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Venom
Venom (Seven Vices Book 1)
Some men don't just want to own you - they want to own you.
Willow DeVeau never saw it coming. The job offer, the mansion, the contract - all of it was a trap carefully constructed by a man with unlimited resources and a vendetta to settle. Kellan De Luca is wealth incarnate, power personified, and dangerously obsessed with the one thing he can't her.
In his world, Willow is a possession. A prize. A way to punish the past by controlling the present. Trapped in his penthouse under a contract that dictates everything from what she wears to when she speaks, she should hate him.
She should.
But Kellan is also brilliant, broken, and willing to burn down empires to keep her safe. As Willow gathers evidence to destroy him, she finds herself falling for the most dangerous man she knows. When a rival criminal kidnaps her to use as leverage, Kellan proves he'd torch the world to get her back.
Faced with an impossible choice - betray the man she loves or accept a future built on lies - Willow chooses something him.
But some loves don't have fairy tale endings. Some have something truth.
Perfect for readers who love morally grey characters, psychological intensity, and romance that refuses to play it safe.
Content Kidnapping, captivity, psychological manipulation, and explicit sexual content. Not a traditional HEA - but a hopeful one.
Book 1 of the Seven Vices series. Each book is a standalone dark romance with different couples.
Some men don't just want to own you - they want to own you.
Willow DeVeau never saw it coming. The job offer, the mansion, the contract - all of it was a trap carefully constructed by a man with unlimited resources and a vendetta to settle. Kellan De Luca is wealth incarnate, power personified, and dangerously obsessed with the one thing he can't her.
In his world, Willow is a possession. A prize. A way to punish the past by controlling the present. Trapped in his penthouse under a contract that dictates everything from what she wears to when she speaks, she should hate him.
She should.
But Kellan is also brilliant, broken, and willing to burn down empires to keep her safe. As Willow gathers evidence to destroy him, she finds herself falling for the most dangerous man she knows. When a rival criminal kidnaps her to use as leverage, Kellan proves he'd torch the world to get her back.
Faced with an impossible choice - betray the man she loves or accept a future built on lies - Willow chooses something him.
But some loves don't have fairy tale endings. Some have something truth.
Perfect for readers who love morally grey characters, psychological intensity, and romance that refuses to play it safe.
Content Kidnapping, captivity, psychological manipulation, and explicit sexual content. Not a traditional HEA - but a hopeful one.
Book 1 of the Seven Vices series. Each book is a standalone dark romance with different couples.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 4, 2026
Thank you for the ARC!
Oh my god this book. It broke me and put me back together again multiple times. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.
I really enjoyed the plot in this book. Instead of the usual drugs, cartel, weapons etc, this criminal enterprise was mostly built on Art theft! So unique.
Dark romance.
Prey x predator
Morally grey MMC
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotional trauma
Possessive/Manipulative MMC
Touch her and die
He falls first (but won’t bloody admit it)
Criminal organisation
Physical abuse (not by MMC)
Psychological abuse
Emotional abuse
Willow gets sucked in to the world of organised crime when her career as an Art Authenticator is ruined over night. When she receives an email from K.L.D, she accepts out of sheer desperation because she feels she has no other choice. Her Mother is receiving treatment for cancer and she can’t afford to pay it with no work coming in. This facet of the story really hit deep for on a personal level, as with Willow, I would have sacrificed anything to save my Mum from the disease and Kellan takes full advantage of this in his manipulation and deceptions. She is desperate to save her Mum and will agree to anything, even having her body used.
Kellan makes her sign a contract which clearly puts him fully in control and highlights the kind of monster he really is, thinking of Willow as a possession and not as a person. Kellan likes to collect rare works of art, is this how he sees Willow? She fights back at him, I love how sassy she is even if she’s terrified at the same time.
But how deep does Kellan’s deceit go? Will Willow succeed in saving her Mum?
The first part of the book is only from Willow’s POV and then we see an incite in to both their mind’s in the second part.
I think that’s what made me so frustrated as you can see how they both feel but they’re scared to admit it.
The highs and lows were constant, twists and turns keeping you engaged as a reader. We see both characters go on a transformative journey in this book and Costa isn’t afraid to dive deep in to emotional trauma and the effects this can have on people. There isn’t a fluffy fairytale here, there are raw and honest feelings and uncertainties. Will there be a happy ending? You will have to read to find out.
Some of my fave quotes:
“He knew I’d sign. Because he didn’t just collect rare things. He collected broken things. Desperate things. Things that the world had undervalued and discarded. And now he’s collected me.”
“I want to taste you,” he says, his breath hot against my inner thigh. “I want to make you **** on my tongue before I f**k you.”
“One word from her, and I’d burn down my empire. One tear, and I’d kill anyone who caused it. One smile, and I’d give her anything she asked for.”
Oh my god this book. It broke me and put me back together again multiple times. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.
I really enjoyed the plot in this book. Instead of the usual drugs, cartel, weapons etc, this criminal enterprise was mostly built on Art theft! So unique.
Dark romance.
Prey x predator
Morally grey MMC
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotional trauma
Possessive/Manipulative MMC
Touch her and die
He falls first (but won’t bloody admit it)
Criminal organisation
Physical abuse (not by MMC)
Psychological abuse
Emotional abuse
Willow gets sucked in to the world of organised crime when her career as an Art Authenticator is ruined over night. When she receives an email from K.L.D, she accepts out of sheer desperation because she feels she has no other choice. Her Mother is receiving treatment for cancer and she can’t afford to pay it with no work coming in. This facet of the story really hit deep for on a personal level, as with Willow, I would have sacrificed anything to save my Mum from the disease and Kellan takes full advantage of this in his manipulation and deceptions. She is desperate to save her Mum and will agree to anything, even having her body used.
Kellan makes her sign a contract which clearly puts him fully in control and highlights the kind of monster he really is, thinking of Willow as a possession and not as a person. Kellan likes to collect rare works of art, is this how he sees Willow? She fights back at him, I love how sassy she is even if she’s terrified at the same time.
But how deep does Kellan’s deceit go? Will Willow succeed in saving her Mum?
The first part of the book is only from Willow’s POV and then we see an incite in to both their mind’s in the second part.
I think that’s what made me so frustrated as you can see how they both feel but they’re scared to admit it.
The highs and lows were constant, twists and turns keeping you engaged as a reader. We see both characters go on a transformative journey in this book and Costa isn’t afraid to dive deep in to emotional trauma and the effects this can have on people. There isn’t a fluffy fairytale here, there are raw and honest feelings and uncertainties. Will there be a happy ending? You will have to read to find out.
Some of my fave quotes:
“He knew I’d sign. Because he didn’t just collect rare things. He collected broken things. Desperate things. Things that the world had undervalued and discarded. And now he’s collected me.”
“I want to taste you,” he says, his breath hot against my inner thigh. “I want to make you **** on my tongue before I f**k you.”
“One word from her, and I’d burn down my empire. One tear, and I’d kill anyone who caused it. One smile, and I’d give her anything she asked for.”
May 15, 2026
Firstly I have to say I did love the book. The stolen art theme was fantastic and found it to be very different from anything else I have read. This is a Dark Romance with morally grey characters and readers should read the triggers.
Willow was a successful art authenticator who was shunned by the business after she ruled a painting to be fake. Later it’s revealed that this was a ploy by the MMC to discredit her making it easier to manipulate her. She receives an email from K.D. L offering a million pound to spend 2 weeks authenticating a painting, travelling to the Italian Alps all expenses paid. Willow is a rock bottom and her mother has cancer treatment bills to pay, so she accepts. I found this little concerning, as regardless of your circumstances would you really just take off somewhere without knowing who the person is and where exactly you were going. Stranger danger and all that!!!
Willow’s character I feel would have been very independent and self sufficient in her role as an art authenticator, but I feel we don’t really get this as she soon seems to accept her position as a captive too quickly. I would have liked to have seen a little more fight in her, she quickly became compliant and ready to fall into bed with her kidnapper. She admits quite early that she is falling for Kellan but then throughout the book it’s a push and pull between them, moments of passion and intimacy and sharing feelings and then in the next avoiding each other.
Kellan comes over as a very charismatic, good looking, obsessive, knows what he wants and used to getting it MMC. Just when you feel like he’s showing a sensitive side he then switches and becomes closed off and an ass again. He’s good at manipulating Willow and getting her to agree to things by threats to her mother’s healthcare. I loved that he becomes softer and more caring throughout the book and thy Willow makes him want to be a better person.
When Willow is first taken by Viktor, he has in his possession documents about Kellan’s criminal organisation that willow found and had hidden under her mattress , these could send him to prison for long time, he tells her that someone within Kellan’s organisation gave them to him. Surely someone as thorough and controlling as Kellan would have made sure that the individual was sought out, but nothing was mentioned. There were a couple of instances like that which weren’t concluded.
The ending was frustrating in that she had stuck by him for his 10 years in prison, visiting every week starting a foundation in his name and then when he’s released she needs time to see if what she feels for him is real????
Overall I loved the book and the story was fast paced and kept me turning the pages, but at times I was also frustrated.
Willow was a successful art authenticator who was shunned by the business after she ruled a painting to be fake. Later it’s revealed that this was a ploy by the MMC to discredit her making it easier to manipulate her. She receives an email from K.D. L offering a million pound to spend 2 weeks authenticating a painting, travelling to the Italian Alps all expenses paid. Willow is a rock bottom and her mother has cancer treatment bills to pay, so she accepts. I found this little concerning, as regardless of your circumstances would you really just take off somewhere without knowing who the person is and where exactly you were going. Stranger danger and all that!!!
Willow’s character I feel would have been very independent and self sufficient in her role as an art authenticator, but I feel we don’t really get this as she soon seems to accept her position as a captive too quickly. I would have liked to have seen a little more fight in her, she quickly became compliant and ready to fall into bed with her kidnapper. She admits quite early that she is falling for Kellan but then throughout the book it’s a push and pull between them, moments of passion and intimacy and sharing feelings and then in the next avoiding each other.
Kellan comes over as a very charismatic, good looking, obsessive, knows what he wants and used to getting it MMC. Just when you feel like he’s showing a sensitive side he then switches and becomes closed off and an ass again. He’s good at manipulating Willow and getting her to agree to things by threats to her mother’s healthcare. I loved that he becomes softer and more caring throughout the book and thy Willow makes him want to be a better person.
When Willow is first taken by Viktor, he has in his possession documents about Kellan’s criminal organisation that willow found and had hidden under her mattress , these could send him to prison for long time, he tells her that someone within Kellan’s organisation gave them to him. Surely someone as thorough and controlling as Kellan would have made sure that the individual was sought out, but nothing was mentioned. There were a couple of instances like that which weren’t concluded.
The ending was frustrating in that she had stuck by him for his 10 years in prison, visiting every week starting a foundation in his name and then when he’s released she needs time to see if what she feels for him is real????
Overall I loved the book and the story was fast paced and kept me turning the pages, but at times I was also frustrated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2026
ARC
Heavily conflicted with this book.
For a lot of the book I was absolutely hooked, the storyline itself was so good, captor x captive, ties to trafficking with a twist and conflicting feelings with the MMC & FMC. But the pacing felt somewhat off for me personally. I couldn’t 100% believe in the romance, it felt a bit forced for the sake of the plot. It was sometimes too far fetched for me to be into the romance of it.
I feel it could have benefited from an MMC POV to start highlighting his backstory & how the obsession started for him.
It felt a bit rushed getting into the heart of the book. She was at home; lost her job; lost everything; received a text for this new job??, on the transport & there & settled in her room within the first or second chapter?
I love conflicting feelings between the captive in a dark romance, it shows how she’s battling her feeling between what she wants & what’s right/wrong. But it felt very up and down in this to both extremes. One minute she can’t be without him the next she wants to see him arrested forever. Then the next she couldn’t do it and wants to be there and she’s back again. It wasn’t paced well enough to feel real and believable as a reader.
Mainly, why was he so happy for her to believe he was a trafficker & she’s happy enough to be with him as one even though it disgusts her? And she’s doing it for her mam, then the next she’s happy to give him up & lose her mam at the same time? It just felt a bit off.
I would have liked a lot more description when she was Viktor as it was over quite quickly & didn’t get much POV of her in that situation or Kellans POV when she was gone.
Also, I think I would have liked this book a lot more if I had an interest in art & famous paintings. But this definitely did bring something different to the book which I liked.
Describing the plot line of the book it’s definitely a good dark romance it just didn’t read exactly how I prefer. But I would be intrigued by other books to come out in this series for sure!
Heavily conflicted with this book.
For a lot of the book I was absolutely hooked, the storyline itself was so good, captor x captive, ties to trafficking with a twist and conflicting feelings with the MMC & FMC. But the pacing felt somewhat off for me personally. I couldn’t 100% believe in the romance, it felt a bit forced for the sake of the plot. It was sometimes too far fetched for me to be into the romance of it.
I feel it could have benefited from an MMC POV to start highlighting his backstory & how the obsession started for him.
It felt a bit rushed getting into the heart of the book. She was at home; lost her job; lost everything; received a text for this new job??, on the transport & there & settled in her room within the first or second chapter?
I love conflicting feelings between the captive in a dark romance, it shows how she’s battling her feeling between what she wants & what’s right/wrong. But it felt very up and down in this to both extremes. One minute she can’t be without him the next she wants to see him arrested forever. Then the next she couldn’t do it and wants to be there and she’s back again. It wasn’t paced well enough to feel real and believable as a reader.
Mainly, why was he so happy for her to believe he was a trafficker & she’s happy enough to be with him as one even though it disgusts her? And she’s doing it for her mam, then the next she’s happy to give him up & lose her mam at the same time? It just felt a bit off.
I would have liked a lot more description when she was Viktor as it was over quite quickly & didn’t get much POV of her in that situation or Kellans POV when she was gone.
Also, I think I would have liked this book a lot more if I had an interest in art & famous paintings. But this definitely did bring something different to the book which I liked.
Describing the plot line of the book it’s definitely a good dark romance it just didn’t read exactly how I prefer. But I would be intrigued by other books to come out in this series for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re looking for a dark romance that is equal parts dangerous and addictive, Venom by V.A. Costa is a must-read. It’s a fast-paced journey that balances the grit of the genre with a surprisingly deep look at the human heart.
The Pros: Pacing & Psychology:
What impressed me most about this book was the relentless pace. It never dragged; every chapter felt purposeful and kept me fully engaged. It’s one of those rare reads where you don't feel the "middle slump" that often happens in romance.
Beyond the action, the story delved into the psychological processes of love. It didn’t shy away from the fact that love is complicated, messy, and sometimes irrational. I loved that it turned into something deeper than just a dark romance—it felt like a genuine exploration of how two people connect under extreme circumstances. The characters themselves were incredibly lovable and easy to root for.
The Critique: The FMC’s Journey:
I did have one main struggle, and that was the emotional timeline of the female main character (FMC):
The "Insta-Love" Element: In my opinion, the FMC fell for the male lead far too quickly. Given the intensity of the situation, I would have preferred a bit more resistance or a longer build-up to her admitting her feelings.
The Final Hesitation: What made the "insta-love" more confusing was her behavior at the end. After declaring her love and being willing to stick by him, she suddenly became hesitant right when it mattered most. This pivot felt a bit jarring compared to how quickly she had committed to him earlier in the story.
Final Thoughts:
Despite my gripes with the FMC's consistency, Venom is a standout read for its atmosphere and depth. V.A. Costa has a talent for writing "lovable villains" and exploring the darker side of devotion. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a dark romance that actually makes them think about the complexities of a relationship.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Pros: Pacing & Psychology:
What impressed me most about this book was the relentless pace. It never dragged; every chapter felt purposeful and kept me fully engaged. It’s one of those rare reads where you don't feel the "middle slump" that often happens in romance.
Beyond the action, the story delved into the psychological processes of love. It didn’t shy away from the fact that love is complicated, messy, and sometimes irrational. I loved that it turned into something deeper than just a dark romance—it felt like a genuine exploration of how two people connect under extreme circumstances. The characters themselves were incredibly lovable and easy to root for.
The Critique: The FMC’s Journey:
I did have one main struggle, and that was the emotional timeline of the female main character (FMC):
The "Insta-Love" Element: In my opinion, the FMC fell for the male lead far too quickly. Given the intensity of the situation, I would have preferred a bit more resistance or a longer build-up to her admitting her feelings.
The Final Hesitation: What made the "insta-love" more confusing was her behavior at the end. After declaring her love and being willing to stick by him, she suddenly became hesitant right when it mattered most. This pivot felt a bit jarring compared to how quickly she had committed to him earlier in the story.
Final Thoughts:
Despite my gripes with the FMC's consistency, Venom is a standout read for its atmosphere and depth. V.A. Costa has a talent for writing "lovable villains" and exploring the darker side of devotion. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a dark romance that actually makes them think about the complexities of a relationship.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re looking for a book that completely consumes you, Venom is it. This was an easy five-star read for me—intense, addictive, and impossible to put down.
From the very beginning, it pulls you into a dangerous game of prey versus predator, where the lines constantly blur and nothing is ever as simple as it seems. The tension is unreal. Every chapter had me on edge, never quite knowing what was coming next—and I loved every second of it.
What really stood out was the emotional depth. The trauma bonding between the characters adds such a raw, complicated layer to the story. It’s messy, gripping, and at times uncomfortable in the best way, making their connection feel real and powerful rather than predictable.
The pacing is a total rollercoaster—full of highs and lows that keep you hooked the entire way through. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on where things are going, it shifts again and pulls you deeper in. It’s the kind of book that makes you say “just one more chapter”… until suddenly you’re at the end.
And the spice? Perfectly done. It adds to the story without taking over, building on the tension and chemistry that’s already there.
I also loved the Italian-inspired vibe running throughout—it added such a rich, atmospheric backdrop that made the whole story feel even more immersive. The strong focus on art made it even more unique, especially with the female lead being an art conservator and the male lead a criminal collector. That dynamic added another layer of intrigue and sophistication to the story, blending beauty with danger in such a compelling way.
Overall, Venom is dark, emotional, unpredictable, and completely addictive. If you love high tension, complex relationships, and stories that keep you guessing, this one is absolutely worth the read.
From the very beginning, it pulls you into a dangerous game of prey versus predator, where the lines constantly blur and nothing is ever as simple as it seems. The tension is unreal. Every chapter had me on edge, never quite knowing what was coming next—and I loved every second of it.
What really stood out was the emotional depth. The trauma bonding between the characters adds such a raw, complicated layer to the story. It’s messy, gripping, and at times uncomfortable in the best way, making their connection feel real and powerful rather than predictable.
The pacing is a total rollercoaster—full of highs and lows that keep you hooked the entire way through. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on where things are going, it shifts again and pulls you deeper in. It’s the kind of book that makes you say “just one more chapter”… until suddenly you’re at the end.
And the spice? Perfectly done. It adds to the story without taking over, building on the tension and chemistry that’s already there.
I also loved the Italian-inspired vibe running throughout—it added such a rich, atmospheric backdrop that made the whole story feel even more immersive. The strong focus on art made it even more unique, especially with the female lead being an art conservator and the male lead a criminal collector. That dynamic added another layer of intrigue and sophistication to the story, blending beauty with danger in such a compelling way.
Overall, Venom is dark, emotional, unpredictable, and completely addictive. If you love high tension, complex relationships, and stories that keep you guessing, this one is absolutely worth the read.
April 19, 2026
Firstly I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC reader for V.A COSTA and if I didn’t have to work I would of finished this book in a few days it is so good the plot, MMC, Kellan 😈❤️ MFC Willow I did not like her so much
Dark romance.
Prey x predator
Morally grey MMC
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotional trauma
Possessive/Manipulative MMC
Touch her and die
Burn the world to save her
He falls first (but is stubborn and sees it as a weakness)
Criminal organisation
Physical abuse (not by MMC)
Psychological abuse
Emotional abuse
In this book we meet Willow the MFC who authenticates Art she had a successful career until one commission ended it, she went from the elite to living in a one bed apartment behind on rent and trying to fund her mums cancer treatment
Along comes Kellan de Luca the MMC who is dark and wants Willow, he is her saviour he offers a lot of money to work for him for a short time and she agrees
It doesn’t work out the way she plans feelings are involved and betrayal
I absolutely loved Kellan I fell I love with him from the onset and to be fair I liked Willow but then throughout the book she became to whinny and grew to dislike her and then the betrayal omg I could of killed her myself, except at the end where she gave herself to Viktor to save Kellans Empire very selfless
Kellan is very much Burn the world for you and I absolutely love this the one phrase that will stay with me is
"One word from her, and I'd burn down my empire. One tear, and I'd kill anyone who caused it. One smile, and I'd give her anything she asked for." 🤌🥰🥵😈
Don’t get me started on Viktor, Kellans enemy, he was pure evil and when he got hold of Willow the torture left her broken, but …… Kellan not only rescues her but burns the world to get to her
Seriously get this book you won’t be disappointed at all
Dark romance.
Prey x predator
Morally grey MMC
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotional trauma
Possessive/Manipulative MMC
Touch her and die
Burn the world to save her
He falls first (but is stubborn and sees it as a weakness)
Criminal organisation
Physical abuse (not by MMC)
Psychological abuse
Emotional abuse
In this book we meet Willow the MFC who authenticates Art she had a successful career until one commission ended it, she went from the elite to living in a one bed apartment behind on rent and trying to fund her mums cancer treatment
Along comes Kellan de Luca the MMC who is dark and wants Willow, he is her saviour he offers a lot of money to work for him for a short time and she agrees
It doesn’t work out the way she plans feelings are involved and betrayal
I absolutely loved Kellan I fell I love with him from the onset and to be fair I liked Willow but then throughout the book she became to whinny and grew to dislike her and then the betrayal omg I could of killed her myself, except at the end where she gave herself to Viktor to save Kellans Empire very selfless
Kellan is very much Burn the world for you and I absolutely love this the one phrase that will stay with me is
"One word from her, and I'd burn down my empire. One tear, and I'd kill anyone who caused it. One smile, and I'd give her anything she asked for." 🤌🥰🥵😈
Don’t get me started on Viktor, Kellans enemy, he was pure evil and when he got hold of Willow the torture left her broken, but …… Kellan not only rescues her but burns the world to get to her
Seriously get this book you won’t be disappointed at all
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2026
Firstly, thank you for the ARC
Rating: 3.5–3.75 stars
I enjoyed this book overall and was definitely hooked—but there were moments where I genuinely felt like tearing my hair out or screaming into my pillow
The story follows Kellan (MMC) and Willow (FMC). The suspense and build-up were strong, but the pacing felt a bit off. It seemed like most of the book focused on building tension, and then everything wrapped up very quickly toward the end.
The relationship dynamics also felt inconsistent at times. One minute they were completely wrapped up in each other, and the next they felt like strangers living under the same roof. Just when I got excited about them making progress, they would fall out again and end up back at square one.
Willow, in particular, felt very back-and-forth. At times she seemed ready to fully step into Kellan’s world—both to help her mother and because she was falling for him—but then she would suddenly pull away, wanting to run or even involve the authorities. It made it hard not to wish she would just pick a side and stick with it.
I also would have loved more of Kellan’s POV. I think a dual POV would have added so much more depth—especially to understand his emotions, his past, and how he built his empire.
The twists were good, and I didn’t see them coming, which I loved—but I do feel they were a bit rushed and could have been more developed.
I just wish the epilogue was set further into the future. I needed more than just crumbs—I wanted a proper glimpse into their long-term life together.
Overall: messy, dramatic, a little frustrating—but still a good time
Rating: 3.5–3.75 stars
I enjoyed this book overall and was definitely hooked—but there were moments where I genuinely felt like tearing my hair out or screaming into my pillow
The story follows Kellan (MMC) and Willow (FMC). The suspense and build-up were strong, but the pacing felt a bit off. It seemed like most of the book focused on building tension, and then everything wrapped up very quickly toward the end.
The relationship dynamics also felt inconsistent at times. One minute they were completely wrapped up in each other, and the next they felt like strangers living under the same roof. Just when I got excited about them making progress, they would fall out again and end up back at square one.
Willow, in particular, felt very back-and-forth. At times she seemed ready to fully step into Kellan’s world—both to help her mother and because she was falling for him—but then she would suddenly pull away, wanting to run or even involve the authorities. It made it hard not to wish she would just pick a side and stick with it.
I also would have loved more of Kellan’s POV. I think a dual POV would have added so much more depth—especially to understand his emotions, his past, and how he built his empire.
The twists were good, and I didn’t see them coming, which I loved—but I do feel they were a bit rushed and could have been more developed.
I just wish the epilogue was set further into the future. I needed more than just crumbs—I wanted a proper glimpse into their long-term life together.
Overall: messy, dramatic, a little frustrating—but still a good time
Review of advance copy received from Author
Venom delivers exactly what fans of dark romance look for: intensity, tension, and a gripping predator–prey dynamic that keeps you hooked from start to finish. V. A. Costa leans fully into the psychological push-and-pull between the main characters, creating a story that feels dangerous, emotional, and addictive all at once.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its atmosphere. The tone is dark without feeling overdone, and the stakes between the characters feel real and constantly shifting. The chemistry is especially compelling—there’s a constant sense of unpredictability that makes every interaction feel charged. If you enjoy romances where control, power, and vulnerability are all tangled together, this book absolutely delivers.
The pacing works well for most of the story, steadily building tension and keeping the reader engaged. The character dynamics are where the novel shines most, with both leads bringing complexity rather than falling into simple tropes. You can feel the emotional conflict beneath their actions, which adds depth beyond just the surface-level intensity.
The only real drawback comes toward the end, where some of the phrasing starts to feel a bit repetitive. It doesn’t take away from the overall impact of the story, but it does slightly disrupt the flow in moments that could have been even more powerful with tighter wording.
Overall, Venom is a strong entry in the dark romance genre—compelling, intense, and emotionally charged. Despite a small issue with repetition near the conclusion, it’s a memorable read that will definitely appeal to fans of darker, high-stakes relationships.
Rating: 4⭐
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its atmosphere. The tone is dark without feeling overdone, and the stakes between the characters feel real and constantly shifting. The chemistry is especially compelling—there’s a constant sense of unpredictability that makes every interaction feel charged. If you enjoy romances where control, power, and vulnerability are all tangled together, this book absolutely delivers.
The pacing works well for most of the story, steadily building tension and keeping the reader engaged. The character dynamics are where the novel shines most, with both leads bringing complexity rather than falling into simple tropes. You can feel the emotional conflict beneath their actions, which adds depth beyond just the surface-level intensity.
The only real drawback comes toward the end, where some of the phrasing starts to feel a bit repetitive. It doesn’t take away from the overall impact of the story, but it does slightly disrupt the flow in moments that could have been even more powerful with tighter wording.
Overall, Venom is a strong entry in the dark romance genre—compelling, intense, and emotionally charged. Despite a small issue with repetition near the conclusion, it’s a memorable read that will definitely appeal to fans of darker, high-stakes relationships.
Rating: 4⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this book excited… I came out emotionally unstable and questioning my taste in men. So do with that what you will.
The FMC Willow? Ruined. And I mean RUINED. One night strips her of everything… career gone, money gone, life in pieces. She’s drowning, barely holding it together, and then… an email. An opportunity that practically glows neon red screaming this is a BAD IDEA!
Naturally… she takes it.
Because when you’re broke, desperate, and your mum is sick, “bad idea” starts to look a lot like survival.
What follows? Chaos. Manipulation. Power plays from the rich kind of person who doesn’t just have money - they own people.
The twists? Filthy. Disrespectful, honestly. Every time I thought I had a grip on the story, it said “stay delusional” and dragged me somewhere worse.
And then there’s the MMC Kellan… 😩😩
I need to have a serious conversation with the Author because who created this man. And why am I obsessed with someone who is clearly a walking red flag factory?? The audacity. The tension. The way he had me kicking my feet one minute and plotting his downfall the next??
I loved him. I hated him. I would absolutely make the same bad decisions as Willow
I didnt just read this book… I inhaled it.
No regrets!
The storyline? Addictive.
The vibes? Dark, toxic, and impossible to escape.
The spice? 👀 yeah… let’s just say it delivers!
5⭐ easy. And now I’m sitting here impatiently waiting for the next book because I need MORE!!
The FMC Willow? Ruined. And I mean RUINED. One night strips her of everything… career gone, money gone, life in pieces. She’s drowning, barely holding it together, and then… an email. An opportunity that practically glows neon red screaming this is a BAD IDEA!
Naturally… she takes it.
Because when you’re broke, desperate, and your mum is sick, “bad idea” starts to look a lot like survival.
What follows? Chaos. Manipulation. Power plays from the rich kind of person who doesn’t just have money - they own people.
The twists? Filthy. Disrespectful, honestly. Every time I thought I had a grip on the story, it said “stay delusional” and dragged me somewhere worse.
And then there’s the MMC Kellan… 😩😩
I need to have a serious conversation with the Author because who created this man. And why am I obsessed with someone who is clearly a walking red flag factory?? The audacity. The tension. The way he had me kicking my feet one minute and plotting his downfall the next??
I loved him. I hated him. I would absolutely make the same bad decisions as Willow
I didnt just read this book… I inhaled it.
No regrets!
The storyline? Addictive.
The vibes? Dark, toxic, and impossible to escape.
The spice? 👀 yeah… let’s just say it delivers!
5⭐ easy. And now I’m sitting here impatiently waiting for the next book because I need MORE!!
April 3, 2026
I went into this book, not knowing what the outcome would be and boy was I so happy for what the outcome was. 😈
This book is easily a 5⭐️ rating for me. The MMC is so hot. He definitely the type of man your parents would warn you about but since when do we listen to them about bad boys. 😅 He’s cunning, manipulative, cruel and yet oh so good. But he’s also hiding so many secrets behind that cold, black heart 🖤 He’s a walking red flag and red is my favourite colour. This author knows what we want when we say we want a dark romance man who will burn the world for his woman.
The FMC is at a loss where she has to leave her sick mother to work for this man who basically is so cruel to her but offers her something she can’t say no to. He has her trapped and also us when reading this book. She’s a smart girl but when you have no one and no where to go what do you do? Cry? Hide? Fight back? Well… she survives and the way she survives she learns a bit more about herself she didn’t realise.
The plot was perfection I personally found it to be a little long on a certain section but once you get past that section and realise why it was put there it jumped back up to a 5⭐️ book. The spice level delivers well. The action was packed throughout. The characters were well developed. And the story flow was so smooth I didn’t even realise how quickly I managed to read this book.
If you want dark romance, secrets, predator x prey vibes and of course mafia you need to read this book ❤️
This book is easily a 5⭐️ rating for me. The MMC is so hot. He definitely the type of man your parents would warn you about but since when do we listen to them about bad boys. 😅 He’s cunning, manipulative, cruel and yet oh so good. But he’s also hiding so many secrets behind that cold, black heart 🖤 He’s a walking red flag and red is my favourite colour. This author knows what we want when we say we want a dark romance man who will burn the world for his woman.
The FMC is at a loss where she has to leave her sick mother to work for this man who basically is so cruel to her but offers her something she can’t say no to. He has her trapped and also us when reading this book. She’s a smart girl but when you have no one and no where to go what do you do? Cry? Hide? Fight back? Well… she survives and the way she survives she learns a bit more about herself she didn’t realise.
The plot was perfection I personally found it to be a little long on a certain section but once you get past that section and realise why it was put there it jumped back up to a 5⭐️ book. The spice level delivers well. The action was packed throughout. The characters were well developed. And the story flow was so smooth I didn’t even realise how quickly I managed to read this book.
If you want dark romance, secrets, predator x prey vibes and of course mafia you need to read this book ❤️
April 10, 2026
ARC Review
3.75 stars for me.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I’m definitely going to read the others in the series :)
For me personally, I felt the romance was a bit too rushed. Willow fell far too quickly for what little had happened, I could understand if it was lust, but she claims her love for him around 20% in, it just lacked substance and depth in my opinion 🤷🏼♀️ but then I am a sucker for a slow burn which may play into my view of this.
However, particular in the last 50% I really enjoyed their dynamic and it was heartwarming to see Kellan drop his walls and he does open up more, especially when you learn he isn’t just a hardened criminal and does have a heart/feelings under there.
I found myself preferring Kellans chapters as opposed to Willows, they come later in the book. It’s not dual pov throughout the whole book, which I think I may have preferred.
I also found Willow’s lack of concern for her mum after she got rescued a bit bewildering, considering that is one of the main reasons she entered the contract with Kellan. Or even the phone call, doesn’t ask how she is just straight in there with what she had done wrong.
I also really enjoyed how in the last 10% ish of the book, specifically in the epilogue, where they don’t just get the happy ever after. The trauma is highly addressed and it isn’t brushed over, which I think was really refreshing for a book to do.
Overall for me a good vibes read :)
3.75 stars for me.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I’m definitely going to read the others in the series :)
For me personally, I felt the romance was a bit too rushed. Willow fell far too quickly for what little had happened, I could understand if it was lust, but she claims her love for him around 20% in, it just lacked substance and depth in my opinion 🤷🏼♀️ but then I am a sucker for a slow burn which may play into my view of this.
However, particular in the last 50% I really enjoyed their dynamic and it was heartwarming to see Kellan drop his walls and he does open up more, especially when you learn he isn’t just a hardened criminal and does have a heart/feelings under there.
I found myself preferring Kellans chapters as opposed to Willows, they come later in the book. It’s not dual pov throughout the whole book, which I think I may have preferred.
I also found Willow’s lack of concern for her mum after she got rescued a bit bewildering, considering that is one of the main reasons she entered the contract with Kellan. Or even the phone call, doesn’t ask how she is just straight in there with what she had done wrong.
I also really enjoyed how in the last 10% ish of the book, specifically in the epilogue, where they don’t just get the happy ever after. The trauma is highly addressed and it isn’t brushed over, which I think was really refreshing for a book to do.
Overall for me a good vibes read :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this and overall I had a really good time with it.
The story starts off strong and pulled me in pretty quickly, but the real highlight for me was the characters. I loved both of them and their chemistry felt so natural—I was fully invested in their relationship. The spice was also 👌 and that contract scene?? I LOVED when he listed alllllllllll the rules 🥵
There were a few things that took me out of it a bit though. Some of the sentences felt quite long and rambly, and certain points were repeated a few times which slowed the pacing. I also noticed quite a few spelling/grammar issues, but since this is an ARC I’m assuming those will be cleaned up in the final version.
I did find parts of the character background a little unclear, like it took quite a while to know where the FMC was actually from. The MMC also felt a bit hot and cold at times without much explanation, which could be a little jarring.
That said, I still really enjoyed it. The characters and their relationship were such a strong point, and I’m excited to see the final version especially as the author has mentioned they’ll be fixing a lot of these issues.
Overall, a really enjoyable read with great chemistry and some standout moments.
The story starts off strong and pulled me in pretty quickly, but the real highlight for me was the characters. I loved both of them and their chemistry felt so natural—I was fully invested in their relationship. The spice was also 👌 and that contract scene?? I LOVED when he listed alllllllllll the rules 🥵
There were a few things that took me out of it a bit though. Some of the sentences felt quite long and rambly, and certain points were repeated a few times which slowed the pacing. I also noticed quite a few spelling/grammar issues, but since this is an ARC I’m assuming those will be cleaned up in the final version.
I did find parts of the character background a little unclear, like it took quite a while to know where the FMC was actually from. The MMC also felt a bit hot and cold at times without much explanation, which could be a little jarring.
That said, I still really enjoyed it. The characters and their relationship were such a strong point, and I’m excited to see the final version especially as the author has mentioned they’ll be fixing a lot of these issues.
Overall, a really enjoyable read with great chemistry and some standout moments.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars. Addictive. Couldn’t put it down.
I was very lucky to receive an ARC of Venom by V.A. Costa, and I’m obsessed. This plot hooked me instantly.
Willow is an art authenticator whose career gets ruined overnight. She’s desperate, out of money, and then an unknown email from someone called K.L.D lands in her inbox with an offer she can’t refuse.
Enter Kellan. Obsessive, dangerous, total mafia vibe. Predator vs prey in the best way, and the lines between right and wrong blur fast. At first I did not like Kellan because he wouldn’t admit his feelings and that was sad. But the chemistry from the start was crazy, and by the end I adored him. He would destroy everything for her – tear the world apart for her.
Willow is a strong FMC and I loved watching her hold her own with him. There are so many highs and lows – I genuinely didn’t know what was coming next.
This quote wrecked me: “Love isn’t weakness. Love is strength. Love is the thing that makes survival worth it.”
At 90% I thought the book was ending. But god was I wrong. I was completely shocked. I did NOT see that coming.
Dark, twisty, emotional, and impossible to predict. 5 stars from me. Cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series. Thank you so much to the author for the ARC.
I was very lucky to receive an ARC of Venom by V.A. Costa, and I’m obsessed. This plot hooked me instantly.
Willow is an art authenticator whose career gets ruined overnight. She’s desperate, out of money, and then an unknown email from someone called K.L.D lands in her inbox with an offer she can’t refuse.
Enter Kellan. Obsessive, dangerous, total mafia vibe. Predator vs prey in the best way, and the lines between right and wrong blur fast. At first I did not like Kellan because he wouldn’t admit his feelings and that was sad. But the chemistry from the start was crazy, and by the end I adored him. He would destroy everything for her – tear the world apart for her.
Willow is a strong FMC and I loved watching her hold her own with him. There are so many highs and lows – I genuinely didn’t know what was coming next.
This quote wrecked me: “Love isn’t weakness. Love is strength. Love is the thing that makes survival worth it.”
At 90% I thought the book was ending. But god was I wrong. I was completely shocked. I did NOT see that coming.
Dark, twisty, emotional, and impossible to predict. 5 stars from me. Cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series. Thank you so much to the author for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review of Venom by @vanessa_abreu.author
Okay so I like to give reviews as spoiler free as possible.
This book had me hooked!! EASY FIVE STARS!! I ignored all adult responsibilities and demoslished this book in less then a day.
Had me so locked in that was messaging the author as a read 😂 luckily she didn't mind 👸
How this man had me wanting to punch him in the face while simultaneously wanting to give him a snuggle and ask who hurt him was crazy!! Still not sure how I feel about him at this point 😂 love to hate him, let's put it that way 😂
Poor Willow, she has her mind messed with all kind of ways 🙈 She ended the book being one of the strongest FMCs I've ever read.
Also the spice was perfection for the kind of man Kellen is. Hot 🥵 This man is OBSESSED and I love to see it.
Now this is dark romance so if that in any way is not your cup of tea, then this book is in no way for you, check your triggers, you have been warned but I absolutely ate it up and cannot wait for the rest of the series. Feel like it is going to be a Roman Empire series for me! 🤩 #darkromance
#triggerwarnings #arcreader #bookstagrammer #obsessed
Okay so I like to give reviews as spoiler free as possible.
This book had me hooked!! EASY FIVE STARS!! I ignored all adult responsibilities and demoslished this book in less then a day.
Had me so locked in that was messaging the author as a read 😂 luckily she didn't mind 👸
How this man had me wanting to punch him in the face while simultaneously wanting to give him a snuggle and ask who hurt him was crazy!! Still not sure how I feel about him at this point 😂 love to hate him, let's put it that way 😂
Poor Willow, she has her mind messed with all kind of ways 🙈 She ended the book being one of the strongest FMCs I've ever read.
Also the spice was perfection for the kind of man Kellen is. Hot 🥵 This man is OBSESSED and I love to see it.
Now this is dark romance so if that in any way is not your cup of tea, then this book is in no way for you, check your triggers, you have been warned but I absolutely ate it up and cannot wait for the rest of the series. Feel like it is going to be a Roman Empire series for me! 🤩 #darkromance
#triggerwarnings #arcreader #bookstagrammer #obsessed
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an arc from the author for my honest review.
3.75⭐s
I wasn't completely blown away by this story but there were parts I did enjoy. The FMC was annoying at times but thinking back I'm not sure how I'd respond if I was in her position. The MMC is a criminal and he collects famous paintings as well as other activities, I did find him confusing at times and not very scary. Willow (FMC) never really questioned him about things he was doing compared to what happened in his past esp to his sister, you do find out later on what was going on and what he was actually doing but not once she questioned him. I wish the section with Victor had been more intense I felt it was a little rushed and it was too easy for Kellan (MMC) and it didn't pull me in as much as it should. Overall I enjoyed it.
3.75⭐s
I wasn't completely blown away by this story but there were parts I did enjoy. The FMC was annoying at times but thinking back I'm not sure how I'd respond if I was in her position. The MMC is a criminal and he collects famous paintings as well as other activities, I did find him confusing at times and not very scary. Willow (FMC) never really questioned him about things he was doing compared to what happened in his past esp to his sister, you do find out later on what was going on and what he was actually doing but not once she questioned him. I wish the section with Victor had been more intense I felt it was a little rushed and it was too easy for Kellan (MMC) and it didn't pull me in as much as it should. Overall I enjoyed it.
May 11, 2026
This was such a unique mafia-esque psychologically thrilling dark romance. It's like the deeper into this story I went, the more entangled I got, just as the FMC was trapped into captivity by this ultra possessive/obsessed MMC. The suspense had me invested and on the edge-of-my-seat. This book made me feel conflicted with the insta-love portion but really showcased the emotional complexities that arise from this captor/captive dynamic and trauma bonding. For all his faults, the villain really is redeemable and lovable. One of the things that stood out to me the most about Willow and Kellan is how flawed they were giving them that extra detailed layer, making them feel more real. They truly went through it and earned their HEA.
Tropes:
Captive
Obsessed/Possesive MMC
Kidnapping
Spicy
Redemption
Check TW
Tropes:
Captive
Obsessed/Possesive MMC
Kidnapping
Spicy
Redemption
Check TW
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC READER REVIEW 🖤
VENOM by V.A. Costa
📅 Release Date: 01.05.26
Vanessa did not come to play with this one — I was hooked from the very first page.
Kellan… dark, powerful, running a criminal empire — yet completely undone by Willow. That dynamic? Obsessed.
This story had me in a chokehold from start to finish. I absolutely devoured it and fell hard for the MMC and the gritty, addictive world he lives in.
And the tropes?! This book is giving everything:
✨ Captivity
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ “Touch her and die” energy
It was a full emotional rollercoaster — I felt every moment right alongside the characters… and yes, I cried 😭
Honestly? Someone make this a movie immediately. I’ve already cast it in my head 🎬
#BookTok #DarkRomance #ARCReader #EnemiesToLovers #MustRead
VENOM by V.A. Costa
📅 Release Date: 01.05.26
Vanessa did not come to play with this one — I was hooked from the very first page.
Kellan… dark, powerful, running a criminal empire — yet completely undone by Willow. That dynamic? Obsessed.
This story had me in a chokehold from start to finish. I absolutely devoured it and fell hard for the MMC and the gritty, addictive world he lives in.
And the tropes?! This book is giving everything:
✨ Captivity
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ “Touch her and die” energy
It was a full emotional rollercoaster — I felt every moment right alongside the characters… and yes, I cried 😭
Honestly? Someone make this a movie immediately. I’ve already cast it in my head 🎬
#BookTok #DarkRomance #ARCReader #EnemiesToLovers #MustRead
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed stepping into the art world from the eyes of Willow our FMC. I felt her struggle as she fell from a soaring career and was clawing to try to survive the financial and reputational ruin of a scandal.
I enjoyed the obvious bad boy Kellan. His dark, obsessive and manipulative tactics were well thought out. A master of his own universe that he has now dragged our Willow into.
What made this book different from other dark romance reads was its ending. I wont spoil anything, but I found it very refreshing to truly explore trauma, consequences and rebuilding those fractured relationships. It felt real and fully realised.
I enjoyed the obvious bad boy Kellan. His dark, obsessive and manipulative tactics were well thought out. A master of his own universe that he has now dragged our Willow into.
What made this book different from other dark romance reads was its ending. I wont spoil anything, but I found it very refreshing to truly explore trauma, consequences and rebuilding those fractured relationships. It felt real and fully realised.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to V.A.Costa for sending me an e-arc copy of Venom 🐍
Wow this book was really good! I couldn’t put it down. You didn’t know what direction the story was going to go in.
I really liked the art aspect of the book I haven’t read a story with that theme before.
I also liked both of the main characters. Willow is a caring and intelligent FMC who deals with ALOT throughout the story and Kellan is a possessive MMC but underneath that demeanour he has a gentle side to him but it takes him along time to realise that having feelings for Willow isn’t a weakness after all.
I can’t wait to read book 2 in the series!
Thank you to V.A.Costa for sending me an e-arc copy of Venom 🐍
Wow this book was really good! I couldn’t put it down. You didn’t know what direction the story was going to go in.
I really liked the art aspect of the book I haven’t read a story with that theme before.
I also liked both of the main characters. Willow is a caring and intelligent FMC who deals with ALOT throughout the story and Kellan is a possessive MMC but underneath that demeanour he has a gentle side to him but it takes him along time to realise that having feelings for Willow isn’t a weakness after all.
I can’t wait to read book 2 in the series!
April 15, 2026
ARC review 🖤🖤
Wow - where do I start? When I first started reading Venom I don’t think I was prepared for how much I would enjoy it. Obviously when I read the description, I knew I would enjoy it, but not to the extent I did.
We meet Kellan - a dark and dangerous criminal. Then we meet Willow - who finds herself swept up in Kellan’s dangerous world!
Venom is intoxicating and will have you obsessed from the very first page.
Kellan is the ultimate morally grey book boyfriend. Venom has everything you could possibly want from a dark romance.
This series will be my new obsession. I can’t wait for book 2 🖤
Wow - where do I start? When I first started reading Venom I don’t think I was prepared for how much I would enjoy it. Obviously when I read the description, I knew I would enjoy it, but not to the extent I did.
We meet Kellan - a dark and dangerous criminal. Then we meet Willow - who finds herself swept up in Kellan’s dangerous world!
Venom is intoxicating and will have you obsessed from the very first page.
Kellan is the ultimate morally grey book boyfriend. Venom has everything you could possibly want from a dark romance.
This series will be my new obsession. I can’t wait for book 2 🖤
April 26, 2026
To say I devoured this book would be an under statement. This was a five star read for me and the best read of the year for me, this was book 22 for me, so it had a few book going up against it but this has taken first place.
Kellan(MMC) is a morally grey monster but I love a good villain, and Willow (MFC) is like a good girl. This book was a wild ride, so wild. I cried I laughed, I was broken and put back together. But over all I loved it and I cannot wait for the next 6 books. Looking forward to your next book boyfriend here is Kellan De Luca. I would wait 10 years for him too. Love this style of writing.
Kellan(MMC) is a morally grey monster but I love a good villain, and Willow (MFC) is like a good girl. This book was a wild ride, so wild. I cried I laughed, I was broken and put back together. But over all I loved it and I cannot wait for the next 6 books. Looking forward to your next book boyfriend here is Kellan De Luca. I would wait 10 years for him too. Love this style of writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
*Arc Read*
I was absolutely drawn to the book when Vanessa was looking for arc readers. It was right up my street!
Was absolutely hooked right from the get go, the relationship between Kellan & Willow was so intensely good! The storyline was also amazing right from the get go.
My one criticism is that I absolutely love a slow burn romance and found they fell in love very, very quickly, which I felt made the romance part quite repetitive throughout (only in parts.)
But overall, what a fantastic read and I look forward to the next ones!
I was absolutely drawn to the book when Vanessa was looking for arc readers. It was right up my street!
Was absolutely hooked right from the get go, the relationship between Kellan & Willow was so intensely good! The storyline was also amazing right from the get go.
My one criticism is that I absolutely love a slow burn romance and found they fell in love very, very quickly, which I felt made the romance part quite repetitive throughout (only in parts.)
But overall, what a fantastic read and I look forward to the next ones!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
(ARC Reader)- Venom by V.A. Costa draws you into a tantalizing, shadowed world where trust and danger blur. As an art authenticator caught in a web of intrigue, she steps into a precarious dance with a man who holds all the power. With every page, I felt the pull of their dark connection—mysterious, sensual, and impossible to look away from. I can’t wait for everyone to experience this spellbinding journey when it releases in May.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book.
Start to finish it had me gripped.
The realistic ending of what love is and how it can be after trauma had me tearing up, it was a very real feeling.
Willow being a strong FMC was amazing, and i loved the feel of old money that Kellan brought to the picture.
I was rooting for them from start to finish.
The attention to detail for the artwork and pieces reminded me of when I was younger and used to study art work in museums in my free time.
Overall 10/10🖤📚
And i look forward to the rest of the series
Start to finish it had me gripped.
The realistic ending of what love is and how it can be after trauma had me tearing up, it was a very real feeling.
Willow being a strong FMC was amazing, and i loved the feel of old money that Kellan brought to the picture.
I was rooting for them from start to finish.
The attention to detail for the artwork and pieces reminded me of when I was younger and used to study art work in museums in my free time.
Overall 10/10🖤📚
And i look forward to the rest of the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a love hate relationship with the MMC till at least 70% of the book which kept me on the end of my seat. Loved the art theme as it made it different than lot of the other dark romance books you read. Was extra spicy which I did enjoy 🤣. Definitely worth the read can’t wait to read the others.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc
This book had me obsessing over it!!
The one thing I liked about the book is the atmosphere. It feels tense most the time, like something bad is about to happen. That keeps you interested and makes it hard to stop reading.
I loved the characters and the writing of the story and the plot was everything!!!
This book had me obsessing over it!!
The one thing I liked about the book is the atmosphere. It feels tense most the time, like something bad is about to happen. That keeps you interested and makes it hard to stop reading.
I loved the characters and the writing of the story and the plot was everything!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
NO SPOILERS
OMG!!!
What a fantastic read. Could not but this bad boy down!!!!
Loved the plot.
I have never read a book about an art theft.
Loved that he is a villain!!! Parents and friends would warn you to stay away from him.
Book is great if you love a dark romance , with secrets and predator x prey vibes.
Thank you to V A Costa for the ARC copy.
OMG!!!
What a fantastic read. Could not but this bad boy down!!!!
Loved the plot.
I have never read a book about an art theft.
Loved that he is a villain!!! Parents and friends would warn you to stay away from him.
Book is great if you love a dark romance , with secrets and predator x prey vibes.
Thank you to V A Costa for the ARC copy.
April 14, 2026
Thank you for the ARC!
3,5⭐️
A morally gray criminal obsessed with her? Yes please.
And She’s a struggeling, innocent woman trying to survive.
There’s lots of tension and back and forth between the characters, which is something I love in a book. It’s engaging and draws you back in just when you think it won’t. If you like all this, then this is for you.
3,5⭐️
A morally gray criminal obsessed with her? Yes please.
And She’s a struggeling, innocent woman trying to survive.
There’s lots of tension and back and forth between the characters, which is something I love in a book. It’s engaging and draws you back in just when you think it won’t. If you like all this, then this is for you.
Review of advance copy
Amazing! This was instant love for me. I loved Willow and Kellen. The whole play was mind blowing. From the very first chapters, I was hooked. This was so good. The push and pull, twists and turns, just wild. This was one heck of a ride. I can’t wait for this one to come out in a physical copy so I can slap this bad boy up on my shelves. Such a great read.
May 1, 2026
Happy release day!! I read this as an arc at the beginning of April and I’m still thinking about it! I loved this book from start to finish. It’s got plot twists, captor/prey, it’s got angst and betrayal. It’s got protectiveness. The MMC in this book is everything. The ending was perfection. Would recommend!! I can’t wait for the next book 🖤🖤✨
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