What do you think?
Rate this book
Requiem Of Him
“Some loves never fade—they fracture then burn brighter.”
Levi
Nearly a decade without him should be long enough to forget.
I’ve been watching him in secret for years.
He doesn’t know who I am, and I planned to keep it that way.
The last thing I expected is for my carefully laid plans to go up in flames.
No one was ever supposed to find me.
We were never supposed to survive.
But how can I walk away when he’s always been mine?
Cortland
Protecting someone from the shadows is always a risk.
Especially doing it for years and never laying eyes on them.
He ran and I didn’t chase him.
He hid and I kept a careful distance knowing he was safe.
Safe from those who wanted nothing more than to see him in ruin.
What I didn’t expect is for him to find me somewhere I should’ve never been.
But now that he’s right in front of me, I can’t fathom walking away a second time
*Requiem Of Him is a dark Trans MM romance novella featuring a scorching hot cowboy, a bratty city boy, and enough tension to make your head throb and is book one of the Of Solace & Sin duet. Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 years old.*
Levi
Nearly a decade without him should be long enough to forget.
I’ve been watching him in secret for years.
He doesn’t know who I am, and I planned to keep it that way.
The last thing I expected is for my carefully laid plans to go up in flames.
No one was ever supposed to find me.
We were never supposed to survive.
But how can I walk away when he’s always been mine?
Cortland
Protecting someone from the shadows is always a risk.
Especially doing it for years and never laying eyes on them.
He ran and I didn’t chase him.
He hid and I kept a careful distance knowing he was safe.
Safe from those who wanted nothing more than to see him in ruin.
What I didn’t expect is for him to find me somewhere I should’ve never been.
But now that he’s right in front of me, I can’t fathom walking away a second time
*Requiem Of Him is a dark Trans MM romance novella featuring a scorching hot cowboy, a bratty city boy, and enough tension to make your head throb and is book one of the Of Solace & Sin duet. Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18 years old.*
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2025
45 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Alex Kohl
1 book17 followersAlex Kohl is an author who loves spending time with their pups, Mia and Zodiac, and usually has a book in their hand. They can be found attending concerts of their favorite bands who are probably featured in the playlists curated for each of their books. Alex draws inspiration for their characters and stories from anything they're obsessing over at any moment; whether that's a song, a quote or the need for something missing and turning it into something beautifully tragic and sometimes heart wrenching.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 29, 2025
Beta read but I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOUR. I would give up my soul for levi tbh. I'm still reeling from that ending fr 👀
July 8, 2025
“𝙃𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙡’𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝. 𝙄𝙩 𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩, 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.”
When I tell you I was desperate for this book I mean that in the most literal way. Every time Alex posted a teaser I went absolutely feral & it did NOT disappoint! This was everything I expected & more. It’s important to note that this is a novella which means it is less than 200 pages so it hits fast & it hits hard. There are a lot of moving parts to Levi’s story. He escaped a toxic family eight years ago & has since then become his true, authentic self; he’s also put up a lot of walls in order to protect himself from the heartbreak he experienced not only by the hands of his family but from the man he loved.
“𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙝, 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡—𝙖 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙.”
No matter how much Levi has tried to evade his past Cortland has found him. He’s in his city & he’s not leaving until he makes Levi his again. Levi won’t make it easy on him though no matter how strong their connection still is. The moment these two fall back together is explosive in the best way. Problem is Cortland has secrets of his only that we only just start to understand; this book is a duet & will leave you completely shook & begging for more.
“𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙞 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙄. 𝙄 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙪𝙥.”
🖤 MM
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Trans MMC
🖤 Dark
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Second Chance
⚠️ Check CW
When I tell you I was desperate for this book I mean that in the most literal way. Every time Alex posted a teaser I went absolutely feral & it did NOT disappoint! This was everything I expected & more. It’s important to note that this is a novella which means it is less than 200 pages so it hits fast & it hits hard. There are a lot of moving parts to Levi’s story. He escaped a toxic family eight years ago & has since then become his true, authentic self; he’s also put up a lot of walls in order to protect himself from the heartbreak he experienced not only by the hands of his family but from the man he loved.
“𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙝, 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡—𝙖 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙.”
No matter how much Levi has tried to evade his past Cortland has found him. He’s in his city & he’s not leaving until he makes Levi his again. Levi won’t make it easy on him though no matter how strong their connection still is. The moment these two fall back together is explosive in the best way. Problem is Cortland has secrets of his only that we only just start to understand; this book is a duet & will leave you completely shook & begging for more.
“𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙞 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙄. 𝙄 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙪𝙥.”
🖤 MM
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Trans MMC
🖤 Dark
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Second Chance
⚠️ Check CW
Read
July 10, 2025the writing was beautiful i was so excited for this but the cliffhanger just made me sad :( why did we have to do that it was so unnecessary
July 10, 2025
ALEX PULLED NO PUNCHES WITH THIS ONE, GUYS!
There's a level of mystery surrounding this book that I'm dying to see unravel in book two. This little gem had me hooked from page one. Such a unique premise that I promise you've never quite experienced before. AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE KINKS? I was drooling. Fidgeting. Panting. You get it.
Omg the side characters. I need books for them. I will not take no for an answer because OMG.
The ending.....ALEX. YOU ARE IN TIME OUT.
-12 year age gap
-cowboy & his brat
-second chance w/ a healthy sprinkle of pining
-cinnamon roll mc (BUT ONLY FOR HIM!)
-trans rep
-cheating (not between mcs)
There's a level of mystery surrounding this book that I'm dying to see unravel in book two. This little gem had me hooked from page one. Such a unique premise that I promise you've never quite experienced before. AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE KINKS? I was drooling. Fidgeting. Panting. You get it.
Omg the side characters. I need books for them. I will not take no for an answer because OMG.
The ending.....ALEX. YOU ARE IN TIME OUT.
-12 year age gap
-cowboy & his brat
-second chance w/ a healthy sprinkle of pining
-cinnamon roll mc (BUT ONLY FOR HIM!)
-trans rep
-cheating (not between mcs)
July 2, 2025
ARC read and I did enjoy it, though the beginning was a little splintered, I could have used more back story, though some was given later in the story, but not quite enough for my liking. That ending was brutal...I was really cheering for them to be happy together but apparently that's for the next book. Great debut and I am glad I got to read it.
July 15, 2025
OH??? i need book two NOW
Read
July 14, 2025DNF
October 14, 2025
I received this arc in advance for a honest review.
This was a bit hard for me to review. The aesthetic of this book is right up my alley but I was a bit lost while reading it.
There wasn’t a lot of world building and the side characters weren’t being introduced, they were just popping up, so it was making it a bit hard to follow along. It felt like the story was just skipping to different scenes.
As for the MMCs, I was really looking forward to the tension and longing. They met each other again so quickly in the beginning but never really talked about the past 8 years and their current lives so it kinda felt more like miscommunication than tension to me.
This is a novella but I think this book could easily be 300+ with the plot and where it’s headed imo.
This was a bit hard for me to review. The aesthetic of this book is right up my alley but I was a bit lost while reading it.
There wasn’t a lot of world building and the side characters weren’t being introduced, they were just popping up, so it was making it a bit hard to follow along. It felt like the story was just skipping to different scenes.
As for the MMCs, I was really looking forward to the tension and longing. They met each other again so quickly in the beginning but never really talked about the past 8 years and their current lives so it kinda felt more like miscommunication than tension to me.
This is a novella but I think this book could easily be 300+ with the plot and where it’s headed imo.
August 2, 2025
I have a few issues
1. The side characters that were just thrown in, they had my brain working overtime trying to figure out what their roles were, just chapter 1 and I was already stressed out.
2. The fact that the ML and mc started developing 'feelings' when said ML was 29 and the mc was 17 😒
3. Minus the age they started their relationship I feel like the book isn't cut out as a novella. In my opinion if it had been a lengthy novel we could have seen the characters fully fleshed out and the book wouldn't have felt rushed.
1. The side characters that were just thrown in, they had my brain working overtime trying to figure out what their roles were, just chapter 1 and I was already stressed out.
2. The fact that the ML and mc started developing 'feelings' when said ML was 29 and the mc was 17 😒
3. Minus the age they started their relationship I feel like the book isn't cut out as a novella. In my opinion if it had been a lengthy novel we could have seen the characters fully fleshed out and the book wouldn't have felt rushed.
July 14, 2025
Just by reading the 121 pages of book i instantly knew this going to be a very heartbreaking duet 🫠 Not only due to the plot you getting but that ending broke my heart. It was so traumatizing that i know the next book will be traumatic, heart wailing, depressing and full on stress read. And i am not sure i want to put myself with that 😭
I have to mention here that my review is for me to remind myself of the book when i want to remember back what it is about (make it easy if i plan to pick the next book without feeling lost) and also for me to rant —— so full on spoiler below read at your on caution ⚠️
As the author note say they are both deeply flawed at time can be frustrating, toxic, obsessive and downright nasty for each other. So we kinda get the jinx of the characters but still i wasn’t expecting that kind of toxic 😭 i mean i have read my fair shared of cheating trope in book but it was always when the person deserve to be cheated on since they were downright assholes mostly situation that have legit reasons for cheating to be kinda acceptable….. but so far from what i can see the cheating in here is different🫠 the fact Cortland as per Levi mention went on with his plan marrying Diana and build a family while still pursuing Levi it didn’t sit right with me. I can’t fathom how you can go on marry another person while claiming you love someone so deeply…ok ok i can accept it was due to “certain reason” and due to “big agenda” behind it all but why do you have involved a child in it tooo????? If it was truly for a plan why do you need to like legit build a goddamn family and have a child… to me having a child with someone is another level of intimacy and sacred thing…for him to still go on with fucking with tons of people cheating behind his wife (kinda with Levi too) while still proclaiming to have feelings for Levi is mind blowing for me to even fathom 🤦🏽♀️ —— and that poor child… i was for a moment where he state that the child might be adopted or something so i can kinda accept it but so far there is none… and the fact is from the call he have with Diana and his son, they seem to be a loving family and my heart can’t take for it to be broken 😭😭 ok there might be a bigger plot for the next book, but i hope that Diana was aware of this all and kinda expecting to happen… because if she was unaware about all those cheating and Cortland feeling towards Levi these whole freaking time…then it would truly be a very heartbreaking moment and i just can’t seems to accept that🫠
From the above it already make it hard for me to continue the book or even thinking about picking up the next book but what added more to it is the freaking ending 😭😭😭 i was a hell literally hell traumatizing ending to have… a first for me… i can’t even imagine how the next book beginning going to start. My heart truly went out for Levi with what he has dealt from his past and the situation he has to deal with Cortland currently…now added with such a traumatic event happening to him 😭😭😭 make me have to think harder to pick up the next book because boy do i want to see Levi happy but with everything that have go on and the discovery i make…i don’t know if i can put myself up for it.
With all the depression review aside i have to mention that is a one hot mess 🔥 between them. As expected from the nasty couple as per author mention, they were both hella nasty for each other and that was my first time reading a legit water sport kink scene. Didn’t believe i would find it as hot as i did ✨ and also a first of me reading a trans character too so double new unlocked 🔓
I have to add the thing that make me the most intrigued to know are Alessio and Jameson story. Damn do i need their book because just from such a brief moment and introduction of their characters plus dynamic, i was hooked and crave more of it. I want to know more of them and kinda interested on their relationship more 😍
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Alessio sprawling out in a chair is the picture of nonchalance as Jameson continues berating him about messing with his boys and going to their father about this, but the hearts swirling in Alessio’s eyes as Jameson takes him apart is proof that this is all he wanted. He’s struggling to hold himself back, the indecision is plain as day, but Jameson is too fired up to even see the adoration and lust aimed his way by his stepbrother. It’s unbearably heartbreaking watching Alessio each time he’s in the same room as Jameson, but no one says a word.
€
As much as I acted like I didn’t want him around, I’m not ready for him to go home either. Not when I knew he’d be going back home to a woman who he’d married and had a little family with this entire time while I’d been alone.
€
On his way out the door he takes a moment to look at me like he’s seeing me for the first time.“He survived this long without you, you know. Don’t make him learn how to do it again if you aren’t willing to give him everything.
I nod. Although I hate him for being a bigger part of Levi’s life than I had thought he was, I couldn’t argue with him. I knew I needed to be more than sure about the decision I was about to make. It wasn’t just Levi who I’d be uprooting. I had to think about Diana and Elliott, and the business, while keeping them all safe.
€
“As I recall, you weren’t and have never been one to exercise a shred of loyalty to any partner you’ve had, and now you have a wife, Cortland, so what does that say about you?”
We hadn’t discussed it, and truthfully, I didn’t want all the sordid details, but I wasn’t raised to bury my head in the sand.
He cocks his head to the side a bit and narrows his eyes. “My marriage is none of your business, Levi.”
“Do you really expect me to live in a fantasy with you, pretending that you don’t have a wife and a passel of kids waiting for you back home? If that’s the case, we don’t need to be having any conversation at all.” When he doesn’t respond, I take a step back leaving my words to linger in the space between us.”
Excerpt From
Requiem Of Him: A Dark Trans MM Romance Novella (Of Solace And Sin Book 1)
Alex Kohl
This material may be protected by copyright.
I have to mention here that my review is for me to remind myself of the book when i want to remember back what it is about (make it easy if i plan to pick the next book without feeling lost) and also for me to rant —— so full on spoiler below read at your on caution ⚠️
As the author note say they are both deeply flawed at time can be frustrating, toxic, obsessive and downright nasty for each other. So we kinda get the jinx of the characters but still i wasn’t expecting that kind of toxic 😭 i mean i have read my fair shared of cheating trope in book but it was always when the person deserve to be cheated on since they were downright assholes mostly situation that have legit reasons for cheating to be kinda acceptable….. but so far from what i can see the cheating in here is different🫠 the fact Cortland as per Levi mention went on with his plan marrying Diana and build a family while still pursuing Levi it didn’t sit right with me. I can’t fathom how you can go on marry another person while claiming you love someone so deeply…ok ok i can accept it was due to “certain reason” and due to “big agenda” behind it all but why do you have involved a child in it tooo????? If it was truly for a plan why do you need to like legit build a goddamn family and have a child… to me having a child with someone is another level of intimacy and sacred thing…for him to still go on with fucking with tons of people cheating behind his wife (kinda with Levi too) while still proclaiming to have feelings for Levi is mind blowing for me to even fathom 🤦🏽♀️ —— and that poor child… i was for a moment where he state that the child might be adopted or something so i can kinda accept it but so far there is none… and the fact is from the call he have with Diana and his son, they seem to be a loving family and my heart can’t take for it to be broken 😭😭 ok there might be a bigger plot for the next book, but i hope that Diana was aware of this all and kinda expecting to happen… because if she was unaware about all those cheating and Cortland feeling towards Levi these whole freaking time…then it would truly be a very heartbreaking moment and i just can’t seems to accept that🫠
From the above it already make it hard for me to continue the book or even thinking about picking up the next book but what added more to it is the freaking ending 😭😭😭 i was a hell literally hell traumatizing ending to have… a first for me… i can’t even imagine how the next book beginning going to start. My heart truly went out for Levi with what he has dealt from his past and the situation he has to deal with Cortland currently…now added with such a traumatic event happening to him 😭😭😭 make me have to think harder to pick up the next book because boy do i want to see Levi happy but with everything that have go on and the discovery i make…i don’t know if i can put myself up for it.
With all the depression review aside i have to mention that is a one hot mess 🔥 between them. As expected from the nasty couple as per author mention, they were both hella nasty for each other and that was my first time reading a legit water sport kink scene. Didn’t believe i would find it as hot as i did ✨ and also a first of me reading a trans character too so double new unlocked 🔓
I have to add the thing that make me the most intrigued to know are Alessio and Jameson story. Damn do i need their book because just from such a brief moment and introduction of their characters plus dynamic, i was hooked and crave more of it. I want to know more of them and kinda interested on their relationship more 😍
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Alessio sprawling out in a chair is the picture of nonchalance as Jameson continues berating him about messing with his boys and going to their father about this, but the hearts swirling in Alessio’s eyes as Jameson takes him apart is proof that this is all he wanted. He’s struggling to hold himself back, the indecision is plain as day, but Jameson is too fired up to even see the adoration and lust aimed his way by his stepbrother. It’s unbearably heartbreaking watching Alessio each time he’s in the same room as Jameson, but no one says a word.
€
As much as I acted like I didn’t want him around, I’m not ready for him to go home either. Not when I knew he’d be going back home to a woman who he’d married and had a little family with this entire time while I’d been alone.
€
On his way out the door he takes a moment to look at me like he’s seeing me for the first time.“He survived this long without you, you know. Don’t make him learn how to do it again if you aren’t willing to give him everything.
I nod. Although I hate him for being a bigger part of Levi’s life than I had thought he was, I couldn’t argue with him. I knew I needed to be more than sure about the decision I was about to make. It wasn’t just Levi who I’d be uprooting. I had to think about Diana and Elliott, and the business, while keeping them all safe.
€
“As I recall, you weren’t and have never been one to exercise a shred of loyalty to any partner you’ve had, and now you have a wife, Cortland, so what does that say about you?”
We hadn’t discussed it, and truthfully, I didn’t want all the sordid details, but I wasn’t raised to bury my head in the sand.
He cocks his head to the side a bit and narrows his eyes. “My marriage is none of your business, Levi.”
“Do you really expect me to live in a fantasy with you, pretending that you don’t have a wife and a passel of kids waiting for you back home? If that’s the case, we don’t need to be having any conversation at all.” When he doesn’t respond, I take a step back leaving my words to linger in the space between us.”
Excerpt From
Requiem Of Him: A Dark Trans MM Romance Novella (Of Solace And Sin Book 1)
Alex Kohl
This material may be protected by copyright.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
Requiem of Him
A dark trans MM romance Novella
Alex Kohl
Cortland & Levi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Watersports
Trans rep
Age gap
Down bad cowboy
Cheating (not with MMC's)
Pining
Black cat / Cinnamon roll (only for him)
Levi ran from
His home 8 years ago. A home he was not safe in. He ran to safety, and to a life he could be his true self.
“Even though I know it’s nearly impossible to outrun who I was, I still fucking try. To this day I’m still running, and I don’t know if I’ll ever stop.”
Now transitioned, 8 years later he ran into the only man he loved and saw him for who he was, Cortland.
“Eight years has not been enough time, not when I would always crave even the slightest hint of his presence, his attention.”
We find out Courtland is married with a son.
This being a Novella we are still missing the full picture. Cortland seems to have things at play, protecting his ranch and family.
Courtland is clearly still in love with Levi. While also cheating on his wife with Levi and others over the years.
“He survived this long without you, you know. Don’t make him learn how to do it again if you aren’t willing to give him everything.”
This was great. Has me needing more.
They were so hot together, sheesh.
This Novella ends in a brutal cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the next book so we can have all the questions answered.
“Cortland had seen me in my wreckage and is seeing me in my rebirth, but it feels like he’s still looking for the same little girl who doted on him, who thought he’d hung the moon and stars for her. His little show pony. But I was never that little girl, and never would be.”
A dark trans MM romance Novella
Alex Kohl
Cortland & Levi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Watersports
Trans rep
Age gap
Down bad cowboy
Cheating (not with MMC's)
Pining
Black cat / Cinnamon roll (only for him)
Levi ran from
His home 8 years ago. A home he was not safe in. He ran to safety, and to a life he could be his true self.
“Even though I know it’s nearly impossible to outrun who I was, I still fucking try. To this day I’m still running, and I don’t know if I’ll ever stop.”
Now transitioned, 8 years later he ran into the only man he loved and saw him for who he was, Cortland.
“Eight years has not been enough time, not when I would always crave even the slightest hint of his presence, his attention.”
We find out Courtland is married with a son.
This being a Novella we are still missing the full picture. Cortland seems to have things at play, protecting his ranch and family.
Courtland is clearly still in love with Levi. While also cheating on his wife with Levi and others over the years.
“He survived this long without you, you know. Don’t make him learn how to do it again if you aren’t willing to give him everything.”
This was great. Has me needing more.
They were so hot together, sheesh.
This Novella ends in a brutal cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the next book so we can have all the questions answered.
“Cortland had seen me in my wreckage and is seeing me in my rebirth, but it feels like he’s still looking for the same little girl who doted on him, who thought he’d hung the moon and stars for her. His little show pony. But I was never that little girl, and never would be.”
July 5, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
What to expect:
Dark Trans Mm Romance ✔️
Black Cat/Cinnamon Roll ✔️
DOWN BAD Cowboy✔️
He isn't my Levi anymore. He is something else entirely.
Levi & Cortland are soooo fxckn IT. Our Cowboy is DOWN BAD for Levi! & Levi lovessss to give him little crumbs. But that TENSION?! That PUSH PUSH and pull?! It was PALPABLE. 🥵
The characters got a little confusing for me (in the beginning) but baby Cort cleared some up for me. 🥰
I still NEED to know what happened to my baby NYX! Like my boy just wants LOVE 😩😩
Honestly the way I wanted to THROW my kindle across the fxckn room because of that cliffhanger! Like baby, what????? I need MORE! Gimmeeee more 😩
Alex…. I’m fxckn SPEECHLESS!!!!! in the best of ways! ROH was so well-written & you fxckn DID THAT
What to expect:
Dark Trans Mm Romance ✔️
Black Cat/Cinnamon Roll ✔️
DOWN BAD Cowboy✔️
He isn't my Levi anymore. He is something else entirely.
Levi & Cortland are soooo fxckn IT. Our Cowboy is DOWN BAD for Levi! & Levi lovessss to give him little crumbs. But that TENSION?! That PUSH PUSH and pull?! It was PALPABLE. 🥵
The characters got a little confusing for me (in the beginning) but baby Cort cleared some up for me. 🥰
I still NEED to know what happened to my baby NYX! Like my boy just wants LOVE 😩😩
Honestly the way I wanted to THROW my kindle across the fxckn room because of that cliffhanger! Like baby, what????? I need MORE! Gimmeeee more 😩
Alex…. I’m fxckn SPEECHLESS!!!!! in the best of ways! ROH was so well-written & you fxckn DID THAT
July 13, 2025
4.5⭐️ wtf did I just read and why did I love it?
July 10, 2025
This was dark, messy, but also very interesting. I did feel like I was missing parts of the story, but seeing as it's a duet I'm confident I'll get my answers when the next part comes out. There is so much history and hurt between Levi and Cortland. Their chemistry is off the charts, but things between them are messy. They have both been trying to keep the other safe for the last 8 years and I feel like there is so much going on in the background and I'm hopeful that we'll get all the information in the second part.
This novella does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that. There are dark and deadly things going on in the background and those are catching up to Levi. I'm excited to see how this story ends.
This novella does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that. There are dark and deadly things going on in the background and those are catching up to Levi. I'm excited to see how this story ends.
July 10, 2025
In the beginning I felt a little off because I couldn’t quite follow the story with all the different side characters they were just thrown into the story at the same time… got me a little confused….later in the story some of it gets a bit clearer…
It’s a dark story about two MMC’s with an age gap who knew each other from when they were growing up together. Now years later - Levi ran away after his coming out having a hard time as a trans boy living in a very conservative abusing family - they meet again because Cortland needed to find Levi desperately and was always looking out for him from afar. He wants to know him in safety!
They have a kind of toxic relationship although they are very much drawn to each other and it feels like the real deal… like the one and only all time over consuming perfect love… despite of that they fight each other with tooth and nails. Cortland is very dominant and Levi is a very bratty teasing sub, fighting domination with every fiber of his being. Cortland has his hands full to get Levi to obey, which results in some very rough scenes in the bedroom.
Unfortunately the book ends on a cliffhanger - Cortland desperately wants to safe Levi - I want to know everything about that part which was only there with little hints - I need to know the extent of all the threats and bad things happening - but we have to wait for book two to find that out and how they finally work together for their ‘ment to be’ HEA.
“I know I would sacrifice any piece of me if it meant he was still breathing, with or without me. I would do it every single time.”
4 stars from me
Please read the trigger warnings before digging in
It’s a dark story about two MMC’s with an age gap who knew each other from when they were growing up together. Now years later - Levi ran away after his coming out having a hard time as a trans boy living in a very conservative abusing family - they meet again because Cortland needed to find Levi desperately and was always looking out for him from afar. He wants to know him in safety!
They have a kind of toxic relationship although they are very much drawn to each other and it feels like the real deal… like the one and only all time over consuming perfect love… despite of that they fight each other with tooth and nails. Cortland is very dominant and Levi is a very bratty teasing sub, fighting domination with every fiber of his being. Cortland has his hands full to get Levi to obey, which results in some very rough scenes in the bedroom.
Unfortunately the book ends on a cliffhanger - Cortland desperately wants to safe Levi - I want to know everything about that part which was only there with little hints - I need to know the extent of all the threats and bad things happening - but we have to wait for book two to find that out and how they finally work together for their ‘ment to be’ HEA.
“I know I would sacrifice any piece of me if it meant he was still breathing, with or without me. I would do it every single time.”
4 stars from me
Please read the trigger warnings before digging in
July 19, 2025
Someone found a thesaurus and went to town.
This book is all inner monologue filled with an unnecessary amount of adjectives
This book is all inner monologue filled with an unnecessary amount of adjectives
July 9, 2025
Requiem of Him is the first book in Alex Kohl’s Of Solace and Sin duet. Here’s what you can expect from Levi and Cortland:
🖤 MM dark romance novella
🖤 First person dual point of view
🖤 Ends on a cliffhanger
🖤 Open door spice
🖤 Transmasc main character
🖤 Cowboy and bratty city boy
🖤 Forbidden romance
🖤 Cheating
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Impact play
🖤 Second chance
Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
Wow, this novella really packed a punch and left us wanting more. Alex has a beautiful style of writing that really draws you in and builds an incredible amount of tension and passion between the two main characters, Levi and Cortland. They are both very interesting and complex characters, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better in the second installation of the duet. The spice in this book was phenomenal! It was filthy in the best possible way, but you’ll definitely want to mind your trigger warnings. The best part about the spice in the book was the way it highlighted the deep emotional bond between the two characters. My only slight issue with this novella is that it felt like we were missing a bit of critical information and backstory. I was able to follow just fine and still enjoy myself, but I had the feeling that there was some missing context and it took me a few chapters to really sink into the story. I’m hoping that will be cleared up in the second part of the duet. I’m glad I had the chance to read this and discover Alex’s work, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🖤 MM dark romance novella
🖤 First person dual point of view
🖤 Ends on a cliffhanger
🖤 Open door spice
🖤 Transmasc main character
🖤 Cowboy and bratty city boy
🖤 Forbidden romance
🖤 Cheating
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Impact play
🖤 Second chance
Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
Wow, this novella really packed a punch and left us wanting more. Alex has a beautiful style of writing that really draws you in and builds an incredible amount of tension and passion between the two main characters, Levi and Cortland. They are both very interesting and complex characters, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better in the second installation of the duet. The spice in this book was phenomenal! It was filthy in the best possible way, but you’ll definitely want to mind your trigger warnings. The best part about the spice in the book was the way it highlighted the deep emotional bond between the two characters. My only slight issue with this novella is that it felt like we were missing a bit of critical information and backstory. I was able to follow just fine and still enjoy myself, but I had the feeling that there was some missing context and it took me a few chapters to really sink into the story. I’m hoping that will be cleared up in the second part of the duet. I’m glad I had the chance to read this and discover Alex’s work, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
This was a dark, tense, and messy second chance romance that kept me hooked, even if I didn’t completely fall head over heels for it.
Levi’s tried to escape his past, but Cortland isn’t letting go that easily. He’s in Levi’s city now and determined to claim him again. Their connection is intense, a bit chaotic, and when they finally give in? It’s explosive — though also undeniably complicated.
I did struggle a bit at the start. The story felt like I’d jumped into the middle of a series without all the context I needed. While some of their backstory trickles in later, I still found myself wanting more — especially to really understand what’s at stake for them. The novella format packs in a lot, but it sometimes felt like there were critical details missing.
That said, it’s clearly the start of a duet, so I’m hoping the next book will fill in those gaps and give more depth to Levi and Cortland’s history and their current mess. And wow, that cliffhanger… abrupt and brutal!! Definitely left me curious (and a bit annoyed, if I’m honest, like wtf am I meant to do while I wait for the next book?) to see what happens next.
Highlights include:
🖤 MM romance with dual POV
🖤 A trans MMC, handled well
🖤 Age gap + dark, second chance dynamic
🖤 Plenty of warnings to pay attention to — this is not light and fluffy
All in all, I’m glad I picked it up and discovered Alex Kohl’s writing. While this wasn’t a perfect read for me, I’m still interested to see how it all wraps up in part two.
Levi’s tried to escape his past, but Cortland isn’t letting go that easily. He’s in Levi’s city now and determined to claim him again. Their connection is intense, a bit chaotic, and when they finally give in? It’s explosive — though also undeniably complicated.
I did struggle a bit at the start. The story felt like I’d jumped into the middle of a series without all the context I needed. While some of their backstory trickles in later, I still found myself wanting more — especially to really understand what’s at stake for them. The novella format packs in a lot, but it sometimes felt like there were critical details missing.
That said, it’s clearly the start of a duet, so I’m hoping the next book will fill in those gaps and give more depth to Levi and Cortland’s history and their current mess. And wow, that cliffhanger… abrupt and brutal!! Definitely left me curious (and a bit annoyed, if I’m honest, like wtf am I meant to do while I wait for the next book?) to see what happens next.
Highlights include:
🖤 MM romance with dual POV
🖤 A trans MMC, handled well
🖤 Age gap + dark, second chance dynamic
🖤 Plenty of warnings to pay attention to — this is not light and fluffy
All in all, I’m glad I picked it up and discovered Alex Kohl’s writing. While this wasn’t a perfect read for me, I’m still interested to see how it all wraps up in part two.
July 8, 2025
✎ This book 🥹,this book is one of the best book I’ve read this year and it’s a crime it’s that short and I know it’s a first part of a duet but I still want more.The raw emotion,the hurt,fear and insecurities of the characters were written so well it felt like I was watching a motion picture.
✎ Levi,poor Levi,he really deserves the world and to be surrounded by love,happiness and kindness.He deserves better from the world and the people who was supposed to love him unconditionally but failed him and looked down on him,he has been failed all his life and after getting a little,just a tiny bit of himself back,he was plunged back into the abyss again.
✎ My heart is so broken right now,the way the book ended destroyed me the violence,violation,humiliation and disrespect was heartbreaking.All he wanted was to be his true self and leave his life and those POS couldn’t let him have that🥹🥹.I’m so disgusted and heartbroken right now.I hate this world.
✍︎ ℂ𝕠𝕨𝕓𝕠𝕪 𝕏 𝔹𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣
✍︎ 𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
✍︎ 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟
✍︎ 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕜 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
✍︎ 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕓𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕟
✍︎ 𝕀𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕥 ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪
✍︎ 𝔸𝕘𝕖 𝔾𝕒𝕡
✍︎ ℙ𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘
✍︎ 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜 ℂ𝕒𝕥 𝕏 ℂ𝕚𝕟𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕟 ℝ𝕠𝕝𝕝
✍︎ 𝔻𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝔹𝕒𝕕 ℂ𝕠𝕨𝕓𝕠𝕪
✍︎ 𝕌𝕟𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕕 𝔹𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝔹𝕖𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕠𝕣
✍︎ ℂ𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘[𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕄ℂ𝕤]
✎ Levi,poor Levi,he really deserves the world and to be surrounded by love,happiness and kindness.He deserves better from the world and the people who was supposed to love him unconditionally but failed him and looked down on him,he has been failed all his life and after getting a little,just a tiny bit of himself back,he was plunged back into the abyss again.
✎ My heart is so broken right now,the way the book ended destroyed me the violence,violation,humiliation and disrespect was heartbreaking.All he wanted was to be his true self and leave his life and those POS couldn’t let him have that🥹🥹.I’m so disgusted and heartbroken right now.I hate this world.
✍︎ ℂ𝕠𝕨𝕓𝕠𝕪 𝕏 𝔹𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣
✍︎ 𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
✍︎ 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤 ℝ𝕖𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟
✍︎ 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕜 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
✍︎ 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕓𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕟
✍︎ 𝕀𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕥 ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪
✍︎ 𝔸𝕘𝕖 𝔾𝕒𝕡
✍︎ ℙ𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘
✍︎ 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜 ℂ𝕒𝕥 𝕏 ℂ𝕚𝕟𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕟 ℝ𝕠𝕝𝕝
✍︎ 𝔻𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝔹𝕒𝕕 ℂ𝕠𝕨𝕓𝕠𝕪
✍︎ 𝕌𝕟𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕕 𝔹𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝔹𝕖𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕠𝕣
✍︎ ℂ𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘[𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕄ℂ𝕤]
July 3, 2025
Requiem Of Him is Alex’s debut novella and WOW—what a ride! 🔥
This is book one of a duet and yes… it ends on a brutal cliffhanger 😩
Levi and Cortland shared a past life—one that ended when Levi ran away and disappeared without a trace. Years later, fate throws them back together when Cortland walks into Levi’s bar… a place no one from home was ever supposed to find.
The angst. The pining. The unresolved feelings. I was hooked! 🖤
They’re both trying to rebuild and move on, but one night changes everything.
I was rooting so hard for these two—and now I’m desperate for book two!
Things to know
mention of suicide, mention of domestic violence, mention of child abuse, mention of aggressive animals, non-con/dubcon, rape, homophobia, transphobia, use of dead name, use of feminine anatomical terms, mention of drug use, mention of drug addiction, cheating (not between MCs), bodily fluids, watersports, spanking, slapping, overstimulation, humiliation, degradation, misgendering, anxiety/panic attacks, gender disphoria, black cat / cinnamon roll, 12 years age gap (39/27), trans MM romance, down bad cowboy, cat daddy, bartender
This is book one of a duet and yes… it ends on a brutal cliffhanger 😩
Levi and Cortland shared a past life—one that ended when Levi ran away and disappeared without a trace. Years later, fate throws them back together when Cortland walks into Levi’s bar… a place no one from home was ever supposed to find.
The angst. The pining. The unresolved feelings. I was hooked! 🖤
They’re both trying to rebuild and move on, but one night changes everything.
I was rooting so hard for these two—and now I’m desperate for book two!
Things to know
mention of suicide, mention of domestic violence, mention of child abuse, mention of aggressive animals, non-con/dubcon, rape, homophobia, transphobia, use of dead name, use of feminine anatomical terms, mention of drug use, mention of drug addiction, cheating (not between MCs), bodily fluids, watersports, spanking, slapping, overstimulation, humiliation, degradation, misgendering, anxiety/panic attacks, gender disphoria, black cat / cinnamon roll, 12 years age gap (39/27), trans MM romance, down bad cowboy, cat daddy, bartender
July 9, 2025
Requiem of Him by Alex Kohl is Alex’s debut book and they did an amazing job. I was hooked from the very beginning and I wish this book was longer because I couldn’t stop reading.
Levi’s story is dark and moving. My heart broke for him because of what he went through just because he wanted to be his most authentic self but he wasn’t safe too. It was heartbreaking that Levi has to put up so many walls to keep himself safe. Despite running away from the one thing he couldn’t have, fate had put him in Cortland’s path again.
Cortland and Levi together was heart wrenchingly beautiful. Their history and chemistry was filled with raw emotion that was intense. I was hooked by the angst, pining, and unresolved feelings they had for each other. The ending broke me and I really need to know what happens after that terrifying and shocking end that left me speechless after I was done reading.
Overall, everything about this book was amazing from the writing that will hook you from the beginning to the characters that are beautifully broken and heart wrenching. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review.
This is a dark romance so please check the trigger warnings.
Levi’s story is dark and moving. My heart broke for him because of what he went through just because he wanted to be his most authentic self but he wasn’t safe too. It was heartbreaking that Levi has to put up so many walls to keep himself safe. Despite running away from the one thing he couldn’t have, fate had put him in Cortland’s path again.
Cortland and Levi together was heart wrenchingly beautiful. Their history and chemistry was filled with raw emotion that was intense. I was hooked by the angst, pining, and unresolved feelings they had for each other. The ending broke me and I really need to know what happens after that terrifying and shocking end that left me speechless after I was done reading.
Overall, everything about this book was amazing from the writing that will hook you from the beginning to the characters that are beautifully broken and heart wrenching. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review.
This is a dark romance so please check the trigger warnings.
July 10, 2025
ARC Review
Requiem of Him – Alex Kohl
Well, shit. Followed closely by… what the actual hell?!
This was my first read from this author and let me just say: Welcome. Hi. I see you. I thrive on dark romance and trigger-heavy plots—and this one may only be 8 chapters long, but damn did they pack a punch. Like, a steel-toed boot to the chest kind of punch.
We’ve got Levi—dark, broody, running from a past he thought he left behind. But surprise! That past comes galloping back in the form of Cort—a tall, older, rugged cowboy who’s not about to let Levi slip through his fingers again. And listen, are either of these men “good”? Honestly… probably not. The jury’s still out and I’m holding judgment until we get the rest of their story.
Let’s just say choices were made. Some questionable, some hot, and some that unlocked a kink or two I didn’t know I had.
But let’s talk about that ENDING. Excuse me? I need part two. Immediately.
Tropes
🤠 Age Gap
🥃 Cowboy x Bartender
🖤 Second Chance
🔥 Pining
💥 Impact Play
💔 Cheating
🚫 Forbidden
🏳️⚧️ Trans MC
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5 Spice
🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀 / 5 WTF
Requiem of Him – Alex Kohl
Well, shit. Followed closely by… what the actual hell?!
This was my first read from this author and let me just say: Welcome. Hi. I see you. I thrive on dark romance and trigger-heavy plots—and this one may only be 8 chapters long, but damn did they pack a punch. Like, a steel-toed boot to the chest kind of punch.
We’ve got Levi—dark, broody, running from a past he thought he left behind. But surprise! That past comes galloping back in the form of Cort—a tall, older, rugged cowboy who’s not about to let Levi slip through his fingers again. And listen, are either of these men “good”? Honestly… probably not. The jury’s still out and I’m holding judgment until we get the rest of their story.
Let’s just say choices were made. Some questionable, some hot, and some that unlocked a kink or two I didn’t know I had.
But let’s talk about that ENDING. Excuse me? I need part two. Immediately.
Tropes
🤠 Age Gap
🥃 Cowboy x Bartender
🖤 Second Chance
🔥 Pining
💥 Impact Play
💔 Cheating
🚫 Forbidden
🏳️⚧️ Trans MC
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5 Spice
🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀 / 5 WTF
July 18, 2025
First of all, the writing is SOOOO GOOD!!!! This is a unique story, and I am almost positive I have never read anything like it before.
Levi has a very dark and painful past, but left it all behind to become who he truly is in a new place. Someone from his past who has been watching him for a while shows up and has him reliving painful memories. Despite it probably not being a very good idea, Levi reconnects with Cortland. There is some drama, and painful encounters, but nothing prepared me for the ending, which I never saw coming. There is mystery and intrigue galore in this story, as well as pining and brokenness that made my heart hurt.
Even though there are parts of this story that I didn't really care for (my personal issues and nothing to do with the book), I will definitely read the next book as soon as it is available. It ends on a real crazy cliffhanger, and I have to find out what happens next. The only thing that I would change is that I really wish that book one had been a full length novel. I feel like we got enough insight into Levi and Cortland's past lives to understand what is going on, but it could have benefitted from more background information on both MMCs.
It ends on a major cliffhanger and I am absolutely feral for the next book!!
***It is a dark romance that deals with some very delicate issues, so make sure that you check the trigger warnings.
Levi has a very dark and painful past, but left it all behind to become who he truly is in a new place. Someone from his past who has been watching him for a while shows up and has him reliving painful memories. Despite it probably not being a very good idea, Levi reconnects with Cortland. There is some drama, and painful encounters, but nothing prepared me for the ending, which I never saw coming. There is mystery and intrigue galore in this story, as well as pining and brokenness that made my heart hurt.
Even though there are parts of this story that I didn't really care for (my personal issues and nothing to do with the book), I will definitely read the next book as soon as it is available. It ends on a real crazy cliffhanger, and I have to find out what happens next. The only thing that I would change is that I really wish that book one had been a full length novel. I feel like we got enough insight into Levi and Cortland's past lives to understand what is going on, but it could have benefitted from more background information on both MMCs.
It ends on a major cliffhanger and I am absolutely feral for the next book!!
***It is a dark romance that deals with some very delicate issues, so make sure that you check the trigger warnings.
July 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC REVIEW
You know that eerie feeling when you open a book with zero expectations and then the first few chapters just grab you? That’s exactly what happened to me with Requiem of Him. From the first page, I was hooked. When I tell you, you're not ready for this!
This book is moody, dark, and so charged with tension it practically hums. Levi and Cortland have a history that’s both fractured and magnetic. It’s not just about longing or lust it’s about survival, memory, and the ache of unfinished business.
Levi is broken in the quiet, sharp edged kind of way. Cortland is the heat, guarded cowboy with secrets of his own. Their chemistry is undeniable, the love isn’t soft or easy it’s been through hell and still burns. Every moment between them felt like it could tip into disaster or salvation, and I loved that tension.
This is book one in the Of Solace & Sin duet, and it ends in a way that will make you desperate for more. If you like your MM romance with a darker edge, protective themes, and characters who are just a little bit unhinged for each other this one’s for you.
ARC REVIEW
You know that eerie feeling when you open a book with zero expectations and then the first few chapters just grab you? That’s exactly what happened to me with Requiem of Him. From the first page, I was hooked. When I tell you, you're not ready for this!
This book is moody, dark, and so charged with tension it practically hums. Levi and Cortland have a history that’s both fractured and magnetic. It’s not just about longing or lust it’s about survival, memory, and the ache of unfinished business.
Levi is broken in the quiet, sharp edged kind of way. Cortland is the heat, guarded cowboy with secrets of his own. Their chemistry is undeniable, the love isn’t soft or easy it’s been through hell and still burns. Every moment between them felt like it could tip into disaster or salvation, and I loved that tension.
This is book one in the Of Solace & Sin duet, and it ends in a way that will make you desperate for more. If you like your MM romance with a darker edge, protective themes, and characters who are just a little bit unhinged for each other this one’s for you.
June 30, 2025
Oh this book!!! For a novella this book certainly took me on a ride!!! Levi and Cortland had known each other in a past life and were separated for an extended period of time. They rebuild their lives separately in an attempt to move on from one another only to reunite and find the feelings still there. The pining between these two is so good. From the moment they lay eyes on each other they can’t stop watching, wanting and thinking about one another. From the build up to the moment they finally give in I was in it. I wanted to see it all come to a head and boy did it!!!
So much happened in such a short time and it was all intense. From family history, trust issues, old feelings to new friends. And the ending!!! I can’t wait for the next book!!!
🐒 Check trigger warnings.
🖤ARC REVIEW🩶
So much happened in such a short time and it was all intense. From family history, trust issues, old feelings to new friends. And the ending!!! I can’t wait for the next book!!!
🐒 Check trigger warnings.
🖤ARC REVIEW🩶
July 11, 2025
Requiem of Him ARC Review:
Levi and Cortland 🩶
Requiem of Him is part one of a new dark Trans MM romance about Levi and Cortland. However, reuniting is anything but simple for them!
WOW! The tension was high between these two, and with what I saw of their lives in general. I became hooked and now I will be begging(but patiently waiting) for more! Levi and Cortland have so much to work through and with the information given so far, I am on edge about what could happen next. Life has forced Levi to keep detached so that he is safe from the horrors of his home, with Cortland’s presence creating fissures in the armor he has been able to build. While Cortland has his own secrets he’s keeping, he refuses to back down and stay away from Levi this time around.
I am stunned at how much I am hooked on this duet and to read more from Alex Kohl whenever their next project is announced. Levi and Cortland will haunt my brain until there is more, but I will be waiting patiently and enthusiastically for part two!
5/5 🌟
Levi and Cortland 🩶
Requiem of Him is part one of a new dark Trans MM romance about Levi and Cortland. However, reuniting is anything but simple for them!
WOW! The tension was high between these two, and with what I saw of their lives in general. I became hooked and now I will be begging(but patiently waiting) for more! Levi and Cortland have so much to work through and with the information given so far, I am on edge about what could happen next. Life has forced Levi to keep detached so that he is safe from the horrors of his home, with Cortland’s presence creating fissures in the armor he has been able to build. While Cortland has his own secrets he’s keeping, he refuses to back down and stay away from Levi this time around.
I am stunned at how much I am hooked on this duet and to read more from Alex Kohl whenever their next project is announced. Levi and Cortland will haunt my brain until there is more, but I will be waiting patiently and enthusiastically for part two!
5/5 🌟
August 5, 2025
Wow... I honestly wasn't expecting the book I found in this debut work. I understand that introductory books sometimes seem like they have a lot of information, but then it all comes together perfectly. At least I hope so.
More than a dark book, I found it melancholy. Difficult when you accept any little bit of affection trying to make up for a love you think you don't deserve or can't be. I love Levi and Cortland's dynamic. Their unconditional protection no matter what he has to do for Levi, they are definitely hot as hell together.
The story behind Levi and that ending, broke me..... I'll wait for the second book to be happy.
Congratulations author, it was a wonderful surprise your debut work.
More than a dark book, I found it melancholy. Difficult when you accept any little bit of affection trying to make up for a love you think you don't deserve or can't be. I love Levi and Cortland's dynamic. Their unconditional protection no matter what he has to do for Levi, they are definitely hot as hell together.
The story behind Levi and that ending, broke me..... I'll wait for the second book to be happy.
Congratulations author, it was a wonderful surprise your debut work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
ARC review – but this is my honest opinion
This novella actually exceeded all of my expectations. As expected for a novella, it was short, and while reading, I found myself not wanting it to end.
There were moments when I felt a bit confused, since we didn’t get much context about the characters’ past or how they ended up where they are now. But honestly, I really liked that – especially knowing that this is just the first book of a duet. It kept me thinking, guessing, and curious about what might have happened and what the reasons behind some of their actions were.
The ending left me reeling. Like, hello?! I need the second book right now.
This novella actually exceeded all of my expectations. As expected for a novella, it was short, and while reading, I found myself not wanting it to end.
There were moments when I felt a bit confused, since we didn’t get much context about the characters’ past or how they ended up where they are now. But honestly, I really liked that – especially knowing that this is just the first book of a duet. It kept me thinking, guessing, and curious about what might have happened and what the reasons behind some of their actions were.
The ending left me reeling. Like, hello?! I need the second book right now.
July 10, 2025
ARC review with my honest opinion.
I am always so excited for good LGBTQ+ representation. This dark novella gives us the heartbreaking example of Levi's coming out story with an unsupportive family. There are moving moments between our MMCs and appreciate that Cortland truly sees Levi for who he is and always has been.
Levi has obviously had a long and difficult road to embrace himself, and that continues. As someone on the nonbinary spectrum who is still on this journey, I really appreciate the realness in this.
I think though that this novella could have possibly been a full novel. There were so many times where I felt like I was missing back story, character connections, and reasons for why something was happening. There just needed to be some more world building and character development. BUT, I do think this author has a solid story and characters here, they just need a little more fleshing out. That's always so hard to do in a novella though. Perhaps we get more ot that in book 2?
This dark story does end on a tragic cliffhanger. So read the TWs and be prepared before starting. This story definitely takes you on a wild ride!
I am always so excited for good LGBTQ+ representation. This dark novella gives us the heartbreaking example of Levi's coming out story with an unsupportive family. There are moving moments between our MMCs and appreciate that Cortland truly sees Levi for who he is and always has been.
Levi has obviously had a long and difficult road to embrace himself, and that continues. As someone on the nonbinary spectrum who is still on this journey, I really appreciate the realness in this.
I think though that this novella could have possibly been a full novel. There were so many times where I felt like I was missing back story, character connections, and reasons for why something was happening. There just needed to be some more world building and character development. BUT, I do think this author has a solid story and characters here, they just need a little more fleshing out. That's always so hard to do in a novella though. Perhaps we get more ot that in book 2?
This dark story does end on a tragic cliffhanger. So read the TWs and be prepared before starting. This story definitely takes you on a wild ride!
July 10, 2025
Thank you to the author and Nisha's Books & Coffee PR for the gifted ebook.
While I liked this I also feel like this novella was a story that should have been a regular sized novel. There was too much missing and I was hoping to find out more about their history but it never really came. Being that this is the beginning of a series, I hope there is more to come about their history and why we are where we are in the story.
I do love the premise, a dark MM, trans romance. The story itself is good. There is also a lot of spice and trigger warnings that need to be paid attention to if certain topics bother you.
While I liked this I also feel like this novella was a story that should have been a regular sized novel. There was too much missing and I was hoping to find out more about their history but it never really came. Being that this is the beginning of a series, I hope there is more to come about their history and why we are where we are in the story.
I do love the premise, a dark MM, trans romance. The story itself is good. There is also a lot of spice and trigger warnings that need to be paid attention to if certain topics bother you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews