Honeyed Vengeance

by D.W. Cole

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2026

About the author

D.W. Cole resides in Richmond, Virginia, with her fiancé “Panda” and their three children.

D.W. Cole is a psych-thriller/mystery author known for her debut novella, Rotten Fruit. With a passion for writing outside of the box and mixing methods and styles of writing, she captivates readers with her unique storytelling and her ability to tackle tough subjects in new creative prose.

She is dedicated to connecting with readers and can be found on the following platforms:

FB: D.W. Cole

IG: @authord.w.cole

TikTok: @authord.w.cole

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An edge of your seat, beautifully written story about morally grey Zoe who will stop at nothing to get revenge for her lost loved ones and those that can’t fight for themselves.

[Summer Maenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Honeyed Vengeance felt like sitting down for a normal book and then immediately realizing, “oh… this is going to emotionally spiral and I’m going with it.”
The story follows Zoe McKnight, who has been through a lot—losing her mom, dealing with a corrupt town, and watching the guy she loves get wrongfully locked up (which is, frankly, a terrible combo). At some point she decides, very reasonably (questionable), that the system isn’t going to fix anything… so she might as well get involved herself.
From there, it turns into this fast, tense mix of revenge plot + mystery + romance. She’s uncovering secrets, making increasingly bold choices, and I was just along for the ride like “this seems unsafe but I support you emotionally.”
The pacing? Weirdly perfect for my brain. It moves fast enough that I didn’t start mentally redecorating my room halfway through chapters, but not so fast that I got lost. There’s always something happening—either plot-wise or emotionally—which kept me locked in.
Zoe as a character is… complicated. Not in a “morally gray” Pinterest quote way, but in a “I should not agree with this, yet here I am” way. She’s angry, loyal, impulsive, and hurting, and watching her try to balance all of that—especially when Amir comes back into her life—adds a lot of tension. Like, yes, romance! But also… girl you are actively unraveling
Tone-wise, it’s definitely dark. Not cozy, not light, not “just one more chapter before bed”—more like “one more chapter and then I’ll stare into space for a minute.” But underneath all the chaos, it’s actually really sincere. It’s about grief, love, and what happens when the systems that are supposed to help you just… don’t.
Final thoughts:
Fast, messy (in the best way!), emotionally intense, and slightly concerning. I was stressed. I was invested. I absolutely kept reading.

[Abigail Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honeyed Vengeance is a gritty, emotionally charged thriller that keeps the pressure on from beginning to end. Zoe is pulled back into the life she fought to leave behind, forcing her to confront old wounds, impossible choices, and the people who shaped her into who she is. As the stakes continue to rise, she’s pursued by both friends and enemies, all while refusing to back down from the line she’s drawn.

D.W. Cole doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker corners of human nature. Rather than presenting simple heroes and villains, the story asks what grief, injustice, and desperation can turn someone into. Zoe is a compelling protagonist; flawed, fierce, and deeply human.

If you enjoy morally gray characters, high-stakes suspense, and stories that challenge what you think you’re capable of under the right circumstances, this book is well worth the read.

If you think, “That could never be me,” you just haven’t met Zoe yet.

[Karla Rendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute wild ride! And can we talk about Zoe?! She was such a badass FMC. She was fierce, determined, and willing to do whatever it took to protect the people she loved. I loved that she wasn’t your typical heroine she was messy, relentless, and unforgettable.

The suspense, the romance, the revenge, and all the twists came together so well. I was completely invested in Zoe and Amir’s story and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Thank you D.W Cole for letting me read this masterpiece, I definitely need more.

If you love dark romance with a strong female lead, plenty of action, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this one is definitely worth picking up. 🔥🖤 Honeyed Vengeance is now available. Get yourself a copy.

[Daniele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not been a fast reader as of late, focusing has been an issue of mine, but D.W. Cole has all of it right now! Zoe is a fierce warrior woman and the loyalty she has proves she will stop at nothing to right wrongs.

I received an ARC and as mentioned above, I am slower at things now, but let me honestly state this, you will not stop thinking about this book and when you are reading it you will be waiting for the the next twist and inner dialogue moment because I love inner dialogue! I am going to come back and edit this when I am done, because I am so close and you can’t rush perfection!!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is like one of the good lifetime movies where you know where some things might go but you can't nail down anything for sure. The book has an addictive plot line and admirable characters, think I know that is wrong but I see where your coming from and I want a front row seat to how this plays out. If you like secrets, indulgence, and a badges FMC then you should definitely pick this up. I will say the book does contain a small bit of low sense of self-importance, self-doubt and self-sacrifice mentality but not overtly so.

[Chèri-Lee Fisher]

ZOE HAS BEEN DRESSING FOR REVENGE!

I knew I would love this character from the moment I opened this book. Zoe is beautifully flawed, but also a victim of the environment the grew up in; where she witnessed far too many wrongs, far too early in her life. Her revenge and anger takes over almost immediately when she is confronted with the darkest thing she never expected to happen.

Cole's writing as always is Spactacular, writing a dark, complex character that you cannot help but love is a gift singular to her writing!

[Missy S Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…there’s so much I loved about this book, I’m not even sure where to start. The prose is incredible, and I felt like I was in the moment with Zoe at every turn. She’s complicated, raw and unfiltered and I was eating it up!! It’s a dark, emotional and addictive journey for truth and I couldn’t get enough.

Favorite scene in the book involved a slice of lemon and duct tape. IYKYK. I love a morally gray FMC!!

[Lauren Wyant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honeyed Vengeance completely pulled me in. I went into this book expecting suspense and drama, but I got so much more than that. This story is dark, intense, emotional, and full of twists that kept me guessing the entire time.

If you like dark, twisty reads with morally gray characters and plenty of emotional intensity, I’d definitely recommend this one. D.W. Cole delivered a story that was both gripping and memorable, and I’ll be thinking about it for a while.

[Ashley Cestra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta say, I was quite pleased with this book! I do love a good revenge story with a side of love... While this book had common themes and elements there was a certain kind of uniqueness to the plot that I have not come across yet. If I ever meet this author, Remind me to never get on their bad side, lol those torture scenes were intense! wow, I was certainly squirming in my seat.
Secret society Troops are very in right now and this, was a good one! I am excited for more !!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an intense read! D.W. Cole does a great job exploring the gray areas of human nature and showing how grief, pain, and desperation can truly shape a person. Zoe is flawed, fierce, and incredibly real, which made her easy to root for. If you enjoy suspense, morally complex characters, and stories that keep you thinking long after you finish, this one is definitely worth picking up!!

[Robin Espich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe’s story will hook you from the start. I love a strong FMC and the love story will make you fall in love with Amir with how even after years he stands by this strong woman. D.W Cole’s writing will keep you wanting more.

[Karen Aguilera · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for complex and flawed characters who are on the morally grey side then you need to read this roller coaster of a book that will keep you in the edge of your seat.
The characters are relatable and you will be rooting for them.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal read! Zoe is definitely a #baddie with a blade! Everyone needs someone like her in their circle.

Fingers crossed to read more of Zoe and friends in future books!!

[Keeana Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this book up RTC!!

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sheer joy of finally getting Cole's 2nd release in my hands.

Honeyed Vengeance cuts to the core, in more ways than one. Zoe is not one for the weak nor could she ever be herself. Headstrong and motivated by the deception and corruption of her community leaders, Zoe is out to right some wrongs in her own way. Along with her crew of vigilantes, if you will, she is written in such a way you're simply absorbed in her why's and hoping she gets every bit of revenge she seeks.

Cole returns with her witty, dark words, steamy pleasures, and yet this underlying theme around community, being their for your people, and fighting the powers that be even when it seems obvious you don't have a chance is so strong and resonates. There are brief moments you almost get lost as if in your own local cafe or giggling with girlfriends as a child. Of course, Cole whips you back into madness before you get too comfortable!