It's wonderful to read a MC story where the main male characters and main female characters are treated respectfully with sensitivity and showing true brotherhood and sisterhood.
Slight spoiler ahead ( read at own risk)....
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Danny is a special character that lives on throughout the story and really is the anchor towards Holden's healing.
I loved Holden's story and cried throughout it. His journey of finding himself through unexpected loss and grief is enlightening.
While Bea is the main female lead to Holden's main male lead, I feel this really is a story about Holden and how he finds himself.
Kudos to Ivy Myst for writing a thoughtful and respectful story about loss and grief.
It's wonderful to read a MC story where the main male characters and main female characters are treated respectfully with sensitivity and showing true brotherhood and sisterhood.
Slight spoiler ahead ( read at own risk)....
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Danny is a special character that lives on throughout the story and really is the anchor towards Holden's healing.
June 20, 2026
An emotionally charged read that really had me crying (you'll know when you get there, bring tissues). This particular story revolves around grief and guilt a lot. It's intense and I love the way this author makes the characters really work for their HEA. The plot is well constructed and the author brings every individual to life.
Now there are some reviews here that comment on OW Drama, despite not finishing the book. I don't want to give anything away, however, stick with it, do not judge until you have the full story.
I have really enjoyed this series so far and look forward to the next book.
Now there are some reviews here that comment on OW Drama, despite not finishing the book. I don't want to give anything away, however, stick with it, do not judge until you have the full story.
I have really enjoyed this series so far and look forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holden and Bea show the real side of relationships, regardless of who you are. I’ve been looking forward to this one as I have read Dutch and then Colt, but this one showed a different type of growth and struggle. I love this couple, there is loss, there is growth, then learning to live for yourself. One of the best ones I have read that focused on heartbreak, loss, and moving forward. Love the romance but adored the process of healing, not to mention just how amazing Bea is! Love the term end game and it fits perfectly these two amazing characters!!Cannot wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m so loving this series and Holden and Bea’s story was a wonderful addition to Dutch and Colt’s books, I love them all ❤️❤️❤️ Holden’s book took me a bit deeper into my feelings, it had such a sad, gut wrenching lesson within the pages that Holden had to live through, fight for and survive, it was intense but heartwarming to follow him through his recovery. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤
Review of advance copy received from Autore
Advanced received copy
Compelling emotional journey set in the MC world; this is the story of Holden and Bea, at the beginning of the book they are happy and they've been seeing each other for several months, then an MC operation goes wrong and Holden starts spiraling and making bad choices... he has to work hard to find himself again and recover before they find their way back to each other...you will root for their HEA...
Compelling emotional journey set in the MC world; this is the story of Holden and Bea, at the beginning of the book they are happy and they've been seeing each other for several months, then an MC operation goes wrong and Holden starts spiraling and making bad choices... he has to work hard to find himself again and recover before they find their way back to each other...you will root for their HEA...
May 23, 2026
What an emotional read! Please read the trigger warnings. This is book 3 of the Venom Riders MC and each book just gets better and better. This Holden and Bea's story and it takes an emotional turn after the death of a secondary character. Holden doesn't know how to handle/deal with his emotions and pushes Bea way away after he thinks he's cheated on her. Holden and Bea both work on themselves and after months apart Holden finally feel ready to win back the love of his life. They both get their HEA but it's journey for both of them to get there.
May 22, 2026
I just couldn't finish this book; I got to chapter 16 and gave up. Every chapter of this book is about therapy. The main character's therapy, the hero's therapy, the therapy of every member of this club. If you like books about therapy, you might like it, but if you're expecting something about club life and bikers, this isn't the book for that. Bikers and therapy just didn't work for me. By chapter 16, I'd completely lost interest in the story. I don't think I'll continue reading this series.
June 21, 2026
Holden and Bea
If you're looking for a romance that's a little more low-key, this is the one. Holden and Bea's love story is sweet, but it's not the main focus of the book. Instead, it's about how Holden deals with his past and learns to heal. It's a slow burn, but it's worth it for the emotional payoff. Plus, Bea's a total rockstar - she's got her priorities straight and isn't afraid to speak her mind.
If you're looking for a romance that's a little more low-key, this is the one. Holden and Bea's love story is sweet, but it's not the main focus of the book. Instead, it's about how Holden deals with his past and learns to heal. It's a slow burn, but it's worth it for the emotional payoff. Plus, Bea's a total rockstar - she's got her priorities straight and isn't afraid to speak her mind.
May 22, 2026
Wow... this book is so intense (emotionally) I cried several times reading it. Feeling their grief and loss like it was my own. Rooting for them to work out their issues and come back together. My heart breaking for both of them multiple times and in different ways. Great writing and a hard fought hea. Loved it!
May 23, 2026
gentle journey of healing and heartbreak
This story is more about Holden and his journey of healing than it is about his relationship with Bea. He spent time fixing himself and this book tells the take of that. I wish we had more Bea. Very little angst and drama, just a gentle take of man fixing himself
This story is more about Holden and his journey of healing than it is about his relationship with Bea. He spent time fixing himself and this book tells the take of that. I wish we had more Bea. Very little angst and drama, just a gentle take of man fixing himself
May 24, 2026
Both main characters were fine. Not poorly written just felt a bit perfunctory. Also, I remembered what a douche bag, Holden and all the brothers (besides Glitch) were in Dutch’s book. It felt unrealistic that these same guys, who were fine watching (and encouraging) Dutch to cheat on Indira for over a year, turned into loyal boyfriend material.
May 25, 2026
Sad, this author used to write good indie books. But, this book just cemented the fact that the author is a cheater apologist. Maybe he/she/they/them grew up in environment where cheating and affairs are tolerated and that the person cheated on should get back with the cheater. I just cant with how the author wrote the characters.
May 27, 2026
Holden
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others in the series and the phrase i just sat with that, she sat with that i just sat and felt it really got to me by the end! All feelings and no doing!! I'm hoping it was the therapist thing! I did choke up a little at the anchor bit mad the end though.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others in the series and the phrase i just sat with that, she sat with that i just sat and felt it really got to me by the end! All feelings and no doing!! I'm hoping it was the therapist thing! I did choke up a little at the anchor bit mad the end though.
June 4, 2026
Just when I thought…..
Just went I thought I’ve been through all the feels with Dutch and Colt, along comes Holden. This book opened up a lot, in me personally. Need to have your Kleenexes. (Yes, I mean plural.) Gosh, what a great book! Ivy Mist is becoming my favorite author. I have often said comedians are “pastors”, and I think I’m gonna say authors are “psychiatrists”!
Just went I thought I’ve been through all the feels with Dutch and Colt, along comes Holden. This book opened up a lot, in me personally. Need to have your Kleenexes. (Yes, I mean plural.) Gosh, what a great book! Ivy Mist is becoming my favorite author. I have often said comedians are “pastors”, and I think I’m gonna say authors are “psychiatrists”!
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