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Requiem #1.5
Love is not Nothing
Requiem hadn’t meant to care. Hadn’t wanted to fall in love. She didn’t do love. But life without Alison had seemed so insubstantial. Bleak. Empty. So she went back for her.
It’s now been two years since Australia’s top cellist and secret underworld assassin Natalya “Requiem” Tsvetnenko stood in the rain, faced her biggest terror, and asked her “little mouse”, Alison Ryan, to move to Europe with her.
What has happened since? Does Requiem still burn to hunt? Has she been tamed by love? Was her prediction right that they could never work out; that they would implode before too long? How could two such different people ever last?
In a single, powerful day in Vienna, all their doubts are faced and the truth seeps into the light.
A short-story sequel to lesbian crime noir Requiem for Immortals.
Word Count: 10,000 words
It’s now been two years since Australia’s top cellist and secret underworld assassin Natalya “Requiem” Tsvetnenko stood in the rain, faced her biggest terror, and asked her “little mouse”, Alison Ryan, to move to Europe with her.
What has happened since? Does Requiem still burn to hunt? Has she been tamed by love? Was her prediction right that they could never work out; that they would implode before too long? How could two such different people ever last?
In a single, powerful day in Vienna, all their doubts are faced and the truth seeps into the light.
A short-story sequel to lesbian crime noir Requiem for Immortals.
Word Count: 10,000 words
ebook
First published September 20, 2017
34 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Lee Winter
34 books2,975 followersLee Winter is a former award-winning veteran newspaper journalist who has covered courts, crime, news, features and humor writing for almost three decades around Australia. Now a full-time author and part-time editor at Ylva, Lee is also a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Golden Crown Literary Award winner.
Want to get in touch? Email: Leewinterauthor@gmail.com
Want to get in touch? Email: Leewinterauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
October 18, 2017
'Ylva-Publishing ARC provided in exchange for my unbiased review'
Ms.Winter's cliffhanging chapter ending from the previous book#1,all but foreshadowed and kept us the readers waiting and hungry wondering as to how their relationship will progress or not..the struggle was what made them so flavorful in this story. Love,romance,tortured soul,tame action,vendetta,smooth sex scene,nice dialogue,good paced and memorable characters are the hallmarks of Winter's writing but the beauty of her language and words makes this book an outstanding read. 'Love is not nothing'-what a powerful yet simply worded paradox. Overall it's an amazingly,short,sweet,touching,heartwarming conclusion to Requiem's story that everyone will surely enjoy..highly recommend
Ms.Winter's cliffhanging chapter ending from the previous book#1,all but foreshadowed and kept us the readers waiting and hungry wondering as to how their relationship will progress or not..the struggle was what made them so flavorful in this story. Love,romance,tortured soul,tame action,vendetta,smooth sex scene,nice dialogue,good paced and memorable characters are the hallmarks of Winter's writing but the beauty of her language and words makes this book an outstanding read. 'Love is not nothing'-what a powerful yet simply worded paradox. Overall it's an amazingly,short,sweet,touching,heartwarming conclusion to Requiem's story that everyone will surely enjoy..highly recommend
August 30, 2017
4 1/2 Stars. A great little short. I loved Requiem for Immortals. It was one of my favorite books of 2016. It was the kind of read you are sad when the book ended and wanted to read more. When I heard Winter was writing a short to let us know how Req's life is working out, I could not wait to read this. My only complaint, it was over too quickly for me.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I will keep this brief. This short has some excitement and some heat. I thought this was well written, and Winter stayed true to the Requiem story. I was really happy to be with these characters again, and I appreciate Winter giving us fans this little taste.
If you enjoyed Requiem for Immortals, don't pass this short up. It really was a great little ending to the Requiem story. Of course I would love another book, but if not, this short made me happy. If you have not read Requiem yet, you have to read that book before this short. Requiem for Immortals is excellent, so you would not want to miss it anyway.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I will keep this brief. This short has some excitement and some heat. I thought this was well written, and Winter stayed true to the Requiem story. I was really happy to be with these characters again, and I appreciate Winter giving us fans this little taste.
If you enjoyed Requiem for Immortals, don't pass this short up. It really was a great little ending to the Requiem story. Of course I would love another book, but if not, this short made me happy. If you have not read Requiem yet, you have to read that book before this short. Requiem for Immortals is excellent, so you would not want to miss it anyway.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
October 14, 2017
So much packed into this glimpse at the life Natalya chose to embrace when she retired Requiem and moved to Vienna.
She may now be a full time concert cellist but the caged panther that was Requiem lies just beneath the surface. Knowing this makes the moments shared with Alison all the more powerful. Loved the trust and the respect shown by these two lovers.
Most bang for your buck in Lesfic period. Terrific read.
She may now be a full time concert cellist but the caged panther that was Requiem lies just beneath the surface. Knowing this makes the moments shared with Alison all the more powerful. Loved the trust and the respect shown by these two lovers.
Most bang for your buck in Lesfic period. Terrific read.
November 17, 2019
Note: Reread Nov. 2019. **BTW - I made a Spotify Playlist for novel, Requiem for Immortals. It has most of the music mentioned. Today, I added the Violin & Cello music that Alison is playing on her ipod (Philip Glass's Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra, Duet #2). To find the Playlist go to Spotify and search for Requiem for Immortals.*** Enjoy.
Luce
5 Stars for A short check in with Requiem/Natalya & Alison.
If you haven’t read Requiem for Immortals - STOP and Immediately go and read it before reading this short. It’s basically a two years later Epilogue to the first book and you won’t get the many references plus it spoils the first book.
Requiem/Natalya is one of my favorite characters. This revisit solidified my feelings and also that I need to do a reread of book 1 ASAP. Amazing how much Winter was able to accomplish in 10,000 words in this story without it feeling like an information dump. So, if you liked Requiem, I think you will like this short.
Since Requiem for Immortals is The Law Game #1 series - does this mean Winters will be revisiting Requiem in Book 2 or will it be another set of characters?
Luce
5 Stars for A short check in with Requiem/Natalya & Alison.
If you haven’t read Requiem for Immortals - STOP and Immediately go and read it before reading this short. It’s basically a two years later Epilogue to the first book and you won’t get the many references plus it spoils the first book.
Requiem/Natalya is one of my favorite characters. This revisit solidified my feelings and also that I need to do a reread of book 1 ASAP. Amazing how much Winter was able to accomplish in 10,000 words in this story without it feeling like an information dump. So, if you liked Requiem, I think you will like this short.
Since Requiem for Immortals is The Law Game #1 series - does this mean Winters will be revisiting Requiem in Book 2 or will it be another set of characters?
July 17, 2022
bs, so random. unfortunately, i’m beginning to think alison deserves better. ugh. i just wanted a happy epilogue where they just LOVE
September 5, 2017
A perfect encore for Requiem fans.
Despite being completely absorbed, I was nevertheless quite alarmed at the fast creeping % read after every page turn I made. But no worries. Give it to the author to cram so much story, so much thrills and feels into 10,000 words. It's much more than an epilogue. It's got its own thrills, tied up loose ends, and most important of all, settled the all-important "love" question...once and for all.
5 stars
ARC from Ylva
Despite being completely absorbed, I was nevertheless quite alarmed at the fast creeping % read after every page turn I made. But no worries. Give it to the author to cram so much story, so much thrills and feels into 10,000 words. It's much more than an epilogue. It's got its own thrills, tied up loose ends, and most important of all, settled the all-important "love" question...once and for all.
5 stars
ARC from Ylva
September 24, 2017
I'm not sure if you can fully enjoy this without reading Requiem for Immortals first. I liked the little check in on Req and her mouse after a year since Requiem. Req is an interesting character. That hasn't changed :) Insert the obligatory, I wish there had been more, statement here somewhere. At 10K it's a short. Liked it a lot though.
September 1, 2017
She's done it again!
Lee Winter one of my top ten lesfic authors (https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...). This is a short sequel of her acclaimed book Requiem for immortals which I recommend you to read if you haven't already. This book catches up with the lives of Natalya (alias Requiem) and Alison, five years after their first meeting. Ms. Winter had a big challenge in writing a sequel of such an original story and to keep the reader's interest. Once again, she didn't disappoint and delivered a top notch story. Despite its short length, she even manages to introduce a twist or two.
Highly recommended after if have read Requiem for immortals. 5 stars.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Lee Winter one of my top ten lesfic authors (https://lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com/...). This is a short sequel of her acclaimed book Requiem for immortals which I recommend you to read if you haven't already. This book catches up with the lives of Natalya (alias Requiem) and Alison, five years after their first meeting. Ms. Winter had a big challenge in writing a sequel of such an original story and to keep the reader's interest. Once again, she didn't disappoint and delivered a top notch story. Despite its short length, she even manages to introduce a twist or two.
Highly recommended after if have read Requiem for immortals. 5 stars.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2025
➥ 4 stars ⋆˚࿔
very sweet short story, loved seeing natalya & alison again<3 (happily living together!!!!🥲🫶🏻)
➥ favorite quotes :
“Who knew even the scariest assassins have in-law anxieties?”
“I don't do love. As a rule. But apparently the rules don't apply to you. God knows, no rule in existence has ever worked in the past.”
very sweet short story, loved seeing natalya & alison again<3 (happily living together!!!!🥲🫶🏻)
➥ favorite quotes :
“Who knew even the scariest assassins have in-law anxieties?”
“I don't do love. As a rule. But apparently the rules don't apply to you. God knows, no rule in existence has ever worked in the past.”
February 16, 2026
Memorable Quote:
“Well, I don’t do love. As a rule. But apparently the rules don’t apply to you. God knows, no rule in existence has ever worked in the past” - Natalya (Part 2, pg. 38).
Review:
Short sequel to requiem of immortals, and this is what I believe the ending should have been in the novel. I’m glad that Lee Winter wrote this short novella to fully close off the previous book. Overall, very sweet, simple, and to the point, but also some additional info with girly from the alley sister (my fault for not knowing her name), but I thought it was good, and of course, more content with Allison and Natalya was amazing.
Also, this was the quickest shi I read so I’m pretty happy right now :)
“Well, I don’t do love. As a rule. But apparently the rules don’t apply to you. God knows, no rule in existence has ever worked in the past” - Natalya (Part 2, pg. 38).
Review:
Short sequel to requiem of immortals, and this is what I believe the ending should have been in the novel. I’m glad that Lee Winter wrote this short novella to fully close off the previous book. Overall, very sweet, simple, and to the point, but also some additional info with girly from the alley sister (my fault for not knowing her name), but I thought it was good, and of course, more content with Allison and Natalya was amazing.
Also, this was the quickest shi I read so I’m pretty happy right now :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2017
This short story is well-written, just not what I expected. And, because of that, I was disappointed. I was hoping for a story that was primarily Alison and Natalya interacting and that's not the case. We don't see them together until we hit "Part Two" at 59% and the time they're together includes a flashback summary of events from book one. The story ends by 92% so there's very little of them as a couple in present day.
What we do get with "Love Is Not Nothing" is a story that takes place a few years after "Requiem For Immortals" ends. Wondering how Natalya and Requiem live peacefully together or how Natalya and Alison (aka Mouse) are doing in the current day? This story more or less answers that question.
The short book is a mix of action, slices of domesticity, humor, a recall from book 1, and light erotica.
"Love is not Nothing" is from Requiem/Natalya's point of view so this is really her story. And much of it is just what is taking place in her head.
I also couldn't help but compare this to Telanu's "Water Into Wine" which was the epilogue to her story "The Lily and the Crown" due to their similarities. That's in no way to say the idea was copied but, having read that before this, it wasn't refreshingly new like it could've been.
For enjoyment level I give this about 3.5 stars but, because it's well written, I feel it deserves a higher rating so I'm going with 4.
What we do get with "Love Is Not Nothing" is a story that takes place a few years after "Requiem For Immortals" ends. Wondering how Natalya and Requiem live peacefully together or how Natalya and Alison (aka Mouse) are doing in the current day? This story more or less answers that question.
The short book is a mix of action, slices of domesticity, humor, a recall from book 1, and light erotica.
"Love is not Nothing" is from Requiem/Natalya's point of view so this is really her story. And much of it is just what is taking place in her head.
I also couldn't help but compare this to Telanu's "Water Into Wine" which was the epilogue to her story "The Lily and the Crown" due to their similarities. That's in no way to say the idea was copied but, having read that before this, it wasn't refreshingly new like it could've been.
For enjoyment level I give this about 3.5 stars but, because it's well written, I feel it deserves a higher rating so I'm going with 4.
September 17, 2019
Second read. Audible Edition.
I can't say it enough. I am in love with the narrator's voice.
This short follow up to Requiem For Immortals is a fun way to visit Allison and Natalia to see where their lives have taken them several years later. To see if they really were the bad idea Natalia had thought.
Thankfully, Requiem makes an appearance in this. I would have been disappointed if we were simply given a glimpse of happily ever after.
I really liked seeing how their relationship had progressed while still keeping in character with who they both are.
I think Winter should write another one for this series. Perhaps someone takes her little mouse to draw Requiem out. And she struggles to avoid coffee while also having to find a way to save her. I don't know. I JUST LOVE THIS STORY SO MUCH!!
I can't say it enough. I am in love with the narrator's voice.
This short follow up to Requiem For Immortals is a fun way to visit Allison and Natalia to see where their lives have taken them several years later. To see if they really were the bad idea Natalia had thought.
Thankfully, Requiem makes an appearance in this. I would have been disappointed if we were simply given a glimpse of happily ever after.
I really liked seeing how their relationship had progressed while still keeping in character with who they both are.
I think Winter should write another one for this series. Perhaps someone takes her little mouse to draw Requiem out. And she struggles to avoid coffee while also having to find a way to save her. I don't know. I JUST LOVE THIS STORY SO MUCH!!
July 5, 2018
This seems to be nothing more an epilogue to 'Requiem for Immortals'. It's an easy, short read and, as usual, well-written. I didn't really see the point of it though. There's nothing in here that I hadn't completed in my head after 'Requiem'.
January 18, 2026
I loved, loved, loved this. Alison is amazing. And Natalya giving herself to Alison was just magical. Perfect follow up with action and spice and revenge. Chef’s kiss ***mwah!
February 26, 2023
Just listened to the audiobook version of Requiem For Immortals and this story came along with it. The first time I read the book, I didn’t read this one because I was afraid that it would ruin things, but I decided to listen to it now and I wish I had read/listened to this sooner. What a beautiful way to finish this complex and beautiful story 🥰 Really enjoyed it
September 11, 2019
Wonderful
What a great short story letting us see where our favorite ex-assassin is at in her life with Alison! A very enjoyable SS in true Requiem form.
What a great short story letting us see where our favorite ex-assassin is at in her life with Alison! A very enjoyable SS in true Requiem form.
September 3, 2017
If you were a fan of Requiem for Immortals this is a great epilogue to keep you updated on how Requiem is doing with her non-assassin lifestyle. You will love this touch base moment with your favourite bad girl.
September 27, 2017
I was a bit surprised how short this book was, but I am so glad to meet these characters again. It kind of gave Requiem For Immortals an ending. I would advise you read that book first.
I really can not go to deeply into the story because I would end up giving too much away. That would only spoil it for you.
But I will say that I really would not mind more books on Requiem. She is definitely an intriguing character. But saying that it was nice to get this short story to let us know she is doing fine. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
I really can not go to deeply into the story because I would end up giving too much away. That would only spoil it for you.
But I will say that I really would not mind more books on Requiem. She is definitely an intriguing character. But saying that it was nice to get this short story to let us know she is doing fine. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
October 13, 2017
The only flaw is the lack of interaction of the developing relationship between Alison and Natalya. I really want to see how their relationship developed in the Europe. And there should've been a little more pages to the story.
Love it tho.
4.5 🌟
Love it tho.
4.5 🌟
December 3, 2018
Sequel to Requiem for Immortal. Simply loved it...yet again
Will there be a Requiem #2 in the near future
Will there be a Requiem #2 in the near future
December 22, 2018
This is really a three for being an epilogue disguised as a short story sequel but gets the benefit of the four because it’s a good epilogue to a good story.
September 11, 2017
Had the extraordinary privilege of reacquainting myself with Natalya and Alison's relationship through this novella and was left unsurprised by the poignancy, affection as well as intimacy that characterized the whole. My beloved Requiem retained her surliness and conceit, which was tempered by more pronounced levels of consideration/empathy. The single detraction was the length, which managed to whet my appetite for an hour and then, left me deeply disappointed in the lack of further details. I want to know the details of establishing the life and domesticity that so fueled both protagonists. Only respite is the approaching publication of "The Brutal Truth" in November....Squealing with excitement....
Generously received an arc from Ylva and the author.
Generously received an arc from Ylva and the author.
January 6, 2026
Great follow up on Natalya and Alison.
I enjoy knowing that Requiem is still there, just fuelled by a different motivation, that despite everything she told herself and others, she feels love.
Happy reading 📚
I enjoy knowing that Requiem is still there, just fuelled by a different motivation, that despite everything she told herself and others, she feels love.
Happy reading 📚
October 9, 2017
A worthy follow-up to Requiem for Immortals.
September 2, 2017
Fantastic epilogue to requiem for immortals. My only con is its a novella and I would have loved a full novel. Can't have everything so appreciate this short sequel to tie up story up.
Recommend read full novel first. For those who enjoyed that will not be disappointed.
Arc from ylva for honest review.
Recommend read full novel first. For those who enjoyed that will not be disappointed.
Arc from ylva for honest review.
January 19, 2026
⋆˙✮ 4
It almost had me in the first half….
First of all, I am so glad I figured out there was an epilogue for Requiem because I love Natalya and Alison so, so much. I won’t lie, I was a little bit worried with how the story started, but I think it’s even more meaningful that even after years had passed, Natalya was still actively unlearning everything that was taught to her— and doing it because of her love for Alison.
No notes… except that I wish there were more stories of these two 💔
It almost had me in the first half….
First of all, I am so glad I figured out there was an epilogue for Requiem because I love Natalya and Alison so, so much. I won’t lie, I was a little bit worried with how the story started, but I think it’s even more meaningful that even after years had passed, Natalya was still actively unlearning everything that was taught to her— and doing it because of her love for Alison.
No notes… except that I wish there were more stories of these two 💔
September 9, 2017
So I read this as an ARC and I'm going to assume there is a longer novel out there somewhere that I perhaps should have read before hand, but as a stand alone quick novelette it was alright. I'm not sure it made me want to read the longer portion of the novel, if there is one, but it doesn't rule it out. Assassins are certainly interesting characters and I like when they meet someone that helps to tame their impulses to kill. I certainly would like to read more of Lee Winter's books and will look for them in the future.
September 14, 2017
I got mixed up and totally thought this was a short story to follow the Lee winter book that I had read but oops it follows the one I haven’t yet read. If you haven’t read any of Lee Winter’s books or you have’t read Requiem for Immortals (which this story follows), I still highly recomend giving this short story a go to get a taste of the magnificent way Lee Winters writes. This little taste will make you want to dive into her other books and not see the light of day until you finish them all.
This story follows up with Natalya and Alison, so if you have read Requiem for Immortals you’ll love this brief peek into their lives a few years down the road. I had no trouble following along and even less trouble getting totally swept away by the incredible writing, the thrilling plot, and great characters. This is a short story at its absolute best. You’re immersed in the story like no other. The pacing is perfect. The story perfectly developed even limited by its length. Theres nothing missing, nothing wanting. You’re sucked into this story from the minute you start reading.
And gosh as thrilling as this story was, the emotional side of this story slayed me. The ending made me burst into tears at work because damn Lee Winter can write.
I received an ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows up with Natalya and Alison, so if you have read Requiem for Immortals you’ll love this brief peek into their lives a few years down the road. I had no trouble following along and even less trouble getting totally swept away by the incredible writing, the thrilling plot, and great characters. This is a short story at its absolute best. You’re immersed in the story like no other. The pacing is perfect. The story perfectly developed even limited by its length. Theres nothing missing, nothing wanting. You’re sucked into this story from the minute you start reading.
And gosh as thrilling as this story was, the emotional side of this story slayed me. The ending made me burst into tears at work because damn Lee Winter can write.
I received an ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2017
I love the way Lee Winter writes, and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by her. This is a short story, a sequel to Requiem for Immortals. I would call it the epilogue of that book, except that Winter includes the requisite background so that new readers can understand what’s happening.
It works as a short story in its own right, but it’s probably much more enjoyable if you’ve read Requiem for Immortals first. It's short, but satisfying and the writing can be savoured word by word.
I was given an advance copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
It works as a short story in its own right, but it’s probably much more enjoyable if you’ve read Requiem for Immortals first. It's short, but satisfying and the writing can be savoured word by word.
I was given an advance copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2017
This is a short and sweet conclusion to the intense thriller Requiem. Alison and Natalya are three years into their relationship when Natalya gets a sudden...invitation to return to the world that she left behind as Requiem, Australia's notorious assassin. Does Natalya have it in her to stay with Alison, or will she get seduced back into the dark world she left behind?
I absolutely loved Requiem and continue to love the characters that Lee Winter has written. This short story is little more than a love note to the fans of the full length novel, and did very little to change the plot of the original. This little side story is intense and hot, with a dash of sweetness. The ending was just adorable and perfect. Winter did not need to write this, but I am glad she did.
*I received this ARC from Ylva in exchange for my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved Requiem and continue to love the characters that Lee Winter has written. This short story is little more than a love note to the fans of the full length novel, and did very little to change the plot of the original. This little side story is intense and hot, with a dash of sweetness. The ending was just adorable and perfect. Winter did not need to write this, but I am glad she did.
*I received this ARC from Ylva in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews