Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Lace and Venom: The Wolf Beneath the Skin

Rate this book

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

L.V. Evans

6 books4 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
14 (63%)
4 stars
8 (36%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Allison Moffett.
72 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author.

I really loved this story! I flew through the first half of the book in just 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down. If you love fated mates, supernatural elements, dark forces, emotional trauma, and plenty of spice, this one definitely delivers.

I really felt for Lune and Dante and was invested in their journey from the start. My biggest critique is that I wish the plot had progressed a bit more and relied a little less on the romance and spice. Since everything takes place over the course of a single week, I found myself wanting more time for the story and character development to breathe.

That said, the author did a fantastic job creating an immersive world and making each scene feel meaningful. The dark revelations kept me hooked, and the ending has me excited to see where the next book goes!
Profile Image for LibraryOfDaydreams.
12 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 11, 2026
If you are looking for a romance that is as sharp as a silver blade and as intoxicating as venom, L.V. Evans has delivered an absolute masterpiece with The Wolf Beneath the Skin. As the explosive first installment of the Lace and Venom series, this book perfectly delivers on its promise: a masterclass in what happens when the supernatural world collides head-on with a gritty, dark military romance.

I am obsessed with this and cannot wait till the second book comes out !!!

10/10 recommend
Profile Image for Samantha Dietz.
18 reviews
July 22, 2026
Wow! What a ride! This is definitely dark but I love it. Our FMC is so amazing! I love the detail in which we got to follow in her journey of alpha team. If you’re ready for an emotional roller coaster on the dark side this book is for you!
Profile Image for DanniOnThePages .
59 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 24, 2026
First can we talk about the cover?! It is so beautiful! The author literally did it herself and her process was amazing. She used a butane torch and isopropyl alcohol and was spraying the alcohol on the wood and the dog tags while taking pictures. All the editing was done with her phone and procreate.

Now for the story, I was not ready for how it began at all. Talk about a plot twist right off the bat. This isn’t your average shifter romance. We have a military wolf, yes wolf and an alpha at that, who is forced to serve and carry out missions. Dante Blackwood is cut off from his emotions and wolf after a tragic event left his wolf to become dormant and him cut off, emotionally, from the world. Only living for the violence of his missions. Until one day, his commanding officer gives him an unusual mission that is complete with a NDA and an unknown number, that he simply has to call.

Lune Parker, trained like a soldier, lives as a mechanic. Life for her is pretty simple until she suddenly gets repeated calls from an unknown number. Seeing it as an opportunity to have some fun, her friend Greg convinces her to answer the next call. She wasn’t expecting a solider on the other end.

Dante doesn’t pamper and baby Lune, yes he wants to protect her because of who she is to him, but he understands that she was literally breed and trained to be the ultimate soldier. I loved Dante…until the end, but we won’t talk about that and I won’t spoil it. Let’s just say, I’m patiently impatiently waiting for book 2 to be finished lol. Dante still has my heart lol. He’s been through a lot and it will take some time and some more time for him to be semi whole again. I feel his redemption coming. Not just for him though, his pack. A broken alpha, means a broken pack.

Also the spice be spicing in this book and Mr. Blackwood does not hold back with his mouth or actions. Caution is advised LOL! This book does end on a cliff hanger, so be warned. Definitely would recommend this, especially if you enjoy shifter romance.

Tropes & Warnings:
🐺 Paranormal Shifter Romance
🐺 Military
🐺 Fated Mates
🐺 Damaged /Morally Grey MCs
🐺 Pierced MMC
🐺 Strong FMC
🐺 Broken Pack
🐺 “Good Girl”
🚨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🚨 Graphic Violence / Death
🚨 On Page Graphic Death of a Loved One
🚨 Institutionalized Conditioning/Breaking

24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
Thank you to L.V. Evans for the advanced reader's copy. This is an honest review; I am not being compensated.

Something twisted in me knew at that very moment that I liked the idea of being feared.


You beg so pretty for me.


This doesn't end in soft edges and safe hands.


I wish I could go back in time and read this again for the first time. WOW. An actual strong FMC who DOESN'T fall apart at the first inconvenience AND is an actual adult with adult like thoughts!? A MMC who actually understands basic human consent and lets the FMC handle her own business? Geez, sign me UP IMMEDIATELY!

These characters have a good bit of trauma and emotions that they need to work through, but nothing is magically fixed and made better by true love. The story has so much depth and is written at a delicious pace where you aren't wanting for ANYTHING and you're not left feeling like it was rushed. This is only book one, so I imagine all the questions will be answered in later books, which, honestly, I love.

Lune is thrown into the world with no warning and no preparation. She is lost and confused, but DAMN, she tries her heart out to survive it all. It's not easy and there are no rainbows and butterflies... A lot of pain and suffering. She is such an adult too and she doesn't hold too much against Dante, who is also just trying to freakin' survive.

Dante is daddy; when you read the spicy scenes, you will agree with me. THE MOUTH ON THIS MAN OH MY GOD! 10/10 I fell in love with him. ANYWAY, Dante is struggling with horrible trauma and a backstory that had me sobbing. He tries his best for Lune but, like I said before, love doesn't fix everything and he isn't perfect. You'll get a little upset with him, but you gotta remember, this book is only ONE WEEK of their lives. Give the man some grace; he is trying his damn best.

The other characters have their own backstories, and I cannot wait to learn more about them as the series continues. I will say that I have claimed Matt as my own; sorry not sorry. I absolutely fell in love with Greg too and I hope to see him more.

This book ends on a cliffhanger and I am READY for book two IMMEDIATELY!
Profile Image for Riina.
57 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 6, 2026
4,5⭐

"You weren't supposed to be part of my world."

This is the first book in a fast paced dark military romance with supernatural twist. There was pain, blood, fated mates, shifters, hatred, sex, possibly a found family but now a broken pack..

The MMC Dante is so broken by an awful General it breaks my heart 😭🖤 The FMC Lune is fierce and super well trained by her father

"If you want to be mine, then fucking take what's yours."

Loved the supernatural twist and I'm dying to see what the other Alpha members can do and if and when they are gonna accept Lune to their pack.

Overall this was an addicting story and I couldn't put it down and I hated that I had to adult while reading this 😂 Looking forward to the next book!

Thank you L. V. Evans for the opportunity to read this amazing book in advance and for the chat I've had with you over on Facebook 🖤

"What god Lune?", he whispered. "The only name you will scream tonight is mine."
Profile Image for Jessie.
22 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 16, 2026
A supernatural dark military shifter romance? Say less. As a shifter romance fan, adding a dark military twist had me hooked before I even turned the first page.

This story lands a gut-wrenching punch right from the opening with Dante, our beautifully broken, badass soldier (major Winter Soldier vibes). Then we meet Lune, who has no idea she's been born into a supernatural world that's about to turn her life upside down. When their worlds collide, their connection grips you by the throat... literally. 😈

It's wild to think most of the story unfolds over the course of a single week because Dante and Lune go through so much together. Their chemistry is absolutely 🔥, and despite the fast timeline, their bond felt intense and believable.

One of my favorite things about Lune was that she never falls into the helpless heroine trope. She's thrown into an unimaginable world with almost no knowledge of it, yet she adapts, fights back, and holds her own every step of the way. No damsel in distress here.

By the halfway point, I couldn't put this book down. And by the end, it became clear that we'd only scratched the surface of this dangerous, addictive world. I can't wait to see where the Lace and Venom series goes next.
37 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 8, 2026
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and had a great time with it.

One of my favorite aspects was the spice. The chemistry between the characters felt natural, and the intimate scenes were some of the strongest parts of the story for me. I also appreciated that the book wasn't quite as dark as I initially expected. It still had plenty of tension and intensity, but it felt balanced in a way that kept me invested.

One thing I found myself wanting more of was the motivation behind why they wanted her. The mystery surrounding that question kept me interested, and I would have loved a little more development or insight into those reasons as the story progressed.

I also felt that some of the fight scenes became a bit repetitive. While the action itself was exciting, there were moments where I wanted those scenes to push the plot forward a little more or reveal something new about the characters or the larger story.

That said, I genuinely enjoyed the book and found myself invested in both the characters and their relationships.
Profile Image for Tiffany .
18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 13, 2026
💫 5-star read

I received this book as an ARC from the author and was hooked from the very first page.

This dark paranormal romance delivered everything you love in a book: high stakes, emotional intensity, supernatural intrigue, and characters that fall fast and hard!

Lune and Dante’s chemistry was undeniable, and their journey kept me fully invested throughout.

The world-building was immersive, the pacing relentless, and every chapter pulled me straight into “just one more page” territory.

I especially loved the balance of action, mystery, and emotional depth. The twists kept me guessing, and the ending left me completely wanting more.

If you enjoy dark paranormal romance with fated mates, military supernatural forces, and addictive storytelling, this is an absolute MUST READ!

Happy Writing!! L.V. Evans
Profile Image for Laura.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 6, 2026
I had the honor of being an ARC reader for this book and wow… I was completely hooked from the prologue.

If you love supernatural dark military romance with a deliciously vicious edge, this book absolutely delivers. It’s primal, intense and unapologetically dark.

The chemistry is electric, the spice is scorching, and the tension never lets up. Every chapter pulled me deeper into this brutal, addictive world. Keeping me emotionally invested in every twist and every fight.

The characters are fierce, extremely complex, and impossible not to become obsessed with. The action, the supernatural elements, and the dark atmosphere blend together perfectly.

This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. I already need more from this world. Highly recommend reading this!
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 10, 2026
Thank you L.V. Evans for the advanced copy 🖤

* Embedded glass glittered like stars in raw meat

* And f*ck, it felt like everything I’d ever lost was staring back

* “This doesn’t end in soft edges and safe hands.”

* He was fire under my skin. Rage and ruin and everything I wasn’t supposed to want.

* She acted like I was some sort of god, but I felt like I was closer to the devil.

Spicy and raw.

This book had me in a chokehold. I appreciated the raw scenarios where feelings for another person are not instant fixes for mental health and struggles. I could not read this book fast enough and the ending left me wanting so much more. Can't wait for the continuation of this series!
Profile Image for Monica Lyons.
38 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 23, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 ⭐

This book has a lot of potential. Lune was easily my favorite character, and I really enjoyed her perspective. I also appreciated how unique the story and world felt.

Unfortunately, I never got that “I can’t put this down” feeling I was hoping for. The pacing was a bit too fast for me, with major events happening so quickly that some emotional moments didn’t have the impact they could have. The spice was well written, but after a while it started to feel a little excessive.

Overall, I enjoyed the creativity behind the story, but the rushed pacing made the ending feel less satisfying than I expected. I’m still interested to see where the series goes because I think there’s a lot of promise here.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 6, 2026
Well, what can I say except for its amazing. This book had me in a chokehold. I couldn't wait to find out what happened and then hated the fact I finished it so quickly.

It kept me turning the page just to see what happened to the FMC. The relationship felt natural even though it was quick. It had me gasping in some moments and ready to fight in others. You can tell that LV put real thought into each character and how they would and will interact. I can say that I'm looking forward to where the story goes next.


The plot 10/10
The spice chefs kiss
The ending.....I NEED the next book now!!!!!
Profile Image for Hannah.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 8, 2026
Wow, wow, wow! This book blew me away!! The story is complex but not too much where your lost but also not so little where you’re not interested, I was hooked from the get go!! Each and every character were intricate and with all their differences, melded together perfectly for a team of badassery!! Each had their own little tid bit/back story about them and it’s so REFRESHING not having a doormat of an fmc when the big broody mmc comes around!! L.V Evans did amazing portraying the emotions of this book (because let me tell you, THERE WILL BE SOME FEELS) Her writing style is a breath of fresh air to these kinds of books and I’m so so excited for book 2!!!

5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 9, 2026
I absolutely love the story line. Some points were a little repetitive but it didn’t bother me that much. It was easy to follow and I wasn’t left confused at any point.

I loved the characters. I just wish I knew more about them. And what shaped them into who they are. We get a few bits a pieces and it makes me eager for more.

I absolutely loved the spicy scenes, they were very well executed. We love a king who respects consent and knows when enough is enough.

For me the plot and spice was at a good ratio I didn’t feel like one over took the other


The ending left me yearning for more
Profile Image for Megan Hicks.
73 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 20, 2026
Whoa! That was a thrilling and truly heartbreaking ride!

I had the privilege of reading this book and all I can say is that I am absolutely NOT disappointed!

L.V. Evans delivered on everything perfectly! The plot, the character building, the spice...just everything!

As this is a series, I can not wait to read more of it!

Fated Mates, Forced Proximity, Supernatural.

I must find a shelf trophy!
16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 10, 2026
*ARC COPY!!*
First lets talk about the cover! This author created it all on her own and it is absolutely BREATHTAKING!!! If you like supernatural with a mix of dark military romance then this book is PERFECT for you! What this book delivers to the readers is everything and then some!
This book has the best mix of tension, SPICE! And much more!!!!! Each chapter drives you further and further into the world!!!
The way everything is written only makes you want more! 10/10 recommend!!
Profile Image for Kahgreymom.
66 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 20, 2026
Lace and Venom: The Wolf Beneath the Skin is a fast burn, steaming military romance that has you hooked from the first page. You jump right into the plot, and the book takes place all with one weeks' time span. So, it's a fast-moving book with plenty of violence and spice. If you love a strong female main character who knows what she wants and chemistry that is scorching this book is for you.



Profile Image for Tracey Jones.
92 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 15, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author

4.5 🌟

The chemistry, the spice, the characters and the story.....what a debut novel. Really looking forward to the next book to see where the character development takes us and how the story unfolds.
Profile Image for Catalina Perez.
18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 2, 2026
Supernatural themes, emotional trauma, dark romance, and spice—author L.V. Evans completely understood the assignment. I got a sneak peek of the first page and was immediately hooked for the rest of the book. I absolutely love the cinematic view this story brings.

It’s an easy read that gets straight to the storyline. I'm not a big fan of slow-burns, so it is always exciting when you don't have to wait until the middle or end of the book to find out the main plot or who the characters really are. This entire book takes place within a single week, and I am totally stoked for book two.
Dante is definitely Book Daddy! The words that come out of this man's mouth... wow. But love doesn't fix everything, and I appreciated seeing Dante try his best to move forward through his trauma. Greg, Matt, and Lune are the other core characters, each bringing their own trauma and depth to the story.

I feel like I can't go into more detail without giving away spoilers. Just know this book ends on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see where L.V. Evans goes with the storyline next!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews