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Peaches & Honey #2
Pits & Poison: These Godly Lies
An immortal love,
a tyrannical god thirsting for power,
and the divine tree that binds them all.
California 1955: After spending eight centuries witnessing the world’s cruelty, Anna has finally found peace in the simple life she’s made for herself. She has her garden and hives to nurture and Khiran, the shapeshifting god who gifted her immortality, to love and to hold. It is, she knows, too good to last.
When her existence is discovered, Anna and Khiran are forced to go into hiding or face the wrath of the reigning god they call The First. Staying together means sacrifices must be made…but they aren’t the only immortals who wish to see The First fall, or the only ones with everything to lose.
One thing is for certain: fear is for them all.
a tyrannical god thirsting for power,
and the divine tree that binds them all.
California 1955: After spending eight centuries witnessing the world’s cruelty, Anna has finally found peace in the simple life she’s made for herself. She has her garden and hives to nurture and Khiran, the shapeshifting god who gifted her immortality, to love and to hold. It is, she knows, too good to last.
When her existence is discovered, Anna and Khiran are forced to go into hiding or face the wrath of the reigning god they call The First. Staying together means sacrifices must be made…but they aren’t the only immortals who wish to see The First fall, or the only ones with everything to lose.
One thing is for certain: fear is for them all.
Unknown Binding
First published June 6, 2024
647 people are currently reading
7517 people want to read
About the author
R. Raeta
8 books771 followersR. Raeta lives in Northern California with her husband and young son. When she isn’t agonizing over word choices, she enjoys telling the dog how handsome he is and sitting in on the nightly therapy sessions the cat so generously provides for her. She is a Trigiminal Neuralgia survivor and believes in living your best life day by day.
Her traditionally published works are written under the name Rachelle Raeta.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Her traditionally published works are written under the name Rachelle Raeta.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 904 reviews
May 13, 2024
This duology has my whole heart! I loved every word. In the conclusion, we get more background information, more magic, and more of the world. Rachelle has such a beautiful way with words. The way she weaves a story makes you feel all the things. Taste, smell, emotions.THE LOVE THESE CHARACTERS HAVE FOR EACHOTHER. Swooooon. It’s so easy to picture what is happening in every single scene. Every interaction is so detailed. I’m sad this story has come to an end (it ended PERFECTLY btw) but I am also excited to see what Ms.Raeta will gift us with next. I know it will be nothing short of amazing.
June 13, 2024
Reading this book will give you an ache in your chest in the best way. But I suppose when you're immortal, one is bound to be a bit melancholy once in a while...
The prose is lovely. Really transportive and easily visualized. Our female main character, Anna, is the epitome of gentle and good and nurturing. THIS is how you properly write a character with a physical condition. (Take notes, Rebecca Yarros!)
The romantic relationship is so tender and sweet. Telling her all the details about where he wants to travel with her?? Be still my heart.
As far as genre classification, this falls somewhere along the lines of magical realism or historical fantasy. We're in the real world witnessing real events, so there is no heavy worldbuilding or complex magic system. With that being said, I believe fans of Divine Rivals are likely to enjoy this duology (and I liked it even better!)
The prose is lovely. Really transportive and easily visualized. Our female main character, Anna, is the epitome of gentle and good and nurturing. THIS is how you properly write a character with a physical condition. (Take notes, Rebecca Yarros!)
The romantic relationship is so tender and sweet. Telling her all the details about where he wants to travel with her?? Be still my heart.
As far as genre classification, this falls somewhere along the lines of magical realism or historical fantasy. We're in the real world witnessing real events, so there is no heavy worldbuilding or complex magic system. With that being said, I believe fans of Divine Rivals are likely to enjoy this duology (and I liked it even better!)
He breaks and she isn't strong enough to hold the pieces of him together. Not when she's broken, too. Together, they fall apart.
November 16, 2024
I’m emo but happy
June 13, 2024
This was a disappointing follow-up to the previous book. Nothing much really happens, which I wouldn't have minded too bad, the appeal of the book was that this magical being going through life and experiencing with a god by her side. But more than half of this book is them actively withholding magic. We are only introduced to The First at 80% mark and he only is there for 3 chapters. After being teased in his immense power, he does not live up to expectations. Really, this was the guy that they have been running away from all this time? There are also surprisingly low number of immortals. At the end there was only 8? Given how low that number is, you'd expect them to make a lot bigger deal out of one of them dying. And in the last decade or so they lost 3 of them. It doesn't makes sense for the story to take their deaths so lightly. And of the 8, 5 of them are rebelling against the First. The 3 person team The First has is himself, a god with child temperament and only one cable soldier. How on Earth were they not able to take the fight to him? It would have been a lot more interesting story to see them pick Cassius up on his offer instead of being on the run.
I also didn't really enjoyed Anna not having defined powers. The entire time it was indicated that she would have something but it is never fully realized. The ending was far more dissapointing than I anticipated. Khiran going through depression was very realistic and I didn't really mind that. But then there is a new peach and Anna and Khiran are the only ones that eat it? A bit hypocritical since there are all those others that helped them. Overall, the lack of magic was really what bothered me with this book. Also the very convenient powers the other gods had was a bit laughable. Marcia's power is tracing magic. What good would that do for anything other than to keep track of other immortals. Why would one of them have a power to make blades that can cut divine flesh? Also what was The First's powers exactly? None of these powers have any reason to exist other than for plot convenience. Especially given that The Tree is the one that provides these powers. Assuming The Tree's whole purpose is to help others, what's the point for giving aways these weird powers? And Khiran with his powers of shape shifting, teleportation and manipulation sounds like he is the most OP of them all. How come The First finds him weak?
It really was a disappointing read and the ending was really abrupt. It would have been nice to at least have an epilogue because the way it ended leaves much up to interpretation and the story was never really good at giving you enough for you to interpret things for yourself. It's really anyone's guess what the new Tree means and what they plan of doing with it.
I also didn't really enjoyed Anna not having defined powers. The entire time it was indicated that she would have something but it is never fully realized. The ending was far more dissapointing than I anticipated. Khiran going through depression was very realistic and I didn't really mind that. But then there is a new peach and Anna and Khiran are the only ones that eat it? A bit hypocritical since there are all those others that helped them. Overall, the lack of magic was really what bothered me with this book. Also the very convenient powers the other gods had was a bit laughable. Marcia's power is tracing magic. What good would that do for anything other than to keep track of other immortals. Why would one of them have a power to make blades that can cut divine flesh? Also what was The First's powers exactly? None of these powers have any reason to exist other than for plot convenience. Especially given that The Tree is the one that provides these powers. Assuming The Tree's whole purpose is to help others, what's the point for giving aways these weird powers? And Khiran with his powers of shape shifting, teleportation and manipulation sounds like he is the most OP of them all. How come The First finds him weak?
It really was a disappointing read and the ending was really abrupt. It would have been nice to at least have an epilogue because the way it ended leaves much up to interpretation and the story was never really good at giving you enough for you to interpret things for yourself. It's really anyone's guess what the new Tree means and what they plan of doing with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
omg 😭💔 I love this duology so so freakin much. I think this is definitely my favorite duology of all time 🤯
Our world is so immersive and so full of life and culture, traveling the world through this book was so much fun. We visited so many countries and lived through all these crazy world events. I loved that so much.
I love Anna and Khiran. They are actually the type of love I want in every single book I read. They are so precious and love each other till their last breaths. They will do anything for each other. Khiran is such a fun character, he has some humor and can shapeshift!! He is ALWAYS there for Anna. and sweet Anna is just a super sweet, kind person. She wants to help everywhere she can and has so much love to give.
The ending of this book about gave me a heart attack, I was so scared of where the story was heading. The fighting scenes were really fun to read. The way Khiran was acting at the end was scaring me so bad!! It was like covering your eyes when you watch a horror movie, only, I couldn't do that!!😭💔😂
This has got romance, history elements, magic, friendship, heartache... what more could you want???
July 14, 2025
I think this gets somewhere between a 4.25 - 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me so rounding up! This was a lovely conclusion to this duet & I just really enjoyed it.
PLOT
Anna & Khiran are on the run from other gods who are unhappy with Anna’s existence & how it affects Khiran. This book has
- meddling gods
- immortality
- romance
- historical fantasy fiction
- low spice
PROS
- Loved the last chapter.
- I love the historical fiction aspect of this book. It’s super interesting to travel the world in different time periods & I liked how it was done here.
- I adore this love story. I love the commitment, I love the love. It was just truly such deeply held love that just felt honest.
- Really enjoyed the Jiro storyline.
- Meeting & getting to know other gods was really fun.
CONS
- Despite most of the “action” of this series being in this book it felt slower.
- Something happened toward the end that was the cause of some conflict that I don’t think actually made much sense so it took me out of the ending, more details in spoilers
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
No really
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- After the peach tree burned down, Khiran changed forms. Which I didn’t understand because he hadn’t been using magic for 6 years since on the run & still had his “preferred” look. So how did his brown hair/green eyes work without magic but then not when not immortal? This didn’t make sense to me at all.
PLOT
Anna & Khiran are on the run from other gods who are unhappy with Anna’s existence & how it affects Khiran. This book has
- meddling gods
- immortality
- romance
- historical fantasy fiction
- low spice
PROS
- Loved the last chapter.
- I love the historical fiction aspect of this book. It’s super interesting to travel the world in different time periods & I liked how it was done here.
- I adore this love story. I love the commitment, I love the love. It was just truly such deeply held love that just felt honest.
- Really enjoyed the Jiro storyline.
- Meeting & getting to know other gods was really fun.
CONS
- Despite most of the “action” of this series being in this book it felt slower.
- Something happened toward the end that was the cause of some conflict that I don’t think actually made much sense so it took me out of the ending, more details in spoilers
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
No really
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- After the peach tree burned down, Khiran changed forms. Which I didn’t understand because he hadn’t been using magic for 6 years since on the run & still had his “preferred” look. So how did his brown hair/green eyes work without magic but then not when not immortal? This didn’t make sense to me at all.
March 11, 2025
“There are different kinds of death,” he murmurs, his palm cradling her jaw. His thumb traces the line of her cheek, his eyes dark with nightmares that carry her name.”
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
5 stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's very rare that I consume two books in under 24hrs, however this was very easy to accomplish as I could not put this duology down.
Pits & Poison was even better than Peaches & Honey, which sounds impossible, but I feel like R.Raeta has done the impossible. It is so beautifully written that the plot develops so nicely that I'm struggling to find a fault within it.
Raeta has the ability to make my heart hurt and fill it up again by just reading the relationship between Anna & Khiran. As a book community, we should really consider putting these two up their with the popular it couples that tend to show up on your fyp constantly. They deserve a lot more recognition.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
“I’m certain the opinions of strangers weigh less than the joy you would be robbing yourself of if you let yourself fear them.”
This is not just a story about romance but about acceptance, too. Anna, who faces insecurities with her skin and has faced so much scrutiny that as we often do, she shuts herself away. I thought it was so beautiful to see her eventually through (no easy feat) become more confident within herself and accepting of her Vitiligo. Which adds more depth and understanding within this story.
It's often hard to find books that address these issues and leans on the male character as to why they feel more confident, I feel like it should be the woman who goes on a journey of self love and accepts herself because she wants to. Love and support should be there but not a huge factor as in life it's often hard to love ourselves and sometimes someone loving us is simply not enough.
I am, of course, going to do a reread at some point, I feel like this is going to be a series I will never be sick of.
Edited ~ 11.03
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
5 stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's very rare that I consume two books in under 24hrs, however this was very easy to accomplish as I could not put this duology down.
Pits & Poison was even better than Peaches & Honey, which sounds impossible, but I feel like R.Raeta has done the impossible. It is so beautifully written that the plot develops so nicely that I'm struggling to find a fault within it.
Raeta has the ability to make my heart hurt and fill it up again by just reading the relationship between Anna & Khiran. As a book community, we should really consider putting these two up their with the popular it couples that tend to show up on your fyp constantly. They deserve a lot more recognition.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
“I’m certain the opinions of strangers weigh less than the joy you would be robbing yourself of if you let yourself fear them.”
This is not just a story about romance but about acceptance, too. Anna, who faces insecurities with her skin and has faced so much scrutiny that as we often do, she shuts herself away. I thought it was so beautiful to see her eventually through (no easy feat) become more confident within herself and accepting of her Vitiligo. Which adds more depth and understanding within this story.
It's often hard to find books that address these issues and leans on the male character as to why they feel more confident, I feel like it should be the woman who goes on a journey of self love and accepts herself because she wants to. Love and support should be there but not a huge factor as in life it's often hard to love ourselves and sometimes someone loving us is simply not enough.
I am, of course, going to do a reread at some point, I feel like this is going to be a series I will never be sick of.
Edited ~ 11.03
July 25, 2024
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“He speaks against her mouth, lips brushing over hers with every syllable. “I would give you the world, Anna.”
Pits & Poison: These Godly Lies marks the conclusion of a brilliant duology that tells the story of an immortal love that bloomed throughout different lifetimes.
Without spoiling much of the story, being able to live forever does not mean you are spared from feeling sorrow and grief, or having to make sacrifices, or being able to live your happily ever after eternally when there is a bigger threat that casts a shadow over your happiness.
Anna and Khiran's love was powerful and deliciously angsty. I appreciate the respect and trust they had in each other and it truly proves just how deeply in love they are with one another.
The author created a distinctive fantasy romance story intricately layered with myths of gods and a divine tree.
The only reason I had to deduct a star was due to parts of the book feeling just a little bit stagnant.
Overall, I highly recommend this if you're looking for a unique story with magic and a romance that spans more than 800 years.
Content warning: violence, grief, deaths.
“He speaks against her mouth, lips brushing over hers with every syllable. “I would give you the world, Anna.”
Pits & Poison: These Godly Lies marks the conclusion of a brilliant duology that tells the story of an immortal love that bloomed throughout different lifetimes.
Without spoiling much of the story, being able to live forever does not mean you are spared from feeling sorrow and grief, or having to make sacrifices, or being able to live your happily ever after eternally when there is a bigger threat that casts a shadow over your happiness.
Anna and Khiran's love was powerful and deliciously angsty. I appreciate the respect and trust they had in each other and it truly proves just how deeply in love they are with one another.
The author created a distinctive fantasy romance story intricately layered with myths of gods and a divine tree.
The only reason I had to deduct a star was due to parts of the book feeling just a little bit stagnant.
Overall, I highly recommend this if you're looking for a unique story with magic and a romance that spans more than 800 years.
Content warning: violence, grief, deaths.
July 19, 2024
Eta: arc was provided by the author! Lmao better late than never
Woe is me, and all that.
This book was not for me, and I am at terms with that. Maybe I was meant to be enamored but simply put, I was not. I liked the first book despite it's slow progress because it was progress nonetheless—of Anna's growth, of their romance blooming. This book? They're on the run, and yet I felt none of the urgency. It was slow, just like its predecessor, but I felt none of the heart. Khiran and Anna were sweet enough, but I can only bring myself to care, to TOLERATE, so many gentle smiles and gazes brimming with adoration.
I just did not care. Happy for them tho ig
Anyway. It's not you, it's me, and all that jazz. I've no doubt others will enjoy this book. I remain unfazed—unfortunately it felt like a chore getting through this.
And the ending that it was coming towards—not even building up because I felt nothing that built up to anything, really—was just... it was okay. I don't know.
Woe is me, and all that.
This book was not for me, and I am at terms with that. Maybe I was meant to be enamored but simply put, I was not. I liked the first book despite it's slow progress because it was progress nonetheless—of Anna's growth, of their romance blooming. This book? They're on the run, and yet I felt none of the urgency. It was slow, just like its predecessor, but I felt none of the heart. Khiran and Anna were sweet enough, but I can only bring myself to care, to TOLERATE, so many gentle smiles and gazes brimming with adoration.
I just did not care. Happy for them tho ig
Anyway. It's not you, it's me, and all that jazz. I've no doubt others will enjoy this book. I remain unfazed—unfortunately it felt like a chore getting through this.
And the ending that it was coming towards—not even building up because I felt nothing that built up to anything, really—was just... it was okay. I don't know.
September 19, 2024
⤷ ꒰ 2.5 �� ꒱
the first book was good. and then there’s this…?
the first book was good. and then there’s this…?
![Profile Image for vxmpslibrary [hiatus exams].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1765812676i%2F123295506._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 17, 2026
.4 stars.
.my thoughts.
An amazing conclusion to the series I must say.
I don't actually have much to say, because I finished it a day ago [now weeks ago] and my mind now comes with nothing, but I loved it so much, I felt so much sadness longing from this book that I might have just sobbed.
Author knew what she was doing when she added Jiro just like Piers. I love Anna and Jiro once more, they gave me found family moments and when Jiro returned back to her only made me feel teary eyed more.
I can not lie when I say I loved Jiro and Khiran more, since it started on a rocky ground with mistrust since years. The way he would come around and the conversation no matter how small it was, brought a small hope that they would get along.
I loved Silas. I loved him in the previous book so it is this that here I loved him more. He was such an amazing friend to Anna helping her in need that made me smile. Him and Cassian are also so cute together.
Anna and Khiran have my heart, the way they travelled together and he showed her the world, and even didn't used his magic so he knew that she was safe because of it is standard. I loved them together because they were ready to sacrifice each other for one another. The feeling of love blossomed here, and I also loved the references of Pakistan and India's festivals and clothing [because wow hey!]
The actual war scene was yes, a bit expected, but at the same I expected something more. And there were some loose strings that confused me, yet I didn't really mind as long as the story kept going on the right track.
Overall, yes I would recommend this duology, I loveddd it so much and I'm so happy that I finally read it after seeing it appear in my feed. There is grief, love, regret.
rtc. wth I'm emo stop.
When she pulls away, his hair is dark and softly curled. His eyes, those eyes she would recognize on any face in any lifetime, smile back at her—blue on the verge of green.
.my thoughts.
An amazing conclusion to the series I must say.
I don't actually have much to say, because I finished it a day ago [now weeks ago] and my mind now comes with nothing, but I loved it so much, I felt so much sadness longing from this book that I might have just sobbed.
"Luck is fluid. It changes. Not knowing the destination only means the where doesn’t matter. Not yet.”
Author knew what she was doing when she added Jiro just like Piers. I love Anna and Jiro once more, they gave me found family moments and when Jiro returned back to her only made me feel teary eyed more.
I can not lie when I say I loved Jiro and Khiran more, since it started on a rocky ground with mistrust since years. The way he would come around and the conversation no matter how small it was, brought a small hope that they would get along.
I loved Silas. I loved him in the previous book so it is this that here I loved him more. He was such an amazing friend to Anna helping her in need that made me smile. Him and Cassian are also so cute together.
“I’m younger. I’ve seen less. Endured less.”
“You’re wrong,” he murmurs, bringing his cup back to his lips. “But I can forgive you for not seeing how brightly you shine.”
Anna and Khiran have my heart, the way they travelled together and he showed her the world, and even didn't used his magic so he knew that she was safe because of it is standard. I loved them together because they were ready to sacrifice each other for one another. The feeling of love blossomed here, and I also loved the references of Pakistan and India's festivals and clothing [because wow hey!]
I want to show you every corner this world has to offer and watch your face light up in wonder.
The actual war scene was yes, a bit expected, but at the same I expected something more. And there were some loose strings that confused me, yet I didn't really mind as long as the story kept going on the right track.
Overall, yes I would recommend this duology, I loveddd it so much and I'm so happy that I finally read it after seeing it appear in my feed. There is grief, love, regret.
rtc. wth I'm emo stop.
May 7, 2024
I was given the incredible opportunity to read this (masterpiece) early. After swallowing this book in two big gulps (life got in the way), I can’t really find words great enough to explain just how beautiful this story was and how dearly I’ll miss Anna and Khiran.
— ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ stars and an extra ✶ for good measure !!!
R. Raeta spins words like they’re magic, like they’re glitter and gold, even when they’re painful and heartbreaking and burn tears out your eyes. The high quality of the first book has not been lost through the second one. At times I caught myself holding my breath, be it from anxiously anticipating what happens next or the literal beauty of the writing.
In this sequel we get to see more of the world (mundane and magical), we dig deeper into Khirans story, and many of the other gods. In the limited pages we get, the new characters are given so much life, fleshed out enough for me to truly love or hate. Amongst all those things, I’m so grateful that we get to see the heroines power remain in her empathy, kindness and compassion. That humanity prevails, and these qualities still exist amongst all the cruelty and hardship.
I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this tale.
I believe this duology will forever remain imprinted on my soul.
— ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ stars and an extra ✶ for good measure !!!
R. Raeta spins words like they’re magic, like they’re glitter and gold, even when they’re painful and heartbreaking and burn tears out your eyes. The high quality of the first book has not been lost through the second one. At times I caught myself holding my breath, be it from anxiously anticipating what happens next or the literal beauty of the writing.
In this sequel we get to see more of the world (mundane and magical), we dig deeper into Khirans story, and many of the other gods. In the limited pages we get, the new characters are given so much life, fleshed out enough for me to truly love or hate. Amongst all those things, I’m so grateful that we get to see the heroines power remain in her empathy, kindness and compassion. That humanity prevails, and these qualities still exist amongst all the cruelty and hardship.
I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this tale.
I believe this duology will forever remain imprinted on my soul.
December 8, 2024
PERFECT ENDING TO A PERFECT DUOLOGY. Full RTC
August 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up
🌶️ one gentle scene
This duology is so soft. Soft romance, soft grief. Just soft.
Just under 300 pages it is exactly what I tries to be.
Lots of pretty prose
And a happy ending
🌶️ one gentle scene
This duology is so soft. Soft romance, soft grief. Just soft.
Just under 300 pages it is exactly what I tries to be.
Lots of pretty prose
And a happy ending
June 6, 2024
“I would give it all up, Anna. My immortality, my gifts, all of it. If it meant you would be safe. If it meant we could greet every morning without fear of what the day might bring.”
This is simply put, a masterpiece. I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy and my heart is so full. Pits and Poison sets the example for successful sequels. It delivers the same eloquent prose we saw in book one continuing with Anna and Khirans story where we left off in California. We see their love grow deeper, are introduced to more gods, more magic, more action, and more heartache that left me breathless.
The characters we see are incredibly well written each having their own unique motivations and personalities with depth and purpose. R.Raeta has an amazing way of eliciting empathy and understanding for wounds that linger and run deeper than the average person can understand.
Compared to other books I have read with immortal or nearly immortal beings Khiran truly feels as if he has lived forever. He feels shaped by time itself while also feeling unchanged in his ways and his love for Anna as it grows even deeper. The intimate moments we see are so beautiful. To call them “spice” would be to insult them. They’ve been introduced with purpose and each one moves their relationship. (And my tears)
And last but not least we all have something to learn from the lessons that are taught in this book about humanities many failures. It’s both illuminating and heartbreaking but gives me hope for change as well. By far my favorite quote in light of recent global events:
“Power isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s quiet. Subtle. You have the ability to sway the course of history with the right face and some well placed words. Maybe you aren’t a soldier, but not all battles are won by brute force alone.”
This is simply put, a masterpiece. I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy and my heart is so full. Pits and Poison sets the example for successful sequels. It delivers the same eloquent prose we saw in book one continuing with Anna and Khirans story where we left off in California. We see their love grow deeper, are introduced to more gods, more magic, more action, and more heartache that left me breathless.
The characters we see are incredibly well written each having their own unique motivations and personalities with depth and purpose. R.Raeta has an amazing way of eliciting empathy and understanding for wounds that linger and run deeper than the average person can understand.
Compared to other books I have read with immortal or nearly immortal beings Khiran truly feels as if he has lived forever. He feels shaped by time itself while also feeling unchanged in his ways and his love for Anna as it grows even deeper. The intimate moments we see are so beautiful. To call them “spice” would be to insult them. They’ve been introduced with purpose and each one moves their relationship. (And my tears)
And last but not least we all have something to learn from the lessons that are taught in this book about humanities many failures. It’s both illuminating and heartbreaking but gives me hope for change as well. By far my favorite quote in light of recent global events:
“Power isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s quiet. Subtle. You have the ability to sway the course of history with the right face and some well placed words. Maybe you aren’t a soldier, but not all battles are won by brute force alone.”
June 7, 2024
I think the first book was stronger. Much of this book followed the same pattern: run, hide, be discovered. It isn't until 80% into the book that the plot turns into something more. So between that and the fact that the conclusion feels a bit rushed, I think 4 to 4.25 stars is appropriate here.
Despite that, this book still succeeds in several ways:
- the emotionally impactful writing is nearly as strong in this book as the first book
- the emotional and romantic bond between MCs is lovely and full of heart
- despite the final conflict being too quick, the villains (and one in particular) are imposing threats that hang over the entire story
- the conclusion is emotionally satisfying and appropriate for the characters
Despite that, this book still succeeds in several ways:
- the emotionally impactful writing is nearly as strong in this book as the first book
- the emotional and romantic bond between MCs is lovely and full of heart
- despite the final conflict being too quick, the villains (and one in particular) are imposing threats that hang over the entire story
- the conclusion is emotionally satisfying and appropriate for the characters
January 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
May 13, 2024
“ Only she could make feeling exposed feel like a relief.”
♾️ ⭐️ This duology will remain with me forever. Anna and Khiran’s love story makes you feel things on a deeper level than most authors are able to accomplish. Even the side characters are brilliantly written. Eira remained a favorite and I was surprised with how much I adored Kaia ( “ Only three souls will ever know it was heartbreak that made the earth split.) I loved being able to see more of the magic aspect in this story. Do I wish we had another book coming about Anna and Khiran? Abso-freakin-lutely. Did Rachelle wrap this duology up in such a heartbreakingly beautiful way? Duh, she can do no wrong. Excited to see what she has in the works.
“ It’s a strange thing to love the heart that invites pain under their roof.”
“ It’s hard wearing our differences with pride when the world looks at them with contempt.”
“ Didn’t you hear us praying?” 😭
♾️ ⭐️ This duology will remain with me forever. Anna and Khiran’s love story makes you feel things on a deeper level than most authors are able to accomplish. Even the side characters are brilliantly written. Eira remained a favorite and I was surprised with how much I adored Kaia ( “ Only three souls will ever know it was heartbreak that made the earth split.) I loved being able to see more of the magic aspect in this story. Do I wish we had another book coming about Anna and Khiran? Abso-freakin-lutely. Did Rachelle wrap this duology up in such a heartbreakingly beautiful way? Duh, she can do no wrong. Excited to see what she has in the works.
“ It’s a strange thing to love the heart that invites pain under their roof.”
“ It’s hard wearing our differences with pride when the world looks at them with contempt.”
“ Didn’t you hear us praying?” 😭
September 15, 2024
Not me sobbing at 5 am over this series and couple. I loved it so much. Shut up and read it.
March 17, 2025
4.5/5
"For four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, Alaska is reshaped by fissures and landslides in what will become known as the most powerful earthquake recorded in North America.
Only three souls will ever know it was heartbreak that made the earth split."
The start of the book felt kinda rocky and took me a while to get over. Then I couldn't put it down.
I was so anxious reading certain parts of Anna's story - I remember now why I stay away from suspense novels.
I think in the end every character ended up where they needed to be. I'll miss them, but will remember them for a long time.
I adore how beautifully written this novel feels and how I sometimes just needed a minute to feel the weight of the words settle within me.
"For four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, Alaska is reshaped by fissures and landslides in what will become known as the most powerful earthquake recorded in North America.
Only three souls will ever know it was heartbreak that made the earth split."
The start of the book felt kinda rocky and took me a while to get over. Then I couldn't put it down.
I was so anxious reading certain parts of Anna's story - I remember now why I stay away from suspense novels.
I think in the end every character ended up where they needed to be. I'll miss them, but will remember them for a long time.
I adore how beautifully written this novel feels and how I sometimes just needed a minute to feel the weight of the words settle within me.
June 6, 2024
This author has a way of writing that just pulls me in, and this book was even better than the first
I love this couple they are one of my Favs!
I love this couple they are one of my Favs!
August 11, 2024
The most beautiful love story 😭😭😭 I love them. This duology has my whole heart, because I’ve always been a Loki simp.
P.s. I don’t even like peaches 🍑🍑 but these books SLAP.
P.s. I don’t even like peaches 🍑🍑 but these books SLAP.
June 24, 2024
“Sometimes one has to start somewhere new to grow.”
This duology is a part of me now. A song beautiful and old. A story of love, human nature, and history as old as time. I feel this story like I feel looking out at the trees outside my window. So much beauty is so few words. A testament to the writing genius of R.Raeta. I instantly felt longing for these characters, this story, and the concept of magic woven around and time and space. That I hope for that peach tree in a hidden away California hillside.
This second book brings forth all of Khirans background. We get to finally meet the other gods, and what the real meaning of his worries and hurt comes from. When reading this, I felt loss for the characters we get to know and lose. I found myself crying at moments of this book (unsurprisingly) for the loss of people and for the loss of what could have been in places where Khiran and Anna only get moments of happiness. I love how Raeta showcases the rawness of the human concept of nurture, punishment, healing, and acceptance. We are talking about gods and yet they are us and we are them. The last couple of paragraphs sent me for a loop on this book, and I truly was so happy with how it ended.
Here is to every other book R. Raeta writes. For she will always have my support and heart in her stories. Since finishing this book I have subscribed to her newsletter and I have purchased her other books (there are sadly only 2 others).
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 10/5 🤌🏻 très magnifique
Quotes:
“ Didn’t you hear us praying?”
“ Luck is fluid. It changes. Not Knowing the destination only means the where doesn't matter. Not Yet”
“ Took you long enough ”
This duology is a part of me now. A song beautiful and old. A story of love, human nature, and history as old as time. I feel this story like I feel looking out at the trees outside my window. So much beauty is so few words. A testament to the writing genius of R.Raeta. I instantly felt longing for these characters, this story, and the concept of magic woven around and time and space. That I hope for that peach tree in a hidden away California hillside.
This second book brings forth all of Khirans background. We get to finally meet the other gods, and what the real meaning of his worries and hurt comes from. When reading this, I felt loss for the characters we get to know and lose. I found myself crying at moments of this book (unsurprisingly) for the loss of people and for the loss of what could have been in places where Khiran and Anna only get moments of happiness. I love how Raeta showcases the rawness of the human concept of nurture, punishment, healing, and acceptance. We are talking about gods and yet they are us and we are them. The last couple of paragraphs sent me for a loop on this book, and I truly was so happy with how it ended.
Here is to every other book R. Raeta writes. For she will always have my support and heart in her stories. Since finishing this book I have subscribed to her newsletter and I have purchased her other books (there are sadly only 2 others).
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 10/5 🤌🏻 très magnifique
Quotes:
“ Didn’t you hear us praying?”
“ Luck is fluid. It changes. Not Knowing the destination only means the where doesn't matter. Not Yet”
“ Took you long enough ”
May 11, 2024
I was so happy to receive the ARC for this book and I was even happier after having finished it! Raeta, you have written a devestatingly beautiful and rich story for Anna and Khiran that will have me thinking about them for quite some time to come. Thank you for sharing their love with the world, and add tears to the tin for me 💜.
December 30, 2024
while this one wasn’t as transcendently magical as the first one for me, IT WAS STILL REALLY F*CKING BEAUTIFUL, Y’ALL.
this is such an underrated duology, especially if you like lyrical prose, an absolutely devoted simp of an MMC, and exquisitely cultivated historic vibes and global settings.
the magic of book one was in its simplicity, i think – while you have these ever changing time periods and shifts in circumstances, it always came back to the two core characters and how they cope with those circumstances and as they gently, softly, and carefully fall in love with one another. IT’S JUST SO BEAUTIFUL. and this sequel is also very much that, but it was made a bit more complicated with other gods and new lore coming into play. if you found the first book a bit boring, this sequel might be more your style, as there’s a lot more going on beyond a simple, elegant character study through time. there are a lot more fantasy elements, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the romance, so it’s a good compromise for those of you who need more going on than just time traveling through history.
ultimately this is a fantastic, beautifully written magical duology about a woman who eats a peach and is granted immortality, and the struggles and triumphs of the human experience throughout time, and the ways in which those experiences would shape the soul and spirit of those fated to witness each one.
it’s moving, a bit haunting, and painfully romantic. pick up this duology if you’re down with a more slow paced character study, love a good history reference, and especially if you liked addie larue.
this is such an underrated duology, especially if you like lyrical prose, an absolutely devoted simp of an MMC, and exquisitely cultivated historic vibes and global settings.
the magic of book one was in its simplicity, i think – while you have these ever changing time periods and shifts in circumstances, it always came back to the two core characters and how they cope with those circumstances and as they gently, softly, and carefully fall in love with one another. IT’S JUST SO BEAUTIFUL. and this sequel is also very much that, but it was made a bit more complicated with other gods and new lore coming into play. if you found the first book a bit boring, this sequel might be more your style, as there’s a lot more going on beyond a simple, elegant character study through time. there are a lot more fantasy elements, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the romance, so it’s a good compromise for those of you who need more going on than just time traveling through history.
ultimately this is a fantastic, beautifully written magical duology about a woman who eats a peach and is granted immortality, and the struggles and triumphs of the human experience throughout time, and the ways in which those experiences would shape the soul and spirit of those fated to witness each one.
it’s moving, a bit haunting, and painfully romantic. pick up this duology if you’re down with a more slow paced character study, love a good history reference, and especially if you liked addie larue.
January 4, 2025
"Love is too small a word," he murmurs, "but I suppose it will do."
Pits & Poison is the second and final book of this incredibly beautifully written historical fantasy duology. I am so sad that it has ended. I wanted more!
Anna and Khiron are on the run. As they are on the run you get to see glimpses of history and events that transpire during it. Raeta does such a good job weaving the elements of history and fantasy so well that you can't help but be enchanted by the book. The slow burn has been soooo good. I mean 800 years+ of slow burn. I don't want to give too much away, because these books are shorter but so sweet. Please read them!
-Vitiligo FMC
-Immortal FMC & MMC
-Historic Fantasy with romance
-Slow Burn
-A love story transcending time and space
-Gods with the thirst of Power
-Enchanting and lyrical writing
Pits & Poison is the second and final book of this incredibly beautifully written historical fantasy duology. I am so sad that it has ended. I wanted more!
Anna and Khiron are on the run. As they are on the run you get to see glimpses of history and events that transpire during it. Raeta does such a good job weaving the elements of history and fantasy so well that you can't help but be enchanted by the book. The slow burn has been soooo good. I mean 800 years+ of slow burn. I don't want to give too much away, because these books are shorter but so sweet. Please read them!
-Vitiligo FMC
-Immortal FMC & MMC
-Historic Fantasy with romance
-Slow Burn
-A love story transcending time and space
-Gods with the thirst of Power
-Enchanting and lyrical writing
July 19, 2025
The declarations of love in this are just 👩🍳💋🤌
September 8, 2024
This was too slow for me, and I feel like the ending didn’t give me much. I liked this story just fine, and maybe if I had read this at a different time I’d feel different, but this was kind of…. meh to me.
I do think others who enjoy slower stories, and pretty prose would like this, this just was not the read for me at this time.
3 stars :/
I do think others who enjoy slower stories, and pretty prose would like this, this just was not the read for me at this time.
3 stars :/
June 17, 2024
It hurts to rate this so low considering how much I loved the first book, Peaches and Honey. It was one of my favorite reads from last year! But this, unfortunately, lost the magic for me.
October 16, 2024
I’m really satisfied and happy with this series! A great example of a well paced and overall wonderful duology series.
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