Dancing With Death

by G.W. Prouse

After Kora’s death-defying journey to the Isles of Nekrós, Shade has returned to his throne as King of the Dead. The immortals have re-entered the land of the living, and the world has begun to heal after years of famine.

Grief still pulls at Kora, but her time in the Isle of Waiting has taught her how to live while her university studies and balancing a precarious long-distance relationship with the The God of Death has kept her busy. But as the school term comes to a close and she begins to find her footing with her new life, Shade begins to pull away.

Before Kora can dwell on heartache, news of a Starlit Masquerade and its enigmatic host has Athens abuzz. With an invitation in hand, a mysterious dress, and a mystical mask of flowers and skulls, Kora is immersed into a magical world that may hold just as many lures as dangers. When the host turns his attention on her, Kora must choose whether to follow her desire, or her heart.

Starlit Desires collaboration—a collection of six fantasy romance novellas releasing this Valentine’s season!

💘 Featuring stories by:

S.T. Fernandez — Unmasking Aurelio
G.W. Prouse — Dancing with Death
Sarah Adina — Cupid's Arrow
E.V. Sauvage — Even Cupids Love
Carliann Jean — The Frost that Burns
GM Katz — Everlasting Love

✨ Six authors. Six stand-alone novellas. One unforgettable Valentine’s.

Genres: Fantasy

Unknown Binding

First published February 10, 2026

About the author

GW Prouse has a heart for travel and a love of the outdoors that inspires her settings and worlds. While she lives near the beach, she prefers redwood trees, fog covered lakes and mountain peaks. If she’s not writing, reading, or rushing her family around to the countless activities her children can accumulate, she can be found riding her horse, hiking the hills, or cuddling up with her husband for a movie.

Reviews

[Jazzy Mermaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhhh where to begin. In a world where immortals and humans walk the same realms and have a history one very special mortal now has a gift of botany magic. She although aspires to attend a university to further her education as to also help prevent famine to reign again amongst the humans.

A very interesting invitation comes about within the town calling all unwed to a mansion that no one truly knows the host. Keeping in mind the immortals are also tricksters with their games, Kora was apprehensive. Question riot in her mind and her missing Shade did nothing to suppress that. With everyone behaving out of sorts and realizing there is magic traced on those invitations, Kora is alert but compliant.

During this Starlit Masquerade she realizes that nothing is what it seems and she must figure out what she is going to do.

This book is not only intriguing but kept me second guessing myself at every turn. This world is one that has depth, trickery, some perspective barriers and ohhhhh so much strength of oneself. I was confused in a sense of keeping up with what was going on but looking beyond the trials to figure out what would happen next. I did not succeed in that discovery which made the book all the more fun and enjoyable to me. ✨️📚✨️

[Tiegan | Bookstagram · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you G.W. Prouse for the e-ARC!*

After Kora’s death-defying journey to the Isles of Nekrós (go read “Isle of Waiting” for the full journey!), Shade has returned to his throne as King of the Dead. The immortals have re-entered the land of the living, and the world has begun to heal after years of famine. Grief still pulls at Kora, but her time in the Isle of Waiting has taught her how to live while her university studies and balancing a precarious long-distance relationship with the God of Death has kept her busy. But as the school term comes to a close and she begins to find her footing with her new life, Shade begins to pull away.

Before Kora can dwell on heartache, news of a Starlit Masquerade and its enigmatic host has Athens abuzz. With an invitation in hand, a mysterious dress, and a mystical mask of flowers and skulls, Kora is immersed into a magical world that may hold just as many lures as dangers. When the host turns his attention on her, Kora must choose whether to follow her desire, or her heart.

Tropes:
✨ Glamorous masquerade
❤️ Gods meddling with the lives of mortals
✨ Lust magic
❤️ Plant magic
✨ Long-distance relationship
❤️ Mysterious trials
✨ Spice
❤️ Single POV (mostly)

As a long-time fan of G.W. Prouse’s work, and having appreciated “Isle of Waiting”, reading this novella was a must! Unfortunately though, it fell a little flat for me.

There were definitely a few sweet moments, particularly at the end 🥹 And as a smut lover who didn’t get her desired smut in “Isle of Waiting” lmao (because it’s NA), I definitely got a kick out of the spice 😆😆

That being said, the plot just seemed to fall into a bit of disarray once Kora arrived at the masquerade. I found her interactions with the masquerade “hosts” kind of vague, confusing and/ or pointless. I didn’t understand the trials Kora was faced with, and therefore what she had done exactly that eventually enabled her to overcome them. And the way that Shade popped in and and out of the plot like a whack-a-mole (can’t say more without spoiling lol) I feel didn’t do his character justice, given how endearing I know Shade’s character really is.

If anyone wants to get to know Kora and Shade’s world and hasn’t already read “Isle of Waiting”, I’d definitely recommend reading that still!

[Brooke M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly I was hoping for going into this novella.
Although not required, highly recommend reading Isle of Waiting prior to this read.

Getting to see Kora and Shade truly begin their HEA was the perfect way to round out the ending of Isle of Waiting. While loved that book as well, I wanted to see more of this couple. And G.W. Prouse delivered.

Meddling gods, illusions, a grand dance and slippery choices wove together to make this a story that captivated from start to finish. Kora was not, and never has been a damsel in distress. She faces her challenges head on and uses her wits (and heart) to make the best choices for both herself and humanity. And Shade, ah Shade, is just as enough darkness mixed with light to remain lovable and mysterious. I truly love their dynamic and how they fight to be with each other, while still respecting their individuality.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your stories, Prouse.

[lizface · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Your heart and your mind may be at war at times, but tomorrow night, use them both. If they agree, then you know you’re on the correct track.”

“I meant it when I said you were worth fighting for. You are my choice. Always.”

Ugh 😩
this one totally had me tearing up at the end 🥹

How far would go to prove your love? Kora has been put to the ultimate test by a few immortals who love mischief, lust and desire 😈
As Kora receives a mysterious invitation to a masquerade she is still warring with her feelings for Shade. She doesn’t get to see him much as of late and she wonders if he isn’t around much because he may not care for her anymore. What neither were expecting was this masquerade to bring them closer than ever. And to reveal a secret one of them may have been hiding 👀

Perfectly mysterious and full of wonder!

Thank you GW Prouse for my early copy 🫶🏼

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this Novella, i feel like it could have been a full story. It follows the characters from the Isle of waiting. the immortals have returned to the world and the FMC is mysteriously invited to a masquerade ball where no one knows who is hosting. The FMC, Kora, is a mortal who is has just begun a relationship with one of the Immortals, Shade. Shade has begun to grow distant and she thinks it’s because he doesn’t want to be with her anymore. She reluctantly goes to the ball and find out things aren’t what they seem. The romance between Kora and Shade is sweet, and I liked reading a continuation of it. The novella keeps you guys which immortals are causing mischief. Such a fun, short read.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella. The story was strong, and reading it was great. The cover is simple but eye-catching. I liked it and thought it was a great design job. The writing is great and flows well. The book is written in third person from Kora's POV. The Isles of Nekrós setting was beautiful, and I loved the world-building that G.W. did throughout the novella. The characters were excellent, and some featured in another G.W. Prouse novel, which I will be checking out! I loved Kora. She has a gentle innocence about her most of the time. I loved Shade. He was a great counterbalance to Kora. The characterisation was just wonderful. I definitely recommend the novella and the Starlit Desires series.

[Aylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a breathtaking fantasy romance novella that feels perfectly destined for its Valentine's Day themed release. It's tender, intense and hauntingly beautiful. While the author states that reading The Isle of Waiting isn't necessary to enjoy this installment, I believe that doing so adds a richer layer of emotional depth and relationship context. Understanding Shade and Kora's history enhances every glance, every touch and every unspoken word. While The Isle of Waiting left me wanting more, Dancing with Death left me yearning. It made my heart flutter and ache in equal measure. Shade and Kora's chemistry is intoxicating, their connection profound, and the emotional intensity between them is impossible to ignore. I simply cannot get enough of them and would love nothing more than to drown in their story. This novella is an unforgettable, heart stirring read that proves love, even wrapped in shadows and fate, is worth every ounce of longing.

[Kelly Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meddling gods, a mysterious invitation, a grand dance, and choices at every turn. I so enjoyed this novella and loved getting to spend more time with Kora and Shade. 💕

Dancing with Death by G.W. Prouse completely pulled me in and didn’t let go. Dark, gripping, and laced with tension, this story felt like a slow, dangerous waltz the entire way through—and I was hooked from the first step.

The atmosphere is everything: haunting, intense, and just a little bit intoxicating. There’s a constant sense of edge-of-your-seat anticipation, like something big is always just about to happen. And when it does? It hits.

[Megan Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masquerade party with the Gods? Sign me up! 😍

It was so exciting being back in this world and seeing Shade and Kora's story countinue!

Their love is so sweet. Kora is very mature for her age. I love her power! It's got me wishing for Spring so I can plant flowers and our garden. 🌻

I really enjoyed the idea of challenges that they had to face together from the Gods of lust, desire, and love.

I highly recommend reading Isle of Waiting prior to this novella.

Thank you GW Prouse for the digital ARC! I can't wait to see what you write next. ❤️