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Sacred Venom: A Dark Stalker Romance
Not yet published
Expected 14 Oct 26
She’s an angel he can’t stop watching.
And he's dying to rip out her wings.
Zaiya
I came to Shadow Bluff seeking protection.
What I found was Edwin Crotavere.
Rightful heir to the secret society that rules this town.
Volatile. Charismatic. Impossible to resist.
He killed for me before we even met.
Now he promises to help me avenge my brother’s death.
Only if I survive the Trials by his side.
The ones designed to expose and break me.
Edwin is the danger I’m starting to crave.
And the longer he holds on, the less I want him to let go.
Edwin
Grief nearly killed me.
Until I saw her rise from a grave like a ghost.
And thus, my obsession began.
Zaiya gives me something to fight for. Someone to protect.
Innocent. Breakable. Too pure for what I’ll do to her.
If she wants revenge, she’ll sign herself over to me.
Because I’ll make anyone who hurts her suffer.
In my club, I’m a god. In the Serpentium Order, I’ll be Sovereign.
And Zaiya Zapera will be exactly where she belongs.
In my bed, safe from everyone but me.
Sacred Venom is a secret society dark romance featuring a morally grey MMC who falls first and harder and a shy FMC who discovers her own strength. He's older, possessive, and will do anything to protect her. She's innocent and sheltered, but proves she's capable of bringing men to their knees. Expect high spice, an HEA, and no cliffhanger.
And he's dying to rip out her wings.
Zaiya
I came to Shadow Bluff seeking protection.
What I found was Edwin Crotavere.
Rightful heir to the secret society that rules this town.
Volatile. Charismatic. Impossible to resist.
He killed for me before we even met.
Now he promises to help me avenge my brother’s death.
Only if I survive the Trials by his side.
The ones designed to expose and break me.
Edwin is the danger I’m starting to crave.
And the longer he holds on, the less I want him to let go.
Edwin
Grief nearly killed me.
Until I saw her rise from a grave like a ghost.
And thus, my obsession began.
Zaiya gives me something to fight for. Someone to protect.
Innocent. Breakable. Too pure for what I’ll do to her.
If she wants revenge, she’ll sign herself over to me.
Because I’ll make anyone who hurts her suffer.
In my club, I’m a god. In the Serpentium Order, I’ll be Sovereign.
And Zaiya Zapera will be exactly where she belongs.
In my bed, safe from everyone but me.
Sacred Venom is a secret society dark romance featuring a morally grey MMC who falls first and harder and a shy FMC who discovers her own strength. He's older, possessive, and will do anything to protect her. She's innocent and sheltered, but proves she's capable of bringing men to their knees. Expect high spice, an HEA, and no cliffhanger.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This book was exactly what I needed! I love a secret society with gothic vibes, and this one absolutely delivered. Edwin was the perfect morally grey MMC, the kind of man who would burn the entire world down for his angel of death.
I loved how he stalked Zaiya without her even realizing it, always appearing when she least expected him. There was something so captivating about the way their souls seemed to find each other exactly when they needed one another most.
That said, my heart absolutely hurt over what happened to Asher. He was the one person who could make Zaiya smile… until she met Edwin.
Zaiya started off as such a shy girl who had been taught to stay pure, but watching her transformation throughout the story was EVERYTHING. She became someone who could dish out punishments and take absolutely no shit from anyone and I loved that for her! She just needed someone to bring that side of her out.
And Frank… 👀 I definitely thought he was an odd guy, but when everything started unfolding, I did not see that coming! I loved that part of the story.
I genuinely couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know who did what, how the trials were going to play out and of course, I needed to know more about Zaiya and Edwin.
Gothic vibes, secret societies, morally grey men, dark twists, and a romance that had me hooked, this book had me fully invested from beginning to end!
✨Favourite Quotes✨
“Love is surrender. The drop. The beautiful, terrible fall.”
“People act like beauty is vanity…. But no one can resist beautiful things”
“I’m going to ruin your purity… drag your halo through the fucking mud.”
“In every life, our souls have worn, they find their way back to each other. And we will keep finding each other for the rest of eternity.”
I loved how he stalked Zaiya without her even realizing it, always appearing when she least expected him. There was something so captivating about the way their souls seemed to find each other exactly when they needed one another most.
That said, my heart absolutely hurt over what happened to Asher. He was the one person who could make Zaiya smile… until she met Edwin.
Zaiya started off as such a shy girl who had been taught to stay pure, but watching her transformation throughout the story was EVERYTHING. She became someone who could dish out punishments and take absolutely no shit from anyone and I loved that for her! She just needed someone to bring that side of her out.
And Frank… 👀 I definitely thought he was an odd guy, but when everything started unfolding, I did not see that coming! I loved that part of the story.
I genuinely couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know who did what, how the trials were going to play out and of course, I needed to know more about Zaiya and Edwin.
Gothic vibes, secret societies, morally grey men, dark twists, and a romance that had me hooked, this book had me fully invested from beginning to end!
✨Favourite Quotes✨
“Love is surrender. The drop. The beautiful, terrible fall.”
“People act like beauty is vanity…. But no one can resist beautiful things”
“I’m going to ruin your purity… drag your halo through the fucking mud.”
“In every life, our souls have worn, they find their way back to each other. And we will keep finding each other for the rest of eternity.”
October 5, 2026
“Sacred Venom” by Mona Noctra
5⭐️
I want to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC🫂
This was such an amazing and emotional read🥺. Signing up for this ARC in the middle of the night was the best decision I could’ve made🤭
This book is really beautifully and descriptively written, it felt so immersive which made me more emotionally connected to the characters✨ and the story. It felt like I was in the Shadow Bluff myself .
You have a dark gothic stalker(obsessed MMC) romance with secret societies, small town with a lot of secrets,he falls first and harder, he chases her through the woods😏, touch her and die, binding contract arrangement, spicy trials, Forced proximity, Found family.
I enjoyed the love story of Edwin and Zaiya, they were meant to find each other to bring light and love in each other’s life❤️❤️❤️.
The storyline keeps you on your toes all the time, since you get twists and turns throughout the book, when you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re proven wrong in the very next moment. I couldn’t stop reading it, wanted to know what was going to happen next☺️(if I didn’t need to go to Uni, I would have probably finished it in two days🙈)
At some point near the end of the book my jaw was on the floor🙉(some stuff was revealed about one of the characters and I was SHOCKED)
I really enjoyed this story and if there will be another book in this world, maybe about the other characters(who knows🤭) I 100% am going to read it☺️
🥰My favorite quotes🥰
“From the moment our eyes first met, the whole world has felt as though it’s leaning towards her. My angel.”
“Our paths were destined to cross,” I say. “In every life our souls have worn, they found their way back to each other. And we will keep finding each other for the rest of eternity.”
5⭐️
I want to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC🫂
This was such an amazing and emotional read🥺. Signing up for this ARC in the middle of the night was the best decision I could’ve made🤭
This book is really beautifully and descriptively written, it felt so immersive which made me more emotionally connected to the characters✨ and the story. It felt like I was in the Shadow Bluff myself .
You have a dark gothic stalker(obsessed MMC) romance with secret societies, small town with a lot of secrets,he falls first and harder, he chases her through the woods😏, touch her and die, binding contract arrangement, spicy trials, Forced proximity, Found family.
I enjoyed the love story of Edwin and Zaiya, they were meant to find each other to bring light and love in each other’s life❤️❤️❤️.
The storyline keeps you on your toes all the time, since you get twists and turns throughout the book, when you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re proven wrong in the very next moment. I couldn’t stop reading it, wanted to know what was going to happen next☺️(if I didn’t need to go to Uni, I would have probably finished it in two days🙈)
At some point near the end of the book my jaw was on the floor🙉(some stuff was revealed about one of the characters and I was SHOCKED)
I really enjoyed this story and if there will be another book in this world, maybe about the other characters(who knows🤭) I 100% am going to read it☺️
🥰My favorite quotes🥰
“From the moment our eyes first met, the whole world has felt as though it’s leaning towards her. My angel.”
“Our paths were destined to cross,” I say. “In every life our souls have worn, they found their way back to each other. And we will keep finding each other for the rest of eternity.”
Review of advance copy
You had me at the trigger warnings! 🖤
First-time ARC reader, and Sacred Venom did not disappoint!
This book was action-packed from the very first line. Mona’s descriptive writing is fantastic — I swear you could even feel the humidity!
The first half focuses heavily on character and world-building, and I loved watching everything unfold. Your virginal FMC and dark, dangerous MMC were the perfect combination. And the Boltons… well, I’m definitely not spoiling those for you!
The twists and turns just kept coming. Every time you think you’ve worked it all out, Mona throws another curveball at you.
This book is packed with danger, lust, control and dub-con. It’s brutal, humiliating, dark and completely addictive. Once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down.
Shadow Bluff will definitely sink its hooks into you. 🖤🐍
First-time ARC reader, and Sacred Venom did not disappoint!
This book was action-packed from the very first line. Mona’s descriptive writing is fantastic — I swear you could even feel the humidity!
The first half focuses heavily on character and world-building, and I loved watching everything unfold. Your virginal FMC and dark, dangerous MMC were the perfect combination. And the Boltons… well, I’m definitely not spoiling those for you!
The twists and turns just kept coming. Every time you think you’ve worked it all out, Mona throws another curveball at you.
This book is packed with danger, lust, control and dub-con. It’s brutal, humiliating, dark and completely addictive. Once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down.
Shadow Bluff will definitely sink its hooks into you. 🖤🐍
Review of advance copy
I loved this so much! I can't even put into words how much I loved it! I loved everything about this book. This is how you do dark romance. This was absolutely amazing and I am not even finished with it yet!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a secret society with gothic vibes. Zaiya to Shadow Bluff comes looking for protection and revenge. Instead, she gets Edwin the rightful heir to the secret society that rules the town. If you like your romance dark, dangerous, and completely addictive, add this one to your TBR. As always check TWs, happy reading!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author, and I'm leaving a review voluntarily.
LOVED this so much! Immersive storyline, and well written characters. Thank you so much Mona Noctra for the chance to read this amazing ARC!
-Gracie M
LOVED this so much! Immersive storyline, and well written characters. Thank you so much Mona Noctra for the chance to read this amazing ARC!
-Gracie M
October 7, 2026
★★★★½
Okay, this was actually really good, and I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. 😅
The thing that pulled me in the most was definitely the tension. There was always this feeling in the background that I should be looking over my shoulder because things were probably not exactly what they seemed. Even when I thought I had figured something out, there was still this little voice in my head going, “Yeah… I don’t think that’s the whole story.” 😂
And the plot twists? I really liked them. I went into this expecting a pretty straightforward “quiet girl gets pulled into a secret society and has to go through the trials” kind of story. And while that is obviously part of it, I really liked how much was actually being set up from the moment Zaiya arrived in Shadow Bluff. Looking back, so many things were already being hinted at, and I thought the way everything came together was really clever.
The beginning was a little slow for me, though. There was a lot of setup and I was sometimes sitting there thinking, “Okay… who is this again and how does everyone connect?” 😅 But once Zaiya signed the contract for the trials, I basically flew through the book. I genuinely think I would have finished it in one day if I’d had the time. The writing itself was easy and enjoyable to read, and once the story really got going, the author did a great job keeping me hooked.
I also really liked the characters overall, especially Zaiya and her development throughout the story. There were just a few moments where I felt like some aspects of her character could have been developed a little more consistently. The influence of her mother and everything Zaiya had been taught was clearly important, but sometimes it felt like it disappeared for a while and then suddenly came back again.
I had a similar feeling with Edwin. I definitely understood that he was obsessed with Zaiya, especially because we get his POV and can see so much more of what is going on inside his head. But because he was described as a possessive and obsessive MMC, I expected that side of him to come across a little more strongly in their actual dynamic. For quite a large part of the book, I was still wondering what exactly he wanted from Zaiya and when his feelings for her would really become obvious to her.
The spice was probably the one thing that didn’t completely live up to what I personally expected. There are definitely some very dark and intense scenes, especially during the trials, and I actually liked that the book gives you a clear idea beforehand of what kind of sexual content to expect. But I think I would have enjoyed seeing a little more of Zaiya figuring out what she actually wants and likes, rather than some things happening quite suddenly and then mostly being driven by Edwin.
And speaking of the trials: some of them were DARK. 😂 I went in expecting a secret society and some dangerous challenges, but there were definitely moments where I was like, “Okay… we’re really doing this.” The darker elements worked much better for me than I expected.
My biggest criticism is probably that I sometimes felt like certain things could have been explored just a little more. The story is well thought out and everything basically made sense to me, but there were several moments where I thought, “Wait, that’s it? You could have gotten so much more out of this!” I especially felt this towards the end. I liked how everything came together, but some of the final developments happened very quickly, and I would have loved a little more time with them.
Overall, though, I had a really good time reading this. The tension and the twists were definitely the highlights for me, and I was genuinely surprised by how much was going on underneath the surface.
It’s not quite a full 5 stars for me because I think a few things could have been fleshed out more, but it was very close.
And yes… if there’s another book in this world, I’m definitely interested. 👀
Okay, this was actually really good, and I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. 😅
The thing that pulled me in the most was definitely the tension. There was always this feeling in the background that I should be looking over my shoulder because things were probably not exactly what they seemed. Even when I thought I had figured something out, there was still this little voice in my head going, “Yeah… I don’t think that’s the whole story.” 😂
And the plot twists? I really liked them. I went into this expecting a pretty straightforward “quiet girl gets pulled into a secret society and has to go through the trials” kind of story. And while that is obviously part of it, I really liked how much was actually being set up from the moment Zaiya arrived in Shadow Bluff. Looking back, so many things were already being hinted at, and I thought the way everything came together was really clever.
The beginning was a little slow for me, though. There was a lot of setup and I was sometimes sitting there thinking, “Okay… who is this again and how does everyone connect?” 😅 But once Zaiya signed the contract for the trials, I basically flew through the book. I genuinely think I would have finished it in one day if I’d had the time. The writing itself was easy and enjoyable to read, and once the story really got going, the author did a great job keeping me hooked.
I also really liked the characters overall, especially Zaiya and her development throughout the story. There were just a few moments where I felt like some aspects of her character could have been developed a little more consistently. The influence of her mother and everything Zaiya had been taught was clearly important, but sometimes it felt like it disappeared for a while and then suddenly came back again.
I had a similar feeling with Edwin. I definitely understood that he was obsessed with Zaiya, especially because we get his POV and can see so much more of what is going on inside his head. But because he was described as a possessive and obsessive MMC, I expected that side of him to come across a little more strongly in their actual dynamic. For quite a large part of the book, I was still wondering what exactly he wanted from Zaiya and when his feelings for her would really become obvious to her.
The spice was probably the one thing that didn’t completely live up to what I personally expected. There are definitely some very dark and intense scenes, especially during the trials, and I actually liked that the book gives you a clear idea beforehand of what kind of sexual content to expect. But I think I would have enjoyed seeing a little more of Zaiya figuring out what she actually wants and likes, rather than some things happening quite suddenly and then mostly being driven by Edwin.
And speaking of the trials: some of them were DARK. 😂 I went in expecting a secret society and some dangerous challenges, but there were definitely moments where I was like, “Okay… we’re really doing this.” The darker elements worked much better for me than I expected.
My biggest criticism is probably that I sometimes felt like certain things could have been explored just a little more. The story is well thought out and everything basically made sense to me, but there were several moments where I thought, “Wait, that’s it? You could have gotten so much more out of this!” I especially felt this towards the end. I liked how everything came together, but some of the final developments happened very quickly, and I would have loved a little more time with them.
Overall, though, I had a really good time reading this. The tension and the twists were definitely the highlights for me, and I was genuinely surprised by how much was going on underneath the surface.
It’s not quite a full 5 stars for me because I think a few things could have been fleshed out more, but it was very close.
And yes… if there’s another book in this world, I’m definitely interested. 👀
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dark, unapologetic romance where a desperate escape from family abuse and political corruption leads a young woman straight into the arms of a tortured man who finds his sole reason to live in protecting her. Thank you so much for the ARC!
Zaiya, the youngest daughter in a power-hungry family, reaches her breaking point. Facing her father's violent wrath, she is saved by her older brother, only to be kidnapped in the shadows that very night. Zaiya is left with a single directive: escape and take a mysterious medallion to Shadow Bluff, home of the legendary Serpents. There, she crosses paths with Edwin, a deeply tormented man on the brink of ending his own life until the sight of Zaiya stops him in his tracks. Bound by duty, vengeance, and a fierce pull, Edwin accepts the medallion for a favor, plunging them both into an intense, unfolding mystery.
This is a true dark romance (no comedic relief), with triggers around domestic/parental abuse, kidnapping, murder, graphic violence, creepy/corrupt religious figures, and high-heat explicit spice.
What works is the uncompromising dark tone. The book is true to the dark romance genre, this story doesn't pull its punches or use comedy to soften the mood. It fearlessly tackles the darker sides of humanity, society’s systemic treatment of women, and the hypocrisy of hiding behind faith.
I liked the sharp feminist commentary that highlights the double standards in our society. This is done well through a poignant age-gap dynamic, while 21-year-old Zaiya is dismissed by men as young and inexperienced, Edwin reflects on how no one questioned his capability when he was the exact same age.
The book features gothic, Dracula-esque romantic undertones where the lovers can only truly exist together in the dark, balanced by sweet, classic romance gestures (because you can always win a girl over with a grand library!).
I enjoyed the balance of character growth, lore, mystery, mechanics, and a multi-layered plot enriched by a strong supporting cast. Edwin's brothers lay ideal groundwork for future sequels.
This is essential reading for dark romance purists, fans of gothic mysteries, age-gap tropes, protective tortured heroes, and high-stakes romantic revenge tales.
Zaiya, the youngest daughter in a power-hungry family, reaches her breaking point. Facing her father's violent wrath, she is saved by her older brother, only to be kidnapped in the shadows that very night. Zaiya is left with a single directive: escape and take a mysterious medallion to Shadow Bluff, home of the legendary Serpents. There, she crosses paths with Edwin, a deeply tormented man on the brink of ending his own life until the sight of Zaiya stops him in his tracks. Bound by duty, vengeance, and a fierce pull, Edwin accepts the medallion for a favor, plunging them both into an intense, unfolding mystery.
This is a true dark romance (no comedic relief), with triggers around domestic/parental abuse, kidnapping, murder, graphic violence, creepy/corrupt religious figures, and high-heat explicit spice.
What works is the uncompromising dark tone. The book is true to the dark romance genre, this story doesn't pull its punches or use comedy to soften the mood. It fearlessly tackles the darker sides of humanity, society’s systemic treatment of women, and the hypocrisy of hiding behind faith.
I liked the sharp feminist commentary that highlights the double standards in our society. This is done well through a poignant age-gap dynamic, while 21-year-old Zaiya is dismissed by men as young and inexperienced, Edwin reflects on how no one questioned his capability when he was the exact same age.
The book features gothic, Dracula-esque romantic undertones where the lovers can only truly exist together in the dark, balanced by sweet, classic romance gestures (because you can always win a girl over with a grand library!).
I enjoyed the balance of character growth, lore, mystery, mechanics, and a multi-layered plot enriched by a strong supporting cast. Edwin's brothers lay ideal groundwork for future sequels.
This is essential reading for dark romance purists, fans of gothic mysteries, age-gap tropes, protective tortured heroes, and high-stakes romantic revenge tales.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📖 ARC Review: Sacred Venom by Mona Noctra
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
🖤 Dark romantasy | Touch her and die | Morally grey characters | Dark spice
Sacred Venom was definitely an experience. This is a seriously dark romantasy, and I went into it expecting darkness… but some parts still managed to surprise me.
I loved the FMC. She was easily my favourite part of the story, and I found myself invested in her journey and wanting to see where things would take her. That said, there were moments where I felt she gave in to something unknown a little too easily, which made some of her decisions harder for me to connect with.
The MMC was a little more complicated for me. I went in expecting the full obsessed, possessive, “touch her and die” energy, but I didn’t quite get the level of possessiveness I was hoping for. At times, I actually felt like he cared too little about what she was going through, considering how he was portrayed. There were moments where I genuinely thought he would let her die, and that didn’t quite fit the obsession I was expecting from him.That being said... I still couldn’t put it down and found myself really invested in the story.
The book gave me vibes from all kinds of places. A dark Fifty Shades, an element of Eyes Wide Shut, and even An Interview With A Vampire.
⚠️ Content warning: This book contains extremely dark sexual content, including sadistic sexual rituals performed in front of an audience. Some of the spice was also more than I personally enjoyed, so definitely check the content warnings before picking this one up.
Overall, Sacred Venom gave me a dark, intense romantasy with a FMC I really enjoyed, but I wanted more from the MMC — especially when it came to his obsession and possessiveness.
If you love your romantasy VERY dark, morally questionable, and spicy, this may be one to add to your TBR. 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
🖤 Dark romantasy | Touch her and die | Morally grey characters | Dark spice
Sacred Venom was definitely an experience. This is a seriously dark romantasy, and I went into it expecting darkness… but some parts still managed to surprise me.
I loved the FMC. She was easily my favourite part of the story, and I found myself invested in her journey and wanting to see where things would take her. That said, there were moments where I felt she gave in to something unknown a little too easily, which made some of her decisions harder for me to connect with.
The MMC was a little more complicated for me. I went in expecting the full obsessed, possessive, “touch her and die” energy, but I didn’t quite get the level of possessiveness I was hoping for. At times, I actually felt like he cared too little about what she was going through, considering how he was portrayed. There were moments where I genuinely thought he would let her die, and that didn’t quite fit the obsession I was expecting from him.That being said... I still couldn’t put it down and found myself really invested in the story.
The book gave me vibes from all kinds of places. A dark Fifty Shades, an element of Eyes Wide Shut, and even An Interview With A Vampire.
⚠️ Content warning: This book contains extremely dark sexual content, including sadistic sexual rituals performed in front of an audience. Some of the spice was also more than I personally enjoyed, so definitely check the content warnings before picking this one up.
Overall, Sacred Venom gave me a dark, intense romantasy with a FMC I really enjoyed, but I wanted more from the MMC — especially when it came to his obsession and possessiveness.
If you love your romantasy VERY dark, morally questionable, and spicy, this may be one to add to your TBR. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC READER REVIEW✨
Sacred Venom - release date Oct 14 2026.
Advance copy arc provided by Author
Disclaimer : this is an very honest and entirely personal review. /5 ratings might be different for you.
5/5⭐
5/5🌶️🥵
4/5💀(dark) please check your warnings
"Can you fly, angel ?"
Omg this book!!!! It definitely scratched the itch I was desperately trying to scratch. I was hooked and couldn't put it down right from the prologue!!
If you love your Romance Dark, with a slow yearning burn, where the spice is unapologetically mature and not for the faint of heart, but you're like me who says " BRING ON THE TRIGGER WARNGS " .. This is for you!
Right in time for the best season, spooky season! Officially releasing October 14th 2026. Sacred Venom includes Secret society, spicy rituals and trials ,Gothic vibes, small town corrupted by evil ,MMC who falls first and will burn the whole damned town for her, and just a little hint of the paranormal 👻.
A broken and grieving MMC, Edwin, who I instantly attached too. His Grief is the engine of eveything. Losing himself throughout the years and has never finished mourning, carrying the weight of his loss like a stone in his chest, but once he comes across his Guardian Angel, he decides, Never again. A beautiful FMC Zaiya who got dealt the wrong hands in life and ended up with scummy parents. Who grew up to believe that being herself wasn't good enough.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through , with twist and turns , major gasps and OMG moments. The twists genuinely kept me turning pages! Edwin and Zaiyas dynamic was written very well and I will hold them deep in my wicked heart 🖤
Thank you , Mona Noctra for the privilege to be an ARC Reader! I can't wait for the physical copy (which duh I had to buy did you see the cover ?!) to arrive so I can display this beautiful trophy on my shelf.
Happy reading ! 🖤✨
Sacred Venom - release date Oct 14 2026.
Advance copy arc provided by Author
Disclaimer : this is an very honest and entirely personal review. /5 ratings might be different for you.
5/5⭐
5/5🌶️🥵
4/5💀(dark) please check your warnings
"Can you fly, angel ?"
Omg this book!!!! It definitely scratched the itch I was desperately trying to scratch. I was hooked and couldn't put it down right from the prologue!!
If you love your Romance Dark, with a slow yearning burn, where the spice is unapologetically mature and not for the faint of heart, but you're like me who says " BRING ON THE TRIGGER WARNGS " .. This is for you!
Right in time for the best season, spooky season! Officially releasing October 14th 2026. Sacred Venom includes Secret society, spicy rituals and trials ,Gothic vibes, small town corrupted by evil ,MMC who falls first and will burn the whole damned town for her, and just a little hint of the paranormal 👻.
A broken and grieving MMC, Edwin, who I instantly attached too. His Grief is the engine of eveything. Losing himself throughout the years and has never finished mourning, carrying the weight of his loss like a stone in his chest, but once he comes across his Guardian Angel, he decides, Never again. A beautiful FMC Zaiya who got dealt the wrong hands in life and ended up with scummy parents. Who grew up to believe that being herself wasn't good enough.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through , with twist and turns , major gasps and OMG moments. The twists genuinely kept me turning pages! Edwin and Zaiyas dynamic was written very well and I will hold them deep in my wicked heart 🖤
Thank you , Mona Noctra for the privilege to be an ARC Reader! I can't wait for the physical copy (which duh I had to buy did you see the cover ?!) to arrive so I can display this beautiful trophy on my shelf.
Happy reading ! 🖤✨
Review of advance copy
Okay sooooo… apparently I enjoy fictional women getting dragged into secret societies, deadly Trials, questionable contracts, revenge plots, and the orbit of an absolutely UNHINGED man. 😂
Welcome to Shadow Bluff, where the town has secrets, the society has rules, the Trials are brutal, and Edwin Crotavere has approximately ZERO chill when it comes to Zaiya.
Zaiya comes looking for protection and revenge. Instead, she gets a secret society, deadly Trials, a contract, and an obsessed MMC who basically saw her rise from a grave and said:
Yep. That one. Mine. 🫠
And honestly?
I support the bad decisions. 😂
Edwin is volatile, possessive, morally questionable, dangerous, and OBSESSED. Sir… maybe touch some grass.
Actually, never mind. Keep doing what you’re doing. 👀🔥
And Zaiya?! LOVED HER. She’s sweet but absolutely NOT a doormat. Her fiesty side was everything, and watching her navigate this dark, twisted world was SO much fun.
The Trials? BRUTAL.
The secrets? DARK.
The revenge? DELICIOUS. 😏
There were a couple of moments where something didn’t quite line up with information established earlier, but it only happened twice and wasn’t enough to pull me out of the story.
Because overall?
I WAS INVESTED.
My heart broke. I wanted to throw the book. I cheered when certain people got exactly what they deserved. 😏
The world-building was solid, the secret society was deliciously creepy, and the slow burn kept me turning pages.
Plus… WE GOT THE HEA. 🥹❤️🔥
🌶️ SPICE: 4/5
⭐️ STORY: 4/5
🐍 READ IF YOU LIKE:
🖤 Dark romance + secret societies
🖤 Small towns with BIG secrets
🖤 Morally questionable, obsessed MMCs
🖤 Stalking/obsession
🖤 Deadly Trials + revenge
🖤 A fiesty FMC
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Twists that actually TWIST
Basically, if you like your romance dark, your men unhinged, and your secrets served with a side of what the actual f**k…
PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR.
Welcome to Shadow Bluff, where the town has secrets, the society has rules, the Trials are brutal, and Edwin Crotavere has approximately ZERO chill when it comes to Zaiya.
Zaiya comes looking for protection and revenge. Instead, she gets a secret society, deadly Trials, a contract, and an obsessed MMC who basically saw her rise from a grave and said:
Yep. That one. Mine. 🫠
And honestly?
I support the bad decisions. 😂
Edwin is volatile, possessive, morally questionable, dangerous, and OBSESSED. Sir… maybe touch some grass.
Actually, never mind. Keep doing what you’re doing. 👀🔥
And Zaiya?! LOVED HER. She’s sweet but absolutely NOT a doormat. Her fiesty side was everything, and watching her navigate this dark, twisted world was SO much fun.
The Trials? BRUTAL.
The secrets? DARK.
The revenge? DELICIOUS. 😏
There were a couple of moments where something didn’t quite line up with information established earlier, but it only happened twice and wasn’t enough to pull me out of the story.
Because overall?
I WAS INVESTED.
My heart broke. I wanted to throw the book. I cheered when certain people got exactly what they deserved. 😏
The world-building was solid, the secret society was deliciously creepy, and the slow burn kept me turning pages.
Plus… WE GOT THE HEA. 🥹❤️🔥
🌶️ SPICE: 4/5
⭐️ STORY: 4/5
🐍 READ IF YOU LIKE:
🖤 Dark romance + secret societies
🖤 Small towns with BIG secrets
🖤 Morally questionable, obsessed MMCs
🖤 Stalking/obsession
🖤 Deadly Trials + revenge
🖤 A fiesty FMC
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Twists that actually TWIST
Basically, if you like your romance dark, your men unhinged, and your secrets served with a side of what the actual f**k…
PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 ARC Review: Sacred Venom by Mona Noctra 🖤
4* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sacred Venom was such an immersive, dark, and addictive read.
I went in expecting gothic vibes, secret societies, morally grey characters, and a seriously dark romance—and it delivered all of that.
Zaiya was easily one of my favourite parts of the story. Watching her go from a sheltered, timid girl to someone who slowly discovers her strength was incredibly satisfying. Edwin, meanwhile, was complicated in the best way: tortured, dangerous, morally grey, and completely drawn to Zaiya. Their connection felt almost inevitable, like their souls were always meant to find each other.
The atmosphere was one of the book’s biggest strengths.
Shadow Bluff felt vivid and unsettling, and the descriptive writing made it incredibly easy to get lost in the world. I also really enjoyed the mystery surrounding the secret society, the trials, and all the twists.
Just when I thought I had figured something out, another reveal proved me wrong.
I did have a few mixed feelings about Edwin. I expected his obsession and possessiveness to be even stronger, and there were moments when I struggled to understand some of his reactions to what Zaiya was going through. But despite that, I was completely invested in their story and couldn't stop reading.
This is very much a dark romance, with heavy themes and content that won't be for everyone, so definitely check the trigger warnings before picking it up.
Overall, Sacred Venom gave me gothic atmosphere (absolutely adore such), danger, mystery, revenge, morally questionable characters, and a romance that kept me turning the pages. And that ending? 👀 Let's just say there were moments where my jaw was on the floor.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. 🖤
4* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sacred Venom was such an immersive, dark, and addictive read.
I went in expecting gothic vibes, secret societies, morally grey characters, and a seriously dark romance—and it delivered all of that.
Zaiya was easily one of my favourite parts of the story. Watching her go from a sheltered, timid girl to someone who slowly discovers her strength was incredibly satisfying. Edwin, meanwhile, was complicated in the best way: tortured, dangerous, morally grey, and completely drawn to Zaiya. Their connection felt almost inevitable, like their souls were always meant to find each other.
The atmosphere was one of the book’s biggest strengths.
Shadow Bluff felt vivid and unsettling, and the descriptive writing made it incredibly easy to get lost in the world. I also really enjoyed the mystery surrounding the secret society, the trials, and all the twists.
Just when I thought I had figured something out, another reveal proved me wrong.
I did have a few mixed feelings about Edwin. I expected his obsession and possessiveness to be even stronger, and there were moments when I struggled to understand some of his reactions to what Zaiya was going through. But despite that, I was completely invested in their story and couldn't stop reading.
This is very much a dark romance, with heavy themes and content that won't be for everyone, so definitely check the trigger warnings before picking it up.
Overall, Sacred Venom gave me gothic atmosphere (absolutely adore such), danger, mystery, revenge, morally questionable characters, and a romance that kept me turning the pages. And that ending? 👀 Let's just say there were moments where my jaw was on the floor.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author and Im so excited about it!
If you love dark, twisted romance with plenty of secrets, obsession, and unexpected turns, Sacred Venom is definitely worth picking up!
Mona does an amazing job bringing Shadow Bluff to life. Her writing is so descriptive you can practically feel the humidity. The first half of the book spends a lot of time building the world and introducing the characters, but there's enough going on to keep you interested while everything starts coming together.
Edwin and Zaiya are such an interesting pair. You've got your innocent FMC and a dark, dangerous MMC who falls first and falls HARD. Edwin is completely obsessed with Zaiya, but underneath all that darkness, there's a surprisingly sweet connection between them. I really liked how their relationship brought a little light into an otherwise pretty twisted world.
There's a little bit of everything in this one. Secret societies, a creepy small town full of secrets, stalking, forced proximity, binding contracts, and some seriously spicy trials. And the twists? Just when you think you've figured something out, something else happens that makes you question everything. There were definitely some jaw-dropping revelations, especially toward the end.
Fair warning, this book gets DARK. We're talking danger, lust, control, humiliation, and dub-con, so definitely check your triggers going in. It doesn't hold back, and that's part of what makes the story so intense.
Between the mystery, the characters, and all the secrets hiding in Shadow Bluff, there's plenty to keep you turning pages. And honestly, I'd love to see more stories set in this world because there are definitely some other characters worth exploring.
If you love dark, twisted romance with plenty of secrets, obsession, and unexpected turns, Sacred Venom is definitely worth picking up!
Mona does an amazing job bringing Shadow Bluff to life. Her writing is so descriptive you can practically feel the humidity. The first half of the book spends a lot of time building the world and introducing the characters, but there's enough going on to keep you interested while everything starts coming together.
Edwin and Zaiya are such an interesting pair. You've got your innocent FMC and a dark, dangerous MMC who falls first and falls HARD. Edwin is completely obsessed with Zaiya, but underneath all that darkness, there's a surprisingly sweet connection between them. I really liked how their relationship brought a little light into an otherwise pretty twisted world.
There's a little bit of everything in this one. Secret societies, a creepy small town full of secrets, stalking, forced proximity, binding contracts, and some seriously spicy trials. And the twists? Just when you think you've figured something out, something else happens that makes you question everything. There were definitely some jaw-dropping revelations, especially toward the end.
Fair warning, this book gets DARK. We're talking danger, lust, control, humiliation, and dub-con, so definitely check your triggers going in. It doesn't hold back, and that's part of what makes the story so intense.
Between the mystery, the characters, and all the secrets hiding in Shadow Bluff, there's plenty to keep you turning pages. And honestly, I'd love to see more stories set in this world because there are definitely some other characters worth exploring.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thankyou to the author for the arc of this book.
Sacred venom is a dark, stalker debut romance by Mona Noctra. Sacred venom was a dark, gothic vibes, stalker MMC, but the writing was not for me.
The book has everything the tropes promised. Stalker MMC, FMC finding her strength, oh and I also saw the plot twist coming. I knew frank and Evelyn had something going on, when they kept insisting on FMC being pure. Other than that, it was a moderate read for me. Thankyou author for the arc opportunity again. Also, the candle usage by the FMC did shock me but then again, dark romance has never failed to not shock me. That was a really good detail, even though that was unexpected, i thought nothing can shock me, and this book proves me wrong right there.
The character growth of Zaiya was something i liked. She was not just the woman who was caught into a dark, secret society by a predator, she was a strength in herself. Also, edwin’s protectiveness and possessiveness was not concerning, rather delightful. That man knows what he wants and how to get it. He gave vibes of someone dangerous but only soft and obsessed with his woman. Together edwin and Zaiya deserved to be with each other, and i liked their dynamic. The bedroom dynamics were pretty fun to read. I liked the story and the plot was plotting. Asher should not have died. He is my favorite character from all of the others. The secret society element was done right too, it was dark, secretive and mysterious — just the way I love it. Edwin was on okay-ish hero for me. The book rating is good, everything is, the low rating is not based on how bad or good the book is, it is on my attention, engagement and how well the story pulled me in.
Sacred venom is a dark, stalker debut romance by Mona Noctra. Sacred venom was a dark, gothic vibes, stalker MMC, but the writing was not for me.
The book has everything the tropes promised. Stalker MMC, FMC finding her strength, oh and I also saw the plot twist coming. I knew frank and Evelyn had something going on, when they kept insisting on FMC being pure. Other than that, it was a moderate read for me. Thankyou author for the arc opportunity again. Also, the candle usage by the FMC did shock me but then again, dark romance has never failed to not shock me. That was a really good detail, even though that was unexpected, i thought nothing can shock me, and this book proves me wrong right there.
The character growth of Zaiya was something i liked. She was not just the woman who was caught into a dark, secret society by a predator, she was a strength in herself. Also, edwin’s protectiveness and possessiveness was not concerning, rather delightful. That man knows what he wants and how to get it. He gave vibes of someone dangerous but only soft and obsessed with his woman. Together edwin and Zaiya deserved to be with each other, and i liked their dynamic. The bedroom dynamics were pretty fun to read. I liked the story and the plot was plotting. Asher should not have died. He is my favorite character from all of the others. The secret society element was done right too, it was dark, secretive and mysterious — just the way I love it. Edwin was on okay-ish hero for me. The book rating is good, everything is, the low rating is not based on how bad or good the book is, it is on my attention, engagement and how well the story pulled me in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! Review of an Advanced Reader Copy
Welcome to Shadow Bluff where the Serpents are judge and jury. 🐍
I received this as an ARC from the Author. Also, I want to thank Mona Noctra for allowing me to be a part of her ARC team. This is probably one of my favorites! I will be adding it to my bookshelf as a trophy 🏆.
When it comes to a Dark Romance this is what I want. It had EVERYTHING…secret society, deadly trials, dark gothic vibes, trauma, revenge, grief on both sides,the FMC finding who she was meant to be and the morally grey MMC choosing to stay because he found something more precious than death.
My heart ached for both Edwin and Zaiya. Zaiya was shy, sheltered, and terrified especially after losing Asher, the one person she knew she could count on. And Edwin was so lost after losing his mother. Both were so broken until they literally stumbled upon each other. Edwin called her his “Angel”…. And she realized he would burn the world down for her. *whispering* and he kinda did. 😏😏
From start to finish this book had its claws sunk in. The twist and turns kept me on my toes the whole time. I think my favorite part of the whole book was when Zaiya realized she was so much stronger than the world had given her credit for. Her revenge was soooo sweet!
I look forward to reading many more of Mona’s books. She is an amazing author and I hope to get more from the Crotavere brothers.
Welcome to Shadow Bluff where the Serpents are judge and jury. 🐍
I received this as an ARC from the Author. Also, I want to thank Mona Noctra for allowing me to be a part of her ARC team. This is probably one of my favorites! I will be adding it to my bookshelf as a trophy 🏆.
When it comes to a Dark Romance this is what I want. It had EVERYTHING…secret society, deadly trials, dark gothic vibes, trauma, revenge, grief on both sides,the FMC finding who she was meant to be and the morally grey MMC choosing to stay because he found something more precious than death.
My heart ached for both Edwin and Zaiya. Zaiya was shy, sheltered, and terrified especially after losing Asher, the one person she knew she could count on. And Edwin was so lost after losing his mother. Both were so broken until they literally stumbled upon each other. Edwin called her his “Angel”…. And she realized he would burn the world down for her. *whispering* and he kinda did. 😏😏
From start to finish this book had its claws sunk in. The twist and turns kept me on my toes the whole time. I think my favorite part of the whole book was when Zaiya realized she was so much stronger than the world had given her credit for. Her revenge was soooo sweet!
I look forward to reading many more of Mona’s books. She is an amazing author and I hope to get more from the Crotavere brothers.
Review of advance copy
First time Arc reader!
Dark, twisted, addictive… exactly my kind of read. 🖤🐍
Sacred Venom had me hooked from the beginning. The gothic atmosphere, secret societies, dangerous characters, and nonstop twists made this such an addictive read.
I loved watching Zaiya’s transformation throughout the story. She starts off so shy and sheltered, but watching her find her strength and finally start taking absolutely NO shit from anyone was everything. She just needed someone to bring that side of her out. 🖤
And Edwin… 👀 Morally gray, obsessive, dangerous, and completely devoted to his angel. The stalking, the tension, and the way he always seemed to appear when she least expected him had me HOOKED.
There were so many moments where I thought I had everything figured out, only for another twist to come along and prove me completely wrong. And Frank?! 👀 I definitely did NOT see that coming!
I genuinely couldn’t put this book down. Gothic vibes, secret societies, dark twists, obsession, morally gray men, and a romance that had me invested from beginning to end.
If you like your romance dark, dangerous, and completely addictive, add this one to your TBR. 🖤🐍
Dark, twisted, addictive… exactly my kind of read. 🖤🐍
Sacred Venom had me hooked from the beginning. The gothic atmosphere, secret societies, dangerous characters, and nonstop twists made this such an addictive read.
I loved watching Zaiya’s transformation throughout the story. She starts off so shy and sheltered, but watching her find her strength and finally start taking absolutely NO shit from anyone was everything. She just needed someone to bring that side of her out. 🖤
And Edwin… 👀 Morally gray, obsessive, dangerous, and completely devoted to his angel. The stalking, the tension, and the way he always seemed to appear when she least expected him had me HOOKED.
There were so many moments where I thought I had everything figured out, only for another twist to come along and prove me completely wrong. And Frank?! 👀 I definitely did NOT see that coming!
I genuinely couldn’t put this book down. Gothic vibes, secret societies, dark twists, obsession, morally gray men, and a romance that had me invested from beginning to end.
If you like your romance dark, dangerous, and completely addictive, add this one to your TBR. 🖤🐍
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review—Author
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this from beginning to end. This was a great read and it was interesting and entertaining. We get dual POV from Zaiya and Edwin. Zaiya gets out of a deal from her family and one night a few mysterious men come to her house and try to kidnap her. Zaiya loves her brother Archer and he tries to protect her as he did ever since she was little. Archer was really close to her and he loses his life right in the beginning so Zaiya needs to go find the Serpents as her brother gave her his medallion. Edwin has been stalker her in the shadows before she ever knew it and then when she goes into the small town of Shadow Bluff. Right from that moment Edwin and Zaiya has been connected and she gets into the secret society that Edwin’s family is in charge of and they both fall hard and fast. He’s possessive over her and protects her. It’s very spicy as there are trials in the club and true feelings between them develop over time and as Zaiya was an innocent “pure” girl, she isn’t once Edwin gets her hands on her. It’s a really good read and was so fun.
Star Rating: 4⭐️
Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this from beginning to end. This was a great read and it was interesting and entertaining. We get dual POV from Zaiya and Edwin. Zaiya gets out of a deal from her family and one night a few mysterious men come to her house and try to kidnap her. Zaiya loves her brother Archer and he tries to protect her as he did ever since she was little. Archer was really close to her and he loses his life right in the beginning so Zaiya needs to go find the Serpents as her brother gave her his medallion. Edwin has been stalker her in the shadows before she ever knew it and then when she goes into the small town of Shadow Bluff. Right from that moment Edwin and Zaiya has been connected and she gets into the secret society that Edwin’s family is in charge of and they both fall hard and fast. He’s possessive over her and protects her. It’s very spicy as there are trials in the club and true feelings between them develop over time and as Zaiya was an innocent “pure” girl, she isn’t once Edwin gets her hands on her. It’s a really good read and was so fun.
Read
October 11, 2026I received this ARC copy for free and I am pleasantly surprised. The author writes very well. The book was easy to follow, the sentences flowing without run-ons, grammatical errors, or cheesy cliches.
Zaiya is a young woman virtually kept as a prisoner in her own house by parents who barely tolerate her. Unbeknownst to her, her father has arranged to trade her to the son of a powerful government official who will guarantee his political career. When she refuses his advances, she is kidnapped and winds up entangled in a secret society of very dangerous men.
The plot, while not altogether original, let’s face it, secret society, gorgeous billionaires, sex as control, it’s all been done before, the author nevertheless pulls you in immediately and keeps you interested throughout. There were several twists I was not expecting that made this story refreshing. The spice takes awhile to get started, but when it does happen, it’s pretty hot. While this is a standalone, the author hinted at additional installments and I am looking forward to seeing what happens in future.
Zaiya is a young woman virtually kept as a prisoner in her own house by parents who barely tolerate her. Unbeknownst to her, her father has arranged to trade her to the son of a powerful government official who will guarantee his political career. When she refuses his advances, she is kidnapped and winds up entangled in a secret society of very dangerous men.
The plot, while not altogether original, let’s face it, secret society, gorgeous billionaires, sex as control, it’s all been done before, the author nevertheless pulls you in immediately and keeps you interested throughout. There were several twists I was not expecting that made this story refreshing. The spice takes awhile to get started, but when it does happen, it’s pretty hot. While this is a standalone, the author hinted at additional installments and I am looking forward to seeing what happens in future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute privilege of being an ARC reader for Sacred Venom by Mona Noctra, and WOW… what a book!
This is definitely one I’ll be buying when it’s released, and I’ll be counting down the days until the audiobook comes out because I absolutely need to experience this story all over again.
With a mix of secret societies, slow-burn development, brutality, strength, love, and a Gothic ambience, Mona Noctra brings such a rich, dark, and intoxicating world to life. I was completely captivated.
There was SO much happening throughout this story, yet somehow, every piece was interconnected and came together to create such a satisfying final picture. The way everything unfolded left me in awe.
I have to give Mona Noctra a huge round of applause because I absolutely devoured this book. 🖤
Sacred Venom is dark, brutal, atmospheric, and completely addictive—and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
This is definitely one I’ll be buying when it’s released, and I’ll be counting down the days until the audiobook comes out because I absolutely need to experience this story all over again.
With a mix of secret societies, slow-burn development, brutality, strength, love, and a Gothic ambience, Mona Noctra brings such a rich, dark, and intoxicating world to life. I was completely captivated.
There was SO much happening throughout this story, yet somehow, every piece was interconnected and came together to create such a satisfying final picture. The way everything unfolded left me in awe.
I have to give Mona Noctra a huge round of applause because I absolutely devoured this book. 🖤
Sacred Venom is dark, brutal, atmospheric, and completely addictive—and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read those TW!
This is very twisted and dark.
Edwin is on the verge of giving up living and in steps Zaiya. Something in him flips a switch and so begins the dark journey into the secret society. Zaiya is a deeply traumatized fmc who runs after her brother saves her. Her mother and father are terrible and I'll be honest almost every person who seems to be in the town are twisted too.
There is growth from both characters and considering this is age gap(21/35) you see them lift eachother up. I would even say that while there was some huge secrets that came out... i had no clue that was where it was going. I was genuinely shocked at how the trials go, the villians actions, and whole society worked. I found that while Edwin is unhinged, intense, and dedicated he had a level of softness only Zaiya seen.
The ending tied everything up and you get to see her stand up for herself and prove she has the spine to lead.
Thank you for the chance to receive the arc!
This is very twisted and dark.
Edwin is on the verge of giving up living and in steps Zaiya. Something in him flips a switch and so begins the dark journey into the secret society. Zaiya is a deeply traumatized fmc who runs after her brother saves her. Her mother and father are terrible and I'll be honest almost every person who seems to be in the town are twisted too.
There is growth from both characters and considering this is age gap(21/35) you see them lift eachother up. I would even say that while there was some huge secrets that came out... i had no clue that was where it was going. I was genuinely shocked at how the trials go, the villians actions, and whole society worked. I found that while Edwin is unhinged, intense, and dedicated he had a level of softness only Zaiya seen.
The ending tied everything up and you get to see her stand up for herself and prove she has the spine to lead.
Thank you for the chance to receive the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Plot 4/5
Spice 4.5/5 (lots of spice, but there is still a bigger plot). As with any dark romance, read the trigger warnings.
Fantastic dark romance. The Sheltered daughter of a corrupt politician is kidnapped and her brother is murdered trying to save her. In his last moments, he sends her to a specific small town with a token and the name of group she is to find. She finds them and gets entwined in ways she couldn’t predict with the heir to a secret society. He quickly is enthralled with her and starts… watching her. He then entangles her in some crazy trials and rituals of the society.
The trials push her to her limits but ultimately deepen her trust for him and help her find strength she didn’t know she had.
Tropes: dark romance, st@lker, secret society, HEA
Thank you to Mona Noctra for providing an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Spice 4.5/5 (lots of spice, but there is still a bigger plot). As with any dark romance, read the trigger warnings.
Fantastic dark romance. The Sheltered daughter of a corrupt politician is kidnapped and her brother is murdered trying to save her. In his last moments, he sends her to a specific small town with a token and the name of group she is to find. She finds them and gets entwined in ways she couldn’t predict with the heir to a secret society. He quickly is enthralled with her and starts… watching her. He then entangles her in some crazy trials and rituals of the society.
The trials push her to her limits but ultimately deepen her trust for him and help her find strength she didn’t know she had.
Tropes: dark romance, st@lker, secret society, HEA
Thank you to Mona Noctra for providing an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege of being one of the first fortunate few to discover this book as an ARC reader. I devoured it in 3 days.
The characters are beautifully broken. Mona Noctra has done some serious work getting in their heads and explaining motivations, drives, and hang ups. While the book is deliciously smutty, it is also incredibly deep.
Without giving too much away, there are some very dark themes here as one would expect from a stalker dark romance… so check your triggers, obviously. But there are other themes here too. The value of a woman’s body, for example. Where strength comes from. What family really means. How different people mourn. Reading parts of this story was like staring in a mirror and going to therapy all at once.
If you want a delicious, un-put-down-able dark romance that includes twists and turns, this is your book.
The characters are beautifully broken. Mona Noctra has done some serious work getting in their heads and explaining motivations, drives, and hang ups. While the book is deliciously smutty, it is also incredibly deep.
Without giving too much away, there are some very dark themes here as one would expect from a stalker dark romance… so check your triggers, obviously. But there are other themes here too. The value of a woman’s body, for example. Where strength comes from. What family really means. How different people mourn. Reading parts of this story was like staring in a mirror and going to therapy all at once.
If you want a delicious, un-put-down-able dark romance that includes twists and turns, this is your book.
Review of advance copy
A no spoilers review.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This book had me hooked from early on. One of those, you can't put it down because you can see a twist coming but when it does it hits hard.
He falls first. Secret society. Age gap. Sexual awakening. Spice. MINE. Touch her and die!
If those are your things, THIS is a book for you.
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy and I devoured it.
I will also never look at a pool cue the same way again. Any book that leaves you with changing the way you look at something is worth the read. I'm about to read it a second time just because I can.
"Because, you stopped me from ending everything, for that you have my devotion"
This book got me out of such a reading slump, for that, this book has my devotion. I will say it loud, proud and be recommending it to people after its release.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This book had me hooked from early on. One of those, you can't put it down because you can see a twist coming but when it does it hits hard.
He falls first. Secret society. Age gap. Sexual awakening. Spice. MINE. Touch her and die!
If those are your things, THIS is a book for you.
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy and I devoured it.
I will also never look at a pool cue the same way again. Any book that leaves you with changing the way you look at something is worth the read. I'm about to read it a second time just because I can.
"Because, you stopped me from ending everything, for that you have my devotion"
This book got me out of such a reading slump, for that, this book has my devotion. I will say it loud, proud and be recommending it to people after its release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book so much. I really didn't know what to expect going into it, but holy moly, I blew through it in two days. I could not put it down at all. If you love secret societies, gothic elements, a bit of horror and gore, lots of spice spice, some psychological warfare, this is the book for you. I love Zaiya and her character development and Edwin is what I had a friend dub an "IlluminDaddy" after explaining the plot. The twists and turns were fantastic and I honestly didn't know where things were going next. It did drag on in places, but I don't think it was enough to turn me off so much. Thank you so much Mona for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. It has completely changed my perception of dark romance and makes me want to pick up even more. I will be buying a physical copy for my own library.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
The way these characters grow and develop is enticing to experience. The hints while reading. The bits and pieces that tempt you into continuing to read well after lights go out will live in my brain forever.
Zaiya is another fmc created to survive and thrive in dark romance that I can see parts of myself in. Parts that at 31 I am struggling to find worth in and I envy her for finding herself at the feet of Edwin in that graveyard.
Edwin too felt like a familiar friend, a shadow of the grief those of us have lived through when not allowed to vocalize or express that pain out loud. From wanting to die to the addiction of making his pain real and something he can control with a pocket knife. Edwin is every bit of man that Zaiya needed to grow into her own. Not that a woman needs a man, but if any man was going to have a hand in her rise. It had to be him.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished this book wowww so many details ed and Zaiya the way he helps her find herself and she helps him get out of his grief and how he fights for she fights for him and tries to find out what happened to her brother which was so sad seriously the way he protected till the very end he was just brilliant he made sure she found a way to ed and the others so that she could be protected I don’t have a brother but her feelings the way she processed everything made me so emotional her grief about her loss was so well written even about Edwin the way he was feeling and then he meets her and his entire world changes he is willing to help himself for her it just was no words really also the way the both of them exposed her parents!!! Hahaha I was cheering so hard in my mind !!👏👏❤️ what an awesome read I’m so grateful that I got to be an arc reader !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Absolute Masterpiece!
I am so grateful to have received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book! I knew going in that it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster, but nothing could have fully prepared me for the incredible journey this story took me on.
From the very first page, the atmosphere was haunting and deeply immersive. The author's ability to build tension while developing complex, deeply human characters is unparalleled. I was instantly hooked by the dynamics between the main cast and couldn't put the book down.
If you love deeply emotional, plot-driven stories with brilliant character development and twists that will genuinely shock you, pre-order this immediately! It is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
I am so grateful to have received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book! I knew going in that it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster, but nothing could have fully prepared me for the incredible journey this story took me on.
From the very first page, the atmosphere was haunting and deeply immersive. The author's ability to build tension while developing complex, deeply human characters is unparalleled. I was instantly hooked by the dynamics between the main cast and couldn't put the book down.
If you love deeply emotional, plot-driven stories with brilliant character development and twists that will genuinely shock you, pre-order this immediately! It is easily one of my favorite reads of the year.
October 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I want to thank the author for allowing me to read this before its officially published. Wow what a book!
Zayia is exactly what I needed from a FMC her growth from the start to the end is phenomenal and for me she carried this whole story. Edwin is the definition of morally black but his behaviour made me question his obsession with Zayia. When a man is as obsessed as he claims to be I feel like he put her in harms way deliberately far too much. But I absolutely loved the progression of their relationship. Absolutely devoured this book (finished in a day) and this twist near the end took me completely by surprise.
This book is beautifully gothic with creepy small town vibes, secret societies and cults. Can’t wait to see what else Shadow Bluff has to hide.
I want to thank the author for allowing me to read this before its officially published. Wow what a book!
Zayia is exactly what I needed from a FMC her growth from the start to the end is phenomenal and for me she carried this whole story. Edwin is the definition of morally black but his behaviour made me question his obsession with Zayia. When a man is as obsessed as he claims to be I feel like he put her in harms way deliberately far too much. But I absolutely loved the progression of their relationship. Absolutely devoured this book (finished in a day) and this twist near the end took me completely by surprise.
This book is beautifully gothic with creepy small town vibes, secret societies and cults. Can’t wait to see what else Shadow Bluff has to hide.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Was a beta reader for this book so kind of knew what to expect from the arc read. Must admit though it was much better this time around. I think being able to get engrossed and read it all the way through definitely helped. This book is amazingly written the depth of detail the author goes into is fantastic. It is a story of many depths it has heartache and tragedy coupled with found family,love and deceit. It is also very very dark in places so be advised to read the trigger warnings. From a FMC who starts with fear and heartbreak to a very morally grey MMC who belongs to a secret society the journey of their relationship has so many twists and turns it keeps you hooked to the end. Fantastic read 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
REVIEW |
SACRED VENOM by Mona Noctra 😜
Apparently I enjoy fictional women getting dragged into secret societies, questionable contracts, revenge plots, and UNHINGED men. 😂
Welcome to Shadow Bluff, a town with secrets, a secret society where you have to play by their rules.
The Trials? BRUTAL.
The secrets? DARK.
The revenge? DELICIOUS. 😏
I WAS INVESTED.
Overall Rating:
🌶️ SPICE: 4/5
⭐️ STORY: 4/5
🐍 READ IF YOU LIKE:
🖤 Dark romance + secret societies
🖤 Small towns with BIG secrets
🖤 Morally questionable, obsessed MMCs
🖤 Stalking/obsession
🖤 Deadly Trials + revenge
🖤 A fiesty FMC
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Twists that actually TWIST
Basically, if you like your romance dark, your men unhinged, and your secrets served with a side of what the actual f***…
👉🏼 PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR. 🐍🖤
SACRED VENOM by Mona Noctra 😜
Apparently I enjoy fictional women getting dragged into secret societies, questionable contracts, revenge plots, and UNHINGED men. 😂
Welcome to Shadow Bluff, a town with secrets, a secret society where you have to play by their rules.
The Trials? BRUTAL.
The secrets? DARK.
The revenge? DELICIOUS. 😏
I WAS INVESTED.
Overall Rating:
🌶️ SPICE: 4/5
⭐️ STORY: 4/5
🐍 READ IF YOU LIKE:
🖤 Dark romance + secret societies
🖤 Small towns with BIG secrets
🖤 Morally questionable, obsessed MMCs
🖤 Stalking/obsession
🖤 Deadly Trials + revenge
🖤 A fiesty FMC
🖤 Slow burn
🖤 Twists that actually TWIST
Basically, if you like your romance dark, your men unhinged, and your secrets served with a side of what the actual f***…
👉🏼 PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR. 🐍🖤
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