A desperate student. A blind mafia heir. One ruthless deal in Moscow could cost them everything.
Seraphina Rosewood is broke and unsure of her future. Fresh off a flight from Texas to Moscow, on a mysterious scholarship, she’s scraping together money for her mother while battling loneliness in a city that doesn’t want her. When a job ad promising life-changing pay leads her to a snowbound mansion, she walks straight into Judas Romanovski’s dangerous world.
Judas Romanovski is untouchable. From the moment Seraphina steps into his mansion, the blind billionaire mafia heir takes one look at her fear, her defiance, and her vulnerability—and decides she belongs in his orbit. What starts as a caretaker interview becomes a ruthless, fevered power play that could ruin them both.
Even as Seraphina falls for Judas’s terrifying intensity and the fragile tenderness hidden beneath his darkness, her growing feelings are threatened by his lies, his criminal world, and the fact that she may be nothing more than bait in a deadly game. And although Judas is drawn to Seraphina’s stubborn heart and desperate loyalty, his thirst for revenge, his enemies, and his hunger for control could destroy the only woman who makes him feel human.
Will they survive the violence closing in on them and reach the love powerful enough to outlast the mafia world?
Venomous Desires is the first book in the Blind Desires mafia romance series. If you enjoy forced proximity, dangerous billionaire antiheroes, and slow-burn obsession, then you’ll love Luna Sads’s dark, intoxicating tale.
Start reading Venomous Desires and let the danger begin.
I loved this book! I read it in one go, and it kept me hooked from the beginning.
Seraphina arrives in Russia to attend school after receiving a mysterious scholarship. She is from Texas and is taking care of her mom financially, so she needs to earn as much money as she can. There is an ad for a nanny position that pays really well, and even though it's a little ominous, she accepts the offer to work for them.
Seraphina quickly learns that she's walked into something that she isn't going to be getting out of. She's sweet, a little naive, and submissive. But she's trying her hardest in a challenging situation.
Judas is dominant, cunning, and in control. He leads the criminal underworld and is feared by many.
The chemistry between the two is on fire, and the spice was amazing. These two fit really well together, and I really enjoyed their story!
I highly recommend!!
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Main Characters: Judas & Seraphina Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV Reading Order: Books need to be read in order Title: Blind Desires- Venomous Desires: Book 1 Epilogue: Yes Ending Type: Cliffhanger
*OTT: Possessive, manipulative, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC *Eyes only for her *Criminal Underworld *Touch her and die *Dub-Con *Coercion *Forced Proximity *Billionaire *No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
Would've been five stars but that scene with the OW ruined it for me. I'll be reading the next book, though. Thank you Luna Sads for your amazing stories.
I don't know what to say because I still fill like I'm stuck in that world .The gritty, high-stakes Russian mafia backdrop feels incredibly vivid, wrapped in prose that is poetic, dark, and deeply seductive.
This is a true dark romance. It features intense themes of captivity, extreme power imbalances, psychological manipulation, and violence.
Readers who love the "touch her and die" trope, forced proximity, high-stakes suspense, and complex, morally gray characters. It is a fantastic pick for fans of dark, gritty romance
This book is so so good i have never read such unhinged book I couldn’t stop in middle i had to stay overnight i hate judas but by the time triology finishes author promises that we will love him i can’t wait for next book to come and meanwhile i will re read this again
Venomous Desires is so dark that you’ll need a torch!
The possessive and unhinged Russian Mobster MMC, appropriately named, Judas (The Predator) is not morally grey - he is pitch black. Our FMC, Seraphina (The Prey) is the innocent, young American caught up as a Pawn in his little game - but is it really just a game to Judas, or does he have other motives?…
There were a few grammatical errors and some sections that repeated themselves. If this was ironed out, the reading experience would have been 5⭐️
Be warned though, this does end on a cliffhanger that will leave you going “what the hell? Where’s the rest?”
(I have received an advance review copy from Book Sirens. I have left this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. Oh my what did i just read phew 😮💨!! This was absolutely on fire!! Please read your triggers!! If you love dark mafia romance you will definitely love this!! Touch her and ☠️ and the spice 🥵🥵!! Absolutely devoured this book and stayed up late to finish!! Loved the chemistry between Seraphina and Judas!! Cant wait to read the next book!!
“Venomous Desires is the gripping first book in the Blind Desires mafia romance series. If you enjoy forced proximity, dangerous billionaire antiheroes, and slow-burn obsession, then you’ll love Luna Sads’ dark, intoxicating tale.
Start reading Venomous Desires and let the danger begin.”
I had to sit with this review for a week before writing because Venomous Desires was dark. Seraphina takes a job taking care of Judas and even though the whole vibe is creepy and mysterious she doesn't really have a choice. She needs the money for her mother. Regardless of what you may think about Judas he is going to protect her throughout this book and the next. I have this feeling.
He may be dark but he might have some reservations about any harm coming to Sera. These two could not be more different and I think that's why they work so well together. The passion between our MCs is unmatched.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Venomous Desires is the kind of mafia romance that wraps itself around your throat and refuses to let go. Packed with tension, obsession, power plays, and emotional vulnerability, this story delivers the perfect balance of darkness and heart.
Seraphina Rosewood is easy to root for. Alone in a foreign country, struggling financially, and carrying the weight of helping her mother, she’s forced into impossible situations just to survive. Her resilience is what makes her so compelling. Even when she’s frightened, she refuses to be completely broken, and that stubborn streak creates incredible chemistry with the man at the center of the storm.
And then there’s Judas Romanovski.
Judas is everything a dark romance hero should be; intimidating, possessive, ruthless, and impossible to ignore. As the blind heir to a powerful mafia empire, he commands every scene he enters. But beneath the control, manipulation, and dangerous reputation is a man haunted by his own demons. Watching those cracks appear in his armor whenever Seraphina is involved adds a surprising emotional depth to the story.
The dynamic between them is electric from the start. What begins as a simple job opportunity quickly spirals into something much more complicated. Every interaction feels loaded with tension as attraction battles distrust, and vulnerability collides with the dangerous realities of Judas’s world.
One of my favorite aspects was how the story balances the darkness with genuine emotional moments. Judas may be terrifying at times, but the glimpses of tenderness he shows Seraphina make the romance feel earned rather than purely driven by obsession. Their relationship is messy, complicated, and often dangerous but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.
The Moscow setting adds an extra layer of atmosphere, creating a cold, isolated backdrop that perfectly complements the story’s suspenseful tone. Between mafia rivalries, revenge plots, hidden motives, and growing feelings, the stakes remain high throughout.
I have mixed feelings about this one. It was an interesting read, even while I questioned almost every decision the characters made.
Judas is manipulative, possessive, obsessive, ruthless, and completely unapologetic. There is nothing romantic about him, and I definitely did not condone the way he treated Seraphina. If you're looking for a morally grey hero, Judas isn't one. He's exactly what the author promised: diabolically unhinged!!! Morally black, if you ask me.
Seraphina frustrated me quite a bit. She could be incredibly naïve and sometimes made choices that left me shaking my head. Yet, I admired that she never completely lost her spirit. Even when she was terrified, she continued to push back against Judas instead of simply accepting her fate.
The premise wasn't entirely new to me, but the execution kept me invested. Sera came to Russia to provide a better life for her mother and family, and from the moment she arrived, she already felt out of place and her problems started: catching the eye of several dangerous characters, looking for a job where the salary is too good to be true. And Judas used that (even his name is scary). He became the predator, and she became his prey, his little bird.
Their relationship is built on manipulation, fear, control, and an extreme power imbalance rather than trust, with a deeply dark atmosphere and mafia elements. This is a true dark romance, so the content warnings are there for a reason. As for the side characters, they are as shady as they come!! I don’t trust any of them.
The pacing is fairly slow at first before gradually picking up. I also noticed some editing issues and repetition. And yes, it ends on a cliffhanger. This was a good read that left me conflicted in the best and worst ways. I struggled with Judas's actions, rolled my eyes at some of Seraphina's decisions, yet I still couldn't stop reading.
Venomous Desires is certainly worth checking out. Just make sure you know exactly what you're signing up for.
Venomous Desires completely pulled me in from the very beginning. The writing is immersive, the atmosphere is dark and haunting, and every chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next. It has the perfect balance of mystery, danger, and obsession that makes it impossible to stop reading.
Seraphina instantly won me over. She's kind, hardworking, and relatable, trying to build a better life despite everything she's been through. Watching her navigate an unfamiliar country while carrying so many responsibilities made me root for her from the very first page.
Judas Romanovski is the definition of a dark romance hero. Every scene he appears in is magnetic. His presence is intimidating, mysterious, and impossible to ignore, and the tension surrounding him keeps you on edge. The slow unraveling of his character makes him even more fascinating.
The chemistry between Seraphina and Judas is intense from their first meeting. Every interaction is filled with tension, curiosity, and an underlying danger that keeps the story gripping. Their dynamic feels unique and leaves you wanting more with every chapter.
The world-building is another standout. From the icy streets of Moscow to the eerie mansion and the constant feeling that something bigger is happening behind the scenes, the setting adds so much depth to the story. It creates an atmosphere that's both beautiful and unsettling.
Final Verdict: An addictive dark romance with unforgettable characters, incredible chemistry, and a suspenseful plot that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. If you love morally dark heroes, obsessive romance, and stories full of mystery and tension, this is an absolute must-read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book had more plot holes than Swiss cheese. I acknowledge that I did receive an ARC so there may be some errors but I did not expect to receive a book that read like a first draft. It was incredibly confusing and poorly written to the pint that it became difficult at times to even understand what was happening. For example “grabbing my books, I stuffed them into the bag with unnecessary tantrum”. Many sentences were like this where words were used incorrectly, making it incredibly confusing.
There were major thematic, spelling, wording, and formatting issues. I hope these will be resolved by the publishing date but considering the fact that I received my review copy a few days ago and this book comes out next week. I do not see how in that timeframe. The author could possibly fix all of the issues with this book. There was also an issue that there was not any background on either characters provided. Some small details were given, but never fully explained which made things extremely difficulties with no context for what was happening within the book to understand any of its significance.
The basic idea behind this book is extremely interesting, but I think the execution was abysmal. I believe that if this book went through an actual thorough editing process, perhaps with some beta readers and then an editing company it could be really good, but as is, I would not recommend this book.
Thank you to Luna Sads for providing this book for review consideration via Book Sirens. All opinions are my own.
I mean it’s dark romance but damn, CRAZY READ - remove romanceeee :))) and would consider him morally BLACK NOT GREY … ends in cliffhanger so✌🏻we will see if I have the strength to see how this ends.
🙏🏻📿pray for some redemption arc in the next book but don t think that will be the case :))) crazy mf ☠️
Takeaways😅
1. Still confused by the pretend to be blind act :))) which is how they met cause she was “the caretaker” (not like he needed to prove to anyone he has someone that takes care of him) maybe makes more sense in the following book🤣 whole interaction on this plot was crazy 2. Scholarship to Russia UNI :)) pls 3. She is the FMC that is clumsy and wears ugly sweaters 4. Honestly not sure how it would end cause I think it should end with him in jail and her in therapy from all she experienced and seen but will most likely not 5. He is at least the touch her and die type but she is put in those situations because of him so… yeah, not really a flex also, controlling, mental torture pls.. the trope does nothing if that’s how he treats her🤯 6. As much as she cries and falls… she is focused on getting away and saying no, and talking back 💃 but cursed with the body reacting trope🫨 7. Not really proofread, repeating sentences like crazy
Overall, for me not much romance, more thriller type of read but interesting enough to consider seeing where tf this is going next
🫡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
LAWD Geezus Besties... "Venomous Desires" had me on a fawking roller coaster from the very first chapter. I picked it up because I was excited to read about a blind MMC, and Judas definitely wasn't what I expected. The prologue almost gave me a heart attack with the 3rd-person POV, but Chapter 1 switched to dual 1st-person... Whew... and those chapter titles (The Predator and The Prey) were such a fun touch! 🤭
Now let's talk about Judas. This man is ruthless, manipulative, completely unhinged, and honestly had me questioning if redemption is even possible. The way he constantly humiliates Seraphina made my heart ache. I loved her determination at times, but her back & forth between fearless and timid left me conflicted throughout the story. 🤔
The mafia setting, forced proximity, suspense, and constant tension kept me flipping pages. Just know this is the first book in a trilogy, so don't expect answers by the end. Read the TWs because some scenes are incredibly brutal. Despite my frustrations, I'm completely invested and absolutely need Book 2 to see if Judas can somehow redeem himself. #DoubtIt 😏
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 2.5/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
3.5 Judas isn't morally grey—he's morally pitch black. Manipulative, obsessive, possessive, ruthless... a walking nightmare disguised as a man. The author promised a diabolically unhinged antihero, and Judas delivered every terrifying second of it.
Seraphina tested my patience with some of her choices, but I loved that she never let her fire completely die. Even when fear wrapped around her throat, she still fought back against the monster hunting her.
The predator-and-prey dynamic, mafia backdrop, and suffocating atmosphere had me completely hooked. Their relationship is built on control, manipulation, and fear—not romance—making this a true dark romance that absolutely earns every trigger warning. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing starts slow before tightening its grip, and while I noticed some editing hiccups, I still couldn't look away. I hated Judas, questioned Seraphina, distrusted every side character... and devoured every page. That cliffhanger? Absolutely criminal. If you love your romance deliciously dark and psychologically twisted, *Venomous Desires* is ready to sink its fangs into you.
This book has been a complete roller coaster of emotions for me. One moment I'm happy and excited, and the next I'm shocked, heartbroken, or completely speechless. It constantly keeps me on edge, and some scenes are so intense that they genuinely give me goosebumps.
One thing I really love about this book is the writing. The author's style is captivating and makes it impossible to stop reading. Every chapter leaves me wanting more, and the emotions feel incredibly real.
Interestingly, if you're looking for a book that makes you hate the lead character at times, this is definitely one of them, I certainly did! Yet that only made the story more engaging because it made me care deeply about what was happening.
I haven't finished the book yet; I'm currently around chapter 60. Even so, I can already tell that this is one of those rare books that will stay with me for a long time. The characters, emotions, and unforgettable moments have already left a lasting impression on me, and I can't wait to see how the story ends.
What in the freaking world of books did I just read?!
If you think you're brave enough to read about a truly twisted psychopath who doesn't give a damn—and I repeat, DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN—about anyone or anything, then let me introduce you to Judas Romanovski.
His protection always comes at a price, and he's the kind of man who makes sure you never forget that every action has consequences. Judas isn't your typical morally grey hero—he feels like the devil in human form, and that's exactly what makes him so unsettling.
Do I love him yet? No. Is he intriguing? Absolutely. Do I hate him? Not really...okay fine. I do hate him. Do I want to scream at him? Every chance I get. (Not that he'd care.) Do I like him? Still no. Will I continue the trilogy? Absolutely. The author claims we'll fall in love with Judas by the end, and now I need to know how that's even possible.
Now let's talk about Seraphina Rosewood, because she was my favorite part of this book.
There were so many moments where I saw pieces of myself in her that it genuinely made me emotional. She's intelligent, hardworking, earned a scholarship, and is doing everything she can to help her family. What I appreciated most was that she isn't portrayed as unrealistically fearless. She's scared when anyone in her position would be, yet she still keeps moving forward. That made her feel incredibly real, especially considering she's become the obsession of someone as dangerous as Judas.
Since this is the first book in a trilogy, the story mainly focuses on Judas's obsession with Seraphine while gradually introducing the mafia world around them. We do see Judas carrying out several eliminations, but the larger plot is still unfolding, leaving plenty of questions unanswered. Even so, I never found myself bored—the mystery and tension kept me turning the pages.
If you're looking for a dark romance that truly earns the word dark and you're comfortable reading morally depraved characters, this trilogy is definitely worth picking up. Just know that this first book is very much the beginning of Judas and Seraphine's story, and I'm more than curious to see where it goes next
Buckle up tight with this one. Because this is going to be one of the wildest rides you'll take any time soon. I was hoping for a great dark Mafia romance. I mean the MMC is blind, so my curiosity was peaked and then some. But damn, I did not expect what was hiding between the covers. 😈 Judas weds a bada$$. He was pure dominant, alpha male. Sera never saw him coming. She was so out of his league. Poor girl thought she was signing up for being the caregiver of a blind man. She may as well have been hit by a bus with how dominant he was. The back and forth between these two was fire. Pure unadulterated, twisted fire. The games he played was insane. But twistedly delicious. Sera food a little too much back and forth with being firece and then timid. But it made for some great cat and mouse. Overall, this story was dark and seriously hot. If this isn't on your TBR, then I suggest you run, not walk, and get this bad boy added.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was so excited to receive Venomous Desires as an ARC because the premise and tropes sounded right up my alley, an obsessive, possessive, dominant MMC, criminal underworld, forced proximity, billionaire, and touch her and die? Yes, please.
Unfortunately, I just could not fully get into this one. I made it to 60% before ultimately deciding to DNF. I struggled around 20%, then again around 40%, and by 60%, I had to call it quits.
There is definitely potential here, and the storyline itself sounded intriguing, but I found that a lot of the book felt like filler that didn’t necessarily tie together or feel essential to the overall story. At the same time, I felt like it was missing that extra umph needed to keep me fully captivated.
This one just didn’t quite meet the mark for me, but I may try picking it back up in a few days to see if I can get into it with a fresh mindset.
Okay!! Let's take a deep breath first because this book literally left me breathless.
Mr.Judas Romanovski is psycho, unhinged, delusional... and I guess a little pookie? 🙄And our feisty little bird, Seraphina is definitely not your innocent FMC. She's strong, knows when to fight and knows when to surrender. I just know she's going to make Judas beg in the second book after everything he's making her go through in this one.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, but the ending was my favorite part—not because of that scene, but because of the writing. I could literally picture every movement exactly as it was described. It felt like watching an action scene play out in my head🤌
If you're a dark romance lover who loves an unhinged MMC, this book is definitely for you.
Venomous Desires had me hooked with its dark atmosphere and the constant feeling that something was about to go wrong... The tension never really lets up which made it easy to keep turning the pages when ishould have been sleeping! Sera was great… Even when she was scared or overwhelmed, she still had a stubborn streak that made me want to keep cheering for her. But Judas was intense, obsessive and far more than a little terrifying, but he was also the kind of MMC who completely steals your attention. Their dynamic was messy, toxic and full of tension, which kept me invested in seeing how everything would unfold. This book was a dark addictive read with intriguing characters, lots of suspense and plenty of gasps along the way. If you enjoy possessive antiheroes and darker romance then this one is worth checking out. Just make sure to read the content warnings first.
Venomous Desire by Lunasads is a captivating dark romance filled with passion, tension, and emotional intensity. The chemistry between the characters is addictive, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. Dark, thrilling, and beautifully written, it's a perfect read for fans of morally gray characters and intense romance. A dangerous love story that's impossible
The story is dark, addictive, and beautifully written, balancing passion, tension, and emotion in a way that kept me turning pages late into the night. Every twist felt purposeful, and every chapter left me eager for the next.
This is one of those books that stays with you long after the final page. Thank you, Lunasads, for creating such a captivating and memorable story. ❤️📖
A definite 5-star read and one of my favorite dark romances.
Well…it kept me entertained enough to finish, but I didn’t love it. The story itself was fine, a few instances where I wondered WHAT is going on right now??, but in the end I didn’t really feel like I got to know the characters, aside from understanding that Judas was completely unhinged.
The writing was the main issue for me. It felt a bit disjointed at times, with a lot of repetition, both in reworded ideas and a few instances where paragraphs were repeated, which pulled me out of the story.
Since this is an ARC, I’m hoping some of those issues get cleaned up in the final version, so I’m not factoring that into my rating. Some of it also just comes down to writing style, which didn’t work for me personally.
Rounded up to 3 stars since I can’t give 2.5.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for the advanced copy.
Here’s my honest review. I liked the book, I like where the plots going. I do plan on reading the trilogy? I think it’s a trilogy. The villain in this case is a complete psychopath, so this can be considered pitch black in my opinion. so keep that in mind if you like books like “flowers and daisies, and true loves first kiss”… I had issues with how it was written, there were many typos and paragraphs that were repeated. I’m guessing that probably was overseen in editing. That being said, I would love to read the next books, I don’t see his character being redeemable, but I might still like the MMC(in fiction only). PLEASE check trigger warnings for this one. The spice is spicing HOWEVER it’s not in the way many would enjoy, IYKYK. ALL that being said, give it a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, this was a fantastic book to read, it was well written with depth and the characters were quite intriguing. This story was about Seraphina Rosewood and Judas Romanovski, Seraphina couldn't believe she was leaving home in Texas and move on a full scholarship to a snowbound Russia. Seraphina needed to work so she can send money to her mother and that's when she met her boss Judas. Judas is blind and wants someone to look after him by being his eyes. Judas had other plan's for Seraphina, he wanted to break her and then put her back together. Judas became obsessed, manipulating, intense emotional roller-coaster of hot romance and so much more emotions throughout. There are trigger warnings at the start of this story, I do suggest checking out the trigger warnings.
I liked how the dual POV's were written, and it made it more enjoyable.
The characters were unique and felt like real people, and they had their own intensity to them that made the story more interesting.
I had a hard time at the start of the book because the characters and plot were a bit blurry, but along the way the pieces started falling into place and got me hooked on the book. the book kept me on my toes, and I especially enjoyed the tension-filled moments where I was questioning the next move/action.
while the pacing slowed slightly in a few places, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment. it's generally a great book, and I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy a morally pitch-black man.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Venomous Desires is definitely unhinged, it’s a wild, gripping ride that doesn’t let up. The opening was a bit rough for me, Seraphina’s constant nervousness about everything made her hard for me to connect with early on and honestly, she comes across as a little dumb at times. There are some moments that had me wanting to shake her, but I do genuinely love her character and how she still wants to defy Judas at every turn. Judas is a morally dark character. He likes inflicting pain on everyone around him and unfortunately Sera crosses his path and he decides to use her… in more ways than one. Luna Sads says we will love him by the end of the trilogy and I hope that’s true and I can’t wait to find out how we get there.