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lanaekirby's review against another edition
3.0
This book was, for me, on the cusp of being a really good book but slightly missed the mark. The plot was great, absolutely heartbreaking, but showing how grief isn't brief or something that is the same for everyone. I was immediately drawn to the characters. Their tragic histories and how they were still working to get thru them. It's a slow slow burn enemies to lovers romance story. And boy do you root for them. But I found their conflict just dragggeddddd on I understood the lies and hesitancy to be truthful to each other, but by about just past halfway I'm like ok seriously, how long are we going to draw this out? It became slightly redundant with "I need to tell them" "they'll never look at me the same if they know" blah blah. Also, there is one questionably unethical scene that did give me ick factor. I tend to put blinders on when reading books and red flags in real like but in a book I'm like YES. But the one scene was a little much for me. But all in all, it was a great read and I enjoyed it
mon_ee_cuhh's review against another edition
5.0
This book had my heart cracking and healing all together! Def check the trigger warnings before reading but it was so powerful and beautiful
dmartin2990's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know where to begin...I can't remember the last time a book gutted me like this...
Kellan--what a character. The way his emotions poured into the pages, it was as if he was right here telling me his stories and shooting me sarcastic looks. I think he's a character I will always carry with me...a tortured soul with so much to give, yet so little to convince him it was worth giving it a shot.
The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars (besides the *cough* weird AF scene at the doctor's office- you'll see), is that I felt the ending was underserving of the complexity of the characters we grow to love as we turn each page. The first half of the book was so rich in content, I felt the ending lacked a certain density to this richness and didn't do justice to the complexity of the characters....I wanted more. More importantly, I wanted a better resolution.
However, that is not to say this book does not do justice to the subject matter. The way we get to see how the characters develop--from physical growth to emotional growth--it was REAL. That's why I ended up bawling my eyes out at 1 am--it was pure, raw human emotion in the most unabashed, unapologetic way. I loved it. Thank you for giving us such beautiful characters.
Kellan--what a character. The way his emotions poured into the pages, it was as if he was right here telling me his stories and shooting me sarcastic looks. I think he's a character I will always carry with me...a tortured soul with so much to give, yet so little to convince him it was worth giving it a shot.
The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars (besides the *cough* weird AF scene at the doctor's office- you'll see), is that I felt the ending was underserving of the complexity of the characters we grow to love as we turn each page. The first half of the book was so rich in content, I felt the ending lacked a certain density to this richness and didn't do justice to the complexity of the characters....I wanted more. More importantly, I wanted a better resolution.
However, that is not to say this book does not do justice to the subject matter. The way we get to see how the characters develop--from physical growth to emotional growth--it was REAL. That's why I ended up bawling my eyes out at 1 am--it was pure, raw human emotion in the most unabashed, unapologetic way. I loved it. Thank you for giving us such beautiful characters.
emponterio's review against another edition
4.0
There’s a lot of talk regarding s*icide in this; both successful and thoughts of. If that’s a trigger, this isn’t for you. However this book, heavy as it was, was pretty dang good.
marisaaurigemma's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
okay. um. I think I’m def in the minority hear but like… 700 pages… if a book is 700 pages… I want there to be… I don’t know. I don’t want to be wishing there was more that happened in a book that was 700 pages. I just feel like so much happened but nothing at all. It was beautiful! At some parts! But this felt like this was written in 2014. And I think maybe if it was written in 2014 that would have made me like it more. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE??? Idk. I’m truly sorry. I wanted to be enamored by it. I just… wasn’t. I’m not saying it’s terrible! Definitely read it!! Don’t listen to me!!! The ratings on this are so high. Maybe it’s just me. It probably is.
okay. um. I think I’m def in the minority hear but like… 700 pages… if a book is 700 pages… I want there to be… I don’t know. I don’t want to be wishing there was more that happened in a book that was 700 pages. I just feel like so much happened but nothing at all. It was beautiful! At some parts! But this felt like this was written in 2014. And I think maybe if it was written in 2014 that would have made me like it more. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE??? Idk. I’m truly sorry. I wanted to be enamored by it. I just… wasn’t. I’m not saying it’s terrible! Definitely read it!! Don’t listen to me!!! The ratings on this are so high. Maybe it’s just me. It probably is.
el_doodles_reads_exist's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Darling Venom hits hard from the start, diving deep into love, grief, and the kind of healing that isn’t simple or clean. Charlotte and Kellan’s connection is magnetic and intense, grounded in shared pain and understanding. Charlotte’s empathy, even while struggling herself, and Kellan’s raw vulnerability make you root for them both from the beginning.
The story tackles grief and the healing process with honesty and realism that digs right into you. Charlotte’s relationship with Tate isn’t a replacement or an escape; it’s a complex, believable journey of growth and love that feels real. Some of the best scenes are when characters are brutally honest with each other—no masks, just raw emotions of grief, love, and owning up to their faults.
The relationships Charlotte has with her sister and Tate with his father show that healing isn’t just about one person; it’s about showing up for others, even when it’s hard. Persistence in caring really does pay off, and Huntington captures that beautifully. It’s those small acts of love and patience that break through the walls we put up.
In the end, Darling Venom leaves you with this message: even the most broken hearts can heal when there’s acceptance, love, and patience. Moving forward doesn’t mean letting go completely; it’s about learning to live with the scars and keep going.
The story tackles grief and the healing process with honesty and realism that digs right into you. Charlotte’s relationship with Tate isn’t a replacement or an escape; it’s a complex, believable journey of growth and love that feels real. Some of the best scenes are when characters are brutally honest with each other—no masks, just raw emotions of grief, love, and owning up to their faults.
The relationships Charlotte has with her sister and Tate with his father show that healing isn’t just about one person; it’s about showing up for others, even when it’s hard. Persistence in caring really does pay off, and Huntington captures that beautifully. It’s those small acts of love and patience that break through the walls we put up.
In the end, Darling Venom leaves you with this message: even the most broken hearts can heal when there’s acceptance, love, and patience. Moving forward doesn’t mean letting go completely; it’s about learning to live with the scars and keep going.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicide, and Death of parent
a_graves's review against another edition
4.0
Silly me thinking this was just another smutty enemies to lovers…this book had me crying more than I have for myself collectively over the past couple of years. Jesus h macy this one felt personal and was just heart wrenching in general, but a really great read
jxjreads's review against another edition
5.0
Please Read
If you read any book, read this one. Please. It is a tragedy to never be able to read this book for the first time again. It hits hard. Just incredible.
If you read any book, read this one. Please. It is a tragedy to never be able to read this book for the first time again. It hits hard. Just incredible.
mayyyra__'s review against another edition
5.0
When I first started reading this book, I couldn’t get passed the fact that Charlotte was falling for Tate so easily after Kellan. But because of all the great reviews I kept reading this book will make you feel so many different emotions. It’s so beautifully written. & after finishing it i’m so glad I did. Kellans character will stay with you, he deserved so much better. This book embodies grief & love & suicide in such a magnificent way. Must read.