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Death Is Only The Beginning: Explicit: Book 1 in The Goddesses in the Moon Series
What if the love story that haunts you… wasn’t your own?
Èmilia Reinhart has always felt like a stranger in her own skin—born into privilege in the 1950s, yet bound by duty, fractured memories, and a strange pull to the moon. When a forgotten book resurfaces in her family’s estate, it doesn’t just whisper secrets—it reveals a story that isn’t hers. A goddess buried by time. A forbidden romance written in blood and desire. A haunting echo she cannot ignore.
As the visions of myth bleed into her reality, Èmilia’s own life begins to unravel. Caught between the weight of her past and the temptations of her present, she finds herself drawn once more to Dawson—her childhood friend, her anchor, and the one man she was never meant to love. Their bond is dangerous, intoxicating, and impossible to resist.
This is not an epic of kingdoms and quests—not yet.
It is an intimate, open-door romantasy—where romance comes first, fantasy lingers in the shadows, and every page burns with longing, betrayal, and fate. Slow to build, impossible to forget.
✨ Slow burn, explicit romance
✨ Childhood friends to lovers
✨ Stepbrother tension & second chances
✨ Dual timelines of myth and memory
✨ Love written in blood, sacrifice, and desire
Death is only the beginning. But love? Love refuses to die.
Èmilia Reinhart has always felt like a stranger in her own skin—born into privilege in the 1950s, yet bound by duty, fractured memories, and a strange pull to the moon. When a forgotten book resurfaces in her family’s estate, it doesn’t just whisper secrets—it reveals a story that isn’t hers. A goddess buried by time. A forbidden romance written in blood and desire. A haunting echo she cannot ignore.
As the visions of myth bleed into her reality, Èmilia’s own life begins to unravel. Caught between the weight of her past and the temptations of her present, she finds herself drawn once more to Dawson—her childhood friend, her anchor, and the one man she was never meant to love. Their bond is dangerous, intoxicating, and impossible to resist.
This is not an epic of kingdoms and quests—not yet.
It is an intimate, open-door romantasy—where romance comes first, fantasy lingers in the shadows, and every page burns with longing, betrayal, and fate. Slow to build, impossible to forget.
✨ Slow burn, explicit romance
✨ Childhood friends to lovers
✨ Stepbrother tension & second chances
✨ Dual timelines of myth and memory
✨ Love written in blood, sacrifice, and desire
Death is only the beginning. But love? Love refuses to die.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
14 people are currently reading
3544 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book! 🌤️
Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me as I was hoping when I requested it. In fact, if you look at my pre-read notes, I was so excited to get to this story. 😩 Stories about different timelines, potential reincarnations, different mythologies are some of my favourites usually. Some of my top reads of the year have had similar elements. However, this book felt unsure of what it was trying to do.
The characters did not feel properly developed and some of their interactions felt abrupt and juvenile. I really did like Emilia at the beginning but then it felt like the character development paused in the middle of the story. As a result, I couldn’t really connect with her. Although I usually like different timelines, in this instance they felt confusing. I’m not sure if this is a formatting/editing issue but there were some weird page breaks and pov changes within the same scene? That was throwing me off whilst reading 😭.
I’ve seen several people enjoyed this book but it unfortunately wasn’t for me, so I will not be continuing with this series. ♡
pre-read notes:
are you seeing this cover?? the description?? I’m so excited to have received the ARC for this 🤭
manifesting a good time 🤞
Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me as I was hoping when I requested it. In fact, if you look at my pre-read notes, I was so excited to get to this story. 😩 Stories about different timelines, potential reincarnations, different mythologies are some of my favourites usually. Some of my top reads of the year have had similar elements. However, this book felt unsure of what it was trying to do.
The characters did not feel properly developed and some of their interactions felt abrupt and juvenile. I really did like Emilia at the beginning but then it felt like the character development paused in the middle of the story. As a result, I couldn’t really connect with her. Although I usually like different timelines, in this instance they felt confusing. I’m not sure if this is a formatting/editing issue but there were some weird page breaks and pov changes within the same scene? That was throwing me off whilst reading 😭.
I’ve seen several people enjoyed this book but it unfortunately wasn’t for me, so I will not be continuing with this series. ♡
pre-read notes:
are you seeing this cover?? the description?? I’m so excited to have received the ARC for this 🤭
manifesting a good time 🤞
August 23, 2025
5/5 Stars
Èmilia is a socialite in the 1950’s, and she struggles with her love for, Dawson, her childhood friend. While Èmilia tries to shove all of her trauma and feelings back, she stumbles upon a book. A black leather book that literally sucks her in. She experiences another life, the life of Liza and Nathaniel. Once Dawson figures out there’s something going on with Èmilia, he helps her solve what the black book means. Only they’re opening themselves up to a world of chaos and destiny.
Death is Only the Beginning is the first book in a new series. I didn’t know what to expect going into this. I will say I’m pleasantly surprised! It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with mythology. The pacing of this book is quick, and there are flashbacks. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both timelines. The tension between Èmilia and Dawson frustrated me, and that’s a big plus. This felt like a proper friends to lovers book. There was nothing easy about their relationship or Liza and Nathaniel’s. The love these characters share is difficult and filled with tragedy. The challenges make the moments of peace sweeter. There are spicy scenes starting around halfway through the book. I was honestly expecting more considering the genre. I am anticipating the next book in this series!
A warm thanks to Acacia Warmerdam, WarRose&Spells and NetGalley for this ARC!
Èmilia is a socialite in the 1950’s, and she struggles with her love for, Dawson, her childhood friend. While Èmilia tries to shove all of her trauma and feelings back, she stumbles upon a book. A black leather book that literally sucks her in. She experiences another life, the life of Liza and Nathaniel. Once Dawson figures out there’s something going on with Èmilia, he helps her solve what the black book means. Only they’re opening themselves up to a world of chaos and destiny.
Death is Only the Beginning is the first book in a new series. I didn’t know what to expect going into this. I will say I’m pleasantly surprised! It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with mythology. The pacing of this book is quick, and there are flashbacks. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both timelines. The tension between Èmilia and Dawson frustrated me, and that’s a big plus. This felt like a proper friends to lovers book. There was nothing easy about their relationship or Liza and Nathaniel’s. The love these characters share is difficult and filled with tragedy. The challenges make the moments of peace sweeter. There are spicy scenes starting around halfway through the book. I was honestly expecting more considering the genre. I am anticipating the next book in this series!
A warm thanks to Acacia Warmerdam, WarRose&Spells and NetGalley for this ARC!
August 16, 2025
Spoiler-Free
Death Is Only the Beginning by Acacia Warmerdam
Erotica/Romance/Sci-Fantasy
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Death Is Only the Beginning is an engaging fantasy romance that delves into themes of rebirth, destiny, and the intertwining of mortal and divine realms. I loved the parallels between two different forbidden romances—it added depth and tension to the story while highlighting the characters’ struggles and growth.
Warmerdam's writing is immersive, blending elements of mythology with contemporary settings to create a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The character development is compelling, with the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and empowerment at the forefront. The narrative is paced well, balancing moments of introspection with action and intrigue.
While the book introduces complex concepts and a rich backstory, it remains accessible to readers new to the genre. I would personally have preferred the story without certain triggers, though they do make sense within the narrative. The romance elements are thoughtfully integrated, adding depth to the characters’ relationships without overshadowing the central plot.
Overall Takeaway: Death Is Only the Beginning is a promising start to the Goddesses in the Moon series. It offers a captivating blend of fantasy and romance, with a strong female lead, engaging forbidden romances, and a plot that keeps readers invested.
Death Is Only the Beginning by Acacia Warmerdam
Erotica/Romance/Sci-Fantasy
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Death Is Only the Beginning is an engaging fantasy romance that delves into themes of rebirth, destiny, and the intertwining of mortal and divine realms. I loved the parallels between two different forbidden romances—it added depth and tension to the story while highlighting the characters’ struggles and growth.
Warmerdam's writing is immersive, blending elements of mythology with contemporary settings to create a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The character development is compelling, with the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and empowerment at the forefront. The narrative is paced well, balancing moments of introspection with action and intrigue.
While the book introduces complex concepts and a rich backstory, it remains accessible to readers new to the genre. I would personally have preferred the story without certain triggers, though they do make sense within the narrative. The romance elements are thoughtfully integrated, adding depth to the characters’ relationships without overshadowing the central plot.
Overall Takeaway: Death Is Only the Beginning is a promising start to the Goddesses in the Moon series. It offers a captivating blend of fantasy and romance, with a strong female lead, engaging forbidden romances, and a plot that keeps readers invested.
August 14, 2025
I was unsure what to expect with this book, but I’m genuinely surprised. I loved the parallels of two different forbidden romances going hand and hand. It led to foreshadowing and a dynamic read. At the start Emmy and Dawson lowkey were driving me insane. The constant alternating between hate and love felt never ending, however that’s probably just a me thing. The writer did amazing keeping high sexual tension, desire, yearning, and a slow burn going for all to enjoy.
Her magic was by far one of the most intriguing journeys to unravel. Each time I was sure I figured out the situation another layer peeled back shocking me more. Everyone knows there is a perfect balancing act between good/evil and life/death. To use her magic it always comes at a price. Who knows how detrimental that price might be.
I’m stoked for the next book to see where this continues. I was genuinely saddened by the ending and wanted it to end on high note. This for sure has me hooked to read the second book.
P.S- Please read the trigger warnings. There were multiple moments this book could become a bit much for some readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the arc read :)
August 9, 2025
This was such a fun book and I'm so glad I got the ARC of this! It's like an adult, spicy, dark fairytale that takes place between two timelines. Full of magic, mystery, and forbidden romance! Highly recommend when it comes out!
August 25, 2025
I don’t usually leave such negative reviews on books but this book dragged on and on with little to no pay offs imo. None of the characters were interesting or had much depth leaving them feeling flat and like their actions did not have much weight or thought behind them. I found this in the “erotica” section of Netgalley and I felt the spice level was cold and lacking for it being categorized this way. The first actual intimate scene takes place 40% of the way through the book. There’s other physical scenes between characters (an assault and a few kisses), but these are when Émilia is inebriated and left me feeling gross. The first true intimate scene we do get is fine at best, but since the emotional depth was lacking the scene flopped for me.
To expand on that, I didn’t believe in Émilia and Dawson’s love for each other, they definitely spend a lot of timing pining, but most of the descriptions felt more lustful/targeted towards their looks. Because of this their love felt flat and unappealing. Émilia herself isn’t even a likeable heroine, and spends a lot of
timing insulting Dawson and being angry with him.
Dawson is not even an attractive leading man; his jealousy and temper in the beginning of the book turned me off from him majorly. He’s possessive towards her and even though they were childhood friends this relationship isn’t developed or explored much. It felt like he was someone who use to be her friend and was bitter when she was exploring romantic options all while moping and pining for her silently.
The premise of the book is interesting and that’s what I was originally drawn to, but the world building leaves much to be desired and is back seat to characters miscommunicating with each other. Furthermore, the book ends on a cliffhanger to entice readers to read the next book in the series. This is sometimes fine, but this story doesn’t leave off on any particular note which to me feels tired and as if the writer couldn’t find a big enough plot point to
leave a reader satisfied with the ending of the book (or at least that’s how I felt).
In short, it was hard to get through, even the voice of the book and the style of the prose is flat and uninteresting.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC, I will not be reading the next book in the series.
To expand on that, I didn’t believe in Émilia and Dawson’s love for each other, they definitely spend a lot of timing pining, but most of the descriptions felt more lustful/targeted towards their looks. Because of this their love felt flat and unappealing. Émilia herself isn’t even a likeable heroine, and spends a lot of
timing insulting Dawson and being angry with him.
Dawson is not even an attractive leading man; his jealousy and temper in the beginning of the book turned me off from him majorly. He’s possessive towards her and even though they were childhood friends this relationship isn’t developed or explored much. It felt like he was someone who use to be her friend and was bitter when she was exploring romantic options all while moping and pining for her silently.
The premise of the book is interesting and that’s what I was originally drawn to, but the world building leaves much to be desired and is back seat to characters miscommunicating with each other. Furthermore, the book ends on a cliffhanger to entice readers to read the next book in the series. This is sometimes fine, but this story doesn’t leave off on any particular note which to me feels tired and as if the writer couldn’t find a big enough plot point to
leave a reader satisfied with the ending of the book (or at least that’s how I felt).
In short, it was hard to get through, even the voice of the book and the style of the prose is flat and uninteresting.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC, I will not be reading the next book in the series.
August 18, 2025
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Dark, Layered Romantasy.
This is the kind of story that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page. Death is Only the Beginning (Explicit) combines spicy romance, mythology, trauma, and longing into a sweeping narrative that feels both intimate and epic. It at times had an Emma vibe.
So I think the Author just needs to find the right target Audience and I am not sure NetGalley was doing that for her.
Some readers have commented that there is “too much” sexual tension, or that the dual narrative is confusing. I had the opposite experience. The tension between Èmilia and Dawson is deliberate—it builds slowly, and that restraint makes the eventual release much more powerful. Their relationship is defined by years of history, missed chances, and unspoken desire, and that depth requires space to unfold. Also now that I think about it the step brother trope was rather soft compared to the others I have read. It was more like Clueless, which funny enough ties into Emma.
I was reading the Netgalley reviews and so glad I read it instead.
I mean with how much the world is loving Conrad suffering and Belly's bad choices that kept them apart for years I figured the reviews for the tension would be spot on. But Again the world has shocked me. (Insert Eye roll) Tiktok just needs to find this book.
As for the dual storylines, they complement one another rather than compete. The modern 1950s setting and the mythological echoes create a mirror effect, showing how patterns of love, loss, and sacrifice repeat themselves. And I have a feeling the fates have there hands in the story more than you think.
I got the Pdf which was beautiful (will be buying a hard copy) and I felt the transition between the two stories was done well with he black pages and Liza's moon. Maybe the E-book is different, but I cant imagine that you would miss the whole prospective change if you were paying attention.
I mean it literally goes from Narrative to first person.
Maybe that's throwing people but the author literally says "PS: This is an odyssey, so it is okay to be confused. Remember, this is two stories in one book."
To me it was far from being confusing, but I real Dual POV often, it gave the story additional weight and meaning.
Random things I loved: The Chapter titles were spectacular, also the Prose for the whole book was just beautiful. Almost to pretty for such a dirty book by the end. Haha.
"Their breath mixed with slow heaves, each inhale laced with anticipation from years of treading this line. Their eyes looked longingly at each other as if both were asking what to do next. Neither moved, but everything between them felt on the verge of breaking as Èmilia fell into the void of his eyes."
Ugh by this point I was clutching the book, kicking my legs and screeching. (Yes I am a straight man)
Spoiler Section: There are fully described Spicy scenes but not until over halfway through the book, so the slow burn was burning.
⚠️ Spoilers ahead ⚠️
The novel doesn’t shy away from dark subject matter. Èmilia’s assault at the hands of Johnathan is a pivotal moment, written in a way that captures both horror and her slumbering powers (Ps. her birthday party was magical). It is painful to read, but it is not gratuitous, and it becomes the turning point for Èmilia’s magic and her emotional journey.
The pain, the silence, and the aftermath all shape her interactions with Dawson and explain much of the tension between them. It also explains why something else go it the way. (I think it was the fates for sure!)
Dawson, meanwhile, is torn between desire, loyalty, and a need to protect her, even when it means holding himself back. Their slow-burn dynamic—the near-kisses, the arguments, the moments of almost giving in—reflect the complexities of forbidden love and the fear of consequences.
Yes I was also over it, but isnt that the point. The Author made me feel as piss off as Dawson, and the scene at the beach where Dawson stood with the Icecream had me screaming. "Move you dumb ass!"
And Bronson (her cousin) pointing out that Dawson was watching her and not the fireworks was chefs kiss.
When they finally come together, it feels both inevitable and a shock to high society, which is exactly what makes it so effective as dark romance.
The later chapters—particularly The Ceremony and Snow on Fire—are some of the most powerful, bringing together themes of sacrifice, forbidden intimacy, and the cost of survival. These moments cement the novel as more than just a romance. The writing was so detailed with out repetition that it was easy to get lost in the book.
Triggers and Tropes
The author clearly lists the potential triggers up front, which I appreciated. While the content includes sexual assault, torture, pregnancy loss (off-page), and other heavy themes, I did not find them overwhelming. They are not included for shock value.
Readers unfamiliar with the darker side of romance may find these elements jarring, but within the genre, they are handled thoughtfully.
The tropes—friends to lovers, royalty, stepbrother romance, secret baby, unrequited love—are woven together well, and I cant wait to see what the next book gives us since we know there are other books Emilia has to read besides Liza's.
Also, I am saying it now. I am not a fan of Nathaniel, he is okay and the love story had me only on Liza's side. I want to know how she feels. How could he go 6 years without looking for her, without asking about her, without knowing who she married. I think he was a morally gray, but the small things the Author wrote him saying makes me think that he is going to do some crazy stuff later.
Also the end gutted me. I really loved all the charters so that was traumatic.
Final Thoughts
Death is Only the Beginning (Explicit) is a dark, slow-burn romance that balances myth and reality, trauma and intimacy.
This is not a story about quick resolutions or tidy love stories. It is about the persistence of desire through hardship, the way the past shapes the present, and the costs of loving deeply in a world that punishes vulnerability.
For readers who enjoy dark romance with mythological undertones, this is an excellent choice.
A Dark, Layered Romantasy.
This is the kind of story that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page. Death is Only the Beginning (Explicit) combines spicy romance, mythology, trauma, and longing into a sweeping narrative that feels both intimate and epic. It at times had an Emma vibe.
So I think the Author just needs to find the right target Audience and I am not sure NetGalley was doing that for her.
Some readers have commented that there is “too much” sexual tension, or that the dual narrative is confusing. I had the opposite experience. The tension between Èmilia and Dawson is deliberate—it builds slowly, and that restraint makes the eventual release much more powerful. Their relationship is defined by years of history, missed chances, and unspoken desire, and that depth requires space to unfold. Also now that I think about it the step brother trope was rather soft compared to the others I have read. It was more like Clueless, which funny enough ties into Emma.
I was reading the Netgalley reviews and so glad I read it instead.
I mean with how much the world is loving Conrad suffering and Belly's bad choices that kept them apart for years I figured the reviews for the tension would be spot on. But Again the world has shocked me. (Insert Eye roll) Tiktok just needs to find this book.
As for the dual storylines, they complement one another rather than compete. The modern 1950s setting and the mythological echoes create a mirror effect, showing how patterns of love, loss, and sacrifice repeat themselves. And I have a feeling the fates have there hands in the story more than you think.
I got the Pdf which was beautiful (will be buying a hard copy) and I felt the transition between the two stories was done well with he black pages and Liza's moon. Maybe the E-book is different, but I cant imagine that you would miss the whole prospective change if you were paying attention.
I mean it literally goes from Narrative to first person.
Maybe that's throwing people but the author literally says "PS: This is an odyssey, so it is okay to be confused. Remember, this is two stories in one book."
To me it was far from being confusing, but I real Dual POV often, it gave the story additional weight and meaning.
Random things I loved: The Chapter titles were spectacular, also the Prose for the whole book was just beautiful. Almost to pretty for such a dirty book by the end. Haha.
"Their breath mixed with slow heaves, each inhale laced with anticipation from years of treading this line. Their eyes looked longingly at each other as if both were asking what to do next. Neither moved, but everything between them felt on the verge of breaking as Èmilia fell into the void of his eyes."
Ugh by this point I was clutching the book, kicking my legs and screeching. (Yes I am a straight man)
Spoiler Section: There are fully described Spicy scenes but not until over halfway through the book, so the slow burn was burning.
⚠️ Spoilers ahead ⚠️
The novel doesn’t shy away from dark subject matter. Èmilia’s assault at the hands of Johnathan is a pivotal moment, written in a way that captures both horror and her slumbering powers (Ps. her birthday party was magical). It is painful to read, but it is not gratuitous, and it becomes the turning point for Èmilia’s magic and her emotional journey.
The pain, the silence, and the aftermath all shape her interactions with Dawson and explain much of the tension between them. It also explains why something else go it the way. (I think it was the fates for sure!)
Dawson, meanwhile, is torn between desire, loyalty, and a need to protect her, even when it means holding himself back. Their slow-burn dynamic—the near-kisses, the arguments, the moments of almost giving in—reflect the complexities of forbidden love and the fear of consequences.
Yes I was also over it, but isnt that the point. The Author made me feel as piss off as Dawson, and the scene at the beach where Dawson stood with the Icecream had me screaming. "Move you dumb ass!"
And Bronson (her cousin) pointing out that Dawson was watching her and not the fireworks was chefs kiss.
When they finally come together, it feels both inevitable and a shock to high society, which is exactly what makes it so effective as dark romance.
The later chapters—particularly The Ceremony and Snow on Fire—are some of the most powerful, bringing together themes of sacrifice, forbidden intimacy, and the cost of survival. These moments cement the novel as more than just a romance. The writing was so detailed with out repetition that it was easy to get lost in the book.
Triggers and Tropes
The author clearly lists the potential triggers up front, which I appreciated. While the content includes sexual assault, torture, pregnancy loss (off-page), and other heavy themes, I did not find them overwhelming. They are not included for shock value.
Readers unfamiliar with the darker side of romance may find these elements jarring, but within the genre, they are handled thoughtfully.
The tropes—friends to lovers, royalty, stepbrother romance, secret baby, unrequited love—are woven together well, and I cant wait to see what the next book gives us since we know there are other books Emilia has to read besides Liza's.
Also, I am saying it now. I am not a fan of Nathaniel, he is okay and the love story had me only on Liza's side. I want to know how she feels. How could he go 6 years without looking for her, without asking about her, without knowing who she married. I think he was a morally gray, but the small things the Author wrote him saying makes me think that he is going to do some crazy stuff later.
Also the end gutted me. I really loved all the charters so that was traumatic.
Final Thoughts
Death is Only the Beginning (Explicit) is a dark, slow-burn romance that balances myth and reality, trauma and intimacy.
This is not a story about quick resolutions or tidy love stories. It is about the persistence of desire through hardship, the way the past shapes the present, and the costs of loving deeply in a world that punishes vulnerability.
For readers who enjoy dark romance with mythological undertones, this is an excellent choice.
January 7, 2026
The Dyslexic Reviewer - Spoil Free Reviews
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @authoracaciawarmerdam
POV: multi 1st person
Gene: Historical dual timeline Romance
Triggers: Forced marriage, loss of child, open door, erotic lactation, sexual assault, torture, etc.
Read Time: 23-24 hours
Expected Publishing Date: OUT NOW
❤️ World Building: there were two worlds to build in this novel, and both were written with evocative imagery.
❤️ The Characters: I absolutely LOVED both of the timeline's main characters. The characters set in the 1950s were Èmilia and Dawson. They are a frustrating couple held back from their love by social constructs that seem silly today. They were both very enduring, as they were sufferable. The couple from the past were Liza and Nathaniel and they also shared a story of unrequited love.
❤️ The Story: The stories were beautifully interwoven and honestly moving. Both stories flowed well and made me have strong emotional reactions to them. I laughed, I cried, and I went to bed thinking about what is going to happen next!
❤️🔥Overall: I don’t know why more people are talking about this book, it is a hidden gem! Go get a copy today
I was gifted this book free @NetGAlley for my honest opinion, you know the drill 😉
#SecondChangeRomance #SlowBurn #StepBrother, #FriendToLovers, #DuelTimelines, #HistoricalRomance, #BossRomance, #HiddenGem
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @authoracaciawarmerdam
POV: multi 1st person
Gene: Historical dual timeline Romance
Triggers: Forced marriage, loss of child, open door, erotic lactation, sexual assault, torture, etc.
Read Time: 23-24 hours
Expected Publishing Date: OUT NOW
❤️ World Building: there were two worlds to build in this novel, and both were written with evocative imagery.
❤️ The Characters: I absolutely LOVED both of the timeline's main characters. The characters set in the 1950s were Èmilia and Dawson. They are a frustrating couple held back from their love by social constructs that seem silly today. They were both very enduring, as they were sufferable. The couple from the past were Liza and Nathaniel and they also shared a story of unrequited love.
❤️ The Story: The stories were beautifully interwoven and honestly moving. Both stories flowed well and made me have strong emotional reactions to them. I laughed, I cried, and I went to bed thinking about what is going to happen next!
❤️🔥Overall: I don’t know why more people are talking about this book, it is a hidden gem! Go get a copy today
I was gifted this book free @NetGAlley for my honest opinion, you know the drill 😉
#SecondChangeRomance #SlowBurn #StepBrother, #FriendToLovers, #DuelTimelines, #HistoricalRomance, #BossRomance, #HiddenGem
September 29, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, and WarRose&Spells, for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
Death is Only the Beginning follows Èmilia, a wealthy young woman living in the 1950s, who stumbles upon a forgotten book hidden in her family’s estate. What begins as simple curiosity spirals into obsession as she becomes captivated by the forbidden love story written in blood and desire. But the deeper Èmilia reads, the more the lines between the book and her reality begin to blur. Visions from the pages start bleeding into her everyday life, and even as her world begins to unravel, she finds herself unable to stay away from the book.
One of the things I loved most about this story was the interplay between past and present. I was constantly eager to return to the historical storyline, always needing to know what would happen next. The relationship between Èmilia and Dawson was intriguing, though I admit, their constant back-and-forth started to wear on me. But towards the end, as they finally began to open up and truly care for one another, I found myself rooting for them. It was a satisfying shift from Èmilia earlier coldness and snide remarks to Dawson.
The magic in this book delivers something truly fresh. It’s not your typical fantasy magic system. Èmilia doesn’t gain all her powers at once; she has to wait until she turns 21, and even then, her abilities come at a cost. For example, when she heals someone, she must find a way to release the energy elsewhere, which is a concept that I found incredibly unique.
And the ending? I NEED the next book! I knew when I hit the final three chapters that we were heading towards a cliffhanger, and wow, it delivered. While the beginning was a bit slow to start, once the story finds its rhythm, you won’t be able to put it down!
Death is Only the Beginning follows Èmilia, a wealthy young woman living in the 1950s, who stumbles upon a forgotten book hidden in her family’s estate. What begins as simple curiosity spirals into obsession as she becomes captivated by the forbidden love story written in blood and desire. But the deeper Èmilia reads, the more the lines between the book and her reality begin to blur. Visions from the pages start bleeding into her everyday life, and even as her world begins to unravel, she finds herself unable to stay away from the book.
One of the things I loved most about this story was the interplay between past and present. I was constantly eager to return to the historical storyline, always needing to know what would happen next. The relationship between Èmilia and Dawson was intriguing, though I admit, their constant back-and-forth started to wear on me. But towards the end, as they finally began to open up and truly care for one another, I found myself rooting for them. It was a satisfying shift from Èmilia earlier coldness and snide remarks to Dawson.
The magic in this book delivers something truly fresh. It’s not your typical fantasy magic system. Èmilia doesn’t gain all her powers at once; she has to wait until she turns 21, and even then, her abilities come at a cost. For example, when she heals someone, she must find a way to release the energy elsewhere, which is a concept that I found incredibly unique.
And the ending? I NEED the next book! I knew when I hit the final three chapters that we were heading towards a cliffhanger, and wow, it delivered. While the beginning was a bit slow to start, once the story finds its rhythm, you won’t be able to put it down!
August 20, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC in return for a review.
Unfortunately this book falls short of what it strives to achieve. The fantasy elements fall the way-side to push more and more smut at the reader. While I understand that this is a choice for some writers and appeals to a selection of readers, it bores me half to death when reading a book this long (almost 400 pages). The concept was phenomenal, a story written in tandem between two times, a world made up of a Roman culture and an Egyptian culture, ancient gods, reincarnation, witches, there's a bit of everything. Unfortunately none of those details are expanded upon to a satisfying degree. I left this 342 page book with no grasp on what the culture of this world is like, how the politics work at all, why they're at war, and most importantly how the religion works. If you're going to attempt to bring in multiple pantheons (which I guess she was doing?) you have to give us any modicum of detail of if things are different from the mythos of those pantheon in our world and if they exist together or what. It takes until the last 30 pages for there to be action with the mythology and magic.
None of the characters had depth worth mentioning, just that they were pining for each other for years and years. You have to give me more than 2 snarky comebacks and a eye-roll inducing possessiveness from the man to make me care.
There's so much potential here, I'm sad to see it wasted like this.
Unfortunately this book falls short of what it strives to achieve. The fantasy elements fall the way-side to push more and more smut at the reader. While I understand that this is a choice for some writers and appeals to a selection of readers, it bores me half to death when reading a book this long (almost 400 pages). The concept was phenomenal, a story written in tandem between two times, a world made up of a Roman culture and an Egyptian culture, ancient gods, reincarnation, witches, there's a bit of everything. Unfortunately none of those details are expanded upon to a satisfying degree. I left this 342 page book with no grasp on what the culture of this world is like, how the politics work at all, why they're at war, and most importantly how the religion works. If you're going to attempt to bring in multiple pantheons (which I guess she was doing?) you have to give us any modicum of detail of if things are different from the mythos of those pantheon in our world and if they exist together or what. It takes until the last 30 pages for there to be action with the mythology and magic.
None of the characters had depth worth mentioning, just that they were pining for each other for years and years. You have to give me more than 2 snarky comebacks and a eye-roll inducing possessiveness from the man to make me care.
There's so much potential here, I'm sad to see it wasted like this.
August 24, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and to the author for granting me access to this ARC.
To start off though this book wasn't exactly to my tastes maybe someone else will love this book dearly. Now, onto my thoughts on this book, are that its very confusing and too back and forth with the past and present breaking up the story. It was hard to keep track. I loved the characters and their romances but even that kinda was confusing.
To start off though this book wasn't exactly to my tastes maybe someone else will love this book dearly. Now, onto my thoughts on this book, are that its very confusing and too back and forth with the past and present breaking up the story. It was hard to keep track. I loved the characters and their romances but even that kinda was confusing.
September 7, 2025
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this story. I enjoyed the blending of mythology and fable in the dual timeline romances. This book was labeled as erotica. While there were sexual encounters, for me this seemed to be within the normal realm of adult romance with an emphasis on female pleasure.
September 8, 2025
The very first thing I have to say, before even touching the story, is how gorgeous this PDF file was. Truly. The formatting alone made me feel like I wasn’t just reading a book, but opening a storybook that begged me to be swept away. Every chapter header (Cheeky!), every page flowed with that careful, immersive design that elevates the reading experience. It set the mood perfectly—romantic, gothic, a little myth-kissed—and immediately made me more invested in what was to come. Sometimes formatting gets overlooked, but here? It was part of the spell. (Pun intended)
Let's start with Dawson and Èmilia's story: A Forbidden Love That Hurts So Good (was all I could come up with). I want this in paperback to make notes. It would have been easier; my phone notes are wild after this book.
Anywho! Let me just dive right in: Dawson and Èmilia’s love story is one of the most beautifully aching romances I’ve read in years. The narration around them is both lush and intimate—like having a well verse storyteller along for the read. I felt everything: their longing, their restraint, their stolen moments, and the devastation of what they couldn’t have.
The way their relationship unfolds is painful in the best way. They’re childhood friends turned something more, but the rules of their world keep them apart. As a reader, I just wanted to shove them together and scream, kiss already! But the beauty of Warmerdam’s writing is that she makes you understand why they can’t, even when every bone in your body aches for them to defy it. That tension is magic.
I mean how many times can I scream kiss your step brother before I am the problem?
Some of the lines cut right into me. For example, when Dawson can’t hide the truth of his devotion:
“For just a moment, I want to pretend like none of this is happening. Will you tell me something? Anything that makes you happy?”
That plea says everything about their dynamic. He needs her love in a world that wont allow it.
And then theirs Èmilia’s quiet, aching thoughts: “Why are we all so good at ruining the best things?”
Ouch. OUCH. This is the kind of yearning that makes me put a book down just to breathe before picking it up again.
Their story is the epitome of forbidden friends-to-lovers. It’s the yearning. It’s the unspoken touches. It’s the way Dawson always watches Èmilia, but never lets himself cross that final line. And when they do get close—the intimacy feels like relief and ruin in equal measure. I haven’t felt a romance like this in so long.
Ill leave you with my fav Dawson quote: "I don’t have as much control as I pretend to." I MEAN!!!!
Okay lets calm down.
Now, it's Nathaniel and Liza's turn: A Switch in POV That Works Surprisingly Well.
Then, just when you think you’re fully immersed in one love story that has you in a choke hold, Warmerdam flips the narrative, like full 180. I knew it was Dual timeline and narrative, but this was wild.
Nathaniel and Liza’s tale shows up in a black book hidden in Èmilia's library, told in first person POV. Normally, I’m not a fan of first person—I like the sweeping scope of third—but in this case, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Nathaniel, with his ego and arrogance, could have been unbearable. And maybe he was meant to be insufferable at first. But there’s something magnetic about his need fore Liza, about how his pride becomes a mask for deeper vulnerabilities. Pair that with Liza’s perspective, and suddenly the romance has a whole different flavor. It’s sharper, more immediate, a little less polished than Dawson and Èmilia's as if it were supposed to be written in a diary—and it works ;)
I even found myself laughing at how intentionally annoying Nathaniel can be. His ego isn’t just there to frustrate—it’s a narrative device. It makes his eventual tenderness hit harder. And it balances perfectly with Liza’s strength and fire.
Their love letters were my favorite, and Natt's drunken one takes the cake.
Honestly, I think Warmerdam chose this story to start with on purpose. It contrasts so well with the slow-burn ache of Dawson and Èmilia. And the switch keeps the book feeling fresh, like you’re being pulled into a living tapestry rather than just one thread.
I get the feeling that the story being told from Nathaniel POV was used to hide things from us and maybe that's why I didn't mind the 1st person because it felt somewhat like an unreliable narrator.
I did some digging after finishing this, and discovered this was part of a previously released series. Knowing that the second book has two more love stories? Let’s just say I’m already clearing my calendar. If this first installment gave me two romances this lovely, I can’t wait to see how the world—and the heartbreak—expands.
But let me say this: the cliffhanger was brutal. The kind of ending that makes you shut your e-reader, stare at the ceiling, and mutter “how dare you” while immediately searching for release dates, and adding book 2 to my preorder. It’s been a long time since a book gave me that kind of gut-punch.
I’ve read a lot of Romantasy lately, and honestly, many start to blur together—same tropes, same pacing, same vibes. But this? This was refreshing.
It promised mythology, and while this book kept that thread subtle (more whispers than heavy lore), it left me hungry for what’s coming. What we did get was open-door romance, a coming-of-age journey, and a low-fantasy, richly built world that feels like the perfect introduction. It reminded me a little of A Discovery of Witches, but also nothing like it— (its the only thing I can compare it to) because Warmerdam has her own unique cadence, a voice that feels equal parts modern and timeless.
The alternating narration never felt irritating, even when switching POV styles. Personally, I prefer third person,( I said that already right) but here? It worked. It added dimension. It gave me two different kinds of intimacy.
And let’s talk pacing: the spice doesn’t happen until over halfway through, which I actually loved. It meant that by the time doors opened, I was invested in the plot, the characters, and the relationships. When the romance turned physical, it felt earned. And the yearning? Absolute perfection. Dawson and Èmilia’s forbidden tension was written with such precision, it had me clutching my chest. But also, why not them yet!!! (The author knows what I mean)
Spoilers After This Point
Okay, let’s talk about that fireworks scene. One of the most swoon-worthy, gut-wrenching passages I’ve read in ages.
“He never watches them. Doesn’t care. He just watches you, always has… So there Dawson stood, alone, off to the side with a melting blackberry ice cream in hand. (Not his flavor). He was indeed watching. Not the sky. Not the display. Only her.”
Are you kidding me? This scene broke me. The fireworks exploding in the sky while Èmilia’s heart is shattering, and Dawson is off to the side, ice cream forgotten, eyes only on her. The restraint, the silent devotion, the refusal to step forward—it’s agony and romance blended to perfection. It’s a masterclass in yearning.
That moment alone cemented this as a 5-star read for me from chapter 6!
Final Thoughts
It’s been a long time since I had a five-star experience in the Romantasy genre. But Death is Only the Beginning gave me everything I didn’t know I was missing: storybook formatting, dual romances, beautiful narration, longing that aches, spice that feels earned, and a cliffhanger that left me desperate for more.
Thank you, Acacia, for an amazing book. I’ll be rereading this one, and I’ll absolutely be checking out the rest of your works. This is the kind of story that reminds me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place.
✨ 5/5 Stars. A refreshing, heart-wrenching, unforgettable Romantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Let's start with Dawson and Èmilia's story: A Forbidden Love That Hurts So Good (was all I could come up with). I want this in paperback to make notes. It would have been easier; my phone notes are wild after this book.
Anywho! Let me just dive right in: Dawson and Èmilia’s love story is one of the most beautifully aching romances I’ve read in years. The narration around them is both lush and intimate—like having a well verse storyteller along for the read. I felt everything: their longing, their restraint, their stolen moments, and the devastation of what they couldn’t have.
The way their relationship unfolds is painful in the best way. They’re childhood friends turned something more, but the rules of their world keep them apart. As a reader, I just wanted to shove them together and scream, kiss already! But the beauty of Warmerdam’s writing is that she makes you understand why they can’t, even when every bone in your body aches for them to defy it. That tension is magic.
I mean how many times can I scream kiss your step brother before I am the problem?
Some of the lines cut right into me. For example, when Dawson can’t hide the truth of his devotion:
“For just a moment, I want to pretend like none of this is happening. Will you tell me something? Anything that makes you happy?”
That plea says everything about their dynamic. He needs her love in a world that wont allow it.
And then theirs Èmilia’s quiet, aching thoughts: “Why are we all so good at ruining the best things?”
Ouch. OUCH. This is the kind of yearning that makes me put a book down just to breathe before picking it up again.
Their story is the epitome of forbidden friends-to-lovers. It’s the yearning. It’s the unspoken touches. It’s the way Dawson always watches Èmilia, but never lets himself cross that final line. And when they do get close—the intimacy feels like relief and ruin in equal measure. I haven’t felt a romance like this in so long.
Ill leave you with my fav Dawson quote: "I don’t have as much control as I pretend to." I MEAN!!!!
Okay lets calm down.
Now, it's Nathaniel and Liza's turn: A Switch in POV That Works Surprisingly Well.
Then, just when you think you’re fully immersed in one love story that has you in a choke hold, Warmerdam flips the narrative, like full 180. I knew it was Dual timeline and narrative, but this was wild.
Nathaniel and Liza’s tale shows up in a black book hidden in Èmilia's library, told in first person POV. Normally, I’m not a fan of first person—I like the sweeping scope of third—but in this case, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Nathaniel, with his ego and arrogance, could have been unbearable. And maybe he was meant to be insufferable at first. But there’s something magnetic about his need fore Liza, about how his pride becomes a mask for deeper vulnerabilities. Pair that with Liza’s perspective, and suddenly the romance has a whole different flavor. It’s sharper, more immediate, a little less polished than Dawson and Èmilia's as if it were supposed to be written in a diary—and it works ;)
I even found myself laughing at how intentionally annoying Nathaniel can be. His ego isn’t just there to frustrate—it’s a narrative device. It makes his eventual tenderness hit harder. And it balances perfectly with Liza’s strength and fire.
Their love letters were my favorite, and Natt's drunken one takes the cake.
Honestly, I think Warmerdam chose this story to start with on purpose. It contrasts so well with the slow-burn ache of Dawson and Èmilia. And the switch keeps the book feeling fresh, like you’re being pulled into a living tapestry rather than just one thread.
I get the feeling that the story being told from Nathaniel POV was used to hide things from us and maybe that's why I didn't mind the 1st person because it felt somewhat like an unreliable narrator.
I did some digging after finishing this, and discovered this was part of a previously released series. Knowing that the second book has two more love stories? Let’s just say I’m already clearing my calendar. If this first installment gave me two romances this lovely, I can’t wait to see how the world—and the heartbreak—expands.
But let me say this: the cliffhanger was brutal. The kind of ending that makes you shut your e-reader, stare at the ceiling, and mutter “how dare you” while immediately searching for release dates, and adding book 2 to my preorder. It’s been a long time since a book gave me that kind of gut-punch.
I’ve read a lot of Romantasy lately, and honestly, many start to blur together—same tropes, same pacing, same vibes. But this? This was refreshing.
It promised mythology, and while this book kept that thread subtle (more whispers than heavy lore), it left me hungry for what’s coming. What we did get was open-door romance, a coming-of-age journey, and a low-fantasy, richly built world that feels like the perfect introduction. It reminded me a little of A Discovery of Witches, but also nothing like it— (its the only thing I can compare it to) because Warmerdam has her own unique cadence, a voice that feels equal parts modern and timeless.
The alternating narration never felt irritating, even when switching POV styles. Personally, I prefer third person,( I said that already right) but here? It worked. It added dimension. It gave me two different kinds of intimacy.
And let’s talk pacing: the spice doesn’t happen until over halfway through, which I actually loved. It meant that by the time doors opened, I was invested in the plot, the characters, and the relationships. When the romance turned physical, it felt earned. And the yearning? Absolute perfection. Dawson and Èmilia’s forbidden tension was written with such precision, it had me clutching my chest. But also, why not them yet!!! (The author knows what I mean)
Spoilers After This Point
Okay, let’s talk about that fireworks scene. One of the most swoon-worthy, gut-wrenching passages I’ve read in ages.
“He never watches them. Doesn’t care. He just watches you, always has… So there Dawson stood, alone, off to the side with a melting blackberry ice cream in hand. (Not his flavor). He was indeed watching. Not the sky. Not the display. Only her.”
Are you kidding me? This scene broke me. The fireworks exploding in the sky while Èmilia’s heart is shattering, and Dawson is off to the side, ice cream forgotten, eyes only on her. The restraint, the silent devotion, the refusal to step forward—it’s agony and romance blended to perfection. It’s a masterclass in yearning.
That moment alone cemented this as a 5-star read for me from chapter 6!
Final Thoughts
It’s been a long time since I had a five-star experience in the Romantasy genre. But Death is Only the Beginning gave me everything I didn’t know I was missing: storybook formatting, dual romances, beautiful narration, longing that aches, spice that feels earned, and a cliffhanger that left me desperate for more.
Thank you, Acacia, for an amazing book. I’ll be rereading this one, and I’ll absolutely be checking out the rest of your works. This is the kind of story that reminds me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place.
✨ 5/5 Stars. A refreshing, heart-wrenching, unforgettable Romantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the writer for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oof. Unfortunately, I could not finish this one. As a consummate adjective- and adverb-enjoyer, may I just say... far too many. Far too much. I struggle to see a good editor letting it run as rampant as it does. Let me share with you the first two paragraphs of this book just to illustrate how egregious, and feel free to keep a running tally:
[ Emilia gently released the small blue bird from her enchantment, watching as it unfurled its iridescent wings. With a graceful flutter, it took to the air, soaring high and now free, before darting back toward the overgrown embrace of the forest, where dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves.
"My sweet Emilia, I told you not to play with wildlife," her mother gently reprimanded her, the warmth of her soft hands enveloping Emilia as she lifted her small frame off the chilled ground. ]
Someone said this was like watching the author write instead of reading, and I can't help but agree. The (new?) cover also looks super AI-y, which is a shame, and certainly does color my view of this book in an even more negative light.
Oof. Unfortunately, I could not finish this one. As a consummate adjective- and adverb-enjoyer, may I just say... far too many. Far too much. I struggle to see a good editor letting it run as rampant as it does. Let me share with you the first two paragraphs of this book just to illustrate how egregious, and feel free to keep a running tally:
[ Emilia gently released the small blue bird from her enchantment, watching as it unfurled its iridescent wings. With a graceful flutter, it took to the air, soaring high and now free, before darting back toward the overgrown embrace of the forest, where dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves.
"My sweet Emilia, I told you not to play with wildlife," her mother gently reprimanded her, the warmth of her soft hands enveloping Emilia as she lifted her small frame off the chilled ground. ]
Someone said this was like watching the author write instead of reading, and I can't help but agree. The (new?) cover also looks super AI-y, which is a shame, and certainly does color my view of this book in an even more negative light.
August 31, 2025
So - I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley (thank you) and that was the only reason I made it past the first 75 pages. It ended up being a decent read but I would’ve DnF’d for various reasons before that.
The POVs kept changing too much. It needed to more separated, like different chapters not they (Emmy and Dawson) each get one page and then you notice the switch cause you’re confused by the changed pronouns.
I appreciate world building. The more immersive the better, some stuff made sense like needing balance when healing people, but some stuff was needlessly complicated and convoluted: first born son rule and other things.
There’s also supposed to be this step sibling romance tension but it just felt like they were being so mean to each other and trying to say the most hurtful things to keep their pride. When they finally get together (because obvs), it settles down, but we coulda gotten there faster.
I do like the Taylor (BFF) and Bronson (Emmy’s cousin) secretly dating on the low subplot. Hopefully they get a happy ending - they both deserve the world.
There were sexual assault/domestic abuse plot lines that were addressed tactfully and the writing was great there.
So there’s flashback sequences to past life/previous generations when Émilia reads this book and I wanted more of that. Liza and King Nathaniel were way more interesting. I also thought the writing was better in those sections.
Exactly how I feel reading about the current 50s timeline: ‘So much had happened, too much, and she could barely process it. And a nagging part of her wanted more of Liza and less of the king, as if she to suffer him just to learn of something she desperately searched for.’
I didn’t realize this is a trilogy! The next book is being released in 2026! I feel like this could be a Duology - not sure how this can stretch into a 3rd book unless something crazy happens in Book 2. There’s also already 2 planned spin offs which seems ambitious. I would read the next book.
This was advertised on NetGalley under the Erotica heading and I’m not seeing it. The sex scenes were quite tame and few and far between. I’d read steamier stuff in the Pumpkin Spice Cafe series. Maybe the next book goes crazy?!
Publication Date: October 1
“The fireworks. He doesn’t watch them. Doesn’t care. He just watches you, always has.”
‘And it was true, summer had passed, and they were well into Autumn, their integrations (?) he would count on his left hand.’
‘So she began to try to mend her relationship with Dawson by simply learning not to need him.’
‘I wanted to drown in her, and in my dreams, I could do all I wanted with her. So, waiting for for the night had become almost therapeutic in a way because she always visited my dreams. That first time I will never forget.’
‘She didn’t even know if she had dreamt herself into Liza, or if Liza had dreamt herself into her.’
‘Each kiss was deliberate, like he was tasting memories written on her skin.’
Spoilers
1. Johnathan assault:
‘But that night, she lost something precious. She could never get back, and she also lost the memory of how it happened. Émilia felt sick and scared by what Jonathon had done to her. She was too ashamed to tell anyone, especially Taylor, who looked at him as if he were a God.
The shame was a fog that wrapped around her ribs and wouldn’t let her breathe.
He took from her something special; he took from her something that was to be a gift of love… And he just took it.’ p124
2. Johnathan - is he gonna come back - is he a stand-in for previous generation Thomas (the terrible husband)?
3. Something’s going on w Arthur - is he a bad guy? He’s a first born son. Are they gonna have a throuple/love triangle?
4. Justice for Jane - I hope she ends up being a goddess or something
5. Why did Emmy’s mom shut down her powers and explain what was happening (there would be no book - but we better get a real explanation).
The first born son rules are kind of all over the place:
1. You can’t use mind control on them unless you get their blood on you - accidentally, but not really with Dawson
2. “Anubis is the God of the dead, and if I were to splice, only could bring me back. A first son can call him to bring my soul back to my body.” P66%
3. End of the book there’s a first born daughter rule too?! With Hellene
The POVs kept changing too much. It needed to more separated, like different chapters not they (Emmy and Dawson) each get one page and then you notice the switch cause you’re confused by the changed pronouns.
I appreciate world building. The more immersive the better, some stuff made sense like needing balance when healing people, but some stuff was needlessly complicated and convoluted: first born son rule and other things.
There’s also supposed to be this step sibling romance tension but it just felt like they were being so mean to each other and trying to say the most hurtful things to keep their pride. When they finally get together (because obvs), it settles down, but we coulda gotten there faster.
I do like the Taylor (BFF) and Bronson (Emmy’s cousin) secretly dating on the low subplot. Hopefully they get a happy ending - they both deserve the world.
There were sexual assault/domestic abuse plot lines that were addressed tactfully and the writing was great there.
So there’s flashback sequences to past life/previous generations when Émilia reads this book and I wanted more of that. Liza and King Nathaniel were way more interesting. I also thought the writing was better in those sections.
Exactly how I feel reading about the current 50s timeline: ‘So much had happened, too much, and she could barely process it. And a nagging part of her wanted more of Liza and less of the king, as if she to suffer him just to learn of something she desperately searched for.’
I didn’t realize this is a trilogy! The next book is being released in 2026! I feel like this could be a Duology - not sure how this can stretch into a 3rd book unless something crazy happens in Book 2. There’s also already 2 planned spin offs which seems ambitious. I would read the next book.
This was advertised on NetGalley under the Erotica heading and I’m not seeing it. The sex scenes were quite tame and few and far between. I’d read steamier stuff in the Pumpkin Spice Cafe series. Maybe the next book goes crazy?!
Publication Date: October 1
“The fireworks. He doesn’t watch them. Doesn’t care. He just watches you, always has.”
‘And it was true, summer had passed, and they were well into Autumn, their integrations (?) he would count on his left hand.’
‘So she began to try to mend her relationship with Dawson by simply learning not to need him.’
‘I wanted to drown in her, and in my dreams, I could do all I wanted with her. So, waiting for for the night had become almost therapeutic in a way because she always visited my dreams. That first time I will never forget.’
‘She didn’t even know if she had dreamt herself into Liza, or if Liza had dreamt herself into her.’
‘Each kiss was deliberate, like he was tasting memories written on her skin.’
Spoilers
1. Johnathan assault:
‘But that night, she lost something precious. She could never get back, and she also lost the memory of how it happened. Émilia felt sick and scared by what Jonathon had done to her. She was too ashamed to tell anyone, especially Taylor, who looked at him as if he were a God.
The shame was a fog that wrapped around her ribs and wouldn’t let her breathe.
He took from her something special; he took from her something that was to be a gift of love… And he just took it.’ p124
2. Johnathan - is he gonna come back - is he a stand-in for previous generation Thomas (the terrible husband)?
3. Something’s going on w Arthur - is he a bad guy? He’s a first born son. Are they gonna have a throuple/love triangle?
4. Justice for Jane - I hope she ends up being a goddess or something
5. Why did Emmy’s mom shut down her powers and explain what was happening (there would be no book - but we better get a real explanation).
The first born son rules are kind of all over the place:
1. You can’t use mind control on them unless you get their blood on you - accidentally, but not really with Dawson
2. “Anubis is the God of the dead, and if I were to splice, only could bring me back. A first son can call him to bring my soul back to my body.” P66%
3. End of the book there’s a first born daughter rule too?! With Hellene
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Acacia Warmerdam for the ARC!
In this book we are following two couples and two different timelines. One couple is Emilia and Dawson set in the 1950's (although I question this timeframe at multiple points) and the other is set in the past with Liza and King Nathaniel.
One thing I will say is please read the triggers before reading this book as some things could be upsetting to some readers.
I really wanted to like this book after reading the description. This was my first book I received from NetGalley and I was so excited. I hate to say that this book seemed to last forever and I really struggled to get through it. I pushed through just so I would have fully formed thoughts for the review.
I did not really care for any characters as none of them are really fleshed out. Emilia is our FMC and she is a love sick girl who wants to be with Dawson, our MMC, but he is her ex step-brother and that is frowned upon. She can travel in her sleep after reading a line in a book to see events play out that happened to Liza and Nathaniel. Her and Dawson go back and forth from teasing each other to screaming matches so often that it made my head hurt. She also whined far too much and every time she was upset she ran off dramatically and began to cry. It really made me think of Cinderella when she ran out to the bench to sob before going to the ball. She does have a rough home life with how her father treats her, but overall I really did not care for her.
Dawson is incredibly possessive over Emilia and interjects himself into Emilia's life way too much. He wants to be near her, then he doesn't, and the cycle repeats. He strings Emilia along for a while, almost giving into her desires and then pulls back and is surprised that she is upset. When the spicy scenes happened, I honestly didn't care because there was no chemistry between them. They only spoke about each others' looks and everything was described as lust, not love.
Nathaniel is really similar to Dawson's personality but it was dialed up a few notches with how obsessed he was with Liza, so I won't go too much into him.
Liza was the most likable character to me because she had a personality and stuck to her beliefs and morals... for a little bit. Once Nathaniel got rid of his wife and asked Liza to be his, she pretty much forgot everything and crawled right into his arms.
A couple of things that really stood out to me and bothered me. The words melt/melting/melted into someone were used SO often. I understand that you are trying to describe them being pulled into each other, but using that as often as it was, it began to stand out to me the longer the book went on. Also the words suggestive/suggestively were similar to the melting situation as well as saying "rubbing small circles on lower back." After Liza has her daughter, Nathaniel takes the baby and walks out of the bathroom to leave Liza to clean herself up. This bothered me because he talks about she is his "moon" and his "goddess" and then doesn't try to help. Also, right after she had their child, he was thinking to himself that he was happy because now she would be his again and how erotic it was to him that she was breast-feeding their daughter.
All in all, I was disappointed. The magic had some neat ideas but weren't really expanded on much. I also thought the Gods being involved were really interesting, but it just fell flat when the main characters could overcome the enemies without too much trouble. I would have liked to see more fight scenes instead of gods being struck down within a page.
In this book we are following two couples and two different timelines. One couple is Emilia and Dawson set in the 1950's (although I question this timeframe at multiple points) and the other is set in the past with Liza and King Nathaniel.
One thing I will say is please read the triggers before reading this book as some things could be upsetting to some readers.
I really wanted to like this book after reading the description. This was my first book I received from NetGalley and I was so excited. I hate to say that this book seemed to last forever and I really struggled to get through it. I pushed through just so I would have fully formed thoughts for the review.
I did not really care for any characters as none of them are really fleshed out. Emilia is our FMC and she is a love sick girl who wants to be with Dawson, our MMC, but he is her ex step-brother and that is frowned upon. She can travel in her sleep after reading a line in a book to see events play out that happened to Liza and Nathaniel. Her and Dawson go back and forth from teasing each other to screaming matches so often that it made my head hurt. She also whined far too much and every time she was upset she ran off dramatically and began to cry. It really made me think of Cinderella when she ran out to the bench to sob before going to the ball. She does have a rough home life with how her father treats her, but overall I really did not care for her.
Dawson is incredibly possessive over Emilia and interjects himself into Emilia's life way too much. He wants to be near her, then he doesn't, and the cycle repeats. He strings Emilia along for a while, almost giving into her desires and then pulls back and is surprised that she is upset. When the spicy scenes happened, I honestly didn't care because there was no chemistry between them. They only spoke about each others' looks and everything was described as lust, not love.
Nathaniel is really similar to Dawson's personality but it was dialed up a few notches with how obsessed he was with Liza, so I won't go too much into him.
Liza was the most likable character to me because she had a personality and stuck to her beliefs and morals... for a little bit. Once Nathaniel got rid of his wife and asked Liza to be his, she pretty much forgot everything and crawled right into his arms.
A couple of things that really stood out to me and bothered me. The words melt/melting/melted into someone were used SO often. I understand that you are trying to describe them being pulled into each other, but using that as often as it was, it began to stand out to me the longer the book went on. Also the words suggestive/suggestively were similar to the melting situation as well as saying "rubbing small circles on lower back." After Liza has her daughter, Nathaniel takes the baby and walks out of the bathroom to leave Liza to clean herself up. This bothered me because he talks about she is his "moon" and his "goddess" and then doesn't try to help. Also, right after she had their child, he was thinking to himself that he was happy because now she would be his again and how erotic it was to him that she was breast-feeding their daughter.
All in all, I was disappointed. The magic had some neat ideas but weren't really expanded on much. I also thought the Gods being involved were really interesting, but it just fell flat when the main characters could overcome the enemies without too much trouble. I would have liked to see more fight scenes instead of gods being struck down within a page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Too Much Tension”? That’s the Point
Some reviewers complained about “too much sexual tension.” To which I say: have you met dark romance? The entire genre thrives on “oh no we shouldn’t” followed by 400 pages of “but we’re definitely going to.” Èmilia and Dawson take that slow burn and marinate in it. It’s frustrating, it’s delicious, and it makes the eventual payoffs hit ten times harder. Which was page 115 of 350 something, so like as slow burns goes it was just right.
I could title a chapter. I hope the author sees this, please steal my chapter title.
Two Timelines, Twice the Drama
People also said they were confused by the dual storyline. Personally, I loved it. It’s like having two soap operas running side by side, except instead of evil twins and secret inheritances, we’ve got curses, gods, reincarnation, and forbidden love across centuries. The 1950s storyline gives us retro notebook vibe and a best-friends-to-lovers arc full of longing. The mythological timeline says, “Cool, now let’s raise the stakes by adding a lonely king and a war nurse who wants nothing to do with him.” I mean that's how I felt. Maybe Liza really did not Natty, but my jury is still out. The ending Helene said something rather foreboding that had me smiling instead of probably crying.
It’s not confusing—it’s like binge-watching two seasons of the Bridgeton at once, and trust me, it’s worth it.
Spoilers, Because We’re All Grown-Ups Here
Èmilia? Secret Goddess, witch, and walking ball of repressed power. Dawson? Protective, stubborn, and a man so hopelessly in love that he literally worries he’ll combust if she kisses him. Their romance is slow because it has to be—they’ve got family matters (pun intended), magic, and fate itself trying to pull them apart.
By the time we get to The Ceremony, all bets are off. Desire, blood, magic—it’s where the timelines blur so hard you’re not sure if you’re reading myth or reality, but either way it’s hot.
And Dawson’s confession? “I want you more than I want to breathe.” Sir, please. Take my soul while you’re at it.
The Dark Romance Vibes
Yes, there are triggers—assault, violence, betrayal—but they’re written with care, not shock value. And honestly, if you come into a dark romance expecting sunshine and puppy love, that’s like walking into a horror movie and getting mad there are people inside the wax mannequins.
This book understands that love can be both salvation and ruin, and it leans into that beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Death is Only the Beginning is messy, gorgeous, tragic, and sexy—the perfect cocktail for dark romance readers. It’s a story about how love repeats, how desire refuses to die, and how sometimes letting someone ruin you is the only way to feel whole.
Also, Dawson deserves a medal for “longest time a man has been in love without combusting.”
“Too Much Tension”? That’s the Point
Some reviewers complained about “too much sexual tension.” To which I say: have you met dark romance? The entire genre thrives on “oh no we shouldn’t” followed by 400 pages of “but we’re definitely going to.” Èmilia and Dawson take that slow burn and marinate in it. It’s frustrating, it’s delicious, and it makes the eventual payoffs hit ten times harder. Which was page 115 of 350 something, so like as slow burns goes it was just right.
I could title a chapter. I hope the author sees this, please steal my chapter title.
Two Timelines, Twice the Drama
People also said they were confused by the dual storyline. Personally, I loved it. It’s like having two soap operas running side by side, except instead of evil twins and secret inheritances, we’ve got curses, gods, reincarnation, and forbidden love across centuries. The 1950s storyline gives us retro notebook vibe and a best-friends-to-lovers arc full of longing. The mythological timeline says, “Cool, now let’s raise the stakes by adding a lonely king and a war nurse who wants nothing to do with him.” I mean that's how I felt. Maybe Liza really did not Natty, but my jury is still out. The ending Helene said something rather foreboding that had me smiling instead of probably crying.
It’s not confusing—it’s like binge-watching two seasons of the Bridgeton at once, and trust me, it’s worth it.
Spoilers, Because We’re All Grown-Ups Here
Èmilia? Secret Goddess, witch, and walking ball of repressed power. Dawson? Protective, stubborn, and a man so hopelessly in love that he literally worries he’ll combust if she kisses him. Their romance is slow because it has to be—they’ve got family matters (pun intended), magic, and fate itself trying to pull them apart.
By the time we get to The Ceremony, all bets are off. Desire, blood, magic—it’s where the timelines blur so hard you’re not sure if you’re reading myth or reality, but either way it’s hot.
And Dawson’s confession? “I want you more than I want to breathe.” Sir, please. Take my soul while you’re at it.
The Dark Romance Vibes
Yes, there are triggers—assault, violence, betrayal—but they’re written with care, not shock value. And honestly, if you come into a dark romance expecting sunshine and puppy love, that’s like walking into a horror movie and getting mad there are people inside the wax mannequins.
This book understands that love can be both salvation and ruin, and it leans into that beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Death is Only the Beginning is messy, gorgeous, tragic, and sexy—the perfect cocktail for dark romance readers. It’s a story about how love repeats, how desire refuses to die, and how sometimes letting someone ruin you is the only way to feel whole.
Also, Dawson deserves a medal for “longest time a man has been in love without combusting.”
August 18, 2025
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Staff Pick: Summary.
Death is Only the Beginning took me by surprise—in the best way. For a book shelved as erotica, the writing is elegant, layered, and genuinely moving, with a dual-timeline structure that gives the love story real depth. Yes, it’s dark, sexy, and dangerous, but it’s also beautifully written—proving that erotica can deliver both heat and heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acacia Warmerdam’s Death is Only the Beginning is a sweeping dark romance that blends myth, magic, and mid-century into a haunting dual-timeline narrative. Both devastating and addictive, it’s a novel that lingers long after the last page.
The story unfolds across two timelines: in the 1950s, Èmilia struggles to reconcile the her feelings for Dawson, her lifelong best friend, and no longer step brother.
In the past, a mythic echo of Liza as she faces gods, curses, and sacrifice in a tale that mirrors and foreshadows the present. Warmerdam weaves these strands together with precision, so that each moment of desire, hesitation, and heartbreak in one timeline resonates in the other.
For readers of dark romance, this novel delivers exactly what the genre promises: passion edged with danger, intimacy born from years of starvation, and a love story that feels both inevitable and ruinous. Èmilia and Dawson’s slow burn is charged with longing, while the mythological backdrop raises the stakes to life-and-death proportions.
Though the book contains difficult themes—these are handled with care and purpose. Rather than sensationalism, Warmerdam uses them to explore resilience, survival, and the ways love can both wound and heal.
What truly surprised me was the quality of the prose. For a book categorized under erotica, I expected the focus to lean heavily on spice alone, but instead I found thoughtful, lyrical writing and a narrative depth that elevates the genre. The erotic elements are powerful, yes, but they are woven into a story of myth, trauma, and desire with skill that makes the book feel far richer than many titles in this space.
I don't normally give 5 stars for Erotica, but this one earned it.
Richly atmospheric, deeply emotional, and unapologetically dark, Death is Only the Beginning will appeal to readers of Scarlett St. Clair, Katee Robert, and Sarah J. Maas, as well as anyone who enjoys romance that embraces both passion and peril. This is a book that understands love is not always gentle—it can be consuming, dangerous, and transformative.
Staff Pick: Summary.
Death is Only the Beginning took me by surprise—in the best way. For a book shelved as erotica, the writing is elegant, layered, and genuinely moving, with a dual-timeline structure that gives the love story real depth. Yes, it’s dark, sexy, and dangerous, but it’s also beautifully written—proving that erotica can deliver both heat and heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acacia Warmerdam’s Death is Only the Beginning is a sweeping dark romance that blends myth, magic, and mid-century into a haunting dual-timeline narrative. Both devastating and addictive, it’s a novel that lingers long after the last page.
The story unfolds across two timelines: in the 1950s, Èmilia struggles to reconcile the her feelings for Dawson, her lifelong best friend, and no longer step brother.
In the past, a mythic echo of Liza as she faces gods, curses, and sacrifice in a tale that mirrors and foreshadows the present. Warmerdam weaves these strands together with precision, so that each moment of desire, hesitation, and heartbreak in one timeline resonates in the other.
For readers of dark romance, this novel delivers exactly what the genre promises: passion edged with danger, intimacy born from years of starvation, and a love story that feels both inevitable and ruinous. Èmilia and Dawson’s slow burn is charged with longing, while the mythological backdrop raises the stakes to life-and-death proportions.
Though the book contains difficult themes—these are handled with care and purpose. Rather than sensationalism, Warmerdam uses them to explore resilience, survival, and the ways love can both wound and heal.
What truly surprised me was the quality of the prose. For a book categorized under erotica, I expected the focus to lean heavily on spice alone, but instead I found thoughtful, lyrical writing and a narrative depth that elevates the genre. The erotic elements are powerful, yes, but they are woven into a story of myth, trauma, and desire with skill that makes the book feel far richer than many titles in this space.
I don't normally give 5 stars for Erotica, but this one earned it.
Richly atmospheric, deeply emotional, and unapologetically dark, Death is Only the Beginning will appeal to readers of Scarlett St. Clair, Katee Robert, and Sarah J. Maas, as well as anyone who enjoys romance that embraces both passion and peril. This is a book that understands love is not always gentle—it can be consuming, dangerous, and transformative.
September 12, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
I want to start with the positives. First of all, this book is beautifully formatted, and the letters being like pictures was wonderful. I loved the chapter headers too. Whenever a book has any kind of extra art in it, I get so excited. The same goes for the darker pages and how it helps artistically draw the line between whose story is being told.
Unfortunately, the actual story and writing were hard for me to read. I’ve wanted to go in blind, especially because the blurb and the tropes caught my eye! But I struggled. A lot of the prose was overwritten to the point where it was almost ridiculous the number of descriptive words used. As much as description can immerse, it can also completely take you out of the story when not done well, and for me, this wasn’t done well. I like to give benefit of the doubt sometimes that there might be a style mismatch: maybe I am just not the right fit for the style the author has. I don’t know if that’s the case here, and I don’t know how much that matters. All I know was that in my case, it was very hard to read. Because of this, I didn’t attach to either of the main characters. Other than the banter and tension between Emilia and Dawson, there isn’t much I can tell you about their personalities, and a large part of that comes from how uninvested (or unable to get invested due to clunky prose) I felt while reading. I also could not say much about the magic and fantasy of the world, which seemed to get left behind as the book went on. Or maybe the gaps in the world building became more apparent, which was disappointing because I think it could have been so cool.
Typically I really, really dislike giving below average reviews especially to ARC books, as I deeply appreciate the opportunity to read them. Many times, if I am feeling my interest taper off, I will just dnf and not rate. What was different here was that I so badly wanted to like this because it is up my alley: there is fantasy, romance, and darker themes, all of which I jump at the chance to read. So, as a result, I finished the book, and I guess I kept hoping the fantasy and world building elements, as well as the characters, would become stronger and I would get used to the writing itself. That didn’t happen, and with the prose problems and the dullness of the plot, there was just very little I could enjoy. The more accurate rating here would be a 1.5, but the idea and physical presentation of the book are what cause me to round up.
I want to start with the positives. First of all, this book is beautifully formatted, and the letters being like pictures was wonderful. I loved the chapter headers too. Whenever a book has any kind of extra art in it, I get so excited. The same goes for the darker pages and how it helps artistically draw the line between whose story is being told.
Unfortunately, the actual story and writing were hard for me to read. I’ve wanted to go in blind, especially because the blurb and the tropes caught my eye! But I struggled. A lot of the prose was overwritten to the point where it was almost ridiculous the number of descriptive words used. As much as description can immerse, it can also completely take you out of the story when not done well, and for me, this wasn’t done well. I like to give benefit of the doubt sometimes that there might be a style mismatch: maybe I am just not the right fit for the style the author has. I don’t know if that’s the case here, and I don’t know how much that matters. All I know was that in my case, it was very hard to read. Because of this, I didn’t attach to either of the main characters. Other than the banter and tension between Emilia and Dawson, there isn’t much I can tell you about their personalities, and a large part of that comes from how uninvested (or unable to get invested due to clunky prose) I felt while reading. I also could not say much about the magic and fantasy of the world, which seemed to get left behind as the book went on. Or maybe the gaps in the world building became more apparent, which was disappointing because I think it could have been so cool.
Typically I really, really dislike giving below average reviews especially to ARC books, as I deeply appreciate the opportunity to read them. Many times, if I am feeling my interest taper off, I will just dnf and not rate. What was different here was that I so badly wanted to like this because it is up my alley: there is fantasy, romance, and darker themes, all of which I jump at the chance to read. So, as a result, I finished the book, and I guess I kept hoping the fantasy and world building elements, as well as the characters, would become stronger and I would get used to the writing itself. That didn’t happen, and with the prose problems and the dullness of the plot, there was just very little I could enjoy. The more accurate rating here would be a 1.5, but the idea and physical presentation of the book are what cause me to round up.
September 6, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Acacia Warmerdam And @booksprout for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
- “A Dark, Seductive Journey You Won’t Forget”
Death Is Only The Beginning blasts open the doors to a thrilling new paranormal series that’s impossible to put down. Acacia Warmerdam crafts a dark, seductive world where danger, desire, and divine power collide in explosive fashion. This is not your typical fantasy—it’s raw, explicit, and utterly addictive.
From the very first page, the story grabs you with its vivid characters and high-stakes drama. The protagonist’s journey is gripping: navigating a shadowy world where gods and mortals entwine, and death itself is just the start of a deeper, more dangerous game. Warmerdam’s writing pulses with energy, weaving tension and steamy romance seamlessly alongside spine-chilling suspense.
The world-building is both intricate and immersive, revealing layers of mythology and magic that promise to deepen as the series unfolds. The narrative’s bold and explicit moments aren’t just for shock—they’re essential to understanding the characters’ passions, struggles, and transformations. Every twist and turn leaves you craving what’s next, with stakes escalating in unpredictable and thrilling ways.
What truly sets this book apart is its perfect blend of dark fantasy and sensuality—making it a must-read for fans who love their paranormal romance intense, emotional, and unapologetically bold. Warmerdam has crafted characters who feel raw and real, flawed and fierce, pulling you into their world where nothing is off-limits.
If you’re searching for a paranormal series that pushes boundaries and keeps you hooked from beginning to end, Death Is Only The Beginning is your next obsession. Prepare for a wild ride full of passion, peril, and power—this is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to dive into the next installment!
🔥 Dark Paranormal Romance — Intense, explicit romance set against a dark and supernatural backdrop.
👑 Divine Power / Goddesses — Characters connected to gods, goddesses, or divine forces with immense power.
⚔️ Mortal Meets Immortal — A human protagonist caught up in the dangerous world of immortals or deities.
💀 Death Is Not the End — Death triggers a new, often dangerous phase of existence rather than an end.
🔥 Enemies to Lovers — Tension-filled relationships that evolve from conflict to passion.
🖤 Anti-Hero / Flawed Protagonist — Characters with dark pasts or morally gray choices driving the story.
🌑 Forbidden Desire — Romance that challenges taboos or dangerous boundaries.
✨ Magic and Mythology — Rich world-building grounded in mythological elements and supernatural magic.
🔥 Power Struggles — Conflicts driven by quests for control, dominance, or survival in a supernatural hierarchy.
💫 Transformation / Rebirth — Characters undergo profound changes—physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Thank you to the author Acacia Warmerdam And @booksprout for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
- “A Dark, Seductive Journey You Won’t Forget”
Death Is Only The Beginning blasts open the doors to a thrilling new paranormal series that’s impossible to put down. Acacia Warmerdam crafts a dark, seductive world where danger, desire, and divine power collide in explosive fashion. This is not your typical fantasy—it’s raw, explicit, and utterly addictive.
From the very first page, the story grabs you with its vivid characters and high-stakes drama. The protagonist’s journey is gripping: navigating a shadowy world where gods and mortals entwine, and death itself is just the start of a deeper, more dangerous game. Warmerdam’s writing pulses with energy, weaving tension and steamy romance seamlessly alongside spine-chilling suspense.
The world-building is both intricate and immersive, revealing layers of mythology and magic that promise to deepen as the series unfolds. The narrative’s bold and explicit moments aren’t just for shock—they’re essential to understanding the characters’ passions, struggles, and transformations. Every twist and turn leaves you craving what’s next, with stakes escalating in unpredictable and thrilling ways.
What truly sets this book apart is its perfect blend of dark fantasy and sensuality—making it a must-read for fans who love their paranormal romance intense, emotional, and unapologetically bold. Warmerdam has crafted characters who feel raw and real, flawed and fierce, pulling you into their world where nothing is off-limits.
If you’re searching for a paranormal series that pushes boundaries and keeps you hooked from beginning to end, Death Is Only The Beginning is your next obsession. Prepare for a wild ride full of passion, peril, and power—this is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to dive into the next installment!
🔥 Dark Paranormal Romance — Intense, explicit romance set against a dark and supernatural backdrop.
👑 Divine Power / Goddesses — Characters connected to gods, goddesses, or divine forces with immense power.
⚔️ Mortal Meets Immortal — A human protagonist caught up in the dangerous world of immortals or deities.
💀 Death Is Not the End — Death triggers a new, often dangerous phase of existence rather than an end.
🔥 Enemies to Lovers — Tension-filled relationships that evolve from conflict to passion.
🖤 Anti-Hero / Flawed Protagonist — Characters with dark pasts or morally gray choices driving the story.
🌑 Forbidden Desire — Romance that challenges taboos or dangerous boundaries.
✨ Magic and Mythology — Rich world-building grounded in mythological elements and supernatural magic.
🔥 Power Struggles — Conflicts driven by quests for control, dominance, or survival in a supernatural hierarchy.
💫 Transformation / Rebirth — Characters undergo profound changes—physically, mentally, or spiritually.
September 21, 2025
I was really excited for Death Is Only the Beginning; it has a lot of my fave tropes, and in many ways, the promise was there. The author has a strong imagination, and her ability to evoke atmosphere and emotional stakes is not in question. There are moments when the mystery of the Black Book, the tension between Èmilia and Dawson, and the echoes of past lives with Liza and Nathanial almost carried me away. But “almost” is the keyword here, because for me, a lot of those pieces never fully lined up, and I ended up more frustrated than enchanted.
The biggest issue: pacing and clarity. The dual timelines are ambitious and could be really compelling, but they don’t always feel balanced. Early on, it isn’t easy to anchor into which timeline we’re in, or how the mythology is supposed to tie everything together. I found myself re-reading sections to see what I missed, wondering, “Wait, where are we? What are we doing?” Instead of being drawn deeper in, I was occasionally pulled out of the moment.
Character connection also suffered. Èmilia felt emotionally distant more often than not, despite being in a situation with huge stakes. Her arc with trauma, with the Black Book, with reconciling her past and present, none of this felt fully fleshed or grounded in a way that made me care as much as I wanted to. Dawson had potential, but their relationship sometimes felt more like an idea than a reality. There was a lot of angst, but not enough moments where the emotional tension was earned.
On the plus side: the writing is pretty; some of the imagery works beautifully, and I appreciate what she was going for with blending myth, memory, and identity. The concept is strong, and there are flashes of what this story could be. The romance, when it hit, had its sparks, and some of the reveals were satisfying.
But in the end, it felt like a read with good bones, but with too many parts that weren’t quite polished.
If you love myth + romance + atmospheric writing, you might still get something from this. For me, though, it was more of an almost-loved than a must-read.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
The biggest issue: pacing and clarity. The dual timelines are ambitious and could be really compelling, but they don’t always feel balanced. Early on, it isn’t easy to anchor into which timeline we’re in, or how the mythology is supposed to tie everything together. I found myself re-reading sections to see what I missed, wondering, “Wait, where are we? What are we doing?” Instead of being drawn deeper in, I was occasionally pulled out of the moment.
Character connection also suffered. Èmilia felt emotionally distant more often than not, despite being in a situation with huge stakes. Her arc with trauma, with the Black Book, with reconciling her past and present, none of this felt fully fleshed or grounded in a way that made me care as much as I wanted to. Dawson had potential, but their relationship sometimes felt more like an idea than a reality. There was a lot of angst, but not enough moments where the emotional tension was earned.
On the plus side: the writing is pretty; some of the imagery works beautifully, and I appreciate what she was going for with blending myth, memory, and identity. The concept is strong, and there are flashes of what this story could be. The romance, when it hit, had its sparks, and some of the reveals were satisfying.
But in the end, it felt like a read with good bones, but with too many parts that weren’t quite polished.
If you love myth + romance + atmospheric writing, you might still get something from this. For me, though, it was more of an almost-loved than a must-read.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2025
The cover and title instantly drew me in, and I went in with no expectations. At first, I was a little confused—the shifting timelines and character names felt jumbled between chapters. But as I read further, it clicked that there were two sets of main characters: Liza and Nathaniel, and Emilia and Dawson. The dedication even hints at this: “PS this is an odyssey, so it is ok to be confused. Remember, this is two stories in one book.” Once I embraced that, the story truly opened up.
I quickly became invested in both pairs and their circumstances, rooting for them to find a way to make it work. There’s a strong emotional pull here—even though at times it feels like “not much” is happening, I was still completely absorbed, just as Emilia is invested in Liza’s story. The romance is a beautiful slow burn, with that childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamic, filled with protectiveness, longing, and the growth that comes from learning to love against all odds.
I wasn’t expecting Egyptian mythology to play a role, and I especially wanted more about the moon goddesses, their powers, the balance of life and death, and fate and destiny. The magic system is explained enough to ground the reader, but there are still plenty of mysteries left for the sequel to unravel.
This first book is slower in pace, laying the foundation of the world and characters, but the ending clearly sets the stage for a more action-packed sequel. I’m eager to see where the next book takes us, and I’ll definitely be picking it up.
Thank you to WarRose&Spells and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I quickly became invested in both pairs and their circumstances, rooting for them to find a way to make it work. There’s a strong emotional pull here—even though at times it feels like “not much” is happening, I was still completely absorbed, just as Emilia is invested in Liza’s story. The romance is a beautiful slow burn, with that childhood-friends-to-lovers dynamic, filled with protectiveness, longing, and the growth that comes from learning to love against all odds.
I wasn’t expecting Egyptian mythology to play a role, and I especially wanted more about the moon goddesses, their powers, the balance of life and death, and fate and destiny. The magic system is explained enough to ground the reader, but there are still plenty of mysteries left for the sequel to unravel.
This first book is slower in pace, laying the foundation of the world and characters, but the ending clearly sets the stage for a more action-packed sequel. I’m eager to see where the next book takes us, and I’ll definitely be picking it up.
Thank you to WarRose&Spells and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2025
This novel presents an ambitious premise: melding Roman and Egyptian-inspired cultures, ancient gods, reincarnation, witches, and dual timelines. Ultimately, it falls short of its potential. What could have been an expansive and imaginative fantasy becomes overshadowed by an overemphasis on romance and eroticism, leaving the worldbuilding and mythological elements underdeveloped.
At nearly 400 pages, the narrative feels both long and shallow. The intricate concepts, two warring civilizations, overlapping pantheons, and mystical reincarnation, are introduced but never explored in meaningful depth. Readers are left with little sense of the world’s political structures, cultural dynamics, or spiritual systems. The mythology, ostensibly central to the plot, doesn’t meaningfully surface until the final chapters, robbing the story of the richness its premise promises.
Characterization is similarly thin. The leads spend much of the novel pining for one another, their interactions reduced to quips, longing glances, and the occasional bout of overwrought possessiveness. Without emotional or psychological depth, their romance fails to anchor the sprawling narrative or provide the tension necessary to sustain reader investment.
There are flashes of brilliance, moments that hint at the epic this story could have been, but they’re buried beneath repetition and missed opportunities. With stronger worldbuilding and more balanced attention between sensuality and substance, this could have been a standout entry in myth-inspired fantasy. Instead, it remains a beautifully conceived idea that never fully comes to life.
At nearly 400 pages, the narrative feels both long and shallow. The intricate concepts, two warring civilizations, overlapping pantheons, and mystical reincarnation, are introduced but never explored in meaningful depth. Readers are left with little sense of the world’s political structures, cultural dynamics, or spiritual systems. The mythology, ostensibly central to the plot, doesn’t meaningfully surface until the final chapters, robbing the story of the richness its premise promises.
Characterization is similarly thin. The leads spend much of the novel pining for one another, their interactions reduced to quips, longing glances, and the occasional bout of overwrought possessiveness. Without emotional or psychological depth, their romance fails to anchor the sprawling narrative or provide the tension necessary to sustain reader investment.
There are flashes of brilliance, moments that hint at the epic this story could have been, but they’re buried beneath repetition and missed opportunities. With stronger worldbuilding and more balanced attention between sensuality and substance, this could have been a standout entry in myth-inspired fantasy. Instead, it remains a beautifully conceived idea that never fully comes to life.
October 27, 2025
Very unique idea! I’m intrigued what’s to come!
3.5🌟 rounded up
I went into this knowing it was dual timelines with a fantasy element, but was rather surprised and addicted to how it all came together.
I would say, it did feel slightly disjointed at the start and a tad confusing, especially with the multiple flashbacks with Emilia’s life. But this did settle and it became an addictive read.
What I liked:
✨ The timeline / book connection: I love how Emilia experiences the life of the book’s author. And I’m hoping we see more of the other lives in the next book!
💖 Nathaniel’s adoration. Of the two couples, Nate and Liza are definitely the more straight forward and you can just feel how much Nate worships her. He’s such a gem!
✨ The magic and the quest: I kind of have no idea what is going on and all the rules around the magic, but it is fun! I like the balance of the magic and the use of the roses to dispel the pain. And how Emilia is just automatically a badass fighter!
💖 Emilia x Dawson’s dynamic. They have a lot more push and pull and tension and I’m intrigued how things will develop in book 2. I certainly love Dawson’s determination to kill for her!
I’m intrigued what’s comes next, as there is still so much to understand! Especially what Arthur’s involvement is? And whether we will see the other books?
3.5🌟 rounded up
I went into this knowing it was dual timelines with a fantasy element, but was rather surprised and addicted to how it all came together.
I would say, it did feel slightly disjointed at the start and a tad confusing, especially with the multiple flashbacks with Emilia’s life. But this did settle and it became an addictive read.
What I liked:
✨ The timeline / book connection: I love how Emilia experiences the life of the book’s author. And I’m hoping we see more of the other lives in the next book!
💖 Nathaniel’s adoration. Of the two couples, Nate and Liza are definitely the more straight forward and you can just feel how much Nate worships her. He’s such a gem!
✨ The magic and the quest: I kind of have no idea what is going on and all the rules around the magic, but it is fun! I like the balance of the magic and the use of the roses to dispel the pain. And how Emilia is just automatically a badass fighter!
💖 Emilia x Dawson’s dynamic. They have a lot more push and pull and tension and I’m intrigued how things will develop in book 2. I certainly love Dawson’s determination to kill for her!
I’m intrigued what’s comes next, as there is still so much to understand! Especially what Arthur’s involvement is? And whether we will see the other books?
September 12, 2025
*Read Through NetGalley*
I went into this book really liking the idea of it, but it just didn’t click for me. The setup had so much promise with ancient gods, reincarnation, witches, and a world inspired by Roman and Egyptian culture, but none of it ever got the depth it needed. Most of the fantasy elements were pushed to the side until the very end, and by then, it felt too late. I never got a clear sense of how this world worked, from the politics to the religion, and it left me wanting a lot more.
The writing style also made it tough to get through. There were so many heavy descriptions that instead of pulling me in, they slowed everything down. On top of that, the constant back and forth between past and present made the story feel choppy and confusing. Because of all that, I struggled to connect with the characters. Outside of a few bits of banter, they didn’t have much personality, and the romance just felt repetitive and flat.
Overall, it was a frustrating read. The ideas were there, but the writing, pacing, and lack of worldbuilding kept me from enjoying it. I wanted to love it, but I ended up bored and disconnected instead.
I went into this book really liking the idea of it, but it just didn’t click for me. The setup had so much promise with ancient gods, reincarnation, witches, and a world inspired by Roman and Egyptian culture, but none of it ever got the depth it needed. Most of the fantasy elements were pushed to the side until the very end, and by then, it felt too late. I never got a clear sense of how this world worked, from the politics to the religion, and it left me wanting a lot more.
The writing style also made it tough to get through. There were so many heavy descriptions that instead of pulling me in, they slowed everything down. On top of that, the constant back and forth between past and present made the story feel choppy and confusing. Because of all that, I struggled to connect with the characters. Outside of a few bits of banter, they didn’t have much personality, and the romance just felt repetitive and flat.
Overall, it was a frustrating read. The ideas were there, but the writing, pacing, and lack of worldbuilding kept me from enjoying it. I wanted to love it, but I ended up bored and disconnected instead.
September 20, 2025
First off, thank you, NetGalley and Acacia Warmerdam, for the opportunity to review this ARC.
That being said, this wasn't it for me, guys. This was written in 3rd person (which is fine), but from one sentence to another there was just hopping between characters' feelings/actions. Supposedly there is a lot of yearning and lost chances between both MMCs, but I am sorry this didn't land because I was told about all of the yearning vs. shown that they yearn for each other. In fact, it's possible to write a book about how much we are told things in this book. It was a struggle to get through this just because of these two facts.
On the bright side, the plot itself was interesting, but for the life of me, it was hard to be invested because I did not care for the characters. Even after finishing the book, I don't feel like I know them. I have been told about them, yes, but never once did I connect to them emotionally, because we weren't given room to do so, in my humble opinion. This book needed some more room to breathe; also, it felt like every other sentence there was an action attached to the way someone spoke. While I'm all for this, sometimes say/said is the unsung hero.
That being said, this wasn't it for me, guys. This was written in 3rd person (which is fine), but from one sentence to another there was just hopping between characters' feelings/actions. Supposedly there is a lot of yearning and lost chances between both MMCs, but I am sorry this didn't land because I was told about all of the yearning vs. shown that they yearn for each other. In fact, it's possible to write a book about how much we are told things in this book. It was a struggle to get through this just because of these two facts.
On the bright side, the plot itself was interesting, but for the life of me, it was hard to be invested because I did not care for the characters. Even after finishing the book, I don't feel like I know them. I have been told about them, yes, but never once did I connect to them emotionally, because we weren't given room to do so, in my humble opinion. This book needed some more room to breathe; also, it felt like every other sentence there was an action attached to the way someone spoke. While I'm all for this, sometimes say/said is the unsung hero.
Read
September 16, 2025DNF @ 21%
First I want to thank NetGalley for this ARC! I tried really hard to finish it because of that reason but unfortunately I gave up.
This book is listed as a fantasy. Besides the prologue, nothing fantasy related happens until 6 chapters in. At that time it is only a flashback dream to a past life. The prologue hints at the FMC having magic as a child but it isn’t shown again or mentioned until well after a quarter into the book. I wish there were fantasy aspects throughout especially since they were present in the prologue.
The characters lacked much needed depth. They fell very flat and were immature. Also, the switching between POVs was confusing. There was never a distinction between whose POV it was. Sometimes it’d switch from paragraph to paragraph.
The romance was childish. This wasn’t a slow burn. It was two people unnecessarily mean to each other for no reason- that’s not tension. Their issues could have been solved with a conversation.
I truly wanted to like this book as the cover is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Unfortunately it needs some very solid editing.
First I want to thank NetGalley for this ARC! I tried really hard to finish it because of that reason but unfortunately I gave up.
This book is listed as a fantasy. Besides the prologue, nothing fantasy related happens until 6 chapters in. At that time it is only a flashback dream to a past life. The prologue hints at the FMC having magic as a child but it isn’t shown again or mentioned until well after a quarter into the book. I wish there were fantasy aspects throughout especially since they were present in the prologue.
The characters lacked much needed depth. They fell very flat and were immature. Also, the switching between POVs was confusing. There was never a distinction between whose POV it was. Sometimes it’d switch from paragraph to paragraph.
The romance was childish. This wasn’t a slow burn. It was two people unnecessarily mean to each other for no reason- that’s not tension. Their issues could have been solved with a conversation.
I truly wanted to like this book as the cover is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Unfortunately it needs some very solid editing.
September 5, 2025
Death is Only the Beginning
What an odd book, I do not know what I was expecting but I wasn’t disappointed.
The first few chapters are a bit confusing, but it makes sense as you read.
Èmilia is your standard 1950’s socialite until you get to know her. She’s an odd woman who is being ushered to do her womanly duty and get married off, but she finds a strange book that unlocks memories from what I could understand a second life that Èmilia has lived.
The timeline for both lives are easily distinguishable which was nice.
I personally did not care for the male main character, he felt inorganic in the middle, but got better towards the end.
I did keep forgetting about the 1950’s being part of the timeline.
This was such a weird read I really want to write all these big things, but I can’t right now.
September 30th is the debut, keep an eye out for it!
Thank you to WarRose&Spells publishing and NetGalley!
What an odd book, I do not know what I was expecting but I wasn’t disappointed.
The first few chapters are a bit confusing, but it makes sense as you read.
Èmilia is your standard 1950’s socialite until you get to know her. She’s an odd woman who is being ushered to do her womanly duty and get married off, but she finds a strange book that unlocks memories from what I could understand a second life that Èmilia has lived.
The timeline for both lives are easily distinguishable which was nice.
I personally did not care for the male main character, he felt inorganic in the middle, but got better towards the end.
I did keep forgetting about the 1950’s being part of the timeline.
This was such a weird read I really want to write all these big things, but I can’t right now.
September 30th is the debut, keep an eye out for it!
Thank you to WarRose&Spells publishing and NetGalley!
August 29, 2025
DNF
Unfortunately, I won't be continuing with this one.
Prior to the start of the book, there was a trigger warning for sexual assault and that made me a little hesitant to continue reading.
The writing felt simplistic to me. I felt like I was watching the author write instead of being immersed into the world/characters. The dialogue didn't feel natural. It was like I was reading a script of what readers would want to hear instead of what may be natural. In chapter one, there were very confusing changes in perspective. Like it was the same scene and we would Emilia's inner thoughts then next paragraph it would be Dawson. I was so confused I found myself rereading to grasp what was going on. Overall, it felt flat. With more development, it could be something interesting, but in the end it just isn't story for me or one I want to keep reading.
Unfortunately, I won't be continuing with this one.
Prior to the start of the book, there was a trigger warning for sexual assault and that made me a little hesitant to continue reading.
The writing felt simplistic to me. I felt like I was watching the author write instead of being immersed into the world/characters. The dialogue didn't feel natural. It was like I was reading a script of what readers would want to hear instead of what may be natural. In chapter one, there were very confusing changes in perspective. Like it was the same scene and we would Emilia's inner thoughts then next paragraph it would be Dawson. I was so confused I found myself rereading to grasp what was going on. Overall, it felt flat. With more development, it could be something interesting, but in the end it just isn't story for me or one I want to keep reading.
September 4, 2025
2🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I was initially drawn to the book because of the cover, and then the description. However, I just had trouble fully connecting to the story and the characters. I believe that part of that may be due to the writing. It felt very tell not show, and not in a flattering way, (also! Why were so many parentheses used!) I didn’t really feel a connection between any of our FMCs and the MMCs. It just felt very dull. The magical concepts were a good start, but they also fell a little flat to me. Also, the time periods felt off. It was supposed to be the 1950s at one point, but it also felt very regency era at the same time? It just threw me off a bit.
Overall, the writing style, and the character dynamics just hindered me from really enjoying this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I was initially drawn to the book because of the cover, and then the description. However, I just had trouble fully connecting to the story and the characters. I believe that part of that may be due to the writing. It felt very tell not show, and not in a flattering way, (also! Why were so many parentheses used!) I didn’t really feel a connection between any of our FMCs and the MMCs. It just felt very dull. The magical concepts were a good start, but they also fell a little flat to me. Also, the time periods felt off. It was supposed to be the 1950s at one point, but it also felt very regency era at the same time? It just threw me off a bit.
Overall, the writing style, and the character dynamics just hindered me from really enjoying this.
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