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Death & Decay

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Pain. Cold. Falling. Floating. And then, a set of emerald green eyes staring down at me.

Death was supposed to be easy. It was what I’ve been longing for, what I’ve been working towards. The last thing I expected was for me to fight harder in death than I ever did in life.

It’s been three months since I joined my mates in the Underworld. Three months of training my powers, my deadly affinity, with the blue-haired demon who likes to garden. But I still can’t defeat him.

King Balthazar. The wretched Reaper King of the Third Circle who wishes to take me as his bride, trap me, and use my powers to his own advantage.

I won’t let him have the chance.

Finding some unlikely allies, me, my mates, a decaying witch, a servant, and a missing friend work to undermine the King at every turn until my powers are strong enough to finally bring him down.

But I’m not prepared for what comes after.

Death & Decay is Book 2 in The Last Words Trilogy. Book 1, Glass & Grim, must be read first to fully understand the story. This book includes mature themes and elements, so please be sure to read content warnings before proceeding.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

9 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Welch

5 books106 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Bookaholic__Reviews.
1,256 reviews159 followers
February 26, 2025
This paranormal romance series has my whole heart, I seriously adore this series so far....but it also broke my heart, so there's that.

I'm going to sit with my feelings for a day or so and I'll probably be back with alot more to say.
Profile Image for Lani Page Turner.
25 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2025
As with the first installment, I was hooked from the very beginning. This was yet again another roller coaster ride. The emotions invoked were all over the place: love, happiness, pain, hurt... it kept my head spinning.
I enjoy being able to step into this world and visualize the surroundings.
It will probably take until the next release for me to pick my jaw up off the floor!
Profile Image for Haley Breeden.
63 reviews
February 2, 2025
EXCUSE ME MA'AM! You did not have to rip out my heart like you did😭
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This book hit the ground running from the prologue and didn't stop.
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*spoilers ahead*
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I am so sad that Echo forgot who he was, but I am so happy his mates are helping him and teaching him the ways he loved them.
I felt so bad for Zain the entire time. I love him and Callyxs' dynamic in this book. The speaking in mind thing was great for them. Especially since they've spent their life in one body. Zain definitely deserved a little more from his mates though.
Vincent......I hate to say, but he made me mad with his arrogance. I feel like he made things awkward with everybody. He better step it up in the next book. I love my Reaper, but he's got some making up to do.
Now let's get to my newest book boyfriend addition....Alistair. Man's did not have any business being that freaky 🥵. Like SIR. I see you😏. I loved how he helped Amri find and control her affinity, though. 100/10 such a sassy demon.
Amri.....GET IT QUEEN. GET IT. My girl really said, "Play with me if you want to, I got something for you." 👑

Overall fantastic book just like first. If you want to be sucked in from the beginning, this is definitely the series to go for. Perfect balance of plot & spice!One of my favorite Paranormal/romantasy series! Would 1000/10 recommend!

Now.....on to business....I need book 3😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sharnee Douglas.
151 reviews
February 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

So I knew that book was going to end on a cliffhanger but I mean what the hell! That was one emotional rollercoaster I wanted off of until I was off it!

From start to finish I was hooked (just like Glass & Grim) and did I not expect anything that happened. I love the addition of Alistair and what he brought to the table, and I loved the new characters parts in the storyline.

I knew it would end on a cliffhanger but wasn’t expecting that cliffhanger. Now the wait for the final book 😭
Profile Image for Jessi.
550 reviews108 followers
February 22, 2025
The way I screamed at that ending!! This was such a great read, an absolute emotional rollercoaster! My heart ached for Echo and Zain, but I still loved Callyx, he’s the perfect kind of crazy. Alistair was a fantastic addition to the group. I was hooked from start to finish and didn’t want to stop reading. I can’t wait for the next book; it can’t come fast enough!
Profile Image for Willie Mercedes.
1,513 reviews136 followers
February 21, 2025
Hold onto your hats, folks! Death & Decay is the thrilling second act of the Last Words Trilogy, and trust me, you’ll want to read it in order since it dives right back in just months after the first book drops the mic!

Our fierce heroine Amri is sharpening her skills like a pro while her bonds with Zain and Callyx are blossoming like spring flowers. Meanwhile, Vincent and Damion are battling their own demons—literally! Amri is off on a wild rescue mission to save her buddies from the underworld, and she’s got a rolodex of reapers, witches, and demons to contend with!

This girl is on fire, ready to move mountains for her loved ones. But brace yourselves, because by the end of this rollercoaster ride, she’s hit with a heartbreak that’ll leave you gasping! And just when you think it can’t get any crazier, boom—a cliffhanger that’ll have you biting your nails, anxiously waiting for the next installment!

In a nutshell, this book is pure gold, just like its predecessor. If you’re hunting for a page-turner that grabs you from the get-go, this series is an absolute must-read, serving up the perfect blend of intrigue and excitement!

Things to know
Mention of off page child sexual abuse from immediate family - Mention of and on page kink including: calling partner daddy, praise kink, degradation kink, knife play, light BDSM, double penetration, restraints, asphyxiation, biting, & marking. - Murder - Mention of suicide and suicide attempts - Ritualistic practices - Brutal on page violence - Magic - Blood - Consumption of blood - Mentions of infertility - Mental disorders such as: depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, multiple personality disorder - Death - Death of main character - Hospitalization - Weight loss - The Underworld & demons - Mention of verbal abuse - Nightmares - Self harm - Imprisonment - Torture - Memory loss
Profile Image for Victoria.
177 reviews11 followers
February 6, 2025
I was very lucky to be approved for an ARC of Death & Decay by JA Welch, now this is the 2nd book in a Trilogy so you do need to read the 1st book Glass & Grim beforehand.

Both Glass & Grim and Death & Decay have serious trigger warnings, so please make sure you read through them before reading the novels.

Death & Decay takes place a couple of months after the events of Glass & Grim, although I would also say its on a dual time frame as we do periodically get flash backs to help move the story and plotline along.

Amri is starting to hone her powers. Her relationship with Zain & Callyx has... evolved. Vincent and Damion are facing their own problems.

Death & Decay definitely has more of the fantasy aspect to it as we are now out of the human world, we are in the underworld so not only do we have more reapers and witches, we are amongst demons of all kinds, yet honestly none of it seems far fetched

I will admit that the hint of a new relationship whilst two of her mates are being held captive did stop me in my tracks for a moment, however the progression was actually very respectful and nothing happened until everyone (all 4 original mates) were OK with the addition of another person.

Because of the dual time frame, this novel is quite fast-paced. It feels like a lot has happened over a short period of time.

Without spoilers, I will say that there is an event that happens within the last 40 pages, and while I knew it was coming, I still had to take a moment for it to sink in.

As for the ending... well, I can't wait for the final instalment because I NEED to know what is in store for Amri and her mates.
Profile Image for Cojay Reads.
37 reviews12 followers
February 25, 2025

This book was read in succession with Grim and Glass (book one in the Last Words Trilogy) which offered an opportunity for me, as a new reader of this author’s, a chance to dissect and give a genuine evaluation of her growth between the stories. While the second book picks up where the first left off, the author has chosen to take a risky move by altering her writing style and presenting the story in a dual timeline style. Not unheard of, but surprising. It did create a slight hiccup in realigning with the plot which left me feeling slightly lost at first but I was quickly able to catch up to speed and determine which character was where and who was doing what at which time. The FMC has come full circle from her introduction in the first book, emanating a strong willed, determined, matriarchal figure. There are new developments, new characters and a completely different setting. This book is a stark contrast from the first in writing style, narrative, character development and world building. While the first was captivating and wonderfully crafted, this book feels like it was written by someone who has grown into her creative groove and found a confident voice. I admire the imaginative picture she paints with her words and the unique personalities she creates throughout this tale. 4.5⭐️ 4🌶️
Profile Image for Nikki B..
902 reviews18 followers
February 26, 2025
I cannot comprehend that ending!!! In my head, it can mean so many things to come in the next book. Echo and Zain really go through it in this book. Like... I cried so much for Echo. He lost so much of himself. But while Echo's struggle was so visible to everyone, Zain was hurting and trying to keep it hidden. There is so much happening in this book and a lot of new characters come into play. The spicy scenes are still very spicy, though, with so many of them involved now, my mind can't picture the dynamics of how it happens. The way the story was going.. I sort of knew the twist at the end was coming, but I still wasn't prepared for the heartbreak everyone endured! And then Hades drops that bombshell of a twist at the end too. I cannot wait for the next one! I need it ASAP!!!! While the first book was more realistic because they were in the human world, this one gives more fantasy vibes for being in the underworld with everyone having magical powers. JA Welch does an amazing job combining the two. I am loving this series so far!!! It's dark, so check the trigger warnings, but you have to read this series! Amazing!!!
Profile Image for Leisel.
760 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2025
Honestly I thought the first book "Glass and Grim" was great but this second instalment was just as exciting and thrilling to read. So first piece of advice is to read the first book in the series to completely comprehend the whole plot and its characters. Besides you won't be disappointed but then I guess paranormal reverse harem plots with dark and delicious characters and scenarios might not be everyone's cup of sin.
Loved the characters and honestly how it ends in particular I'm so hoping that is not an ending we all think it to be! Perhaps too I'm enjoying the idea of seeing a reverse harem where the FMC gets her selection of men and seeing it grow in number!
It is a wonderfully created plot filled with so many entertaining moments and scenarios, the characters are divine even though they can be wickedly devilish in so many ways but there are triggers that readers need to be aware of.
There is action, a sense of family betrayal, drama, sexual tensions, unrelenting sense of love and devotion, possessive relationships, emotional moments all neatly wrapped into a world of paranormal society. With a pretty good cliff hanging conclusion!
Profile Image for espookymami.
59 reviews7 followers
February 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Okay, so Death & Decay was a ride. Did it fix the plot holes from book one? Yup. Did the story flow better? Absolutely. Did the relationship dynamics improve? For sure. Did the smut level up? Oh, 100%.

BUT. AND THIS IS A BIG BUT!! But did we really just trade one character for another like it was a limited-edition Bratz doll? Because I am NOT okay. My heart? Shattered. My soul? Betrayed. The new relationship dynamic was giving ✨ replacement energy ✨, and I wasn’t vibing with it. Like, why build up one connection just to… do that? Ouch.

That being said, this book was still a solid read. Not my all-time fave, but it kept me hooked. And I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1. The writing was less jerky and had better overall flow than the first book. I do feel like there was lacking of depth and detail in some areas. The cliffhanger?? Rude. Now I have to wait for the next one, and I am not known for my patience.

Final verdict: Would I recommend? Yes. Would I emotionally recover? TBD.
Profile Image for Tanya.
669 reviews38 followers
February 7, 2025
Death & Decay is book two in The Last Words Trilogy by JA Welch. I read book one not too long ago and was excited to see what happened to our cast. This is not a standalone, and I recommend reading Glass & Grim beforehand.

This book takes place a few months after the first, but it does jump back and forth a little bit from the time of death to the present day. This book is more paranormal/fantasy than just a dark romance like the first. It does not take place in the human world.

It is really awesome that Amri has an ability in this new realm, and she has to learn how to use it. I love that she is with her mates and even discovers new love. Hello, having Zain and Callyx in two separate bodies?! What!? The book is full of romance, spicy encounters, action, and suspense. It also leaves you with another heart-wrenching cliffhanger!

Thanks to JA Welch for gifting me an eARC of Death & Decay. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Paula Martin.
178 reviews10 followers
February 25, 2025
Fantastic from beginning to end J.A. Welch you are a true genius.

Death and Decay is an electrifying second book in The Last Worlds Trilogy, filled with intense action, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. The story picks up months after the first book, following Amri as she trains her powers in the Underworld, determined to stop King Balthazar, the ruthless Reaper King, from using her powers for his own gain. The characters are fantastic, with Amri’s growing bond with her mates adding emotional layers to the high-stakes battles she faces. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, as alliances are formed and enemies are confronted. The emotional rollercoaster, especially the heart-wrenching cliffhanger, leaves you eagerly awaiting the next book. The mix of romance, danger, and powerful characters makes this book a must-read for fans of paranormal fantasy. If you enjoyed the first book, Death and Decay will keep you hooked from start to finish.
113 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2025
Death & Decay

You are not evil. You are not pain. You are freedom. Wow. She’s done it again. This 2nd book in the Last Words Trilogy. This was one hell of a ride. Picked up where Glass & Grim left. Answered some of the questions left but added so many more. My heart broke for Echo, what he went through and what he lost. Zain, my poor Zain, spiraling in his own thoughts.

Love the addition of Alistair, the history between him and Vincent. Callyx is trying to help in the ways he knows- he’s not a mushy, lovey type. He loves hard, likes bl**d but tries to be what his mates need- to feel free.
Amri- wow. Love how she came into her own, no longer feeling helpless and depressed. Harnessing her new powers to help her mates. The rescue, the trade, the ending- O.M.G that ending had me shook. Why? Ugh- why? My literally, was yelling at the screen.
Can’t wait for 3rd book, hopefully will put my brain & heart back together
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,203 reviews36 followers
February 25, 2025
Never saw that ending coming

So this book picks up where book one ended. Vincent is being tortured by his father. 

Zane and Callyx are now two separate people though they may as well be twins. They are currently with a demon named Alistair who knew Vincent. When Amri arrives they are able to find her and bring her to the Demons home. Now it's time to figure out what happened to Damion and free Vincent.

This story is full of character growth:
Overcoming trauma from torture
Finding where and how you fit
Discovering your worth
Learning and honing abilities 
Accepting all the love among the mate group

The last few chapters of this book were such a rollercoaster of emotions. However, after the live, heartbreak and tears I never saw that ending coming. I absolutely can't wait to see what the heck will be happening in the next book but I need to know as soon as freaking possible. 
Profile Image for Hayley Cook.
226 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2025
This series has absolutely had me in a chokehold! The character development was great. The world building was amazing. I loved how descriptive it was. Amri is still my girl she is such a badass! The way she keeps pushing through and fighting back was so inspiring! Callyx is still so damn hot 🥵 I love the way he cares for his mates especially Damion and Amri. Love Damion and the things he goes through just broke my heart. Grim also has to go through some really tough shit. Zain is my baby I absolutely adore him so much. Then Alister is definitely one of my favorites 🥵 I would let Alister and Callyx do anything they wanted omg so freaking hot! 🔥 The character growth was absolutely amazing! The ending absolutely destroyed me! The way this book ripped my heart out, I have never full on cried for a book before sure books have made me teary eyed but this book made me sob like a baby 😭 I cannot wait for book 3 like I need it now lol.
Profile Image for My_Books_In_Nooks.
319 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2025
ARC Review for ‘Death and Decay’ by JA Welch.

Then second installment of this series was really good!
The storyline flowed smoother than the first book, closing the plot holes. World-building was laid out more, so I also enjoyed that.
Multiple POV and timeline kept me focused to try not miss a beat of the story, cause sometimes it would go back in time to get someone’s POV, but again, it was so good, it kept me turning those pages.
Amri is finally becoming more fearless, and her powers are growing too.
Her mates almost all remain the same, loving, protecting, lots of delicious 🌶️ between them and amongst them.

So yes! This book definitely was a notch up! Beware for some sad scenes tho😢 I hope this all gets fixed! And that cliffhanger ending??!! Can’t wait for book 3
#arc #arcreview #arcreader #bookreview #bookrecs #booktok #bookgram #book #books #booklover #darkromance #deathandecay #jawelch #fyp
Profile Image for Stephanie.
364 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2025
Oh the heartbreaking cliffhanger....
I can't wait for the 3rd book now, seriously! In book 2, we're doing a time warp where parts of the book are "present day" and others are going through what Amri and the guys were doing leading up to present day. It was very easy to follow the time changes, so don't let that worry you. Now that we're in the underworld, we start to learn some things about this motley crew that we didn't know in Grim & Glass. Our FMC, is a strong, take no prisoners, give anything for those you care about type of character. So much so, that at the end of this book, she is absolustely DEVASTATED. The aftermath of this devastation leads us right into the cliffhanger and angsty wait for Book 3. I loved this book, it is dark, but easy to read. Due to the nature, make sure you check the content warnings because there are some sensitive topics in the series.
Profile Image for Shhh ... I’m Reading.
89 reviews28 followers
February 24, 2025
💥💥💥💥💥

WOW ~ JUST WOW 🔥 THIS BOOK IS FIRE! READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS - NOT FOR THE FAINTEST OF HEARTS AND SOULS!

I couldn't wait for this book to come out and now I can't wait until the 3rd book is ready, so that I can DEVOUR it, too!

Like I stated in Glass & Grim - I've never read paranormal before and I just can't get enough of Amri and all her MEN! This 2nd book in The Last Words Trilogy is one hell of a rollercoaster!

Love, love, love the addition of Alistair 🤤 I mean, who doesn't love a demon from time to time ☠💀

Amri - Girl - you found yourself in this book and you are 🔥 !!!

Due to this being the 2nd book in a trilogy - you know that it ends on a cliffhanger and what a cliffhanger J.A. Welch left me on. My mind is blown, my heart shattered and I am VERY antsy for the 3rd book. I need to know what happens.

8 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2025
Let me start by saying that this book did not have to play with my feelings like that! I loved how JA Welch was able to show us a different side to these already love-able characters. She was able to eloquently describe how grief and trauma can change someone. I also loved how the dynamic of the characters were able to adapt and overcome instead of trying to change the characters new norm. The book was a quick read and honestly the ending made me question how the third book will be set up, and how much more heartbreak I can endure lol! I loved this so much. The only negative thing I can say is I did not prefer the time line constantly changing between chapters in the beginning. With that being said, this book is spicy, creative, and heart-wrenching in all the right ways! I can't wait for book three!
Profile Image for Kerri.
106 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2025
What a whirlwind! Set right after our cliffhanger ending in book 1 Glass and Grim, there is no rest until the Underworld for Amri and her mates.

Straight away, she needs to save two of her mates. Come into her infinity, find a way to kill the King and save the Underworld? All the while finding a new mate, rescuing the Four Horseman, live up to her bargain she made with King Balthazaar and find herself in the process.

This a cracking story. Amri and her mates go through so much in this book. They really go from a broken ragtag group to strong and vulnerable famy all at the same time. Just when we thought a HEA was on the horizon, we ended book 2 on another cliffhanger...or is it really?

Book 3 cannot come soon enough!!
Profile Image for heather.
22 reviews
February 8, 2025
I enjoyed the story progression. And I still love the characters and their development. I still feel as though it needs more detail in areas and some of the spice could be taken out as I feel it doesn’t make sense in some of the places it was added. I also think maybe there are other words that could be used instead of the word “smirk” 🤷🏻‍♀️. Otherwise, this is a really good storyline and I’m excited to see where it leads!! I will definitely read the next book when she is done with it!

I am Thankful that I received the opportunity to review her ARC of Death & Decay! All reviews are left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,091 reviews47 followers
February 10, 2025
Death and Decay picks up where book one left off. Amri, Zane and Callyx are in the underworld looking for Vincent and Damion. Amri is also working on her powers to defeat the king. They are staying with a demon named Alistair that knows Vincent. They break into the castle to free Vincent and Damion from the King, he will let them go if Amri agrees to marry him. She does to free her mates. They guys sneak back into the castle after some time and they try to find a way to defeat the king. They go through some trials and learn things about themselves and their power. Can they defeat King Balthazar? Does end on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Sandra Sanches.
699 reviews23 followers
February 5, 2025
Unapologetic dark,raw and steamy
In this second book Amri becames truely a badass,claiming a new mate Alistair and king Balthazar will have the surprise of a lifetime.
The story dives into heavy themes,has a triggers list with a mile long but,in my opinion, so well weaved into the plot that added depht and intensity turning this story into a soul-gripping tale that kept me engrossed to the very last word.
Ends in a cliffhanger that made me want to scream but left the promisse to an epic ending of this triology!
Profile Image for Desiree Johnson.
64 reviews36 followers
February 8, 2025
🖤ARC REVIEW🖤

I received this beauty as an Arc! And let me just say if you haven’t started this series you need to. This is a Why-Choose Paranormal Romance. All of them being mates, they have grown so much in this they had to learn and go through new challenges that brought them even closer. It’s hard not to love each of them for who they are separately. I never liked King Balthazar and this one just cemented that feeling. The ending to this book though had me crying and then I was like wait what is this… what’s going on… I can’t wait for the next book!
70 reviews
February 15, 2025
This book had me hooked just like the first (glass and grim). This was my second underworld book (first was glass and grim). I was pleasantly surprised at how easy of a read it was for me. The continuation of the characters was beautiful. The addition of a new demon (Alistar) was perfectly worked into the story. I could not put it down. I would say it took me a good two sittings to finish. The cliff you threw us off at the end though?! It had me throwing my kindle. Mind blown. I need the last installment like yesterday.
Profile Image for Brandy .
31 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2025
✨ARC Review✨

**This is the second book in The Last Words Trilogy, you do need to read book 1 first. Please check your trigger warnings**

Well, this was an emotional roller coaster I never wanted to get off of. That cliffhanger… I desperately need the third book now. I absolutely love these characters and how each personality fits into the group. The time jumps were easy to follow and added to the storyline perfectly. Our fierce FMC surrounded by her devoted men have been through much together. So much love and heartbreak wrapped into one. This is worth the read.
Profile Image for BookObsessedMama Cheyenne Wagner.
19 reviews
February 25, 2025
This is book two (book one is Glass and Grim, which is also amazing) BUT this book!!!! I am giving it a 5 STAR review because that’s the highest I can rate a book, but if I could rate higher I WOULD. The plot twists, deception, drama, the character building and the SMUT are chef's kiss. The way JA tells this story is like nothing I have ever read. It feels like you are inside the book with all these LUST WORTHY boyfriends that she has created and the way she ended the book pulls right at your heartstrings. I can not wait for book three! I would recommend this series to everyone!
52 reviews
February 25, 2025
Ouch. That is what I will say about this book. This book is a rollercoaster and I was just along for the ride. It’s not often a series rips my heart out, but this one causes legit emotional damage. World building was interesting even more so than the last book. New characters and missions. Pain of course. I’m sad that I’ll have to wait for the next installment, god I want to know so bad, but we must have patience. Just like our crew. Spice was spicing, love is loving, pain is paining. Thank you for the opportunity for me to read this book.
Profile Image for Chaotic Bookworm.
526 reviews
March 9, 2025
Death and Decay is book 2 of The Last Word Trilogy, it is required to read book 1 Glass and Grim prior to this, to fully understand.

What a fantastic continuation from book 1, I mean seriously the author didn’t need to play my emotions like that! This book seriously packs a punch and the cliffhanger left me pacing!
J.A Welsh has done a fantastic job with the character development and the plot itself though it’s kinda fast paced it flows perfectly.
Real excited to see what more is to come in the next book.
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