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The Kiss Of Death
It was hate at first sight from the day I met her.
Now she is enrolled at Pantheon, the world's most elitist university, and my playground.
With one keystroke, I can discover everyone's secrets except for hers.
I won’t stop until I dissect her soul.
A tormented psycho. A genius hacker. A freak. That’s what they call me.
A good church girl. A sweet violinist. A pretty doll. That’s what she has all of them believing.
The violin student of my deceased mother thinks she can save my soul, but I’ll take everything from her.
She made me feel powerless.
Her melody cursed me.
I won’t stop until it’s checkmate.
Welcome to Pantheon, Dalia Mercier; you seek to honor the promise you made to your mother, but it’s just another golden cage – where you’ll be all mine.
Now she is enrolled at Pantheon, the world's most elitist university, and my playground.
With one keystroke, I can discover everyone's secrets except for hers.
I won’t stop until I dissect her soul.
A tormented psycho. A genius hacker. A freak. That’s what they call me.
A good church girl. A sweet violinist. A pretty doll. That’s what she has all of them believing.
The violin student of my deceased mother thinks she can save my soul, but I’ll take everything from her.
She made me feel powerless.
Her melody cursed me.
I won’t stop until it’s checkmate.
Welcome to Pantheon, Dalia Mercier; you seek to honor the promise you made to your mother, but it’s just another golden cage – where you’ll be all mine.
530 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2024
70 people are currently reading
2507 people want to read
About the author
Shanen Ricci
7 books570 followersShanen Ricci likes to think of herself as a witch. Her books are love potions destined to make you fall in love with morally grey villains and alpha males who will burn down the world for the girl. The recipe? A dash of a dark fairytale brewed with mythology. An ounce of drama and angst. A lot of spicy scenes’ magic dust. And she never forget to swirl everything for a passionate romance.
She began her journey by touching millions of readers online. When she's not using her cauldron — aka her computer — she's either acting on set, competing on 5k races, petting her cats, traveling the world, or overthinking her next book.
Follow her if you dare: @authorshanenricci
She began her journey by touching millions of readers online. When she's not using her cauldron — aka her computer — she's either acting on set, competing on 5k races, petting her cats, traveling the world, or overthinking her next book.
Follow her if you dare: @authorshanenricci
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
November 27, 2024
3 stars.
"I panicked, and you were touching me. In public."
"So you prefer it in private."
I just know my 17-year-old self would have been screaming over this line and the entire book. She would’ve eaten this up and handed it 5 stars without a second thought. Back then, these characters were exactly what I would’ve dreamed of—everything I’d want. The FMC was oh-so-innocent, practically perfect, and fragile in every sense of the word. She was a total first-timer at life, knew nothing about anything, and couldn’t do a thing without the hero by her side. And naturally, she had a delicate, feminine talent that made her seem even more precious, all wrapped up in this tragic backstory. Of course, she loved cute dresses and ribbons, as if that wasn’t enough.
And then there’s the MMC—the classic bad boy. He was the coldest, most brooding character you could imagine, but also a genius hacker with more money than he knew what to do with. That typical “I’d burn the world for you” kind of guy who would stop at nothing for her, even if it meant being completely ruthless. Honestly, he was everything 17-year-old me would have swooned over.
I have to admit, I still kind of liked it—it even made me smile like a fool a few times. Those moments were cute, and I couldn’t help but enjoy them. But my 30-year-old ass? She wasn’t having it. The clichés were just too much. Way too much. It felt like it was plucked straight from Wattpad, but with a better amount of research behind it. And the cringiness... I can’t stand cringey romance anymore. It was there, all over the place, and I found myself rolling my eyes more often than I care to admit. But despite all that, I can’t say it was a bad read.
I came across this book on Instagram reels—the blurb sounded fantastic. I thought I was in for something gripping and fresh, but by the end, it just felt flat. Predictable. The characters felt like they were designed by a teenager with a checklist of tropes, and once you’ve seen them once, you’ve seen them a thousand times. No surprises, no depth, just the same old formula.
And I couldn’t help it, the whole time I was reading, You Put a Spell on Me by Austin Giorgio kept playing in my head. The sexy vibe of that song matched the book’s energy perfectly, like it was the soundtrack to the entire thing. It’s funny how certain songs just click with what you’re reading. Kind of like how Norwegian Wood kept playing in my mind when I read Murakami’s Norwegian Wood. It's almost like the music fills in where the story leaves gaps.
"I panicked, and you were touching me. In public."
"So you prefer it in private."
I just know my 17-year-old self would have been screaming over this line and the entire book. She would’ve eaten this up and handed it 5 stars without a second thought. Back then, these characters were exactly what I would’ve dreamed of—everything I’d want. The FMC was oh-so-innocent, practically perfect, and fragile in every sense of the word. She was a total first-timer at life, knew nothing about anything, and couldn’t do a thing without the hero by her side. And naturally, she had a delicate, feminine talent that made her seem even more precious, all wrapped up in this tragic backstory. Of course, she loved cute dresses and ribbons, as if that wasn’t enough.
And then there’s the MMC—the classic bad boy. He was the coldest, most brooding character you could imagine, but also a genius hacker with more money than he knew what to do with. That typical “I’d burn the world for you” kind of guy who would stop at nothing for her, even if it meant being completely ruthless. Honestly, he was everything 17-year-old me would have swooned over.
I have to admit, I still kind of liked it—it even made me smile like a fool a few times. Those moments were cute, and I couldn’t help but enjoy them. But my 30-year-old ass? She wasn’t having it. The clichés were just too much. Way too much. It felt like it was plucked straight from Wattpad, but with a better amount of research behind it. And the cringiness... I can’t stand cringey romance anymore. It was there, all over the place, and I found myself rolling my eyes more often than I care to admit. But despite all that, I can’t say it was a bad read.
I came across this book on Instagram reels—the blurb sounded fantastic. I thought I was in for something gripping and fresh, but by the end, it just felt flat. Predictable. The characters felt like they were designed by a teenager with a checklist of tropes, and once you’ve seen them once, you’ve seen them a thousand times. No surprises, no depth, just the same old formula.
And I couldn’t help it, the whole time I was reading, You Put a Spell on Me by Austin Giorgio kept playing in my head. The sexy vibe of that song matched the book’s energy perfectly, like it was the soundtrack to the entire thing. It’s funny how certain songs just click with what you’re reading. Kind of like how Norwegian Wood kept playing in my mind when I read Murakami’s Norwegian Wood. It's almost like the music fills in where the story leaves gaps.
October 12, 2024
WOOOOOWW
De verdad nunca había leído un libro tan completamente hermoso, cada detalle, plot twist y personaje tenía una misión en esta historia.
Tengo muchos sentimientos y cosas que analizar para darle la reseña que merece.
♟️🎀 RESEÑA 🎀♟️
Cuando ambos eran niños ella fue alumna de violín de su madre durante años y él la detesta por eso. Suceden cosas que los hace quedar en malos términos y nunca más se vuelven a ver.
4 años y medio después se reecuentran en la universidad, y él está obsesionado con tomar venganza contra ella, pero más específicamente contra el padre de ella.
Estando dentro de esta universidad Levi hará de todo para hacer que Dalia se marché, pero ella tiene una misión que quiere cumplir y es tocar en el recital de Invierno con la orquesta de la universidad para así vencer los fantasmas de su pasado que la persiguen.
Cuando un libro te hace sentir demasiado es difícil poner en palabras escritas esas emociones que te generó mientras leías, y este libro me dejó sin palabras al terminarlo.
La historia de estos 2 personajes está entrelazada desde el primer momento que se conocen, y aunque ambos lo saben, es Levi quien siempre estuvo renuente en seguir esa conexión por lo lastimado que está desde su infancia. La único que sabe es que está obsesionado tanto con ella al grado tal que dice odiarla. Esto es en parte el por qué su personaje es un villano en todos los sentidos, quiere que sea suya a toda costa y sin importar el costo, y si la lástima en el proceso para él mejor.
Dalia es ese personaje que siempre ha estado sobreportegida por su padre, y ve en la universidad la oportunidad para salir de su zona de comfort y encontrarse a sí misma en el proceso, lo que claramente no esperaba era reencontrarse con Levi durante este proceso.
Es un dark romance en todos los sentidos, pero con un arco de redención y crecimiento personal de ambos personajes que he amado demasiado. Ambos encuentran partes obscuras dentro de cada y uno, pero también encuentran un balance juntos, que los hace perfectos el uno para el otro.
Ame todos los subplots, el misterio, el acertijo musical, el ajedrez, los apodos y las referencias al cisne negro.
Sin duda alguna estará entre mi top de libros favoritos de este año.
Gracias Happily Booked PR & Shanen Ricci por este ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
♟️🎀 REVIEW 🎀♟️
When they were childrens, she was his mother's violin student for years and he hates her for that.Things happen that make them end on bad terms and they never see each other again.
4 and a half years later they meet again at their university, and he is obsessed with taking revenge against her and but more specifically her dad.
While they are in the university, Levi will do everything to make Dalia leave, but she has a mission that she wants to fulfill and that is to play in the university orchestra in order to defeat the ghosts of her past that haunt her.
When a book makes you feel too much, it's difficult to put into words those emotions that made you feel while you were reading, and this book left me speechless when I finished it.
The story of these 2 characters is intertwined from the first moment they meet, and although they both know it, it is Levi who was always reluctant to continue that connection because of how hurt he is since his childhood. The only thing he knows is that he is so obsessed with her to the point that he feel like he hates her. This is partly why his character is a villain in every sense, he wants her to be his at all costs and no matter the cost, and if he breaks her it's even better.
Dalia is that character who has always been overprotected by her father, and sees college as an opportunity to get out of her comfort zone and find herself in the process, what she clearly didn't expect was meeting Levi during this process.
It's a dark romance in every sense, but with an arc of redemption and personal growth of both characters that I have loved so much. They both find dark parts inside each other, but they also find a balance together, which makes them perfect for each other.
I loved all the subplots, the mystery, the musical riddle, the chess, the nicknames and the references to the black swan.
It will definitely be in my top of favorite books I've read this year.
Thank you Happily Booked PR & Shanen Ricci for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
De verdad nunca había leído un libro tan completamente hermoso, cada detalle, plot twist y personaje tenía una misión en esta historia.
Tengo muchos sentimientos y cosas que analizar para darle la reseña que merece.
♟️🎀 RESEÑA 🎀♟️
Cuando ambos eran niños ella fue alumna de violín de su madre durante años y él la detesta por eso. Suceden cosas que los hace quedar en malos términos y nunca más se vuelven a ver.
4 años y medio después se reecuentran en la universidad, y él está obsesionado con tomar venganza contra ella, pero más específicamente contra el padre de ella.
Estando dentro de esta universidad Levi hará de todo para hacer que Dalia se marché, pero ella tiene una misión que quiere cumplir y es tocar en el recital de Invierno con la orquesta de la universidad para así vencer los fantasmas de su pasado que la persiguen.
Cuando un libro te hace sentir demasiado es difícil poner en palabras escritas esas emociones que te generó mientras leías, y este libro me dejó sin palabras al terminarlo.
La historia de estos 2 personajes está entrelazada desde el primer momento que se conocen, y aunque ambos lo saben, es Levi quien siempre estuvo renuente en seguir esa conexión por lo lastimado que está desde su infancia. La único que sabe es que está obsesionado tanto con ella al grado tal que dice odiarla. Esto es en parte el por qué su personaje es un villano en todos los sentidos, quiere que sea suya a toda costa y sin importar el costo, y si la lástima en el proceso para él mejor.
Dalia es ese personaje que siempre ha estado sobreportegida por su padre, y ve en la universidad la oportunidad para salir de su zona de comfort y encontrarse a sí misma en el proceso, lo que claramente no esperaba era reencontrarse con Levi durante este proceso.
Es un dark romance en todos los sentidos, pero con un arco de redención y crecimiento personal de ambos personajes que he amado demasiado. Ambos encuentran partes obscuras dentro de cada y uno, pero también encuentran un balance juntos, que los hace perfectos el uno para el otro.
Ame todos los subplots, el misterio, el acertijo musical, el ajedrez, los apodos y las referencias al cisne negro.
Sin duda alguna estará entre mi top de libros favoritos de este año.
Gracias Happily Booked PR & Shanen Ricci por este ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.
♟️🎀 REVIEW 🎀♟️
When they were childrens, she was his mother's violin student for years and he hates her for that.Things happen that make them end on bad terms and they never see each other again.
4 and a half years later they meet again at their university, and he is obsessed with taking revenge against her and but more specifically her dad.
While they are in the university, Levi will do everything to make Dalia leave, but she has a mission that she wants to fulfill and that is to play in the university orchestra in order to defeat the ghosts of her past that haunt her.
When a book makes you feel too much, it's difficult to put into words those emotions that made you feel while you were reading, and this book left me speechless when I finished it.
The story of these 2 characters is intertwined from the first moment they meet, and although they both know it, it is Levi who was always reluctant to continue that connection because of how hurt he is since his childhood. The only thing he knows is that he is so obsessed with her to the point that he feel like he hates her. This is partly why his character is a villain in every sense, he wants her to be his at all costs and no matter the cost, and if he breaks her it's even better.
Dalia is that character who has always been overprotected by her father, and sees college as an opportunity to get out of her comfort zone and find herself in the process, what she clearly didn't expect was meeting Levi during this process.
It's a dark romance in every sense, but with an arc of redemption and personal growth of both characters that I have loved so much. They both find dark parts inside each other, but they also find a balance together, which makes them perfect for each other.
I loved all the subplots, the mystery, the musical riddle, the chess, the nicknames and the references to the black swan.
It will definitely be in my top of favorite books I've read this year.
Thank you Happily Booked PR & Shanen Ricci for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2025
The Kiss of Death hooked me right away. Dalia might look like a fragile little violinist, but she’s tougher than anyone expects, and Levi—the broody hacker with way too much intensity—was impossible to look away from. Their push-pull dynamic was messy, sharp, and addictive, with Pantheon University’s secret-society drama making the perfect backdrop.
Some of Levi’s obsession had me side-eyeing him, and the ending felt a bit rushed, but honestly? The angst, chemistry, and obsession more than made up for it. Dark, dramatic, and completely binge-worthy.
Some of Levi’s obsession had me side-eyeing him, and the ending felt a bit rushed, but honestly? The angst, chemistry, and obsession more than made up for it. Dark, dramatic, and completely binge-worthy.
September 11, 2024
It is a 18+ dark academic story. Read responsibily.
Rating: 5★
It is the best book I have ever read aesthetically and plot wise. The characters story, their tragedy, everything was well created. The mystery part was eating me till the end. Especially the music one.
I said aesthetically because the dark academia, violinist FMC and the mystical touch of the story was enough to seek attention of readers. The story will need to be read properly to understand it.
I had some difficulty understanding the music score, which by the way I didn't know what it was until now, but that was on me to search, and the overall mystery of it. But that piqued my interest more.
Levi, the MMC is not the usual kind of hero. No, he is not the hero exactly. More like a dark Knight who save the princess by capturing her for himself. So he is an alpha with a hateful interest for Dalia. Which turns out to be the most insane kind of obsession. Also, he is her stalker, an obscenely gorgeous genius, which I like very much in my MMC.
Though he is the villainous hero in this story, but I cannot get past some of questionable cute acts he would do to gain her attention. For instance, the cemetery scene, the poisonous cake eating, even the one he is allergic to. He was desperately in love, though he didn't know that.
I enjoyed this arc, and I does regret signing up for it. If you are into stalker, hacker, obsessed genius MMC, and virgin, polite, clueless, and competitive FMC, then you can hop on this ride with your eyes closed and enjoy it.
Rating: 5★
It is the best book I have ever read aesthetically and plot wise. The characters story, their tragedy, everything was well created. The mystery part was eating me till the end. Especially the music one.
I said aesthetically because the dark academia, violinist FMC and the mystical touch of the story was enough to seek attention of readers. The story will need to be read properly to understand it.
I had some difficulty understanding the music score, which by the way I didn't know what it was until now, but that was on me to search, and the overall mystery of it. But that piqued my interest more.
Levi, the MMC is not the usual kind of hero. No, he is not the hero exactly. More like a dark Knight who save the princess by capturing her for himself. So he is an alpha with a hateful interest for Dalia. Which turns out to be the most insane kind of obsession. Also, he is her stalker, an obscenely gorgeous genius, which I like very much in my MMC.
Though he is the villainous hero in this story, but I cannot get past some of questionable cute acts he would do to gain her attention. For instance, the cemetery scene, the poisonous cake eating, even the one he is allergic to. He was desperately in love, though he didn't know that.
I enjoyed this arc, and I does regret signing up for it. If you are into stalker, hacker, obsessed genius MMC, and virgin, polite, clueless, and competitive FMC, then you can hop on this ride with your eyes closed and enjoy it.
January 12, 2025
is he even obsessed with you if he doesn’t suck the lip gloss off your lips every time he kisses you
September 10, 2024
“The Kiss of Death”, by Shanen Ricci.
Shanen Ricci’s “The Kiss of Death” delivers a captivating narrative of dark romance set against the backdrop of elite academia. Through the intertwined lives of Levi Delombre and Dalia Mercier, Ricci crafts a tale of vengeance, love, and self-discovery, rendered with a complexity that captivates readers from the first page.
The novel follows Levi Delombre, a character who embodies moral ambiguity and unrelenting ambition. A genius with a knack for hacking, Levi's life has been marked by a burning desire for retribution against Dalia's father, a man he holds responsible for his family’s demise. This vengeful mission has molded Levi into a character who is unapologetically selfish and possessive. His journey is driven by a dark past and a singular goal: to exact revenge on those he blames for his suffering.
In stark contrast stands Dalia Mercier, whose life has been shaped by a different set of circumstances. Raised under the stern protection of her wealthy father, Dalia's world has been one of sheltered innocence and unfulfilled longing. Her father's emotional distance, particularly after the traumatic loss of her mother, has left Dalia craving his approval and affection. As a talented violinist, she yearns to follow in her late mother's footsteps and secure her place in a world that feels increasingly out of reach.
The setting of Pantheon University, an elite institution divided into four houses—Tacticians, Pioneers, Guardians, and Unifiers—adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The university is a microcosm of privilege and ambition, reflecting the characters' internal conflicts and desires. Levi and Dalia’s reunion at Pantheon University catalyzes the central conflict of the story. What starts as a calculated scheme of revenge for Levi soon becomes entangled in a complex web of emotions as he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Dalia.
Levi and Dalia’s relationship is characterized by a profound contrast: Levi’s morally grey, revenge-driven nature against Dalia’s innocent, hopeful spirit. Despite his initial disdain, Levi's interactions with Dalia reveal a vulnerability that complicates his quest for vengeance. The tension between their opposing natures creates a dynamic that is both tumultuous and compelling. As Dalia enters Levi’s world, she challenges his worldview, leading to a gradual shift in his perception of both her and him.
Dalia’s influence on Levi is transformative. Her genuine kindness and resilience slowly dismantle the walls he has built around himself. Conversely, Levi’s presence in Dalia’s life forces her to confront the darker aspects of her existence and the shadows of her past. Their relationship evolves from one of conflict and mutual disdain to a deeper understanding and connection, ultimately revealing the common threads that bind them.
Ricci’s exploration of themes such as trauma, redemption, and the nature of love is nuanced and poignant. The plot is replete with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, culminating in a resolution that is as satisfying as it is unexpected. “The Kiss of Death” is not merely a story of romance; it is an exploration of two individuals grappling with their pasts and discovering that, despite their differences, they are more alike than they initially believed.
In conclusion, “The Kiss of Death” stands out as a darkly engaging romance that deftly contrasts the innocence of Dalia with the moral ambiguity of Levi. Shanen Ricci’s skillful character development and intricate plotting ensure that readers are invested in the protagonists’ journey towards understanding and healing. The novel is a testament to the transformative power of love and the idea that even the most divergent souls can find common ground and solace in each other.
Shanen Ricci’s “The Kiss of Death” delivers a captivating narrative of dark romance set against the backdrop of elite academia. Through the intertwined lives of Levi Delombre and Dalia Mercier, Ricci crafts a tale of vengeance, love, and self-discovery, rendered with a complexity that captivates readers from the first page.
The novel follows Levi Delombre, a character who embodies moral ambiguity and unrelenting ambition. A genius with a knack for hacking, Levi's life has been marked by a burning desire for retribution against Dalia's father, a man he holds responsible for his family’s demise. This vengeful mission has molded Levi into a character who is unapologetically selfish and possessive. His journey is driven by a dark past and a singular goal: to exact revenge on those he blames for his suffering.
In stark contrast stands Dalia Mercier, whose life has been shaped by a different set of circumstances. Raised under the stern protection of her wealthy father, Dalia's world has been one of sheltered innocence and unfulfilled longing. Her father's emotional distance, particularly after the traumatic loss of her mother, has left Dalia craving his approval and affection. As a talented violinist, she yearns to follow in her late mother's footsteps and secure her place in a world that feels increasingly out of reach.
The setting of Pantheon University, an elite institution divided into four houses—Tacticians, Pioneers, Guardians, and Unifiers—adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The university is a microcosm of privilege and ambition, reflecting the characters' internal conflicts and desires. Levi and Dalia’s reunion at Pantheon University catalyzes the central conflict of the story. What starts as a calculated scheme of revenge for Levi soon becomes entangled in a complex web of emotions as he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Dalia.
Levi and Dalia’s relationship is characterized by a profound contrast: Levi’s morally grey, revenge-driven nature against Dalia’s innocent, hopeful spirit. Despite his initial disdain, Levi's interactions with Dalia reveal a vulnerability that complicates his quest for vengeance. The tension between their opposing natures creates a dynamic that is both tumultuous and compelling. As Dalia enters Levi’s world, she challenges his worldview, leading to a gradual shift in his perception of both her and him.
Dalia’s influence on Levi is transformative. Her genuine kindness and resilience slowly dismantle the walls he has built around himself. Conversely, Levi’s presence in Dalia’s life forces her to confront the darker aspects of her existence and the shadows of her past. Their relationship evolves from one of conflict and mutual disdain to a deeper understanding and connection, ultimately revealing the common threads that bind them.
Ricci’s exploration of themes such as trauma, redemption, and the nature of love is nuanced and poignant. The plot is replete with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, culminating in a resolution that is as satisfying as it is unexpected. “The Kiss of Death” is not merely a story of romance; it is an exploration of two individuals grappling with their pasts and discovering that, despite their differences, they are more alike than they initially believed.
In conclusion, “The Kiss of Death” stands out as a darkly engaging romance that deftly contrasts the innocence of Dalia with the moral ambiguity of Levi. Shanen Ricci’s skillful character development and intricate plotting ensure that readers are invested in the protagonists’ journey towards understanding and healing. The novel is a testament to the transformative power of love and the idea that even the most divergent souls can find common ground and solace in each other.
September 26, 2024
you had me at nerdy hacker mmc and smart musically inclined fmc. levi being a hacker chess player genius extraordinaire is so sexy hot cute delicious yummy... DROOOOOLINGGGG i love my nerdy men BADDDD 🥵 dalia being a sunshine sweetheart violinist angel pretty girl with a heart of gold and a brain of KNOWLEDGE fed the woman lover in me so deeply. i LOVED the growth both of them have throughout, through the emotions, the trauma, the circumstances.. they grow and learn to love themselves through each other. this arc was so beautiful and i feel soooooo grateful to have gotten the chance to read this 🤍🤍🤍 thank you shanen i miss levi and dalia alreadyyyy 😭😭
Read
September 9, 2024Thank you so much for choosing to read The Kiss of Death! I’m excited to share that the paperback version will include illustrations, a map, a quiz to discover which of Pantheon’s houses you belong to, and, of course, custom chapter headers!
The Kiss of Death explores themes of grief, trauma, redemption, healing, and mental health. It’s a reminder that you matter and that, no matter how different you may feel, you have a place in this world.
(It’s also a dark college romance featuring some of my favorite tropes—like enemies to lovers—reimagined in my own way!)
Anyway, I’m wishing you an happy reading and all the best! I hope you’ll love my universe 🎀♟️
August 31, 2024
ARC Review
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
First of all oh my god! And second of all, I’m in awe! How is that this book is a dark college romance yet its so adorable. This book, its characters, the plot, the storyline, the illustrations, the spice, it’s all there, all perfect. I don’t think, I have read any book recently which made me feel the way this one did, and that’s definitely in a great way. 👌
From the start, the way story builds it gets you hooked. It’s literally, the romance version of harry potter minus the magic part, with the house system and the plot covers for the magic part for sure. ✨
Coming towards the characters first we have the one and only,
Levi Delombre, oh the man he is. I can confirm, intelligence is hot people, because our man here is a hacker. Not only that, he plays CHESS!! And the way he calculated, planned and schemed his every step, I can surely say the mind he has is unbeatable and it’s so attractive!! He has surely become one of my favourite book boyfriends. And the things he did to her and for her is everything. No matter, what he went through in his childhood, he was there, either as a bully or as her protector. 😌
Now we have our adorable, Dalia Mercier, the FMC, so when I say, I felt her emotions throughout the book I mean it. No matter the emotional trauma she went through, her light never dimmed. She never left her ability to see the good in everything. She loves wearing ribbon’s in her hair that her mother gifted her. And our girl is a violinist, same as her mother. The confidence, she has is so admirable, she is so strong and I love how she overcome almost every situation. 💟
As the story move forward, the way both the characters develop is so good and the bond that Levi has with his friends and Dalia has with Jasmine is so lovely. Overall, I can say this book was perfectly balanced. And I loved reading every second of it. ✨
Thank you, Shanen! For writing this beauty. I’m also so grateful for the ARC opportunity. I adore this book to my heart! ❤
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
First of all oh my god! And second of all, I’m in awe! How is that this book is a dark college romance yet its so adorable. This book, its characters, the plot, the storyline, the illustrations, the spice, it’s all there, all perfect. I don’t think, I have read any book recently which made me feel the way this one did, and that’s definitely in a great way. 👌
From the start, the way story builds it gets you hooked. It’s literally, the romance version of harry potter minus the magic part, with the house system and the plot covers for the magic part for sure. ✨
Coming towards the characters first we have the one and only,
Levi Delombre, oh the man he is. I can confirm, intelligence is hot people, because our man here is a hacker. Not only that, he plays CHESS!! And the way he calculated, planned and schemed his every step, I can surely say the mind he has is unbeatable and it’s so attractive!! He has surely become one of my favourite book boyfriends. And the things he did to her and for her is everything. No matter, what he went through in his childhood, he was there, either as a bully or as her protector. 😌
Now we have our adorable, Dalia Mercier, the FMC, so when I say, I felt her emotions throughout the book I mean it. No matter the emotional trauma she went through, her light never dimmed. She never left her ability to see the good in everything. She loves wearing ribbon’s in her hair that her mother gifted her. And our girl is a violinist, same as her mother. The confidence, she has is so admirable, she is so strong and I love how she overcome almost every situation. 💟
As the story move forward, the way both the characters develop is so good and the bond that Levi has with his friends and Dalia has with Jasmine is so lovely. Overall, I can say this book was perfectly balanced. And I loved reading every second of it. ✨
Thank you, Shanen! For writing this beauty. I’m also so grateful for the ARC opportunity. I adore this book to my heart! ❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
This book is phenomenal!!! Truly an honor to get this ARC and I will be reading all of Shanen Ricci’s books from now on!!
I didn’t expect to enjoy this as it usually isn’t my interest but maybe it is?? Dark romance + elite academia + bully tropes
the world building was great and so were the side characters!!
Levi is ✨weird✨ in a good way and also has mommy + daddy issues so he’s super damaged and Dalia picks up every last mf piece for him!!!! I love a man insanely down bad for the girl and he is 100%. Very morally gray (but also knows what consent is!!) and could definitely smile a LITTLE more but Levi had me twirling my hair and kicking my feet. He is so obsessed with Dalia and her ribbons and her talent and every single thing about her it made me sick a little bit.
Dalia was so headstrong and a lovely FMC. The character development for both Dalia and Levi was exceptional! They both had some crazy shit happen as kids and perhaps were a little trauma bonded but i digress i love them i won’t look for a complaint because i will not find one!! HIGHLY recommend reading this book when it comes out!!!
I didn’t expect to enjoy this as it usually isn’t my interest but maybe it is?? Dark romance + elite academia + bully tropes
the world building was great and so were the side characters!!
Levi is ✨weird✨ in a good way and also has mommy + daddy issues so he’s super damaged and Dalia picks up every last mf piece for him!!!! I love a man insanely down bad for the girl and he is 100%. Very morally gray (but also knows what consent is!!) and could definitely smile a LITTLE more but Levi had me twirling my hair and kicking my feet. He is so obsessed with Dalia and her ribbons and her talent and every single thing about her it made me sick a little bit.
Dalia was so headstrong and a lovely FMC. The character development for both Dalia and Levi was exceptional! They both had some crazy shit happen as kids and perhaps were a little trauma bonded but i digress i love them i won’t look for a complaint because i will not find one!! HIGHLY recommend reading this book when it comes out!!!
April 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"You're like a stray cat showing your affection by bringing dead mice."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had very high expectations before starting The Kiss of Death by Shanen Ricci, but I can tell you this book didn't dissapoint! I've read books that were advertised as 'dark academia' before which were more romcoms, but let me tell you this is dark!
The book follows Levi a traumatized boy. His family are the freaks of town, he was physically abused by his stephfather and his mom took her own life. He never knew love in his life and turned him into a controlfreak bully, chess playing mastermind.
Dalia experienced her own trauma when she and her mom got attacked by terrorists when she was 1o. Her mom didn't survive. Because of this event her dad became overprotective, she was home-schooled and couldn't go anywhere. The only place she was allowed to go was to her violin lessons given by Levi's mom.
After his mom died Levi and Dalia didn't see each other for a couple of years until they meet at the Pantheon University.
Even though Dalia had a very traumatic experience playing violin helps her and she still sees the beauty in the darkest people. While Levi grew up his soul condemned from the start. Can Dalia breakthrough his façade?
Also the school is divided into 4 'houses', and you can do the test that sorts you into one! I'm a Unifier just like Dalia :D
However the best character in this book is the grandma and she deserves her own book!
"You're like a stray cat showing your affection by bringing dead mice."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had very high expectations before starting The Kiss of Death by Shanen Ricci, but I can tell you this book didn't dissapoint! I've read books that were advertised as 'dark academia' before which were more romcoms, but let me tell you this is dark!
The book follows Levi a traumatized boy. His family are the freaks of town, he was physically abused by his stephfather and his mom took her own life. He never knew love in his life and turned him into a controlfreak bully, chess playing mastermind.
Dalia experienced her own trauma when she and her mom got attacked by terrorists when she was 1o. Her mom didn't survive. Because of this event her dad became overprotective, she was home-schooled and couldn't go anywhere. The only place she was allowed to go was to her violin lessons given by Levi's mom.
After his mom died Levi and Dalia didn't see each other for a couple of years until they meet at the Pantheon University.
Even though Dalia had a very traumatic experience playing violin helps her and she still sees the beauty in the darkest people. While Levi grew up his soul condemned from the start. Can Dalia breakthrough his façade?
Also the school is divided into 4 'houses', and you can do the test that sorts you into one! I'm a Unifier just like Dalia :D
However the best character in this book is the grandma and she deserves her own book!
May 13, 2025
“What I feel for you is stronger than love,”
“It is as inevitable as death. As powerful as living. As haunting as a dream. You’re everything.”
2.5 stars ⭐
This book started off like a dream. I was fully buckled in, ready to slap a glowing 5-star rating on it with my perfectly curated pinterest board. For the first 60%, I was hooked—intrigued by the setup, invested in the characters (well, sort of), and genuinely excited to see where the story was going.
And then… the plot did a swan dive straight into a dumpster fire. A smutty, repetitive dumpster fire, mind you. By the time I reached the halfway mark, it felt like the author just gave up on storytelling and decided to enter a competition titled “How Many Spicy Scenes Can I Cram Into This Without Developing the Plot?” Spoiler: they’d win gold. The dialogue during these scenes? Painful. Cringey. So over-the-top that I genuinely wondered if the characters were possessed by the spirit of character.ai
Let’s talk about convenience—because apparently, this book is sponsored by it. The last half of the story felt like someone clicked easy mode and never looked back. Where’s the tension? The struggle? The near death experience that makes Levi realise just how much he loves Dahlia? The angst? I wanted emotional growth, consequences, a little trauma-induced character development—but all I got was a Hallmark Channel resolution with a dash of spicy fanfiction. I know it’s fiction, but can I at least get the illusion that things are earned?
As for the main characters… meh. They were trying so hard to be deep and brooding that they came off as pretentious and, frankly, kind of boring. They read like Tumblr aesthetics brought to life: all vibe, no substance. I didn’t hate them, but I didn’t care about them either—and for a romance, that’s kind of a problem.
Now, let me shine a little light on the positives. The side characters absolutely stole the show. Cillian and Tara? Obsessed. They had about 2.5 scenes combined (if that), but I was ready to throw confetti every time they appeared. That calm, mysterious energy from Cillian mixed with Tara’s spicy temper? I could write fanfiction about them right now. (And I might.)
Which brings me to my biggest disappointment: there wasn’t even a whiff of setup for Cillian and Tara as future love interests. NOTHING. Zilch. Nada. And look—I know it’s probably delusional to ship two characters who barely exchanged glances, but you know what? That’s my Roman Empire. The calm boyfriend x short-tempered girlfriend trope owns my soul, and I will go down with this ship even if it never leaves the dock.
Now for the part that really ruffled my feathers: the message. There was one particular quote that made me want to light this book on fire.
I just wanted to say he’s not an entirely bad person. No one is. Sometimes we just play the villains so nothing can get to us.”
Uh... Excuse me? That’s the kind of moral relativism that sounds deep until you actually think about it. Sure, trauma and pain can explain behavior—but they don’t excuse it. Some people are bad. Not in a mustache-twirling, cartoon-villain way, but in a “repeatedly chooses to hurt others and never takes accountability” way. Let’s not romanticize emotional damage as character depth, please.
At the end of the day, this book wasn’t a complete trainwreck—it just missed the tracks entirely. It had potential. It had some charm. It had a side cast begging for a spin-off that I’d absolutely read. But the pacing, the undercooked character arcs, the frustrating messaging, and the smut overload made it land with a resounding “meh.”
So, final verdict? It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great. It was just… there. Floating somewhere in the vast ocean of mediocre romance novels, with a side of wasted potential and a few characters I might daydream about when I’m bored.
2.5 stars, and one passive-aggressive sigh.
September 18, 2024
✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! I felt as though I was transported into the Pantheon universe, and I was here for it. While I knew what to expect since following Shanen Ricci's writing journey, my expectations were blown out of the water. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions, with twists and turns that I suspected but also some that I did not!
Dalia was just a kid when her mother was murdered while they were attending the Opera. She is still haunted by her mother’s death and struggles with survivor's guilt. Growing up Dalia, receives violin lessons from Levi's mother, Lucie, with the goal of performing at the opera where her mother was killed.
Levi's story is just as heartbreaking as Dalia's. Levi's mother didn't know how to show emotions, and it left Levi feeling isolated, unloved and misunderstood. That is until Lucie's death, where she leaves a mystery for Levi to solve, but it's also the day where Levi's revenge on Dalia's father truly begins.
Four years later, Levi and Dalia reunite at Pantheon University, and their worlds collide once more. Levi's opportunity for revenge is set with all the chess pieces exactly where he wants them. Including, Dalia.
However, Levi learns that there is more to Dalia than meets the eye and Levi is not the boy that Dalia remembers. Some things never change thou. Levi still seeks comfort in Dalia's music. It was breathtaking to witness moments of silence where they found peace.
The banter between them and the tension had me on my toes. Levi's missing social cues were some of my favorite moments! I loved both of these characters and I still can not get over how perfect they were for each other. Levi made me so giddy in how he showed Dalia he cares about her! From forcing Dalia to do what makes her happy, hazing night, the cemetery scene to the pistachio birthday treat (IYKYK) Despite his rough childhood, he was always there for her, whether as a bully or her fierce protector. Guys, he also calls her butterfly and I love that SO SO much!
I don't want to give too much away since I have recommended this book to so many people but Levi’s definitely one of my favorite book boyfriends and I promise the ride is SO worth it in the end!
The amount of emotional damage this book did to me was not what I was expecting, like at all! Shanen more than made up for it with Dalia and Levi. In this elaborate chess game, we learn just how powerful the Queen can be.
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! I felt as though I was transported into the Pantheon universe, and I was here for it. While I knew what to expect since following Shanen Ricci's writing journey, my expectations were blown out of the water. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions, with twists and turns that I suspected but also some that I did not!
Dalia was just a kid when her mother was murdered while they were attending the Opera. She is still haunted by her mother’s death and struggles with survivor's guilt. Growing up Dalia, receives violin lessons from Levi's mother, Lucie, with the goal of performing at the opera where her mother was killed.
Levi's story is just as heartbreaking as Dalia's. Levi's mother didn't know how to show emotions, and it left Levi feeling isolated, unloved and misunderstood. That is until Lucie's death, where she leaves a mystery for Levi to solve, but it's also the day where Levi's revenge on Dalia's father truly begins.
Four years later, Levi and Dalia reunite at Pantheon University, and their worlds collide once more. Levi's opportunity for revenge is set with all the chess pieces exactly where he wants them. Including, Dalia.
However, Levi learns that there is more to Dalia than meets the eye and Levi is not the boy that Dalia remembers. Some things never change thou. Levi still seeks comfort in Dalia's music. It was breathtaking to witness moments of silence where they found peace.
The banter between them and the tension had me on my toes. Levi's missing social cues were some of my favorite moments! I loved both of these characters and I still can not get over how perfect they were for each other. Levi made me so giddy in how he showed Dalia he cares about her! From forcing Dalia to do what makes her happy, hazing night, the cemetery scene to the pistachio birthday treat (IYKYK) Despite his rough childhood, he was always there for her, whether as a bully or her fierce protector. Guys, he also calls her butterfly and I love that SO SO much!
I don't want to give too much away since I have recommended this book to so many people but Levi’s definitely one of my favorite book boyfriends and I promise the ride is SO worth it in the end!
The amount of emotional damage this book did to me was not what I was expecting, like at all! Shanen more than made up for it with Dalia and Levi. In this elaborate chess game, we learn just how powerful the Queen can be.
September 13, 2024
Okay I am quite obsessed with Levi and Dalia❤🔥😮💨
And this book gives Hogwarts Vibes 🫠🫠
The way Levi hates Dalia to the point of obsession😮💨❤🔥🤌
And Levi the genius you are🤌.. I am your fan😮💨
This Book is So ADDICTIVE 😩
And the bully trope... I never thought I would love it.. But here I am obsessed with Levi😶🌫
And Dalia's Character is so innocent and pure🥹
The tension between Levi and Dalia and there Chemistry was so good ❤🔥❤🔥
I love this book❤🫶..it gives a little hogwarts and harry potter vibes ..
The writing was also good🫶
i recommend this book to anyone who loves bully trope and hogwarts vibes...
And this book gives Hogwarts Vibes 🫠🫠
The way Levi hates Dalia to the point of obsession😮💨❤🔥🤌
And Levi the genius you are🤌.. I am your fan😮💨
This Book is So ADDICTIVE 😩
And the bully trope... I never thought I would love it.. But here I am obsessed with Levi😶🌫
And Dalia's Character is so innocent and pure🥹
The tension between Levi and Dalia and there Chemistry was so good ❤🔥❤🔥
I love this book❤🫶..it gives a little hogwarts and harry potter vibes ..
The writing was also good🫶
i recommend this book to anyone who loves bully trope and hogwarts vibes...
September 6, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Dalia is an overprotected only child that meets Levi when she starts taking violin lessons from his mom. Levi and his mom are the outcasts of the town. Dalia and her dad make Levi feel less than them and he vows to make them pay.
Dalia is starting college and get her father to allow her to attend Pantheon. There she meets Levi again but she is not a fading flower she is a force of nature and will now to nobody! Levi soon leaves a revenge as his obsession with Dalia grows. The bullying was hard at times but I power through because I needed to see him for what he ready wanted.
But is he too much for someone that spent her life in a cage?
Dalia is an amazing character she is tough and sweet and not affairs to give as good as she gets. I loved seeing Levi’s obsession change and how Dalia is his world.
#books #spicybooks #spicyreads #romancenovels #darkromance #darkromancebooks #romancebooks #happilybookedpr
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Dalia is an overprotected only child that meets Levi when she starts taking violin lessons from his mom. Levi and his mom are the outcasts of the town. Dalia and her dad make Levi feel less than them and he vows to make them pay.
Dalia is starting college and get her father to allow her to attend Pantheon. There she meets Levi again but she is not a fading flower she is a force of nature and will now to nobody! Levi soon leaves a revenge as his obsession with Dalia grows. The bullying was hard at times but I power through because I needed to see him for what he ready wanted.
But is he too much for someone that spent her life in a cage?
Dalia is an amazing character she is tough and sweet and not affairs to give as good as she gets. I loved seeing Levi’s obsession change and how Dalia is his world.
#books #spicybooks #spicyreads #romancenovels #darkromance #darkromancebooks #romancebooks #happilybookedpr
September 5, 2024
A dark college bully romance? Sign me up! Shanen's characters were so well written and the world building was fantastic.
September 18, 2024
this is a dark college gothic bully romance with all the fun house style elements we love in dark academia! the writing was so good and it gave aesthetic vibes while reading it. it was such a unique and beautiful read something so different.
levi loves to hate dalia due to the things that happened in the past. he was unhinged and obsessed with dalia and but at the same time he loathed her. his had this insane ability to cyber hack and then use his talent to watch dalia? he was a computer genius. overall I had a love hate relationship with him.
dalia is your typical sweet, innocent violin prodigy who finally got a chance to explore college because her father was very strict and overprotective. she wasn't completely meek and doormat, as she gave equal fight back to levi who bullied her. but i wanted her to be more strong.
the grovelling in the end was nice aswell!
this book would have been a 5⭐ if dalia wasn't so sweet and virgin (𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑙 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒)
‼️no cheating, there is very little ow/om drama which is not annoying, he has been celibate for months‼️
levi loves to hate dalia due to the things that happened in the past. he was unhinged and obsessed with dalia and but at the same time he loathed her. his had this insane ability to cyber hack and then use his talent to watch dalia? he was a computer genius. overall I had a love hate relationship with him.
dalia is your typical sweet, innocent violin prodigy who finally got a chance to explore college because her father was very strict and overprotective. she wasn't completely meek and doormat, as she gave equal fight back to levi who bullied her. but i wanted her to be more strong.
the grovelling in the end was nice aswell!
this book would have been a 5⭐ if dalia wasn't so sweet and virgin (𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑙 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒)
‼️no cheating, there is very little ow/om drama which is not annoying, he has been celibate for months‼️
October 2, 2024
This book sounded better (and looks better : its a piece of art !!) than it actually was. I am disappointed, the promotion and aesthtic were promising but i ended up rolling my eyes at a not so original Dramione fanfic.
First, I really disliked Levi. He is a brat begging for attention and thinking himself edgy and mature. He constantly plays a role and it was almost ridiculous at times... how many times does he have his hands "casually in his pockets" ? We get it, the guy plays it cool.
Dalia however was interesting and cute. She is smart, kind and talented and saved the story for me. SHE DESERVES BETTER THAN THIS MAN CHILD
As for the plot itself, we read it a thousand times online already, in every fandom possible. It was over dramatic and unconvincing. Yet, the way-too-obvious Harry Potter influence was balanced with solid researches about music, violin, fencing etc. This was nice and we can tell Shanen put a lot of effort and work in this story. I am sorry it didnt do it for me.
First, I really disliked Levi. He is a brat begging for attention and thinking himself edgy and mature. He constantly plays a role and it was almost ridiculous at times... how many times does he have his hands "casually in his pockets" ? We get it, the guy plays it cool.
Dalia however was interesting and cute. She is smart, kind and talented and saved the story for me. SHE DESERVES BETTER THAN THIS MAN CHILD
As for the plot itself, we read it a thousand times online already, in every fandom possible. It was over dramatic and unconvincing. Yet, the way-too-obvious Harry Potter influence was balanced with solid researches about music, violin, fencing etc. This was nice and we can tell Shanen put a lot of effort and work in this story. I am sorry it didnt do it for me.
October 1, 2024
if you love dark college romance,if you’re looking for like a darker Harry Potter, kind of vibes or if you love Dramione this book is definitely for you. I don’t know too much about this book when I went into it and I am so glad that I went into it a little more blindly because I enjoyed the experience of this show so much the elements of the university and the housing system, which by the way, if you order the paperback, you are able to take a quiz at the end of the book to see which house you are in and I am a Guardian which makes so much sense, but I just love the aspect of the of magic and a house system.
Now onto Levi and Dalia. this is what I am talking about when I say I want an enemies to lovers book because these two especially Levi hate each other. Levi is out to ruin Dalia’s life because of events that happened years prior but he is so obsessed with her at the same time and he toys with her throughout the entire book he also is very genius and he cyber hacks any thing that connects to the Internet he also uses his skills to watch dalia which may sound creepy, but is actually really cute because he’s very possessive and overprotective of her and he’s really sweet in his own twisted ways. Dalia my sweet baby is one of the nicest people on this planet and she just wants Levi to know that someone’s there for him that someone doesn’t love him and she slowly starts to develop feelings for him and reading the tension between these two is just immaculate like I can feel it through the pages their relationship is so incredibly well written. Delilah is a lover and she’s always loved music and she went to Pantheon with a goal in mind and it was so amazing to see her achieve her goals. It was also amazing to see her stand up to her dad I was so proud of her.
The friendships in this book and everything about this book in general is so well written, and I had such a fun time. There’s also a little mystery element to it while they are decoding a music sheet that Levi’s mom left behind and a intrigues me even more because I wanna know what all it’s about and it’s just such a fun little element to include in, watching Levi and Dalia form their relationship!
Thank you so much Shanen Ricci and HappliybookPR for the opportunity to read The Kiss Of Death as an arc!
Now onto Levi and Dalia. this is what I am talking about when I say I want an enemies to lovers book because these two especially Levi hate each other. Levi is out to ruin Dalia’s life because of events that happened years prior but he is so obsessed with her at the same time and he toys with her throughout the entire book he also is very genius and he cyber hacks any thing that connects to the Internet he also uses his skills to watch dalia which may sound creepy, but is actually really cute because he’s very possessive and overprotective of her and he’s really sweet in his own twisted ways. Dalia my sweet baby is one of the nicest people on this planet and she just wants Levi to know that someone’s there for him that someone doesn’t love him and she slowly starts to develop feelings for him and reading the tension between these two is just immaculate like I can feel it through the pages their relationship is so incredibly well written. Delilah is a lover and she’s always loved music and she went to Pantheon with a goal in mind and it was so amazing to see her achieve her goals. It was also amazing to see her stand up to her dad I was so proud of her.
The friendships in this book and everything about this book in general is so well written, and I had such a fun time. There’s also a little mystery element to it while they are decoding a music sheet that Levi’s mom left behind and a intrigues me even more because I wanna know what all it’s about and it’s just such a fun little element to include in, watching Levi and Dalia form their relationship!
Thank you so much Shanen Ricci and HappliybookPR for the opportunity to read The Kiss Of Death as an arc!
September 10, 2024
Rating:** ️️️️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Do you think I could make you cry?”
“Do you think I could make you smile?”
SUMMARY
The Kiss of Death by Shanen Ricci is a dark romance that occurs in Pantheon, an elite university.
Levi Delombre hated her from the first time he saw her at his doorstep. Dalia Mercier, the girl who smiles at him every day without fail. His mother’s student.
But after one kiss of death, everything changed. Now she is enrolled in Pantheon, her dream university and his playground, where he knows everybody’s dark secret except for her.
Now She is caged in his golden cage where she’s all his.
TROPES
❤️Bully trope
❤️music Mystery
❤️Redemption ARC
❤️Slow Burn Spice
REVIEW
THE BOOK
I loved it. This was a perfect description of what a college dark romance should be written. It had everything grovel, loathing, and hatred but with obsession, and jealousy, there is mystery suspense
Perfect storyline. There was suspense, mystery, and some light-hearted moments. Overall loved itt very much. The characters are so well written and their personality growth was really good. The change and everything is really good.
Now about Levi and Dalia, loved them- their duo complemented each other well. They had chemistry from the start. Even the loathing and all the hate parts. Loved them.
Dalia was so sheltered that it became suffocating, and this was the chance for her to break out and finally explore who she is without her father breathing down her neck. She was a very sweet character who you want to keep safe but want her at the same time to spread her wings. With Levi he has a much rougher childhood that did involve some abuse, and it really affected him and stunted him in some ways.
To the point that he is very morally ambiguous or morally grey constantly gathering information on those around him to find dirt so that he can control people. And for those who have done him wrong like Dalia's father and to an extent Dalia he is consumed with the idea of revenge against them starting with Dalia who even before his need for revenge he was obsessed with her. In some ways they really fit together with
Dalia being the one who in really understanding of Levi and his ways and just sees it as a response to his loneness and inability to connect so she is there to give him the comfort and support he really needs. While Dalia as much as Levi wants to protect her and keep her close to him first for revenge and then as his feelings grew into something more, he still supported her when she wanted to try new things even if he did "bully" her a little.
Like she wanted to take fencing to be closer to her mother, but her father didn't want her to do it because she might get hurt. But Levi even though he "bully" her a little never had an issue with her doing it especially when he knew what it meant to her. So, their chemistry and relationship were definitely believable and enjoyable to read.
The place Pantheon, Loved the description of it. Wanted to go there LOL. It was divided into 4 houses. The people will get their houses based on their personality and things that they are good at.
The book was in dual POV, always grateful for that. Loved the map.
FAVOURITE QUOTES
“You’re a psycho.”
“Only for you.”
“Great, so I’m the lucky one.”
“Exactly,”
“I don’t share you.”
“A man touches or hurts you. He dies.”
“You’re fucking someone else other than me. I die. Is that clear?”
“I don’t remember a time you weren’t the center of my universe, and I loathed you for it, and now you’re fucking mine.”
“A wise woman and my therapist told me once if I wanted to have you back, I’d need to grovel, whatever that means, so I think that’s what I’m doing,”
“It was hatred at first sight.”
“Do you think I could make you cry?”
“Do you think I could make you smile?”
SUMMARY
The Kiss of Death by Shanen Ricci is a dark romance that occurs in Pantheon, an elite university.
Levi Delombre hated her from the first time he saw her at his doorstep. Dalia Mercier, the girl who smiles at him every day without fail. His mother’s student.
But after one kiss of death, everything changed. Now she is enrolled in Pantheon, her dream university and his playground, where he knows everybody’s dark secret except for her.
Now She is caged in his golden cage where she’s all his.
TROPES
❤️Bully trope
❤️music Mystery
❤️Redemption ARC
❤️Slow Burn Spice
REVIEW
THE BOOK
I loved it. This was a perfect description of what a college dark romance should be written. It had everything grovel, loathing, and hatred but with obsession, and jealousy, there is mystery suspense
Perfect storyline. There was suspense, mystery, and some light-hearted moments. Overall loved itt very much. The characters are so well written and their personality growth was really good. The change and everything is really good.
Now about Levi and Dalia, loved them- their duo complemented each other well. They had chemistry from the start. Even the loathing and all the hate parts. Loved them.
Dalia was so sheltered that it became suffocating, and this was the chance for her to break out and finally explore who she is without her father breathing down her neck. She was a very sweet character who you want to keep safe but want her at the same time to spread her wings. With Levi he has a much rougher childhood that did involve some abuse, and it really affected him and stunted him in some ways.
To the point that he is very morally ambiguous or morally grey constantly gathering information on those around him to find dirt so that he can control people. And for those who have done him wrong like Dalia's father and to an extent Dalia he is consumed with the idea of revenge against them starting with Dalia who even before his need for revenge he was obsessed with her. In some ways they really fit together with
Dalia being the one who in really understanding of Levi and his ways and just sees it as a response to his loneness and inability to connect so she is there to give him the comfort and support he really needs. While Dalia as much as Levi wants to protect her and keep her close to him first for revenge and then as his feelings grew into something more, he still supported her when she wanted to try new things even if he did "bully" her a little.
Like she wanted to take fencing to be closer to her mother, but her father didn't want her to do it because she might get hurt. But Levi even though he "bully" her a little never had an issue with her doing it especially when he knew what it meant to her. So, their chemistry and relationship were definitely believable and enjoyable to read.
The place Pantheon, Loved the description of it. Wanted to go there LOL. It was divided into 4 houses. The people will get their houses based on their personality and things that they are good at.
The book was in dual POV, always grateful for that. Loved the map.
FAVOURITE QUOTES
“You’re a psycho.”
“Only for you.”
“Great, so I’m the lucky one.”
“Exactly,”
“I don’t share you.”
“A man touches or hurts you. He dies.”
“You’re fucking someone else other than me. I die. Is that clear?”
“I don’t remember a time you weren’t the center of my universe, and I loathed you for it, and now you’re fucking mine.”
“A wise woman and my therapist told me once if I wanted to have you back, I’d need to grovel, whatever that means, so I think that’s what I’m doing,”
“It was hatred at first sight.”
September 3, 2024
4.25 for me
I think this book was really good and I definitely enjoyed it. I will say I think this book would be a great starter book for those wanting to dip their toes into dark romance and bully books. Personally, for the bully trop on a scale of 1-5 I would give this a 1-1.5. But you definitely get the intensity and obsessiveness from the MMC Levi towards Dalia the FMC.
I really enjoyed the characters. They both have trauma in different ways. Dalia was so sheltered that it became suffocating, and this was the chance for her to break out and finally explore who she is without her father breathing down her neck. She was a very sweet character who you want to keep safe but want her at the same time to spread her wings. With Levi he has a much rougher childhood that did involve some abuse, and it really affected him and stunted him in some ways. To the point that he is very morally ambiguous or morally grey constantly gathering information on those around him to find dirt so that he can control people. And for those who have done him wrong like Dalia's father and to an extent Dalia he is consumed with the idea of revenge against them starting with Dalia who even before his need for revenge he was obsessed with her. In some ways they really fit together with Dalia being the one who in really understanding of Levi and his ways and just sees it as a response to his loneness and inability to connect so she is there to give him the comfort and support he really needs. While Dalia as much as Levi wants to protect her and keep her close to him first for revenge and then as his feelings grew into something more, he still supported her when she wanted to try new things even if he did "bully" her a little. Like she wanted to take fencing to be closer to her mother, but her father didn't want her to do it because she might get hurt. But Levi even though he "bully" her a little never had an issue with her doing it especially when he knew what it meant to her. So, their chemistry and relationship were definitely believable and enjoyable to read.
I did enjoy the school setting with all the different houses. It made for some interesting moments but wasn't the biggest impact on the storyline. The plot overall was enjoyable and had a great pace and I really enjoyed reading about the characters that at times I did have a hard time putting down my book. The side characters really added to the storyline and character development too and the grandma was a hoot who I adored.
I will say there were two moments while reading this book that I didn't quite enjoy as a reader that could be personal preference. One was a sentence that seemed to be rooted in purity culture with her saying that girls have to be or should be pure while boys are allowed to sleep around. But Dalia was raised religiously so I get it, but I still feel like it could have been worded a little different to not seem like an absolute statement and more like she was raised this way and that is what she was taught to believe. Especially since it not a super hard stance for her since she obviously has spicy moments during the book and doesn't really suffer from the guilt from those moments. It just threw me off. Also, during the first full intimate spicy moment even though they have hooked up before where her needs were met, and Levi even assured her GRANDMOTHER that he would make sure she was satisfied but the first full intimate session they are together she doesn't. I had to read it a couple times to make sure, but it was confirmed in the next chapter that she didn't which didn't make sense as she was enjoying herself and even said she was almost there. Just didn't make sense and there was no reason for it. It just threw me off, but he does take care of her in the next scene/chapter.
this is the first time I have read a book by this author, and I definitely want to read more.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book was really good and I definitely enjoyed it. I will say I think this book would be a great starter book for those wanting to dip their toes into dark romance and bully books. Personally, for the bully trop on a scale of 1-5 I would give this a 1-1.5. But you definitely get the intensity and obsessiveness from the MMC Levi towards Dalia the FMC.
I really enjoyed the characters. They both have trauma in different ways. Dalia was so sheltered that it became suffocating, and this was the chance for her to break out and finally explore who she is without her father breathing down her neck. She was a very sweet character who you want to keep safe but want her at the same time to spread her wings. With Levi he has a much rougher childhood that did involve some abuse, and it really affected him and stunted him in some ways. To the point that he is very morally ambiguous or morally grey constantly gathering information on those around him to find dirt so that he can control people. And for those who have done him wrong like Dalia's father and to an extent Dalia he is consumed with the idea of revenge against them starting with Dalia who even before his need for revenge he was obsessed with her. In some ways they really fit together with Dalia being the one who in really understanding of Levi and his ways and just sees it as a response to his loneness and inability to connect so she is there to give him the comfort and support he really needs. While Dalia as much as Levi wants to protect her and keep her close to him first for revenge and then as his feelings grew into something more, he still supported her when she wanted to try new things even if he did "bully" her a little. Like she wanted to take fencing to be closer to her mother, but her father didn't want her to do it because she might get hurt. But Levi even though he "bully" her a little never had an issue with her doing it especially when he knew what it meant to her. So, their chemistry and relationship were definitely believable and enjoyable to read.
I did enjoy the school setting with all the different houses. It made for some interesting moments but wasn't the biggest impact on the storyline. The plot overall was enjoyable and had a great pace and I really enjoyed reading about the characters that at times I did have a hard time putting down my book. The side characters really added to the storyline and character development too and the grandma was a hoot who I adored.
I will say there were two moments while reading this book that I didn't quite enjoy as a reader that could be personal preference. One was a sentence that seemed to be rooted in purity culture with her saying that girls have to be or should be pure while boys are allowed to sleep around. But Dalia was raised religiously so I get it, but I still feel like it could have been worded a little different to not seem like an absolute statement and more like she was raised this way and that is what she was taught to believe. Especially since it not a super hard stance for her since she obviously has spicy moments during the book and doesn't really suffer from the guilt from those moments. It just threw me off. Also, during the first full intimate spicy moment even though they have hooked up before where her needs were met, and Levi even assured her GRANDMOTHER that he would make sure she was satisfied but the first full intimate session they are together she doesn't. I had to read it a couple times to make sure, but it was confirmed in the next chapter that she didn't which didn't make sense as she was enjoying herself and even said she was almost there. Just didn't make sense and there was no reason for it. It just threw me off, but he does take care of her in the next scene/chapter.
this is the first time I have read a book by this author, and I definitely want to read more.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC Review
Tropes:
Hate to Love
Stalker & Obsessed
Violinist FMC
Genius MMC
Elite College
Secret Society Vibes
Revenge
Unhinged MMC
They solve a puzzle together
Did this book make me cry on a beautiful sunny afternoon? Yes
Did it keep me on the edge of my seat with every chapter? Yes
Did it make me fall in love with the broken hero? Yes
Did it have me kicking my feet & giggling? YES!!
Due to life getting in the way I had to take multiple breaks reading this book, and I'm glad it happened that way. It allowed me to really savor & soak up this story. It's a book I do anything to re-read for the first time again.
Dalia survived losing her mother and lives with the guilt that she's responsible for her death. Now she's found someone that's like a second mother to her and teaching her to play to violin. She wants to one day play for her mother and have it heard from the heavens above. Through her teacher and weekly lessons, she meets the love of her life.
Levi is a troubled soul. With a mother most see as a freak, he's had to learn at a young again to protect himself and his mother. Making him lonely and look like a bully. Dalia is the first form of traditional affection he's seen and he HATES the feelings Dalia caused in him.
When they cross paths 4 years later, Levi vows that he hated Dalia and will do anything to not only break her, but also get revenge on her father. Dalia might be able to see the broken heart under Levi's cold exterior, but she's not able to let him break her. The banter between these two had me giggling & kicking my feet😂 You could just feel the love between with every word.
Working together to solve the puzzle Levi's mom left him, they learn that they are more alike than Levi thought they were. Both broken, lonely in their own ways and caged looking for freedom. Soon the banter turned into true affection between them. Levi became obsessed in a new way.
The way he protected her and allowed her to grow as a musician & person🫠🫠 He always stood by her side. And Dalia not giving up on Levi and pushing him to be better!🥺🥺🥺
The growth that BOTH Dalia & Levi showed was amazing! Levi's was a more "dramatic" growth with how severe his thoughts were, but Dalia's growth was just ad beautiful!
The secrets that kept getting uncovered in this book!! Just when I thought the secrets were done new ones immerged! And boy did those secrets break my heart💔 Chapter 41 had be sobbing! 😭😭 My poor Levi & Lucie😭😭😭😭😭
Also let's not forget the found family aspect in this book! Both Levi & Dalia had such an amazing support system at Pantheon that allowed them to be themselves & grow, but also warn when things got out of hand.
Overall a very emotional, suspenseful and wholesome story! I absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series!
ARC Review
Tropes:
Hate to Love
Stalker & Obsessed
Violinist FMC
Genius MMC
Elite College
Secret Society Vibes
Revenge
Unhinged MMC
They solve a puzzle together
Did this book make me cry on a beautiful sunny afternoon? Yes
Did it keep me on the edge of my seat with every chapter? Yes
Did it make me fall in love with the broken hero? Yes
Did it have me kicking my feet & giggling? YES!!
Due to life getting in the way I had to take multiple breaks reading this book, and I'm glad it happened that way. It allowed me to really savor & soak up this story. It's a book I do anything to re-read for the first time again.
Dalia survived losing her mother and lives with the guilt that she's responsible for her death. Now she's found someone that's like a second mother to her and teaching her to play to violin. She wants to one day play for her mother and have it heard from the heavens above. Through her teacher and weekly lessons, she meets the love of her life.
Levi is a troubled soul. With a mother most see as a freak, he's had to learn at a young again to protect himself and his mother. Making him lonely and look like a bully. Dalia is the first form of traditional affection he's seen and he HATES the feelings Dalia caused in him.
When they cross paths 4 years later, Levi vows that he hated Dalia and will do anything to not only break her, but also get revenge on her father. Dalia might be able to see the broken heart under Levi's cold exterior, but she's not able to let him break her. The banter between these two had me giggling & kicking my feet😂 You could just feel the love between with every word.
Working together to solve the puzzle Levi's mom left him, they learn that they are more alike than Levi thought they were. Both broken, lonely in their own ways and caged looking for freedom. Soon the banter turned into true affection between them. Levi became obsessed in a new way.
The way he protected her and allowed her to grow as a musician & person🫠🫠 He always stood by her side. And Dalia not giving up on Levi and pushing him to be better!🥺🥺🥺
The growth that BOTH Dalia & Levi showed was amazing! Levi's was a more "dramatic" growth with how severe his thoughts were, but Dalia's growth was just ad beautiful!
The secrets that kept getting uncovered in this book!! Just when I thought the secrets were done new ones immerged! And boy did those secrets break my heart💔 Chapter 41 had be sobbing! 😭😭 My poor Levi & Lucie😭😭😭😭😭
Also let's not forget the found family aspect in this book! Both Levi & Dalia had such an amazing support system at Pantheon that allowed them to be themselves & grow, but also warn when things got out of hand.
Overall a very emotional, suspenseful and wholesome story! I absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series!
September 14, 2024
This book was something that I had chosen as a kind of trying new things kind of thing. I had never read a book that dwelled in the trope ‘bully romance’ so I didn’t really know what I was getting into.
I was so glad I chose this book despite all of that because I loved it. It was soo good I didn’t even put it down for a second. Legit finished it within a day and a half. It was different seeing the academy setting within a college setting but it was a good different.
While reading the book I really did love the descriptions of how the university was divided especially the houses. It gave Hogwarts vibes which I loved so very much honestly would love to see merch on the schools universes and colors/ emblems.
Dalia is such an amazing described character. I loved her personality because despite her type of upbringing she still had a fighting spirit. I loved how she stared spreading her wings once she was away from home because you could really see her true true colors which were beautiful like her music.
Levi was a character I was afraid I was going to hate especially with knowing the book was a bully trope. To say I was so wrong is an understatement. Despite so many red flags, I loved him. How can you not?? He was such a deep set character that had you questioning why he was that way (which are answered within the book) and if his ways change or not (I am glad his ways kind of didn’t lmao). His upbringing wasn’t colors and rainbows either which made me understand why he was the way he was. I honestly loved how smart he was it was hot.
Levi’s and Dalia’s relationship was soooo amazing that it kind of left you breathless. It left you wanting more and more no matter how many pages already had a narrative for their relationship. I loved seeing the growth they both brought each other from releasing this inner darkness to releasing the others light. Especially loved whenever Levi would try to act ‘normal’ for Dalia.
There was also side character that left you wanting more of them as well and I hope I get to see more!
Honestly loved this book so much that I can’t wait to read more from the author!
I was so glad I chose this book despite all of that because I loved it. It was soo good I didn’t even put it down for a second. Legit finished it within a day and a half. It was different seeing the academy setting within a college setting but it was a good different.
While reading the book I really did love the descriptions of how the university was divided especially the houses. It gave Hogwarts vibes which I loved so very much honestly would love to see merch on the schools universes and colors/ emblems.
Dalia is such an amazing described character. I loved her personality because despite her type of upbringing she still had a fighting spirit. I loved how she stared spreading her wings once she was away from home because you could really see her true true colors which were beautiful like her music.
Levi was a character I was afraid I was going to hate especially with knowing the book was a bully trope. To say I was so wrong is an understatement. Despite so many red flags, I loved him. How can you not?? He was such a deep set character that had you questioning why he was that way (which are answered within the book) and if his ways change or not (I am glad his ways kind of didn’t lmao). His upbringing wasn’t colors and rainbows either which made me understand why he was the way he was. I honestly loved how smart he was it was hot.
Levi’s and Dalia’s relationship was soooo amazing that it kind of left you breathless. It left you wanting more and more no matter how many pages already had a narrative for their relationship. I loved seeing the growth they both brought each other from releasing this inner darkness to releasing the others light. Especially loved whenever Levi would try to act ‘normal’ for Dalia.
There was also side character that left you wanting more of them as well and I hope I get to see more!
Honestly loved this book so much that I can’t wait to read more from the author!
September 29, 2024
OMFG I LOVE MORALLY GREY MMCs 🤩😭🥺♥️🥵🌶️
September 3, 2024
My ratings:
⭐️ 4.5/5
❤️ 5/5 – It’s actually really romantic, without that romance being the sole plot of the story. But heads up, it’s also a bit romantic in the way Zade left cutoff hands at her doorstep-romantic
🌶 2/5
I kind of adore this book. It’s somewhat inexplicable what it did to me while I was reading it. It’s not like it’s some HUGE poetic piece or anything – it’s a romance book with a morally grey, somewhat psychopathic MMC – HOWEVER the book did have a focus and a certain way of describing mental states, emotions and the feelings that will erupt because of let’s say a kiss or a musical number. This book dwells deep into pools of disappointment, betrayal and abandonment, and you’re with the characters while they try to weave through this. When they learn to heal and to love. And that is part of what I found to be amazing in Shanen Ricci’s work. It’s part of what sets it aside from the usual dark academia romances and part of what makes me adore it.
“I needed a remedy for my feelings.
I needed her.
My glimmer of hope”
Earlier I wrote that this book wasn’t a poetic piece but that’s not really true. If you look at the title “The Kiss of Death” you’ll notice that it’s actually a chess move – annnnd the MMC plays chess. There’s lots of references to chess and generally it seems to be a theme in this book to use chess moves, musical notes and songs metaphorically to comment on something in the book or to actually foreshadow what will happen. Not to mention, you can’t read this book and read the way the MCs experience music and not call it poetic.
Ricci’s dark college romance has many if not all the expected tropes for this specific genre, as listed below, however I would still say this is an original story. After having read this, I felt the need to read one exactly like it, and often I’d be able to find a book to satisfy this need – the need for a rebound –, but I can’t really find one that matches well enough. This book simply has a certain way about it – I think it might be in the way in which the author makes certain aspects of normal life nearly magical and the way she describes music, that makes me confident that there really is magic to be found in music. This book isn’t replicated, it’s unique yet still holds all the things that I love and enjoy from this genre.
For lovers of: God of Malice, Twisted love and A million kisses in your lifetime
I’m a huuuuuuge fan of dark romance and I would say this book hits somewhere between Twisted Love by Ana Huang and God of Malice by Rina Kent (though without the “extreme” kink – I read that book, it’s on my shelf, so I’m not kink-shaming here).
Tropes:
- Gothic Hogwarts vibes
- Bully romance
- Enemies to lovers (obviously)
- Touch her and 💀
- Childhood trauma
- Mysteries and revenge plot
- Violonist FMC
- Genius MMC – with MANY psychopathic tendencies
- Obsessive/possessive MMC
- Banter
- Slowburn but make it a bit steamy
⭐️ 4.5/5
❤️ 5/5 – It’s actually really romantic, without that romance being the sole plot of the story. But heads up, it’s also a bit romantic in the way Zade left cutoff hands at her doorstep-romantic
🌶 2/5
I kind of adore this book. It’s somewhat inexplicable what it did to me while I was reading it. It’s not like it’s some HUGE poetic piece or anything – it’s a romance book with a morally grey, somewhat psychopathic MMC – HOWEVER the book did have a focus and a certain way of describing mental states, emotions and the feelings that will erupt because of let’s say a kiss or a musical number. This book dwells deep into pools of disappointment, betrayal and abandonment, and you’re with the characters while they try to weave through this. When they learn to heal and to love. And that is part of what I found to be amazing in Shanen Ricci’s work. It’s part of what sets it aside from the usual dark academia romances and part of what makes me adore it.
“I needed a remedy for my feelings.
I needed her.
My glimmer of hope”
Earlier I wrote that this book wasn’t a poetic piece but that’s not really true. If you look at the title “The Kiss of Death” you’ll notice that it’s actually a chess move – annnnd the MMC plays chess. There’s lots of references to chess and generally it seems to be a theme in this book to use chess moves, musical notes and songs metaphorically to comment on something in the book or to actually foreshadow what will happen. Not to mention, you can’t read this book and read the way the MCs experience music and not call it poetic.
Ricci’s dark college romance has many if not all the expected tropes for this specific genre, as listed below, however I would still say this is an original story. After having read this, I felt the need to read one exactly like it, and often I’d be able to find a book to satisfy this need – the need for a rebound –, but I can’t really find one that matches well enough. This book simply has a certain way about it – I think it might be in the way in which the author makes certain aspects of normal life nearly magical and the way she describes music, that makes me confident that there really is magic to be found in music. This book isn’t replicated, it’s unique yet still holds all the things that I love and enjoy from this genre.
For lovers of: God of Malice, Twisted love and A million kisses in your lifetime
I’m a huuuuuuge fan of dark romance and I would say this book hits somewhere between Twisted Love by Ana Huang and God of Malice by Rina Kent (though without the “extreme” kink – I read that book, it’s on my shelf, so I’m not kink-shaming here).
Tropes:
- Gothic Hogwarts vibes
- Bully romance
- Enemies to lovers (obviously)
- Touch her and 💀
- Childhood trauma
- Mysteries and revenge plot
- Violonist FMC
- Genius MMC – with MANY psychopathic tendencies
- Obsessive/possessive MMC
- Banter
- Slowburn but make it a bit steamy
September 7, 2024
"I don't control anything about how you make me feel, and I loathe that. While you're the first person who ever truly loved me, I intend to be your last."
Well...checkmate! The Kiss of Death is a dark, elite college academia read with bully romance. There is so much raw, built-up emotion throughout the book that I was captivated and invested in knowing the MC's stories.
🎻🎀Dalia, an only child who lost her mother at a young age, is raised by her overprotective father. She is sheltered from the outside world and is ready to attend Pantheon University, an elite college. She experiences everything for the first time as she goes to college and doesn't have her father micromanaging her every move. Her passion for music resonates as I am a musician, too. I enjoy the development of this character as she overcomes her constant battle with the trauma of her past and her father's strictness.
♟️💻Levi...the obsessive, tech savvy, handsome bully. His obsession to make Dalia's life miserable when she attends the same college is definitely screaming past trauma. That anger and need to torment her is a facade of his true emotions he has shoved down his whole life. His backstory is so sad. I can understand why he is the way he is after discovering the truth of his mother.
These two main characters have so many similarities but also a lot of differences that throughout the book, they rediscover themselves and both overcome the intense experiences they've been through. I like how their stories intertwine from the flashbacks and what they both have to go through.
Shanen Ricci has written a book with these characters and their raw experiences in life. The obstacles they go through had me hooked. Aside from the emotion, there is spice and even mystery as they uncover the truth and secrets both their parents have kept. This is my first read of this type of genre, and I really enjoyed the overall pace of the book and how the characters evolve.
Well...checkmate! The Kiss of Death is a dark, elite college academia read with bully romance. There is so much raw, built-up emotion throughout the book that I was captivated and invested in knowing the MC's stories.
🎻🎀Dalia, an only child who lost her mother at a young age, is raised by her overprotective father. She is sheltered from the outside world and is ready to attend Pantheon University, an elite college. She experiences everything for the first time as she goes to college and doesn't have her father micromanaging her every move. Her passion for music resonates as I am a musician, too. I enjoy the development of this character as she overcomes her constant battle with the trauma of her past and her father's strictness.
♟️💻Levi...the obsessive, tech savvy, handsome bully. His obsession to make Dalia's life miserable when she attends the same college is definitely screaming past trauma. That anger and need to torment her is a facade of his true emotions he has shoved down his whole life. His backstory is so sad. I can understand why he is the way he is after discovering the truth of his mother.
These two main characters have so many similarities but also a lot of differences that throughout the book, they rediscover themselves and both overcome the intense experiences they've been through. I like how their stories intertwine from the flashbacks and what they both have to go through.
Shanen Ricci has written a book with these characters and their raw experiences in life. The obstacles they go through had me hooked. Aside from the emotion, there is spice and even mystery as they uncover the truth and secrets both their parents have kept. This is my first read of this type of genre, and I really enjoyed the overall pace of the book and how the characters evolve.
September 11, 2024
Who knew chess strategy could be so delicious
When Dalia Mercier steals Levi Delombre’s first kiss, she seals both of their fates. Levi demands retribution for the kiss and the aftermath of it. When they are reunited at Pantheon University, Levi finally gets his chance to enact his revenge, he’s not expecting to fall for Dalia. She infiltrates his heart the way he infiltrates devices with his computer codes.
I liked that the author sprinkled in a bit of “wizarding” into the university by sorting the students into houses. There was romance, a musical mystery, and underlying family secrets that kept me engaged the entire time.
Levi is so captivated with Dalia to the point of obsession. He is demanding and hard, but really tries to better himself to be the person that Dalia needs. I loved his take charge attitude of dating once he realized that Dalia belonged to him. He told her what was happening instead of asking. It was very true Levi fashion, but really showed that he isn’t the best at social interactions and highlights a bit of his trauma.
I loved some of the side characters in this book! Grandma Mercier made me laugh more than once. I want a Grandma Mercier with “horror cake recipes” so poison my nemeses with! The addition of Sylas and a bit of his family drama was soooo captivating. Rarely ever am I drawn to a side characters story like that.
This was my first Shanen Ricci book and I will definitely be coming back for more!
When Dalia Mercier steals Levi Delombre’s first kiss, she seals both of their fates. Levi demands retribution for the kiss and the aftermath of it. When they are reunited at Pantheon University, Levi finally gets his chance to enact his revenge, he’s not expecting to fall for Dalia. She infiltrates his heart the way he infiltrates devices with his computer codes.
I liked that the author sprinkled in a bit of “wizarding” into the university by sorting the students into houses. There was romance, a musical mystery, and underlying family secrets that kept me engaged the entire time.
Levi is so captivated with Dalia to the point of obsession. He is demanding and hard, but really tries to better himself to be the person that Dalia needs. I loved his take charge attitude of dating once he realized that Dalia belonged to him. He told her what was happening instead of asking. It was very true Levi fashion, but really showed that he isn’t the best at social interactions and highlights a bit of his trauma.
I loved some of the side characters in this book! Grandma Mercier made me laugh more than once. I want a Grandma Mercier with “horror cake recipes” so poison my nemeses with! The addition of Sylas and a bit of his family drama was soooo captivating. Rarely ever am I drawn to a side characters story like that.
This was my first Shanen Ricci book and I will definitely be coming back for more!
September 5, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading The Kiss of Death by Shanen Ricci. Here are my honest thoughts and opinions:
I absolutely devoured this book. Very dark academia vibes, good girl and bad boy, touch her and die, enemies to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers again. The story is so well written with little elements of mystery, your heart aches for the main characters.
Dalia Mercier is a good girl. Sheltered for most of her life after the tragic passing of her mother, she finds herself at Pantheon University. This is a university for the elite. Only the most influential and powerful families have children who attend. Wanting to experience more of the world for herself and chasing a dream that she and her mother shared, she’s excited to attend, that is until she crosses paths with Levi.
Levi Delombre is a genius. Possibly psychopathic and obsessive, but a genius nonetheless. After the death of his mother and the Mercier’s ruining his life. Levi begins plotting his revenge. And with Dalia now attending his university, his plan can begin.
The two cross paths quite frequently, Dalia trying every step of the way go earn Levi’s forgiveness and Levi struggling to come to terms with exactly how he feels about Dalia. As they get closer, Levi reveals his mother left him 2 musical scores that he hasn’t been able to decipher in the 4 years since she’s past. Convinced theres a reason she left them, Dalia offers to help Levi try and solve the mystery.
Will Dalia be able to forage a path to forgiveness? Is Levi’s heart as cold as he wants everyone to believe? What secrets will be revealed if they are successful in deciphering his mother’s music?
This is definitely a must read of 2024! As always, be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading! ♥️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ease of Reading: 📚📚📚📚📚
I absolutely devoured this book. Very dark academia vibes, good girl and bad boy, touch her and die, enemies to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers again. The story is so well written with little elements of mystery, your heart aches for the main characters.
Dalia Mercier is a good girl. Sheltered for most of her life after the tragic passing of her mother, she finds herself at Pantheon University. This is a university for the elite. Only the most influential and powerful families have children who attend. Wanting to experience more of the world for herself and chasing a dream that she and her mother shared, she’s excited to attend, that is until she crosses paths with Levi.
Levi Delombre is a genius. Possibly psychopathic and obsessive, but a genius nonetheless. After the death of his mother and the Mercier’s ruining his life. Levi begins plotting his revenge. And with Dalia now attending his university, his plan can begin.
The two cross paths quite frequently, Dalia trying every step of the way go earn Levi’s forgiveness and Levi struggling to come to terms with exactly how he feels about Dalia. As they get closer, Levi reveals his mother left him 2 musical scores that he hasn’t been able to decipher in the 4 years since she’s past. Convinced theres a reason she left them, Dalia offers to help Levi try and solve the mystery.
Will Dalia be able to forage a path to forgiveness? Is Levi’s heart as cold as he wants everyone to believe? What secrets will be revealed if they are successful in deciphering his mother’s music?
This is definitely a must read of 2024! As always, be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading! ♥️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ease of Reading: 📚📚📚📚📚
September 27, 2024
The Kiss Of Death Review
5/5 ⭐️
“Instruments are like humans, she said, her voice soft. Broken but capable of producing exquisite music when treated right.”
Some features I loved:
- Dark College Romance
- Dark Academia
- Morally Grey and possessive MMC
- Enemies to lovers
- Genius MMC
- Grumpy x Sunshine
This book is a beautiful blend of suspense and romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat for its entirety. The authors writing is phenomenal, it’s both intense and lyrical which draws readers deep into the complex emotions of the main characters. The plot and its twists are expertly woven, allowing the tension to build as secrets are revealed.
The authors ability to create relatable characters made me intensely invested in their fates and journey. The FMCs journey is heartbreaking whilst also being inspiring, highlighting resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The MMCs trauma was intense, however his ability to overcome it and grow was evident throughout.
This book pulled so many emotions out of me with the exploration of love, loss, and redemption. The authors dedication at the end of the book was beautiful and brought me to tears. I couldn’t put this book down and even reread it immediately after. This story will captivate your heart and mind and is a must read.
5/5 ⭐️
“Instruments are like humans, she said, her voice soft. Broken but capable of producing exquisite music when treated right.”
Some features I loved:
- Dark College Romance
- Dark Academia
- Morally Grey and possessive MMC
- Enemies to lovers
- Genius MMC
- Grumpy x Sunshine
This book is a beautiful blend of suspense and romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat for its entirety. The authors writing is phenomenal, it’s both intense and lyrical which draws readers deep into the complex emotions of the main characters. The plot and its twists are expertly woven, allowing the tension to build as secrets are revealed.
The authors ability to create relatable characters made me intensely invested in their fates and journey. The FMCs journey is heartbreaking whilst also being inspiring, highlighting resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The MMCs trauma was intense, however his ability to overcome it and grow was evident throughout.
This book pulled so many emotions out of me with the exploration of love, loss, and redemption. The authors dedication at the end of the book was beautiful and brought me to tears. I couldn’t put this book down and even reread it immediately after. This story will captivate your heart and mind and is a must read.
September 15, 2024
The Kiss of Death
By: Shanen Ricci
Rating: ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🖤🖤🖤
This book exceeded expectations in a remarkable way. I would classify it as a young adult, gothic college, gateway to dark romance novel. Initially, it gave off a mix of cute animation and Adam’s Family vibes, but imagine if the TV show “Elite” was set in a Hogwarts-style college with a housing system, and the male main character (MMC) was a young Zade Meadows. Levi, the MMC, is a genius hacker with obsessive and possessive traits.
Levi develops an intense hatred for the female main character (FMC), Dalia, after she becomes the center of his world. His feelings for her ignite a desire for revenge, driven by what he perceives as her “kiss of death.” Although he loathes her, he believes she is his alone to loathe. He embodies darkness and gloom, while she brings a contrasting sunshine, yet she harbors her own dark and twisty side. Levi could offer her the world, but Dalia struggles to navigate her newfound freedom while feeling increasingly confined.
The story prioritizes plot over spice, yet the smut scenes are perfectly timed and highly satisfying. The slow burn from enemies to lovers, combined with their captivating banter, kept me hooked and constantly guessing.
All of this is intertwined with a musical mystery that they must solve together, while also dealing with new friendships, past ghosts, and family dramas. The intricately woven storyline was a delight to witness as everything fell into place. Every detail Shanen included in this book serves a purpose, no matter how minor, and the meticulous research and overall design deserve five stars alone.
By: Shanen Ricci
Rating: ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🖤🖤🖤
This book exceeded expectations in a remarkable way. I would classify it as a young adult, gothic college, gateway to dark romance novel. Initially, it gave off a mix of cute animation and Adam’s Family vibes, but imagine if the TV show “Elite” was set in a Hogwarts-style college with a housing system, and the male main character (MMC) was a young Zade Meadows. Levi, the MMC, is a genius hacker with obsessive and possessive traits.
Levi develops an intense hatred for the female main character (FMC), Dalia, after she becomes the center of his world. His feelings for her ignite a desire for revenge, driven by what he perceives as her “kiss of death.” Although he loathes her, he believes she is his alone to loathe. He embodies darkness and gloom, while she brings a contrasting sunshine, yet she harbors her own dark and twisty side. Levi could offer her the world, but Dalia struggles to navigate her newfound freedom while feeling increasingly confined.
The story prioritizes plot over spice, yet the smut scenes are perfectly timed and highly satisfying. The slow burn from enemies to lovers, combined with their captivating banter, kept me hooked and constantly guessing.
All of this is intertwined with a musical mystery that they must solve together, while also dealing with new friendships, past ghosts, and family dramas. The intricately woven storyline was a delight to witness as everything fell into place. Every detail Shanen included in this book serves a purpose, no matter how minor, and the meticulous research and overall design deserve five stars alone.
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