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Phoenix Immortal #1
Moonlight Cherries: Phoenix Immortal, Book 1
"I couldn't change that I was… attracted to a guy I'd watched getting murdered on the subway."
Amory lives a quiet life as a waiter. The Moonlight Diner is the home he found after he was kicked out and disowned by his family for no other crime than who he loves.
Amory's life is shaken to its very foundations after a chance meeting that has Amory witness a murder—except the man who dies in Amory's arms doesn't stay dead.
Far from being a ghost, Soyer is very real. He pulls Amory into a world in which magic exists and wreaks havoc on the lives of unsuspecting people. But within what remains of the spell that touches both their lives, Amory and Soyer may just find love.
This is an MM romance intended for mature listeners.
Amory lives a quiet life as a waiter. The Moonlight Diner is the home he found after he was kicked out and disowned by his family for no other crime than who he loves.
Amory's life is shaken to its very foundations after a chance meeting that has Amory witness a murder—except the man who dies in Amory's arms doesn't stay dead.
Far from being a ghost, Soyer is very real. He pulls Amory into a world in which magic exists and wreaks havoc on the lives of unsuspecting people. But within what remains of the spell that touches both their lives, Amory and Soyer may just find love.
This is an MM romance intended for mature listeners.
Audible Audio
First published October 7, 2022
75 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Piper
74 books186 followersAlexa Piper writes steamy romance that ranges from light to dark, from straight to queer. She’s also a coffee addict. Alexa loves writing stories that make her readers laugh and fall in love with the characters in them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 12, 2026
Moonlight Cherries
by Alexa Piper
This is a spicy M/M fantasy romance about a guy who sees a murder happen on the subway. As he hurries over to the dying man, it's too late, the man expires. Then the dead man's eyes open , he sits up, gives him a kiss on the cheek, and runs off. This book tells how they met later and what happens. Very imaginative and fun plot and characters. Spicy sex scenes. Good paranormal romance.
by Alexa Piper
This is a spicy M/M fantasy romance about a guy who sees a murder happen on the subway. As he hurries over to the dying man, it's too late, the man expires. Then the dead man's eyes open , he sits up, gives him a kiss on the cheek, and runs off. This book tells how they met later and what happens. Very imaginative and fun plot and characters. Spicy sex scenes. Good paranormal romance.
December 26, 2023
Dez 2023
What I said before. 😋
Also, really genius inserting another onr of your book titles inside this book!
original review
I am in love.
My god were those two precious. Such an interesting world, just beyond what we know as being reality now. I loved every minute of this book. I'm sure that it might be to slow for some people or that some might prefer a more action packed story but it was just perfect for me.
The whole story revolves around our main couple from the POV of one of the MC's, namely Amory. It is curious how he could stay so calm when facing a man who tells him to his face that he sometimes kills people, if they deserve that fate or not is beyond the point. Their connection is too strong for them to doubt one another. The way Soyer treated Amory, how he recognized Amory doubting himself or the situation every time and stopped Amory falling into a spiral that could have so easily lead to self-doubt, self-consciousness, self-recrimination and a fear response was beautiful in its simplicity. Just the right amount of being possessive to feel cherished, just enough dominance at the right time to let yourself get caught, just enough softness to not get tooth-ache, just the right partner to support you without being overbearing. This is how you fall in love, steadily and over time, one date at a time.
Many questions were answered in this one but so many questions are still waiting for one. I can't wait for the next one in this series. Will it be about the two of them? About one of their inner circle? I can't decide what I want more. It got me hooked for sure!
What I said before. 😋
Also, really genius inserting another onr of your book titles inside this book!
original review
I am in love.
My god were those two precious. Such an interesting world, just beyond what we know as being reality now. I loved every minute of this book. I'm sure that it might be to slow for some people or that some might prefer a more action packed story but it was just perfect for me.
The whole story revolves around our main couple from the POV of one of the MC's, namely Amory. It is curious how he could stay so calm when facing a man who tells him to his face that he sometimes kills people, if they deserve that fate or not is beyond the point. Their connection is too strong for them to doubt one another. The way Soyer treated Amory, how he recognized Amory doubting himself or the situation every time and stopped Amory falling into a spiral that could have so easily lead to self-doubt, self-consciousness, self-recrimination and a fear response was beautiful in its simplicity. Just the right amount of being possessive to feel cherished, just enough dominance at the right time to let yourself get caught, just enough softness to not get tooth-ache, just the right partner to support you without being overbearing. This is how you fall in love, steadily and over time, one date at a time.
Many questions were answered in this one but so many questions are still waiting for one. I can't wait for the next one in this series. Will it be about the two of them? About one of their inner circle? I can't decide what I want more. It got me hooked for sure!
April 20, 2023
These two characters were original, and unique. It was refreshing to see a lot of the first part of the story was Amory and Soyer simply getting to know one another before we were drawn into Soyer's "other world". There is some dark drama and violence mixed in also...but not especially disturbing. Alixis Piper has created a unique take on the paranormal with this one. Most people are frightened by Soyer, but he shows his gentle, loving side only to shy Amory. Soyer is also possessive around Amory...which isn't always a good trait in a lover.... but in this case, it's okay since he is also patient in all the ways that count. This turned out to be the kind of love story that brings out the best in both partners. Hope there is a book 2, 3, 4....I'm checking today.
September 27, 2022
Moonlight Cherries was unique and utterly charming. It was impossible not to fall in love with Soyer like Amory did.
From the start Soyer is devoted, caring and careful with shy Amory. He's sweetly possessive but would never harm a hair on Amory's head.
There's some darkness and violence in the book but it's offset with so much sweetness.
I really want more from this world, we are given crumbs like Amory. Just enough for things to make sense but I get the feeling there is a rich world in hiding underneath.
There's a wealth of great side characters like Elias and Ben that I already adore.
I'm glad I picked this one up.
From the start Soyer is devoted, caring and careful with shy Amory. He's sweetly possessive but would never harm a hair on Amory's head.
There's some darkness and violence in the book but it's offset with so much sweetness.
I really want more from this world, we are given crumbs like Amory. Just enough for things to make sense but I get the feeling there is a rich world in hiding underneath.
There's a wealth of great side characters like Elias and Ben that I already adore.
I'm glad I picked this one up.
October 6, 2022
Moonlight Cherries is the first in an exciting new series, Phoenix Immortal. Amory and Soyer’s story starts off with a bang. I totally fell in love with Amory and Soyer! Soyer’s romance of Amory was swoon worthy! I loved the way Soyer courted him. Amory is sweet and shy, an innocent really. Soyer is an old soul completely enamored with Amory. Loved, loved, loved their banter, chemistry, connection, romance!! Overall, a fantastic read that is well written with pacing that hooked me. Highly recommend.
March 18, 2023
Alexa Piper is a new to me author and this book came highly recommended from two of my lovely bookish friends. One of them described how there was just something special about Moonlight Cherries and I have to say I wholeheartedly agree. I loved every moment of reading this book. It was just so freaking romantic! The whole dynamic of a centuries old immortal of great power falling for the innocent and oh so sweet Amory was beautiful. All the old fashioned statements and shows of affection were utterly swoon worthy. There truly is something to be said for a good old fashioned wooing and every time Soyer called Amory his heart my eyes about burst into hearts themselves.
"Yes, I loved him, and if you could love someone too much, then that was how much."
Soyer was not alone in his sweet thoughts about his lover as you can see from the above quote. These two were besotted with one another. It didn't matter that Soyer was essentially an assassin for hire. Or that he was part of another world so to speak. He treated Amory like he was precious, like the sun rose and fell solely because of him. How could Amory not fall head over heels for him after never having experienced a true loyalty and devotion like that in his life. Hell, I might have fell a little in love with Soyer myself by the time I was done with this book. Add to it the fact that Soyer is also a bit of a bad boy? I was a total goner.
"A better man than I would walk away from you... A better man than I would have never walked toward you. But I can’t. I can’t let you go, Amory.”
Now this one ends with a sort of soft cliffhanger. We're left with a lot of questions, and the plot is left open ended with the assumption that there is more to come. I hope that means the more to come is happening sooner than later because I already miss these characters and I only just finished. This will definitely not be my last Alexa Piper book.
"Yes, I loved him, and if you could love someone too much, then that was how much."
Soyer was not alone in his sweet thoughts about his lover as you can see from the above quote. These two were besotted with one another. It didn't matter that Soyer was essentially an assassin for hire. Or that he was part of another world so to speak. He treated Amory like he was precious, like the sun rose and fell solely because of him. How could Amory not fall head over heels for him after never having experienced a true loyalty and devotion like that in his life. Hell, I might have fell a little in love with Soyer myself by the time I was done with this book. Add to it the fact that Soyer is also a bit of a bad boy? I was a total goner.
"A better man than I would walk away from you... A better man than I would have never walked toward you. But I can’t. I can’t let you go, Amory.”
Now this one ends with a sort of soft cliffhanger. We're left with a lot of questions, and the plot is left open ended with the assumption that there is more to come. I hope that means the more to come is happening sooner than later because I already miss these characters and I only just finished. This will definitely not be my last Alexa Piper book.
September 21, 2022
Moonlight Cherries is the most romantic book Alexa Piper has written.
It's a tender love story with lots of courting, sweetness and steam. Soyer may be bad-ass but he is a total softie for Amory. He is patient while Amory gets used to all the attention and being in a relationship.
Meanwhile, there are the questions what Soyer really is and what world he lives in. I loved the unique paranormal world that was created. It was interesting and not too complicated, and I can't wait to see more of it.
The content warnings take up only a very small part, and are written so mindfully that they don't disturb the sweet and low-angst feel of the story. This book is not dark or heavy at all.
It's a beautiful, well-written story about the first time falling in love and allowing yourself to love and be loved. Compared to the author's other works, Moonlight Cherries is low on the action and world-building, and high on the romance. Reading it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket and disappearing into a comfy couch.
Definitely one of my favorites by this author.
It's a tender love story with lots of courting, sweetness and steam. Soyer may be bad-ass but he is a total softie for Amory. He is patient while Amory gets used to all the attention and being in a relationship.
Meanwhile, there are the questions what Soyer really is and what world he lives in. I loved the unique paranormal world that was created. It was interesting and not too complicated, and I can't wait to see more of it.
The content warnings take up only a very small part, and are written so mindfully that they don't disturb the sweet and low-angst feel of the story. This book is not dark or heavy at all.
It's a beautiful, well-written story about the first time falling in love and allowing yourself to love and be loved. Compared to the author's other works, Moonlight Cherries is low on the action and world-building, and high on the romance. Reading it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket and disappearing into a comfy couch.
Definitely one of my favorites by this author.
November 23, 2025
If you love characters with amazing banter and off the charts chemistry, this book is for you. There's a heaping dose of insta-love between Amory and Soyer, and I was here for it. Their attraction and interactions weren't just sugary sweet, but careful and consenting as much as all consuming for them.
All this beautiful relational balance is offset by a magical world that is heavy and dark and full of consequences. Amory and Soyer's first meeting is marked with violence and that is far from the only bloody encounter they'll have. But the world this author created is also full of quirky characters who I desperately want more of: vampires with several degrees, silent writers with mysterious backstories, loving and fiercely protective coworkers.
I loved the new audio version of this book. Michael Ferraiuolo (one of my favorite narrators) brings Soyer's feral protectiveness to life. He also brings to the forefront how lost Amory is as he steps into this new dark reality, being so brave because he can't imagine living without being by Soyer's side.
All this beautiful relational balance is offset by a magical world that is heavy and dark and full of consequences. Amory and Soyer's first meeting is marked with violence and that is far from the only bloody encounter they'll have. But the world this author created is also full of quirky characters who I desperately want more of: vampires with several degrees, silent writers with mysterious backstories, loving and fiercely protective coworkers.
I loved the new audio version of this book. Michael Ferraiuolo (one of my favorite narrators) brings Soyer's feral protectiveness to life. He also brings to the forefront how lost Amory is as he steps into this new dark reality, being so brave because he can't imagine living without being by Soyer's side.
October 7, 2022
Amory and Soyer’s story is woven through with so many lovely layers— there are the beautifully drawn characters, the deft, subtle world building that sketches the outlines of magic without overwhelming detail, and the romance that builds between them: full of kindness, tenderness, and chemistry. It’s hard not to be invested in Amory, and to appreciate the care and constancy shown to him by Soyer, who’s intense without being overbearing, and patient in all the right ways. This is, at its heart, the kind of love story that brings out the best in both partners, which is, tbh, my favorite kind.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 21, 2022
Moonlight Cherries
Alexa Piper
Soyer is a powerful man that most fear, just the mention of Black Shuck everyone knows not to cross him or he'll kill them. He has jobs to do and pawns to clean up after a each job.
He's also known in certain circles as Bennet no one knows his real name.
Amory works at Moonlight Diner and closes at night.
Dwayne is the cook/owner of the diner and helped get Amory back on his feet when he was on the streets looking for chance.
Jenny is coworker is always telling Amory that Soyer is trouble and to be careful.
In the diner there's a writer that comes in to work on his book
Vico at the fancy restaurant
The Doge
Along with those characters I would
like more on these characters in other book(s) also.
Ben
Valentin, Simone, Elias
Duncan and Lynn
I love the characters, the storyline and the author takes you on a journey that you can picture as you read it.
I highly recommend this book
Alexa Piper
Soyer is a powerful man that most fear, just the mention of Black Shuck everyone knows not to cross him or he'll kill them. He has jobs to do and pawns to clean up after a each job.
He's also known in certain circles as Bennet no one knows his real name.
Amory works at Moonlight Diner and closes at night.
Dwayne is the cook/owner of the diner and helped get Amory back on his feet when he was on the streets looking for chance.
Jenny is coworker is always telling Amory that Soyer is trouble and to be careful.
In the diner there's a writer that comes in to work on his book
Vico at the fancy restaurant
The Doge
Along with those characters I would
like more on these characters in other book(s) also.
Ben
Valentin, Simone, Elias
Duncan and Lynn
I love the characters, the storyline and the author takes you on a journey that you can picture as you read it.
I highly recommend this book
May 30, 2024
In a category filled with well-worn tropes, this story manages to be unique. Although I knew what Soyer was, that in no way diminished how the plot unfolded. Soyer was creepy to me for awhile, but you know from our point of view character Avory that how he appears outside this relationship is a lot different to how he appears to Avory. Every character is good, the settings are good, the worldbuilding is good and all of it is intensely personal to Avory.
I quite enjoyed this one, and will probably read the next book.
I quite enjoyed this one, and will probably read the next book.
November 19, 2025
interesting magic system
December 17, 2025
I would have liked a little more world build, the focus was too long on just Amory and Soyer. This is an interesting world with interestig characters, but I was more than halfway through before I really got invested in the story.
but certainly curious to how the story continues
but certainly curious to how the story continues
September 27, 2022
“Even though he looked like midnight and dark oceans churning under a new moon, something about him was bright like a dozen suns, and a part of me wanted to squirm at his attention, intense and constant as it was.”
A uniquely heartwarming paranormal saga, is what Alexa Piper has given us in Moonlight Cherries.
Soyer/Bennett and his tale, spanning adventures untold, is secondary to the relationship and bonding that takes place between a young man, Amory, and himself. The setting of their growth and challenges, the Moonlight Diner, changes their worlds.
So many firsts. So many mysteries. So many slices of cherry pie. Piper creates a vivid ribbon that strengthens bonds relating to the hidden paranormal world, and the human that connects them.
A uniquely heartwarming paranormal saga, is what Alexa Piper has given us in Moonlight Cherries.
Soyer/Bennett and his tale, spanning adventures untold, is secondary to the relationship and bonding that takes place between a young man, Amory, and himself. The setting of their growth and challenges, the Moonlight Diner, changes their worlds.
So many firsts. So many mysteries. So many slices of cherry pie. Piper creates a vivid ribbon that strengthens bonds relating to the hidden paranormal world, and the human that connects them.
November 21, 2022
What an incredible story! I bought the paperback because it is formatted so beautifully I had to have it in my collection. The world building is so refreshingly original and the characters are unique. I liked that a decent portion of the story was Amory and Soyer getting to know each other before Soyer's supernatural world came barging in. And that was quite the surprise at the end. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 23, 2022
I don't even know what it's about. I'm at 77%, and nothings happening? It's not even a build-up, it's just, nothing? I give up.
October 31, 2025
This was such a fun listen! I always love Michael Ferraiuolo's narration, and he did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life. Though I own many books by this author, this is actually the first one I've actually read, but I will definitely be reading more!
One of the things I loved about this was that it diverged from a lot of paranormal books and had a unique reason behind the various types of creatures that exist, as well as a different structure in general. And Soyer, in particular, didn't follow the usual route of a powerful paranormal being who's fascinated by the human and tramples all over their wishes... though he very much showed his interest and attraction, he constantly checked in for consent, restrained himself from doing things like replacing Amory's phone without permission, and took things as slow as Amory needed. Honestly, green flags all the way (if you can ignore the occasional blood, ha ha).
I'm looking forward to reading more!
One of the things I loved about this was that it diverged from a lot of paranormal books and had a unique reason behind the various types of creatures that exist, as well as a different structure in general. And Soyer, in particular, didn't follow the usual route of a powerful paranormal being who's fascinated by the human and tramples all over their wishes... though he very much showed his interest and attraction, he constantly checked in for consent, restrained himself from doing things like replacing Amory's phone without permission, and took things as slow as Amory needed. Honestly, green flags all the way (if you can ignore the occasional blood, ha ha).
I'm looking forward to reading more!
May 27, 2024
Wonderful new universe!
Amory and Soyer’s story is an amazing one. By this point, I’ve read a number of supernatural universe stories and enjoyed most, but this one is different, and I mean that in the most complimentary way!
This author’s universe is a unique one, and I really appreciate it. Both main characters are intense in their own way. I’ve always been a sucker for human/supernatural relationships, so this one fit me to a “T”.
It feels as though the end may be a cliffhanger, but I’m not 100% sure about that. The only way to find out is to start Book 2, and I’ll be doing that in about 5 minutes!
Amory and Soyer’s story is an amazing one. By this point, I’ve read a number of supernatural universe stories and enjoyed most, but this one is different, and I mean that in the most complimentary way!
This author’s universe is a unique one, and I really appreciate it. Both main characters are intense in their own way. I’ve always been a sucker for human/supernatural relationships, so this one fit me to a “T”.
It feels as though the end may be a cliffhanger, but I’m not 100% sure about that. The only way to find out is to start Book 2, and I’ll be doing that in about 5 minutes!
November 3, 2022
I am so in love with this book!! Soyer and Amory are out of this world AMAZING!! I was hooked from page one, till the very end. This author took me into such a magical world with her writing and created such lovable characters!
December 10, 2023
Amazing
I love the world this author has created. I actually got the opportunity to read Book 3, Soyer’s book, first and it gave me a different perspective on this one. I absolutely adore Amory and Soyer. These characters are everything and I can’t wait to read more.
I love the world this author has created. I actually got the opportunity to read Book 3, Soyer’s book, first and it gave me a different perspective on this one. I absolutely adore Amory and Soyer. These characters are everything and I can’t wait to read more.
October 8, 2022
Another absolutely amazing Alexa Piper story. Amory and Soyer's had me hooked from the start. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 7, 2022
Moonlight Cherries is a unique take on the paranormal. Soyer is feared by most people but he shows his sweet side to Amory. Amory is sweet and shy. Soyer is caring and possessive around Amory. I love all the side characters like Dwayne, Duncan, and Lynn. This new world that Alexa Piper has created is magical with some darkness thrown in. I can't wait for more stories set in this world. This is the most romantic book Alexa Piper has written in my opinion. I would definitely recommend this book.
January 12, 2026
Completamente rendida por essa série. Emory e Soyer são personagens muito completos e interessantes e a narração do Michel Ferraiuolo tornou a experiência ainda mais incrível. Uma fantasia urbana com muitos seres sobrenaturais e um romance de tirar o fôlego
November 5, 2025
Awesome book!
I love this book! It's a good book for reading in the still of the night. I can relate to Amory so much when he's trying to overcome the negative opinions of his father that are always in the back of his mind.
I love how you can tell Soyer is powerful and he does seem dangerous and maybe even he could be a menace but Amory is the exception. Amory is safe with Soyer. I love that. I love that Soyer is so proud of him and always wants to show him off and let everyone know Amory is his.
I can't wait for more in this series!!
I love this book! It's a good book for reading in the still of the night. I can relate to Amory so much when he's trying to overcome the negative opinions of his father that are always in the back of his mind.
I love how you can tell Soyer is powerful and he does seem dangerous and maybe even he could be a menace but Amory is the exception. Amory is safe with Soyer. I love that. I love that Soyer is so proud of him and always wants to show him off and let everyone know Amory is his.
I can't wait for more in this series!!
January 6, 2026
Moonlight Cherries is Book 1 in the Phoenix Immortal Series by Alexa Piper. This series contains 4 primary works and one collection of stories. The main character in this book,
Amory is a sweet loner who works nights in a diner. He was kicked out of his home as a teenager due to his sexuality. One night he witnesses a murder and holds the dying stranger in his arms. To his surprise, the stranger makes an instant and unexpected recovery thus introducing him to an entirely new world.
Soyer is mysterious and utterly captivated by Amory. While we don't know exactly what Soyer is, Amory does come to learn how Soyer came to be the way he is. Soyer falls head over heels for Amory and they develop a sweet love story. Soyer is definitely a "touch him and die" type boyfriend and highly protective of Amory. Both of their lives end up in danger as Soyer's world begins to involve Amory.
This book contains elements of found family, m/m romance, the supernatural, life and death and is a darker read. I absolutely enjoyed Amory's character and reactions to all the new experiences in his life. The narration by Michael Ferraiuolo enhanced my reading experience and I loved the voices he brought to the different characters. There were a few entertaining side characters as well who added doses of humor - mainly a cheeky vampire.
Thank you to Podium Audio for access to a copy of this audiobook via LibroFM's ALC program. All opinions shared are my own and are given freely. This was a 3.75/5 star read for me meaning it was a solid enjoyable read true to its genre with a few parts better than others.
Amory is a sweet loner who works nights in a diner. He was kicked out of his home as a teenager due to his sexuality. One night he witnesses a murder and holds the dying stranger in his arms. To his surprise, the stranger makes an instant and unexpected recovery thus introducing him to an entirely new world.
Soyer is mysterious and utterly captivated by Amory. While we don't know exactly what Soyer is, Amory does come to learn how Soyer came to be the way he is. Soyer falls head over heels for Amory and they develop a sweet love story. Soyer is definitely a "touch him and die" type boyfriend and highly protective of Amory. Both of their lives end up in danger as Soyer's world begins to involve Amory.
This book contains elements of found family, m/m romance, the supernatural, life and death and is a darker read. I absolutely enjoyed Amory's character and reactions to all the new experiences in his life. The narration by Michael Ferraiuolo enhanced my reading experience and I loved the voices he brought to the different characters. There were a few entertaining side characters as well who added doses of humor - mainly a cheeky vampire.
Thank you to Podium Audio for access to a copy of this audiobook via LibroFM's ALC program. All opinions shared are my own and are given freely. This was a 3.75/5 star read for me meaning it was a solid enjoyable read true to its genre with a few parts better than others.
June 9, 2023
I am about a year late to this fantastic book, and I'm asking myself why it took me so long to read this. The blurb intrigued me right away, I just had to read this. Especially considering Amory fell for the guy he saw die..? That was a really intriguing concept. One that I hadn't read before, and one I'm really glad Alexa created. I've read other books by Alexa and they always do a great job with creating mystical creatures that still feel human and realistic. While I was reading this I couldn't help think "well... That could happen, this could be real, that theory could be accurate.. etc" Alexa's writing makes you ponder that line between what's 'real' and what's fantasy, and I love going on that journey.
This book has been my favorite book of Alexa's by far!
I have a soft spot for books that contain a lot of scenes involving food, and to have a book that primarily takes place in a diner? That's a superb combination for me, and I was pulled into this book right away. I did nothing but read this book, I had to know what was going to happen, and I was as curious as Amory was... I needed to know what Soyer was.. How did he die but still live?
I really enjoyed all the twists in turns that occured in this story, they were all done really well and I loved how you couldn't really predict them coming. They were total surprises. And that twist at the end?! That made me so excited and eager for the next book, which I am now off to read.
I highly recommend you read this incredible book but beware.. it'll make you want to go to a diner, and have some cherry pie.
This book has been my favorite book of Alexa's by far!
I have a soft spot for books that contain a lot of scenes involving food, and to have a book that primarily takes place in a diner? That's a superb combination for me, and I was pulled into this book right away. I did nothing but read this book, I had to know what was going to happen, and I was as curious as Amory was... I needed to know what Soyer was.. How did he die but still live?
I really enjoyed all the twists in turns that occured in this story, they were all done really well and I loved how you couldn't really predict them coming. They were total surprises. And that twist at the end?! That made me so excited and eager for the next book, which I am now off to read.
I highly recommend you read this incredible book but beware.. it'll make you want to go to a diner, and have some cherry pie.
September 19, 2025
Okay, this book was such a good read. For a book with murder, it was surprisingly cozy and sweet.
Amory, oh my sweet, sweet little Amory. I say little but this is a whole ass, grown 27 year old man and y'all have no idea how much I love and appreciate the human being an adult with a fully formed brain instead of being a naive, barely legal (if we're lucky) falling for someone several centuries older than them.
Which brings us to Soyer. I had a lot of fun trying to figure out what he was in the beginning (and the reveal is pretty solid, def here for it). He's the kind of person I would either be best friends with or would hate with a burning passion in real life. Probably a mix of the two.
The side characters are also deeply charming. With how Jenny and Dwayne look out for Amory. The way Elias strikes up a friendship with him, not at all bothered by his humanity. The found family trope in this is fantastic.
I honestly fully intend to continue with this series because I genuinely loved how safe the book made me feel. Yes, there is some smut in this one, BUT it is approached wonderfully instead of being purely gratutious. It was also really refreshing for there to be discussions and foreplay and clear, explicit verbal consent.
Honestly, if you're looking for a genuinely good, cozy, urban fantasy read, I highly recommend this one.
Amory, oh my sweet, sweet little Amory. I say little but this is a whole ass, grown 27 year old man and y'all have no idea how much I love and appreciate the human being an adult with a fully formed brain instead of being a naive, barely legal (if we're lucky) falling for someone several centuries older than them.
Which brings us to Soyer. I had a lot of fun trying to figure out what he was in the beginning (and the reveal is pretty solid, def here for it). He's the kind of person I would either be best friends with or would hate with a burning passion in real life. Probably a mix of the two.
The side characters are also deeply charming. With how Jenny and Dwayne look out for Amory. The way Elias strikes up a friendship with him, not at all bothered by his humanity. The found family trope in this is fantastic.
I honestly fully intend to continue with this series because I genuinely loved how safe the book made me feel. Yes, there is some smut in this one, BUT it is approached wonderfully instead of being purely gratutious. It was also really refreshing for there to be discussions and foreplay and clear, explicit verbal consent.
Honestly, if you're looking for a genuinely good, cozy, urban fantasy read, I highly recommend this one.
July 15, 2024
Guys, when I tell you I'm tired of DNFing books, I mean it.
I made it to chapter 6 before I finally had to tap out on this one. I picked this up because it's less than 250 pages. Figured it would be a quick read, sounded interesting, and even if I didn't like it, I should be able to get through it. Right? Wrong.
× The cover made me think this would a YA book. It's not. Nice art but it doesn't fit the rating or themes of the book itself.
× I swear to God, let the vampire thing go. Even after Soyer stated he was not a vampire, it kept being brought up again and again and again and again.
× Soyer is a plethora of walking red flags. Stalker, hitman, all his exes are dead, low-key possessive, constantly tipping with 100 dollar bills, etc. Like come on, the fact our MC was completely fine with everything was very concerning.
× Plot? What plot? There is no plot. It's just our MC going out on dates, having sex, and fawning over Soyer. I'm so mad right now. There was a very cool idea here that was thrown out the window.
I'm begging a higher power to help me find a book I can finish because lately, it seems I've been picking all the wrong ones.
I made it to chapter 6 before I finally had to tap out on this one. I picked this up because it's less than 250 pages. Figured it would be a quick read, sounded interesting, and even if I didn't like it, I should be able to get through it. Right? Wrong.
× The cover made me think this would a YA book. It's not. Nice art but it doesn't fit the rating or themes of the book itself.
× I swear to God, let the vampire thing go. Even after Soyer stated he was not a vampire, it kept being brought up again and again and again and again.
× Soyer is a plethora of walking red flags. Stalker, hitman, all his exes are dead, low-key possessive, constantly tipping with 100 dollar bills, etc. Like come on, the fact our MC was completely fine with everything was very concerning.
× Plot? What plot? There is no plot. It's just our MC going out on dates, having sex, and fawning over Soyer. I'm so mad right now. There was a very cool idea here that was thrown out the window.
I'm begging a higher power to help me find a book I can finish because lately, it seems I've been picking all the wrong ones.
June 11, 2023
Cherries
I have to honest, this book caught me by surprise. I did not expect it to be so good. For me it is a 5/5 and I will definitely read the next one. This book starts with a bit action. Armory is on the way home from work one morning and he sees a guy arguing with some rough looking men. The men end up cutting the man’s throat in front of Amory and they get off the train. Amory holds the man and tries to comfort him as he dies. But the man gets up kisses the side of Amory’s face and gets off at the next stop. Amory goes home and thinks it is a dream until he sees the blood on his clothes. That night the dead man comes into the diner where Amory works. The guy does not give a name so Amory gives him the name Soyer. Soyer is very interested in Amory but goes slow because of Amory is slow to trust, but eventually he comes around. Amory figures out that Soyer is not human but still dates him. This excites the local supernatural community, but it also makes Amory a target for those trying to hurt Soyer.
I have to honest, this book caught me by surprise. I did not expect it to be so good. For me it is a 5/5 and I will definitely read the next one. This book starts with a bit action. Armory is on the way home from work one morning and he sees a guy arguing with some rough looking men. The men end up cutting the man’s throat in front of Amory and they get off the train. Amory holds the man and tries to comfort him as he dies. But the man gets up kisses the side of Amory’s face and gets off at the next stop. Amory goes home and thinks it is a dream until he sees the blood on his clothes. That night the dead man comes into the diner where Amory works. The guy does not give a name so Amory gives him the name Soyer. Soyer is very interested in Amory but goes slow because of Amory is slow to trust, but eventually he comes around. Amory figures out that Soyer is not human but still dates him. This excites the local supernatural community, but it also makes Amory a target for those trying to hurt Soyer.
February 5, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ A diner waiter watches a man get murdered on the subway, and then get up and walk away—after kissing the waiter on the cheek.
I finished this out of respect for my thirteen-year-old self, who once wrote a romance novel for fun. I’m sure I made some similar choices, focusing on dialogue between the main characters rather than making sure the world made sense and the plot was plotting. I probably wrote the characters saying each other names aloud with every line, even though no one does that in real life. I probably also forgot to give the main characters much depth. I didn’t write smut, but if I did, I would probably have used the word “boner” a lot, too. So, here’s to you, kid.
But it was hard to get through this, not even just because of the juvenile writing style. The meet cute is so good, but then kind of nothing else happens beyond rich-mafia-boyfriend things. There are meals and meals and meals. There are large bouquets of flowers. There’s a fancy house and chauffeurs and delivery people. And that’s about it, for maybe 90% of this.
Blergh.
I finished this out of respect for my thirteen-year-old self, who once wrote a romance novel for fun. I’m sure I made some similar choices, focusing on dialogue between the main characters rather than making sure the world made sense and the plot was plotting. I probably wrote the characters saying each other names aloud with every line, even though no one does that in real life. I probably also forgot to give the main characters much depth. I didn’t write smut, but if I did, I would probably have used the word “boner” a lot, too. So, here’s to you, kid.
But it was hard to get through this, not even just because of the juvenile writing style. The meet cute is so good, but then kind of nothing else happens beyond rich-mafia-boyfriend things. There are meals and meals and meals. There are large bouquets of flowers. There’s a fancy house and chauffeurs and delivery people. And that’s about it, for maybe 90% of this.
Blergh.
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