Review : Archangels Venom by Nalini Singh (5 Stars)

Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #10
Published by Penguin on 2017-09-26
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 368
Format: eBook
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Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh's breathtakingly passionate Guild Hunter world with the story of a woman who isn't a vampire or an angel...or human...

Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it's not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman--it's the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.

Now, someone has put a bounty on her head...

Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael's private guard, and he's as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly's. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself--because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening... No one is safe.

FTC: I bought this book because I adore Nalini Singh

You cannot read this book out of series order, however, I recommend the entire series. Although the romance is standalone, the development of the characters, along with the story arc, has been building since book one and you really need to see how far Holly has come over the course of the books to appreciate just how fucking amazing a heroine she is.

I need to put a big content warning here for abuse of all kinds. Holly’s recovery is a wonderful story but it may be difficult for some people to read.

I have been waiting for this book for so long. Ever since I met Venom I have adored him and ever since Holly became Sorrow, I have wanted to see her break free of the depression caused by the violation of Uram’s taint. It was a good choice to make this book 10, to make us wait for an eon, because I would never have believed that she could accept him before she started to accept herself. This book is my favorite non-Elena book so far.

Holly is my kind of heroine. Strong, snarky and completely determined, she was a joy to read about. I knew her book would never be easy to read but it was blooming awesome. I loved seeing how she had carved her own niche in this world, becoming part of the community instead of relying on others to save her. With her unicorn hair and never-ending smart arse comments, she was so much more than the shell of a woman we saw in the first few books and, from the first time I saw her giving Dmitry shit, I knew she would be amazing and she is; J’adore!

Holly’s relationship with Venom was not without its fireworks but it was oh-so-much-fun to read. They butted heads constantly but it was clear that their clashes were growing from their mutual attraction. When they finally gave into temptation, the development of their relationship left me with all the feels; their relationship is built on tenderness and acceptance and I could see how they both got what they needed from it.

To feed her, to care for her, it gave him so much pleasure that he knew he was in trouble beyond anything he’d ever before handled.

Venom was a complete surprise to me.  I expected bad-boy but I got sensitive soul cased in a hard casing of charm offensive and snark. Rejected because of the unusual characteristics he acquired after his change, he had learned to keep others at bay. Well, that is until Holly burrowed her way into his heart with her own unusual charms!! He never babied her or pitied her; he supported her whilst recognizing that, although his support was appreciated, she never once needed it. I loved him!

Overall, a perfect addition to the series and I’ve already reread it. Read the series if you love UF; you will not regret it.