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This Life and The Next

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Nova has escaped the clutches of a brutal ex-boyfriend, seeking peace and a fresh start. Little did she know that her path would cross with Rhys, a man as charming as he is mysterious.

Rhys is the epitome of wit, with a sense of humor that can melt anyone's heart. Yet beneath his sweet exterior lies a chilling secret - he's a serial killer. Drawn to Nova's clever antics and edginess, Rhys finds himself irresistibly smitten, but Nova can't shake her wariness. But between Rhys and his quirky best friend Dorian, they win her over and prove that you just need to find the right people.

Rhys and Dorian don't go after just anybody, they target the worst of the worst. Unbeknownst to all of them, there are dark forces at play and a sinister plot unfolds. Rhys wants to protect Nova at all costs, but can he do it when he and Dorian have no idea what they're really up against?

In "This Life and The Next," passion, fun and danger intertwine. They'll have to confront the ultimate questions - can their love transcend the situation they find themselves in? And is their reality what it seems?

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2024

48 people are currently reading
154 people want to read

About the author

K. Iller

8 books59 followers

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5 stars
60 (59%)
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16 (15%)
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13 (12%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Liz.
84 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2024
There was so much I loved about this book. It had plot, character development, the spicy scenes were realistic, super hot. There were turns in it . Had quotes at every chapter that ended them perfectly. I'm so excited for the second book in this series. And Rhys will melt your heart but also get you're body hot
Profile Image for Book.Wolf.
249 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2024
i really hoped i would like this book more, I was so hyped up for this.
And I really hoped Rhys would have been my next book boyfriend.

This book did make me realize that I don't like it at all when the main characters smoke (normal and joints), especially when it gives no extra value to the book itself. Its just used to make the characters seem more badass.

I did like that music was added to the book, but it was a bit excessive. The banter was more childish then it was fun.
I also liked how Rhys had some of the same likes and quotes as dean. like his favorite toy being a grenade launcher. Rhys also must-have a head made of steal,because his amo with his targets is headbutt them. He is also very romantic.
The PTSD from Nova was displayed very well. But she is a bit of a hypocrite. And leaving Rhys behind to hide from him to get training, when she knows how protective he is of her and how scared he is to lose her. This made me dislike nova a lot. And it hasn't changed.

at page 65 I think there was a mistake because someone gets slapped across the face with his spit.

At page 200 I kinda had it and really had to force myself to continue reading. Most of it was a repeat of what they already did.... Wake up, monster, smoke, smoke joints, do the dirty and done. The ending was surprising however.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Betwixt the Pages.
575 reviews75 followers
January 13, 2024
Rating: 3.5/5 Penguins (rounded down)
Quick Reasons: DARK romance on a whole new level; serial k*ller smut for the win; I just didn't understand some of this book honestly; soul mates and a brief mention of (magic???) never to come up again; a lot of fluff scenes; entertaining, steamy, great character growth


Full review to follow soon
Profile Image for Debz78.
189 reviews9 followers
February 1, 2024
So Nova is a young woman who was with a very very abusive guy, she escapes and starts her life somewhere new.
She gets a job on a book store called swan and scribe and she has a group of friends there but she is still very paranoid, cautious and highly doubting in herself, regarding her abilities, her safety and her right to actually be happy again.
She bumps into a guy called Rhys and his brother Dorian.. They have the best nicknames lol..
Rhys is handsome, smells delicious according to Nova but she doesn't know he harbours a dark secret!
The green eyed guy she dreams of has just appeared while she scans for a spicy book to read.
"he feels like home" and "she feels like home"
Nova can't trust herself after being with her ex Frankie and who can blame her. I totally get it.
Omg the fall 😂 done with as much awkwardness as myself, but oh the chemistry. Phew is it hot in here lol
So Vanessa is Novas friend and so far they are all hilarious 😂
I have an inckling that Rhys knows Nova had been hurt badly before, when he says "I'll wait" and by his actions so far.. Its so sweet.
So Dorian and Rhys are too damn funny, Rhys is a serial killer and Dorian is his tech guy, brother from another mother! But they don't just go after whoever! It's the worst of the worst and they deserve to leave the planet.!
There are quotes at the end of each chapter and I love them. Such a great touch.
Omg Rhys is so freaking adorable and romantic.. Damn need me a man like that 😂
OK so page 85 and I'm blubbering, typical me tbh but this is amazing and resonates so much with me it's crazy! I'm blubbering as I felt The exact same way when I met my fiance.. Cautious but he was so gentle and kind and patient with me and still is.
Trauma has no time scale, we never get over it, but we do learn to live with it and deal with it in time.
Omg their tattoos... Wow
Oh this book is killing me. 53% and I'm crying again.
There is a quote on page 232/233 and it's the same quote I sent my partner after being with him a few months. Such a beautiful quote.
Omg woman you're trying to kill me with this book! Chapter 24 going into 25 be prepared to be punched in the chest.. Bawling again... Dear. God help me I can't cope.!
My heart is broken, if you're going to read this be prepared for tears 😭
The hoarde are the best group of allies/friends ever! They had all to make the hardest decision of their lives, I wouldn't have liked to have made it. But I would have made the same choice as much as it would have killed me to do so.
I'm done 😭 this book has officially crucified me.
The epilogue.. What can I say about it apart from.... The frame melted me.
I love the way the songs are named throughout, the soundtrack is now one of my favourite playlists ever!
I can truly with hand on heart say this was so well written, I didn't want to put it down at all.
The way she pulls you in to the story with her and the way she had told it is just breathtaking.
This is my favourite book if 2024 and one I know will stay with me a long time.. I read it on kindle but I need the physical copy to cherish forever. I thank you for allowing me as a reader to be part of Nova, Rhys and Dori's lives ♥️
Profile Image for Christina Yau.
408 reviews11 followers
February 17, 2024
This is a definite must read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ! Please check triggers! Nova our fmc has ptsd, went through it and I loved her healing we see. Dorian and Rhys have the best banter, nick names and it will have you falling out your chair. There is soul mates, murder, steam, banter and healing. ❤️‍🩹 you will feel a ton of emotions but it's worth the ride!
Profile Image for Rachael Tessman.
1 review1 follower
January 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I would recommend it every time. I laughed and kicked my feet more times in this book than I have for most books I've read. The banter between characters is amazing and so funny. The smut was fantastic. I loved Nova and Rhys' story, but Dorian had my heart from the beginning. He was my favorite character in this book. I bawled my eyes out and will definitely have a book hangover from reading this. I can't wait for a physical copy for my book shelf.

Such a good read. Highly recommend reading! Check the TWs before the read.
Profile Image for Oraya Bloodmoon.
96 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2024
Highly recommend! When you get this book, I hope you love it as much as I did 🖤 I loved the silly banter and the sibling arguments! The smut was incredible and I especially love the healing process that takes place. I related a lot to this book, and I hope everyone can take a minute to appreciate and read this Dual POV. You won’t regret it!


Absolutely 100% check the CWs on this book.
Profile Image for Kennedy Keown.
424 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2024
Omggggg. I just started my DARK romance journey this year and I was BLOWN AWAY by this indie author’s creation. This novel is BEAUTIFUL. Her language use and flow is so easy to read and keeps you fully engaged. This story is heart wrenching and I fell completely IN LOVE with every single character. Do yourself a favor and read this novel… you will NOT regret it.
22 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2024
I fucking LOVE this book. I’m very upset with how it ends but I can’t wait to read the next book. This author better hurry up and finish the second one so I can read it. I love this author so far and can’t wait to read more of her work.
Profile Image for Aurelia.
66 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2024
3.5 stars but rounded up to 4, there is so much potential for this book which made me really want to continue reading on. I love the whole concept of the book, but the main aspects are just brushed upon not really going in depth. Like the whole magic and soulmate tie, those were the aspects I was most interested and excited about when this book was introduced to the Facebook Arc group I am involved in.

The characters are great, Nova especially I loved her character development. She is a super strong, dark and an intelligent woman… she has trauma of course but she used it to her advantage once she met Rhys. Rhys character is dark, mysterious but a hidden teddy bear. I live for his interactions with any character within the book. Rhys best friend/brother Dorian is hands down the bestie we all need. The Hoarde is such a well put together friend group, the plot twist with them had me kicking and screaming. The side characters are just as well written as the main characters with I absolutely love.

This book will have you laughing, swearing, crying and wishing you were in the same universe as these characters. I also loved how Rhys and Nova used music and anime to fully express themselves, it had me looking deep into the lyrics of some of the songs.

Please read trigger warning and please I mean please read the warning about the first chapter is it graphic.
Profile Image for Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook.
731 reviews23 followers
January 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It is a slower read, but the ending hits you hard and fast. Kind of unexpected, but enjoyed the sudden onslaught of excitement.

This Dark Contemporary Romance is a spicy trigger filled book.
Due to this, trigger warnings must be read before getting lost between the pages.
The book is heavy on the smut, and light on the plot.
This book moves at a slower pace until the end of the book.
The author writes in a very detailed manner, making sure you can envision this book easily.
The smut is descriptive, and frequent making for a tantalizing read.
Profile Image for Emma Jayne .
156 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2024
I enjoyed the book I read it in two days which wow I don't usually do lol

It follows nova who escapes her abusive ex frankie and she gets a job in book store (book reader/book lovers dream job lol) where she meets rhys and dorian.

Things heat up between rhys and nova really quickly he shows her she can naughty spicy sex without it hurting like her abuser used to do. (I think there was to much sex on each page but that's my problem lol)
And rhys is kinda like zade from haunting adeline he kills the bad guys. Which nova then gets introduced to later on in the book.

Her relationship with dorian I love it's like brother/sister vibes and omg I did well up when something happens to dorian (he gives me Spencer from criminal minds vibes).

I have signed up to the arc of book 2 releasing in spring this year as book 1 ended on a mission cliff hanger I want to know if they are getting justice for dorian or taking his picture along for the mission like he is actually there (hope that makes sense lol).
Profile Image for Neapolitan670 📚🖤.
739 reviews40 followers
July 23, 2024
I enjoyed how this was a serious storyline in that they are hitmen/assassins, and the MMCs have this inane banter between them, childish at times yes, silly most definitely but it does make you scoff occasionally. Bring the FMC Nova into this and she fits in perfectly even given her past DA.

So, for me it started great, led you into what was a good storyline then it went a bit slow in the middle, parts a tad predictable though that could be me, the last few chapters it picks back up and engrosses you once more. There is a lot of smut throughout, also unaliving in his ‘playroom’ ��

As always check the triggers before proceeding.
Profile Image for Lisa Bentley.
243 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2024
Omg I devoured this book!! As someone who’s experienced DV, I admit I was in two minds about reading this but I’m so glad I did!
Nova and her journey gives hope that there’s good out there, that there’s someone out there for each and every one of us if we just open our hearts and minds. Also that we are capable of great strength and can overcome great trauma if we just believe in ourselves and refuse to lay down and give in.
Nova and Rhys’s love journey was beautiful, he would’ve waited for her forever if needed.
Loved the plot twists and the ending broke me.The cliffhanger makes me so glad I have the second book ready to go!
It was dark, it was brutal but it was beautiful and hilariously funny!! It gave everything I wanted and more 🖤
221 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2024
This is not my typical read. Please check your triggers. I identified with Nova. She left an abusive relationship. She got out. I loved all the quotes at the end of each chapter. If you love serial killer dark romance, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
22 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2024
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Of course you have the dark and dirty of the story but you also have the beauty of friendship and love, helping each other and overcoming trauma. Hilarious and spicy. An emotional rollercoaster that I would definitely ride again.
Profile Image for VanessaCliterateur.
94 reviews
January 25, 2024
Take this with a grain of salt. I was the alpha reader for this one so this will be a biased review. I love my dark, smutty books and this one did not disappoint. There's really a lot of really good smut and what I love most about it is that it's mostly all in different scenarios. You're not getting bedroom stuff all the time. There's a particular scene with running and hiding in a forest that's ... hot. There's no shortage of very dark, very depraved scenes, for all its humor and lovey stuff there is also a lot of rawness and grittiness so mind your triggers and take them seriously.
The prologues does contain a DV scene but it can easily be skipped, in fact, it is warned before hand that if that bothers you, you just should start on Chapter 1 and not miss anything. In that vein, I really love that the author provided resources for DV and addiction.
The hard topics were not a plot device or a character arc push. They were thoughtfully added and well done, in my opinion. Is it perfect? No. But I've read it a few times at this point and never get bored. I fell in love with each character, they are so relatable and REAL. The dialogue and banter is top tier and a style I have never seen before in this genre. Who said a SK had to be serious and broody? SK's can be golden retrievers too. They just happen to be violent. I cried, I laughed, I laughed-cried, I said WTF a few times. Knowing the story doesn't end with this book makes the whole thing even better because it is a unique book with very unique characters and I need more.
Profile Image for Anthony.
2 reviews
January 26, 2024
Started reading this book in the morning and had to finish that day. This book will make you not want to put it down. I absolutely loved the characters and the story line. You go on a roller coaster of emotions and I was definitely crying at the end. That was not something I was prepared for with a book being called a Serial Killer Rom Com, but it was amazing. The details were balanced perfectly so you could really picture the scenes as they were happening. The journey that Nova takes through this story is incredible and really is a testament to not letting something keep you down and really taking control of your own life. Most romance books can be dull, the girl meets the guy and things get difficult and then they come together and happily ever after.... but not this book. That is what makes it so amazing, I was on the edge of my seat reading trying to see what would happen. Knowing this is the first in a series, I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I highly recommend this book to everyone honestly. 10 out of 10
-Anthonys wife on his account
Profile Image for Sara.Hopeful.
85 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2024
Call all SuperNatural/Winchester Fans, K. Iller's book on in the Astronomical Love series, This Life and the Next is meant for you. The author even notes that the MMC Rhys was inspired by Dean. The title of this book, perfectly describes it when it says Dark Serial Killer Rom Com. It is dark and full of taboo situations, yet in the next breath you'll find yourself laughing at times and even at moments crying. K Iller created an amazing group of characters that quickly become more than family, a storyline that shows development of characters and the plot. Like any good author, K Iller will keep you guessing making it impossible to know what will happen next. Oh and the spice (5🌶️), I mean the book is chalk full and doesn't disappoint with moments of love and passion, and some more taboo scenes for those who enjoy the darker side that will leave you saying, 'OMG did they really just do that?'. This Life and the Next is a must TBR for any reader who likes dark suspenseful spicy romance with a touch of humor to balance it out.
Profile Image for Lila Reads.
10 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2024
“I caught myself a falling star, and I’ll gladly hold on tightly until I burn to ash. And when my soul is carried into the next life, I’ll fucking burn for you all over again, just to be with you for as long as I can.”

I loved this book. But I absolutely ADORED the dynamic between the main characters. Rhys is my favourite type of male character: completely ruthless to anyone who has wronged him (or the people he cares about), but adores the FMC and his family.

Rhys is a ruthless serial killer, who takes pleasure in torturing people who deserve it:
“I’m the thing that monsters have nightmares about.”

But Rhys to Nova:
"Be a good girl and let me love you.”

The MCs are fated mates and I usually avoid books with an immediate connection between the main characters. But in this book, I could care less. It was written so well with enough tension and suspense in the rest of the book, that I relied on the main characters to keep me grounded as I read.

Highly recommend this book if you love a comedic & suspenseful dark romance.
Profile Image for Page Turner Sisterhood Bookclub.
135 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2025
Every once in a while, a story comes along that feels like it was written to be experienced, not just read—and This Life and the Next is exactly that. K. Iller pulls you straight into a whirlwind of emotion, heartbreak, and healing, with characters that feel achingly real.

The FMC is vulnerable yet resilient, carrying scars from her past while still daring to hope for a future. The MMC is complicated in the best way—protective, flawed, and impossible not to love even when his choices break your heart. Together, their story is raw and messy, but also breathtakingly beautiful.

What makes this book even more special to us is the author herself. We absolutely adore K. Iller, and having her read live with us just deepened the connection to these characters. Hearing the words in her own voice made every scene hit harder, every emotion sink deeper.

This Life and the Next isn’t just a romance—it’s a reminder of how fragile and powerful love can be, even when it’s tested by fate. It’s one of those reads that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Profile Image for amanda_reads.
2 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2025
I had a hard time reading this book 😭😭
I wanted to love it, I really did! The authors writing style just wasn't my style (felt like I was reading an autobiography and there were a lot of "I's" being thrown into the beginning of almost every sentence, especially at the beginning of the book. "I unlocked the door. I walked inside. I locked the door." That type of writing.. not even sure if this makes sense lol the plot was good, the spice was good, the characters were okay. Maybe its because I read A LOT of books so I can tell when an author is still in the beginning of their writing journey? Either way, it wasn't the worst book I have read but it wasn't the best either.
Profile Image for jennifer langdon.
651 reviews18 followers
April 24, 2024
This was a wonderful read. It was my first serial killer rom com, and it didn't disappoint.

The characters were excellent, and the banter was absolutely spot on. I loved it.
It was dark, gritty, and extra spicy.

The friendships formed in this book were heartgribbing, and I wanted to be part of their family.

I don't know who relationship I enjoyed reading more, Rhys and Dorian or Nova and Rhys. But then Dorian and Nova had a strong bond also. Ahh, I can't choose.

I would 100% recommend this book, and I am soooo looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for ItsMeCubanMamii.
5 reviews
July 25, 2025
I loved this read!! This book had so much plot and twist I was so hooked since the beginning, and the way the characters develop through out the book was amazing it was will written didn’t feel rushed at all I love how every chapter that ended has quotes added to them I think that’s a very nice touch and love how it was all put together. As a go to dark romance girly when I sow the cover and read the title I thought it wouldn’t be my thing but after reading just the first chapter I couldn’t put it down 100% recommend
Profile Image for Marge.
15 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2025
OMG… yes this has triggers, this has comedy, this has love, fear and hate…. Oh and it is as spacey 🌶️ as they come!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This 📖 was very well written and I love the fact there was “honest and truth” in these relationships and how close to real they were.
🥵 on the sex/love chapters (and I do mean chapters) it may have been a bit much “for me”; but I really enjoyed all other aspects of this story much better. Cannot wait to read 📕 2…
Profile Image for Jessica Payne.
39 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2024
Absolutely ate this book up! I literally laughed, fell in love, and had my heart broken all in this book! You fall in love with the main characters and all of the sibling banter back and forth between friends. Definitely has a main male character for you to fall in love with. Everyone needs to read this book.
Profile Image for Amber.
994 reviews42 followers
April 19, 2024
I love a great dark romance. Add serial killers, great banter, excellent spicy scenes and an amazing friendship base. Rhys and Dorian were perfect besties. I loved them. Nova and Rhys relationship with Dorian included was everything.
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,611 reviews19 followers
July 29, 2024
I liked the characters but did find myself getting a little confused with the whole plot.

It was angsty, steamy, had funny/witty moments and even lots of mushy moments!

It was a tale of friendship and love.
Profile Image for Tamara W.
63 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2024
soulmates

This was a good read. I absolutely love Dorian. He is the smart, bubbly, happy and caring friend that everyone hopes to have in their life. The undeniable bond between Nova and Rhys was very sweet and heartwarming.
Profile Image for Amber Gill.
225 reviews7 followers
April 20, 2024
Wow I truly loved this book. I loved the story line, the character development, the dialogue, the spice it was so incredible the banter. It was amazing and I loved the DV awareness in this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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