Venomous

The Clans #11

by Iris Sweetwater, Elizabeth Knox

Blanka

Throughout my entire life I’ve made choice after choice to land me where I am today. Nothing is perfect, and the same views can be said about life.

We all struggle and wish things could be different but it simply isn’t the case. If you want anything, whether it be as simple as happiness, you must work for it.

At the end of the day, that’s what landed me in this job, doing the things I do, one day hopeful it will bring me a better life.

I can only hope that day comes soon.

Davide

I’m the type of man who adores women. Any chance I get, I choose to revel in their flesh against mine. Although, I’m not the type of man to ever settle down - even if the Clan demands it of me.

Never have I envisioned life with a woman by my side and a baby on her hip. It’s simply never been in the cards. I prefer to go to the brothels around Europe, enjoying the company of the most exquisite, prestigious women. They may not be from prominent families, but these aren’t whores you find on the street. They’re smart, witty and gorgeous.

I’d been seeing another woman at this Venice brothel, however, she went and got pregnant . . . so I’m about to meet a new woman. One of the Madame’s favorite girls, one who she tells me will change my life.

I suppose we’ll see if she does.

Genres: Contemporary

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2020

About the author

I have been writing since I was just 4 years old, starting with poetry and short stories. Writing has always been in my blood, and I began writing as a professional in marketing and ghostwriting almost 7 years ago. After writing thousands of things for others, I decided it was time to share my own things with the world. I hope to start doing this full time and be at least somewhat of a success.

Reviews

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so disappointed in this book. It was mostly about sex. The main characters had zero connection and the story was all over the place. Then it ended. I think I'm gonna have to step away from this series for a while.

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story, I am new to these authors and thoughly enjoyed this book. It can be read as a standalone book. I'm very tempted to read more of The Clan Series.
The chemistry was intense. The characters were well written and the storyline was gripping.
Davide and Belladonna (Blanka) have an unusual connection. When he arrives at the brothel he wasn't expecting to be captured by the one known as Belladonna. Davide arranges to have her as his beck and call for a month away to be available to him as he wishes while he travels for work. What he didn't except was the sass and fire within Belladonna.
What happens next is unexpectedly tragic and yet sweet. Davide's protection shown to a woman who has captured him was a emotional read.

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment of The Clans. These stories just keep getting better and better with each and everyone of them.
They shouldn’t have worked together,but they do.
She was a working lady, and he was a rich and powerful member of the Clans.
It had started out as a business arrangement they quickly, turned into something else.
The enemies of both her and the clans causes trouble for everyone, but especially her. They try to pretend that they don’t care about each other, but it doesn’t work out so well.
They take care of business with the help of the clans, and finally admit to each other how they feel. It is a strong love that has and will withstand anything.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Blanka(Belladonna) is ready for a change as she is stuck working in a brothel. Davide has requested a week with her. During this time they form feelings for each other. Davide wants her after finally realizing what he’s been missing from his life. Blanka wants love and a family. Will they get what they both want? This story is filled with unexpected surprises, twists and turns, suspense, and leaves you wanting more. A fantastic story from start to finish and I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[~*~Happy Hour Prez~*~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 STARS

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venomous (The Clans # 11) is a another installment surrounding The Clans . Davide and Blanka's story is intriguing, dark, gritty and full of suspense,drama and plenty of sensual moments . Davide clan member loves women frequents brothels all over Europe as he is a player and is convinced he will never settle down with one woman. When he sees Blanka, who is the best at what she does in order to survive in a brothel in Venice he knows he must have her so he purchases her for a month. But he will soon learn that he has met his match with fiery sensual Blanka. Now these two will play a hedonistic game that will end up with both of them stunned regarding the feelings they bring out in each other. Davide has planned to help Blanka when her time with his is over, he wants to give her the life she yearns for, but someone is going to use them to keep them apart. Will they both realized they are being played?

Now old enemies will resurface, someone will get pregnant and Blanka's life is in danger all due to her sister Regina's evil ways as well as Galina playing her part until she finds she has to help Blanka. Now with the help from the Clan, Davide is racing against time to stop this threat led by Victor and Blanka's sister. Can Davide save Blanca in time? Will the Clan along with Davide and Blanka finally get their revenge on the parties involved as they work together to end this threat. Once again this decadent, dark romance story by Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater will pull you in from beginning to end as you enter the dark world surround the Clan and the men and women who enter their lives. We now will be left having to wait for the next book when secrets are revealed and a new player Jacques Beaumont enters the equation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, please read the trigger warnings and heed them. If you don't want dark and dangerous, don't read these books. While they're here for pure entertainment, its not like people haven't been warned. I'm just tired of seeing some folks complain about it when the warning is given at the beginning. By the way, this is book #11 in the series. It just keeps getting better and better.

We left off last time with Elena and Luca. Boy, was there trouble that brewed from that book and flowing into this current one. Galina, who is wanted by The Cl ans, has disappeared into thin air from the previous book. Now, we know she's called upon a favor from childhood friend, Blanka. Blanka, with sister Regina, know Galina and her sister. What follows is the intrigue of Galina positioning herself yet again in a way that puts her in direct contact with a member of the Clans. This time she gets help in the form of Blanka's sister, Regina.

Blanka and Davide's story is suspenseful, dark, and gripping. There are times when you just want them to run away from The Clans and all the drama so they can get their happily ever after. However, there are some real eye opening events in this book. Do Blanka and Davide make it out unscathed? Will Galina ever get her comeuppance? Also, will Blanka and Regina's relationship withstand all of the events?

Prepare to read this story in one sitting. There's intrigue, suspense, betrayal, and so much more. Yet, there's also a love story wrapped in the center of the story. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Well done, Ladies!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blanca aka Belladonna has been a whore for years ever since she had to do something in order to eat when she was a teen. Belladonna is working in Venice for a madame named Cecilia Bianchi. Belladonna is the best at Cecilia Bianchi’s whorehouse. Belladonna dreams of being out of the business and being on her own. Davide is the leader of the clan in Italy. He has never wanted to settle down. He always buys the women he has sex with. Davide books an appointment with Belladonna and the first night together was actually him having sex with her roommate. Davide finds Belladonna interesting and different from all the other women. Davide likes to play games. Davide has bought Belladonna for a month. Belladonna is feisty and has some sass. When their time together comes to an end Belladonna was hoping Davide would want more with her. Belladonna has an older sister name Regina who tortured Blanka when they were young. Blanka wanted nothing to do with Regina and she hasn’t seen her in years until she came back from being with Davide. Regina is now working for Miss Bianchi. Galena from past books is also working there. Blanca and Regina grew up with Galena. Davide was missing Belladonna so after a week or so he paid off Belladonna’s contract with Miss Bianchi. He figured she would come to find him. Miss Bianchi told Belladonna that Davide cancelled his contract with her and never told Belladonna that he had paid off her contract. Belladonna is given the worst men as a punishment. Will Davide finally go looking for Belladonna? Will Regina and Galena cause problems? Will Davide and Belladonna finally get married?

Superb The Clans Book 11!

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blanka was a young woman who had to fend for herself early in life, so she had to sell what she had, her body. She is known as Belladonna at Miss Cecilia's bordello and one of her top earners. She gets a call from a fellow Czech woman, Galina who was now in Venice and wanted a job, so she put in good word with Cecilia...but unknown to Blanka is Galina being wanted by the Clans...Madame has a new customer she is to go with for up to four weeks at a time, but still be available for customers between visits with this very important customer. This customer is Davide, head of the Romanian Mafia in Italy...he is a man who enjoys women and is not shy about being who he is and never thought to settle down. He has a new job from the King and Queen which is mostly legal...running MMA fights all over Europe, so he takes Blanka with him...both falling for each other...but she is under contract and cannot leave, and always told herself that she would never fall in love with a man who paid for sex...and he said he would never want to be tied down to one woman...but things are not as appear and Galina, along with Regina, Blanka's sister have plans which do not bode well for Blanka or any of the other ladies of the brothel...but you will need to read this tale of intrigue to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realizing what you have been missing but maybe you can't have it in the end

Venomous is the eleventh book in The Clans series by Iris Sweetwater and Elizabeth Knox and boy is it a dark and dangerous story but also very entertaining and kept me engaged from the first to the last page. Davide and Blanka are an interesting couple in more ways than one. Blanka is beautiful but deeply scarred by her life. She works in a brothel selling the only thing she has......herself. Davide is the head of the Romanian Mafia in Italy and contracts to have Blanka with him as he travels. They are both intense characters and together they are off the charts hot and sizzling. As they spend more time together they start to have feelings but there are obstacles and many surprises along the way.
This is a really well written book with a story-line that grabs you and characters that have a lot of depth and pain. Be warned that there are a number of triggers in Venomous or you will be stung.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you come across a book that deserves far more than the 5 stars that you're allowed to give. Venomous is definitely of those books
I have to say I'm not surprised after reading all of the other ones in this series. This book takes not only your attention from the beginning but it also takes your breath away after reading some of the things that Blanka has endured. She is beautifully broken, incredibly strong and only one man could be her perfect match. Davide Lupei, a member of The Clans, just as beautifully broken as Blanka is the obvious choice. They meet in the most unconventional way but seem to be able to see past all the mess and truly see each other. There's twists, turns and surprises around every corner. If you like a book that leaves you feeling like you were right in the thick of the journey with the characters involved then this is the book you need. I only wish I could give it 10 stars!

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're considering reading this book, take the time to read the teaser and trigger warnings. This book is dark and gritty so be warned by the publishers trigger warning and by those of us reminding you to take them to heart if this is something you don't want to become a part of. That being said, "Venomous" is book 11 in "The Clan" series and what an intense, suspenseful, and intriguing story Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater have given us. If you remember, Galina has caused problems for The Clan in previous books and she makes her appearance in this one as well, along with more of her mischief. Will they catch her this time? You'll have to read to find out for yourself how that one plays out. And we also get to read Davide and Blanka's story. Each has met their match in the other with so much chemistry it brought heat to my Kindle and to my person. You definitely don't want to miss their tale. Congratulations ladies on another five-star review.

[Vikki Purcell]

This book had me hooked from the start. Davide and Blanka's story is intriguing, dark, gritty and full of suspense,drama and plenty of sensual moments . Davide clan member loves women frequents brothels all over Europe as he is a player and is convinced he will never settle down with one woman. When he sees Blanka, who is the best at what she does in order to survive in a brothel in Venice he knows he must have her so he purchases her for a month. But he will soon learn that he has met his match with fiery sensual Blanka. Now these two will play a hedonistic game that will end up with both of them stunned regarding the feelings they bring out in each other. Davide has planned to help Blanka when her time with his is over, he wants to give her the life she yearns for, but someone is going to use them to keep them apart

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is phenomenal! These two authors give you a story you just can't stop reading. I was captivated from the start. This is about Davide and Belladonna/Blanka. Belladonna is a working girl. Davide is head of one of the clans and is use to having people jump when he speaks. No one defies him. Well, that is until he is with Belladonna. She gives him lots of sass. These two are explosive together. There is always danger around Davide.Can he keep her safevwhile she is with him? Will they be able to out smart those that are out to get them? Can they open their hearts to let love grow? Is it possible for their story to have a HEA? Get the book to find out the answers. You will be glad you do! I will say this is my favorite out of the clans books. I am voluntarily leaving my review after reading an advance reader copy from the author.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venomous by Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater is book 11 in The Clans Series. This is the story of Davide and Blanka. I did feel this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Davide is the head of the Romanian Mafia in Italy. Davide is not one to settle down to one women so he choices to use the Brothels. Davide ends up hiring Blanka for a moth to be with him and to travel. Blanka hasn't had a easy life which means for her to have survived, she had to sell what she has...herself to get by. Now she is known as Belladonna at Miss Cecilia's bordello and is one of the Top selling women there. Neither wanted to feel anything more than their contracted service but they started to find that they can't help but feel more for each other. There is danger that is following them which adds to the story. Enjoyed this book.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! This is my favorite of The Clans. Davide is one huge alpha a******. He never wanted to settle down. He enjoys his freedom and all the women he can have. Everything changes the moment he meets Belladonna/Blanka. Belladonna may be a working girl, but she has plans and dreams of getting out of the business. When things change, Davide wants to make sure Belladonna is free, even if it means without him. Some things start to change, and Davide wants to make sure Belladonna is safe and protected and puts things in motion to make sure she is. This is a dark and delicious read that is packed with action, hot and steamy scenes and twists and turns that will make you gasp. I was hooked from the very beginning to the end. I absolutely loved this and the ride these two authors took me on.

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 11 in The Clans series. You could probably read this book on its own but you’ll have a better idea of the other characters and the plot arc if you follow the series from the start. If you read Heretic, the previous book on this series, you'll remember the sisters Ivana and Galina wreaked havoc, and the epilogue shows Galina getting in touch with a childhood friend called Blanka. This book is about Blanka, a sex worker, and her client Davide, a head Clan member. What starts as an illicit love story turns into a deadly, dangerous, action-fuelled climax. I love this series! I love the plot arc, the characters, the love stories (which are generally quite unconventional), and the inevitable action.

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.

[Alicia Harrietha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venomous by Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater is book 11 of The Clan series but can be read as a standalone. I have missed up the series and I am still in love with every book I have read, even if its out of order. Venomous is about Davide and his ladies, he is not the settle down type and even if it is expected of him he still refuses. That was until he met the one "working girl" that may be the one that he just cannot tame or let get away. Blanka is straight up sass and attitude and I was so entertained by her character. Both authors did and extraordinary job with the plot, it was full of suspense, drama and heat. I need to catch up on the full series as all the books so far that I have read have left me wanting more.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

David and Belladonna's story is a very steamy read that totally captivated me from the very first page. Despite the drama that was in this book I loved the story of David and Bella coming together. Definitely not a conventional way to meet but their union and subsequent romance was such a beautifully told story and the steamy scenes will blow your mind away. Another hit in the Clans series by Iris Sweetwater and Elizabeth Knox. Totally devoured this without stopping and was so upset when it ended. I hope we see a lot more of them in the upcoming Clans books. Another amazing 5 star read.

I received an arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sherry Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.
Venomous is the 11th book in The Clans series.
The story was well written and had loads of
action and suspense.
Davide and Belladonna had very sexy and steamy chemistry.
Davide Lupei is Romanian and a head Clan member in charge of MMA business.
Belladonna is the name she uses as a call girl in Italy. Blanka Hruska is her real name is Czech.
This book kinda ties some loose ends up and creates new ones.
I would recommend this book to others but you would need to read them in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M Mendes Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Venomous. It was so enthralling that I couldn’t put it down. I have to admit I really love all of Elizabeth Knox’s books but this one turned out to be outstanding. Davide and Blanka are characters that had a lot of depth to them. They were definitely spontaneous and not lacking in any way spontaneity as Davide loves being. I would night recommend this book. Small warning the epilogue features a cliff hangar into which leads to the next book as it is a series. The individual books can be read alone but I personally like to read the previous books from a series. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 11 of The Clans Series. This story got me hook right at the start and I had to finish the story. The plot was intriguing, dark, suspenseful, drama and plenty of steam. Davide visits brothels all over Europe and he's convinced that he will never settle down with just one women. Then he sees Blanka at a brothel in Venice and he knows that he has to have her. The characters are wonderful as they try to pretend they don't care about each other but if they are honest with each other that they have a very strong passionate love. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dangerous twisted story that will grab you and keep you on the edge of your seat! Blanka learned at a early age that you have to do what ever you have to to survive! She works at a brothel and dreams one day to be away from it all. Davide is head of the Romanian mafia and loves women and plans to never settle down. He sees Blanka and buys her for a month to be with him. They have a journey together but unknown to them Blanka is going to be used by people close to her that she never expected. Can Davide save her as they have done something they never expected, fall in love!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit too dark for me. For me, although I read the trigger warnings, the triggers within the story affected me more than I expected. This is definitely a dark read. So, please read the trigger warnings and heed them. Either way, that won’t take from my review. This is a continuation and this story is about Elena and Luca. Galina disappeared but we now know that Blanka and her sister, Regina, a child hood friend, needed a favour. Blanka and Davide’sstory is suspenseful, dark, and gripping. The Clan’s stories can be overwhelming at times are times. I desperately just wanted them to get to their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

As much as I have really enjoyed this series, as well as this book, I really dislike the cliffhanger ending! This story was intense, intriguing, suspenseful, and had many unexpected twists. It was also brutal, with horrible individuals who had no issues with rape, abuse, or even murder. However, it had a somewhat happy ending with the romance aspect of the story, but unfortunately that, as well as other issues, were included in the cliffhanger at the end. I'm really hoping that it won't be long before the next book will be released, and I'm certainly looking forward to it.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding authors.

[Scharme Grider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blanka, Belladonna, and Davide's story is pretty crazy from the get go. Blanka is stuck working in a brothel and is really ready for a change, but she continues on like she always does. Davide requested her for a week and they had an epic time. Feelings get involved and that is against the rules. The clans get involved and things start to happen. People start dying. Wow!! Just wow!! Can't wait for more!! Love this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t read any of the other Clan books but this one was good. Blanka is a working girl who meets Davide and the connection is there but they fight for it. The Clan is something else I think his book and I have to fight with the rage that I feel sometimes in this book for the characters. They fight their chemistry but do they finally get it? Your going to have to get this book to see if they over step the Clan and fight for what they deserve!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, just not my favorite

I feel like I need to start off by saying I love this series. It’s been a favorite since book one. However, as with every series, you just don’t like all the same. Unfortunately, that is what happened with a Venomous. It’s a good book, just not my favorite. I wasn’t hooked from the very beginning. The hero and heroine just didn’t connect with me on the level I’m used to in this series. However, the cliff hanger has me DYING to know what happens next.

[Dia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge isn't always best served cold in the feast of life. Sometimes a quick and brutal execution of justice is delayed. When Davide means to do well for Blanka, it leads to a tangled mess. Love seems like it is always too far away... But is it?

Really, this is a fantastic book, and while it can be read on its own, I don't recommend that. It's best enjoyed when read in its order in The Clans series. Please don't pass it up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater did a great job on Venomous. It was a great story. The plot and characters were strong. The story was filled with action, drama, suspense, twists and more. The story was written well. Blanka and Davide's journey wasn't the easiest, they had many ups and downs but they were made for each other, they were drawn to one another. The connection and chemistry was strong between them. They were great together.
I enjoyed this story, it was great. Thank you, Elizabeth Knox and Iris Sweetwater. Great work :)