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Tennebrose #2.5
Mortem Obire
Hiding the truth is never easy, but it’s something Jamie Kincaid has gotten pretty good at over the years—just like ignoring the fact he’s in love with his best friend. And after pretending for so long, there’s no way he’s going to risk what they have by fessing up about his true feelings.
Not to mention that other secret he’s been concealing since they were thirteen; a secret Jamie swears he’ll take to his grave.
But it turns out, his best friend has secrets too. Deadly secrets, which means Jamie might end up keeping his vow after all.
MORTEM OBIRE is a MM, best friends-to-lovers paranormal romance novella about ghosts, serial killers, and a deep-rooted fear of Halloween. There’s a healthy dose of angst mixed in with the steamy moments between two guys who are “just friends,” all the Halloween vibes, and a cameo by one lovable goat. It is intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list of triggers can be found in the front matter of the book and at my website under Tropes & Triggers.
This book can be read as a standalone from the rest of the Tennebrose series. It does include previously established characters, but not in a way that would negatively impact your reading enjoyment.
Not to mention that other secret he’s been concealing since they were thirteen; a secret Jamie swears he’ll take to his grave.
But it turns out, his best friend has secrets too. Deadly secrets, which means Jamie might end up keeping his vow after all.
MORTEM OBIRE is a MM, best friends-to-lovers paranormal romance novella about ghosts, serial killers, and a deep-rooted fear of Halloween. There’s a healthy dose of angst mixed in with the steamy moments between two guys who are “just friends,” all the Halloween vibes, and a cameo by one lovable goat. It is intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list of triggers can be found in the front matter of the book and at my website under Tropes & Triggers.
This book can be read as a standalone from the rest of the Tennebrose series. It does include previously established characters, but not in a way that would negatively impact your reading enjoyment.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2023
20 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Drewek
20 books924 followersInternational best-selling and award-winning author Ashlyn Drewek has always been fascinated by "weird" things like Edgar Allan Poe, Halloween, and witchcraft. Not necessarily in that order. But she's also a hopeless romantic who lives for stories about true love conquering all. Since variety is indeed the spice of life, she writes a mix of MM tropes and subgenres to satisfy her rapidly changing whims.
For information on upcoming releases, go to ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/upcoming
Have a question? I might have an answer! ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/faq
Looking for links? Go here ⇢ www.ashlyndrewek.com/main
For information on upcoming releases, go to ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/upcoming
Have a question? I might have an answer! ⇢ https://www.ashlyndrewek.com/faq
Looking for links? Go here ⇢ www.ashlyndrewek.com/main
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 17, 2023
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“And I’m sorry if I have. You’re the most important thing in the world to me. I love you, Jamie.”
“That’s the problem.”
“What is?”
“You love me, as a friend, but I’m in love with you.”
Even though it was set in the Tennebrose world, Mortem Obire didn't quite capture the same dark, eerie vibe that I had grown accustomed to with it. Maybe it wasn't the story, itself, but the writing that didn't quite have the same spark that I was hoping for.
Jamie and Larkin were each other's best of friends - 'the only person who really gets me ... The boy who breathed life into me. Who taught me how to laugh. Who gave and gave and gave, asking nothing in return.' I'm a sucker for friends to lovers, so all the little moments of them occasionally experimenting with one another, fiercely protective and loyal to each other, whilst still harboring secret feelings for each other, was really adorable to see. 🥰🥰
So cute that when they finally admitted to it, they each realized that there were a lot more skeletons in the closet left to uncover. Literally! With chilling haunts and ghoulish nightmares, Ashlyn Drewek gives us a dark and dangerous past to their friendship that could be the very catalyst that keeps them apart. 🩶🩶
“Between Larkin and I confessing our secrets and finally voicing our real love for each other, life was starting to look up. Maybe Halloween was a time for new beginnings... Hopefully we’d live to see another one.”
The paranormal touch was nicely done, very sinister, very morbid, and very Halloween-ish. When they both reveal to one another the hidden truths that they had been protecting each other from, only to realize how important it was to come out and face their fears together strengthened their bond even more so. Larkin had been carrying such a heavy burden for so very long - the monster that he kept at close bay to never let him venture out into the open to cause harm. While Jamie's also been traumatized by a past that Larkin was trying to keep from ever hurting him again - the guilt and grief that rattled their bones till their confessions.
When they combine their forces and talents with a little help from an old friend was very endearing - the open honesty in which they revealed the truths they had been protecting each from. The fall feels of the chill in the air - believe in the power of Halloween' - the crisp touch of something sinister lingering in the breeze was captured really vividly and I was curious to see how it would pan out.🍂🍂
What made a dip in my enjoyment would have to be the way the ending was handled - a bit too abrupt, slightly unbelievable, and a tad too convenient and rather far-fetched for me to accept. 😞 I didn't quite approve of the turn that it took, and the ghostly elements didn't spook me as much as the actual lead up to it had been; in other words, the climax was a bit underwhelming. While I'm all up for murder boyfriends and 'those who slay together, stay together - till the end' the execution of their final front wasn't as engaging as I thought it would be - almost comical, despite how heavy the actual situation that they were involved with. 🙎🏻♀️
“I just want you to be happy.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you too.”
“I’m happy when I’m with you.”
“Then it looks like we’re stuck with each other.”
“Nowhere I’d rather be.”
Still, this is truly a me issue, because as the author expressed, the story was intended to bring levity to a dark time, that wasn't meant to be feared after all'. There's no denying how deeply committed and loyal Jamie and Larkin were each other - stepping into the fire without hesitation. They really brought out the best and worst in each other, and they survived through Hell and back to survive another Halloween together, 'with than the man beside me, the one who had always been there for me, ghosts or no ghosts, and the one I would always be there for.' 👻🫶🏻👻
“And I’m sorry if I have. You’re the most important thing in the world to me. I love you, Jamie.”
“That’s the problem.”
“What is?”
“You love me, as a friend, but I’m in love with you.”
Even though it was set in the Tennebrose world, Mortem Obire didn't quite capture the same dark, eerie vibe that I had grown accustomed to with it. Maybe it wasn't the story, itself, but the writing that didn't quite have the same spark that I was hoping for.
Jamie and Larkin were each other's best of friends - 'the only person who really gets me ... The boy who breathed life into me. Who taught me how to laugh. Who gave and gave and gave, asking nothing in return.' I'm a sucker for friends to lovers, so all the little moments of them occasionally experimenting with one another, fiercely protective and loyal to each other, whilst still harboring secret feelings for each other, was really adorable to see. 🥰🥰
So cute that when they finally admitted to it, they each realized that there were a lot more skeletons in the closet left to uncover. Literally! With chilling haunts and ghoulish nightmares, Ashlyn Drewek gives us a dark and dangerous past to their friendship that could be the very catalyst that keeps them apart. 🩶🩶
“Between Larkin and I confessing our secrets and finally voicing our real love for each other, life was starting to look up. Maybe Halloween was a time for new beginnings... Hopefully we’d live to see another one.”
The paranormal touch was nicely done, very sinister, very morbid, and very Halloween-ish. When they both reveal to one another the hidden truths that they had been protecting each other from, only to realize how important it was to come out and face their fears together strengthened their bond even more so. Larkin had been carrying such a heavy burden for so very long - the monster that he kept at close bay to never let him venture out into the open to cause harm. While Jamie's also been traumatized by a past that Larkin was trying to keep from ever hurting him again - the guilt and grief that rattled their bones till their confessions.
When they combine their forces and talents with a little help from an old friend was very endearing - the open honesty in which they revealed the truths they had been protecting each from. The fall feels of the chill in the air - believe in the power of Halloween' - the crisp touch of something sinister lingering in the breeze was captured really vividly and I was curious to see how it would pan out.🍂🍂
What made a dip in my enjoyment would have to be the way the ending was handled - a bit too abrupt, slightly unbelievable, and a tad too convenient and rather far-fetched for me to accept. 😞 I didn't quite approve of the turn that it took, and the ghostly elements didn't spook me as much as the actual lead up to it had been; in other words, the climax was a bit underwhelming. While I'm all up for murder boyfriends and 'those who slay together, stay together - till the end' the execution of their final front wasn't as engaging as I thought it would be - almost comical, despite how heavy the actual situation that they were involved with. 🙎🏻♀️
“I just want you to be happy.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you too.”
“I’m happy when I’m with you.”
“Then it looks like we’re stuck with each other.”
“Nowhere I’d rather be.”
Still, this is truly a me issue, because as the author expressed, the story was intended to bring levity to a dark time, that wasn't meant to be feared after all'. There's no denying how deeply committed and loyal Jamie and Larkin were each other - stepping into the fire without hesitation. They really brought out the best and worst in each other, and they survived through Hell and back to survive another Halloween together, 'with than the man beside me, the one who had always been there for me, ghosts or no ghosts, and the one I would always be there for.' 👻🫶🏻👻
November 25, 2023
"Tennebrose at night always had a different vibe. A darker vibe. During the day, the historic buildings and flagstone walkways lent the university an old-world air of sophistication. It was quaint. Charming. Picturesque. But in the dark, you’d swear things watched you from the shadows and ghosts whispered your name as you passed by."
Secrets, lies, past horror, trauma, ghosts, witches, fear of Halloween, best friends to lovers, bi-awakening, dark, twisty themes and a HEA all wrapped up into a novella! Seriously Ashlyn Drewek, how do you do it?!
Mortem Obire is book 2.5 in the amazing Tennebrose universe and is also one of 12 short stories in the Phobia anthology.
This is Jamie and Larkin's story and it's a DOOZY! Do check the author's website if you have any concerns about dark themes, because this beauty has a few. For me personally, it was an absolute delight to return to the Tennebrose universe and I inhaled this instalment as quickly as I have its predecessors. My only complaint - it was too short!
Oh and did I mention that despite its length, Ashlyn manages to fit some steamy times into Mortem Obire.....?
"Wordlessly, he slipped his hands around my waist and hauled me into his lap. Before I could ask what the hell he was doing, he wrapped one hand around the back of my neck and brought my mouth down to his, kissing me hard."
You need to read this one!
5 stars
Secrets, lies, past horror, trauma, ghosts, witches, fear of Halloween, best friends to lovers, bi-awakening, dark, twisty themes and a HEA all wrapped up into a novella! Seriously Ashlyn Drewek, how do you do it?!
Mortem Obire is book 2.5 in the amazing Tennebrose universe and is also one of 12 short stories in the Phobia anthology.
This is Jamie and Larkin's story and it's a DOOZY! Do check the author's website if you have any concerns about dark themes, because this beauty has a few. For me personally, it was an absolute delight to return to the Tennebrose universe and I inhaled this instalment as quickly as I have its predecessors. My only complaint - it was too short!
Oh and did I mention that despite its length, Ashlyn manages to fit some steamy times into Mortem Obire.....?
"Wordlessly, he slipped his hands around my waist and hauled me into his lap. Before I could ask what the hell he was doing, he wrapped one hand around the back of my neck and brought my mouth down to his, kissing me hard."
You need to read this one!
5 stars
September 21, 2023
I love being back in the perfectly haunting and spooky Tennebrose world. In this story, you follow best friends Jamie and Larkin. They have been best friends since they were thirteen and are completely devoted to one another. The friendship and devotion between these two was my favorite aspect of the story. It really made me root for these guys, especially when they had so much to overcome.
Another aspect of this story that was so well done is Jamie's fear of Halloween. This is a fascinating phobia that felt so intense and traumatizing. The slow unraveling of his psyche was brilliantly done alongside a newly unearthed gift. Another aspect of this story that really elevated it was its atmosphere, Tennebrose especially around Halloween is eerie, disturbing, and highly unsettling at times.
Overall I loved this thrill ride from beginning to end. I loved how I never really knew where this story would go and was pleasantly surprised throughout, especially with all of the character reveals. Together Jamie and Larkin go through so much in their story. I love how they worked together and faced their demons while remaining true to one another. Such a fantastically spooky story!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Another aspect of this story that was so well done is Jamie's fear of Halloween. This is a fascinating phobia that felt so intense and traumatizing. The slow unraveling of his psyche was brilliantly done alongside a newly unearthed gift. Another aspect of this story that really elevated it was its atmosphere, Tennebrose especially around Halloween is eerie, disturbing, and highly unsettling at times.
Overall I loved this thrill ride from beginning to end. I loved how I never really knew where this story would go and was pleasantly surprised throughout, especially with all of the character reveals. Together Jamie and Larkin go through so much in their story. I love how they worked together and faced their demons while remaining true to one another. Such a fantastically spooky story!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
June 16, 2024
Slowly crawling my way out of a 1 ⭐️ reading slump one dark mm romance at a time.
April 2, 2024
pretty juvenile compared to the other two in this series tbh. loved the chemistry tho.
December 9, 2023
I love you, Jamie.” “That’s the problem.” “What is?” “You love me, as a friend, but I’m in love with you.”
What you'll get:
Friends to lovers
Serial killer
Ghosts
Bisexual and gay rep
CW/TW: SA in a character's past
Setting: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
This started out with the tone of a normal spicy best friends to lovers where they finally get it together but it turns out they both have secrets. Jamie sees ghosts and Larkin kills people sometimes. It's totally chill.
I had such a good time with this. I wish the ending just had a smidge more there because it felt a little abrupt. I hope they'll pop up later in the Tennebrose series.
What you'll get:
Friends to lovers
Serial killer
Ghosts
Bisexual and gay rep
CW/TW: SA in a character's past
Setting: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
This started out with the tone of a normal spicy best friends to lovers where they finally get it together but it turns out they both have secrets. Jamie sees ghosts and Larkin kills people sometimes. It's totally chill.
I had such a good time with this. I wish the ending just had a smidge more there because it felt a little abrupt. I hope they'll pop up later in the Tennebrose series.
July 15, 2024
4.5 stars ⋆♱✮♱⋆
HOLY SHIT I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS
Larkin & Jamie have been through so much🥺
my heart hurts for them💔 but they both have each other, the love they have for each other is beautiful
HOLY SHIT I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS
Larkin & Jamie have been through so much🥺
my heart hurts for them💔 but they both have each other, the love they have for each other is beautiful
October 27, 2023
“Believe in the power of Halloween.” I’ve always loved Halloween. It’s my favorite time of year, so imagine my happiness when it’s paired with BFs to lovers. Jamie and Larkin already have an unbreakable bond but oh how my heart hurt as we learned about their pasts. I have a weakness for long-time friends who fall in love and these two would do anything for the other. What happens in this story only cements my love and beliefs I have for this powerful holiday.
June 16, 2025
oh my gosh i loved this book!!! jamie and larkin are so cute!! they were made for each other. larkin has a dark secret past that he has never told jamie about. even though they’ve been best friends since childhood. after that fateful halloween night when they were 13 jamie gained his own secret he hid from everyone. together they overcame their pasts, found the love they’re always had for each other, and got the peace they needed to move on.
loved loved loved
loved loved loved
November 1, 2023
Omg, I went blind and I’m SO happy I did. Seriously, I loved this from start to finish, and it only seemed to get better… while I would totally take more of these two and this story, I felt like it was very satisfying. GAH. Loved it.
June 22, 2024
It was good but I would have liked to have at least a glimpse of Cass and Graeme, don’t get me wrong, Dr. Corbin is pretty badass.
This is almost a typical friends to lovers but with the added twist of one MC being a medium and the other MC having a horrible past.
This is almost a typical friends to lovers but with the added twist of one MC being a medium and the other MC having a horrible past.
November 7, 2023
I find it so interesting that every Tennebrose book is so wildly different than the last but still takes place in the same town around the same timeframe. Besides the warring witch families and all the drama that comes with it, this town has ghosts, demon lords, serial killers, murder - it's amazing any "normal" person lives here.
This is a childhood friends-to-lovers romance with some pretty unusual circumstances that brings them to take that final step. It's pretty action packed and plenty spicy. And the story is more or less self-contained unlike the first two books in the series.
This is marked as book #2.5 in the series on Goodreads so I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a prologue to a future longer book or if it's just Drewek playing in the world of her creation, but I would love to see both Larkin and Jamie again.
This is a childhood friends-to-lovers romance with some pretty unusual circumstances that brings them to take that final step. It's pretty action packed and plenty spicy. And the story is more or less self-contained unlike the first two books in the series.
This is marked as book #2.5 in the series on Goodreads so I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a prologue to a future longer book or if it's just Drewek playing in the world of her creation, but I would love to see both Larkin and Jamie again.
November 14, 2023
Good scary Halloween read
Mortem Obire is the third title on Tennebrose series. MM Romance. Can be read as a standalone. Different main couple. HEA. PNR Contemporary. Crime. Horror. Ghosts. Suspense. Friends-to-Lovers. Angsty. Trigger warning: contains grisly doings and goings on as well as past child-abuse, not on page.
2POV, 1st person, past tense. This kindle edition 133 pages, October 27, 2023.
I enjoyed this!
It was just right for a Halloween read which I expected and got just what I wanted! Just scary enough but not too much and of course a HEA.
I'd've wanted more length, but what can you do and on the other hand the length fit the story, sooo no complaints.
1 star dropped due to having had the sad, unrealistic expectations of a new story of the first main couple.
Mortem Obire is the third title on Tennebrose series. MM Romance. Can be read as a standalone. Different main couple. HEA. PNR Contemporary. Crime. Horror. Ghosts. Suspense. Friends-to-Lovers. Angsty. Trigger warning: contains grisly doings and goings on as well as past child-abuse, not on page.
2POV, 1st person, past tense. This kindle edition 133 pages, October 27, 2023.
I enjoyed this!
It was just right for a Halloween read which I expected and got just what I wanted! Just scary enough but not too much and of course a HEA.
I'd've wanted more length, but what can you do and on the other hand the length fit the story, sooo no complaints.
1 star dropped due to having had the sad, unrealistic expectations of a new story of the first main couple.
October 31, 2023
I love this world and will always love whatever comes out of it. This is how I prefer a novella. Jamie & Larkin have known each other since they were kids, and feelings have been there for years, so their love didn't feel rushed. Plus childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. This was most definitely a sweet romance within a very dark story. I also love how Ashlyn managed to give me a twist I didn't see coming. This was a great spooky & sweet read.
But out of all of his expressions, I loved his sleepy smiles the most, when he was still somewhere between dreams and wakefulness. When he’d open his brilliant blue eyes and see me next to him and just… smile. It made my chest squeeze every single time.
Jamie.
The boy who breathed life into me. Who taught me how to laugh. Who gave and gave and gave, asking nothing in return. I loved him so much that my chest hurt. I’d always loved him.
“A half hour ago you were straight. Now you want to bottom?”
“A half hour ago I was pretending to be someone else because I thought that’s what I needed to do to get through life. Now, I don’t care about that. All I care about is you. About us. And if you want to top, I’ll bottom. If you want to bottom, I’ll top. If you say you never want to have sex again, I’ll cry, but I’ll deal with it. I’ll do whatever you want me to, just as long as you’re with me.”
But out of all of his expressions, I loved his sleepy smiles the most, when he was still somewhere between dreams and wakefulness. When he’d open his brilliant blue eyes and see me next to him and just… smile. It made my chest squeeze every single time.
Jamie.
The boy who breathed life into me. Who taught me how to laugh. Who gave and gave and gave, asking nothing in return. I loved him so much that my chest hurt. I’d always loved him.
“A half hour ago you were straight. Now you want to bottom?”
“A half hour ago I was pretending to be someone else because I thought that’s what I needed to do to get through life. Now, I don’t care about that. All I care about is you. About us. And if you want to top, I’ll bottom. If you want to bottom, I’ll top. If you say you never want to have sex again, I’ll cry, but I’ll deal with it. I’ll do whatever you want me to, just as long as you’re with me.”
September 27, 2025
My review was removed so here we go again. Profiting off of a community that you actively vote against is DISGUSTING.
October 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
RTC
🌶️🌶️🌶️
RTC
September 9, 2025
Omg this is so good, this is so freaking cute. I'm surprised that the rate is much lower than i expected. This story is much lighter, fluffier than the 2 main stories of this series but that doesn't mean it was plain or the author had lost the ability to create an eerie and mysterious atmosphere that she was famous of, because lady and gentlemen I must remind you that Malum discordiae and Igni ferroque are fucking dark, depressing and traumatic. A story lighter than those 2 does not mean it's not scary one bit. I find this one a sweet love story surrounded by halloween's dark and cold breath with stalking serial killer lurking in the dark, corpse in the basement, nightmares following. Overall they lived happily ever after getting rid of all the bodies, but before that, Larkin and Jamie had gone through a lot terrifying things, I feel warm that they had each other.
Larkin was like a big sheepdog made a wish to become people, very protective, caring, joyful . A cutie, you would regret not to snatch him up.
“A half hour ago I was pretending to be someone else because I thought that’s what I needed to do to get through life. Now, I don’t care about that. All I care about is you. About us. And if you want to top, I’ll bottom. If you want to bottom, I’ll top. If you say you never want to have sex again, I’ll cry, but I’ll deal with it. I’ll do whatever you want me to, just as long as you’re with me.”
Jamie desperately and hopelessly in love with his straight best friend was so cliche. I love seeing him gently taking care of Larkin like bandaging his hand while Larkin smiling like a foolish golden retriever.
He snagged me around the waist and pulled me into his lap, kissing my neck, seriousness edging out his earlier playfulness. “I just want you to be happy.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you too.”
“I’m happy when I’m with you.”
“Then it looks like we’re stuck with each other.”
“Nowhere I’d rather be.” His dimples flashed and I pressed my lips to his, trying to pour all of my love and happiness into that kiss so maybe he’d feel a fraction of what I felt, what I’d always felt when it came to him. Larkin Galvan, my best friend and the absolute love of my life.
They were both lover boys and needy to each others.
A warning to the reader:
This book includes references to and depictions of: off-page child sexual abuse and death; off-page child kidnapping; homophobic slurs; attempted sexual assault; violence and torture, including strangling, drowning, and weapons; PTSD and anxiety; alcohol use and drunk driving; and parental/caregiver death.
Bed dynamic:
#friends_to_lovers #sweet
Larkin was like a big sheepdog made a wish to become people, very protective, caring, joyful . A cutie, you would regret not to snatch him up.
“A half hour ago I was pretending to be someone else because I thought that’s what I needed to do to get through life. Now, I don’t care about that. All I care about is you. About us. And if you want to top, I’ll bottom. If you want to bottom, I’ll top. If you say you never want to have sex again, I’ll cry, but I’ll deal with it. I’ll do whatever you want me to, just as long as you’re with me.”
Jamie desperately and hopelessly in love with his straight best friend was so cliche. I love seeing him gently taking care of Larkin like bandaging his hand while Larkin smiling like a foolish golden retriever.
He snagged me around the waist and pulled me into his lap, kissing my neck, seriousness edging out his earlier playfulness. “I just want you to be happy.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you too.”
“I’m happy when I’m with you.”
“Then it looks like we’re stuck with each other.”
“Nowhere I’d rather be.” His dimples flashed and I pressed my lips to his, trying to pour all of my love and happiness into that kiss so maybe he’d feel a fraction of what I felt, what I’d always felt when it came to him. Larkin Galvan, my best friend and the absolute love of my life.
They were both lover boys and needy to each others.
A warning to the reader:
This book includes references to and depictions of: off-page child sexual abuse and death; off-page child kidnapping; homophobic slurs; attempted sexual assault; violence and torture, including strangling, drowning, and weapons; PTSD and anxiety; alcohol use and drunk driving; and parental/caregiver death.
Bed dynamic:
#friends_to_lovers #sweet
December 10, 2023
This review will be short and sweet, just like the book. It was good, Drewek is an excellent storyteller with a wonderful ability to bring characters to life and make the reader fall in love with them. I’m loving the HEAs that seem to come as standard for this universe, though none of it is certain until you reach the end!
I want to explain the 4 star rating: the other books in the Tennebrose series are much higher stakes. Nothing wrong with a smaller story, but it didn’t feel like it packed as many punches. It is much more contained with little impact on any characters outside of the two protagonists. Also Jamie’s paranormal gifts were like a Sunday stroll compared to the necromancy covered in the previous two books. It almost felt… unimportant.
Also this book could have done with being longer (but maybe that’s just my selfish desire to soak up as much as I can of Drewek’s writing hah!) It did, however, feel very fast paced and I feel like the tension could have been dragged out a little.
Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It’s short, easy enough to complete in a single sitting. A good addition to the Tennebrose world. I really enjoyed it. As always, warnings apply if venturing into this world.
I want to explain the 4 star rating: the other books in the Tennebrose series are much higher stakes. Nothing wrong with a smaller story, but it didn’t feel like it packed as many punches. It is much more contained with little impact on any characters outside of the two protagonists. Also Jamie’s paranormal gifts were like a Sunday stroll compared to the necromancy covered in the previous two books. It almost felt… unimportant.
Also this book could have done with being longer (but maybe that’s just my selfish desire to soak up as much as I can of Drewek’s writing hah!) It did, however, feel very fast paced and I feel like the tension could have been dragged out a little.
Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It’s short, easy enough to complete in a single sitting. A good addition to the Tennebrose world. I really enjoyed it. As always, warnings apply if venturing into this world.
October 9, 2023
ARC review
“Believe in the power of Halloween. “
Best friends to lovers;Suspense; Ghosts and a serial killer; Phobia - fear of Halloween; Hurt/comfort; Touch of angst
“I didn’t know if I believed in ghosts, but I believed in Jamie and if he believed, then I believed by proxy.”
I devoured this novella! I love the Tennebrose world SO MUCH and was so excited to step back into it.
Novellas tend to make me nervous because I need to feel the depth of the characters to fully connect to the story and for me, novellas don’t always hit that mark for me. Well, Ashlyn DELIVERS!
I fell for sweet Jamie and fierce Larkin. Their friendship and ultimately their love for one another colored the pages beautifully even amidst all the hard, dark obstacles in their way. I love how their story was the perfect mix of sweet moments, brutal truths, suspense with bits of paranormal unease plus some sexy hot scenes. Ashlyn wrote another tantalizing story that leaves you wanting more of this world and more of her incredible writing. She’s not afraid to bring you into the dark with her characters so that you can see the light.
“Believe in the power of Halloween. “
Best friends to lovers;Suspense; Ghosts and a serial killer; Phobia - fear of Halloween; Hurt/comfort; Touch of angst
“I didn’t know if I believed in ghosts, but I believed in Jamie and if he believed, then I believed by proxy.”
I devoured this novella! I love the Tennebrose world SO MUCH and was so excited to step back into it.
Novellas tend to make me nervous because I need to feel the depth of the characters to fully connect to the story and for me, novellas don’t always hit that mark for me. Well, Ashlyn DELIVERS!
I fell for sweet Jamie and fierce Larkin. Their friendship and ultimately their love for one another colored the pages beautifully even amidst all the hard, dark obstacles in their way. I love how their story was the perfect mix of sweet moments, brutal truths, suspense with bits of paranormal unease plus some sexy hot scenes. Ashlyn wrote another tantalizing story that leaves you wanting more of this world and more of her incredible writing. She’s not afraid to bring you into the dark with her characters so that you can see the light.
October 28, 2023
"I was finally free. Just as soon as I got rid of the body."
I wish it had been longer. Everything just felt a little flat and it wasn't Drewek in her element. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I knew I could.
Don't get me wrong, it's Tennebrose through and through, and much more than Caligo. But it was disappointing compared to Igni Ferroque and Malum Discordiae and I think that's because it was a novella when I could've happily gotten a full book from this with a little more depth to her characters and a little more twists of the knife to their situation.
Especially since the enemies-to-lovers was a major thing I liked in this series, and there was surprisingly little drama between Jamie and Larkin, or pacing to make it as slow-burn as I'd have liked. But the trade-off was that Drewek kept the world-building consistent and it ended up being a nice, creepy book for Halloween.
The sex scenes were on point, however, as always - and Larkin was one of my favourite characters this year. So, yeah, I can't hate it. Definitely one of the better books I've read this month.
I wish it had been longer. Everything just felt a little flat and it wasn't Drewek in her element. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I knew I could.
Don't get me wrong, it's Tennebrose through and through, and much more than Caligo. But it was disappointing compared to Igni Ferroque and Malum Discordiae and I think that's because it was a novella when I could've happily gotten a full book from this with a little more depth to her characters and a little more twists of the knife to their situation.
Especially since the enemies-to-lovers was a major thing I liked in this series, and there was surprisingly little drama between Jamie and Larkin, or pacing to make it as slow-burn as I'd have liked. But the trade-off was that Drewek kept the world-building consistent and it ended up being a nice, creepy book for Halloween.
The sex scenes were on point, however, as always - and Larkin was one of my favourite characters this year. So, yeah, I can't hate it. Definitely one of the better books I've read this month.
November 23, 2023
3/3.5
Read this as part of the Phobia anthology which cost me 99p for 12 stories. This then popped up as an Amazon recommendation and I saw the author is charging £3.49!!!!
Yeah... Right
I was conflicted with this one. It's part of a dark romance anthology and this wasn't dark. It was a sweet PNR romance. Sweet because that's what the guys were to each other. The only element of darkness was the bad ghost but he didn't have much of a presence.
I understand this is part of a wider world. Maybe those who know that world will love this but it didn't build that world enough to make me think I must dive into it.
Some bits didn't feel right with it. Can't really put my finger on it... Also really irked me that Jamie kept calling Larkin straight. Surely, as a young gay man he knew that when another man regularly got off playing with your cock he was either bi, closeted, or confused. You certainly wouldn't keep believing they're straight.
It was ok for what it was. Didn't feel any spookiness or darkness, so I'm not convinced it fit in a dark anthology.
Read this as part of the Phobia anthology which cost me 99p for 12 stories. This then popped up as an Amazon recommendation and I saw the author is charging £3.49!!!!
Yeah... Right
I was conflicted with this one. It's part of a dark romance anthology and this wasn't dark. It was a sweet PNR romance. Sweet because that's what the guys were to each other. The only element of darkness was the bad ghost but he didn't have much of a presence.
I understand this is part of a wider world. Maybe those who know that world will love this but it didn't build that world enough to make me think I must dive into it.
Some bits didn't feel right with it. Can't really put my finger on it... Also really irked me that Jamie kept calling Larkin straight. Surely, as a young gay man he knew that when another man regularly got off playing with your cock he was either bi, closeted, or confused. You certainly wouldn't keep believing they're straight.
It was ok for what it was. Didn't feel any spookiness or darkness, so I'm not convinced it fit in a dark anthology.
October 27, 2023
A Halloween story set within the Tennebrose series, but can be read as a standalone. Jaime and Larkin have been best friends since they were young neighbors, they even experimented with each other, but they each have secrets. Jaime’s is that he sees ghosts and is also madly in love with Larkin. Larkin’s secrets are much more sinister, but were never of his choosing. Still, he is afraid Jaime would never look at him the same if he knew. Halloween brings heightened anxiety for Jaime due to a trauma from his past. Larkin always does what he can to keep him distracted, but this year something from his secret life has gone awry and Jaime may be in more danger than ever. But, Jaime needs to protect his heart as well and cannot seem to see the danger that surrounds him as he pushes Larkin away. Will Larkin be able to share his secret, share his heart and protect Jaime this Halloween? Or are they doomed to lose each other for good? Looking forward to the next Tennebrose story!
October 31, 2023
I enjoyed "Mortem Obire"; it's a nice dark fantasy MM short story. While it may not reach the heights set by previous entries in the series, it offered an enjoyable reading experience.
Primarily, it's a ghostly murder tale with no groundbreaking surprises, but the characters are endearing and well-crafted. The plot holds your interest, and the writing is solid. I missed the magic and political elements from Tenebrose, and I was hoping to revisit more characters from the series and see their stories intertwine. I will have to hold those expectation for a future book.
On another note, there are quite a few erotic scenes in my opinion. They felt boring, disconnected from the story, and unnecessary. The oversexualization of MM Fantasy is something that we should move beyond.
In summary, it's a good book, and I was pleased to read it. For those seeking a ghost/terror MM story, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Primarily, it's a ghostly murder tale with no groundbreaking surprises, but the characters are endearing and well-crafted. The plot holds your interest, and the writing is solid. I missed the magic and political elements from Tenebrose, and I was hoping to revisit more characters from the series and see their stories intertwine. I will have to hold those expectation for a future book.
On another note, there are quite a few erotic scenes in my opinion. They felt boring, disconnected from the story, and unnecessary. The oversexualization of MM Fantasy is something that we should move beyond.
In summary, it's a good book, and I was pleased to read it. For those seeking a ghost/terror MM story, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
October 5, 2023
Novella #2.5 in series (Tennebrose), can be read as a standalone. Paranormal horror. Friends to lovers. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. Best friends Jamie and Larkin have been through a lot together, but both of them are keeping secrets, the least of which is their more than friendship feelings for each other. Surviving a past horror and trauma, Jamie and Larkin must fight again to survive another Halloween so they can finally be together. Larkin is protective and Jamie is always taking care of Larkin and their shared years of friendship allows their move to become boyfriends to happen smoothly. Even for a quick story it is easy to see that they care and love each other, and it is in sharp contrast to the dark and foreboding story that surrounds them. Very entertaining, with some steam and some action that kept up a fast paced and scary story. 4.5 rounded up
March 9, 2024
Ashlyn Drewek does the spooky like no one else can. Her Tennebrose series honestly just keeps getting better and better with each book she releases, and I'm over here wishing it all existed and somehow my letter to this college just got lost in the mail.
Best friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes, but toss in witches, serial killers and two besties pining for each other and I am SOLD. Although their backstories were both filled with horrific trauma, it was good they had a safe place to land when the nightmares got too much. Their chemistry together was perfection and I'm glad that the urge to be with one another never diminished from when they were teens to the adults they are now.
I honestly wish we got a spin off because I am SO damn curious about Jamie seeing ghosts of the victims and are now off to find out exactly where the bodies are buried!
Best friends to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes, but toss in witches, serial killers and two besties pining for each other and I am SOLD. Although their backstories were both filled with horrific trauma, it was good they had a safe place to land when the nightmares got too much. Their chemistry together was perfection and I'm glad that the urge to be with one another never diminished from when they were teens to the adults they are now.
I honestly wish we got a spin off because I am SO damn curious about Jamie seeing ghosts of the victims and are now off to find out exactly where the bodies are buried!
November 5, 2024
This is a very enjoyable Halloween novella!!
The plot isn't anything incredible, but I'm sure it wasn't meant to be. It could have been gorier but it doesn't shy away from dealing with gruesome themes. For some reason, it even reminded me of one my beloved 80s low budget horror movies but with a gay twist, something I'm always trying to achieve as an author!!
I really liked Jamie and Larkin and their relationship. Their romance is so sweet but also a little wholesomely fucked up which is a total delight to me!!
Some things felt rushed, especially in the finale, but I guess you can do so much within 120 pages. Anyway, this is proof I'm such a slow ass reader, I should have been able to start and finish this in one sitting 😭
I'll be sure to check the rest of the Tennebrose series, especially "Malum Discordiae" because I need my queer witchy dark academia injection ❤️
The plot isn't anything incredible, but I'm sure it wasn't meant to be. It could have been gorier but it doesn't shy away from dealing with gruesome themes. For some reason, it even reminded me of one my beloved 80s low budget horror movies but with a gay twist, something I'm always trying to achieve as an author!!
I really liked Jamie and Larkin and their relationship. Their romance is so sweet but also a little wholesomely fucked up which is a total delight to me!!
Some things felt rushed, especially in the finale, but I guess you can do so much within 120 pages. Anyway, this is proof I'm such a slow ass reader, I should have been able to start and finish this in one sitting 😭
I'll be sure to check the rest of the Tennebrose series, especially "Malum Discordiae" because I need my queer witchy dark academia injection ❤️
August 20, 2025
I finished reading Mortem Obire by Ashlyn Drewek. It is part 2.5 in the Tennebrose series. It was a relatively short book (only 127 pages...I suppose that's why it's part 2.5 and not 3). Overall, it was a fun but brief ghost story. Perhaps fun is a little generous as much of the subject matter is quite dark. While romance-adjacent genres are not my preference, I do enjoy the magical world in this series.
Like the other two books, while this one takes place in the same town and has some cameos of previous characters, the overall story and main characters are unique to this book.
While the ending fit, I feel like there could have been more lead up to it. Perhaps more characters throughout or sprinklings of clues about the ending prior to the second to last chapter. While a decent read, I feel like it could have benefited from being a little longer.
Like the other two books, while this one takes place in the same town and has some cameos of previous characters, the overall story and main characters are unique to this book.
While the ending fit, I feel like there could have been more lead up to it. Perhaps more characters throughout or sprinklings of clues about the ending prior to the second to last chapter. While a decent read, I feel like it could have benefited from being a little longer.
April 23, 2025
I read Mortem Obire a while back, but it still lives rent-free in my head. Every bit of it had me in a chokehold—the atmosphere, the emotion, the beautifully haunting vibe. Ashlyn Drewek really knew how to pull me in and not let go. I loved every second, and I’d absolutely dive into it all over again.
The way grief and love tangled together in such a raw, visceral way? It was unforgettable. There was this quiet, aching beauty to the story that lingered long after I finished. It wasn’t just a book—it was an experience. One of those rare reads that carves itself into your chest and stays there, whispering to be reread when you’re ready to feel everything all over again.
The way grief and love tangled together in such a raw, visceral way? It was unforgettable. There was this quiet, aching beauty to the story that lingered long after I finished. It wasn’t just a book—it was an experience. One of those rare reads that carves itself into your chest and stays there, whispering to be reread when you’re ready to feel everything all over again.
October 4, 2023
What a sweet and haunting addition to my beloved Tennebrose world. There is definitely no animosity between these two, but it still has all the secrets and mysteries … and ghosts!
Jamie & Larkin were friends-to-lovers gold. The love they had for each other was incredible. Despite being such a short story, their connection was conveyed perfectly. They were so protective of the other and their chemistry was top notch!! But they both experienced some dark trauma that still haunted them. It was such a twist to see how their pasts intertwined, but it was absolutely fitting to their story and I loved how it all played out!! Tho that end had me nervous and a bit spooked, not gonna lie. 🫣😆
This world that Ashlyn has created is so immersive, I get sucked in every time. I can’t get enough.
Jamie & Larkin were friends-to-lovers gold. The love they had for each other was incredible. Despite being such a short story, their connection was conveyed perfectly. They were so protective of the other and their chemistry was top notch!! But they both experienced some dark trauma that still haunted them. It was such a twist to see how their pasts intertwined, but it was absolutely fitting to their story and I loved how it all played out!! Tho that end had me nervous and a bit spooked, not gonna lie. 🫣😆
This world that Ashlyn has created is so immersive, I get sucked in every time. I can’t get enough.
October 11, 2023
Perfect novella for spooky Halloween season!
Jamie and Larkin have been best friends for a long time, but both have a tragic past and both are hiding big secrets from each other. The veil is thinnest on Halloween, and the truth won’t stay secret for much longer.
This was an interesting side of Tennebrose, as we get to experience it from a ‘normie’ point of view which I liked. It was nice to revisit the town and definitely made me want to re-read the earlier stories (especially my favorite Igni Ferroque!)
I received an advance copy of this story and this is my honest review.
Jamie and Larkin have been best friends for a long time, but both have a tragic past and both are hiding big secrets from each other. The veil is thinnest on Halloween, and the truth won’t stay secret for much longer.
This was an interesting side of Tennebrose, as we get to experience it from a ‘normie’ point of view which I liked. It was nice to revisit the town and definitely made me want to re-read the earlier stories (especially my favorite Igni Ferroque!)
I received an advance copy of this story and this is my honest review.
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