What do you think?
Rate this book
Tempting the Fates #2
Touch of Death
Death was just the beginning.
I have suddenly found myself in a strange new realm.
A realm in which all I know is death.
Where the life I led before is nothing but a shadow haunting the peripheries of my mind.
It calls to me, begs me to remember what happened … But the more I try to recall, the less I seem to remember, and the more terrifying this cruel new world becomes.
I am an enigma, not only to myself, but everyone around me.
A soul lost in a world of darkness that wants nothing more than to devour me.
To claim me as its own before I have a chance to escape.
Before I have a chance to remember who I am …
And how I came to be here.
Before I remember, him.
But even then, the Underworld has no intention of letting me go.
Not unless I can win them to my side.
Touch of Death is the second 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, touch her and die vibes, 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.
I have suddenly found myself in a strange new realm.
A realm in which all I know is death.
Where the life I led before is nothing but a shadow haunting the peripheries of my mind.
It calls to me, begs me to remember what happened … But the more I try to recall, the less I seem to remember, and the more terrifying this cruel new world becomes.
I am an enigma, not only to myself, but everyone around me.
A soul lost in a world of darkness that wants nothing more than to devour me.
To claim me as its own before I have a chance to escape.
Before I have a chance to remember who I am …
And how I came to be here.
Before I remember, him.
But even then, the Underworld has no intention of letting me go.
Not unless I can win them to my side.
Touch of Death is the second 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, touch her and die vibes, 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.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2023
571 people are currently reading
2527 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
April 26, 2023
Please, just let me see Death's peen.
April 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
After all, I am the one who killed her with a kiss she never asked for. Can I truly blame Hazel if she wants someone else?
Idk like this book is weird. This whole series is weird. It's a very cool concept–her making a bargain with death incarnate and then them falling for each other–but it’s been executed mediocrely.
1. The plot kind of goes nowhere. Like they’re currently trapped in the underworld, and a whole lot of nothing happens. How is that even possible!?
2. They both like each other, but both also think the other could never like them back… it gets old. Like he literally says shit like: “seeing you dressed like that and in a place like this, I fear my patience, as well as my self-control” how can she not think he likes her? dumbass.
3. Why is Death such a soft baby? It’s a little annoying at times. Like it could be nice if maybe he acted like a fucking god of death at the beginning, but he’s always been a little pathetic weirdo.
4. The fmc acts so much like a child… it’s getting weird. Like it’s hard to read when she acts oblivious to everything, gets shy and tucks her head in his chest owo, acts helpless, and then to top it all off Death calls her “little one” (which would be cute and fine if it wasn’t for everything else). HOW OLD IS SHE????!!! 911
5. THE ENDING HAD ME GRRRR. They were SO close to finally getting together, and then she goes and gets mad he never told her he had found her book. So she runs off like a little child and gets lost LMAO. i hate it.
Yes, i will be reading book 3 the day it comes out. myob.
After all, I am the one who killed her with a kiss she never asked for. Can I truly blame Hazel if she wants someone else?
Idk like this book is weird. This whole series is weird. It's a very cool concept–her making a bargain with death incarnate and then them falling for each other–but it’s been executed mediocrely.
1. The plot kind of goes nowhere. Like they’re currently trapped in the underworld, and a whole lot of nothing happens. How is that even possible!?
2. They both like each other, but both also think the other could never like them back… it gets old. Like he literally says shit like: “seeing you dressed like that and in a place like this, I fear my patience, as well as my self-control” how can she not think he likes her? dumbass.
3. Why is Death such a soft baby? It’s a little annoying at times. Like it could be nice if maybe he acted like a fucking god of death at the beginning, but he’s always been a little pathetic weirdo.
4. The fmc acts so much like a child… it’s getting weird. Like it’s hard to read when she acts oblivious to everything, gets shy and tucks her head in his chest owo, acts helpless, and then to top it all off Death calls her “little one” (which would be cute and fine if it wasn’t for everything else). HOW OLD IS SHE????!!! 911
5. THE ENDING HAD ME GRRRR. They were SO close to finally getting together, and then she goes and gets mad he never told her he had found her book. So she runs off like a little child and gets lost LMAO. i hate it.
Yes, i will be reading book 3 the day it comes out. myob.
April 19, 2023
The potential for this is astounding. The plot(?) was so random and everywhere and I feel like constantly changing. I still don’t know what Death actually looks like or how old Hazel actually is. Definitely not a dark romance.
April 8, 2023
I LOVE this series. The writing is gorgeous. The story is well thought out. The pacing is great. The characters are memorable and unique. I absolutely adore Sydian and Hazel. Their dynamic and love for one another is precious.
My favorite parts of the book are Sydians point of view. I enjoy how thoughtful he is, how he puts Hazel’s happiness/comfort first, and the lengths he’s willing to go to for her. I also enjoy seeing his perspective about how wonderful Hazel is. I hope Hazel can start to see herself as Sydian and the other beings of the realms view her. I want Hazel to realize she is an incredible soul and she has so much to offer the worlds by just being herself. I hope she can start to recognize this in the future books.
Only thing I did not like about this book was Eros. I could not stand him. His arrogance, thought process, and lack of personal boundaries with consent was enough for me to want to push him off a cliff into spiky rocks. He doesn’t even refer to Hazel by her name. He thinks and refers to her as the mortal girl which just rubs me the wrong way.
It’s laughable to think of Eros as a potential love interest when you compare his actions, words, and thoughts with Sydian’s. Eros is a tool who doesn’t stand a chance so he can just be written out of the story all together ◡̈ hopefully Cerberus will rip Eros apart and then he can play fetch with his femurs
My favorite parts of the book are Sydians point of view. I enjoy how thoughtful he is, how he puts Hazel’s happiness/comfort first, and the lengths he’s willing to go to for her. I also enjoy seeing his perspective about how wonderful Hazel is. I hope Hazel can start to see herself as Sydian and the other beings of the realms view her. I want Hazel to realize she is an incredible soul and she has so much to offer the worlds by just being herself. I hope she can start to recognize this in the future books.
Only thing I did not like about this book was Eros. I could not stand him. His arrogance, thought process, and lack of personal boundaries with consent was enough for me to want to push him off a cliff into spiky rocks. He doesn’t even refer to Hazel by her name. He thinks and refers to her as the mortal girl which just rubs me the wrong way.
It’s laughable to think of Eros as a potential love interest when you compare his actions, words, and thoughts with Sydian’s. Eros is a tool who doesn’t stand a chance so he can just be written out of the story all together ◡̈ hopefully Cerberus will rip Eros apart and then he can play fetch with his femurs
December 28, 2024
A Deliciously Addictive Sequel 🤌🏻 On to Book Three!
I loved the first book so much that I dove straight into the next one—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The addition of the Greek gods and goddesses in this book was chef’s kiss. And Hades with his blue hair? Aahhh, I loved every bit of it. It added such a unique twist to the story and brought even more depth to this already incredible world.
Now, let’s talk about Eros. I’ll admit, I don’t love him. Yes, he plays a crucial role, but I’m so on the fence about him. I can’t figure out his true intentions, and I’m over here PRAYING that Hazel doesn’t choose him. Sure, he seems to care for her, but in my opinion, he doesn’t hold a candle to Death. He might have his moments, but compared to the connection Hazel has with Death? Sorry, Eros, you’re not it.
This book kept me on edge from start to finish. The emotions were so high and raw, and I felt every single one of them. The slowburn was absolutely delicious, the high stakes had me hooked, and the secrets? AAAHH, I ate that up 🤌🏻. Every chapter brought something new, and I couldn’t stop flipping the pages.
I’m diving into the third book RIGHT NOW because I need to know what happens next. This series has completely consumed me, and I have no doubt the next book will be just as incredible.
Highly recommend!🤌🏻
I loved the first book so much that I dove straight into the next one—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The addition of the Greek gods and goddesses in this book was chef’s kiss. And Hades with his blue hair? Aahhh, I loved every bit of it. It added such a unique twist to the story and brought even more depth to this already incredible world.
Now, let’s talk about Eros. I’ll admit, I don’t love him. Yes, he plays a crucial role, but I’m so on the fence about him. I can’t figure out his true intentions, and I’m over here PRAYING that Hazel doesn’t choose him. Sure, he seems to care for her, but in my opinion, he doesn’t hold a candle to Death. He might have his moments, but compared to the connection Hazel has with Death? Sorry, Eros, you’re not it.
This book kept me on edge from start to finish. The emotions were so high and raw, and I felt every single one of them. The slowburn was absolutely delicious, the high stakes had me hooked, and the secrets? AAAHH, I ate that up 🤌🏻. Every chapter brought something new, and I couldn’t stop flipping the pages.
I’m diving into the third book RIGHT NOW because I need to know what happens next. This series has completely consumed me, and I have no doubt the next book will be just as incredible.
Highly recommend!🤌🏻
April 15, 2023
I started and finished this book in a couple hours. I really wanted to give this more stars but I just can’t, it I almost feels like it’s something I’m reading on wattpad and not an actual book, the writing is overall pretty decent but the characters haven’t been given enough time to have depth. The first book had actual tears rolling down my face as my heart broke for the MC but this time I found her a little … annoying?.. this is marketed as a slow burn and boy.. to be so short it’s soooooooooo slow. YOU MEAN TO TELL ME ALL YALL GONNA DO IS KISS? Then after all the tension building up you ABANDON THE PLAN, DADS DEAD AND THE MC IS MAD AT DEATH OVER A BOOK!? What!? I’m so disappointed the MC is supposed to be special and “familiar” to these Gods but we as the readers have no clue as to why or really what’s going on. Pick a story you want to copy and stick to it the mash ups are to much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
After that tearjerking & heartbreaking first book I was dying to see what was going to happen in this book. It didn't disappoint either. I cant tell you how much I love Death & Hazel. Their dynamic is genuinely endearing and sweet. You can't help but route for them both to get together or should I say that I am. Things get more complicated for them in this book especially when God's & Goddesses get involved. Eros in particularly causes problems for both of them but he does bring an extra bit of pervy fun though.
I'm loving this series. The cliffhanger ending are just brilliant but I'll be on tenterhooks waiting for the next book now.
I'm loving this series. The cliffhanger ending are just brilliant but I'll be on tenterhooks waiting for the next book now.
April 10, 2023
I was really excited to continue this series but I reached 50% and I did not understand the direction this was going in. Still no intimacy between Hazel and Death. We end book 1 with Death wanting to save Hazel soul. Now they're in the underworld, trying to teach Hazel the art of seducing a beast/dog to get her out of there. All these POVs make the story worse, why do we need all these views? I DNFd. So unfortunate.
April 10, 2023
I’m heartbroken by how disappointed I am with this book. I LOVE book 1 but I almost didn’t finish this one. I skimmed through half it. No plot, character development, or intimacy.
And the lack of communication between the MCs was frustrating.
I’ll continue to read the series because I want to see how this ends and I’m hopeful that the 3rd book will be better? Maybe?
PLEASE BE BETTER 😭
And the lack of communication between the MCs was frustrating.
I’ll continue to read the series because I want to see how this ends and I’m hopeful that the 3rd book will be better? Maybe?
PLEASE BE BETTER 😭
June 30, 2024
I truly don't know of I can't wait for the next book! The chemistry between them gets better and better. Just when I think they will finally give into their desires... Choas takes hold and throws them off course. Ill be honest at first I was not crazy about Eros being brought in nor his feelings for Hazel but by the end of the book knowing he is what stops death from truly losing her I am ok with it. Now I'm wondering where this story will lead and what new characters will come into play. I get the feeling Death and Hazel will have to see the Fates in order for them to finally be together. I just don't know what the Fates have planned in order for their story to work out. I also don't know where that leaves Eros in all of this. My heart can't take the wait for the next book to see how this all plays out.
April 10, 2023
This book was so much better than the first book! More POVS from other characters and I loved reading Euros’s POV the most. This is such a twist on how I feel about Death loving Hazel because I feel like Euros loves her just as much? I don’t know at this point! Damn, multiple love interest is thrown into this as Hades is soon to be added into the mix? What?! Poor Persephone though. I’m really hoping Persephone & Hades will find their love again in the next book or so because there has not been a book I’ve read so far where they are not madly in love with each other. What if everyone Hazel has come across turns to fall in love with her? I’m so confused as to see if she ends up with someone else or choses Death. The ending had me screaming even though we knew her father wouldn’t last long, his wife was poisoning him in the first book already. Finished this book in one day and I’m dying for the next book!
May 23, 2024
This book is.. I don't know.. it's like when you bite into a new food expecting it to taste a certain way and it's not what you invision.. it's not bad but just not what you're hoping for.. that's how I feel with this book.. like it's not bad! But also it's just not what I'm hoping for..
The plot seems to be not really going anywhere, like they are in the underworld and they are trying to find a way out.. but nothing really happens
The characters seem to lack character like we need more, Hazel seems like a child I wish she was more firm.. death needs to be more powerful and scary imo..
Slooooow burn!! Like we're done book 2 and all that has happened is a kiss! I mean yea they talked about their feelings a bit but goodness..
I am intrigued enough to read book 3 though as I need to see how it ends.
The plot seems to be not really going anywhere, like they are in the underworld and they are trying to find a way out.. but nothing really happens
The characters seem to lack character like we need more, Hazel seems like a child I wish she was more firm.. death needs to be more powerful and scary imo..
Slooooow burn!! Like we're done book 2 and all that has happened is a kiss! I mean yea they talked about their feelings a bit but goodness..
I am intrigued enough to read book 3 though as I need to see how it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
I'm a sucker for denied love haha, this captured it so well. Book one was more pleasant to read since it was mainly between Hazel and Death. This book introduces a lot more characters and conflicts which was a little annoying because just cut to the chase already, but there had to be a story. Still, loved it!
May 27, 2024
After the first book, this was a strange diversion, but I still enjoyed it. I think maybe it's not for me. I haven't decided if I'm going to read any more in the series, but I do like the author, so perhaps I'll pick another book of hers and see if anything sparks.
April 18, 2023
Not quite as good as the first book but I'm curious how the story will continue.
May 25, 2025
This was such a let down after the first book 😭
Where is the plot? Is this a unique, deal-with-death fantasy, or a spin-off of Greek mythology? What was the point of all the world building and the concept of the bargain in the first place if we're just gonna go back to basic Greek gods?
I understood making Hazel a little shy and withdrawn, but now, she's borderline infantile. So frustrating to see. Death went from woefully stoic to absurdly whiny. Eros is...odd, but of COURSE he's infatuated immediately, because god forbid a character has to build rapport and depth before they go crazy for the MC. Hades is, well, Hades. I would've loved more time with Persephone. She and Hazel seem like they'd have a good friendship.
Also, the constant miscommunication tropes are tiring.
I don't know - a whole lot of nothing happened here (despite having FOUR different POVs). Is it worth pushing through to the 3rd book?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Where is the plot? Is this a unique, deal-with-death fantasy, or a spin-off of Greek mythology? What was the point of all the world building and the concept of the bargain in the first place if we're just gonna go back to basic Greek gods?
I understood making Hazel a little shy and withdrawn, but now, she's borderline infantile. So frustrating to see. Death went from woefully stoic to absurdly whiny. Eros is...odd, but of COURSE he's infatuated immediately, because god forbid a character has to build rapport and depth before they go crazy for the MC. Hades is, well, Hades. I would've loved more time with Persephone. She and Hazel seem like they'd have a good friendship.
Also, the constant miscommunication tropes are tiring.
I don't know - a whole lot of nothing happened here (despite having FOUR different POVs). Is it worth pushing through to the 3rd book?
Maybe. Maybe not.
May 6, 2023
4.5 stars
My friend finally got the sequel to Kiss of Death to me and I devoured it! I loved seeing Hazel's journey through the Underworld and meeting new characters. I love Greek mythology so seeing characters like Persephone, Eros, and Hermes pop up made me love the book even more. Thankfully there was more fight in this one so I got a little more "enemies to lovers" vibes that I like
Still a very slow burn book but this one did have a little spice compared to the first book.
The ending felt a little rushed to me be there was so much going on. You're left in a cliffhanger at the end so I am now impatiently waiting for book three to release in May.
My friend finally got the sequel to Kiss of Death to me and I devoured it! I loved seeing Hazel's journey through the Underworld and meeting new characters. I love Greek mythology so seeing characters like Persephone, Eros, and Hermes pop up made me love the book even more. Thankfully there was more fight in this one so I got a little more "enemies to lovers" vibes that I like
Still a very slow burn book but this one did have a little spice compared to the first book.
The ending felt a little rushed to me be there was so much going on. You're left in a cliffhanger at the end so I am now impatiently waiting for book three to release in May.
April 10, 2023
3 / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book series has SOOOO much potential. But unfortunately, each novel has been too short to accomplish much in terms of storytelling.
The writing is good, the characters are compelling, but no plot point is explored in-depth, there is no build-up, and most conflicts are cause by a lack of communication by the main characters. The whole “does she/he like me? Does she/he not like me” gets old fast.
Will I keep reading this series? Yes. Will I wait excitedly for the next one to be released? No.
1 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book series has SOOOO much potential. But unfortunately, each novel has been too short to accomplish much in terms of storytelling.
The writing is good, the characters are compelling, but no plot point is explored in-depth, there is no build-up, and most conflicts are cause by a lack of communication by the main characters. The whole “does she/he like me? Does she/he not like me” gets old fast.
Will I keep reading this series? Yes. Will I wait excitedly for the next one to be released? No.
April 30, 2023
This book..
This book is almost as bad as the first but just a step up maybe. That’s being generous. I didn’t care for the first book and hoped this one would be better. It was not. There is also quite a few spelling errors, missing words or no quotations on speaking parts.
This book is almost as bad as the first but just a step up maybe. That’s being generous. I didn’t care for the first book and hoped this one would be better. It was not. There is also quite a few spelling errors, missing words or no quotations on speaking parts.
July 12, 2023
2.5 disappointed stars rounded down. Man, I really loved the first book, but this one had me doing double takes, shaking my head, rolling my eyes, and groaning out loud. Yeah shit happens in it, but like.. it's plot armor and momentum.
The lines like "it slips past my teeth before I can bite it down" are drastically overused.
Spoiler territory as I complain.
Literally everything just happened. It felt too easy, too forced, too glossed over. The big high stakes things lasted like, a page? Oh cool no problems arise they walk in and it's done, taken care of. BULL👏SHIT👏. Yeah I'm gonna keep reading but like the quality difference between book 1 and 2 has me skeptical about book 3, sadly.
The lines like "it slips past my teeth before I can bite it down" are drastically overused.
Spoiler territory as I complain.
Literally everything just happened. It felt too easy, too forced, too glossed over. The big high stakes things lasted like, a page? Oh cool no problems arise they walk in and it's done, taken care of. BULL👏SHIT👏. Yeah I'm gonna keep reading but like the quality difference between book 1 and 2 has me skeptical about book 3, sadly.
May 5, 2023
Honestly this one was worse than the first one. So boring and again nothing happen. It’s so slow with no reward.
This book starts off exactly where we ended the first. Hazel has lost her memory of everything within her life and is ushered to the ferrymen to cross over to the three judges. Death shows up and as soon as he says her name 💥 bam she remembers everything 🙄 that could have been drawn out some more for something interesting but nope. They meet some gods (hades, and Persephone, and the god of lust) hades is bad, Persephone is on the outs with her husband and the god of lust is just annoying. Hazel and Death try and work with the god of lust to get Hazel back to her body. Now with saying this you would think it would be spicy and things would grow more with our two main characters but nope 👎. Nothing really happens Lust wants Hazel all to himself but she is so pure and innocent that he can’t go against what she wants… Hazel and death kiss, then Q the third act misunderstanding and the book is over.
I just can’t with these two characters hazel has no backbone to say what she wants or make a decision for herself. Death is so sweet and wonderful (really wanted him to be more of a badA**) but does whatever Hazel tells him to do.
Honestly these book could have been great but I just did not connect with any of the characters and couldn’t care less what happens 🤷🏼♀️
This book starts off exactly where we ended the first. Hazel has lost her memory of everything within her life and is ushered to the ferrymen to cross over to the three judges. Death shows up and as soon as he says her name 💥 bam she remembers everything 🙄 that could have been drawn out some more for something interesting but nope. They meet some gods (hades, and Persephone, and the god of lust) hades is bad, Persephone is on the outs with her husband and the god of lust is just annoying. Hazel and Death try and work with the god of lust to get Hazel back to her body. Now with saying this you would think it would be spicy and things would grow more with our two main characters but nope 👎. Nothing really happens Lust wants Hazel all to himself but she is so pure and innocent that he can’t go against what she wants… Hazel and death kiss, then Q the third act misunderstanding and the book is over.
I just can’t with these two characters hazel has no backbone to say what she wants or make a decision for herself. Death is so sweet and wonderful (really wanted him to be more of a badA**) but does whatever Hazel tells him to do.
Honestly these book could have been great but I just did not connect with any of the characters and couldn’t care less what happens 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2023
I finished this book, and on the cliff hanger I was like “NOOOO WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE NEXT BOOK ISN’T OUT YET?!?!” But its okay, its out now.
This second book in the series was pretty good, a quick read and we explore the Underworld a bit. Death feels responsible for what happened to Hazel at the end of book 1, so he’s doing everything he can to help guide her to a better fate.
Death really wins my heart in this book. I feel for him, his feelings for Hazel are strong and unwavering but not overwhelming like Tampon’s in ACOTAR. Then Eros comes in like the God of Lust he is and acts like a total jackass only talking about himself then to just like “Ayo, I’m obsessed with the mortal girl, I must bed her and be over it” and completely disregards the fact that Death is RIGHT THERE.
The pool in the garden with Hazel and Death is the teeniest bit of spice we’ve been waiting for. I loathe that they can’t touch each other this entire time without that pool.
This book also ends on a cliffhanger, luckily I only had to wait a week for the third book to come out but I would have started it IMMEDIATELY if I could have after the end of this second book cuz my heart broke for Death!
I can’t wait for more spice, I want to see what kind of being Cerebus turns into. I’m ‘dying’ to see who Hazel chooses. Hades and Persephone at this point are sus af. ALSO still waiting to learn about Hazel’s step brother and her father’s fates!
I can’t wait to see if Hades goes after the mortal, too. I’m starting to feel like Hazel has some kind of weird alluring power to her that is irresistible to the gods. Maybe the Fates are trying to beat the gods in all their games and she’ll be the Triumph of them all?! I can only speculate but I can’t wait to see this story wrap and get all the answers.
This second book in the series was pretty good, a quick read and we explore the Underworld a bit. Death feels responsible for what happened to Hazel at the end of book 1, so he’s doing everything he can to help guide her to a better fate.
Death really wins my heart in this book. I feel for him, his feelings for Hazel are strong and unwavering but not overwhelming like Tampon’s in ACOTAR. Then Eros comes in like the God of Lust he is and acts like a total jackass only talking about himself then to just like “Ayo, I’m obsessed with the mortal girl, I must bed her and be over it” and completely disregards the fact that Death is RIGHT THERE.
The pool in the garden with Hazel and Death is the teeniest bit of spice we’ve been waiting for. I loathe that they can’t touch each other this entire time without that pool.
This book also ends on a cliffhanger, luckily I only had to wait a week for the third book to come out but I would have started it IMMEDIATELY if I could have after the end of this second book cuz my heart broke for Death!
I can’t wait for more spice, I want to see what kind of being Cerebus turns into. I’m ‘dying’ to see who Hazel chooses. Hades and Persephone at this point are sus af. ALSO still waiting to learn about Hazel’s step brother and her father’s fates!
I can’t wait to see if Hades goes after the mortal, too. I’m starting to feel like Hazel has some kind of weird alluring power to her that is irresistible to the gods. Maybe the Fates are trying to beat the gods in all their games and she’ll be the Triumph of them all?! I can only speculate but I can’t wait to see this story wrap and get all the answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
Spice:🌶️
Second book in Tempting the Fates that follows Death searching the Underworld for Hazel who wakes up in a realm of gods without her memories. This part was resolved a little too quickly for me, but it was still okay. They reunite and create a plan to ask Hades for her souls release so she may return to her body which is being kept in The In-Between (Deaths home) - apparently they have 10 days to return her soul before her body starts to rot. The storyline gets a little confusing here because we are introduced to Eros, god of lust, who becomes immediately infatuated with Hazel and wishes to take her from Death. Hades also refuses to let her go, so Eros and Death along with Persephone (who is clearly going through marital issues with Hades atm) team up to devise a plan to seduce? Hades into allowing her to leave? Anyways, Hades becomes very interested in her attempt to appeal to him, invites her to stay for a night but then Death wishes to back out of the plan - they try to flee together but Hazel then finds out Death has kept her fathers book from her and then comes to learn her fathers soul is trapped at the gates of the underworld even after her sacrifice - she ends up leaving Death at the end to be with Eros. I’m curious where this is al going so jumped to the next book
Second book in Tempting the Fates that follows Death searching the Underworld for Hazel who wakes up in a realm of gods without her memories. This part was resolved a little too quickly for me, but it was still okay. They reunite and create a plan to ask Hades for her souls release so she may return to her body which is being kept in The In-Between (Deaths home) - apparently they have 10 days to return her soul before her body starts to rot. The storyline gets a little confusing here because we are introduced to Eros, god of lust, who becomes immediately infatuated with Hazel and wishes to take her from Death. Hades also refuses to let her go, so Eros and Death along with Persephone (who is clearly going through marital issues with Hades atm) team up to devise a plan to seduce? Hades into allowing her to leave? Anyways, Hades becomes very interested in her attempt to appeal to him, invites her to stay for a night but then Death wishes to back out of the plan - they try to flee together but Hazel then finds out Death has kept her fathers book from her and then comes to learn her fathers soul is trapped at the gates of the underworld even after her sacrifice - she ends up leaving Death at the end to be with Eros. I’m curious where this is al going so jumped to the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2023
This series is getting hard for me to continue reading. The plot seems like it could be good: girl makes a deal with death to save her father. Father lives and she does to satisfy the deal. Now the god of death is in the underworld trying to bring her back.
Here’s what drives me crazy. Hazel is supposed to be an adult, but all of her actions remind me a of a child. She constantly has to be coddled, she rarely stands up for herself, she “tucks her head” into Death and hides behind him. Grrrr…. my mind is convinced she is 12, and this leads right up to her actions at the end of this book.
The god of Death…should be the most powerful. In fact, the book hints that he was at one time before a deal was made with the Fates. However, he doesn’t act like it in any way. He allows himself to walked all over and fails to show much confidence most of the time.
The romance…or lack thereof. The two MCs like each other and constantly display it in their line of thinking and actions, but both seem oblivious to it from each other.
I feel that it’s a very shallow version of what it could be. 300 pages of working on Hazel’s sex appeal is not what could be happening when in the Underworld. Hoping for a little more depth in the 3rd book of the series.
Here’s what drives me crazy. Hazel is supposed to be an adult, but all of her actions remind me a of a child. She constantly has to be coddled, she rarely stands up for herself, she “tucks her head” into Death and hides behind him. Grrrr…. my mind is convinced she is 12, and this leads right up to her actions at the end of this book.
The god of Death…should be the most powerful. In fact, the book hints that he was at one time before a deal was made with the Fates. However, he doesn’t act like it in any way. He allows himself to walked all over and fails to show much confidence most of the time.
The romance…or lack thereof. The two MCs like each other and constantly display it in their line of thinking and actions, but both seem oblivious to it from each other.
I feel that it’s a very shallow version of what it could be. 300 pages of working on Hazel’s sex appeal is not what could be happening when in the Underworld. Hoping for a little more depth in the 3rd book of the series.
May 31, 2023
Well, talk about a slow burn...
Eros is not what I was imagining either, when I think of Eros I think of the version in Lore Olympus who is loveable and cute and happy. This Eros was kind of an ass and I wanted to throw a bucket of cold water on him most of the time, until he talked about desire and lust.
I have decided that I do actually need to know how this ends, and I have to know if Hazel does eventually get back to her body, and I also HAVE to know if her and Death can ever be together..
I loved the first book and I was really excited to get into this next one to find out how Hazel and Death reunite after "Kiss of Death." but gawleee, I just wanted to knock both of their heads together. Neither of them could really own up to their feelings for each other and just danced around it for a good portion of the book.
Eros is not what I was imagining either, when I think of Eros I think of the version in Lore Olympus who is loveable and cute and happy. This Eros was kind of an ass and I wanted to throw a bucket of cold water on him most of the time, until he talked about desire and lust.
“Desire smolders, it can be contained with care, but once it gives over to lust … Lust is a raging fire with a will of its own. A will that even I cannot control if the temptation grows too strong.”
“Desire is an art. A dance of give and take. Give too much or too little, and all that remains is carnal need.”
I have decided that I do actually need to know how this ends, and I have to know if Hazel does eventually get back to her body, and I also HAVE to know if her and Death can ever be together..
April 10, 2023
Touch of Death
Tempting the Fates #2
Fantasy
Alice Wilde
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to admit that I was disappointed with this book. I really liked the first one, Kiss of Death, and I was glad that I didn't have to wait long for this to be released. However, I didn't think it was as good.
I did like the addition of extra POVs from Hades and Eros.
I found the pacing quite slow and there wasn't a whole lot of plot progression. The whole book takes place over a few days and a lot of things happened that were brushed over or never revisited. One of the main plot lines was Eros teaching Hazel how to be seductive, but by the end of the book, she hasn't even got the chance to put her new skills to the test.
The ending wasn't satisfying for me. After everything Death has done for Hazel, her reaction at the end seems a bit brattish and I feel sorry for Death.
After finishing this, I'm not sure that I would continue the series and read the next book.
Tempting the Fates #2
Fantasy
Alice Wilde
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to admit that I was disappointed with this book. I really liked the first one, Kiss of Death, and I was glad that I didn't have to wait long for this to be released. However, I didn't think it was as good.
I did like the addition of extra POVs from Hades and Eros.
I found the pacing quite slow and there wasn't a whole lot of plot progression. The whole book takes place over a few days and a lot of things happened that were brushed over or never revisited. One of the main plot lines was Eros teaching Hazel how to be seductive, but by the end of the book, she hasn't even got the chance to put her new skills to the test.
The ending wasn't satisfying for me. After everything Death has done for Hazel, her reaction at the end seems a bit brattish and I feel sorry for Death.
After finishing this, I'm not sure that I would continue the series and read the next book.
April 24, 2023
Well another cliffhanger ending.
Once I finished the first book in this series I was really looking forward to this one, but sadly it left me underwhelmed. After seeing the trigger warnings I was anticipating something more exiting. So unless I’ve been desensitized from reading dark romance, this was a little shallow based on the TR’s. I think it’s safe to say the warning can be discarded and removed. Because I’ve read more I tense things with fewer warnings.
As far as the story goes it has progressed. Wether dead or alive or in between, without spoilers, Hazel’s story continues. Nonetheless it was an enjoyable book but I was hoping for a bit “more”. I read this on kindle and typically I purchase trophy books but sadly this one won’t be making my shelf.
I do recommend this 10/10 but beware the trigger warnings are useless. My 14 year old sister can read this without feeling uncomfortable.
Once I finished the first book in this series I was really looking forward to this one, but sadly it left me underwhelmed. After seeing the trigger warnings I was anticipating something more exiting. So unless I’ve been desensitized from reading dark romance, this was a little shallow based on the TR’s. I think it’s safe to say the warning can be discarded and removed. Because I’ve read more I tense things with fewer warnings.
As far as the story goes it has progressed. Wether dead or alive or in between, without spoilers, Hazel’s story continues. Nonetheless it was an enjoyable book but I was hoping for a bit “more”. I read this on kindle and typically I purchase trophy books but sadly this one won’t be making my shelf.
I do recommend this 10/10 but beware the trigger warnings are useless. My 14 year old sister can read this without feeling uncomfortable.
December 31, 2023
Much better than the first one - 3.5 for this one.
-spoilers ahead-
I do have big doubts over Eros actually falling for her and how she was able to learn enough from him to improve her skills after seemingly failing every lesson?
But I do get swept up in romance and definitely have a habit of suspending belief when I’m enjoying something. I read this book in a day because I was curious how the story would unfold. I love stories involving mythology so that helped pique my interest as well.
I like the prospectives of the other characters, added more for me for sure
Definitely interesting to see how the misunderstanding that Death had from the first book involving the small book and the red ribbon comes to play in this one, I think that will be interesting. As well as not telling her about her stepmother poisoning her father. Definitely a turn that we expected but came at the right time for maximizing the drama. Worked well, I’m very interested in the next book.
-spoilers ahead-
I do have big doubts over Eros actually falling for her and how she was able to learn enough from him to improve her skills after seemingly failing every lesson?
But I do get swept up in romance and definitely have a habit of suspending belief when I’m enjoying something. I read this book in a day because I was curious how the story would unfold. I love stories involving mythology so that helped pique my interest as well.
I like the prospectives of the other characters, added more for me for sure
Definitely interesting to see how the misunderstanding that Death had from the first book involving the small book and the red ribbon comes to play in this one, I think that will be interesting. As well as not telling her about her stepmother poisoning her father. Definitely a turn that we expected but came at the right time for maximizing the drama. Worked well, I’m very interested in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
Overall I thought the story was just slow. I thought the first one was interesting enough (albeit consistently boring and uneventful) that I wondered what happened after Hazel dies but in this story it felt repetitive and didn’t end up completing much.
Basically Death wants to get Hazel out of the underworld so he gets help from Eros (god of lust) and Persephone. They say their plan is for Hazel to seduce Cerberus… the dog. But also Hades. They never even get to those tasks when the book ends. It’s just back and forth POVS of “she loves me, she loves me not”. There seems to always have groups of people or depictions of people in scandalous situations. Even though it’s mythologically based, the Cerberus concept just seems off to me. I will not be reading the third book.
If others enjoy this trilogy, to each their own! I just think that the two books could have been easily compressed into one, and my guess is the third could too. It’s just way too drawn out.
Basically Death wants to get Hazel out of the underworld so he gets help from Eros (god of lust) and Persephone. They say their plan is for Hazel to seduce Cerberus… the dog. But also Hades. They never even get to those tasks when the book ends. It’s just back and forth POVS of “she loves me, she loves me not”. There seems to always have groups of people or depictions of people in scandalous situations. Even though it’s mythologically based, the Cerberus concept just seems off to me. I will not be reading the third book.
If others enjoy this trilogy, to each their own! I just think that the two books could have been easily compressed into one, and my guess is the third could too. It’s just way too drawn out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2023
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con este libro, por una parte, poner al dios de la lujuria (Eros) como una persona ciega me parece acertadísimo, la verdad. Muchas veces sabemos que la lujuria no tiene aspecto, pues es más un sentimiento que te consume por completo por dentro. Por otro lado...
Estoy acostumbrada y me gusta mucho el slowburn, pero esto se pasa de slow. Llevamos ya dos libros. Dos. DOS LIBROS. Y no ha pasado NADA.
El truco en los slowburns es dejarse caer a la tentación de vez en cuando y llevo ya dos libros donde me ponen la miel en los labios y no me dan ninguna resolución más allá de un beso o una mirada de intensidad... No sé si seguiré con la serie.
Desde luego el eventual smut es descriptivo, es eventual, pero no sabremos nunca cuando.
El primer libro, si lo lees como un libro autoconclusivo o un standalone, da menos dolores de cabeza.
Estoy acostumbrada y me gusta mucho el slowburn, pero esto se pasa de slow. Llevamos ya dos libros. Dos. DOS LIBROS. Y no ha pasado NADA.
El truco en los slowburns es dejarse caer a la tentación de vez en cuando y llevo ya dos libros donde me ponen la miel en los labios y no me dan ninguna resolución más allá de un beso o una mirada de intensidad... No sé si seguiré con la serie.
Desde luego el eventual smut es descriptivo, es eventual, pero no sabremos nunca cuando.
El primer libro, si lo lees como un libro autoconclusivo o un standalone, da menos dolores de cabeza.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews