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What Death Forgets
Fall in love through a painting.
When up-and-coming artist, Asher Blakely, is invited to compete for a prestigious art mentorship hosted by his hero, the reclusive celebrity artist Leviathan Marks, he’ll do whatever it takes to win. Because Asher isn’t just any fan. He’s spent hours of pain and thousands of dollars turning Leviathan’s art into tattoos on his skin.
But the more Asher gets to know the mercurial Leviathan, the more he starts to fear that maybe he never should have met his hero, that maybe Leviathan is no hero at all.
Lev Marks collects people like paintings and he’ll stop at nothing to add Asher Blakely to his halls. But after luring Asher to his ancestral castle perched atop a tidal island, Lev starts to have second thoughts.
Because Asher’s art is a mirror showing Lev all the worst parts of himself, and he can’t risk his secrets getting out.
What Death Forgets is an MM modern gothic romance featuring
-master painter x art prodigy protégé
-hurt / comfort
-anxiety and ADHD rep
-touch-starved MC
-angst
-age gap
-forced proximity
-creepy castle
-limerence to insta-love
-mutual obsession
-spicy
Perfect for fans of Saltburn, Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier, Sierra Simone's Thornchapel series, and A Picture of Dorian Gray.
When up-and-coming artist, Asher Blakely, is invited to compete for a prestigious art mentorship hosted by his hero, the reclusive celebrity artist Leviathan Marks, he’ll do whatever it takes to win. Because Asher isn’t just any fan. He’s spent hours of pain and thousands of dollars turning Leviathan’s art into tattoos on his skin.
But the more Asher gets to know the mercurial Leviathan, the more he starts to fear that maybe he never should have met his hero, that maybe Leviathan is no hero at all.
Lev Marks collects people like paintings and he’ll stop at nothing to add Asher Blakely to his halls. But after luring Asher to his ancestral castle perched atop a tidal island, Lev starts to have second thoughts.
Because Asher’s art is a mirror showing Lev all the worst parts of himself, and he can’t risk his secrets getting out.
What Death Forgets is an MM modern gothic romance featuring
-master painter x art prodigy protégé
-hurt / comfort
-anxiety and ADHD rep
-touch-starved MC
-angst
-age gap
-forced proximity
-creepy castle
-limerence to insta-love
-mutual obsession
-spicy
Perfect for fans of Saltburn, Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier, Sierra Simone's Thornchapel series, and A Picture of Dorian Gray.
ebook
First published October 1, 2025
69 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Thea Verdone
2 books182 followersThea writes spicy romances about imperfect people haunted by inner demons and dark histories.
Whether it's a crumbling gothic mansion, the ocean at night, or a castle on a tidal island, her settings are as alive as any other character.
When she's not making her friends laugh, or her readers cry, she can be found reading, learning how to draw (very badly), or in nature.
For my Anti-AI policy, please visit https://theaverdone.com/ai-policy
Follow me at https://instagram.com/theaverdone and
subscribe to my mailing list.
Whether it's a crumbling gothic mansion, the ocean at night, or a castle on a tidal island, her settings are as alive as any other character.
When she's not making her friends laugh, or her readers cry, she can be found reading, learning how to draw (very badly), or in nature.
For my Anti-AI policy, please visit https://theaverdone.com/ai-policy
Follow me at https://instagram.com/theaverdone and
subscribe to my mailing list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 22, 2025
This book was one I was glad I took my time reading. I ate up every single word and moment. Thea is a master at creating a world you just want to live in.
What Death Forgets is a beautiful book about loss, love and art all wrapped up gothic architecture. Lev and Asher are two artists who fall in love with each other's paintings before they even meet. But they both have pasts they can't destroy without each other.
I loved how this book was split into two separate parts.
Part One: It's giving Hill House, Casper, Haunted Mansion, Clue.
Part Two: Grab your tissues and also ghosts may be real??
Lev and Asher's relationship is full of pining, limerence, and passion. (Artists are VERY intense). I loved their dialogue SO much. They felt real. They had that snark, and sarcasm I want to see in my gay relationships (Because thats me!) Thea has a talent for making you laugh, swoon, and feel heartbreak all through what her characters are saying. It's incredible (and so is the book's spice). As a creative myself a lot of Asher + Lev's fears, passions, and drive were relatable and ran deep.
The plot itself was great. I was invested, didn't know what was happening next and loved being thrown into all the twists and turns with Lev + Asher. Paired with an amazing setting in this gothic castle that seems to have a mind of it's own, this book is an atmospheric delight.
Thank you Thea + Team for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review.
What Death Forgets is a beautiful book about loss, love and art all wrapped up gothic architecture. Lev and Asher are two artists who fall in love with each other's paintings before they even meet. But they both have pasts they can't destroy without each other.
I loved how this book was split into two separate parts.
Part One: It's giving Hill House, Casper, Haunted Mansion, Clue.
Part Two: Grab your tissues and also ghosts may be real??
Lev and Asher's relationship is full of pining, limerence, and passion. (Artists are VERY intense). I loved their dialogue SO much. They felt real. They had that snark, and sarcasm I want to see in my gay relationships (Because thats me!) Thea has a talent for making you laugh, swoon, and feel heartbreak all through what her characters are saying. It's incredible (and so is the book's spice). As a creative myself a lot of Asher + Lev's fears, passions, and drive were relatable and ran deep.
The plot itself was great. I was invested, didn't know what was happening next and loved being thrown into all the twists and turns with Lev + Asher. Paired with an amazing setting in this gothic castle that seems to have a mind of it's own, this book is an atmospheric delight.
Thank you Thea + Team for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review.
Read
September 26, 2025While I am loathed to do this to an ARC I am going to DNF at 10% (didn't even make my normal cut off of 30%). The idea of pushing through 500 pages of this makes me want to go lay down in traffic.
I found the characters insufferable, the chemistry stilted and I just didn't care to read more. I hate it when a book tells me about how electric and clever the flirting between characters is when the scene in question comes across like the world's most awkward and rigid human interaction.
I was looking forward to this release after enjoying the author's debut, but this didnt work for me at all.
Thank you to BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I found the characters insufferable, the chemistry stilted and I just didn't care to read more. I hate it when a book tells me about how electric and clever the flirting between characters is when the scene in question comes across like the world's most awkward and rigid human interaction.
I was looking forward to this release after enjoying the author's debut, but this didnt work for me at all.
Thank you to BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
September 29, 2025
Wow, this was a twisty, turny, nightmare-inducing gothic horror! Featuring tortured artists, a remote country Manor House (often rendered inaccessible by high tides) and the possible ghost of an ex-lover haunting the halls, it’s has all the ingredients for mystery and chaos!
Asher Blakely has idolised artist Leviathan Marks for years, tattooing his artwork on his skin. So when he’s invited to an artist’s retreat at Marks’ manor, he leaps at the chance. But Lev is hiding secrets and seems to be slowly spiralling, talking to himself and regularly distracted. And Asher isn’t being totally honest either, using the retreat to try and recover his artistic flair after a toxic relationship destroyed his passion.
As the story progresses, the pair of them become hopelessly intertwined, their fear of the other leaving forcing them together, despite Lev seeing someone in the darkness and Asher struggling with panic attacks and the feeling of being watched.
I loved the spooky elements here and I think they could be interpreted in a number of different ways; seeing Lev’s history unraveling was so interesting and I was kept constantly guessing as to what was truly going on!
The reason this loses a star for me is twofold; firstly because I just didn’t buy the insta-lust/love between them, with both of them falling in love through the other’s paintings. It was just too whimsical for me. Secondly this book is a lot more spicy than NLNL, which is fine, I love smut, but I found that the many sex scenes (especially in the second half) distracted from the creepiness of the story. Maybe it’s just me, but I find it hard to be invested in a possible haunting when we’ve just had a page and a half of Asher getting his asshole licked 🤷🏻♀️😹
Read What Death Forgets for:
✨ MM gothic romance
✨ Haunted(?) isolated Manor House
✨ Artists falling in love
✨ Something is watching in the darkness
✨ Falling in love through paintings
✨ Recovery from a toxic relationship
✨ Age-gap, 25 & 40
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Is the haunted house sentient?
✨ Power play dynamics
✨ Is it love, or is it a tragedy?
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book! It’s available on 1st November 2025 🖤
Asher Blakely has idolised artist Leviathan Marks for years, tattooing his artwork on his skin. So when he’s invited to an artist’s retreat at Marks’ manor, he leaps at the chance. But Lev is hiding secrets and seems to be slowly spiralling, talking to himself and regularly distracted. And Asher isn’t being totally honest either, using the retreat to try and recover his artistic flair after a toxic relationship destroyed his passion.
As the story progresses, the pair of them become hopelessly intertwined, their fear of the other leaving forcing them together, despite Lev seeing someone in the darkness and Asher struggling with panic attacks and the feeling of being watched.
I loved the spooky elements here and I think they could be interpreted in a number of different ways; seeing Lev’s history unraveling was so interesting and I was kept constantly guessing as to what was truly going on!
The reason this loses a star for me is twofold; firstly because I just didn’t buy the insta-lust/love between them, with both of them falling in love through the other’s paintings. It was just too whimsical for me. Secondly this book is a lot more spicy than NLNL, which is fine, I love smut, but I found that the many sex scenes (especially in the second half) distracted from the creepiness of the story. Maybe it’s just me, but I find it hard to be invested in a possible haunting when we’ve just had a page and a half of Asher getting his asshole licked 🤷🏻♀️😹
Read What Death Forgets for:
✨ MM gothic romance
✨ Haunted(?) isolated Manor House
✨ Artists falling in love
✨ Something is watching in the darkness
✨ Falling in love through paintings
✨ Recovery from a toxic relationship
✨ Age-gap, 25 & 40
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Is the haunted house sentient?
✨ Power play dynamics
✨ Is it love, or is it a tragedy?
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book! It’s available on 1st November 2025 🖤
September 27, 2025
*arc review *
This book literally gave me all the FEELS. This book was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it didn't disappoint at all. From the very beginning I was very intrigued with Asher and Lev's relationship. I definitely loved their banter. (one of my fav parts) Ash is just a brat lowkey and I'm here for it 🤭 I really enjoyed the like spooky vibes this book gave, and I never knew what was gonna happen. 👀🫣 Thea just has a way with words and making you feel especially when reading about her MCs, and no surprise I was a crying mess while also reading.
Lev's and Asher's HEA was hard earned, and I love reading them. Also side note, I also very much love all the side characters we met as well.
This book literally gave me all the FEELS. This book was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it didn't disappoint at all. From the very beginning I was very intrigued with Asher and Lev's relationship. I definitely loved their banter. (one of my fav parts) Ash is just a brat lowkey and I'm here for it 🤭 I really enjoyed the like spooky vibes this book gave, and I never knew what was gonna happen. 👀🫣 Thea just has a way with words and making you feel especially when reading about her MCs, and no surprise I was a crying mess while also reading.
Lev's and Asher's HEA was hard earned, and I love reading them. Also side note, I also very much love all the side characters we met as well.
September 28, 2025
Well, damn. That wasn't what I hoped it would be.
Okay, look. Not going to lie, I had somewhat high hopes for this. And... it didn't deliver. I mean... The writing was very atmospheric (most of the time), the emotions leaped off the pages (at times), the mental health rep was great (mostly, when it didn't feel like an afterthought), the characters were... solid-ish (when they weren't too busy licking each other's *ssh*les for the millionth time)? The author has potential, I could see it! But...
It was too long and it feels... very sloppily put together. There is an amazing, thrilling story in here somewhere, but... it was almost like someone took these great plot points, this great story, and cut it all into pieces and put it back together in a way that didn't make sense. Not to mention, there was too much focus on spice and not enough on the actual plot throughout the story, which made it feel very disjointed at times. I would've rather had a lot less spice and more story, especially with a gothic romance like this. It's a hell of a lot of lost potential, if you ask me. I could've had an amazing story about angsty, broken artists finding love and redemption in the middle of some Picture of Dorian Gray x Haunting of Bly Manor/Hill House epic creepiness, but... alas. It felt sloppy, boring and the overabundance of spice made me roll my eyes and sigh with epic disappointment.
So, this book had a lot of potential but it fell flat for me personally. If others enjoy it, great! I just didn't and now I'm going to cry and pout about it in a corner.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, look. Not going to lie, I had somewhat high hopes for this. And... it didn't deliver. I mean... The writing was very atmospheric (most of the time), the emotions leaped off the pages (at times), the mental health rep was great (mostly, when it didn't feel like an afterthought), the characters were... solid-ish (when they weren't too busy licking each other's *ssh*les for the millionth time)? The author has potential, I could see it! But...
It was too long and it feels... very sloppily put together. There is an amazing, thrilling story in here somewhere, but... it was almost like someone took these great plot points, this great story, and cut it all into pieces and put it back together in a way that didn't make sense. Not to mention, there was too much focus on spice and not enough on the actual plot throughout the story, which made it feel very disjointed at times. I would've rather had a lot less spice and more story, especially with a gothic romance like this. It's a hell of a lot of lost potential, if you ask me. I could've had an amazing story about angsty, broken artists finding love and redemption in the middle of some Picture of Dorian Gray x Haunting of Bly Manor/Hill House epic creepiness, but... alas. It felt sloppy, boring and the overabundance of spice made me roll my eyes and sigh with epic disappointment.
So, this book had a lot of potential but it fell flat for me personally. If others enjoy it, great! I just didn't and now I'm going to cry and pout about it in a corner.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2025
Moody, Eerie, Deliciously edgy, obsessive love, intense, a bit melancholy, high drama… trying to describe the experience of reading this book is so hard but all of these fit perfectly. Such an interesting, gripping read and I absolutely loved the world Thea Verdone immerses us in as we navigate this unique tale of love and healing.
I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve read a story quite like Lev and Asher’s love story, it’s very cinematic, immersive and even the place is a character unto itself, bringing the inanimate to life. The ocean setting the tone of passion, pain, fear as a backdrop to the twists and turns of the story. The initial group of the retreat create an almost whodunit vibe, the estate creeping with secrets that swirl around them. So atmospheric. When Silas gains more of a voice as we go further along we truly get glimpses into what Lev must be feeling in his confusion and disbelief- the author holds this unknown so tightly, perfectly balancing mystery with fact.
I loved how it was left.. how we were made to feel, holding a dichotomy of feelings.. I really can’t say more, I don’t want to spoil it but I I can say it will haunt you for a time to come, grappling with this part of the story.
I absolutely adore Asher, I utterly hate what happened to him. I love how he reclaims his lost parts with Lev who is patient and so in love with Asher. I like that this story is about healing with love, not just love but love is such a huge part of it.
Their dynamic is so so hot and I loved how the author stayed true to these vulnerable artists as connection and adoration and obsession turned to love.
The art was another part I was so taken with - the themes emerging guiding us through the story, the 7 sins, the note book all of it had such a pulling back of the veil quality.
I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve read a story quite like Lev and Asher’s love story, it’s very cinematic, immersive and even the place is a character unto itself, bringing the inanimate to life. The ocean setting the tone of passion, pain, fear as a backdrop to the twists and turns of the story. The initial group of the retreat create an almost whodunit vibe, the estate creeping with secrets that swirl around them. So atmospheric. When Silas gains more of a voice as we go further along we truly get glimpses into what Lev must be feeling in his confusion and disbelief- the author holds this unknown so tightly, perfectly balancing mystery with fact.
I loved how it was left.. how we were made to feel, holding a dichotomy of feelings.. I really can’t say more, I don’t want to spoil it but I I can say it will haunt you for a time to come, grappling with this part of the story.
I absolutely adore Asher, I utterly hate what happened to him. I love how he reclaims his lost parts with Lev who is patient and so in love with Asher. I like that this story is about healing with love, not just love but love is such a huge part of it.
Their dynamic is so so hot and I loved how the author stayed true to these vulnerable artists as connection and adoration and obsession turned to love.
The art was another part I was so taken with - the themes emerging guiding us through the story, the 7 sins, the note book all of it had such a pulling back of the veil quality.
October 3, 2025
OMFG Y'ALL THIS BOOK!! Thea, the queen of mm gothic romance, has DONE IT AGAIN. What Death Forgets is atmospheric, beautiful, and PERFECT for spooky season reading. It's much darker and creepier than I expected, but it worked so well with the story. Honestly, this reads like a classic gothic novel - I kept comparing it to Rebecca or Jane Eyre in my head. The imagery is VIVID, the romance is toxic and wild, and you NEED to get it on your TBR RIGHT NOW.
The basic premise of the story is two men who fall in love through their respective art - swoony right? Asher is obsessed with famous artist Leviathan Marks, and he jumps at the chance to attend a competitive artist retreat at his secluded "castle" Lichenmoor. He doesn't know, however, that Lev is just a much of a fan of his own work. What follows is a heated affair with lots of twists and turns, push and pull. And Asher can feel a degree of mystery lurking around Lichenmoor - Lev is hiding things from him, but he doesn't know what. I won't go into detail, but the TENSION between these two men - it's intense. When they finally do go for it, they go hard - y'all Thea did not skimp on the spice this time around. It's beautiful and hot and you just desperately want things to work out between these two broken men.
What Death Forgets is a modern gothic masterpiece. Thea took elements of a number of classic gothic novels and just nailed it. This is a book that you can get lost in, and I'm so excited for more people to read it!
The basic premise of the story is two men who fall in love through their respective art - swoony right? Asher is obsessed with famous artist Leviathan Marks, and he jumps at the chance to attend a competitive artist retreat at his secluded "castle" Lichenmoor. He doesn't know, however, that Lev is just a much of a fan of his own work. What follows is a heated affair with lots of twists and turns, push and pull. And Asher can feel a degree of mystery lurking around Lichenmoor - Lev is hiding things from him, but he doesn't know what. I won't go into detail, but the TENSION between these two men - it's intense. When they finally do go for it, they go hard - y'all Thea did not skimp on the spice this time around. It's beautiful and hot and you just desperately want things to work out between these two broken men.
What Death Forgets is a modern gothic masterpiece. Thea took elements of a number of classic gothic novels and just nailed it. This is a book that you can get lost in, and I'm so excited for more people to read it!
September 26, 2025
This was my very first gothic romance, and honestly, saying I’ve found a new favorite genre is an understatement! 🖤
The love story was so captivating and mysterious, with just the right touch of darkness. It’s beautifully crafted and one I know will stay with me for a long time.
At its heart, it’s about two artists, each haunted by their own past, slowly finding their way to each other and fighting for a hard-earned happily-ever-after. ✨
I absolutely loved the moody gothic setting, the mystery woven throughout the story, and the tender way these two characters came together. It was romantic, haunting, and just so, so good.
This story hits so differently from my usual reads, and that’s exactly what makes it feel so unique and special to me. The depth of care and the amount of research the author clearly put into portraying mental health and artistic expression, deserves all the appreciation. It added so much authenticity and heart to the book🖌️🖤
And then there’s Lev and Ash… where do I even begin?
Lev, the artistic genius with a haunted soul, completely stole my heart. 🖤 And Ash, broken yet fiercely resilient, shines through even in his darkest moments. The way Lev becomes the perfect caretaker for Ash was everything.
Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts. 🔥 The hurt/comfort dynamic hit me right in the feels, and don’t even get me started on their banter: sharp, witty, and absolutely delicious. Let’s just say… I may have found myself a brand-new book boyfriend. 😏✨
Tropes :
💙 MM gothic romance
🌊 age gap
💙 forced proximity
🌊 hurt x comfort
💙 touch-starved mmc
🌊 limerence to insta-love
💙 reclusive celebrity artist
🌊 british oceanside
I received an ARC but this is my honest, unfiltered opinion.
The love story was so captivating and mysterious, with just the right touch of darkness. It’s beautifully crafted and one I know will stay with me for a long time.
At its heart, it’s about two artists, each haunted by their own past, slowly finding their way to each other and fighting for a hard-earned happily-ever-after. ✨
I absolutely loved the moody gothic setting, the mystery woven throughout the story, and the tender way these two characters came together. It was romantic, haunting, and just so, so good.
This story hits so differently from my usual reads, and that’s exactly what makes it feel so unique and special to me. The depth of care and the amount of research the author clearly put into portraying mental health and artistic expression, deserves all the appreciation. It added so much authenticity and heart to the book🖌️🖤
And then there’s Lev and Ash… where do I even begin?
Lev, the artistic genius with a haunted soul, completely stole my heart. 🖤 And Ash, broken yet fiercely resilient, shines through even in his darkest moments. The way Lev becomes the perfect caretaker for Ash was everything.
Their chemistry? Off. The. Charts. 🔥 The hurt/comfort dynamic hit me right in the feels, and don’t even get me started on their banter: sharp, witty, and absolutely delicious. Let’s just say… I may have found myself a brand-new book boyfriend. 😏✨
Tropes :
💙 MM gothic romance
🌊 age gap
💙 forced proximity
🌊 hurt x comfort
💙 touch-starved mmc
🌊 limerence to insta-love
💙 reclusive celebrity artist
🌊 british oceanside
I received an ARC but this is my honest, unfiltered opinion.
September 27, 2025
Very artistic, sensational, gothic, beautiful, and mysterious.
I don’t know why, but when I started reading and I met lev x ash in what death forgets. Their aura/relationship reminds me (flashback) of this one scene in the originals (tv show) of cami x klaus first time meeting where she said, “he’s angry, dark, doesn’t feel safe, and doesn’t know what to do about it. He wishes he can control his demons instead of having his demons control him. He’s lost, alone.” And that’s exactly what this gives when it comes to Lev x Asher dynamic! *swoon*
Both of them are each other’s yin and yang, I feel like ash is his muse while lev is his obsession. They both express thru painting and/or drawing and feel, see, and hear each other instead of having to use words bc the pic says it all.
“Art is what’s inferred. The painting is no longer yours once you give birth to it. It’s for the viewer, the emotions you evoke in them…”
my own song I pick for WDF and it’s a classic - terrible love by the national 🎶
It's a terrible love and I'm walkin' with spiders
It's a terrible love and I'm walkin' in
It's a terrible love and I'm walkin' with spiders
It's a terrible love and I'm walkin' in
It takes an ocean not to break
It takes an ocean not to break
It takes an ocean not to break
https://youtu.be/6YHxQlwOQWs?si=ril_u...
I don’t know why, but when I started reading and I met lev x ash in what death forgets. Their aura/relationship reminds me (flashback) of this one scene in the originals (tv show) of cami x klaus first time meeting where she said, “he’s angry, dark, doesn’t feel safe, and doesn’t know what to do about it. He wishes he can control his demons instead of having his demons control him. He’s lost, alone.” And that’s exactly what this gives when it comes to Lev x Asher dynamic! *swoon*
Both of them are each other’s yin and yang, I feel like ash is his muse while lev is his obsession. They both express thru painting and/or drawing and feel, see, and hear each other instead of having to use words bc the pic says it all.
“Art is what’s inferred. The painting is no longer yours once you give birth to it. It’s for the viewer, the emotions you evoke in them…”
my own song I pick for WDF and it’s a classic - terrible love by the national 🎶
It's a terrible love and I'm walkin' with spiders
It's a terrible love and I'm walkin' in
It's a terrible love and I'm walkin' with spiders
It's a terrible love and I'm walkin' in
It takes an ocean not to break
It takes an ocean not to break
It takes an ocean not to break
https://youtu.be/6YHxQlwOQWs?si=ril_u...
September 28, 2025
Oops… Thea did it again! 🤣
This is no sophomore slump from Thea Verdone. I absolutely loved this big gay gothic ghost story!
It could not be more different from her debut novel, Never Leave Never Lie, and that isn’t a bad thing. She tried new things, explored different themes and for me it was definitely a hit!
It’s hard to explain this book, as it draws on many elements of other works, whether conscious or unconsciously by the author.
I definitely felt inspiration from films/series/novels like The Others, The Innocents, Casper, Maestro, Crimson Peak, Painting with Bob Ross, The Haunting of Bly Manor/Hill House, Rebecca, The Picture of Dorian Gray, We Have Always Lived In The Shadows, and The Thorn Chapel series, just to name a few!
It’s grand in scale, and I was hooked from beginning to end. I wanted to read it in one sitting, but I also wanted to take my time and enjoy it. I didn’t want it to end!
The book is basically two separate stories, that make a whole. The first half is about an artist retreat at Lichenmoor, with a bit of romance and a gothic mystery. The second half is focused on the two MCs trying to make a relationship work while also setting the past to rest and moving forward with the love they’ve found in one another. There were some genuinely moving moments, funny moments, and some straight horror moments that will stick with me. The imagery that Thea cooked up in this book is both beautiful and haunting! I went back to look at my notes and about half the book was highlighted, she wrote some really quotable things in this book!
This is the perfect Spooky Season read if you’re looking for something to get you in that mood. 🖤🥀👻
Thank you to Thea Verdone and her team for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This is no sophomore slump from Thea Verdone. I absolutely loved this big gay gothic ghost story!
It could not be more different from her debut novel, Never Leave Never Lie, and that isn’t a bad thing. She tried new things, explored different themes and for me it was definitely a hit!
It’s hard to explain this book, as it draws on many elements of other works, whether conscious or unconsciously by the author.
I definitely felt inspiration from films/series/novels like The Others, The Innocents, Casper, Maestro, Crimson Peak, Painting with Bob Ross, The Haunting of Bly Manor/Hill House, Rebecca, The Picture of Dorian Gray, We Have Always Lived In The Shadows, and The Thorn Chapel series, just to name a few!
It’s grand in scale, and I was hooked from beginning to end. I wanted to read it in one sitting, but I also wanted to take my time and enjoy it. I didn’t want it to end!
The book is basically two separate stories, that make a whole. The first half is about an artist retreat at Lichenmoor, with a bit of romance and a gothic mystery. The second half is focused on the two MCs trying to make a relationship work while also setting the past to rest and moving forward with the love they’ve found in one another. There were some genuinely moving moments, funny moments, and some straight horror moments that will stick with me. The imagery that Thea cooked up in this book is both beautiful and haunting! I went back to look at my notes and about half the book was highlighted, she wrote some really quotable things in this book!
This is the perfect Spooky Season read if you’re looking for something to get you in that mood. 🖤🥀👻
Thank you to Thea Verdone and her team for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 28, 2025
What Death Forgets is mysterious tale of limerence, love, survival, and grief – featuring pesky ghosts and whole lot of unanswered questions along the way.
Right from the very first page, Thea paints an atmospheric picture of Lichenmoor, the gloomy British island where Lev resides. I love the spooky gothic vibes, and how I really got a feel for the setting and the mysteries inhabiting it. Silas' presence is constantly felt, even in his absence (exactly how he would like it, sassy little wraith 💅🏻), and I really loved trying to suss out what was going on with him, and exactly what Lev had to do with it. It casts an ominous shadow over the story, and adds an extra layer of intrigue beyond the central romance.
Having said that, I was surprised to find that the main characters themselves are not so gloomy, and instead, their relationship is filled with banter and playful interactions that lighten the mood. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold in the beginning, particularly during the artists retreat, but admittedly I did lose interest in the middle of the book when it was just Ash and Lev, and they were hooking up a lot. Things picked up for me when the story shifted to focus on Silas again, and we finally uncover what Lev has been hiding.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I particularly loved Thea's beautiful writing and the mystery element, and I'd recommend it to fans of gothic romance who enjoy a touch of the paranormal.
*I received an advanced copy of this book for free, but I am leaving a review voluntarily.*
Right from the very first page, Thea paints an atmospheric picture of Lichenmoor, the gloomy British island where Lev resides. I love the spooky gothic vibes, and how I really got a feel for the setting and the mysteries inhabiting it. Silas' presence is constantly felt, even in his absence (exactly how he would like it, sassy little wraith 💅🏻), and I really loved trying to suss out what was going on with him, and exactly what Lev had to do with it. It casts an ominous shadow over the story, and adds an extra layer of intrigue beyond the central romance.
Having said that, I was surprised to find that the main characters themselves are not so gloomy, and instead, their relationship is filled with banter and playful interactions that lighten the mood. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold in the beginning, particularly during the artists retreat, but admittedly I did lose interest in the middle of the book when it was just Ash and Lev, and they were hooking up a lot. Things picked up for me when the story shifted to focus on Silas again, and we finally uncover what Lev has been hiding.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I particularly loved Thea's beautiful writing and the mystery element, and I'd recommend it to fans of gothic romance who enjoy a touch of the paranormal.
*I received an advanced copy of this book for free, but I am leaving a review voluntarily.*
September 20, 2025
“Lev didn’t believe in fate, but he couldn’t deny the cosmic symmetry. In a population of billions, how had they found each other? It was almost as if art was a matchmaker that had brought them together.”
Can it truly be called love if your man doesn’t have every piece of your art etched into his skin .. from the time before you met, when he first laid eyes on your work, fell madly in love, and became utterly consumed by you?
I am at a loss for words to convey just how deeply I adore this book and these two perfect men. The writing, the plot, the characters … perfection.
It was everything I imagined it to be. 🤍
Can it truly be called love if your man doesn’t have every piece of your art etched into his skin .. from the time before you met, when he first laid eyes on your work, fell madly in love, and became utterly consumed by you?
I am at a loss for words to convey just how deeply I adore this book and these two perfect men. The writing, the plot, the characters … perfection.
It was everything I imagined it to be. 🤍
September 14, 2025
✨️ARC Review✨️
If you’re looking for a mystery book with a touch of horror set in a haunted castle, then this story is absolutely perfect for you.
Right from the start, we’re thrown into a web of questions surrounding Ash and Lev—with answers only given in small doses, keeping the suspense alive. Lev, in particular, fascinated me: such a mysterious figure, whose connection to Silas raises even more questions. And speaking of Silas—he’s an amazing character in his own right, adding even more intrigue to the story.
The castle setting was brilliantly done, atmospheric and haunting in all the right ways. What I loved most, though, was how Thea created a mood that is not only mysterious but at times genuinely unsettling. It’s the kind of book that sends little chills down your spine—perfect for October and spooky season.
If you’re looking for a mystery book with a touch of horror set in a haunted castle, then this story is absolutely perfect for you.
Right from the start, we’re thrown into a web of questions surrounding Ash and Lev—with answers only given in small doses, keeping the suspense alive. Lev, in particular, fascinated me: such a mysterious figure, whose connection to Silas raises even more questions. And speaking of Silas—he’s an amazing character in his own right, adding even more intrigue to the story.
The castle setting was brilliantly done, atmospheric and haunting in all the right ways. What I loved most, though, was how Thea created a mood that is not only mysterious but at times genuinely unsettling. It’s the kind of book that sends little chills down your spine—perfect for October and spooky season.
Want to read
September 25, 2025the cover 🔥 😍.
give me pain. give me angst. YES !
give me pain. give me angst. YES !
September 19, 2025
How can I describe this book?
At over 520 pages it's never felt like a chore, I did not wish for the end and enjoyed every word.
This book tells a tale of loss, hurt and finding yourself and love again.
The gothic paranormal background gives you something unique to read.
I loved the characters and the setting.
Putting it into 2 parts makes it feel like 2 books.
There are some triggers so read them if you have any .
but I thoroughly recommend this book.
At over 520 pages it's never felt like a chore, I did not wish for the end and enjoyed every word.
This book tells a tale of loss, hurt and finding yourself and love again.
The gothic paranormal background gives you something unique to read.
I loved the characters and the setting.
Putting it into 2 parts makes it feel like 2 books.
There are some triggers so read them if you have any .
but I thoroughly recommend this book.
December 25, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ
You know what upsets me the most? The fact that so many people are sleeping on this book. It's a masterpiece, it gave me many more goosebumps than when I was reading 'Never Leave, Never Lie', it's complete madness and I don't know what y'all are waiting for!!! It has the perfect amount of angst, the metaphors hit that soft, sensitive spot just right and the characters are to die for (pun intended, Silas, pun intended).
GO READ THIS BOOK, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
Also, Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it <33
You know what upsets me the most? The fact that so many people are sleeping on this book. It's a masterpiece, it gave me many more goosebumps than when I was reading 'Never Leave, Never Lie', it's complete madness and I don't know what y'all are waiting for!!! It has the perfect amount of angst, the metaphors hit that soft, sensitive spot just right and the characters are to die for (pun intended, Silas, pun intended).
GO READ THIS BOOK, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
Also, Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it <33
September 25, 2025
Wow... Thea has done it again, writing another book I'll be thinking about for a long time. I have never read a love story quite like it. I savored it over a few days, so I could really digest all the details in this dark, sexy, atmospheric world she's created— and also because I didn’t want it to end.
Asher arrives at Lichenmoor, a gothic cliffside manor surrounded by the ocean, to begin an artists' retreat led by his idol, Lev. While they haven’t met in person before, both are intimately familiar with the other's art. When these emotionally-damaged painters finally cross paths, there are immediate sparks, but even more questions arise. What are these men hiding from each other, and from themselves? What have they done? What — or who — is haunting (?) the manor?
Not all questions will be answered, as some things are best left up to interpretation. Lichenmoor has to keep her secrets, after all.
Like her previous book, these main characters are at times complicated, messy, snarky, and might do things that confuse you. Asher and Lev are incredibly passionate and reactive, with electric tension from their very first meeting. So much yearning, pining, and limerence on both sides. The banter is relentless and the spice… it’s fireworks when they collide. These two really are the definition of obsessed. No one does it like artists.
That being said, their journey isn't easy, with a lot of push/pull, mainly stemming from their traumatic pasts and struggles with mental health. Some of their actions had me frustrated, even terrified, but it just felt so real. I wouldn't change a thing. Thea’s characters are some of my favorites. They’re so alive, so human in their mess and their nuance and their emotions.
I was fully intrigued by the end of chapter 1, and utterly obsessed by the end of chapter 2. The setting lends an ominous, almost claustrophobic tone that juxtaposes beautifully with the fiery romance brewing. The plot gently beckons you in, then twists and distorts everything into a dreamscape until none of us know what's real or what the hell just happened. This book scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. I cannot wait to see what Thea does next.
Asher arrives at Lichenmoor, a gothic cliffside manor surrounded by the ocean, to begin an artists' retreat led by his idol, Lev. While they haven’t met in person before, both are intimately familiar with the other's art. When these emotionally-damaged painters finally cross paths, there are immediate sparks, but even more questions arise. What are these men hiding from each other, and from themselves? What have they done? What — or who — is haunting (?) the manor?
Not all questions will be answered, as some things are best left up to interpretation. Lichenmoor has to keep her secrets, after all.
"I know who you are," Asher said, in a voice that sounded nothing like him, terrified and awestruck, like he'd stumbled upon an angel and couldn't decide if he should fall to his knees and beg for his life or worship at his feet.
Like her previous book, these main characters are at times complicated, messy, snarky, and might do things that confuse you. Asher and Lev are incredibly passionate and reactive, with electric tension from their very first meeting. So much yearning, pining, and limerence on both sides. The banter is relentless and the spice… it’s fireworks when they collide. These two really are the definition of obsessed. No one does it like artists.
That being said, their journey isn't easy, with a lot of push/pull, mainly stemming from their traumatic pasts and struggles with mental health. Some of their actions had me frustrated, even terrified, but it just felt so real. I wouldn't change a thing. Thea’s characters are some of my favorites. They’re so alive, so human in their mess and their nuance and their emotions.
Watching someone make art was like watching them get off, the closest Lev could get to reading someone's mind, to knowing what they looked like on the inside. If he sank his teeth into Asher, what would he taste like? What would he bleed?
I was fully intrigued by the end of chapter 1, and utterly obsessed by the end of chapter 2. The setting lends an ominous, almost claustrophobic tone that juxtaposes beautifully with the fiery romance brewing. The plot gently beckons you in, then twists and distorts everything into a dreamscape until none of us know what's real or what the hell just happened. This book scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. I cannot wait to see what Thea does next.
September 29, 2025
4 *Only Now, Only You* Stars
"Do you think it's possible to fall in love through a painting?"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Never Leave Never Lie is literal perfection in my book and I couldn't wait to see how Thea followed that up.
While NLNL is still my favorite, I did really enjoy this one. I'm glad Thea switched it up and gave us something completely different. This actually turned out to be much lighter than I expected. The banter and the bickering between Asher and Lev is top notch. I could read a whole series about these two just sharing barbs over dinner or roaming the secret passageways strewn throughout Lichenmoor.
They are so very perfect for each other. They each fall before they even meet and that attraction only grows deeper the more time they spend together. There is definitely a bit of insta-love and their story is heavy on the physical relationship, but it works for them. They're both artists. They're both very passionate souls. And, they become a sanctuary for one another.
The only reasons this was docked a star: 1). I felt it was a bit too long. The beginning and end are both great, I just think the middle could have been tightened up a bit. 2). I wanted more haunting gothic vibes. I wanted a little less spice and a bit more story. This starts out so atmospheric, and we get hints of that throughout the book, but I wanted the story to lean in to that more. I wanted the lore behind what would eventually lead to the events that close out their story.
But, with all of that said, the characters of both of Thea's books are the center of her stories and she writes them brilliantly. I love the humor infused in this one and it's perfectly placed throughout. It was a very successful sophomore novel.
Here's to: Obsessive Artists, Body Art, Hate Boners and Stabby Swords
Song: Zombie by YUNGBLUD
Nicknames / Endearments: Pretty American, Little Dormouse, Blakely, Baby, Good Lad
Lev wanted to be the only person in the world to hear Asher's first words spoken every day, the ones he uttered while dusting the cobwebs off his dreams.
"You love me?"
"I believe I said falling."
"It feels like you're everywhere," Asher said in ecclesiastical wonder.
"Mm. If I could, I'd be your air."
"Please. All the prep in the world couldn't have prepared me for Mr. I've Been Told I Feel bigger Than I Look."
"I choose to paint you because I could look at you every day for the rest of my life, dream of you every night, and still never tire of you."
"Do you think it's possible to fall in love through a painting?"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Never Leave Never Lie is literal perfection in my book and I couldn't wait to see how Thea followed that up.
While NLNL is still my favorite, I did really enjoy this one. I'm glad Thea switched it up and gave us something completely different. This actually turned out to be much lighter than I expected. The banter and the bickering between Asher and Lev is top notch. I could read a whole series about these two just sharing barbs over dinner or roaming the secret passageways strewn throughout Lichenmoor.
They are so very perfect for each other. They each fall before they even meet and that attraction only grows deeper the more time they spend together. There is definitely a bit of insta-love and their story is heavy on the physical relationship, but it works for them. They're both artists. They're both very passionate souls. And, they become a sanctuary for one another.
The only reasons this was docked a star: 1). I felt it was a bit too long. The beginning and end are both great, I just think the middle could have been tightened up a bit. 2). I wanted more haunting gothic vibes. I wanted a little less spice and a bit more story. This starts out so atmospheric, and we get hints of that throughout the book, but I wanted the story to lean in to that more. I wanted the lore behind what would eventually lead to the events that close out their story.
But, with all of that said, the characters of both of Thea's books are the center of her stories and she writes them brilliantly. I love the humor infused in this one and it's perfectly placed throughout. It was a very successful sophomore novel.
Here's to: Obsessive Artists, Body Art, Hate Boners and Stabby Swords
Song: Zombie by YUNGBLUD
Nicknames / Endearments: Pretty American, Little Dormouse, Blakely, Baby, Good Lad
Lev wanted to be the only person in the world to hear Asher's first words spoken every day, the ones he uttered while dusting the cobwebs off his dreams.
"You love me?"
"I believe I said falling."
"It feels like you're everywhere," Asher said in ecclesiastical wonder.
"Mm. If I could, I'd be your air."
"Please. All the prep in the world couldn't have prepared me for Mr. I've Been Told I Feel bigger Than I Look."
"I choose to paint you because I could look at you every day for the rest of my life, dream of you every night, and still never tire of you."
October 4, 2025
“True děäth only comes for those forgotten. It’s a comforting thought. When people d!3 they live on inside your memories. But what if some people should be forgotten?”
Asher and Lev (and Silas🫠) will for sure stay with me for a very long time. This story hit me in ways that I didn’t anticipate.
The premise of this, is a young, up and coming American artist travels to the UK for a competition to win a 6 month mentorship hosted by his obsession and celebrity artist, Leviathan Marks. But little does Asher know that Lev has secrets of his own 👀
At its core, this story encompasses a romance between two peoples who are ultimately soulmates, and who both are rooted in very dark and troubling pasts. This is a romance wrapped in spooky and haunted house vibes, while also revolving around strong themes of grief, guilt, and forgiveness. And all of this is done in such a beautiful way—aka Thea Verdone fashion.
The banter and sass added a lighthearted touch that was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book. And that 85% mark was so unexpected—there was nothing like that “wtf is happening” moment 😭.
If you want to read a book for October that is heavy on the spooky and ghost vibes while still being a romance at its core, I highly recommend reading this.
✨ARC Review✨
What to expect:
🖤MM gothic romance
🖤age gap
🖤hurt/comfort
🖤banter and sass
🖤MH rep
🖤”Good lad”
Asher and Lev (and Silas🫠) will for sure stay with me for a very long time. This story hit me in ways that I didn’t anticipate.
The premise of this, is a young, up and coming American artist travels to the UK for a competition to win a 6 month mentorship hosted by his obsession and celebrity artist, Leviathan Marks. But little does Asher know that Lev has secrets of his own 👀
At its core, this story encompasses a romance between two peoples who are ultimately soulmates, and who both are rooted in very dark and troubling pasts. This is a romance wrapped in spooky and haunted house vibes, while also revolving around strong themes of grief, guilt, and forgiveness. And all of this is done in such a beautiful way—aka Thea Verdone fashion.
The banter and sass added a lighthearted touch that was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book. And that 85% mark was so unexpected—there was nothing like that “wtf is happening” moment 😭.
If you want to read a book for October that is heavy on the spooky and ghost vibes while still being a romance at its core, I highly recommend reading this.
✨ARC Review✨
What to expect:
🖤MM gothic romance
🖤age gap
🖤hurt/comfort
🖤banter and sass
🖤MH rep
🖤”Good lad”
September 25, 2025
What Death Forgets - Thea Verdone
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊
Tropes :
🎨 gothic romance
🌊 limerence to insta-love
🎨 age gap
🌊 black cat x golden retriever
🎨 gentle dom
🌊 hurt/comfort
🎨 forced proximity
🌊 ADHD and anxiety rep
🎨 sassy banter
🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊
Review:
Thea has done it again my friends. She went from a new to me author to now a friend and I love her stories so much. First off, this setting is perfection. The isolation and gloom is perfect for these moody artists. I love both Asher and Lev so much. Asher is the moody little black cat who is reserved and a little cocky and I love him for it. He also craves a gentleness and attentive adoration that only Lev can provide. Lev is very complex, he can border codependency in his caregiving tendencies, but the difference with Asher is that they both pour into each other. In Lev’s prior relationships he has been taken advantage of and it pushes him away from people for a long time. I loved the competition bit of this because it increased the level of their banter and jealousy which helped deliciously build the tension. One of my favorite things about this book is the ambiguity when it comes to the paranormal plot. We still don’t know at the end what was real and what was not, and I think Thea represented the layers of this plot line incredibly well. Now let’s get down to the spicy bits. I love the way Thea writes spice, but this was hands down some of the most sensually erotic smut I have read in a long time. It was so so so GOOD. Lord have mercy. I was melting along with Asher every time Lev called him a good lad. I love their romance too because they both fell from admiration to mutual obsession before ever meeting in person. They really fell in love through their art and I think it’s beautiful. If you love gothic mm romance you must check this out.
🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊
Tropes :
🎨 gothic romance
🌊 limerence to insta-love
🎨 age gap
🌊 black cat x golden retriever
🎨 gentle dom
🌊 hurt/comfort
🎨 forced proximity
🌊 ADHD and anxiety rep
🎨 sassy banter
🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊
Review:
Thea has done it again my friends. She went from a new to me author to now a friend and I love her stories so much. First off, this setting is perfection. The isolation and gloom is perfect for these moody artists. I love both Asher and Lev so much. Asher is the moody little black cat who is reserved and a little cocky and I love him for it. He also craves a gentleness and attentive adoration that only Lev can provide. Lev is very complex, he can border codependency in his caregiving tendencies, but the difference with Asher is that they both pour into each other. In Lev’s prior relationships he has been taken advantage of and it pushes him away from people for a long time. I loved the competition bit of this because it increased the level of their banter and jealousy which helped deliciously build the tension. One of my favorite things about this book is the ambiguity when it comes to the paranormal plot. We still don’t know at the end what was real and what was not, and I think Thea represented the layers of this plot line incredibly well. Now let’s get down to the spicy bits. I love the way Thea writes spice, but this was hands down some of the most sensually erotic smut I have read in a long time. It was so so so GOOD. Lord have mercy. I was melting along with Asher every time Lev called him a good lad. I love their romance too because they both fell from admiration to mutual obsession before ever meeting in person. They really fell in love through their art and I think it’s beautiful. If you love gothic mm romance you must check this out.
🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊🎨🌊
October 6, 2025
*My book club was so lucky to be able to ARC this book***
This is my first book by Thea and it will not be my last. The Gothic vibe, the supernatural elements, the house that breathes with a story of its own, and two MMCs that are damaged but not broken.
Asher spoke to me in a way that I just wanted to hold him in my arms and rock him while telling him everything would be okay.
Lev was the man that Asher couldn't resist, but I wasn't sure I could trust with his heart.
Silas is the broken boy who will live with me well past the pages of this book.
Thea is a master at her craft and I can't wait to dive in for more.
This is my first book by Thea and it will not be my last. The Gothic vibe, the supernatural elements, the house that breathes with a story of its own, and two MMCs that are damaged but not broken.
Asher spoke to me in a way that I just wanted to hold him in my arms and rock him while telling him everything would be okay.
Lev was the man that Asher couldn't resist, but I wasn't sure I could trust with his heart.
Silas is the broken boy who will live with me well past the pages of this book.
Thea is a master at her craft and I can't wait to dive in for more.
November 10, 2025
Thea Verdone captured my attention last year with her stunning debut novel Never Leave, Never Lie. She's been teasing us for months now with her much anticipated sophomore novel What Death Forgets - a dark gothic MM romance.
Asher Blakely has been captivated with Leviathon Marks' artwork for years, so when an opportunity to learn from him in his home arises, Asher can't say no. Soon Asher is more than just enchanted by Lev's artwork, but things aren't at all what they seem at Lichenmoor.
To start, Verdone's writing is exquisite. You can feel the chill creeping in across the moor as you explore the pages and mysterious floor plan of the castle. These two men yearn for eachother so deeply and the heat between them radiates from the pages. The story has you repeatedly questioning what you can believe right up to the very end. Overall a solid follow-up cementing Verdone as an exceptionally talented author.
Asher Blakely has been captivated with Leviathon Marks' artwork for years, so when an opportunity to learn from him in his home arises, Asher can't say no. Soon Asher is more than just enchanted by Lev's artwork, but things aren't at all what they seem at Lichenmoor.
To start, Verdone's writing is exquisite. You can feel the chill creeping in across the moor as you explore the pages and mysterious floor plan of the castle. These two men yearn for eachother so deeply and the heat between them radiates from the pages. The story has you repeatedly questioning what you can believe right up to the very end. Overall a solid follow-up cementing Verdone as an exceptionally talented author.
October 2, 2025
4.5 stars. Asher and six others are competing for a six-month exclusive spot as Leviathan Marks’ protege, who is a great artist.
Leviathan is a forty-year-old, huge man, a playboy with a list of one-night stands He flirts with Asher, drops innuendos.
Asher knows he’ll burn himself if he gives in, he knows because he has before!
Throughout the story, we understand what happened to Asher, as well as to Lev.
There are so many secrets to unfold.
Lev lost everything, even his head.
“Art lights up all the dark spots inside my mind. It’s magic in a world that has none.”
A few little secrets:
What Asher doesn’t know is that Lev had his arrows on Asher even before they met in person.
What Lev doesn’t know is that Asher idolizes Lev, and uses his own body as a canvas.
They loved each other’s art before they loved each other.
As the central place of acts, Lichenmoor, an old, mysterious, ghostly castle (“It’s not a castle”), where tides and fogs play dirty, we can watch Asher and Lev reset their lives, navigating through their past, present, and future, together and separately.
Their characteristics are explicitly developed. The environments were oppressive and ghostly.
The writing was exquisite, and in telling us their story, the author did it with a unique voice.
Leviathan is a forty-year-old, huge man, a playboy with a list of one-night stands He flirts with Asher, drops innuendos.
Asher knows he’ll burn himself if he gives in, he knows because he has before!
Throughout the story, we understand what happened to Asher, as well as to Lev.
There are so many secrets to unfold.
Lev lost everything, even his head.
“Art lights up all the dark spots inside my mind. It’s magic in a world that has none.”
A few little secrets:
What Asher doesn’t know is that Lev had his arrows on Asher even before they met in person.
What Lev doesn’t know is that Asher idolizes Lev, and uses his own body as a canvas.
They loved each other’s art before they loved each other.
As the central place of acts, Lichenmoor, an old, mysterious, ghostly castle (“It’s not a castle”), where tides and fogs play dirty, we can watch Asher and Lev reset their lives, navigating through their past, present, and future, together and separately.
Their characteristics are explicitly developed. The environments were oppressive and ghostly.
The writing was exquisite, and in telling us their story, the author did it with a unique voice.
October 1, 2025
This book is a masterpiece! The gothic atmosphere, the characters, the mystery, the way it was written, everything had me in a chokehold, and I couldn’t put in down. I swear Thea’s writing is like Taylor Swift, full of imaginary and beautiful words, and I’ll fight anyone who’s going to disagree. She said it took 20 months to write, and it shows. The work I saw in the book, the themes and the beauty, was incomparable.
Asher Blakely has idolized artist Leviathan Marks for years, and when he has the chance to compete for a 6 months internship, he cannot not take the chance. But Lev is hiding secrets of his past while Asher is trying to heal from his.
What Death Forgets is about loss, art, overcoming trauma, and falling in love. Everything is wrapped up in a gothic and spooky aesthetic.
I love the character, they were so beautifully not perfect at all but it’s what made them three-dimensional. I love how their past bled into their present and how they had to heal from everything that happened before for them to have a happy ending.
Lev and Ashers’s relationship was so real to me. It started as a kind of insta lust, but it developed into something so much more. I loved their moment of banter, but it wasn’t just that. They had meaningful conversations where they connected. These are characters that deeply understand each other, and they are made to be together. The hurt/comfort was perfectly done, and the banter was amazing.
Honestly, trying to explain the feeling and the vibe of this book is impossible, and it’s something to have to experiment yourself. It was such a completely immersive story. It was an interesting, gripping read, and I absolutely loved the world Thea Verdone has written about a tale of love and healing.
If you like:
Gothic vibe
Hurt/comfort
Mentor/mentee
Age gap
Praise kink
Forced proximity
Touch-starved mmc
Limerence to insta-love
Reclusive celebrity artist
Asher Blakely has idolized artist Leviathan Marks for years, and when he has the chance to compete for a 6 months internship, he cannot not take the chance. But Lev is hiding secrets of his past while Asher is trying to heal from his.
What Death Forgets is about loss, art, overcoming trauma, and falling in love. Everything is wrapped up in a gothic and spooky aesthetic.
I love the character, they were so beautifully not perfect at all but it’s what made them three-dimensional. I love how their past bled into their present and how they had to heal from everything that happened before for them to have a happy ending.
Lev and Ashers’s relationship was so real to me. It started as a kind of insta lust, but it developed into something so much more. I loved their moment of banter, but it wasn’t just that. They had meaningful conversations where they connected. These are characters that deeply understand each other, and they are made to be together. The hurt/comfort was perfectly done, and the banter was amazing.
Honestly, trying to explain the feeling and the vibe of this book is impossible, and it’s something to have to experiment yourself. It was such a completely immersive story. It was an interesting, gripping read, and I absolutely loved the world Thea Verdone has written about a tale of love and healing.
If you like:
Gothic vibe
Hurt/comfort
Mentor/mentee
Age gap
Praise kink
Forced proximity
Touch-starved mmc
Limerence to insta-love
Reclusive celebrity artist
October 2, 2025
what death forgets
Thea Verdone is an author you really should know at this point. She’s AMAZING. It’s not a secret I adored Never Leave, Never Lie so I’m so happy she grazes us with another book.
What Death Forgets is a book for all the dark girls, and it’s not because it’s a dark romance- so far from it- it’s for the girls who watch crimes TV shows as comfort. My mind was blown by this book.
AMAZINGLY WRITTEN and sooooooo INTERESTING characters. I LOVE complex characters like THESE! This is the reason why reading is so fun 🤩<3.
I’d like to thank Thea for the opportunity to be part of her arc team.
Thea Verdone is an author you really should know at this point. She’s AMAZING. It’s not a secret I adored Never Leave, Never Lie so I’m so happy she grazes us with another book.
What Death Forgets is a book for all the dark girls, and it’s not because it’s a dark romance- so far from it- it’s for the girls who watch crimes TV shows as comfort. My mind was blown by this book.
AMAZINGLY WRITTEN and sooooooo INTERESTING characters. I LOVE complex characters like THESE! This is the reason why reading is so fun 🤩<3.
I’d like to thank Thea for the opportunity to be part of her arc team.
November 18, 2025
"I wouldn't laugh at the top of a stairwell if I were you."
"Come now, Blakely. Let's not resort to murderous threats."
"Let's not resort to abusing the word come for your own manipulative devices."
This was beautiful. Pure poetry: whimsical and inspiring and hella dramatic (because THEY'RE ARTISTS). Lev came across as younger than he was - perhaps because of the equal-sided banter between the MCs - but the author did a good job with their age gap.
But you know what Verdone EXCELLED AT? The setting. Lichenmoor was a fully fleshed-out character with its own moods, secrets, unpredictabilities, and sensory delights.
I adored this book and the feeling it gifted me while reading. Gothic-thrill-mixed-with-strange-nostalgia-and-coziness.
Just a warning: it will strike you with an uncontrollable urge to draw or paint when you've finished...which is bad news when you can't do either of those things very well, haha.
Asher kissed him with a bruising intensity, punishing him with a nip to his bottom lip before he plunged back in again. It was a kiss that said I hate that I want you, and I want to hate you, but I like you too much. It was a kiss that could have been tender, perhaps should have been, but that wasn't them.
"Come now, Blakely. Let's not resort to murderous threats."
"Let's not resort to abusing the word come for your own manipulative devices."
This was beautiful. Pure poetry: whimsical and inspiring and hella dramatic (because THEY'RE ARTISTS). Lev came across as younger than he was - perhaps because of the equal-sided banter between the MCs - but the author did a good job with their age gap.
But you know what Verdone EXCELLED AT? The setting. Lichenmoor was a fully fleshed-out character with its own moods, secrets, unpredictabilities, and sensory delights.
I adored this book and the feeling it gifted me while reading. Gothic-thrill-mixed-with-strange-nostalgia-and-coziness.
Just a warning: it will strike you with an uncontrollable urge to draw or paint when you've finished...which is bad news when you can't do either of those things very well, haha.
Asher kissed him with a bruising intensity, punishing him with a nip to his bottom lip before he plunged back in again. It was a kiss that said I hate that I want you, and I want to hate you, but I like you too much. It was a kiss that could have been tender, perhaps should have been, but that wasn't them.
October 10, 2025
Long story short, this book is art. A gorgeously crafted piece of art and I am once again blown away by Thea's mastermind and her beautiful writing. I fell in love with her writing in 'Never Leave, Never Lie' and 'What Death Forgets' did absolutely deliver everything I'd hoped for.
It's a slow paced book and the story is very character driven, especially the second part of the book. Like, plot wise there's so much happening in the first half of the book, I was like okay the book could end soon and it would feel fine, what the hell is going to happen for another 50%, and then Thea just hits you with the absolute maddest character arcs and unravelling of secrets. It was like taking a peek into Asher's and Lev's psyche. I feel like I know them on a soul-deep level, and mind you, this book is written in 3rd POV, which is often a problem for me but like NLNL, it works so perfectly and that's just a testament to amazing writing.
Asher and Lev are both very intricately and interestingly written and I loved getting to know all of them. They are both haunted (quite literally) by their pasts, and it's really heavy at times, and the mental health rep is amazingly done. The banter between them is just top tier, they managed to make this gloomy spooky story a little bit funny at times. And from the moment they met, their chemistry is so tangible it had me screaming into my pillow. The way they are both absolutely obsessed with each other. The way that obsession grows into the most honest love. And the way their love is tested again and again and how they manage that.
I was very curious about the third main character Silas and my god, I did not predict this. I feel a sort of kinship to Silas, probably because I can relate to him regarding his mental illnesses, so his story hit me deep. What happened to him is devastating and painful and I grew so attached to him, I wish he'd met a different ending. He's kind of a villain/antagonist, but I love him to pieces. I will hold his hand while Lev and Asher fight against him.
I love how this book portrayed the way two people have to be able to stand on their own in order for their relationship to work. Asher and Lev complement each other in a way that's fulfilling but not suffocating like Lev and Silas. I also liked seeing the gradual realization in Lev that his view of Silas might be warped. I think he really tried to push a part of his character away and only focused on the good things, to preserve and honor him.
Now the question of all questions, is this a ghost story?! Or the mind of a man going slightly haywire?! I like that the ending is kept open like that so each reader gets to make up their own mind about that. I went back and forth on this and decided that maybe it's a bit of both! I'm leaning more towards the ghost though.
Biggest thank you to Thea for an ARC of this amazing story!
-- Some of my favorite quotes:
"Your art is a mirror showing me all the best and worst parts of myself. You make me feel less alone, like there's at least one person out there who knows who I am."
"I could feast on your soul for all eternity and never be sated, let alone full. Give me all of you, even the pieces you think are too much. Give me the pieces of you that scare you, that you wish weren't you. I want all of it."
"I don't deserve to love again, let alone love someone as precious as you. My heart is a tangled thicket of stinging nettles, one I wish you'd never stepped foot in. I fear loving me will strangle you."
"Give me your fears, your regret. Show me your scars, your darkest parts, the side of you you're afraid of. You're my god and I'm your servant. I'll never stop worshipping you no matter how much you think you're a villain."
It's a slow paced book and the story is very character driven, especially the second part of the book. Like, plot wise there's so much happening in the first half of the book, I was like okay the book could end soon and it would feel fine, what the hell is going to happen for another 50%, and then Thea just hits you with the absolute maddest character arcs and unravelling of secrets. It was like taking a peek into Asher's and Lev's psyche. I feel like I know them on a soul-deep level, and mind you, this book is written in 3rd POV, which is often a problem for me but like NLNL, it works so perfectly and that's just a testament to amazing writing.
Asher and Lev are both very intricately and interestingly written and I loved getting to know all of them. They are both haunted (quite literally) by their pasts, and it's really heavy at times, and the mental health rep is amazingly done. The banter between them is just top tier, they managed to make this gloomy spooky story a little bit funny at times. And from the moment they met, their chemistry is so tangible it had me screaming into my pillow. The way they are both absolutely obsessed with each other. The way that obsession grows into the most honest love. And the way their love is tested again and again and how they manage that.
I was very curious about the third main character Silas and my god, I did not predict this. I feel a sort of kinship to Silas, probably because I can relate to him regarding his mental illnesses, so his story hit me deep. What happened to him is devastating and painful and I grew so attached to him, I wish he'd met a different ending. He's kind of a villain/antagonist, but I love him to pieces. I will hold his hand while Lev and Asher fight against him.
I love how this book portrayed the way two people have to be able to stand on their own in order for their relationship to work. Asher and Lev complement each other in a way that's fulfilling but not suffocating like Lev and Silas. I also liked seeing the gradual realization in Lev that his view of Silas might be warped. I think he really tried to push a part of his character away and only focused on the good things, to preserve and honor him.
Now the question of all questions, is this a ghost story?! Or the mind of a man going slightly haywire?! I like that the ending is kept open like that so each reader gets to make up their own mind about that. I went back and forth on this and decided that maybe it's a bit of both! I'm leaning more towards the ghost though.
Biggest thank you to Thea for an ARC of this amazing story!
-- Some of my favorite quotes:
"Your art is a mirror showing me all the best and worst parts of myself. You make me feel less alone, like there's at least one person out there who knows who I am."
"I could feast on your soul for all eternity and never be sated, let alone full. Give me all of you, even the pieces you think are too much. Give me the pieces of you that scare you, that you wish weren't you. I want all of it."
"I don't deserve to love again, let alone love someone as precious as you. My heart is a tangled thicket of stinging nettles, one I wish you'd never stepped foot in. I fear loving me will strangle you."
"Give me your fears, your regret. Show me your scars, your darkest parts, the side of you you're afraid of. You're my god and I'm your servant. I'll never stop worshipping you no matter how much you think you're a villain."
September 20, 2025
I’ve been looking forward to this book since finishing NLNL and I was stoked to be given the chance to read an arc copy. This book far exceeded my expectations!
The story follows Asher and Lev in duel third person POV. Asher is a huge fan of Lev and is selected to compete for a 6 month long mentorship. Lev is a great artist with even greater secrets haunting his every move. As the competition moved along Asher learns that the saying of “don’t meet your hero’s…” turns out to have been a warning he should have heeded.
Lev has tried to burry his past but as Asher grows closer to him he struggles to keep things hidden. Lev realizes that Asher might be the person he can open up to and let him see the darkest corners of his mind and his past.
As both men discover each other’s past isn’t as it seems, they both lean on one another to help dissect the things that have caused their greatest trauma. When the truth is slowly revealed Asher is the strength and truest love that Lev has been looking for to let death and grief be taken by the ocean and never return. Asher finds trust, power, and the deepest raw love within Lev and he is able to reshape his past and bring his burdens down to nothing but ashes. This story has a hard earned HEA!
My HEART! I was not ready for where this story went and how much it pulled on your heart strings. The modern gothic setting on a creepy castle by the sea with two artists who use the emotions in their veins to bleed themselves dry with each painting was simply *chefs kiss* perfect. I can’t get over Lev and Asher. This book will be very hard to move on from.
Lev is a protector and gives Asher the love and care he so deserves and craves. He’s lost in his own grief for a bit but always finds his way back to Asher. His struggle with his mental health and physical health diagnosis is one that made me want to wrap him in a huge hug. He has tortured himself for decades and only Asher has helped him finally see the light.
Asher, Asher, Asher!! He has my whole heart. He is a man who was pushed to his breaking point by monsters of his past but ultimately refused to break. He is so strong and made even stronger by Lev’s love and devotion. He is gentle with Lev’s heart but determined to know his secrets so he pushed boundaries and searches the castle and its secret passageways in his free time. When given the choice of conviction or compassion when he discovers Lev’s truth, he chooses compassion and love. In the end he discovers that Lev and himself are not so different after all.
The spice in this book was SPICY and the tension and yearning was wonderful. Light kink in the form of power play but only positive attention and no punishments.
4/5 🌶️
I could have devoured 200 more pages of Lev and Asher’s love and love story. I love how the book was cut into two sections with the first half being the competition and the second being their love story.
Definitely recommend for anyone who’s a fan of gothic romance, mystery elements, age gap, witty banter, and tortured artists finding love.
Thank you to booksirens for the Arc! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Asher and Lev in duel third person POV. Asher is a huge fan of Lev and is selected to compete for a 6 month long mentorship. Lev is a great artist with even greater secrets haunting his every move. As the competition moved along Asher learns that the saying of “don’t meet your hero’s…” turns out to have been a warning he should have heeded.
Lev has tried to burry his past but as Asher grows closer to him he struggles to keep things hidden. Lev realizes that Asher might be the person he can open up to and let him see the darkest corners of his mind and his past.
As both men discover each other’s past isn’t as it seems, they both lean on one another to help dissect the things that have caused their greatest trauma. When the truth is slowly revealed Asher is the strength and truest love that Lev has been looking for to let death and grief be taken by the ocean and never return. Asher finds trust, power, and the deepest raw love within Lev and he is able to reshape his past and bring his burdens down to nothing but ashes. This story has a hard earned HEA!
My HEART! I was not ready for where this story went and how much it pulled on your heart strings. The modern gothic setting on a creepy castle by the sea with two artists who use the emotions in their veins to bleed themselves dry with each painting was simply *chefs kiss* perfect. I can’t get over Lev and Asher. This book will be very hard to move on from.
Lev is a protector and gives Asher the love and care he so deserves and craves. He’s lost in his own grief for a bit but always finds his way back to Asher. His struggle with his mental health and physical health diagnosis is one that made me want to wrap him in a huge hug. He has tortured himself for decades and only Asher has helped him finally see the light.
Asher, Asher, Asher!! He has my whole heart. He is a man who was pushed to his breaking point by monsters of his past but ultimately refused to break. He is so strong and made even stronger by Lev’s love and devotion. He is gentle with Lev’s heart but determined to know his secrets so he pushed boundaries and searches the castle and its secret passageways in his free time. When given the choice of conviction or compassion when he discovers Lev’s truth, he chooses compassion and love. In the end he discovers that Lev and himself are not so different after all.
The spice in this book was SPICY and the tension and yearning was wonderful. Light kink in the form of power play but only positive attention and no punishments.
4/5 🌶️
I could have devoured 200 more pages of Lev and Asher’s love and love story. I love how the book was cut into two sections with the first half being the competition and the second being their love story.
Definitely recommend for anyone who’s a fan of gothic romance, mystery elements, age gap, witty banter, and tortured artists finding love.
Thank you to booksirens for the Arc! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2025
What Death Forgets by Thea Verdone is a MM gothic-style romance with an age gap, praise kink, forced proximity and tons of mental health rep. This is Thea’s second standalone novel and she just continues to knock it out of the park. I don’t think I’ll be able to say enough good things about this book to accurately express just how amazing it was.
We are first introduce to Asher as he arrives at Lichenmoor (pronounced lai-kn-moor) Hall, the home of famed artist Leviathan Marks. As an up and coming artist himself, Asher was invited to a retreat at Lichenmoor with several other artists, all in competition to win a full mentorship with Leviathan himself. With personal issues back home and a small obsession with Leviathan, Asher wasn’t hard-pressed to accept the invite. Upon arriving though, Lichenmoor proves to be an obstacle in itself and when Asher finally comes to face to face with the man he’s idolized for years, this retreat will be a test of willpower to not fall into old habits. Asher and Lev are creating chaos within each other but it’s Asher’s own demons that will unearth the secrets of Lichenmoor that Leviathan has gone to great lengths to keep hidden.
Leviathan Marks can’t believe he decided to host one of his father’s famous retreats. Lichenmoor isn’t just his home, it’s the place that holds all his secrets. It’s the place he’s chained to and will probably die, just like his mother, father and Silas. Asher Blakely’s arrival is everything he was hoping for and dreading at the same time. He’s a stunningly beautiful man but more, he’s a talented painter. Lev knows he needs to remain professional yet he’s finding it hard to concentrate with Asher around and keeping his secrets at bay is becoming more difficult the longer he’s here. Lev knows he should send him away, for Asher’s own safety, but he can’t seem to let him go. It’s that decision that just might lead Lev to making another fateful mistake. One he made 20 years ago and has been haunted by ever since.
What Death Forgets far exceeded my expectations. I was completely enthralled with this story. Lev and Asher’s banter and chemistry was off the charts. Chapter 9 had me squealing with anticipation. This story has a lot of twists and turns with both characters suffering and fighting so many demons, both internally and externally. This book is heavy on both plot and character development and both were done marvelously. This was a 6 star read for me, my first of the year. Thea is truly a gifted author and I probably won’t ever shut up about this book.
We are first introduce to Asher as he arrives at Lichenmoor (pronounced lai-kn-moor) Hall, the home of famed artist Leviathan Marks. As an up and coming artist himself, Asher was invited to a retreat at Lichenmoor with several other artists, all in competition to win a full mentorship with Leviathan himself. With personal issues back home and a small obsession with Leviathan, Asher wasn’t hard-pressed to accept the invite. Upon arriving though, Lichenmoor proves to be an obstacle in itself and when Asher finally comes to face to face with the man he’s idolized for years, this retreat will be a test of willpower to not fall into old habits. Asher and Lev are creating chaos within each other but it’s Asher’s own demons that will unearth the secrets of Lichenmoor that Leviathan has gone to great lengths to keep hidden.
Leviathan Marks can’t believe he decided to host one of his father’s famous retreats. Lichenmoor isn’t just his home, it’s the place that holds all his secrets. It’s the place he’s chained to and will probably die, just like his mother, father and Silas. Asher Blakely’s arrival is everything he was hoping for and dreading at the same time. He’s a stunningly beautiful man but more, he’s a talented painter. Lev knows he needs to remain professional yet he’s finding it hard to concentrate with Asher around and keeping his secrets at bay is becoming more difficult the longer he’s here. Lev knows he should send him away, for Asher’s own safety, but he can’t seem to let him go. It’s that decision that just might lead Lev to making another fateful mistake. One he made 20 years ago and has been haunted by ever since.
What Death Forgets far exceeded my expectations. I was completely enthralled with this story. Lev and Asher’s banter and chemistry was off the charts. Chapter 9 had me squealing with anticipation. This story has a lot of twists and turns with both characters suffering and fighting so many demons, both internally and externally. This book is heavy on both plot and character development and both were done marvelously. This was a 6 star read for me, my first of the year. Thea is truly a gifted author and I probably won’t ever shut up about this book.
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