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Dead Man's Wish

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Bexley Wells seemingly has it the career of her dreams, loyal friends, and the man she loves. But she is still haunted by the shadow of what happened five years ago, worried if and when it will happen again. When an old friend contacts them suggesting the killer she watched die is back, she agrees to consult on the case. As Bexley and Jaiden work with the police to help identify the killer, they realize she is the object of obsession—again. This time, it's about revenge. To understand her new target, Bexley will have to drop her cold exterior and allow herself to be vulnerable, regardless of her fears. With the lives of those she loves most on the line, the killer's game gets personal, and so does Bexley. Dead Man's Wish is the second book in the Swallow's Archive Duet. He Who Haunts Me should be read prior to Dead Man's Wish for a more enjoyable experience.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2023

20 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

Kenna Bellrae

18 books204 followers

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5 stars
72 (53%)
4 stars
39 (29%)
3 stars
18 (13%)
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2 (1%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for THE PETITE LIBR☆RY.
556 reviews28 followers
November 30, 2023
Did this feel like a different set of characters to anyone else? “Business Bex” is practically described as a genius, highly intuitive and calculated, but she was absentminded and blissfully unaware in the first book? For the sake of the story, I know a few years have passed, but the “overnight genius” didn’t quite add up for me.

Similar to the first book, there were also bits and pieces that didn’t quite fit or weren’t elaborated on enough and ending up feeling random or rushed. I like this, it was fine, but it’s not anything more than a 3⭐️ read for me.
Profile Image for Nisha.
133 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2023
I want you guys to know that I put off starting this ARC for a little because #MoodReaderProbz I REFUSED to start this without being on a place where I could truly appreciate the story. &I’m so glad I waited because y’all… Bex&Jai deserved my FULL ATTENTION. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I DEVOURED their story once I started.
DMW is a romantic suspense that follows Bexley&Jaiden after the whirlwind of events that happened in “He Who Haunts Me” (Aka book 1 in the Swallow’s Archive Duet).
You would think after facing off against an unaliver they’d be able to ya know… relax?
Nahh. 👋🏽 Too easy.
I forgot how intense these two are. The amount of emotion that Kenna poured into the pages made for some really great snapshots. There were chapters that I would finish&be like “Ohh yeah, movie scene moment right there.” Also… August 13th?!?! 👀🥵👏🏽🙌🏽
Remember that date/chapter y’all&feel free to thank me later. 😎
Profile Image for j a y • d e p r a v e d - .dammnitjay..
721 reviews29 followers
August 10, 2023
5 stars isn’t enough.
It just isn’t.
I started this on the 9th… got half way through. Put jt down cause i didn’t want it to end … picked it back up around 2am on the 10th (insomnia sucks) and finished it.
Proceeded to send a message about it and than came here to review it.

All i have to say is … the perfect ending to this duet.
It had me on the edge for some chapters…had me swooooooning in others cause let’s face it … they are total couple goals and than i found myself tearing up at the end.

Just amazing.
Ugh. It needs all the stars.
Everyone needs to read this.
Profile Image for Jordan Komarny.
20 reviews
September 2, 2023
Kenna fucking does it again. There isn’t a book this girl publishes that I won’t race to read and own a physical copy of. She is an incredible story teller and the characters she writes are amazing. I’m so mad it took me this long to finish the book but unfortunately I had to go to work and couldn’t read straight through. I was hooked from the beginning and so excited to finish Bex and Jaiden’s story.
Profile Image for Mandy Peden.
160 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Dead Man’s Wish ARC by Kenna Bellrae
Such a great book! Jaiden and Bexley 🥵 their relationship is so hawt, but also so loving and supportive 💙 this book had suspense, mystery, thrills, spice, love, humor, badass fmc… it was everything I hoped it would be! I was part of the ARC team for He Who Haunts Me (the first of this duet) as well, and I’m so grateful I got to be a part of this one too! Kenna, you killed it! Thank you for being so awesome!!
Profile Image for Naj_ana_reads.
378 reviews18 followers
August 23, 2023
I never thought I would come full circle with this book. when I read He Who Haunts Me in 2022 I was in love with this two characthers from the begingin and they holds a very special place in my heart because this was the book that started my journey in becoming an advanced reader and becoming part of the booktook community. When Kenna announced her WIP for book 2 you best believe that I was stalking her page on a regular basis to make sure I signed up to review her book again. He Who Haunts Me had a good ending on its own but with Dead Man's Wish she gaves us a look into their lifes after what happend after their trauma. How they coped with everything that happend and who they come to be after collage was done. 

It was so refreshing to see both Bex and Jaidens personal growth with the years that past but at the same time you could still see the old them. It was so heartwarming remenancing on the lovely couple. Jaiden has always been one of my top choice book boyfriends. The way he can read Bex, how well he is connected not only with her emotions but his as well. How this giant of a man can be so gentle when it comes to Bex but at the same time so fierce for her safety. 

With this book just like with book one Kenna not only gave us love, romance, smut but there was plot twist, suspence, it kept you at the edge of your seat. I found myself picking up the book and putting it down mutliple times becuase I didnt want it to end. Yes I wanted to find out the answers and find out who was behind all of it but I also didnt want to let them go. I'm extremely happy that I once again had the opportunity to read this book and like I mentioned earlier in my review. This duet will hold a very special place in my heart as it was the one that started the journey that I am in now. Happy readings and I hope you enjoy this duet as much as I did. 

xoxo
Naj
Profile Image for Mel.
243 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2024
My Rating: ★★★★☆

“Dead Man’s Wish” by Kenna Bellrae, published by Pacific Publications on August 28th, 2023, is a gripping suspense novel that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. With its unique blend of mystery, sarcasm, and empowering themes, this book offers a refreshing take on the genre.

In this thrilling tale, protagonists Bexley and Jaiden find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as they assist the police in identifying a vengeful suspect. As the plot unfolds, Bexley is forced to confront her own vulnerabilities, shedding her cold exterior to become the hero of her own story.

Bellrae’s writing is sharp and engaging, with doses of sarcasm sprinkled throughout that add a layer of realism to the narrative. The dynamic between Bexley and Jaiden is palpable, their banter and camaraderie bringing depth to their characters and driving the story forward.

One of the standout aspects of “Dead Man’s Wish” is its portrayal of a strong, independent female protagonist who takes control of her own destiny. Bexley’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment is both relatable and inspiring, offering readers a refreshing departure from traditional gender roles in suspense fiction.

While the novel excels in its character development and thematic depth, there are moments where the pacing feels slightly uneven, with certain plot points rushed or underdeveloped. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.

In conclusion, “Dead Man’s Wish” is a compelling read that balances suspense, humor, and empowering themes with skill and finesse. Kenna Bellrae has crafted a captivating narrative that will resonate with readers who enjoy strong, multidimensional characters and a plot that keeps them guessing until the very end.
Profile Image for Pat-z.
160 reviews
October 8, 2024
"Have it, take anything. You can steal my soul if you need it."- Jaiden

Jaiden, you wonderful man!

I knew I would love this almost as much as I loved the first one.
This one didn't have much build up before it rocketed off into chaos.
And I am a little disappointed that Bex would do something so careless.

However, I love Jaiden and Bexley. I love their love. They are such a loving couple. Jaiden is so sweet and Bexley is so strong.
Despite me thinking I knew the answer, there was still a twist that I didn't see coming!
I love the Scream vibes that have carried over from the first one.
I only wish we could have had more Ghostface. <3

I will confess: This made me cry. I love it, I love it, I love it.


Quotes:
"I'd break all the rules if it meant getting to you."- Jaiden

"I'll kill him if he touches you. Anywhere, anytime, for any reason-"- Jaiden

"WHERE THE FUCK IS MY WIFE!"- Jaiden

"Where you go, I go, even if it's to the other side. Do you understand? I need you to fight and stay conscious for me."- Jaiden
Profile Image for Autumn Rose.
11 reviews
August 22, 2023
Just a general thing, while I was a Beta reader for this book, all thoughts are 100% my own.

First. I want to say that as much as I LOVE Kenna’s other books, I think this is my absolute favorite. Now for the actual review 😂 This book was perfect. Seeing Bex and Jai so comfortable and confident in their relationship will always make my heart melt. But of couuuurse there are some interesting twists and turns and OH MY GOD. I laughed, I cried, I sent Kenna so many gifs on Instagram while reading, I ate up Jai’s dirty talk almost as much as Bex’s (Seriously. I don’t know which one of the two I’m more in love with.) I could not stop reading. And the thriller part of the story? You GUYS!!! Normally I’m pretty good at catching the “shocker” or “twist” but this one I was not ready for and to me that made the book just that much better. You won’t be able to put this book down either!
Rating? 5/5 for SURE
Spice? 4/5 for me (these two and their chemistry 🥵)

If you want a Cinnamon Roll MMC, a Badass MC, the cutest “found family”, and twists and turns you won’t even expect, RUN to get this book on August 28th (the paperback is gorgeous if you want to preorder 😉) oh and did I mention the spice? Lets just say the office scene is 🥵
Profile Image for RaeAnne Palmer.
145 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2023
Oh man, i was not ready for this to end! But i absolutely loved the ending, it was perfect for these two, honestly! I did tear up a bit with the ending, I was so happy.

This couple I loved in book one and seeing how they have grown through everything they had dealt with. Jai is still up there for book boyfriends, maybe even more so as he had grown in book 2. Their still an ideal couple, but seeing the change in scenes makes it maybe even better, i swear!

We got some new suspense in this book, and ghosts come back to haunt these guys. Twists and turns definitely will keep you on the edge of your seat, the WHOLE book! Bex has turned into such an absolute badass after all the shit she has been threw, she will put up an even bigger fight than ever before.

If you love the found family, touch her and die, spice, some twists and turns, suspense, and just the most badass couple. You need to run to this series and read it!


I want to thank Kenna for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Erin.
3,532 reviews80 followers
August 29, 2023
OMG!! I devoured this amazing story and am just blown away by how much of a twisted mindbender this was. Once again, the phenomenal writing kept me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails with anxiety over not knowing what was going to happen, and gasping at the dark and twisted turns the story continually takes.

I absolutely love (I mean really love) Jaiden and Bexley. They are the ultimate couple goals!!! The way they love each other unconditionally and know exactly what the other needs had me completely swooning over them both. And the spice – HOT DAMN – it was so freaking HOT I was sure my kindle was going to melt or be set on fire because these two sure had my body aching to the point of combustion.

Another brilliantly written story by such an amazing author. It was filled with intense action, edge of your seat suspense, bloody violence, plot twists, and insanely erotic moments. I never wanted this story to end. But that ending – utterly perfect – chef’s kiss!!!

Highly recommend!!!
Profile Image for Marianne.
394 reviews37 followers
August 16, 2023
CW: graphic sexual content, slut shaming, abduction, woman in peril, implied CPTSD, murder, attempted murder, knife violence, mention of gun violence, stalking, sexual predation, attempted rape

🌟 Established relationship
🌟 Morally Grey cinnamon roll
🌟 Badass heroine

The morally grey cinnamon roll is my ultimate catnip, and so rare to find and I forgot just how perfect an example of that Jai was. *sigh*

So we're further down the line in Bex and Jai's relationship from where we were in HWHM and they're still absolutely freaking adorable and spicy.

They just live and breathe for one another and it's so all encompassing the way they're wrapped up in one another. Although not in an "unhealthy" way, I have to emphasise. It's just a gorgeous connection.

I'm super sick right now so I will come back and expand on the review, but I'm sad to say goodbye to these two.
Profile Image for Kat.
259 reviews
August 27, 2023
He who haunts me is still one of my favorite books so I've been patiently waiting because I couldn't wait to delve back into Bex and Jai's story. Kenna really knows what we want and delivers it oh so well. The tension that I loved so much in the first book is only amplified because now they're married and their marriage life is like freaking goals. As questions arise, a mysterious new copycat or possible partner shows up, inspiring new nightmares. More blood starts to spill and Bex realizes that she might have to put herself on the line if they want to get closer to the truth. The writing style, the spice, the mystery...I was fully invested and while the first book holds a special place in my heart this one stepped up the stakes. And when Jai says the words, "Where the fvck is my wife!" I knew all hell was about to break loose and I was so here for it!
Profile Image for Melanie Horner.
103 reviews9 followers
August 29, 2023
“You’re staring,” she teased. I was, unashamedly so. “Of course, I am. Of all the views, you are my favorite.”

This one was perfection. I loved that we got Bex and Jai a few years later. Seeing them together like that, I didn’t think Jai could be more of a simp, but I was wrong. That man has it BAD.

What you’ll find:
🐦Serial 🔪
✨Trauma
🐦SPICE 😮‍💨
✨”Touch her and ☠️”
🐦FMC who takes no shit
✨MMC who will follow her anywhere

“Your cünt is mine. Scream for it.” Her hand came up and flew into my face. A wicked smile spread over my face. The sting of her palm felt so fucking good, I nearly came then. “You know I like that, now scream because you like it.”

I already want to reread it. Bexley and Jaiden are 🥹 and I’m so happy they got the ending they deserve.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️

✨received as an arc and am giving my honest review✨
Profile Image for Gem .
330 reviews12 followers
September 3, 2023
He’s back!

I’ve been so looking forward to reading more of Bexley and Jaiden’s story and this second of the duet from Kenna Bellrae did not disappoint with spice, action and some additional info that complements book 1 brilliantly!

I do love these two and having Noah back pleased me no end! The inclusion of great supporting characters always helps with the story and there’s definitely a found family vibe as well at the romantic thriller.

He Who Haunts Me is book 1 of this duet so you really do need to read that before this. It’s one of my favourite books and this book gives such a great ending to the overarching story. Loved Dead Man’s Wish and highly recommend the duet!!
73 reviews
November 18, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ this book had more mystery aspects than the first one and I like that since Bexley was older, she was a part of the case. I cannot put the book down for the last 70% of it. Jaiden and Bexley‘s relationship only got better from the first book. He was so protective of her given all that’s happened. I really liked Bexley‘s character in this book and how she interacted with such dangerous people and got under their skin. The journal entries from Brent were interesting, it was cool to see how a psychopaths mind worked. Also, in the end, watching her use psychology and some violence to stay alive to go home to Jaiden was so interesting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Clarissa.
13 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2023
Girlfriend did not fail to draw me into yet another book of hers. Each book she publishes gets better and better without fail. I could easily picture everything she described with detail. Jai and Bex are everything. Their love and devotion to each other are off the charts and you can see it in every word, every description. I couldn’t put this down to the point I couldn’t even yell at her in messages like normal because I was dying to see what happened next. I wanted to see how it all played out without being disturbed. I will always go back to read this beautiful couples story.
Profile Image for Rachel.
56 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2024
"Where you go, I go, even if it's to the other side. Do you understand?" so if it wasn't obvious from my review of the first book He Who Haunts Me, I'm utterly obsessed with this duet. This book starts off with Jaiden and Bexley now into their later twenties, working together, enjoying life and each other. Then people start getting kidnapped and killed again in a copycat style, and let me just say that I definitely enjoyed the little twist. Then seeing emo golden retriever Jaiden going into badass protector mode x100.. I was sweatin' over here. I couldn't put this down and I really didn't want this story to end. If this duet is on your TBR just read it!
Profile Image for Courtney Surface.
60 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2023
I just finished this book and I am so not ready for their duet to be over. I love Jenna’s writing and these characters she has given us. Jai will always be so special to me and Bex is so badass; I am so happy to get to see their life years down the road!! This was their perfect end to their story but I did not managed to guess the killer correctly at all. Kept me on my toes til the very end!! Another amazing book from an amazing author!!
Profile Image for Chyanne.
123 reviews14 followers
August 29, 2023
This book…. Idk what Kenna puts in her books but they HIT every single time. I devoured Dead Man’s Wish in one sitting and the only thing I was upset about was that there wasn’t more. I could read about Bex and Jaiden FOREVER and not get tired. DMW made me giggle, kick my feet,geek out at the spice, internally scream and cry. Kenna tore my heart out and then put it back in. Highly highly recommend. Such a good conclusion to Bex and Jaiden’s story.
Profile Image for Angel.
62 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2023
thank you to the author for the e-ARC!

Getting this ARC was a full-circle moment for me as I also had an e-ARC for All Hallows' Haunts! and if only I could give a book more than 5 stars, I would!
I loved everything while reading this book, the suspense, the thriller, the spice, the badass fl! This book just felt like Christmas came early to me!

Again! thank you for the author for sending me an ARC and for creating such an enthralling story!
Profile Image for Holly Stringer.
13 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2023
Check CW before reading.

I feel so privileged to have gotten an ARC copy of this book.
The way this book felt bittersweet and I didn’t want it to end. My love for Jaiden and Bexley grew even more. The way they are obsessed and love each other is everything. The growth they have made and the family they built is amazing.
Kenna can write anything and I’d read it.
Profile Image for Kristin.
507 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2023
A perfect end to the Swallow's Archive Duet.
Bex and Jaiden are back as well as something from their past that returns to terrorize them again. Kenna Bellrae excels at having great story, intrigue and mystery while providing that steamy spice we all love. I couldn't put this book down and you won't be able to either.
Profile Image for Sara Soderling.
4 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2023
Cheifs kiss all around! Absolutely adore this author and her work just gets better and better every time. It was dark and spicy but it's not a dark romance. It's a dark thriller/mystery and it did not disappoint!! Keep up the amazing work Kenna! I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next!!
Profile Image for Madison DeRoo.
557 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2023
ARC REVIEW

I honestly loved this book. It was a great combination of plot and smut. Most of the real “action” does not take place until the last few chapters but you do not know where it’s going ever. I honestly thought I knew who the killer was right away but had no idea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katia.
221 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2024
3,75/5

la verdad es que ver madurar a esta pareja me ha encantado, los he amado juntos en todo momento, el epílogo me tiene llorando de lo bonito que es 🥹

la pega es que es cortito y la intriga se desarrolla bastante rápido para mi gusto
Profile Image for SoBookishleeKaLee.
111 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2025
3.5/5

I enjoyed the read. I loved the forensic psychology aspect. I've always wanted to do that. Big dream of mine. I still love how Jaiden is with Bexley. I love their love haha. I'm so glad they got their HEA.
Profile Image for anneke.
193 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2023
MY BABIES GOT THEIR HEA LITTLE WOOHOO MOMENT AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH AND I LOVE KB’S WRITING AND ITS THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND IM SO SLEEPY BUT THIS BOOK IS TOO GOOD TO NOT SCREAM ABOUT RIGHT NOW.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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