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Death's Serenade
A wendigo who craves love more than human flesh.
A woman who goes after what she wants.
Phoebe just wants a man who will love her and her meddling family. She’s feeling the pressure of expectation from all sides as her younger cousin gets married and she remains single in her late twenties. Moki is a dream come true but he wants their online relationship to stay just that.
That would stop an ordinary woman but if Phoebe’s learned anything from her family it’s that sometimes you need to be bold.
Moki knows he can’t reveal his true form to Phoebe. He can’t risk exposing the existence of monsters to a human. If a pack of werewolves can barely accept the cannibalistic and terrifying nature of his kind, then how can he expect a human to do the impossible?
Monsters are the villains of their fairy tales, and he is the worst of them all.
The petite Greek is everything he’s never dared dream he could have. Her spunky nature has him questioning if she can accept him in all his beastly glory, but Phoebe might be hiding a secret so dark it could force them apart.
A woman who goes after what she wants.
Phoebe just wants a man who will love her and her meddling family. She’s feeling the pressure of expectation from all sides as her younger cousin gets married and she remains single in her late twenties. Moki is a dream come true but he wants their online relationship to stay just that.
That would stop an ordinary woman but if Phoebe’s learned anything from her family it’s that sometimes you need to be bold.
Moki knows he can’t reveal his true form to Phoebe. He can’t risk exposing the existence of monsters to a human. If a pack of werewolves can barely accept the cannibalistic and terrifying nature of his kind, then how can he expect a human to do the impossible?
Monsters are the villains of their fairy tales, and he is the worst of them all.
The petite Greek is everything he’s never dared dream he could have. Her spunky nature has him questioning if she can accept him in all his beastly glory, but Phoebe might be hiding a secret so dark it could force them apart.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 26, 2025
Moki (H) isn't your average guy. He's a wendigo living on the edge of control, hiding his appetite and past from everyone except the pack that raised him. Phoebe (h), a woman hiding her own monstrous secrets, is part of a loud, loving, and deadly Greek-American family, where justice and tradition go hand in hand. Neither is looking for forever, but one dating app match changes everything.
Their attraction is instant and intense, but so are the complications and the secrets they're keeping from one another. He's fighting to keep his hunger for flesh in check. She's part of a family that hunts killers and serves justice with blood. When the truth starts to surface and danger closes in, Moki and Phoebe must face who they really are and decide if love is worth the risk.
Moki begins as a self-isolated wendigo burdened by guilt and fear, while Phoebe starts as a confident woman hiding her truth behind tradition and family pressure. Both grow by confronting their identities, embracing their monstrous sides, and learning that vulnerability doesn't make them weak.
Their relationship shifts from playful curiosity to deep emotional connection, built on mutual acceptance and fierce loyalty. Together, they learn to love without conditions, forming a bond rooted in honesty, trust, and the freedom to be fully themselves.
A steamy, fated mates monster romance with a side of dark humor, exploring love, connection, acceptance, identity, family, secrecy, justice, revenge, trust, pack politics, transformation, belonging, and the question of whether two monsters can find peace together in a world that barely accepts them apart.
Their attraction is instant and intense, but so are the complications and the secrets they're keeping from one another. He's fighting to keep his hunger for flesh in check. She's part of a family that hunts killers and serves justice with blood. When the truth starts to surface and danger closes in, Moki and Phoebe must face who they really are and decide if love is worth the risk.
Moki begins as a self-isolated wendigo burdened by guilt and fear, while Phoebe starts as a confident woman hiding her truth behind tradition and family pressure. Both grow by confronting their identities, embracing their monstrous sides, and learning that vulnerability doesn't make them weak.
Their relationship shifts from playful curiosity to deep emotional connection, built on mutual acceptance and fierce loyalty. Together, they learn to love without conditions, forming a bond rooted in honesty, trust, and the freedom to be fully themselves.
A steamy, fated mates monster romance with a side of dark humor, exploring love, connection, acceptance, identity, family, secrecy, justice, revenge, trust, pack politics, transformation, belonging, and the question of whether two monsters can find peace together in a world that barely accepts them apart.
May 8, 2025
ARC REVIEW BOOKSPROUT:
Who would have thought that a love relationship between two such different creatures could work?
A romance and fantasy novel, where what we believe is extinct or never real, is and remains. From werewolves to mermaids and other shapeshifters. I have to admit that the idea of a wendigo dating on an app was curious and captivating to me.
On one hand, we have Moki, a lone wendigo who grew up among werewolves and foxes, weaker shapeshifters, but who kept him as just another member of the pack. Moki wants love, but believes that no one is capable of accepting his nature and his true self, given that wendigos eat human flesh. However, he maintains his ethics and doesn't kill; he just obtains corpses safely and without harming anyone. He's not an evil monster. He is a charming character, very affectionate, attentive, active with his partner and loyal.
And on the other end is Phoebe, a woman who fell in love with him on the first call and all she wants is to find true love, a family and children. However, she also has an obstacle and a big secret to keep to protect herself and men. At first, when it was mentioned that the women in her family could control the men, I thought she was a harpy, but she's a siren.
Although the plot is fun and has its romantic overtones and a few comical jokes, I am a little disappointed because most of the book Moki is human. Maybe it's my own fault for not paying more attention to the synopsis, but I thought I'd be spending most of my time as a wendigo and that was the crux of the matter. But he was only a wendigo for 2% of the novel. It's not as much of a monster romance as it seems.
And speaking of the synopsis, it's mentioned that Moki wanted a virtual relationship to continue hiding her nature, but that lasted only two or three chapters. Maybe just longer? The thing is, the plot moved along very quickly. Just two calls and the relationship stopped being virtual because Phoebe is a stalker, and Moki didn't really care that it wasn't virtual anymore. I think it was given the wrong amount of importance in the synopsis. Beyond that, it's an entertaining, funny, and romantic story.
It's one of those short, light stories, perfect for getting into Monster Romance and learning more about some of the creatures that are part of the romance subgenre. For obvious reasons, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone under 16. If you're older, you're welcome.
Who would have thought that a love relationship between two such different creatures could work?
A romance and fantasy novel, where what we believe is extinct or never real, is and remains. From werewolves to mermaids and other shapeshifters. I have to admit that the idea of a wendigo dating on an app was curious and captivating to me.
On one hand, we have Moki, a lone wendigo who grew up among werewolves and foxes, weaker shapeshifters, but who kept him as just another member of the pack. Moki wants love, but believes that no one is capable of accepting his nature and his true self, given that wendigos eat human flesh. However, he maintains his ethics and doesn't kill; he just obtains corpses safely and without harming anyone. He's not an evil monster. He is a charming character, very affectionate, attentive, active with his partner and loyal.
And on the other end is Phoebe, a woman who fell in love with him on the first call and all she wants is to find true love, a family and children. However, she also has an obstacle and a big secret to keep to protect herself and men. At first, when it was mentioned that the women in her family could control the men, I thought she was a harpy, but she's a siren.
Although the plot is fun and has its romantic overtones and a few comical jokes, I am a little disappointed because most of the book Moki is human. Maybe it's my own fault for not paying more attention to the synopsis, but I thought I'd be spending most of my time as a wendigo and that was the crux of the matter. But he was only a wendigo for 2% of the novel. It's not as much of a monster romance as it seems.
And speaking of the synopsis, it's mentioned that Moki wanted a virtual relationship to continue hiding her nature, but that lasted only two or three chapters. Maybe just longer? The thing is, the plot moved along very quickly. Just two calls and the relationship stopped being virtual because Phoebe is a stalker, and Moki didn't really care that it wasn't virtual anymore. I think it was given the wrong amount of importance in the synopsis. Beyond that, it's an entertaining, funny, and romantic story.
It's one of those short, light stories, perfect for getting into Monster Romance and learning more about some of the creatures that are part of the romance subgenre. For obvious reasons, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone under 16. If you're older, you're welcome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
I have to confess, before diving into this story, I had no idea what a wendigo was (though I’d heard the term before), necessitating a hasty Google search! But I was in for a delightful surprise because Moki turned out to be nothing like the bone-chilling creature I’d expected. Instead of an evil spirit, Moki is more lovable nerd than your worst nightmare, despite his insatiable appetite—though not exactly for pizza and burgers. Thank goodness for modern food delivery services! Raised by a werewolf pack, Moki has always felt like an outsider, resigned to the idea that love just wasn’t in the cards for him. Enter Phoebe: she’s caught in the middle of her lively Greek family, who seem to have an endless supply of aunts, uncles, cousins, and opinions—especially when it comes to her single status. With her cousin’s wedding looming, Phoebe’s determined to find a date, and that’s where she and Moki meet—online, of course. Moki, ever the cautious one, tries to keep their relationship strictly digital, terrified that the chance his true identity is revealed would destroy any chance he has with Phoebe. After all, if even his own pack fears him, what chance does he stand with a human woman? But Phoebe isn’t one to back down easily and she’s ready to fight for what she wants. Plus, Phoebe has a secret or two of her own. Yet, the irony is that while both Moki and Phoebe grapple with their hidden sides, it’s the so-called “normal” people who are the real monsters here. Unlike many fated mate romances, this isn’t an instant-love kind of story. For Moki and Phoebe, love simmers slowly, complete with missteps and Moki’s attempts to push her away before realizing what he truly is. The moment their secrets come to light is electric, and Phoebe’s reaction to Moki’s true form was heartwarming. Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual acceptance, trust, and the freedom to be themselves completely. It’s a beautifully tender reminder that even the most unlikely of monsters deserve love, and this story captures that sentiment perfectly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2025
I loved following Moki and Phoebe’s relationship. Moki only wanted a digital relationship but Phoebe is about to wreck all his plans and wants ALL of him. Moki isn’t sure what to do since he holds such a secret from her that he is not ready to reveal, but especially since he can’t fit into his own family.
Phoebe is so spunky and has me wondering, the secret that she is hiding. Like she can smell that Moki’s family are shifters and the scent she catches when out in the village and she smells death and that is the next target. She is taking photos, what does this mean. What is the secret!?
The secret it out finally for both of them. Moki tried calling it quits because he couldn’t face the look in Phoebes eyes if she could.m not except that he need to survive and is cannibal. But nope she is not doing that. She races to his home and they lay it all out on the line with what they both are.
Phoebe walks away and gives Moki his time to register everything. He goes to find her because he realizes he messed up bad. When he finds her she is rather disposed of and she never wanted Moki to see her like that. Moki thinks that’s she’s the most beautiful like this.
They decide that they are fated mates. ♥️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Phoebe is so spunky and has me wondering, the secret that she is hiding. Like she can smell that Moki’s family are shifters and the scent she catches when out in the village and she smells death and that is the next target. She is taking photos, what does this mean. What is the secret!?
The secret it out finally for both of them. Moki tried calling it quits because he couldn’t face the look in Phoebes eyes if she could.m not except that he need to survive and is cannibal. But nope she is not doing that. She races to his home and they lay it all out on the line with what they both are.
Phoebe walks away and gives Moki his time to register everything. He goes to find her because he realizes he messed up bad. When he finds her she is rather disposed of and she never wanted Moki to see her like that. Moki thinks that’s she’s the most beautiful like this.
They decide that they are fated mates. ♥️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2025
Such an original, well written story.
It took everything I had to add to that sentence. That sentence should be enough for anyone to want to read this book. Moki and Phoebe—all the characters really—are interesting and well fleshed out (heehee get it?), the storyline is interesting, and the flow is perfectly paced. What more could you want?
*** Recommended ***
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Epilogue:
* Yes
MMC:
* Moki
FMC:
* Phoebe
Tropes:
* Paranormal Romance
* Monster Romance
* Confident FMC
* Fated Mates
* Found Family
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* On Page Sex
* Violence
* Death
* Gore
* Cannibalism
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It took everything I had to add to that sentence. That sentence should be enough for anyone to want to read this book. Moki and Phoebe—all the characters really—are interesting and well fleshed out (heehee get it?), the storyline is interesting, and the flow is perfectly paced. What more could you want?
*** Recommended ***
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Epilogue:
* Yes
MMC:
* Moki
FMC:
* Phoebe
Tropes:
* Paranormal Romance
* Monster Romance
* Confident FMC
* Fated Mates
* Found Family
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* On Page Sex
* Violence
* Death
* Gore
* Cannibalism
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2025
A wendigo with a heart of gold and a woman who's not afraid to chase what she wants. 🫶 Death's Serenade delivers a refreshing twist on paranormal romance. Jacqueline Carmine crafts a tale that's both dark and enchanting, with characters that defy expectations. The chemistry between Moki and Phoebe is palpable, and their journey is as heartwarming as it is thrilling. If you're looking for a love story that embraces the monstrous and the tender, this one's for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2025
It’s a shorter story than what I usually read, but boy does it start out strong. Along with smutt starts right into chapter 4, so don’t be shocked.
I enjoyed every part of this book, it had murder, mystery, love, with a dash of adventure, and Mythical creatures what could go wrong? But what if it could go right?!
Key points in no particular order:
- Shifters (wolves, foxes, wendigoes, and more)
- Murder
- Death of parents (off page)
- Large family dynamics
- Older FMC (nearly 30)
- Using Toys
- Mild stalking
- Familial secrets
- HEA
- Sirens
- Fated mates
I enjoyed every part of this book, it had murder, mystery, love, with a dash of adventure, and Mythical creatures what could go wrong? But what if it could go right?!
Key points in no particular order:
- Shifters (wolves, foxes, wendigoes, and more)
- Murder
- Death of parents (off page)
- Large family dynamics
- Older FMC (nearly 30)
- Using Toys
- Mild stalking
- Familial secrets
- HEA
- Sirens
- Fated mates
May 28, 2025
This was such a fun and unique read. I like the idea of 'monsters' trying to hide who and what they are from each other and then finding unexpected acceptance when the truth inevitably comes out. I also like the idea of monsters having dating mishaps just as much as we do ;P Moki and Phoebe meet through a dating app and end up having a strong chemistry. Their journey to an HEA is woven into murder, mystery, adventure and spicy romance. This story is also well sprinkled with other supernatural peeps and I really enjoyed how it unfolded. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book :D
June 3, 2025
Moki and Phoebe. She wants a man to love her. He wants their online affair to stay just that, online. She cant find out his secret. Monsters aren't suppose to exist. But she has a secret too. They both have doubts about how the other will feel once the secrets are out. Theres humor and secrets and great charecters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2025
Took me a bit to get into it, but once I was in, I was IN. I strongly identified with Phoebe and loved the different family dynamics between them and how they conflicted. I'm also really interested in the world for this so I'm happy to see that this is the start of a series so we'll get more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2025
Such a wonderful book! I loved it and couldn't put it down! Devoured each and every word and will definitely check out more works by Carmine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2025
When outgoing Phoebe blasts past quiet Moki's walls the adventure starts. A marvelous read about the pit falls of dating with a big secret and a feral HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2025
This starts out like a honey trap and makes you so glad that you are reading it. This was such a good read and worth taking the chance on! READ IT, JUST DO IT!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2025
This was a sweet story with some mystery, angst and a good dose of spice. I love how accepting our main characters are of each other and how Phoebe is willing to fight for their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Had to get used to the writing style, but the plot made everything good. It was a unique story and I really loved this!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2025
Oh my , what did I just read??? I don't know if it was meant to be so funny, but I was cracking up. Making is definitely a character and Phoebe is something else entirely. I love these two characters. They are definitely soulmates.
May 11, 2025
I received a arc read for this book. I really liked the world building and the characters. I feel that it is definitely a book that I would invest the time in.
August 8, 2025
Actual Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐️
Spice Level: 2/5 🌶️
This book just wasn’t it for me. It moved incredibly fast (personal preference. I would have preferred a slower progression with Moki and Phoebe’s relationship.)
I wish there was a little more world building with the supernatural beings. Specifically, I would have liked to learn a bit more about Moki’s birth family and what all comes from being a wendigo.
I felt like there were entirely too many characters mentioned in such a short book. It became a little confusing. The book could have been just as effective with half of the characters.
I know I’m in the minority regarding this book. At the end of the day, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Spice Level: 2/5 🌶️
This book just wasn’t it for me. It moved incredibly fast (personal preference. I would have preferred a slower progression with Moki and Phoebe’s relationship.)
I wish there was a little more world building with the supernatural beings. Specifically, I would have liked to learn a bit more about Moki’s birth family and what all comes from being a wendigo.
I felt like there were entirely too many characters mentioned in such a short book. It became a little confusing. The book could have been just as effective with half of the characters.
I know I’m in the minority regarding this book. At the end of the day, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
October 30, 2025
Loved it!
This was so good! I really loved it! It was spicy and funny and the characters were awesome. Definitely recommend!
This was so good! I really loved it! It was spicy and funny and the characters were awesome. Definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews