Dead Ringer

Happily Ever Afterlife #2

by Arden Steele

If someone had asked Rune Calix where he saw himself in a thousand years, his answer definitely wouldn’t have involved mediating the petty squabbles of the dead. Still, amid the rack and ruin, he’s managed to carve out a life that doesn’t make him want to swan dive into the River Acheron. It’s neat, organized, predictable—just the way he likes it.

Then a new soul arrives on the riverbank, smelling of honeysuckle and chaos, and threatens to turn his orderly world upside down.

Keegan Marsh is neither confused nor fragile. He’s stubborn, resilient, and angry. He also knows hell, and the Underworld isn’t it. Not when it comes with a fiercely protective shifter who would die, and maybe even kill, for him. Yet, while death brings freedom, his second chance is also a dark reminder of what he left behind.

Or more precisely…who.

When Keegan is forced to confront a past that already destroyed him once, Rune knows he can’t stop him, but he’s not about to let him face it alone. He’d wage war through the depths of Tartarus for his mate, but where they’re going, his daggers won’t help them.

And there’s every chance that they won’t be coming back.

Genres: Novella, M M Romance

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2025

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

********** Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Happily Ever Afterlife Series, which set in the same world of Arden’s Blackhaven Manor Series. I liked being able to immerse myself in this magical world that Arden has created. Rune meets his match in Keegan who brings some much needed chaos to his life. Keegan found a human woman who could reconnect him with his deceased twin brother Noah to say goodbye but she was actually doing it for nefarious reasons.

Keegan ends up dead after the encounter and saw Noah get dragged into a mirror. Luckily he meets his mate Rune as soon as he arrives who helps him try and find out where Noah is and how to get him back. I’m looking forward to reading Dead to Rights next, as well as more books by Arden Steele in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.

[Robbin Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

More fun in the underworld. I really enjoyed this one. Twins, disappearing souls, evil humans and Rune. Short, sweet, steamy with a little peril and a lot of fun. I loved it

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars