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Black Widow #1
A Kiss Of Venom
A comatose broken with a single, deadly kiss.
Once upon a dream...
Heavy were the eyelids of the woman who reigns alone. I've been in a coma for the past three years after an accident has left me unconscious and widowed. I'm in a sleep so deep, it cannot be broken... until one day, I feel a brush of soft lips against mine.
In my groggy state, I wake up to a pair of dark eyes and a sinister smile.
Now, I've returned to my old life. I’m your neighborhood hot mess single mom who keeps her nose in everyone's business. My husband was the FBI director, and I was one of his agents. We were part of an operation, and now, caught in the crosshairs, I revisit one of the most treacherous cases of the most dangerous man in New York City.
My case is the Tyrant Alexander Nikolaev, the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva.
They say all great love stories have happy endings, but mine has already ended in a tragedy.... and yet he's awakening something in me that's both dark and tantalizing. Kill him or kiss him, I can't decide.
I'm getting ensnared in his trap. If I don't entangle myself from his wicked power—I, Ghislaine, just might end up losing my life. Then no one can sever these threads.
Welcome to New York's Underworld.
Loosely based on Sleeping Beauty.
Once upon a dream...
Heavy were the eyelids of the woman who reigns alone. I've been in a coma for the past three years after an accident has left me unconscious and widowed. I'm in a sleep so deep, it cannot be broken... until one day, I feel a brush of soft lips against mine.
In my groggy state, I wake up to a pair of dark eyes and a sinister smile.
Now, I've returned to my old life. I’m your neighborhood hot mess single mom who keeps her nose in everyone's business. My husband was the FBI director, and I was one of his agents. We were part of an operation, and now, caught in the crosshairs, I revisit one of the most treacherous cases of the most dangerous man in New York City.
My case is the Tyrant Alexander Nikolaev, the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva.
They say all great love stories have happy endings, but mine has already ended in a tragedy.... and yet he's awakening something in me that's both dark and tantalizing. Kill him or kiss him, I can't decide.
I'm getting ensnared in his trap. If I don't entangle myself from his wicked power—I, Ghislaine, just might end up losing my life. Then no one can sever these threads.
Welcome to New York's Underworld.
Loosely based on Sleeping Beauty.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2021
102 people are currently reading
2419 people want to read
About the author
Beena Khan
39 books1,011 followersBeena Khan is a storyteller that brings grim fairytales, myths, and legends to life. She writes crime and contemporary books. Her books are thrilling, painful, dangerous, emotional, and raw.
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http://eepurl.com/g072Of
Follow the platforms:
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Twitter➜https://twitter.com/Beenaxkhan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
September 10, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ghislaine is not sweet or soft, in fact she has got some real sharp and dangerous edges. After waking from a coma to a stranger's eyes and lips, Ghislaine is not entirely sure she didn't dream the handsome man who is not her husband.
I was completely drawn into this story from the very being, and found it very hard to put down. And Ghislaine little girl what a little sweetie, although I was a little concerned that she was going around the hospital asking strangers to kiss her mummy so she would wake yikes, that's not creepily at all.
Happy Reading💟
Ghislaine is not sweet or soft, in fact she has got some real sharp and dangerous edges. After waking from a coma to a stranger's eyes and lips, Ghislaine is not entirely sure she didn't dream the handsome man who is not her husband.
I was completely drawn into this story from the very being, and found it very hard to put down. And Ghislaine little girl what a little sweetie, although I was a little concerned that she was going around the hospital asking strangers to kiss her mummy so she would wake yikes, that's not creepily at all.
Happy Reading💟
Read
July 6, 2022
When good girls go bad like their male counterparts, morality disappears.
A new beginning...
The Black Widow series is a spin-off series of my original Beauty & The Beast series, the first book being A Beauty So Cruel. Each book will have it's own fairytale and it's a complete standalone compared to my interconnected standalones before. This series focuses on the Bratva Brotherhood of New York. This is my thickest book till date. This is Alexander's & Ghislaine's story.
TWS: violence, language, abuse, bullying, mentions of sexual slavery, torture, stalking, gore, blood play, public play, voyeurism, praise, and gun play.
A Sleeping Beauty retelling...
Available now on Kindle Unlimited.
https://amzn.to/3k5IGug?ltclid=
If you guys read & liked the book, please post reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and/or Bookbub. It’ll help out an indie author! Thank you x
A new beginning...
The Black Widow series is a spin-off series of my original Beauty & The Beast series, the first book being A Beauty So Cruel. Each book will have it's own fairytale and it's a complete standalone compared to my interconnected standalones before. This series focuses on the Bratva Brotherhood of New York. This is my thickest book till date. This is Alexander's & Ghislaine's story.
TWS: violence, language, abuse, bullying, mentions of sexual slavery, torture, stalking, gore, blood play, public play, voyeurism, praise, and gun play.
A Sleeping Beauty retelling...
Available now on Kindle Unlimited.
https://amzn.to/3k5IGug?ltclid=
If you guys read & liked the book, please post reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and/or Bookbub. It’ll help out an indie author! Thank you x
October 5, 2021
3.85⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Mafia Stalker Romance
Story: 3.85/5
Enjoyment: 3.85/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers:
Violence: No
Male: Sexy, Sexy, Sexy
Series: book 1
Pages: 498
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY
This is a dark mafia retelling of sleeping beauty. I found this story fascinating. We met Alexander in A Beauty So Cursed. He still lived up to his name as he played it in ABSC. In AKOV, I liked him because now that this is his story his character as reached another level. Ghislaine, was interesting as well. The author took us on a journey with Ghislaine from the moment she woke up from her 3 year long coma. The story is lengthy, which means this is like a slow burn/build up. Sometimes I’m not a fan, but the story started in a way that sparked my interest and I like the build up then transitioned into the twist and turn of the story. The sleeping beauty aspect did not have longevity, however, I liked the way it was done.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were satisfactory.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
So many characters that brought this story to like. Of course, little Noura was so adorable. I enjoyed the way Alexander interacts with her from the beginning of the story to end. I like Dimitri as well. Familiar names/characters are in the book from other books past so again, the author is creating a world that I like becoming apart of.
OVERALL:
A lengthy novel that hold my interest with interesting characters and story.
✰✰TRIGGERS:
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Mafia Stalker Romance
Story: 3.85/5
Enjoyment: 3.85/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers:
Violence: No
Male: Sexy, Sexy, Sexy
Series: book 1
Pages: 498
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY
This is a dark mafia retelling of sleeping beauty. I found this story fascinating. We met Alexander in A Beauty So Cursed. He still lived up to his name as he played it in ABSC. In AKOV, I liked him because now that this is his story his character as reached another level. Ghislaine, was interesting as well. The author took us on a journey with Ghislaine from the moment she woke up from her 3 year long coma. The story is lengthy, which means this is like a slow burn/build up. Sometimes I’m not a fan, but the story started in a way that sparked my interest and I like the build up then transitioned into the twist and turn of the story. The sleeping beauty aspect did not have longevity, however, I liked the way it was done.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were satisfactory.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
So many characters that brought this story to like. Of course, little Noura was so adorable. I enjoyed the way Alexander interacts with her from the beginning of the story to end. I like Dimitri as well. Familiar names/characters are in the book from other books past so again, the author is creating a world that I like becoming apart of.
OVERALL:
A lengthy novel that hold my interest with interesting characters and story.
✰✰TRIGGERS:
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
March 25, 2024
This book was a ‘sleeping beauty’ inspired romance with a twist. The twist was murder, mafia, general violence and the fact that everything was set in reality. It was a very cool take on the original story and definitely dropped a ton of easter eggs, which I am only just figuring out now.
Eg. Her 3 aunts (fairy godmothers), deceased parents & her daughter called Noura (Aurora). There are probably a lot more, but I can't really remember the Disney film 😅
The main characters were complete opposites. This included their beliefs, family dynamics and most notably professions. The FMC was an FBI agent and the MMC was the leader of the Russian mafia. I'm not going to say she was bad at her job, but some very questionable decisions were made. Ultimately I enjoyed the drama though and the woman was in a coma for 3 years, so you have to give her some slack.
To me, the FMC was a chaotic character, but in the best way. She was transitioning into this new stage of her life and just wanted to experience new things. My only problem with her is that her name is Ghislaine...It may be a popular name in other parts of the world, but to me I could only think of one person when I said it (google agreed), so mentally I changed it 😂😅
There was a darkness in the FMC that drew the MMC to her. I think a lot of her previous reality was influenced by her husband and now she didn't have that support. I think she fell off the wagon slightly.
The MMC was a classic mafia man. Protective, possessive and a massive hot head. I liked the fact that he took nothing seriously and didn't treat the FMC as fragile. His behaviour got a little tedious, as he didn't seem to understand any boundaries and I felt like she had to teach him how to behave at times.
I will say he got a lot of brownie points for how he interacted with her daughter and it was sweet to read how comfortable they were together.
I did start to lose interest at about 60% but continued on until 70% before dnf-ing. I don't know... something about the story wasn't holding my interest. There was also a big betrayal at 70% and I am terrible at those. If it's bad enough, I can't just forgive the character. It was a pretty big betrayal as well. Totally a ‘me’ problem though that I couldn't finish.
I would still recommend it, I just don't know if it was the best book for me.
Eg. Her 3 aunts (fairy godmothers), deceased parents & her daughter called Noura (Aurora). There are probably a lot more, but I can't really remember the Disney film 😅
The main characters were complete opposites. This included their beliefs, family dynamics and most notably professions. The FMC was an FBI agent and the MMC was the leader of the Russian mafia. I'm not going to say she was bad at her job, but some very questionable decisions were made. Ultimately I enjoyed the drama though and the woman was in a coma for 3 years, so you have to give her some slack.
To me, the FMC was a chaotic character, but in the best way. She was transitioning into this new stage of her life and just wanted to experience new things. My only problem with her is that her name is Ghislaine...It may be a popular name in other parts of the world, but to me I could only think of one person when I said it (google agreed), so mentally I changed it 😂😅
There was a darkness in the FMC that drew the MMC to her. I think a lot of her previous reality was influenced by her husband and now she didn't have that support. I think she fell off the wagon slightly.
The MMC was a classic mafia man. Protective, possessive and a massive hot head. I liked the fact that he took nothing seriously and didn't treat the FMC as fragile. His behaviour got a little tedious, as he didn't seem to understand any boundaries and I felt like she had to teach him how to behave at times.
I will say he got a lot of brownie points for how he interacted with her daughter and it was sweet to read how comfortable they were together.
I did start to lose interest at about 60% but continued on until 70% before dnf-ing. I don't know... something about the story wasn't holding my interest. There was also a big betrayal at 70% and I am terrible at those. If it's bad enough, I can't just forgive the character. It was a pretty big betrayal as well. Totally a ‘me’ problem though that I couldn't finish.
I would still recommend it, I just don't know if it was the best book for me.
November 1, 2021
Little Noura was a cute Baby Sun who deserved a better mother. I'm sorry you got dealt a shitty card.
My favourite part? When Alexander, the Pakhan who deals in human trafficking 'cause it's just business btw, is choking Ghislaine, our whiny and holier-than-thou heroine. I would clap if the story ended there.
There was so much brimming of eyes, breaking, shattering, cracking, blazing and tearing of hearts and souls on EVERY page after every two lines, no wonder this was such a mess. I was tempted to crack my kindle and set it on fire. And maybe even Alex and Gil.
SO. MUCH. REPETITIVENESS. The book should've actually been 50 pages less.
And Gil is a CRIER. That's all she did to show emotions.
"No other man will ever know how your eyes look scared on how deep you can take a cock. If a man tries to come even close to you and if you let him, I will mutilate his body and kill him in front of you and I'll fuck you raw in his blood until you cry"
See??? And they say romance is dead. Oh and they already had sex in a mix of blood that belonged to 3 people that Alex had just killed.
Alex atleast had one redeeming quality, he stopped his human trafficking business when they are separated. Gil on the other hand? Nope.
She contradicted herself after every two seconds and I wanted to throat punch her.
And the award for the best mother of the year goes to.... Gil!!! Why, you ask?
When little Noura was KIDNAPPED, Ms. FBI tough chick(not) WAS GETTING IT ON WITH THE MAFIA BOSS!!!! How someone wants to get fucked after knowing their child is kidnapped, is a mystery. I'm sorry Baby Sun, you truly deserve better.
Also, I'm pretty sure if a woman was drunk and she thought she was dreaming, and you fucked her it would be rape since she really doesn't know what she's consenting to. Don't worry, our Pakhan isn't that depraved, Ms. Black Widow is. She continued to have shower sex with Alex even though HE was drunk SHE wasn't. *punching myself because my kindle is too precious*
Gil hallucinates fucking her dead husband in the shower and actually orgasms. 😃 She also hears his voice, his dead voice. Not the motivational voice you're thinking about. He actually speaks to her about how Alex visited his grave blah blah. That whole flashback thing where Gil meets and goes on a date with her husband made no difference to the story and was so random.
Kidnapping Noura aside, I was more interested in War with the mismatched eyes. When he had a blade to Gil's throat, I was cheering him on. Finallyyy... this nuisance would die and Baby Sun could go live with her sweet grandmothers. Noura and I had no such luck :(
Alex made no apologies for who he was but Gil would continue to use his body and then immediately act like she regretted it. And make him feel like shit.
The grovelling was good. I don't know what the ideal amount of grovelling is if the man you have no qualms of screwing had your husband murdered, but the grovelling felt good enough to me. I would be more invested in it if I could actually connect to the main characters and gave a crap about what happened to them.
I don't like dnf-ing books but this one tested me at every turn and I almost dropped it at 94%. And that's a first. I don't know what the 5 star reviews saw in this story but to each their own. I'm definitely in the minority and this time I don't mind it.
This review is my opinion and not meant as an insult to the author. I didn't like the book and that's all this review is about.
My favourite part? When Alexander, the Pakhan who deals in human trafficking 'cause it's just business btw, is choking Ghislaine, our whiny and holier-than-thou heroine. I would clap if the story ended there.
There was so much brimming of eyes, breaking, shattering, cracking, blazing and tearing of hearts and souls on EVERY page after every two lines, no wonder this was such a mess. I was tempted to crack my kindle and set it on fire. And maybe even Alex and Gil.
SO. MUCH. REPETITIVENESS. The book should've actually been 50 pages less.
And Gil is a CRIER. That's all she did to show emotions.
"No other man will ever know how your eyes look scared on how deep you can take a cock. If a man tries to come even close to you and if you let him, I will mutilate his body and kill him in front of you and I'll fuck you raw in his blood until you cry"
See??? And they say romance is dead. Oh and they already had sex in a mix of blood that belonged to 3 people that Alex had just killed.
Alex atleast had one redeeming quality, he stopped his human trafficking business when they are separated. Gil on the other hand? Nope.
She contradicted herself after every two seconds and I wanted to throat punch her.
And the award for the best mother of the year goes to.... Gil!!! Why, you ask?
When little Noura was KIDNAPPED, Ms. FBI tough chick(not) WAS GETTING IT ON WITH THE MAFIA BOSS!!!! How someone wants to get fucked after knowing their child is kidnapped, is a mystery. I'm sorry Baby Sun, you truly deserve better.
Also, I'm pretty sure if a woman was drunk and she thought she was dreaming, and you fucked her it would be rape since she really doesn't know what she's consenting to. Don't worry, our Pakhan isn't that depraved, Ms. Black Widow is. She continued to have shower sex with Alex even though HE was drunk SHE wasn't. *punching myself because my kindle is too precious*
Gil hallucinates fucking her dead husband in the shower and actually orgasms. 😃 She also hears his voice, his dead voice. Not the motivational voice you're thinking about. He actually speaks to her about how Alex visited his grave blah blah. That whole flashback thing where Gil meets and goes on a date with her husband made no difference to the story and was so random.
Kidnapping Noura aside, I was more interested in War with the mismatched eyes. When he had a blade to Gil's throat, I was cheering him on. Finallyyy... this nuisance would die and Baby Sun could go live with her sweet grandmothers. Noura and I had no such luck :(
Alex made no apologies for who he was but Gil would continue to use his body and then immediately act like she regretted it. And make him feel like shit.
The grovelling was good. I don't know what the ideal amount of grovelling is if the man you have no qualms of screwing had your husband murdered, but the grovelling felt good enough to me. I would be more invested in it if I could actually connect to the main characters and gave a crap about what happened to them.
I don't like dnf-ing books but this one tested me at every turn and I almost dropped it at 94%. And that's a first. I don't know what the 5 star reviews saw in this story but to each their own. I'm definitely in the minority and this time I don't mind it.
This review is my opinion and not meant as an insult to the author. I didn't like the book and that's all this review is about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2022
holy shitttttt this was so good! guys i found the perfect underrated dark romance, this is AMAZING! I loved every trope in this from the mafia to the single mother to the grovelling, it was all literally amazing and a perfect combo. their chemistry was on fireeee and that grovelling and angst was phenomenal.
a few little things about it, the main one being the ending was a bit abrupt for a book that was so long but idc this was so so good
4.75/5⭐️
3.75/5🔥
a few little things about it, the main one being the ending was a bit abrupt for a book that was so long but idc this was so so good
4.75/5⭐️
3.75/5🔥
September 7, 2021
𝗔 𝗞𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗺 by Beena Khan is a dark, forbidden, stand-alone, contemporary, mafia romance with drama and suspense that is a MUST read! If I could rate a book over 5 stars I would.
𝗔 𝗞𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗺 is beautiful, emotional, captivating and had me on edge until the very last beautiful minute where I was crying my eyes out during the Epilogue. I had to go back and reread the last chapter several times. I waited a few days in order to write my review trying to find the best way to describe how utterly perfect this story is but there aren’t enough words. You have to read this for yourself as there’s no way to be ready for what you are about to embark on.
A love like no other and a tale unlike I’ve ever read, Alexander and Ghislaine’s story is beyond words. This is one of those once in a lifetime reads where the twists and turns suck you in until the last second. In a word, 𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗖. I love Alexander and Ghislaine so much I never wanted their story to end. There are so many heartbreaking, climactic and thrilling scenes you won’t want to put this down once you’ve started.
𝗚𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹 is an FBI agent who has awoken after 3 years of being in a coma only to find out that her world has absolutely shattered. She’s coping with the time she has lost; lost love and she’s rightfully struggling through it all. Her daughter Noura is so freaking adorable and stole my heart. Every single character in this book has their own voice, even Noura, Ghislaine’s precious 4-year-old daughter who stole my heart. Ghislaine is now a widow and in a dark place where she doesn’t recognize herself.
𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗲𝘃 is the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva. If you’ve read Miran’s book, 𝗔 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗼 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 you will remember him. Alexander Nikolaev is AMAZING! He’s dynamic, smart, and so sexy. His sex appeal oozes off the page. His character growth is outstanding. Alexander is a cold, ruthless killer. A Bratva leader that puts the brotherhood over everything else. Alexander doesn’t expect a little girl to steal his heart, but when sweet little Noura asks him to see her mommy, he can’t say no to her. Noura brings him to her mother’s bedside and the sleeping beauty is awoken by a kiss.
Alexander is a character I fell in love with. He is captivated by his sleeping beauty. Something about Ghislaine makes him want to help her. Alexander ends up helping Ghislaine in many ways and does his best to guide her through the new changes in her life. I loved seeing him progress from who he was in the beginning to who he was at the end.
The plot is compelling and the connection between Alexander and Ghislaine is so raw and real. Beena wrote these characters with such depth. She is a brilliant author who always delivers. Alexander and Ghislaine are on completely opposite sides of the law as she is back working for the FBI and he is someone on the FBI’s radar, being an infamous New York City Mafia leader.
Nothing is easy for Ghislaine and Alexander along the way, but each scene and moment between them made me fall in love so hard. You want them to be together so badly, however the journey to get there is bumpy and makes it a thrilling read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance. Alexander stole my soul. I had no idea that I would love him as much as I did. This book is EVERYTHING! I loved that each scene was exciting, some steamy and passionate and some broke my heart. The ending is perfection. I didn’t see how these two would ever make their forbidden romance work. These two will now forever hold a special place in my heart.
I am so grateful to have received an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily.
𝗔 𝗞𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗺 is beautiful, emotional, captivating and had me on edge until the very last beautiful minute where I was crying my eyes out during the Epilogue. I had to go back and reread the last chapter several times. I waited a few days in order to write my review trying to find the best way to describe how utterly perfect this story is but there aren’t enough words. You have to read this for yourself as there’s no way to be ready for what you are about to embark on.
A love like no other and a tale unlike I’ve ever read, Alexander and Ghislaine’s story is beyond words. This is one of those once in a lifetime reads where the twists and turns suck you in until the last second. In a word, 𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗖. I love Alexander and Ghislaine so much I never wanted their story to end. There are so many heartbreaking, climactic and thrilling scenes you won’t want to put this down once you’ve started.
𝗚𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹 is an FBI agent who has awoken after 3 years of being in a coma only to find out that her world has absolutely shattered. She’s coping with the time she has lost; lost love and she’s rightfully struggling through it all. Her daughter Noura is so freaking adorable and stole my heart. Every single character in this book has their own voice, even Noura, Ghislaine’s precious 4-year-old daughter who stole my heart. Ghislaine is now a widow and in a dark place where she doesn’t recognize herself.
𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗶𝗸𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗲𝘃 is the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva. If you’ve read Miran’s book, 𝗔 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗼 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 you will remember him. Alexander Nikolaev is AMAZING! He’s dynamic, smart, and so sexy. His sex appeal oozes off the page. His character growth is outstanding. Alexander is a cold, ruthless killer. A Bratva leader that puts the brotherhood over everything else. Alexander doesn’t expect a little girl to steal his heart, but when sweet little Noura asks him to see her mommy, he can’t say no to her. Noura brings him to her mother’s bedside and the sleeping beauty is awoken by a kiss.
Alexander is a character I fell in love with. He is captivated by his sleeping beauty. Something about Ghislaine makes him want to help her. Alexander ends up helping Ghislaine in many ways and does his best to guide her through the new changes in her life. I loved seeing him progress from who he was in the beginning to who he was at the end.
The plot is compelling and the connection between Alexander and Ghislaine is so raw and real. Beena wrote these characters with such depth. She is a brilliant author who always delivers. Alexander and Ghislaine are on completely opposite sides of the law as she is back working for the FBI and he is someone on the FBI’s radar, being an infamous New York City Mafia leader.
Nothing is easy for Ghislaine and Alexander along the way, but each scene and moment between them made me fall in love so hard. You want them to be together so badly, however the journey to get there is bumpy and makes it a thrilling read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance. Alexander stole my soul. I had no idea that I would love him as much as I did. This book is EVERYTHING! I loved that each scene was exciting, some steamy and passionate and some broke my heart. The ending is perfection. I didn’t see how these two would ever make their forbidden romance work. These two will now forever hold a special place in my heart.
I am so grateful to have received an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily.
September 2, 2021
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.🇺🇸
A kiss of venom is a masterpiece, this book is the story of Ghislaine Khalil, an FBI agent, and Alexander Nikolaev, the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva.
I don't have words... This book is amazing and I love everything.
I love Alexander from the first chapter when he called Noura baby sun I found him so cute. Alexander is a great character is strong and he also has a kind side. He is an obsessed boy and he would do everything for Ghislaine to be with him and I love him lol.
Ghislaine woke up from a 3-years coma and everything she knew was different, it was easy to empathize with her a lot since her life really changed completely and it was a great process to accept her new life. Throughout the book we see Ghislaine being confused about her feelings for Alexander as she does not feel it is the right thing to do.
Ghislaine doesn't feel like the person she was before the accident, she feels darker and stranger now. But finally she decides what she needs.
Noura aka baby sun must have a special mention because she won my heart, I love the children in a books and Noura was no exception.
I love see Miran and I love the great friend he was for Ghislaine, other characters that I loved were Ghislaine's aunts they are funny and very loving🥺
So you can't miss this AMAZING story with incredible characters and a great plot.❤️
ARC proporcionado por el autor a cambio de una reseña honesta.🇪🇸
A kiss of venom es una obra maestra, este libro es la historia de Ghislaine Khalil una agente del FBI y Alexander Nikolaev el pakhan de la mafia rusa.
No tengo palabras... Este libro es increíble y amé todo.
Amé a Alexander desde el primer capítulo cuando llamo a Noura baby sun me pareció tan lindo. Alexander es un gran personaje es fuerte pero también tiene su lado amable. El es un chico obsesionado y haría todo por que Ghislaine este con el y lo amo lol.
Ghislaine acaba de despertar de un coma de 3 largos años y todo lo que ella conocía era diferente, pude empatizar mucho con ella ya que realmente su vida cambió por completo y fue un gran proceso aceptar su nueva vida. A lo largo del libro vemos a Ghislaine estar en confundida con respecto a sus sentimientos por Alexander ya que no siente que sea lo correcto.
Ghislaine no se siente como la persona que era antes del accidente, ahora se siente más oscura y extraña. Pero finalmente ella decide lo que necesita.
Noura aka baby sun debe tener una mención especial porque se ganó mi corazón, amo cuando hay niños en los libros y Noura no fue la excepción.
Me encantó ver a Miran y amé el gran amigo que fue para Ghislaine, otros personajes a los que amé fueron a las tías de Ghislaine ellas son las más divertidas y las más amorosas🥺
Así que no te puedes perder esta MARAVILLOSA historia con personajes increíbles y una gran trama.❤️
A kiss of venom is a masterpiece, this book is the story of Ghislaine Khalil, an FBI agent, and Alexander Nikolaev, the Pakhan of the Russian Bratva.
I don't have words... This book is amazing and I love everything.
I love Alexander from the first chapter when he called Noura baby sun I found him so cute. Alexander is a great character is strong and he also has a kind side. He is an obsessed boy and he would do everything for Ghislaine to be with him and I love him lol.
Ghislaine woke up from a 3-years coma and everything she knew was different, it was easy to empathize with her a lot since her life really changed completely and it was a great process to accept her new life. Throughout the book we see Ghislaine being confused about her feelings for Alexander as she does not feel it is the right thing to do.
Ghislaine doesn't feel like the person she was before the accident, she feels darker and stranger now. But finally she decides what she needs.
Noura aka baby sun must have a special mention because she won my heart, I love the children in a books and Noura was no exception.
I love see Miran and I love the great friend he was for Ghislaine, other characters that I loved were Ghislaine's aunts they are funny and very loving🥺
So you can't miss this AMAZING story with incredible characters and a great plot.❤️
ARC proporcionado por el autor a cambio de una reseña honesta.🇪🇸
A kiss of venom es una obra maestra, este libro es la historia de Ghislaine Khalil una agente del FBI y Alexander Nikolaev el pakhan de la mafia rusa.
No tengo palabras... Este libro es increíble y amé todo.
Amé a Alexander desde el primer capítulo cuando llamo a Noura baby sun me pareció tan lindo. Alexander es un gran personaje es fuerte pero también tiene su lado amable. El es un chico obsesionado y haría todo por que Ghislaine este con el y lo amo lol.
Ghislaine acaba de despertar de un coma de 3 largos años y todo lo que ella conocía era diferente, pude empatizar mucho con ella ya que realmente su vida cambió por completo y fue un gran proceso aceptar su nueva vida. A lo largo del libro vemos a Ghislaine estar en confundida con respecto a sus sentimientos por Alexander ya que no siente que sea lo correcto.
Ghislaine no se siente como la persona que era antes del accidente, ahora se siente más oscura y extraña. Pero finalmente ella decide lo que necesita.
Noura aka baby sun debe tener una mención especial porque se ganó mi corazón, amo cuando hay niños en los libros y Noura no fue la excepción.
Me encantó ver a Miran y amé el gran amigo que fue para Ghislaine, otros personajes a los que amé fueron a las tías de Ghislaine ellas son las más divertidas y las más amorosas🥺
Así que no te puedes perder esta MARAVILLOSA historia con personajes increíbles y una gran trama.❤️
September 3, 2021
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
The latest book Beena wrote reveals the dark side each woman has. It is a book about second chances, a forbidden love that conquers all logic steps one should take when the truth is out in the open, a book about a sweet little girl that will melt your heart with her little speech problem and also a book about family ties.
I liked this book a lot, but there were little parts of it that bothered me. Like the first sex scene, the ending with War etc.
But overall, the book was good. The longest Beena wrote so far. If you are interested in a romance that builds on tragedy and a lot of action, this book is definitely for you!
The latest book Beena wrote reveals the dark side each woman has. It is a book about second chances, a forbidden love that conquers all logic steps one should take when the truth is out in the open, a book about a sweet little girl that will melt your heart with her little speech problem and also a book about family ties.
I liked this book a lot, but there were little parts of it that bothered me. Like the first sex scene, the ending with War etc.
But overall, the book was good. The longest Beena wrote so far. If you are interested in a romance that builds on tragedy and a lot of action, this book is definitely for you!
September 7, 2021
A forbidden mafia romance loosely based in the sleeping beauty with a lot of tragedy and action? A work of art.
↬ tropes:
• mafia/ dark romance
• sleeping beauty retelling
• enemies to lovers
• forbidden romance
• single parent
× Please check TW/CW at the end of the review. ×
An FBI agent shouldn't fall for a Pakhan or that is what people say. This history begins when life and death cross paths.
Ghislaine was in a coma after a fatal accident where she loses her husband. She woke up and she doesn't feel the same, she feels like something is missing in her life, and finds herself in a dark and horrible place with a handsome and twisted man by her side.
Now I need to talk about my man, Alexander Nikolaev. I love him so bad that I feel sick. Since chapter one we got to know the worst and best part about him. He's the cruelest and hottest Pakhan that I've read. The redemption and development that Zander had were so good and I love it. Because when I tell you this man is so fine I'm not joking around. He's obsessed with Ghislaine and after everything he has done, he will do anything to protect her and her daughter.
Noura our Baby Sun was the sweetest and amazing little person in this book. At the age of 4 years, she's the smartest kid around. Her loyalty and love to her mom were incredible and funny to read. Then, we have her friendship with Dander! Oh lord, I live for Baby Sun and Dander's interactions.
I recommend this book to you if you like reading dark/ mafia romance with a little bit of angst and a lot of action.
TW/ CW: blood, sex, torture, sex trafficking, murder, and death.
↬ tropes:
• mafia/ dark romance
• sleeping beauty retelling
• enemies to lovers
• forbidden romance
• single parent
× Please check TW/CW at the end of the review. ×
An FBI agent shouldn't fall for a Pakhan or that is what people say. This history begins when life and death cross paths.
Ghislaine was in a coma after a fatal accident where she loses her husband. She woke up and she doesn't feel the same, she feels like something is missing in her life, and finds herself in a dark and horrible place with a handsome and twisted man by her side.
Now I need to talk about my man, Alexander Nikolaev. I love him so bad that I feel sick. Since chapter one we got to know the worst and best part about him. He's the cruelest and hottest Pakhan that I've read. The redemption and development that Zander had were so good and I love it. Because when I tell you this man is so fine I'm not joking around. He's obsessed with Ghislaine and after everything he has done, he will do anything to protect her and her daughter.
Noura our Baby Sun was the sweetest and amazing little person in this book. At the age of 4 years, she's the smartest kid around. Her loyalty and love to her mom were incredible and funny to read. Then, we have her friendship with Dander! Oh lord, I live for Baby Sun and Dander's interactions.
I recommend this book to you if you like reading dark/ mafia romance with a little bit of angst and a lot of action.
TW/ CW: blood, sex, torture, sex trafficking, murder, and death.
September 6, 2021
"A Kiss of Venom" by Beena Khan is "a tale between a woman and her dark knight". And it has become one of my favourite reads of the year.
I have to admit, my favourite thing about "A Kiss of Venom" was the male protagonist. Alexander Nikolaev stole my heart from the first chapter. A charming and cruel character, he lives his life behind a facade. At least until he meets Ghislaine Khalil. That's when all the walls he built around him drop and we get a raw and unpolished human that is allowed to make mistakes and feel pain. The relationship between him and Noura, Ghislaine daughter, was absolutely heartwarming. They were freaking adorable. A man that can be both an "antihero" and good with children? Hell yes!
Furthermore, when it comes to the main character, Ghilaine, I loved her toughness and her determination. Different from Beena's previous protagonists, Ghislaine dips a finger into the pool of immorality and guess what? She likes it. I just love a female character that isn't afraid of embracing her dark side.
Overall, the book promises a dark and intense "Sleeping Beauty" retelling and it definitely delivers. Although it was kind of different from the author's previous books, I couldn't help but love it. The characters, the story, the romance. It was perfect!
🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠/5
I have to admit, my favourite thing about "A Kiss of Venom" was the male protagonist. Alexander Nikolaev stole my heart from the first chapter. A charming and cruel character, he lives his life behind a facade. At least until he meets Ghislaine Khalil. That's when all the walls he built around him drop and we get a raw and unpolished human that is allowed to make mistakes and feel pain. The relationship between him and Noura, Ghislaine daughter, was absolutely heartwarming. They were freaking adorable. A man that can be both an "antihero" and good with children? Hell yes!
Furthermore, when it comes to the main character, Ghilaine, I loved her toughness and her determination. Different from Beena's previous protagonists, Ghislaine dips a finger into the pool of immorality and guess what? She likes it. I just love a female character that isn't afraid of embracing her dark side.
Overall, the book promises a dark and intense "Sleeping Beauty" retelling and it definitely delivers. Although it was kind of different from the author's previous books, I couldn't help but love it. The characters, the story, the romance. It was perfect!
🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠/5
September 30, 2021
Wow, just wow! This story is an emotional roller coaster, a tale so raw and gritty. I could not put it down. It left me in tears, and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
A woman comes out of a coma after three long years, with no memory of the events that lead to her sleep. A strange man is standing over her, with mesmerising black eyes, and a little girl is calling her mommy, one she doesn’t know. Her daughter is a one year old baby, not this grown up four year old. Then they tell her that her husband, the love of her life, is dead, he died three years ago in the accident that put her in a coma. Everyone else has moved on, but her wounds are fresh.
Her world implodes as she tries to return to her job as an FBI agent. She finds out the strange man that was in her room when she awoke is the head of the Russian Bratva in New York. Their paths cross again, and sparks ignite between them. Their love is an irresistible force. But circumstances blow them apart, the past has caught up to her. Her memory returns. How does she forgive him for a crime so heinous? Can good and evil coexist? Will their love find a way?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A woman comes out of a coma after three long years, with no memory of the events that lead to her sleep. A strange man is standing over her, with mesmerising black eyes, and a little girl is calling her mommy, one she doesn’t know. Her daughter is a one year old baby, not this grown up four year old. Then they tell her that her husband, the love of her life, is dead, he died three years ago in the accident that put her in a coma. Everyone else has moved on, but her wounds are fresh.
Her world implodes as she tries to return to her job as an FBI agent. She finds out the strange man that was in her room when she awoke is the head of the Russian Bratva in New York. Their paths cross again, and sparks ignite between them. Their love is an irresistible force. But circumstances blow them apart, the past has caught up to her. Her memory returns. How does she forgive him for a crime so heinous? Can good and evil coexist? Will their love find a way?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2021
“ A kiss of venom never tasted so sweet.”
5/5 ⭐️ 3.75/5 🔥
“ This wasn’t just a kiss. It was a poisonous kiss. A kiss of venom. A kiss that had no happy endings”
🕷 Dark Romance
💋 Mafia Romance
🕷 Stalker Romance
💋 Sleeping beauty Retelling
🕷 Enemies to Lovers
💋 Single Parent
This has to be my most favorite from Beena Khan yet, If you’ve read her Beauty and Beast retelling series. I got huge Dahlia and Vlad vibes and the character development Alexander Nikolaev was just HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL. The Pathan of the Russian Bravta. He is finishing a job at the hospital when a tiny little thing who reminds him of the sun dares to come near him.
“Baby sun” Noura and Zander’s relationship was so freaking cute. There interactions were even cuter and *SIGHS* 💋
FBI, agent Ghislaine wakes up from a 3 year coma meeting the blackest eyes she’s ever seen and in a instant he’s gone.. not remembering anything from the accident that caused her to be in a comatose state and loosing her husband. She proceeds to live her life without him and has a hard time connecting to life like she once has. This story was heartbreaking, I loved Alexander character SO MUCH, the way Ghislaine taught him how to feel and how to speak with his feelings.
“They said all love stories had happy endings... but my love story had already ended. It ended the day my husband died. This could never be a love story”
Alexander is a selfish mafia king in the bravta, the Pahkan, all he does is take but with Ghislaine, it all changed. Alexander is a selfish, selfless man. Can that be a word? I don’t know but I cannot get over this book.
TW/CW: DESCRIPTIVE torture, murder and death, sex slavery/sex trafficking, mentions of drug trade and sex trade
FIVE BEAUTIFUL SELFLESS STARS
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
5/5 ⭐️ 3.75/5 🔥
“ This wasn’t just a kiss. It was a poisonous kiss. A kiss of venom. A kiss that had no happy endings”
🕷 Dark Romance
💋 Mafia Romance
🕷 Stalker Romance
💋 Sleeping beauty Retelling
🕷 Enemies to Lovers
💋 Single Parent
This has to be my most favorite from Beena Khan yet, If you’ve read her Beauty and Beast retelling series. I got huge Dahlia and Vlad vibes and the character development Alexander Nikolaev was just HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL. The Pathan of the Russian Bravta. He is finishing a job at the hospital when a tiny little thing who reminds him of the sun dares to come near him.
“Baby sun” Noura and Zander’s relationship was so freaking cute. There interactions were even cuter and *SIGHS* 💋
FBI, agent Ghislaine wakes up from a 3 year coma meeting the blackest eyes she’s ever seen and in a instant he’s gone.. not remembering anything from the accident that caused her to be in a comatose state and loosing her husband. She proceeds to live her life without him and has a hard time connecting to life like she once has. This story was heartbreaking, I loved Alexander character SO MUCH, the way Ghislaine taught him how to feel and how to speak with his feelings.
“They said all love stories had happy endings... but my love story had already ended. It ended the day my husband died. This could never be a love story”
Alexander is a selfish mafia king in the bravta, the Pahkan, all he does is take but with Ghislaine, it all changed. Alexander is a selfish, selfless man. Can that be a word? I don’t know but I cannot get over this book.
TW/CW: DESCRIPTIVE torture, murder and death, sex slavery/sex trafficking, mentions of drug trade and sex trade
FIVE BEAUTIFUL SELFLESS STARS
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
December 10, 2021
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Beena Khan!
A Kiss Of Venom is the first book in the Black Widow series and tells the story of Ghislaine and Alexander. The Black Widow series is a spin-off series of the Beauty & The Beast series, but A Kiss Of Venom can be read as a standalone.
A kiss of venom had never tasted so sweet.
When I met Alexander in A Beauty So Cursed, I was really interested in his story. I’m so glad that Beena Khan decided to write a book about Alexander. I think he’s such an intriguing character and I just really wanted to know more about him. Something I also really loved about A Kiss Of Venom, is that this book is a Sleeping Beauty retelling and the next book in the series will be a Rapunzel retelling, OMG! I’m a sucker for retellings, and Beena Khan did such an amazing job with hers. Please be aware that her retellings are pretty dark and have some hard topics such as abuse, violence, …
Ghislaine and Alexander are the main characters in A Kiss Of Venom. Ghislaine is such a strong woman, she’s been through so much and she doesn’t really know how to deal with her emotions and feelings. But then she meets Alexander, a Russian mafia boss. He’s everything she can’t stand but everything she wants. I really loved reading about Ghislaine and Alexander because this book shows a different side of Alexander. I really liked Alexander’s cute nicknames and I loved how much he tried for Ghislaine. They’re so perfect for each other!
A Kiss Of Venom was another amazing book by Beena Khan and it might be my favourite one yet! This book was so interesting with some action and some spice. I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved seeing Alexander and Ghislaine grow towards each other. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series, A Lock Of Death. I’m so excited for the Rapunzel retelling and for Dimitri’s story!
September 7, 2021
"We were two parallel lines that could never meet. He was the moon and I was the sun."
A Kiss of Venom is mafia romance meets the fairytale retelling of sleeping beauty of two enemies who were never supposed to happen, but when they do there a forbidden & passionate love is the result.
The book begins with Ghislaine in coma, after three years she is awakened by the kiss of a stranger. Ghislaine is awakened to a new cruel reality as she is left without a husband and with a daughter who she hasn’t seen grown for the last three years. Ghislaine also realizes that she has been awaked by a kiss from Alexander, the pakhan of the Russian Brava. After this unexpected encounter, the life of Alexander & Ghislaine are entangled as their encounters grow more common so does their attraction. Ghislaine’s & Alexander’s love is forbidden but very passionate as they fight the odds against their happily ever after.
I recommend this book for people looking for enemies-to lovers, forbidden romance, fairy tale retellings, strong-heroine, alpha male hero.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
A Kiss of Venom is mafia romance meets the fairytale retelling of sleeping beauty of two enemies who were never supposed to happen, but when they do there a forbidden & passionate love is the result.
The book begins with Ghislaine in coma, after three years she is awakened by the kiss of a stranger. Ghislaine is awakened to a new cruel reality as she is left without a husband and with a daughter who she hasn’t seen grown for the last three years. Ghislaine also realizes that she has been awaked by a kiss from Alexander, the pakhan of the Russian Brava. After this unexpected encounter, the life of Alexander & Ghislaine are entangled as their encounters grow more common so does their attraction. Ghislaine’s & Alexander’s love is forbidden but very passionate as they fight the odds against their happily ever after.
I recommend this book for people looking for enemies-to lovers, forbidden romance, fairy tale retellings, strong-heroine, alpha male hero.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
May 4, 2024
— que ella pusiera al mafioso antes que su hija me molesta
— que él traficara con mujeres me enferma (al menos lo dejó)
— lo de la oscuridad de ella es bastante ¿?
— no sé si me terminó gustando o no
— necesité muchas más escenas de ellos con la niña, literalmente solo estaba ahí pidiendo algo de amor materno mientras ella tonteaba con él
— que él traficara con mujeres me enferma (al menos lo dejó)
— lo de la oscuridad de ella es bastante ¿?
— no sé si me terminó gustando o no
— necesité muchas más escenas de ellos con la niña, literalmente solo estaba ahí pidiendo algo de amor materno mientras ella tonteaba con él
May 13, 2024
Hay saltos una gran cantidad de detalles y las interacciones entre los protagonistas son mínimas e insípidas. En general, es una historia breve de amor instantáneo con un lindo final. Me gustó la forma en que se conocieron, a pesar de que sus interacciones posteriores no tienen sustancia. Hubiera sido prudente darle más de tiempo al desarrollo de la relación porque había más para contar en lugar de mostrar. Había oportunidad para explorar más de estos dos personajes.
October 26, 2021
bird little
August 10, 2023
Mafia, dark romance y un protagonista fuertemente loquillo, me atrapó pero sinceramente esperaba un poco más
September 29, 2021
Such a beautiful, dark retelling, loosely based on Sleeping Beauty.
A Kiss Of Venom is Alexander and Ghislaine's story. He is a ruthless mobster and a killer, she is an FBI agent, who was in a coma for several years. When Alexander kisses her, she wakes up.
I loved the romantic side of the story, but was completely blown away with the dark aspect of it.
I have to mention a little girl named Noura, Ghislaine's daughter. I simply adore kids in books and she was so adorable.
Absolutely intoxicating!
A Kiss Of Venom is Alexander and Ghislaine's story. He is a ruthless mobster and a killer, she is an FBI agent, who was in a coma for several years. When Alexander kisses her, she wakes up.
I loved the romantic side of the story, but was completely blown away with the dark aspect of it.
I have to mention a little girl named Noura, Ghislaine's daughter. I simply adore kids in books and she was so adorable.
Absolutely intoxicating!
September 6, 2021
As a huge fan of all of Beena Khan’s books, her latest mafia romance of Alexander and Ghislaine was the most beautiful, touching, heartbreaking at times, display of unconditional love. This story was one of my favorites. It showed so much vulnerability and angst by both characters. The storyline will draw you in and you will go through so many feelings while reading. I actually had to step away from my book a few times cause it was just too much (in a good way!). I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but BK’s retelling of Sleeping Beauty was everything and more. You will get it all. Tears, questions, doubts, steamy hot bedroom/bathroom/every room scenes and more. Alexander, Ghislaine and my favorite Noura will pull you in and never let you go. A must read!!! I couldn’t recommend it more.
August 30, 2021
A huge thank you to Beena for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review! Forever grateful to be a part of your wonderful ARC team!
4⭐️ 4🌶
CW: blood, violence, murder, death, torture, attempted sexual assault, human trafficking
This was so good, I found it hard to put it down so I ended up finishing it within a day 🙈
This dark Sleeping Beauty retelling and Black Widow inspired mafia romance was so amazingly done! I’ve always loved how Beena uses these fan favorite fairytales to loosely base the storyline on which makes it easier to immerse yourself in the plot. And I’ve always enjoyed reading dark romance which is the main reason I love Beena’s books but I just love how she always manages to take it to the next level in every book she writes and I’m just left delightfully surprised each time!
I was excited for Alexander’s book especially after the events of the last book so I’m glad we got to know more about his story along with Ghislaine’s! What I love the most about these two is how they’re morally grey characters so you never really know what they’re capable of or what their intentions are so it was nice exploring their limits and going on this journey of love, grief and towards facing their demons and accepting themselves. The forbidden love between them made for deliciously written smut and their verbal sparring and back and forths were exciting to watch! I’m also a sucker for the single parent trope where their child forms a connection with the love interest so seeing Noura’s interaction with them two was so so adorable!
The thing with Beena’s books and side characters is that a part of me knows they’ll eventually get books so when I saw more of Dimitri (and his gentlemanly ways) in this, I just knew I wanted his book ASAP. Can’t wait for the next books in the series!
Overall, this was an entertaining and fast-paced read! If you love dark stories set in the mafia world with heart wrenching yet heartfelt romance then I highly recommend this!
4⭐️ 4🌶
CW: blood, violence, murder, death, torture, attempted sexual assault, human trafficking
This was so good, I found it hard to put it down so I ended up finishing it within a day 🙈
This dark Sleeping Beauty retelling and Black Widow inspired mafia romance was so amazingly done! I’ve always loved how Beena uses these fan favorite fairytales to loosely base the storyline on which makes it easier to immerse yourself in the plot. And I’ve always enjoyed reading dark romance which is the main reason I love Beena’s books but I just love how she always manages to take it to the next level in every book she writes and I’m just left delightfully surprised each time!
I was excited for Alexander’s book especially after the events of the last book so I’m glad we got to know more about his story along with Ghislaine’s! What I love the most about these two is how they’re morally grey characters so you never really know what they’re capable of or what their intentions are so it was nice exploring their limits and going on this journey of love, grief and towards facing their demons and accepting themselves. The forbidden love between them made for deliciously written smut and their verbal sparring and back and forths were exciting to watch! I’m also a sucker for the single parent trope where their child forms a connection with the love interest so seeing Noura’s interaction with them two was so so adorable!
The thing with Beena’s books and side characters is that a part of me knows they’ll eventually get books so when I saw more of Dimitri (and his gentlemanly ways) in this, I just knew I wanted his book ASAP. Can’t wait for the next books in the series!
Overall, this was an entertaining and fast-paced read! If you love dark stories set in the mafia world with heart wrenching yet heartfelt romance then I highly recommend this!
September 10, 2021
This is my first book by this author and it won't be the last, I really liked this refreshing sleeping beauty retelling story, mixed with my favorite enemies to lovers, dark romance, and mafia trope. We get great characters, I love Alexander the Bratva Pahkan and Ghislaine an FBI agent story, it was refreshing and quite good, I love all the themes it touched in the story from suspense, mystery, to dark themes that come with mafia stories. I would recommend this story to anyone that enjoys this tropes.
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Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore
September 11, 2021
I ❤️❤️❤️it.
Really, both Vlad and Miran and Alexander have something that hooks me despite their dark sides, or maybe is bc of that😉.
I ❤️the story bc it has everything, it’s a roller coaster of emotions.
Alexander, the dangerous Pahkan ends up showing his vulnerable side by declaring his love for Ghislaine.
Guislaine is a widow who has been in a coma for 3 years, wakes up after receiving a kiss from the Pahkan, but nothing happens between them until months later. In the meantime, Guislaine will have to face the life and her job as an agent without her husband, who was also her boss, and with her little daughter whom she hardly recognizes.
Guislaine and Alexander are absolutely 🧨, I ❤️this couple.
The Tyrant of New York City. I remembered seeing this man when I’d woken up. I had expected to see my husband, but it was him instead. The Pakhan was in the hospital room with me. The man I had seen when I had awakened after three years. Alexander Nikolaev had marked me with a kiss. I didn’t know a kiss could be so chaotic. This wasn’t just a kiss. It was a poisonous kiss. A kiss of venom. A kiss that had no happy endings. Only tragedy.
“Who am I?” he growled with adrenaline rushing through his veins. “I’m the man who’s been there for your crazy little ass since day one.” She protested again and his deadly eyes stared down, and she shut up. “I’m the man you share your pain with. I’m your person. Only me. You pour your fucked up soul out to me. You like the sickness in me. You crave it. You’re drawn to it,” her eyes widened, “because you might be a little twisted like me too.” His eyes narrowed before continuing, “I can decide whatever the fuck I want. You know why?” She didn’t speak at all. He squeezed the sides of her neck. She let out a little gasp out of her pretty little mouth and her pupils dilated. “Because you’re mine. You’ve been mine before you even fucking talked to me.”
He was right all along. He was no prince charming. He was a cold-blooded criminal. Tragedy could never touch him. Because he was the cause of mine. My heart was broken again, but today my soul shattered too. He had destroyed my life. And I couldn’t even destroy him.
Really, both Vlad and Miran and Alexander have something that hooks me despite their dark sides, or maybe is bc of that😉.
I ❤️the story bc it has everything, it’s a roller coaster of emotions.
Alexander, the dangerous Pahkan ends up showing his vulnerable side by declaring his love for Ghislaine.
Guislaine is a widow who has been in a coma for 3 years, wakes up after receiving a kiss from the Pahkan, but nothing happens between them until months later. In the meantime, Guislaine will have to face the life and her job as an agent without her husband, who was also her boss, and with her little daughter whom she hardly recognizes.
Guislaine and Alexander are absolutely 🧨, I ❤️this couple.
The Tyrant of New York City. I remembered seeing this man when I’d woken up. I had expected to see my husband, but it was him instead. The Pakhan was in the hospital room with me. The man I had seen when I had awakened after three years. Alexander Nikolaev had marked me with a kiss. I didn’t know a kiss could be so chaotic. This wasn’t just a kiss. It was a poisonous kiss. A kiss of venom. A kiss that had no happy endings. Only tragedy.
“Who am I?” he growled with adrenaline rushing through his veins. “I’m the man who’s been there for your crazy little ass since day one.” She protested again and his deadly eyes stared down, and she shut up. “I’m the man you share your pain with. I’m your person. Only me. You pour your fucked up soul out to me. You like the sickness in me. You crave it. You’re drawn to it,” her eyes widened, “because you might be a little twisted like me too.” His eyes narrowed before continuing, “I can decide whatever the fuck I want. You know why?” She didn’t speak at all. He squeezed the sides of her neck. She let out a little gasp out of her pretty little mouth and her pupils dilated. “Because you’re mine. You’ve been mine before you even fucking talked to me.”
He was right all along. He was no prince charming. He was a cold-blooded criminal. Tragedy could never touch him. Because he was the cause of mine. My heart was broken again, but today my soul shattered too. He had destroyed my life. And I couldn’t even destroy him.
September 6, 2021
A Kiss of Venom is a book that took me into a wild journey that pretty much ruined me! And it had me utterly mesmerized and obsessed with its astonishing epicness and breathtaking writing!
Alexander and Ghislaine have an incredible one of a kind love story that is so dark, raw and intense. The very first moment their eyes meet, or should I say lips connect, something sizzles between them and then slowly begins forging into this passion. Oof the tension might as well light the whole forest on fire, it's that intense. There's so much angst between those two and the hate is so deep but the way it transforms into love is absolutely beautiful and outstanding! The darkness and oh my gosh the rawness of it all completely blew me away, like the whole book did.
I adore the way Ghislaine joins the dark side with him, becoming his queen of darkness! This is good girl gone bad done so damn right, ooh! The way Alexander who never shows his emotions started showing glimpses of his vulnerability before later going all in, and his interactions with Ghislaine's most precious daughter Noura, had my heart absolutely melting. And he calls them his girls!
And oh wow the 'I love you' moment is my favorite thing ever, it left me so speechless. They truly have so many powerful and passionate moments that are insanely and mind blowingly amazing. There are no heroes in this story, only two dark souls ruling the world.
This had me so shook me and there really isn't even the right words to describe how much I adored this story. Gosh this was the best kind of torment I've experienced reading a book. A Kiss of Venom truly reminds me why I read! Holy moly this must be Beena's best work and all her books are already spectacular! The queen of fairytale retellings did it again y'all!
"I can't imagine my life without you. I'm addicted to you, your aura, your smiles, your voice, your presence. You were right. My soul is for you now."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
Alexander and Ghislaine have an incredible one of a kind love story that is so dark, raw and intense. The very first moment their eyes meet, or should I say lips connect, something sizzles between them and then slowly begins forging into this passion. Oof the tension might as well light the whole forest on fire, it's that intense. There's so much angst between those two and the hate is so deep but the way it transforms into love is absolutely beautiful and outstanding! The darkness and oh my gosh the rawness of it all completely blew me away, like the whole book did.
I adore the way Ghislaine joins the dark side with him, becoming his queen of darkness! This is good girl gone bad done so damn right, ooh! The way Alexander who never shows his emotions started showing glimpses of his vulnerability before later going all in, and his interactions with Ghislaine's most precious daughter Noura, had my heart absolutely melting. And he calls them his girls!
And oh wow the 'I love you' moment is my favorite thing ever, it left me so speechless. They truly have so many powerful and passionate moments that are insanely and mind blowingly amazing. There are no heroes in this story, only two dark souls ruling the world.
This had me so shook me and there really isn't even the right words to describe how much I adored this story. Gosh this was the best kind of torment I've experienced reading a book. A Kiss of Venom truly reminds me why I read! Holy moly this must be Beena's best work and all her books are already spectacular! The queen of fairytale retellings did it again y'all!
"I can't imagine my life without you. I'm addicted to you, your aura, your smiles, your voice, your presence. You were right. My soul is for you now."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
September 11, 2021
Thigh-clinching steamy mafia enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers with a touch of spiritualism
Warning: there are some really gruesome scenes played out on page as you might imagine a mafia story to go. There is torture, execution, attempted assault and probably worst of all, when Ghislaine remembers the car accident. Having said that I still loved this story.
Star-crossed lovers 29yo Alexander Nikolaev and 26yo Ghislaine Khalil “meet” in a kiss but their potential futures are so much different. Alexander or Zander to his friends and family is Russian bratva while Ghislaine is an FBI agent. Their connections will prove harmful and deadly. This is a long book which kept me spell-bound throughout. I am so glad the author put this story in one book rather than making it a two or three-book serial. There will be a great deal of pain for both Alexander and Ghislaine before they reach their HEA. Loved Noura, Ghislaine’s 4yo daughter. I need to also look for Noura’s book.
I won’t share more about the plot of the story but I will ask, “Did Ghislaine lose her moral light when she lost her husband Driss in that car accident?” If you like steamy, fast-paced mafia stories with a Pakhan of “noble” birth who finds his other half in of all places the FBI, read this book! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens. I’m now looking forward to Dimitri’s book and Number 9. I would suggest a better editor.
Warning: there are some really gruesome scenes played out on page as you might imagine a mafia story to go. There is torture, execution, attempted assault and probably worst of all, when Ghislaine remembers the car accident. Having said that I still loved this story.
Star-crossed lovers 29yo Alexander Nikolaev and 26yo Ghislaine Khalil “meet” in a kiss but their potential futures are so much different. Alexander or Zander to his friends and family is Russian bratva while Ghislaine is an FBI agent. Their connections will prove harmful and deadly. This is a long book which kept me spell-bound throughout. I am so glad the author put this story in one book rather than making it a two or three-book serial. There will be a great deal of pain for both Alexander and Ghislaine before they reach their HEA. Loved Noura, Ghislaine’s 4yo daughter. I need to also look for Noura’s book.
I won’t share more about the plot of the story but I will ask, “Did Ghislaine lose her moral light when she lost her husband Driss in that car accident?” If you like steamy, fast-paced mafia stories with a Pakhan of “noble” birth who finds his other half in of all places the FBI, read this book! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens. I’m now looking forward to Dimitri’s book and Number 9. I would suggest a better editor.
September 14, 2021
This is my first book from Beena Khan and I'm so glad I've applied for the ARC. Since this is a sleeping beauty retelling, I was so damn excited for this and I fell in love with the characters too.
Gihslaine, an FBI agent, comes out of a coma by a kiss from a Russian Pakhan, Alexandera. She is so determined, kind and bad-ass. Alexander, who kisses Gihslaine, on the request of Noura, Gihslaine's daughter, has no idea he is going to get caught up with.
He can be such a charming, callous character who somehow manages to be soft when dealing with Noura. Their relationship is so cute lol. (Yeah, I'm using cute and a mafia boss in the same line lmao) Honestly, he is the best example of "anti-hero". I love how Gihslaine frustrating determined she is to not give into the magnetic pull as she pieces herself together after the tragedy. She also helps Alexander find his redemption.
Hate turns into heat, and somewhere in between passion and guns, they fall in love. I swear this is one of the finest retellings — a dark one at that. Be ready for the plot twists and tormented by Beena lol. She has given such a beautiful depth to these characters. Honestly, I love them. They were perfect.
If you love a sleeping beauty retelling/ steamy mafia/ forbidden romance/ enemies to lovers. Then give this a try! You'll not be disappointed!
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
Gihslaine, an FBI agent, comes out of a coma by a kiss from a Russian Pakhan, Alexandera. She is so determined, kind and bad-ass. Alexander, who kisses Gihslaine, on the request of Noura, Gihslaine's daughter, has no idea he is going to get caught up with.
He can be such a charming, callous character who somehow manages to be soft when dealing with Noura. Their relationship is so cute lol. (Yeah, I'm using cute and a mafia boss in the same line lmao) Honestly, he is the best example of "anti-hero". I love how Gihslaine frustrating determined she is to not give into the magnetic pull as she pieces herself together after the tragedy. She also helps Alexander find his redemption.
Hate turns into heat, and somewhere in between passion and guns, they fall in love. I swear this is one of the finest retellings — a dark one at that. Be ready for the plot twists and tormented by Beena lol. She has given such a beautiful depth to these characters. Honestly, I love them. They were perfect.
If you love a sleeping beauty retelling/ steamy mafia/ forbidden romance/ enemies to lovers. Then give this a try! You'll not be disappointed!
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
September 7, 2021
Ghislaine Khalil used to have it all: a career, a loving husband, a family. Her daily mission was to fight against injustices and bring peace and redemption into a criminal world. Until she became a victim of it and the darkness swallowed her up, breaking her. Her life was interrupted without warnings or remedies, without the right of response - replaced by emptiness for three long years. A barrier between past and present. All she has left is memories. Deceptive, because they keep her anchored to a different life. Painful, because they bring back forever gone moments. Frightening, because she no longer recognizes herself in the person she once was. Bitter sweet, because they take her from Heaven to Hell.
Without her protector, Driss, his place was taken by a man with a black appearance and soul, following and tormenting her wherever she goes. The russian's mob boss. Her biggest enemy. But still, her savior. What do you do when you feel trapped between right and wrong?
Alexander Nikolaev brought her back to life with a kiss, but that kiss awakened a version of Ghislaine that no one knew. The new Ghislaine no longer needs to be saved from the others but from herself. And maybe her and Alexander are more alike than she thought. Is it possible for a heart to beat again after losing that one person? Can a sleeping heart feel for the first time, due to someone's sad eyes? The forbidden can ever lead to a happy ending?
Ghislaine and Alexander's story is like a long roller coaster ride. They are capable of fighting the whole world, but not against each other. Because something binds them, besides the laws, their differences and life choices. Ghislaine had the justice as her guardian angel, now her wings are black and stained with blood. Halfway between good and evil, could they be able to find each other or will they separate forever?
For those who love fairy tales like me, let yourself be conquered by this dark retelling. Enter the villains world and I guarantee you will find it just as fascinating, or even more. Resisting Alexander Nikolaev will be really difficult. He has become one of my favorite bad boys.
Without her protector, Driss, his place was taken by a man with a black appearance and soul, following and tormenting her wherever she goes. The russian's mob boss. Her biggest enemy. But still, her savior. What do you do when you feel trapped between right and wrong?
Alexander Nikolaev brought her back to life with a kiss, but that kiss awakened a version of Ghislaine that no one knew. The new Ghislaine no longer needs to be saved from the others but from herself. And maybe her and Alexander are more alike than she thought. Is it possible for a heart to beat again after losing that one person? Can a sleeping heart feel for the first time, due to someone's sad eyes? The forbidden can ever lead to a happy ending?
Ghislaine and Alexander's story is like a long roller coaster ride. They are capable of fighting the whole world, but not against each other. Because something binds them, besides the laws, their differences and life choices. Ghislaine had the justice as her guardian angel, now her wings are black and stained with blood. Halfway between good and evil, could they be able to find each other or will they separate forever?
For those who love fairy tales like me, let yourself be conquered by this dark retelling. Enter the villains world and I guarantee you will find it just as fascinating, or even more. Resisting Alexander Nikolaev will be really difficult. He has become one of my favorite bad boys.
September 7, 2021
A Kiss of Venom, book one in the Black Widow series is a modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
FBI agent Ghislaine Khalil has been in a coma for three years, so when her young daughter, Noura brings in a handsome stranger to kiss her mother, they never expected her to actually wake up. Alexander Nikolaev is the head of the Russian Bratva, but when a tiny child takes his hand into her mother's room, he follows along, even going so far as to kiss the sleeping beauty at the child's request. Now Ghislaine must try to put together the missing pieces of her life, while trying to accept the loss of her husband, and the sudden growth of her one year old daughter into the precious four year old she is now. Together, Ghislaine and Alexander work on forging a new future for the young mother and her daughter, and while they grow closer, something keeps holding Ghislaine back. Will Alexander be able to break through Ghislaine's walls? Or will the pair be kept apart by Ghislaine's past?
FBI agent Ghislaine Khalil has been in a coma for three years, so when her young daughter, Noura brings in a handsome stranger to kiss her mother, they never expected her to actually wake up. Alexander Nikolaev is the head of the Russian Bratva, but when a tiny child takes his hand into her mother's room, he follows along, even going so far as to kiss the sleeping beauty at the child's request. Now Ghislaine must try to put together the missing pieces of her life, while trying to accept the loss of her husband, and the sudden growth of her one year old daughter into the precious four year old she is now. Together, Ghislaine and Alexander work on forging a new future for the young mother and her daughter, and while they grow closer, something keeps holding Ghislaine back. Will Alexander be able to break through Ghislaine's walls? Or will the pair be kept apart by Ghislaine's past?
September 2, 2021
Once again, Beena Khan has grabbed my attention with her book! I am definitely a fan of her work and cannot wait for the next book in this series! This is the story of Ghislanie and Alexander Nikolaev. If you recall from the Beauty and the Beasat series, we were introduced to Alexander who is the Pakhan for the Bratva. He is also the cousin of Miran (the DEA). He is dark, dangerous and doesn’t know what it means to feel empathy. Ghislanie is an FBI agent who just so happens to have been in a coma for 3 years. While in the hospital, her daughter Noura is roaming the hallways and runs into Alexander and his men. Noura somehow convinces Alexander to come to her mom’s room and kiss her so she will wake up. Of course, Alexander did not think it would really work, but it did! Once she woke up and realized she had not only lost 3 years of her life, but she lost her husband Driss (who was the FBI Director) and she missed her daughter growing up.
Because of this meeting in the hospital, Alexander is not able to keep away from Ghislanie. He is drawn to her like a moth to light. He tries to stay away, but he cannot and ends up putting himself in her life. She is conflicted because she knows who he is and what he does, but she is just as addicted to him and he is to her. They feed off of each other and have this chemistry like no other. However, Ghislanie keeps pulling back because she feels like she is disrespecting her husband.
This book has it all – action, darkness, betrayal, passion, emotions, anger, desire, and tragedy. I will admit, I cried a little during some of these scenes. My heart broke for both Ghislanie and Alexander. She made Alexander work for her love! I’m really happy that it wasn’t given so freely – it just added more to the story for me. Like I said previously, I cannot wait for the next book to come out in this series. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I definitely would! Great job with the characters and the storyline! I received a free copy of this book via ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Because of this meeting in the hospital, Alexander is not able to keep away from Ghislanie. He is drawn to her like a moth to light. He tries to stay away, but he cannot and ends up putting himself in her life. She is conflicted because she knows who he is and what he does, but she is just as addicted to him and he is to her. They feed off of each other and have this chemistry like no other. However, Ghislanie keeps pulling back because she feels like she is disrespecting her husband.
This book has it all – action, darkness, betrayal, passion, emotions, anger, desire, and tragedy. I will admit, I cried a little during some of these scenes. My heart broke for both Ghislanie and Alexander. She made Alexander work for her love! I’m really happy that it wasn’t given so freely – it just added more to the story for me. Like I said previously, I cannot wait for the next book to come out in this series. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I definitely would! Great job with the characters and the storyline! I received a free copy of this book via ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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