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Tempting the Fates #1
Kiss of Death
What would you give to save the one person who truly loves you?
Your soul? Your life? Your love?
Life was far from perfect after my mother's sudden death, but it was one I'd grown to love.
And now, it's a life I'll never know again.
Not after she and her two cruel sons entered our lives.
My father swore he'd never love again, but just as suddenly as Merelda arrived, she became the very center of his world... and just as quickly, I was all but forgotten.
Still, I did not complain... if only for my father's sake.
Not even when cruel words turned into even crueler punishments at my new step family's hands.
It isn't until I suddenly find my father on his deathbed and myself sold off to a sadistic lord that I finally decide to take matters into my own hands.
I have to save my father.
And, in order to do that, I'll have to make a deal with The Bargainer.
If I fail, I'll be found, beaten, and married off to undoubtedly die at my husband's hand.
If I succeed, my father will live, though at what cost to my own life I do not know.
Either way, my life as I know it is forfeit... but at least this way, I'll be able to choose my own fate .
Or, so I thought.
Kiss of Death is the first book in the Tempting the Fates series. This is a dark fantasy series centered around a mashup of mythological and fantasy retellings that is slow burn and slow build with multiple love interests, shifters, forbidden love, multiple POV, dark themes, cliffhangers, twists, spice, betrayal, heartache, redemption, and so much more.
This series contains violence and slow burn spice that may not be suitable for all audiences. Please read at your own discretion.
Your soul? Your life? Your love?
Life was far from perfect after my mother's sudden death, but it was one I'd grown to love.
And now, it's a life I'll never know again.
Not after she and her two cruel sons entered our lives.
My father swore he'd never love again, but just as suddenly as Merelda arrived, she became the very center of his world... and just as quickly, I was all but forgotten.
Still, I did not complain... if only for my father's sake.
Not even when cruel words turned into even crueler punishments at my new step family's hands.
It isn't until I suddenly find my father on his deathbed and myself sold off to a sadistic lord that I finally decide to take matters into my own hands.
I have to save my father.
And, in order to do that, I'll have to make a deal with The Bargainer.
If I fail, I'll be found, beaten, and married off to undoubtedly die at my husband's hand.
If I succeed, my father will live, though at what cost to my own life I do not know.
Either way, my life as I know it is forfeit... but at least this way, I'll be able to choose my own fate .
Or, so I thought.
Kiss of Death is the first book in the Tempting the Fates series. This is a dark fantasy series centered around a mashup of mythological and fantasy retellings that is slow burn and slow build with multiple love interests, shifters, forbidden love, multiple POV, dark themes, cliffhangers, twists, spice, betrayal, heartache, redemption, and so much more.
This series contains violence and slow burn spice that may not be suitable for all audiences. Please read at your own discretion.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2023
1212 people are currently reading
15459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
March 25, 2023
*Long suffering sigh*
I only finished this one so that I could sincerely and wholeheartedly tell everyone that nothing really happens apart from my eyes rolling out of my scull.
I only finished this one so that I could sincerely and wholeheartedly tell everyone that nothing really happens apart from my eyes rolling out of my scull.
March 17, 2023
It’s a Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast retelling, but with Death… if I need to say more then you’re just silly. It’s indie published so there are some minor typos but the plot is pretty good. No spice. Trigger warning though for attempted r@p3 scenes. Also the ending will make you cry and you’re not sure if they are tears of sorrow or happiness. It’s a good quick read book. HOWEVER if you are reading this book because you saw a tiktok or insta reel staying there is a revenge plot with “who did this to you?” mayhem, this book don’t really have that vibe at all. It’s more like ACOTAR but Az took Feyre instead of Tamlin.
May 24, 2023
A surprisingly good love story, I'm intrigued.
⇢What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Dark Fantasy Romance
∘ Death God
∘ Strong & kind FMC
∘ Dual POV
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Slowburn
∘ Forbidden Love
∘ Slow building RH
⇢Trigger Warnings: attempted rape, violence, death
⤏ Summary
Hazel is a slave in her own house. After her mother died, her father remarried and things took a turn for the worst. She's been forced to live the life of a slave, neglected by her family and abused by her stepmother and her two stepbrothers. Her oblivious father was away for work more time than not.
But with her father now fallen ill and her stepmother arranging a marriage for her, Hazel decided to leave home in search for a way to help not only the most important man in her life, but also herself.
Never did she consider that making a deal with The Bargainer could be the answer.
⤏ Plot/Writing
This is one of those books that managed to surprise me, and in a good way. Hazel's story spoke to me and it hurt me to see how she's treated and what she needs to endure. Even though her adventure isn't one well-planned, she's determined to find a way to save her father, whatever the cost.
After striking the bargain, she is to remain in The Bargainer's castle until the deal is fulfilled. Things start being more intriguing and take an exciting turn when Death itself starts having an interest in the only human to ever see his home.
⤏ Worldbuilding
The author skillfully depicts the worldbuilding so that I could vividly imagine Hazel's childhood home and the castle. Exploring the castle alongside Hazel felt eerie, but captivating.
⤏ Characters
∘ Hazel
Hazel's a tormented character, yet she remains strong and kind, hoping for a day when she can escape the hell her stepmother made sure to put her through.
∘ Death
Death is quite charming. Despite being a lonely and reserved creature, he instantly recognized Hazel's worth and took it upon himself to ensure her comfort and well-being during her stay in his castle.
Though he never has visitors, he tried to be a good host to Hazel, and it was so cute to see how much he cared about treating his guest right.
⤏ Romance
The relationship between the two has such a natural buildup. It started more as a fascination and slowly turned into something more.
That heartbreaking scene was so well written, it tugged at my heartstrings.
However, I was a little surprised when I discovered it was going to be a reverse-harem series, but I can't say I mind. I'm actually excited to see where it goes from here!
⤏ Conclusion
If you're looking for a short and captivating read to escape reality, a touching love story with a drop of pain, then this one is for you.
✦ For more bookish content, you can follow me on Instagram: @asternyx ✦
⇢What to expect:
∘ New Adult
∘ Dark Fantasy Romance
∘ Death God
∘ Strong & kind FMC
∘ Dual POV
⇢ Tropes:
∘ Slowburn
∘ Forbidden Love
∘ Slow building RH
⇢Trigger Warnings: attempted rape, violence, death
⤏ Summary
Hazel is a slave in her own house. After her mother died, her father remarried and things took a turn for the worst. She's been forced to live the life of a slave, neglected by her family and abused by her stepmother and her two stepbrothers. Her oblivious father was away for work more time than not.
But with her father now fallen ill and her stepmother arranging a marriage for her, Hazel decided to leave home in search for a way to help not only the most important man in her life, but also herself.
Never did she consider that making a deal with The Bargainer could be the answer.
⤏ Plot/Writing
This is one of those books that managed to surprise me, and in a good way. Hazel's story spoke to me and it hurt me to see how she's treated and what she needs to endure. Even though her adventure isn't one well-planned, she's determined to find a way to save her father, whatever the cost.
After striking the bargain, she is to remain in The Bargainer's castle until the deal is fulfilled. Things start being more intriguing and take an exciting turn when Death itself starts having an interest in the only human to ever see his home.
⤏ Worldbuilding
The author skillfully depicts the worldbuilding so that I could vividly imagine Hazel's childhood home and the castle. Exploring the castle alongside Hazel felt eerie, but captivating.
⤏ Characters
∘ Hazel
Hazel's a tormented character, yet she remains strong and kind, hoping for a day when she can escape the hell her stepmother made sure to put her through.
∘ Death
Death is quite charming. Despite being a lonely and reserved creature, he instantly recognized Hazel's worth and took it upon himself to ensure her comfort and well-being during her stay in his castle.
Though he never has visitors, he tried to be a good host to Hazel, and it was so cute to see how much he cared about treating his guest right.
⤏ Romance
The relationship between the two has such a natural buildup. It started more as a fascination and slowly turned into something more.
That heartbreaking scene was so well written, it tugged at my heartstrings.
However, I was a little surprised when I discovered it was going to be a reverse-harem series, but I can't say I mind. I'm actually excited to see where it goes from here!
⤏ Conclusion
If you're looking for a short and captivating read to escape reality, a touching love story with a drop of pain, then this one is for you.
✦ For more bookish content, you can follow me on Instagram: @asternyx ✦
March 27, 2023
This put me in a reading slump, and it's all the heroine's fault.
March 22, 2023
I saw this book on tik tok thinking to myself it's going to be exactly my cup of tea. In theory, it is, but the writing in this book is just... really not good at all.
I wish I didn't have to be this mean, but I've read a romance with death on wattpad written by a thirteen years old that was much superior to this.
Of course lots of people are going to love the feel of this book but for me, this book was unfortunately a bad experience from beginning to end.
I wish I didn't have to be this mean, but I've read a romance with death on wattpad written by a thirteen years old that was much superior to this.
Of course lots of people are going to love the feel of this book but for me, this book was unfortunately a bad experience from beginning to end.
March 16, 2024
There are slow burns and then there is watching paint dry that never actually dries
Absolutely nothing goes on in this story. The set up is pretty poor and then nothing happens. Bad stuff happens to the FMC in the beginning, Death takes her home, then nothing for the remaining 80% of the book. No exaggeration. Just nothing. The premise was really good but nothing happens. Somewhere in the mist of all that nothing, they fell in love which makes no sense. I finished but I’ll just skim the next book cause like why is there two books?
Absolutely nothing goes on in this story. The set up is pretty poor and then nothing happens. Bad stuff happens to the FMC in the beginning, Death takes her home, then nothing for the remaining 80% of the book. No exaggeration. Just nothing. The premise was really good but nothing happens. Somewhere in the mist of all that nothing, they fell in love which makes no sense. I finished but I’ll just skim the next book cause like why is there two books?
March 13, 2023
One good thing I have to say about this book is that the author describes the setting beautifully.
GOD I HATE THE FMC. No backbone at all, extremely frustrating to see her just get abused and she is too dumb to just tell her father about it and the fact she won't for stupid reasons. It's not compelling watching her do nothing to help herself for the majority of the book. I'm so annoyed 😠
GOD I HATE THE FMC. No backbone at all, extremely frustrating to see her just get abused and she is too dumb to just tell her father about it and the fact she won't for stupid reasons. It's not compelling watching her do nothing to help herself for the majority of the book. I'm so annoyed 😠
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
First DNF of the year. The main character has no drive or backbone. Things just happen to her and she reacts to it.
Also, what exactly is the plot? NOTHING happens in the book, just abuse and random behaviours.
Also, what exactly is the plot? NOTHING happens in the book, just abuse and random behaviours.
April 25, 2023
The first 45% of this novel was a snoozefest.
But then we finally met Death and I was all in! I would like to give Death a smooch, kthx.
I have already downloaded the second one. Keen to see where it goes.
3 Stars
But then we finally met Death and I was all in! I would like to give Death a smooch, kthx.
I have already downloaded the second one. Keen to see where it goes.
3 Stars
October 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
•┈••✦ Seeing her smile, her joy over the simplest things, makes me want to bend the world to kneel at her feet ✦••┈•
I was promised a very different book than what i got 😭 the first half was so boring. And the second half was like a completely different book. you don’t even meet the mmc until 50% which was annoying. The whole time i thought this was a standalone too, so you can imagine my pain when it ended on a cliffhanger and they still hadn’t gotten together.
Death was portrayed so oddly. Like he was so sweet the entire time?? Who woulda thought death incarnate would be such a softy. Not me. I was promised a dark romance. And yet, i still ate the second half UP! Maybe i’m the problem…
So anyways, i am in fact going to read the second book 🙄
•┈••✦ “You,” he starts, taking one step closer. “You have undone me.” ✦••┈•
•┈••✦ Seeing her smile, her joy over the simplest things, makes me want to bend the world to kneel at her feet ✦••┈•
I was promised a very different book than what i got 😭 the first half was so boring. And the second half was like a completely different book. you don’t even meet the mmc until 50% which was annoying. The whole time i thought this was a standalone too, so you can imagine my pain when it ended on a cliffhanger and they still hadn’t gotten together.
Death was portrayed so oddly. Like he was so sweet the entire time?? Who woulda thought death incarnate would be such a softy. Not me. I was promised a dark romance. And yet, i still ate the second half UP! Maybe i’m the problem…
So anyways, i am in fact going to read the second book 🙄
•┈••✦ “You,” he starts, taking one step closer. “You have undone me.” ✦••┈•
March 16, 2023
rating: 2.25
the first half of this was tough. it felt like a story i'd read a thousand times before and i wasn't super engaged with the characters or plot. the second half was much better but still not great. at about 51% the story very suddenly changes pace and abandons almost all of the characters from the first half of the book which was pretty off putting. the mc felt very average. she seemed way too fragile and ditzy considering that this novel had a good amount of dark content. the premise was cool but every other aspect of the story felt like it was half baked.
sadly this was not a fit for me.
the first half of this was tough. it felt like a story i'd read a thousand times before and i wasn't super engaged with the characters or plot. the second half was much better but still not great. at about 51% the story very suddenly changes pace and abandons almost all of the characters from the first half of the book which was pretty off putting. the mc felt very average. she seemed way too fragile and ditzy considering that this novel had a good amount of dark content. the premise was cool but every other aspect of the story felt like it was half baked.
sadly this was not a fit for me.
March 24, 2023
DNF @ 46%
I'm not having any luck with books lately. I'll keep this brief, as there really isn't much to talk about.
The plot was cringey and I was left wondering when the story would pick up for the entirety of the 112 pages I read. The plot was going no where. And when we finally had a goal (at 40%), it was weak at best.
Hazel's mission of saving her father's life, a father who didn't even know about the abuse and torture the step family was inflicting on her, is just eh. I get he's the only one who loves her, but he didn't do anything to help her either.
Then, it seems that most things that occur are continent and a bit too coincidental for me.
Examples:
>Amadeus finding her in the woods as Hazel is escaping-- why is he out there that late?
>The cottage in the middle of the woods.-- Hazel didn't even question the sudden light that came from it.
>Cyprian at the tree grove Hazel runs to after hearing her father might not have long to live.-- This was random, as she didn't run to this grove before now, either.
But let's back up to the characters.
Hazel, who has zero backbone, doesn't tell her father what is going on for stupid reasons, and is ditzy as fuck. This book read like a very young adult novel, very juvenile. And we don't even know how old Hazel is. She doesn't do anything to save herself in any situation and is a big pushover. I can't stand it, honestly.
The whole step brother thing is weird as fuck. One wants to rape her and the other is in love with her. I'm sorry, YOU'RE SIBLINGS NOW. This is not okay and a very weird relationship to spin.
The whole book was a miss for me. There were also vague setting descriptions and we don't really find out what any of the characters look like. This was supposed to be a dark romance, but the only thing dark about it is Hazel's abuse.
I don't recommend this book.
I'm not having any luck with books lately. I'll keep this brief, as there really isn't much to talk about.
The plot was cringey and I was left wondering when the story would pick up for the entirety of the 112 pages I read. The plot was going no where. And when we finally had a goal (at 40%), it was weak at best.
Hazel's mission of saving her father's life, a father who didn't even know about the abuse and torture the step family was inflicting on her, is just eh. I get he's the only one who loves her, but he didn't do anything to help her either.
Then, it seems that most things that occur are continent and a bit too coincidental for me.
Examples:
>Amadeus finding her in the woods as Hazel is escaping-- why is he out there that late?
>The cottage in the middle of the woods.-- Hazel didn't even question the sudden light that came from it.
>Cyprian at the tree grove Hazel runs to after hearing her father might not have long to live.-- This was random, as she didn't run to this grove before now, either.
But let's back up to the characters.
Hazel, who has zero backbone, doesn't tell her father what is going on for stupid reasons, and is ditzy as fuck. This book read like a very young adult novel, very juvenile. And we don't even know how old Hazel is. She doesn't do anything to save herself in any situation and is a big pushover. I can't stand it, honestly.
The whole step brother thing is weird as fuck. One wants to rape her and the other is in love with her. I'm sorry, YOU'RE SIBLINGS NOW. This is not okay and a very weird relationship to spin.
The whole book was a miss for me. There were also vague setting descriptions and we don't really find out what any of the characters look like. This was supposed to be a dark romance, but the only thing dark about it is Hazel's abuse.
I don't recommend this book.
July 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, but I can see where others didn't. Not a lot actually happened in the book. The beginning of the book (I don't want to say that it was slow) just took a long time to really set up the story and we don't get to meet The Bargainer until way later in the book. And that's fine, this makes it so we really get to see just how badly Hazel is treated. I will say check TW because there are some attempted r@p3 scenes. I feel like the timing and flow of the plot was a little off but other than these things I really loved the book.
I don't want to give too much away but this book gives Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and then Hades and Persephone. This was such a fast read and I didn't want to put it down. I don't understand how Hazel is still such a good person after everything she has been through. There are some pure evil characters that hurt Hazel constantly and it was kind of hard to read. We also see some characters that should have stood up for Hazel but never really did, or only did when it was too late.
Hazel and The Bargainer just makes me so happy. All I see is this ray of sunshine just trying to make this big, bad, scary man happy. It was so adorable. This is a slow burn book and nothing happens in this book. And while there are some darker themes (mainly at the beginning of the book) this is not a dark romance. The end of the book ends on a cliffhanger that will have you reaching for the next book right away.
I don't want to give too much away but this book gives Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and then Hades and Persephone. This was such a fast read and I didn't want to put it down. I don't understand how Hazel is still such a good person after everything she has been through. There are some pure evil characters that hurt Hazel constantly and it was kind of hard to read. We also see some characters that should have stood up for Hazel but never really did, or only did when it was too late.
Hazel and The Bargainer just makes me so happy. All I see is this ray of sunshine just trying to make this big, bad, scary man happy. It was so adorable. This is a slow burn book and nothing happens in this book. And while there are some darker themes (mainly at the beginning of the book) this is not a dark romance. The end of the book ends on a cliffhanger that will have you reaching for the next book right away.
April 17, 2023
This is an all around great quick read if you're looking for a refresher or to get out of a slump.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ well written.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ not too spicy 🌶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ characters are great
I absolutely loved this book! It is definitely a slow burn that builds over time. You fall in love with Death and his character building. I don't want to go too much into detail without giving away the book but it's worth the read. It does end on a cliffhanger (I'm now regretting not purchasing the second book).
I appreciate that there is a content warning at the beginning of this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ well written.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ not too spicy 🌶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ characters are great
I absolutely loved this book! It is definitely a slow burn that builds over time. You fall in love with Death and his character building. I don't want to go too much into detail without giving away the book but it's worth the read. It does end on a cliffhanger (I'm now regretting not purchasing the second book).
I appreciate that there is a content warning at the beginning of this book.
January 15, 2024
Normally I don’t write reviews, but here we go:
I gave this book 2 stars instead of 1.
It was easy to read, so that’s good. But the characters are just… boring. There really is no world building. It is a re-telling of cinderella and beaty & the beast, but twisted in something plain.
The main character didnt really do anything to the bad things that kept happening to her. So the reason why her life sucks is because of herself. And if she makes stew one more time, i’ll lose it…
The cover of the book is pleasingly beautiful! Which gave me high hopes for the story, but that really failed.
I gave this book 2 stars instead of 1.
It was easy to read, so that’s good. But the characters are just… boring. There really is no world building. It is a re-telling of cinderella and beaty & the beast, but twisted in something plain.
The main character didnt really do anything to the bad things that kept happening to her. So the reason why her life sucks is because of herself. And if she makes stew one more time, i’ll lose it…
The cover of the book is pleasingly beautiful! Which gave me high hopes for the story, but that really failed.
April 19, 2023
What does Death look like? Why don’t we get more detail from the 2 seconds Hazel sees his face? I need some real emotion and not just fleeting childish thoughts.
April 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and I immediately ordered books 2 and 3 (pre-ordered the 3rd) for my Kindle as soon as I finished. This for me was a solid 4 stars because it was interesting and felt unique in how Death and Hazel come into each other’s orbits. I liked their chemistry and I thought Hazel as a character was strong in a way that characters sometimes lack.
I was a little surprised at the start because I was not expecting a Cinderella vibe. It was more intense than I expected as well, though it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing as it set the tone and gave the necessary back story for Hazel’s character and her motives. I did feel like the story left a little to be desired by the end, but given there are two follow up books, I can understand why this was done.
This might not be the book for everyone, but I really did enjoy it, and I absolutely will continue on with the series to see where it takes us.
I was a little surprised at the start because I was not expecting a Cinderella vibe. It was more intense than I expected as well, though it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing as it set the tone and gave the necessary back story for Hazel’s character and her motives. I did feel like the story left a little to be desired by the end, but given there are two follow up books, I can understand why this was done.
This might not be the book for everyone, but I really did enjoy it, and I absolutely will continue on with the series to see where it takes us.
May 5, 2023
How from all 247 pages the story became interesting ON THE 240th??? When I started it, I was so excited to read something like this, but it was so poorly and repetitively executed that it bore me to d-e-a-t-h.
The story is just a little changed, confusingly written interpretation of Cinderella. On top if it, Death was a little dull, I expected so much more from him.
I give two stars mainly for the horse, he stood out the most!
The story is just a little changed, confusingly written interpretation of Cinderella. On top if it, Death was a little dull, I expected so much more from him.
I give two stars mainly for the horse, he stood out the most!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2023
I started reading this book to take a break through another book I was struggling with …. Needless to say my other book is looking like a DAMN good book in comparison. FMC is awful and spineless, nothing happens literally at all through the whole book, no excitement, no emotion and over all just a waste of time. Likely my first and last book by this author.
August 13, 2024
Такий дивний початок, я думала це будет або дарк роман, або дарк фентезі. А отримала дарк young adult, з наївною героїнею, яка занадто ідеальна та правильна для цього всесвіту.
і, на жаль, перша книжка вбиває мотивацію - читати далі.
3,5/5
і, на жаль, перша книжка вбиває мотивацію - читати далі.
3,5/5
April 19, 2023
I found Kiss of Death through an Instagram recommendation.
The Verdict: I was looking for a dark fantasy romance with a touch of monster-ness, and Kiss of Death mostly delivers, but the execution leaves a bit to be desired. This isn’t a groundbreaking story, but it’s not bad. I’m still going to read the next book in the series, but I don’t expect that I’ll really remember this book out of everything I’ve read. I was willing to give it a 4 out of 5 thinking that maybe this was a brand new indie author who just needs to hit her stride as far as plot and pacing goes, but it seems like she has had quite a few books out and so I really wish her writing was more mature in those respects.
The Opportunity: I would like to see faster pacing - maybe Kiss of Death and book 2, Touch of Death, should have been combined into one. I haven’t read Book 2 yet, so I don’t know for sure, but that’s my sense. I also wish that the author would take a bit more of a risk with the MMC to stand out from all the other dark fantasy romance and do something different and unexpected. Like, what if Death doesn’t actually have a human face? What if he ate souls? I don’t know, ya’ll, but there just needs to be SOMETHING more.
More details for those who want them ~
The Yes: I appreciate having a dark fantasy that doesn’t have vampires or fae - those are a bit overdone in my opinion. I also appreciated that the FMC isn’t super angsty in second-guessing her decisions - I like an FMC who evaluates the options, makes a decision, and is more or less at peace with it - none of that wishy-washy agonizing over her own choice.
I would consider Kiss of Death to be almost "monster-lite" - the MMC is supposed to be monstrous (he is Death, after all), which I like, but he’s also supposed to be gorgeous? I think a lot of readers will probably appreciate that if they’re looking for dark fantasy that toes the line of monster romance, but aren’t willing to actually take the plunge yet.
The Meh: The writing isn’t horrible, although the pacing leaves something to be desired (which I’ll get to soon). There’s also an unfinished feeling; we spend literally half the book reading about step-brothers and then there’s suddenly nothing about them. There’s zero follow-up, which is fine if they’re not important to the story, but if they’re not important about the story why focus on them for the first 50-55% of the book?
The No: Kiss of Death starts slow and stays slow for most of it. The pacing is very slow and not much actually happens. I mean that not as a criticism but as an objective fact: the book as a whole is maybe 5% Things Actually Happening and 95% Words About Nothing Happening. You don’t even meet the MMC until the second half of the book, and the relationship progresses very little until the last couple of pages.
The Verdict: I was looking for a dark fantasy romance with a touch of monster-ness, and Kiss of Death mostly delivers, but the execution leaves a bit to be desired. This isn’t a groundbreaking story, but it’s not bad. I’m still going to read the next book in the series, but I don’t expect that I’ll really remember this book out of everything I’ve read. I was willing to give it a 4 out of 5 thinking that maybe this was a brand new indie author who just needs to hit her stride as far as plot and pacing goes, but it seems like she has had quite a few books out and so I really wish her writing was more mature in those respects.
The Opportunity: I would like to see faster pacing - maybe Kiss of Death and book 2, Touch of Death, should have been combined into one. I haven’t read Book 2 yet, so I don’t know for sure, but that’s my sense. I also wish that the author would take a bit more of a risk with the MMC to stand out from all the other dark fantasy romance and do something different and unexpected. Like, what if Death doesn’t actually have a human face? What if he ate souls? I don’t know, ya’ll, but there just needs to be SOMETHING more.
More details for those who want them ~
The Yes: I appreciate having a dark fantasy that doesn’t have vampires or fae - those are a bit overdone in my opinion. I also appreciated that the FMC isn’t super angsty in second-guessing her decisions - I like an FMC who evaluates the options, makes a decision, and is more or less at peace with it - none of that wishy-washy agonizing over her own choice.
I would consider Kiss of Death to be almost "monster-lite" - the MMC is supposed to be monstrous (he is Death, after all), which I like, but he’s also supposed to be gorgeous? I think a lot of readers will probably appreciate that if they’re looking for dark fantasy that toes the line of monster romance, but aren’t willing to actually take the plunge yet.
The Meh: The writing isn’t horrible, although the pacing leaves something to be desired (which I’ll get to soon). There’s also an unfinished feeling; we spend literally half the book reading about step-brothers and then there’s suddenly nothing about them. There’s zero follow-up, which is fine if they’re not important to the story, but if they’re not important about the story why focus on them for the first 50-55% of the book?
The No: Kiss of Death starts slow and stays slow for most of it. The pacing is very slow and not much actually happens. I mean that not as a criticism but as an objective fact: the book as a whole is maybe 5% Things Actually Happening and 95% Words About Nothing Happening. You don’t even meet the MMC until the second half of the book, and the relationship progresses very little until the last couple of pages.
April 29, 2023
I genuinely wanted to like this book. I went into reading this book with a lot of excitement. The concept is great and SO interesting. The delivery is piss poor. This book just frustrated me.
At first I was going to give this book more of a break but then I saw that the author has many books under their belt. This is their most recent series but it reads like its the author's first written piece.
A couple caveats I will grant: this book may not have had me as the intended demographic... I dont like fanfiction/don't read Wattpad and I may be older than the intended audience.
The book spends a lot of time doing what I believe the author intended to be world building. What actually happens is the same situations just repeating itself over and over again until 100 pages in. Evil stepmom is evil, creepy stepbrother is rapey, drunk stepbrother is nice (what a twist!), and the only parental figure is sick and dying. After those first ~100 pages, it becomes a "y/n" + Death fanfiction that has ACOTAR undertones [not to be confused with Beauty and the Beast, which I know is the intended reference material].
The book switches perspective throughout, but the writing structure didn't change between the two perspectives. The first-person account from Hazel matches what a 16 to19-year-old's speech would be. Then we switch to Death—an ancient being—who's inner dialogue matches Hazel's written POV.
All in all, I personally don't recommend this book. I only finished because I needed to know that I wasn't missing some amazing upturn. It never did and now I'm sad and $12 poorer.
At first I was going to give this book more of a break but then I saw that the author has many books under their belt. This is their most recent series but it reads like its the author's first written piece.
A couple caveats I will grant: this book may not have had me as the intended demographic... I dont like fanfiction/don't read Wattpad and I may be older than the intended audience.
The book spends a lot of time doing what I believe the author intended to be world building. What actually happens is the same situations just repeating itself over and over again until 100 pages in. Evil stepmom is evil, creepy stepbrother is rapey, drunk stepbrother is nice (what a twist!), and the only parental figure is sick and dying. After those first ~100 pages, it becomes a "y/n" + Death fanfiction that has ACOTAR undertones [not to be confused with Beauty and the Beast, which I know is the intended reference material].
The book switches perspective throughout, but the writing structure didn't change between the two perspectives. The first-person account from Hazel matches what a 16 to19-year-old's speech would be. Then we switch to Death—an ancient being—who's inner dialogue matches Hazel's written POV.
All in all, I personally don't recommend this book. I only finished because I needed to know that I wasn't missing some amazing upturn. It never did and now I'm sad and $12 poorer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2023
This book! I loved it so much, it was so good!
I stumbled across the author’s TikTok and saw some of her videos promoting this book and just had to read it. She described it as Death falling in love with a girl who had bargained away her soul to him. And the images of Death really called to me (my emo side coming out, I guess).
The story felt very much like a fairytale retelling. There were elements of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. There was also the death and the maiden aspect of it, especially when we see Death’s POV and how he slowly comes to acknowledge his feelings but knows nothing can ever come of it.
This is very slow burn, and the pining from both Hazel and Death is so well done. The fact that Hazel’s warmth physically hurts Death, who is basically a walking popsicle, but he doesn’t care because he gets to be near her…so cute! And Knax the death stallion showing his growing affection for Hazel was adorable as well.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and of course there are a lot of plot threads that are unanswered, especially back amongst the humans/mortals. Looking at the author’s other books, it seems like she writes a lot of why choose romance. There is a mortal love interest for the FMC as well but I don’t know if this series will be why choose.
I stumbled across the author’s TikTok and saw some of her videos promoting this book and just had to read it. She described it as Death falling in love with a girl who had bargained away her soul to him. And the images of Death really called to me (my emo side coming out, I guess).
The story felt very much like a fairytale retelling. There were elements of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. There was also the death and the maiden aspect of it, especially when we see Death’s POV and how he slowly comes to acknowledge his feelings but knows nothing can ever come of it.
This is very slow burn, and the pining from both Hazel and Death is so well done. The fact that Hazel’s warmth physically hurts Death, who is basically a walking popsicle, but he doesn’t care because he gets to be near her…so cute! And Knax the death stallion showing his growing affection for Hazel was adorable as well.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and of course there are a lot of plot threads that are unanswered, especially back amongst the humans/mortals. Looking at the author’s other books, it seems like she writes a lot of why choose romance. There is a mortal love interest for the FMC as well but I don’t know if this series will be why choose.
March 19, 2023
this was so good!!!
I am crying leaving this review. This book broke my cold, dead heart. I fell in love with Death. There are multiple books that have had Death as a main character. I have read tons of them. This is the one that truly made me love him. The depth of his ability to feel. Just, gahhhh.
I can’t, literally can’t, wait until the end of March for the next one.
Please just read it. You will not be disappointed. It’s a slow burn, not spicy romance. Usually I am not here for these as they seem very G rated compared to other romances but, I think I loved this one most of all. The character development, at least main character wise was great. I want to see and understand more about her step brother but other than that, no complaints.
This one is one of my first 5 stars of the year. I am a stingy reviewer too. This book deserved its 5 stars for no other reason than the emotion I had reading it. The entire time, my heart was clenching. If you want to read a book that grips you and doesn’t let go, and isn’t 1000 pages long (I’m looking at you Crescent City by SJM), this book is for you.
I am crying leaving this review. This book broke my cold, dead heart. I fell in love with Death. There are multiple books that have had Death as a main character. I have read tons of them. This is the one that truly made me love him. The depth of his ability to feel. Just, gahhhh.
I can’t, literally can’t, wait until the end of March for the next one.
Please just read it. You will not be disappointed. It’s a slow burn, not spicy romance. Usually I am not here for these as they seem very G rated compared to other romances but, I think I loved this one most of all. The character development, at least main character wise was great. I want to see and understand more about her step brother but other than that, no complaints.
This one is one of my first 5 stars of the year. I am a stingy reviewer too. This book deserved its 5 stars for no other reason than the emotion I had reading it. The entire time, my heart was clenching. If you want to read a book that grips you and doesn’t let go, and isn’t 1000 pages long (I’m looking at you Crescent City by SJM), this book is for you.
April 26, 2023
I only finished this because of the sunk-cost fallacy at which it was too late to turn back. I was also so interested in the concept of Death and a masked man. The TikToks we all saw painted a far different type of story because contrarily in this, there is zero world building, zero personalities, zero gods and monsters & Death's narration is like what I imagine a young child's interpretation of a man's thoughts would be. This should have been half of a full book because absolutely nothing happens and the main character's helplessness angers me incredibly. Unbelievably simple & dry language is used for what is considered a "dark romance" - one of my favourite sentences has to be "There were always selfish people who had no interest in anything but themselves."
I'm not opposed to a "no plot just vibes" book for a good pick-me-up where I can go along for the ride and enjoy a good time but this is definitely leaning towards the "no plot no vibes" side. Still very disappointed at the loss of potential for the Death character. I generally don't even find myself disliking books because there's something out there for everyone but this one properly took me out.
I'm not opposed to a "no plot just vibes" book for a good pick-me-up where I can go along for the ride and enjoy a good time but this is definitely leaning towards the "no plot no vibes" side. Still very disappointed at the loss of potential for the Death character. I generally don't even find myself disliking books because there's something out there for everyone but this one properly took me out.
March 23, 2023
Felt like a retelling mix of Cinderella (but with stepbrothers), Beauty and the beast, and Hades and Persephone.
Was a good read.
Was a good read.
did-not-finish
July 5, 2023The writing style is off-putting, therefore I will not continue and cannot tell you a single thing about this book past chapter two.
December 27, 2024
Read it NOW, thank me later ☺️
This book consumed me from start to finish.
I honestly can’t find the words to do it justice, but I’ll try. The beauty of this story is indescribable—every page is filled with emotion, and the way Wilde describes this world is nothing short of immaculate. The characters and their feelings pull so strongly at your heartstrings, it’s impossible not to be completely captivated.
Hazel. She’s such a pure, happy soul, and despite her circumstances, she refuses to let cruelty or hate define her. Her strength is in her kindness, and it’s something that makes her so special. But I absolutely hated how her stepfamily treated her, especially Amadeus. I’m sorry, but this guy deserved a far worse fate for everything he put her through. And Cyprian… my heart bleeds for him. Watching him take beatings and drown himself in alcohol just to numb the pain of what his family is doing to Hazel is heartbreaking. As for Merelda, I can only hope she gets what she deserves in the next book. She’s cruel, vindictive, and just plain horrible. Despite all this, Hazel remains a beacon of light and hope, which only makes you love her even more.
And Death… oh my heart. He’s such a sweetheart, and the way he falls for Hazel’s beautiful soul is nothing short of breathtaking. Every moment between them is magical, but when he calls her little one? I swear I’m kicking my feet and giggling like a schoolgirl—it’s just so precious. Their connection is pure, tender, and unforgettable.
There’s nothing I would change about this book. Every single word enveloped me. It made me cry, it made me smile, and it made me laugh. And that ending? It has me ugly crying 😢. I’m talking full-on tears, tissues everywhere—it’s raw and devastating in the best way. The emotions hit so hard, and now I’m jumping straight into the next book, not a minute later.
This book holds such a soft spot in my heart, and I know it always will. I’ll recommend it to anyone and everyone for the rest of my days. It’s a story that stays with you, one that reminds you of the beauty of love, hope, and kindness, even in the darkest of times. An absolute masterpiece, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
This book consumed me from start to finish.
I honestly can’t find the words to do it justice, but I’ll try. The beauty of this story is indescribable—every page is filled with emotion, and the way Wilde describes this world is nothing short of immaculate. The characters and their feelings pull so strongly at your heartstrings, it’s impossible not to be completely captivated.
Hazel. She’s such a pure, happy soul, and despite her circumstances, she refuses to let cruelty or hate define her. Her strength is in her kindness, and it’s something that makes her so special. But I absolutely hated how her stepfamily treated her, especially Amadeus. I’m sorry, but this guy deserved a far worse fate for everything he put her through. And Cyprian… my heart bleeds for him. Watching him take beatings and drown himself in alcohol just to numb the pain of what his family is doing to Hazel is heartbreaking. As for Merelda, I can only hope she gets what she deserves in the next book. She’s cruel, vindictive, and just plain horrible. Despite all this, Hazel remains a beacon of light and hope, which only makes you love her even more.
And Death… oh my heart. He’s such a sweetheart, and the way he falls for Hazel’s beautiful soul is nothing short of breathtaking. Every moment between them is magical, but when he calls her little one? I swear I’m kicking my feet and giggling like a schoolgirl—it’s just so precious. Their connection is pure, tender, and unforgettable.
There’s nothing I would change about this book. Every single word enveloped me. It made me cry, it made me smile, and it made me laugh. And that ending? It has me ugly crying 😢. I’m talking full-on tears, tissues everywhere—it’s raw and devastating in the best way. The emotions hit so hard, and now I’m jumping straight into the next book, not a minute later.
This book holds such a soft spot in my heart, and I know it always will. I’ll recommend it to anyone and everyone for the rest of my days. It’s a story that stays with you, one that reminds you of the beauty of love, hope, and kindness, even in the darkest of times. An absolute masterpiece, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
October 6, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The first half of this book hurt to read on a level I wasn't expecting.
The second half was a lot more tame as our FMC found salvation, so to speak. Her meekness annoyed me at times, her constant need to apologise and show gratitude, but there came a point where I realised her behavior was an instinctive response to her trauma, and it was actually something I recognized in myself.
Needless to say, this was a fairly decent read. I'm definitely craving the next book and added it to my TBR immediately.
Would I reread this? Probably not. Will it still have a place of pride on my shelf? Most certainly.
The first half of this book hurt to read on a level I wasn't expecting.
The second half was a lot more tame as our FMC found salvation, so to speak. Her meekness annoyed me at times, her constant need to apologise and show gratitude, but there came a point where I realised her behavior was an instinctive response to her trauma, and it was actually something I recognized in myself.
Needless to say, this was a fairly decent read. I'm definitely craving the next book and added it to my TBR immediately.
Would I reread this? Probably not. Will it still have a place of pride on my shelf? Most certainly.
April 5, 2023
this book was ....... fine. not amazing, not mind-blowing, just. fine. it teased at being amazing, but never quite got there.
it was also sooooooooooooo sllllooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwww
i was 75% of the way through and shocked to see that i wasn't only 25% of the way through because it felt like nothing had even happened. the entire thing is just exposition/set up, and not very intriguing set up at that.
i liked the mash up of cinderella, beauty and the beast, with a sprinkling of persephone hades and a bit of acotar - but we only got any of that in the last quarter of the book.
the heroine was also very flat and one-dimensional, and had the personality of a wet blanket except for one (1) outburst which didn't even last that long. she's a wilting daisy woven into a entryway mat everyone stomps all over and i really hope she grows beyond that personality in future books. i get the whole cinderella trope of the poor girl being abused by her wicked stepmother etc etc but i think the author spent too long (read: half the book) discussing it in excruciating detail instead of, idk, the main point of the story.
the most interesting character was frankly Cyprian, lmao. he was at least two-dimensional.
i am going to read the next book out of curiosity due to the cliffhanger ending, but if the sequel doesn't deliver, i'm very done with this series.
it was also sooooooooooooo sllllooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwww
i was 75% of the way through and shocked to see that i wasn't only 25% of the way through because it felt like nothing had even happened. the entire thing is just exposition/set up, and not very intriguing set up at that.
i liked the mash up of cinderella, beauty and the beast, with a sprinkling of persephone hades and a bit of acotar - but we only got any of that in the last quarter of the book.
the heroine was also very flat and one-dimensional, and had the personality of a wet blanket except for one (1) outburst which didn't even last that long. she's a wilting daisy woven into a entryway mat everyone stomps all over and i really hope she grows beyond that personality in future books. i get the whole cinderella trope of the poor girl being abused by her wicked stepmother etc etc but i think the author spent too long (read: half the book) discussing it in excruciating detail instead of, idk, the main point of the story.
the most interesting character was frankly Cyprian, lmao. he was at least two-dimensional.
i am going to read the next book out of curiosity due to the cliffhanger ending, but if the sequel doesn't deliver, i'm very done with this series.
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