A review by bookjournalboss
The Venom We Bleed by Lucy Smoke

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Fallen Prep School Princes turned Fighter… 

Some might say Juliet was the princess, or better yet the Queen of her prep school. That was before her boyfriend and best friend betrayed her. And before her father was arrested for pretty much destroying the lives of the people around them with his greed and deceit. Let's not forget this drastic turn of events that flips her life upside-down happens on her 18th birthday. Definitely not what she wished for. 

Now she has no family, friends, money, or real place to go. She's left to fend for herself and do whatever it takes to survive. She's fresh out of f***s and won't hesitate to stand up for herself. Juliet now has to make it through her senior year in the public school surrounded by those who were hurt worst by her father's deceit. She's been training in the gym and is not afraid to defend herself from those who want to put her in her new place. 

The Scorpion Kings - Nolan, Gio, and Lex - rule the school. They're also part of the darker side of town where drugs, protection money, death, and organized crime is their norm. They're ready to test out Juliet to see what she's made of now that she's on their side of the tracks. 

All four are ready to do their time and get out for a better life. They're connected in ways Juliet doesn't even know about yet. They may be enemies but the attraction and intense chemistry between them all can't be denied. I have theories about things going on behind the scenes but I won't spoil it. This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to see where it goes. 

Check those triggers and be prepared for a cliffhanger.