Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Sweet Venom blends the high-stakes world of hockey romance with dark psychological suspense. How did this combination of genres work for you? Did you find that one element, like the romance or the thriller plot, dominated the story, or did they feel balanced?

2. Rina Kent’s novels are known for being part of an interconnected “Rinaverse.” If you’ve read other books set in this world, how does Sweet Venom compare in tone and intensity? If this was your first experience with her work, did the deep world building of Vencor and the founding families feel accessible or overwhelming?

3. The central relationship between Jude and Violet begins with stalking, coercion, and psychological torment. What were your thoughts on their journey toward a “happily ever after”? Did you find their emotional connection believable within the intense, and often violent, logic of their story?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Violet uses baggy hoodies and glasses as a form of “invisibility armor” to navigate the world safely. Have you ever used clothing or adopted a certain style to feel more comfortable or less noticeable in a new or intimidating situation?

2. The “Endure” tattoo is central to Violet’s initial mindset of passively surviving her circumstances. What’s your take on the idea of “enduring” versus actively challenging a difficult situation? Has anyone ever changed how you approach stressful scenarios?

3. Dahlia and Violet are foils for one another, sometimes failing to understand the other’s perspective yet deeply protective of each other. Do you have family members that you strongly differ from? Do you find that your different perspectives are helpful or harmful to your relationship?

4. Jude’s entire identity is built on avenging his mother, a mission that he later discovers is based on a complete misunderstanding of her death. Can you recall a time when you held a strong belief about a person or situation, only to learn that the reality was entirely different? How did you move forward?

5. The novel contrasts the tight-knit found family of Jude, Kane, and Preston with their destructive and manipulative biological families. Have you ever had a “found family”? What did this group offer you?

6. Jude secretly becomes Violet’s biggest supporter through her online shop, using the anonymous persona “UnderTheUmbrella.” What are your thoughts on anonymous acts of kindness and support? Do you think they can be truly selfless, or is there always an element of personal motive involved?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The stark economic divide between wealthy Graystone Ridge and impoverished Stantonville fuels the central power imbalance. How does the novel use this class difference to comment on the ways wealth and privilege can create systems of impunity that leave people vulnerable?

2. Sweet Venom is a quintessential dark romance, a subgenre that has gained immense popularity on social-media platforms. Why do you think stories featuring morally ambiguous anti-heroes and intense power dynamics resonate so strongly with contemporary readers?

3. The secret society of Vencor, controlled by four elite families who dominate key industries, operates entirely above the law. In what ways does this fictional organization mirror real-world concerns about corporate power, elite impunity, and the generational influence of “old money” dynasties?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The narrative alternates between Violet’s and Jude’s perspectives. In what ways did this dual point of view shape your understanding of the characters and their motivations, particularly your perception of Jude’s actions?

2. The blue umbrella is a central, recurring symbol. How does its meaning evolve from a simple object representing a moment of kindness to a core symbol of Jude and Violet’s shared history and hidden connection?

3. The dynamic between Jude and Violet shares elements with classic “beauty and the beast” or Hades and Persephone narratives. Do you see these archetypes at play in Sweet Venom? How does the novel either conform to or subvert the patterns of these classic tales?

4. What is the significance of the mothers, Susie Callahan and Savannah Winters, being absent yet pivotal figures in the story? How do the truths revealed about their lives and deaths act as the primary catalysts for their children’s psychological journeys?

5. Preston’s faked death serves as a major plot twist. Beyond moving the story forward to expose Marguerite, what thematic purpose does this event serve in exploring grief, loyalty, and the extreme measures the characters will take for one another?

6. In what ways does the hockey rink function as more than just a backdrop for the sports-romance element? How does it contribute to Jude’s characterization?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Violet’s online embroidery shop becomes both a creative outlet and a path to independence. If you were to design a custom embroidery piece that captures the essence of a major character or theme from the book, what would it depict, and what would it symbolize?

2. Imagine you are writing a scene from the perspective of Violet’s therapist, Sloane Harriot, after Violet has learned the full truth about Jude secretly killing all her past abusers. What might that therapy session be like, and what guidance might Sloane offer?

3. The novel ends with Jude and Violet in a committed relationship, but the world of Vencor remains dangerous. What do you imagine their life looks like five years after the final Epilogue? Do you think they can truly find peace, or is their version of “happily ever after” destined to be a violent one?