One, to fan the flames. Conláed is bound by duty and desire, willing to stop at nothing to protect Áine, even as her transformation threatens to tear them apart. The line between savior and captor blurs as he is drawn deeper into a love that may consume them both.
One, the forged blade. Haunted by the shadows of his past, Damien walks a path of violence and vengeance. Yet, with Áine at his side, he senses a flicker of redemption, a chance to forge a future from the ashes of their pain-if only they can survive the coming storm.
Another, consumes the rage. Trapped in a web of ancient magic and cruel fate, Isolde struggles to reclaim her power and identity. In a world where trust is a luxury she cannot afford, every step brings her closer to a truth that could either set her free or destroy everything she holds dear.
In the water, she will burn. The power within Áine is a curse she never asked for, a force that drives her to the brink of madness. As the world around her crumbles, she must confront the darkness inside, even if it means becoming the monster she fears most.
**This is a Polyamorous Dark Fae Fantasy romance with triggering themes**
Military brat turned dark fantasy romance author, Lady Kilroy brings a unique edge to her storytelling. Once a cybersecurity student with aspirations of joining the Space Force, she took a sharp turn from tech to tales, channeling her experiences as a trauma survivor into stories brimming with grit and heart.
Now a proudly bisexual, polyamorous witch, Lady Kilroy crafts dark fantasy horror romances with LGBTQIA+ and poly representation at their core. Her debut novel, Rotting in Vain—the first in the Taunting Death Series—explores a twist on what humanity is at its core, complex morally grey characters, cursed lands, and realms abandoned by gods.
When she’s not penning her next twisted masterpiece with her author group, The Distracted Inklings, you can usually find her blasting loud music or chasing after her two kids, two cats, one dog, and ever-supportive husband.
Stay updated on Lady Kilroy’s journey by following her on TikTok and Instagram.
Perfection! If you thought Rotting in Vain was good (which it was) hold on to your hats because the second installment, Rising in Ruin, blew it out of the water.
Firsty - Conlead is beyond what a MMC should be. He is a total ass, he’s absolutely brutal and he just happens to be a sexy demon boy too… say less.
Aine, who we’ve come to know and love since the first book has grown so phenomenally in character and personality. She’s fierce, she’s selfless and she’s totally badass.
The spice and chemistry between these two… you’re gonna wanna be near a shower at all times.
As for the plot, Lady Kilroy knocked it outta the park… so intricate. So many twists. So much action and that cliffy at the end - I dang near died on that hill.
Things I loved about this book (and series) - the spice - the divine feminine rage - The truly unique worldbuilding and character design - The way trauma and ptsd is dealt with - The LGBTQ+ representation (including gender fluidity 🙌) - The SPICE - the banter - it’s beyond that, almost bickering. Hilarious and biting and so dynamic - How many times I was kicking my feet in excitement and swooning - How many times I was squeezing the life out of my kindle whisper yelling “Whaaaattttt?! Are you kidding me?!” - Did I mention THE SPIIIIICE?!
Things I didn’t like about this book - literally nothing. READ THIS BOOK. I know I’m doing a re-read of both books immediately. Forget my TBR. I need more of this. I’m not ready to move on.
I made myself take my time with Rising in Ruin, and I’m glad I did! Àine is such a bad*ss MC and Con, well he’s grown on me! I couldn’t get enough of this book. The banter, the unlikely friendships, following along with Àine and watching her take control of what she became. Realizing who she is, and what must be done. This story took me on a ride of the unknown, it made me gasp, my jaw drop, literally laugh out loud! Alright Lady Kilroy, I need book three..like now!
Aine is one of my very favorite FMCs! She is the ultimate badass whose strength, courage, intelligence and wit come through page after page! The chemistry between Aine and Conlead is off the charts - they are both assholes but it works for them!
There is tons of action, twisty moments and spicy scenes and it ends on a steep cliff leaving the reader dangling on the edge (and wishing for a quick release of Book 3!).
This series is phenomenal and should be required reading for any fantasy reader!
This series is so good! The FMC is different from any other FMC I've ever read! And I loved it! If you like fae, demons, elves, witches, dragons ect. Then I would highly recommend! Oh and did I mention mates?! Huge plot twist at the end I was NOT expecting. I'm super excited to see where this goes in book 3!!
I was provided an ARC copy for my honest review. No spoilers
This is the second book in the series, and it did not disappoint. Our main characters definitely had some harrowing adventures in this book. Not too heavy on the spice but heavy on the Angst, which I love.
I walked past him and slapped him on the back of his head. Did I have to jump to do it? Yes. Was it worth it? Also, yes.
Ladies and Gentlemen, she did it again. Lady Killroy delivers, and this book has it all. Love, tragedy, joy, pain, a crap ton of adventure, and the spice is 🔥! I devoured this book, and my head is still spinning. This is definitely one of my favorite new series, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Reading this felt like a movie, a great continuation of book 1 and an awesome set up for book 3. The upcoming war is going to be epic if book 2 is any indication of it. Tatiaine is such a kick ass character it’s hard not to get upset with her to let herself be loved. The trauma she’s been thru is unimaginable but her growth is hard fought. I really wish there had been a lot more Damian in this book, but I’m sure the bond will be talked about a lot more in book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was great. It got me wanting to read more fantasy. It had a little bit of everything a Stabby bad ass fmc who made me want to snatch her and shake her sometimes, tear the world down and watch it burn energy. Rejected mate ,enemy lovers exactly what you are looking for if you enjoy a good fantasy read
I wanted to love this but I had to DNF 50% through. Part of this was my fault, I thought it was about a bisexual fmc and hoped that after the disastrously toxic relationship with Isolde in the last book that this book would focus on both characters moving on to other people in healthy relationships. Instead *spoiler* she just is mated to 3 people and not one of them is a healthy relationship. They’re all toxic and lust-fueled, but there’s no romance so it felt very abrupt and then they were having hate sex. I think it is hard enough to write one good relationship and tackling a reverse harem just ends up never working for me, but again this could be my fault in not knowing that’s what it was when I read it. The excessive trauma dumping wasn’t organic and didn’t further the plot, which is another thing that is super off-putting to me in novels. Could desperately use an editor. The cover art was beautiful though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
She has done it again!!! Lady K has become one of my favorite authors and she only has 2 books!!!
As we know book 1 was AMAZING!!
BOOK 2- This book will have you wishing you were in their world. The FM and MM characters have so much chemistry and so much tension between them you will need a cold shower.
Conlead, the MMC is not like our normal main characters at all, let's be honest dudes a prick 🤣, but he is the prick she needs!! We all need!
Aine, my girl Aine has been through some stuff. She has all rights to be the badass she has become.
If this book gives any hints as to what book 3 will hold, then damn! This upcoming war is going to be EPIC! THAT ENDING UGHHH! Why must you do this to me! AGAIN!
IF YOU HAVENT READ THIS SERIES YET, WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING!???!! GO GET IT!
First of all I loved Rotting in Vain, which led me to want to read Rising in Ruin. I was so excited to start the next part in the Taunting Death Series! And I was not disappointed, this book had it all,Plot,Spice,and the characters, add in worldbuilding that continued from book 1 and it made this magnificent work.
Rotting in Vain was one of my favorite books of 2024, and if you thought that was good wait till you read Rising in Ruin it blew me away. Aine has grown so much from book one and is a phenomenal main character! It is so cool to watch her in book 2. And to see her take control of who she is! The Spice and Chemistry between her and Conlead is chefs kiss! Con may have grown on me a lot more in book 2 and now I love him more. Lady Kilroy delivers once again in Rising in Ruin. If you enjoy Action,Tragedy,Adventure and cliffhangers and Spice amazing MC’s this is the book for you!
THE PLOT THOSE TWISTS THE WAY THEY WERE WEAVED,THE ACTION OMG SO GOOD. AND THAT CLIFFHANGER I WAS SCREAMING. I may have been clutching my phone repeatedly screaming WHAT? HOW? WHY? And NOOO I NEED TO KNOW NOW.
Thank you so much to the Author for this ARC! I can’t wait to see what comes next on this journey!
This series has gotten me back into fantasy! The characters are so well developed through out the book and the story really helps you understand them more. It’s a beautiful story that I just can’t get over. I love how authors can write and make the characters so different and unique but they still fit like puzzle pieces. It’s an art honestly and this book was a masterpiece. I really enjoyed book 1 but book 2 was perfect and I can not wait to read more!! The spice was immaculate and I mean that like just perfect!!
Much like the first book, this one suffers from confusing prose, repetition, and inconsistencies but also like the first one, I found the story compelling. I very much want to read the next book (and last? idk if this is a trilogy or not). I expect the one LI will have some groveling to do but their basically in it already. I'm very curious how the other two LIs will progress. The one hasn't had that much interaction with Aine and the other is hell bent on not being with the her and also will likely be grieving.
I struggle to find the right words to describe how much I love this book. The author pulls no punches when it comes to playing with the readers' emotions. I absolutely love Aine and her fierce loyalty, strength, and courage. The main male character makes you want to throw something, but the chemistry between the 2 is undeniable. There are so many good scenes and events and heart-stopping moments. I couldn't put the book down and can't wait for the next cause that cliff hanger was brutal.
Kilroy is back with book 2 and she’s not taking it any easier on her readers.
The story literally picks up where book 1 left off and the ride doesn’t slow down from there. The drama and conflicts rise and so do the tempers of the main characters as they are forced to work together.
But the fae can never really be trusted and Aine needs to be careful who she trusts as she keeps navigating the new world she finds herself in.
Rising in Ruin is the second book in the Taunting death series. This book is awesome! LadyKilroy worked so are on it and did an amazing job!! Aine starts an alliance with Con to fight against the enemy. Aine has 3 different Mates. Damion is my favorite!! I really hope in the next book I get to hear more about Damion and get to know him better. This book was more about Aine and Con's relationship. Highly recommend it to anyone that likes Fantasy books!!
Enemies to Lovers SPICY Scenes Gnarly Battle/Fight Scenes Big Reveals/Plot Twists Fated Mates Fierce FMC Feminine Rage Touch her AND touch him and 💀
I absolutely loved the intricacies of this story! It has lots of world building & perfect descriptions—it was so easy to imagine what everything looked like. There were so many turns and plot twists, it kept me on my toes and intrigued! I love the fmc and how she will fiercely defend the women [and men] she loves 🖤🗡️. I can’t wait for the next installment of the series, because that ending 😱!!
THIS BOOK. Wow. I'm not sure I've ever read a 2nd book as good as this. I know this series to going to be one of those that ends up being a new age classic and even better that it's written by a woman!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book was so good! I enjoyed the continuation of the story and the depth of the development of the characters. The delicate mix of romance, fantasy, and darkness weave perfectly together.