Forever and Always: A Supernatural Horror Romance

by Aria Devereux

A Supernatural Horror Romance perfect for fans of Scarlett St. Clair, Raven Kennedy, and Laura Thalassa. Even thought these author are amazing and reminiscent of the heart of Forever and Always, Aria is hoping to pave a new genre that readers will love.

Seeing is believing...or at least that's what they say. But what if your whole life you've seen the dead?
Do you believe? Or do you believe you're going crazy?A split second.

One premonition.

One wrong twist of fate—and now Death is hunting me.

Mackenzie Vidente was never meant to survive the moment that should have ended her life. One vision changed everything, pulling her out of Death’s grasp before he could claim her soul.

But one does not simply cheat death’s design—Daxton Mortis has come to collect.

He’s beautiful.

Terrifying.

Inevitable.

He watches Mackenzie like her fate is already sealed, like her soul belongs to him no matter how far she runs. He doesn’t just want to take her.

He wants to keep her.

Forever and always.

Forever and Always is a dark, gothic paranormal romance about fate defied, love forged in shadows, and what happens when Death falls for the one soul he was never supposed to touch.

Perfect for readers who crave morally gray monsters, supernatural obsession, sharp banter, and romance written at the edge of your final breath.


This Novella is part of the When the Stars Align Universe, where everything is truly not as it seems.

Genres: Dark Romance

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Aria is a storyteller at heart, drawn to the allure of the dark and the intoxicating pull of forbidden romance. With a deep love for books and an insatiable imagination, she weaves tales filled with passion, longing, and secrets—where love is intense, emotions run high, and danger lurks just beneath the surface. Her stories blend intrigue with undeniable chemistry, pulling readers into worlds where the line between desire and destruction is razor-thin.
When she’s not lost in her own fictional realms, Aria is devouring books, dreaming up new twists, or sharing her obsession with dark romance. She believes the best stories leave you breathless, aching for more, and questioning whether you should really be rooting for the villain. Welcome to the madness—she hopes you revel in it.

Reviews

[Kayla.bookish26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy

Please check your TWs for this book, but if you like them long like I do then read on.
This book features Daxton (Dax) AKA Thanatos and Mackenzie.

Mackenzie handles all the obstacles that get thrown at her. The mystery, emotions and angst had me reading this book faster than I think I’ve read before. To say I devoured it, is putting it lightly. The only downside for me was the ending, it was not bad I just don’t know how I feel about it. But here I am still thinking about it so….goal achieved.

If you love supernatural romances with hot spicy time then this book is for you. Highly recommend, but like I said make sure to check your trigger warnings before reading.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page to the last, I was utterly captivated. Though I’ve read my fair share of dark romance, this descent into death, myth, and the underworld felt hauntingly fresh — and I found myself drawn deeper with every chapter. The story drips with gothic atmosphere and moral tension, daring to ask unsettling questions: Is Death truly evil, or simply misunderstood? Can something inevitable and feared also be beautiful? Daxton is a devastatingly layered god burdened, ruthless, yet achingly lonely torn between the monster the world believes him to be and the fractured soul beneath. Opposite him, Mackenzie’s quiet strength and grief-stricken resilience ground the darkness in raw humanity. The intimate, almost whispering narrative voice makes it feel as though Death himself is speaking directly to you, which is both seductive and unnerving. The eroticism is unapologetically dark, woven seamlessly into the macabre tone. Though the ending wasn’t what I hoped for, it felt tragically right. This is an intense, emotionally charged romance. Obsessive, philosophical, and shadowed in fate it’s perfect for those who crave morally gray immortals and love stories born in darkness.

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story with a unique storyline. It's a supernatural horror romance. Mackenzie cheated death. She was supposed to die but she didn't. Then there is Daxton the god of death. This story is different from what I usually read but it was still dark and really spicy. So if you're interested in erotic horror stories this may be the book for you.

[Erin Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this one with the way it started but I got deeply invested in Daxton and Mackenzie 😍

and the ending....I hate that I loved it 🤭🖤

[Jolena Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC REVIEW***

4☆
4🌶

Who ever thought about falling in love with the god of death?

McKenzie surly didn't until he came to her after a tragic event that left souls stuck in the middle.
Coming from the underworld to collect he came across her. He knew as first sight she was something different. In a good kind of way. The pull at bound them was undeniable no matter how hard the tried.

This book made me smile, made me sad and broken a little.
I will say the ending felt a little rush and I kind of wish it ended differently. But overall I enjoyed this book.

[Emily Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

So excited to have recived an ARC of this book. It is not usually a type of book I enjoy, so if you're looking at trying a dark supernatrual romance with a lot of spicy, give this one a go!

🌟🌟🌟
❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

I was entertained throughout the book. But it was a bit to "straight to it" for my taste.
Found it a bit difficult to get into it, because of that, but also can't see what else we should have been about before hand.

Also I was a bit confused at how quickly Mackenzie was okay with Daxton being Death. But I guess if you grow up seeing ghost/souls it's not totally out of the ordinary to find out the hot guy is actually Death😆

Overall I liked the book, but it's not a story I'm would think about after finishing.

[Kaylee Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mackenzie always could see ghosts. But now she saw her and her friends death. So when it actually starts to happen she springs into action and gets them out of there. But she wasn’t meant to survive so now death or Daxton is after her. But once he sees her things change. This is the perfect horror spice that I honestly couldn’t put down. Absolutely check the triggers as this has quite a few but I’m a trigger happy person so bring them on!

[Megan Fernsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mostly liked the full plot of this book. I loved how true to herself Mackenzie was through the whole story. And Daxton's attitude was fun to read but I absolutely hated the ending. To end the story like that felt like a cop out, one of the worst endings I've ever read.
I think in the trigger warnings you need to have a link about how it's not just suicide ideation, and that the successful suicide involves the main character. I've read other books with suicide ideation or successful suicide but I would never have expected the main character to go through with it. I really think you need to be much clearer in your trigger warning for that.

[MsAprilreadswhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s only my second read by this author and she’s quickly becoming one of my absolute favorites. I completely devoured this book.
Dax… or should we say Thantos? 😮‍🔥 The duality, the intensity, the depth of his character had me hooked from the start. And Mackenzie? She refused to back down, no matter what was thrown at her. Her strength and stubborn heart made her the perfect match.
This story was a full emotional rollercoaster. I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I may have even screamed a little. Every chapter pulled me deeper, and I didn’t want it to end.
If this is what I can expect from this author, I am all in. I cannot wait to read more!

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Supernatural Horror Romance perfect for fans of Scarlett St. Clair, Raven Kennedy, and Laura Thalassa. Even thought these authors are amazing and reminiscent of the heart of Forever and Always, Aria is hoping to pave a new genre that readers will love.

Seeing is believing...or at least that's what they say. But what if your whole life you've seen the dead?

Do you believe? Or do you believe you're going crazy?

A split second.

One premonition.

One wrong twist of fate—and now Death is hunting Mackenzie.

Mackenzie Vidente was never meant to survive the moment that should have ended her life. One vision changed everything, pulling her out of Death’s grasp before he could claim her soul.

But one does not simply cheat death’s design—Daxton Mortis has come to collect.

He’s beautiful.

Terrifying.

Inevitable.

He watches Mackenzie like her fate is already sealed, like her soul belongs to him no matter how far she runs. He doesn’t just want to take her.

He wants to keep her.

Forever and always.

Forever and Always is a dark, gothic paranormal romance about fate defied, love forged in shadows, and what happens when Death falls for the one soul he was never supposed to touch.

Perfect for readers who crave morally gray monsters, supernatural obsession, sharp banter, and romance written at the edge of your final breath.


This Novella is part of the When the Stars Align Universe, where everything is truly not as it seems.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.

Tropes: Supernatural, Horror Romance, See the Dead, Premonitions, Twist of Fate, Death, Not meant to Survive, Vision changed Everything, Final Destination x The Fallout, Grumpy x Black Cat, He Falls First and Hard, Dark Academia, Erotic Valentine’s Day Novella, MFF/MM/MF, Corruption ARC, Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Clairvoyant x God of Death, “I’d Unalive for Her, “Forever and Always”, Telepathy, Psychokinesis, Dual POV, Unconventional HEA, Look at Her and Unalive, Dark Romance, God of Death, Corruption, Scythe Play, Romantic Thriller, Suspense, Thin Line Between Love & Hate, Valentines Day Novella, Emotional and Intense, Seer x God of Death, Contemporary, MF Romance, Gay Romance, Lesbian Romance, Poly (3+ People), Take-Charge FMC, Competent FMC, Gifted/Super FMC, Alpha MMC, Bad Boys, Cruel/Hero/Bully MMC, Grumpy/Cold MMC, Possessive MMC, Queer Romance

Forever and Always is A Supernatural Horror Romance by Aria Devereux.

This book had me enthralled from beginning to end. I read so many different types of smut, dark romance, stories rooted in death, the underworld, myth-inspired themes, and they all keep drawing me in more and more deeply.

I found this novella to be dark in more than one way. This novella carries this heavy, gothic, and emotionally intense atmosphere and Aria doesn’t shy away from any of the morally complex questions. Aria had me reflecting on the themes that I don’t think about on a daily basis. Thoughts like: Is Death really evil? Why does religion and folklore always paint Death in that way? Can something so inevitable and so feared also be…so beautiful?

Daxton: I found him to be this intense and layered character. He’s this God that’s burdened by his role; he’s been shaped and hardened by all the centuries of carrying out his duty that he finds weighs on him. I found that there were times when Daxton was gentle and even compassionate; and then at other times, he was ruthless and even merciless.

Aria portrays him outright as this monster – guided by this belief system and by others around him – and sure there are those moments when he embodies the monster he’s portrayed as and he does in fact believe that he is in fact a monster. And yet, we find, there is also pain, disappointment, and this loneliness under his mask. Daxton’s push-and-pull dynamic with Mackenzie adds so much to that complexity and it’s simply breathtaking.

Mackenzie: I found her to be just as equally compelling as Daxton and yet at the same time, she’s so very different. Mackenzie carries deep within her these deep emotional wounds along with this heavy sense of responsibility towards her family.

Through her grief she guards her heart and she struggles to navigate life while at the same time she struggles to navigate her life while Mackenzie sees all the dead constantly around here, this gives her character so much intrigue and this quiet inner strength that you don’t always see.

Mackenzie’s character feels like she could be any one, she could be my neighbor or even yours, she feels as though she’s a fully layered character and a complex one at that. Aria shows Mackenzie as trying to hold everything together even though she’s hardly holding herself together.

I have to say that I really did enjoy the narrative voice that Aria chooses to use and develop. There were times where it felt as though Daxton is speaking right to us the readers, and this really does add an intimate and at times a slightly unsettling layer to this storyline and the storytelling. But overall, I really did enjoy this book and the experience of reading it.

Then there are the darker, more erotic scenes that arrive more relatively early on in the story and those scenes match the tone of the book perfectly. The scenes lean into all the gothic and macabre elements, you have to know that all the trigger warnings that you read at the start of the book, they are there for a very good reason.

The ending itself wasn’t what I had been expecting personally, but when you look at the story the story that Aria was telling, the ending actually made perfect sense.

In the end, I have to say that this is a dark, emotionally charged, supernatural romance. One that blends horror, obsession, philosophy and passion into something so intense and really very thought-provoking.

This story is definitely written for the readers who love and enjoy morally gray immortals, a gothic atmosphere, and a romance that lives at the edge of fate itself.

I find it hard to recommend this book due to the content but I would recommend it to those readers who enjoy darker, emotionally intense fantasy romances to those readers I do recommend it.

A few of my favorite quotes are:

“Would you bleed for me Ma Belle Â𝘮𝘦?”

But I do have a heart, cold as it may be – it aches for their suffering. It is why I believe as I do – death and life are two sides of the same coin, each beautiful in its own right.

“Take me back to the Underworld with you. I want to be with you, forever & always.”

“People who end their lives aren't choosing death; they're fleeing from a pain so unbearable it feels like drowning. “

“You’re allowed to feel everything. Yes, someone may have suffered more. But that doesn’t make your pain any less real.”

“I don’t mind sharing your pain.”

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished an ARC read of this book and I absolutely loved the blend of dark horror and unexpected romance. The story pulls you into a world where the supernatural feels both eerie and strangely beautiful, and the tension between fear and love keeps the pages turning.

And let’s talk about Death—Thanatos, aka Dax. Somehow this book manages to make the literal embodiment of death feel… compelling. Maybe even a little irresistible. It definitely leaves you wondering if Death might not be so bad after all. 🖤

If you like your romance with a haunting edge and a touch of the macabre, this one is worth the read!

[Rebecca Sørensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as an ARC!
★★⯪☆☆
Ah this is hard to review for me. There were certain things I adored about this book; aspects I definitely feel like it did better than most other dark romances. I'll start with the things I loved about this book!

✏️ First of, I found the book to be pretty beautifully written most of the time! The language was easy to follow, the pace rhythmic and the flow good.
🪄 The worldbuilding was fun. I like the take on the underworld and Thanatos relationship to the other Gods, albeit it was brief.
🩻 This book is the first in a long time that qualifies as a Dark Romance in my eyes. Questionable morals and wicked sex scenes that are bloody, gore and perfect!
👩‍👧‍👧 I loved Mackenzie's family. The dynamic worked really well and the chapters with her family often had me tearing up. The father being gone and the mother falling to pieces after really tugged at my heartstrings! And the avoidant siblings, who couldn't deal with it, leaving it to Mackenzie. I love Mackenzie's love for them.
🧸 The stuffed reaper scene was so stinking cute! A true kicking your feet moment, I enjoyed that greatly!

Now for the parts I struggled with. They are, of course, personal preferences! What I don't enjoy, others might yearn for.
💞 While I knew this would be a smutty book and also anticipated it myself, I don't think I realized it would solely be an erotica. To me, I sadly found the story underwhelming. It was very much on the sideline to the sex scenes, which brings me to my second point-
💢 I either want a slow burn with no kind of romantic interest for one another, or one with yearning where no one else matters. This fell into a very weird middle category. Thanatos literally is intrigued by her immediately. Then he goes to earth to claim souls and claims 'I don't usually fuck the mortals', before proceeding to fuck four mortals within the timespan of a day or two; Two of which are Mackenzie's friends! He doesn't give two shits about her the first half of the book, despite claiming he can't get her out of his mind
💔 This might be a slight follow up on the other two points, but why are everyone falling head over heels with lust for Death? I know they're Gods and they pointed that out initially, but even Stormie who then cheats on her partner to be with Death. It felt forced and weird, more like compulsion than anything else. It was awkward and misplaced for me, but I understand why some of the sex scenes couldn't exactly happen with the main character.
📝 While the writing was good, there was a lot of grammatical errors. Usually, I'm not bothered by them, but some made sentences incoherent.
Regarding the writing, a lot of things were also just kind of not used and brushed under the rug. The most glaring example is the end where the aunt is about to say something about the mother's past, before Mackenzie's storms out. Maybe this is something for the next book, and if so, that's fair. But Mackenzie's ability in general is not used at all. Oh, she can see premonitions and ghosts? Which is used only at the beginning. Since then, we never really see it and we never see her really interacting with them either. It was sadly a huge let down to me, for something that sounded like an amazing premise.
⏱ I won't spoil the end, but it felt like a complete 180 on Mackenzie's personality and prioritize. It broke the whole family plot for me. Mackenzie leaves them in a family crises.
There was something off about the pacing of the book. The whole story is set over 3 days, in which they fall head over heels in love with one another and can't stand the thought of losing each other. It's giving Romeo and Juliet, Ariel and Erik, Anna and Hans.


👩🏽 As for Mackenzie, I wanna place her somewhere in the middle. There were things I adored about her. She was flawed, had doubts, regrets, and felt 'real' in that aspect. But in other aspects, she felt incoherent, constantly flipping. And can we just take a moment to talk about how sex is a massive coping mechanism for her, that no one seems to see the issue with, and it's never addressed? Am I the only one finding that a bit messed up?

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forever and Always by Aria Devereaux [ARC REVIEW]
★★★☆☆
3/5 stars
Release date: February 24th, 2026

A spicy, violent, fate-entangled fever dream that doesn’t quite reach its potential.

IF YOU LIKE:
• Greek Gods in a modern setting
• Final Destination
• Graphic violence and spice
• Fate and soulmates
• The meaning of life and death
• When morality does not apply
YOU’LL LIKE Forever and Always

≪ I’ve never hesitated before. Death doesn’t hesitate. Death takes. ≫

HIGHLIGHTS:
• The premise
→ “Final Destination but make it spicy” is a delicious premise. This story is a vivid, sexy bloodbath wrapped in Fate-ordained strings of obsession and violation. It doesn’t ask for your complicity; it drags you along regardless of whether you’re titillated or horrified. The gore and darkness is shocking without seeming designed for shock value: the violence is treated with a fascinating callousness that serves as a plot device as much as a character trait.

• Magic and the history of the gods
→ While we don’t get much concrete explanation into the magical concepts that are brought forward, they are undeniably interesting and intriguing. Daxton’s scythe, his ability to put things (and people) wherever he wants them, the way time and space seem malleable to him, and the way he hears EVERYTHING all feed into his character to make him more compelling. The complicated familial relationships of the Greek pantheon is treated like dysfunctional family drama, which makes it both entertaining and a little heartbreaking. We learn about these dynamics from the inside, which gives them extra emotional weight.

• The philosophy
→ What is death, really? In this passionate massacre of a book, we’re not just left to our own depraved devices; we’re made to THINK. This story asks us to confront the relationship between life and death, what it means to live, and whether death is suffering or freedom. I was not expecting this level of ethical questioning in a hyper-violent, scorching hot fever dream; it gave the relationship real moral weight as Mackenzie had to confront her own understanding of what it means to save someone.

• Mackenzie’s journey
→ Mackenzie is a fascinating character. Right away, we learn that her abilities have set her apart her whole life, and as the story progresses it’s as if we’re watching her through a mirror. She hovers on the sidelines of her own life without even realizing it, and the narrative slowly pans backward until we can see just how separate she truly is, even from the people she loves. And yet even with that distance, she cares so incredibly deeply about LIFE and the people around her. Watching her confront death and step into the role of Lady Death is engaging character work, and it’s a wild ride to get there.

≪ Somewhere in the midst of all this, I’ll be his solace. I’ll be his balance. ≫

WISHLIST:
• Tighter writing
→ The writing here was serviceable but inconsistent. There were times when it felt like literary genius and other times when it felt juvenile and non-committal. When it hit, it hit HARD, but my immersion was frequently broken when the writing shifted to less elevated, more immature language and style. This is a pitch-black, indulgent story, but the uneven writing kept it trapped on the line between indulgent and gratuitously edgy.

• Faster pacing
→ I sincerely believe this story would have been better served as a novella. As it is, there are so many side characters that need their moment on-page that we’re continuously dragged away from the central character dynamic, while the side characters are left partially-formed and narratively redundant. There’s some emotional backpedalling as the story reaches its climax that feels unnatural and unnecessary. I truly believe this premise could shine more effectively in a shorter, tighter descent.

≪ “Your enemies are mine, your pain is mine, your pleasure is mine; you are mine even after your final breath.” ≫

--

*I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the author

[Mette Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book prior to publication from the author. This review reflects my honest opinion.

I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I’ve read many different kinds of smut and dark romance, but stories rooted in death, the underworld, and myth-inspired themes are still relatively new to me — and I find myself becoming more and more drawn to them.

This novella is dark in more ways than one. The atmosphere is heavy, gothic, and emotionally intense, and it doesn’t shy away from morally complex questions. It made me reflect on themes that aren’t exactly everyday thoughts: Is Death truly evil? Why has religion and folklore so often painted him that way? Can something inevitable and feared also be… beautiful?

Daxton is an intense and layered MMC. He is a god burdened by his role, shaped and hardened by centuries of carrying out a duty that weighs on him. At times he is gentle and compassionate; at others, ruthless and merciless. He is projected as a monster — by belief systems and by others — and there are moments where he absolutely embodies that image and belives he is a monster. Yet there is also pain, disappointment, and loneliness beneath it all. His push-and-pull dynamic with Mackenzie adds to that complexity.

Mackenzie is equally compelling in a very different way. She carries deep emotional wounds and a heavy sense of responsibility for her family. Her grief, her guarded heart, and her struggle to navigate life while seeing the dead give her character a quiet strength. She feels layered and human, trying to hold everything together while barely holding herself together.

I also really enjoyed the narrative voice. At times, it almost feels as if Daxton is speaking directly to the reader, which adds an intimate and slightly unsettling layer to the storytelling. I really enjoyed that experience.

The darker, more erotic scenes arrive relatively early and match the overall tone of the book. They lean into the gothic and macabre elements, and the trigger warnings are there for good reason.

The darker, more erotic scenes arrive relatively early and match the overall tone of the book. They lean into the gothic and macabre elements, and the trigger warnings are there for good reason.

I will say the ending wasn’t what I personally hoped for, but it made sense for the story being told.

Overall, this is a dark, emotionally charged supernatural romance that blends horror, obsession, philosophy, and passion into something intense and thought-provoking. Definitely for readers who enjoy morally gray immortals, gothic atmosphere, and romance at the edge of fate.

[Morialyn Mudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story delivers haunting Ghost Whisperer vibes with a sharp edge of Final Destination, weaving together premonitions, restless souls, and a love that defies the natural order.

At its heart is Mackenzie—a young woman already burdened by grief after losing her father and carrying the weight of an alcoholic mother. She’s a lost soul long before Death ever finds her.

When Mackenzie receives a gift—visions of tragedy before it strikes and the ability to see souls that haven’t crossed over—she does what most of us only hope we would: she intervenes. Twenty-eight lives, saved from deaths that were “meant” to happen. Each rescue feels triumphant… but also wrong, like tugging at a thread in a carefully woven tapestry. Because fate doesn’t like to be rewritten.

Thanatos—the God of Death.

He doesn’t arrive as a villain, but as inevitability. Calm. Ancient. Bound by cosmic law. He comes to collect the twenty-eight souls Mackenzie pulled back from the edge. And yet, instead of rage, there’s curiosity. Instead of cruelty, there’s understanding. Mackenzie challenges everything he represents. She sees death not as an end, but as something to be negotiated with, bargained against, softened.

Their chemistry is magnetic. Mackenzie, already half in the shadows from her own trauma, feels uniquely attuned to him. Thanatos, who has witnessed millennia of grief, finds something startlingly alive in her defiance. The tension isn’t just romantic—it’s philosophical. Can fate be altered? Can death choose mercy? And what happens when Death himself falls in love?

The most compelling twist is Mackenzie’s transformation. She isn’t just a girl meddling with destiny—she’s becoming something more. Thanatos awakens in her a truth she didn’t know about herself: she was never meant to outrun death. She was meant to stand beside it. The idea that she could become “Lady Death” reframes everything—her loneliness, her grief, her gift. Her pain wasn’t random; it was preparation.
The love story feels cosmic rather than merely romantic. Their souls don’t collide—they recognize each other. Destined. Inevitable. Two forces of the same dark, beautiful current finally merging. It’s less about forbidden love and more about balance: life and death, mercy and order, mortal and immortal.

Bittersweet, eerie, and deeply emotional, this story lingers long after the final page. It asks whether saving lives is always the right thing to do—and whether sometimes, love is the most dangerous force of all.
A supernatural romance that feels both tragic and fated. If you love ghostly mysteries wrapped in mythology and soul-deep connections, this one will haunt you in the best way.

[Lil' Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to preference this review by saying two things one I am using talk type because it’s just quicker game my thoughts out this way that being said it sometimes also doesn’t catch my voice or miss mistakes words, so I hope this will get across my feelings on this book

Secondly, I read this book while in a rut with M/F spicy fiction I wanna be clear. I have nothing against it, but currently while reading it my mind goes blank. I’m not bored by any stretch of the imagination but something about the spice and perhaps it was reading these kinds of books back to back just felt dull, and I honestly wanted to have a pellet cleanser in between that being said I didn’t realize I was on a deadline with this review and so I jumped into it, despite the fact that I’m still in a rut with this kind of spice The reason I want to put that in the preference is so you know when I say this, I’ve been genuine

I love this book. I didn’t wanna put it down half the time. In fact I spent most of today reading it. It was really really good. I really loved daxton He was my favorite character and my favorite head to be in.

Maxine was a good character, but similar to temperance in kiss of the basklisk. I just wanted more Daxton. It wasn’t that she was a bad character or anything. In fact it was very fun following her. I loved her dilemmas and her abilities and everything like that. I just wanted more of the bad boy you know.

The pacing was beautiful at break neck speed. It brings you in and does not let go however I did find that the Maxine chapters slowed the pace a bit and perhaps it needed that but I was more curious on the supernatural side of the story not the mundane human side. However once her and daxton were together? Fast and mesmerizing for sure

When I first started reading it I had one thought “this is like final destination but spicy” and I don’t think I’m far off, once chapter nine hits we get a really hell razor esque scene that while confusing made me want to push through for clarity

And what clarity it was, I also tip my hat to the author in the past only one rape scene in a book made me uncomfortable and sick (to the point I refuse to read that one book in the series and refuse to call it good despite liking the series as a whole) however I now have forever and always SA scene to add to my list of “that made me uncomfortable” with in a book so bravo Aria Devereux

I loved the horror mixed with the spice when it was just spice it bored me a bit (see the beginning of this review and know this has nothing to do with the book or author) but this story was unrelentingly good

[Debra Ludlow-Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I start by saying, I didn’t just read Forever and Always… I was devoured by it, heart and soul. From the first lines of the opening chapter it grabbed me and this book didn’t just grab my mind.. it grabbed my very soul!
You feel every heartbeat and line as though Thanatos is leaning over your shoulder, whispering ‘you want more. Come with me.’ and your soul follows WILLINGLY! Daxton. THANATOS. Death himself. Sir. If you wanted me, you could have me. No questions asked. No resistance. I’d simply hand over my soul like a receipt and say thank you.

Daxton.. This man is unhinged, obsessive, dangerously inventive (yes you will understand when you read), darkly seductive and somehow devastatingly tender in a way that made my chest HURT.
And Mackenzie??? I LOVE HER. She is strong without being invincible, broken without being weak and so painfully human it made everything hurt worse. Watching her collide with Death (with Daxton) was beautiful. She doesn’t bow easily. She feels deeply. She bleeds emotionally in ways that are raw and real.

I read this after seeing the shopping list (I mean triggers and tropes) thinking ‘haha sexy death god, fun little dark romance’ and put it down staring at the wall like I’d just been personally touched by the concept of mortality. Thanatos didn’t just take the souls in this book, oh no he repossessed mine in the process and slapped a “DO NOT RETURN” sticker on it smirking while doing it. This is not a standard dark love story, this is an existential seduction.
This story is heart wrenching in the most beautiful way and then immediately turns around and goes wildly, gloriously unhinged. One minute my chest was aching, the next I was clutching the book like it might crawl inside my ribcage and live there forever.

I was actively DMing the author my unfiltered thoughts as I read because my brain could not contain them. I was feral. I was yelling. I was unwell. And yet I regret NOTHING.

This is not a book you read. This is a book you survive. And then read again because you’re already addicted… oh how I am addicted! It’s living in my head on repeat! When it ended, I stared at the wall. Just… sat there. No thoughts. Only vibes. I felt empty, altered and slightly feral in a way I cannot explain to people who haven’t read this.
This is not a book you casually pick up.
This is a book that marks you and alters your brain and soul.
If Thanatos wanted me, he could have me.
If Daxton looked at me the way he looks at Mackenzie, I’d fold instantly.

[Aquina Viveiros · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to begin by saying how grateful I am for the opportunity to receive an advanced reader copy of this book. It’s always a privilege to read a story ahead of publication, and I truly appreciate the author’s trust.

This novel firmly sits within the dark romance fantasy genre. The premise was incredibly captivating from the very beginning, and I found myself drawn in by the concept straight away. I particularly enjoyed the fourth-wall breaks involving Thanatos, they added an intriguing and slightly unsettling layer that complemented the tone of the story well. The development of the main character was also engaging, and I appreciated watching her growth unfold.

That said, I did feel that the romantic progression happened quite quickly. Given the relatively short amount of time the protagonist spent with him, the intensity of her attraction and declarations of deep love felt slightly rushed in places. Allowing that connection to build over a few more chapters may have strengthened the emotional impact and made it feel more organic.

One of my favourite characters was Noir, arguably the most grounded presence in the story. I really enjoyed her addition and the thematic weight she brought to the narrative. The setting itself felt fresh and imaginative, although I would have loved to see the protagonist’s premonitions and clairvoyance explored in greater depth throughout the book, as that aspect held a lot of potential.

The family dynamics particularly her relationship with her mother and siblings felt authentic and emotionally resonant. Those chapters were beautifully written, and the author’s ability to immerse the reader in those moments was truly impressive.

The inclusion of detailed trigger warnings at the beginning was a thoughtful and responsible choice. Readers should absolutely review them beforehand, as the book does explore some very dark themes that may not be suitable for everyone.

Overall, I found this to be a unique and imaginative story with strong ideas and emotional depth. While I had some reservations about certain aspects of character development and pacing, I did enjoy the reading experience as a whole. I’m looking forward to seeing the final published version, and I can easily see this appealing to readers who enjoy darker, emotionally intense fantasy romances.

Thank you again to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Allie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8/5

A fun, spicy good time.

Forever and Always follows Mackenzie, who has the unique ability to see ghosts. When she manages to foresee and avoid her own death, Death comes looking for her to make things right. However, Death just so happens to be very handsome and very captivated by Mackenzie... leading to some unique feelings between the two.

Forever and Always is a fun concept that delivers fairly well on its promise of making you want Death (Daxton) and Mackenzie to fall in love. They have a unique relationship that borders on obsessive, but it definitely calls to that toxic part of me that loves reading about obsessive behavior lol.

Mackenzie is a pretty good character. Her ability to see ghosts seems like it's going to be a huge part of the book, but it's kind of not... It mainly just serves to help her avoid her death in a Final Destination-type situation, and makes it not incredibly weird when she actually meets Daxton. Other than that, it's fairly glossed over and I wish it had been a bigger part of the book.

Death or Daxton is an interesting character that is likable, but you have to get over the fact that he is a sluuuuut lol. He's attracted to basically any and everyone, which at first made it a little difficult for Mackenzie to stand out, but eventually you start to see that he's really hooked on her. I do wish his name had been something a little more epic, but that's a stupid gripe - just thought I'd mention it lol.

Like I said, their relationship is pretty toxic. He's essentially obsessed with her and won't let her get away from him, but it's done well and is almost endearing (or maybe there's just something wrong with me). They have a little bit of a back and forth but it's only mildly frustrating.

The end had me feeling a range of emotions. There's the part of me that likes cliffhangers and ambiguity that says "heck year Aria Devereux, you keep me guessing" and then there's the part of me that's not fully satisfied because I feel like there are so many questions unanswered. I assume they'll all be answered in another book so I need to just calm down and accept that I have to wait for closure.

Overall, this is a very spicy book that's a lot of fun to read and kind of unhinged, but I like it.

[Mimi San Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody talks about how many stories about Death get it completely wrong. He is always the villain, always the ending, always the thing to be feared and outrun. The idea that Death could be the one worth running toward instead is the kind of premise that, in the wrong hands, falls completely flat.

Forever and Always: A Supernatural Horror Romance by Aria Devereux is not the wrong hands.

I was lucky enough to read this early thanks to the author, and all opinions here are entirely my own.

⚠️ This book carries heavy trigger warnings including a school shooting scene, blood, knife play, suicide and suicidal ideation, and an unconventional HEA. Please check the full content warnings before going in.

What Aria Devereux does here that most dark romance fails to do is make Death genuinely layered. Daxton, or Thanatos, is a god burdened by centuries of a role that nobody asked him to want, and the way his obsession with Mackenzie builds is less about possession and more about recognition, two forces that were always meant to collide finding each other at exactly the wrong time.

Mackenzie, for her part, holds her own completely. She is broken in ways that feel real rather than decorative, and her grief, her family dynamics, and her defiance give the story emotional weight that the spice alone could never carry.

The fourth-wall breaks from Daxton's perspective are one of the most distinctive choices in the book, and they work beautifully. The gothic atmosphere is consistent throughout, the banter is sharp, and the horror elements are genuinely unsettling in ways that serve the story rather than distract from it.

Where some readers will feel the pull of wanting more is in the pacing. The entire story unfolds over three days, and while the emotional intensity is undeniable, a few more pages of breathing room between the major beats would have made an already strong connection feel absolutely unshakeable.

For a story this dark, this ambitious, and this willing to go somewhere most romance novels would never dare, it delivers.
5 out of 5 stars. As a goth girly at heart and soul, this is exactly the kind of read I live for — morally gray gods, gothic horror woven into romance, and a love story that refuses to play by any rules. 🖤

[Ashes And Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

A dark, gothic love story between a beautiful, stubborn clairvoyant and the God of Death. This story caught my interest because I love a tale with a gothic feel and any form of mythology mixed in. Forever and Always is a great display of the things that make my dark little heart happy. I enjoyed every second of this novella!

Mackenzie has always been able to see and communicate with the dead. While she has learned to deal with death being ever present in her life, one premonition will change everything she thought she knew and Death’s presence will be something she never expected.

Daxton…what more could you want than a tall, handsome, frustrating God of Death? Oh, and did I mention he likes to have fun with his scythe? He truly has little patience for mortals, and one mortal has caused a ripple in his life that he cannot ignore. To fix what has been done Daxton must travel to the mortal world and while he may be a god he is completely blindsided by the beautiful and stubborn Mackenzie.

The chemistry between these two is electric! I love seeing them progress in their interactions with each other while they each must come to terms with the challenges that come with this mutual affection, that neither one quite understands. All while Daxton must fulfill his role as the God of Death and take the souls that were meant for him. I enjoy that as the story progresses, we are provided with glimpses of their significant past, enough to give depth to the characters but not too much so that there is still plenty of intrigue throughout the story.

This novella is a fun and quick paced read. It was effortless for me to stay invested with every turn of the page. A beautiful depiction of love and death finding each other. However, the ending…I am left with questions that I am dying to have answered and am quite impatient for this to happen. I devoured this book and am absolutely craving more! I definitely recommend this book for to those, like me, who like their love stories a little darker and enjoy a mythology retelling looking for a quick read!

[Samantha Alejandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dove into this right after Valentine’s, and what a beautiful read it turned out to be.

When I first read the synopsis, my mind immediately went to “Final Destination vibes.” And while the story is loosely set up in a way that might make you think that, it becomes something far more emotional and layered than that initial impression.

We meet Thanatos, the God of Death, living in human form as Daxton. A being who believed he could never truly be loved or accepted is suddenly pulled into an experience he cannot predict or control. On the other side is Mackenzie, carrying so many unchecked emotions and silent battles of her own. She feels deeply, quietly, and painfully.

Watching these two characters lean on each other, not in a dramatic or over-the-top way, but in a way that feels raw and sincere, was what made this story beautiful. Their connection isn’t exaggerated. It’s gentle, steady, and built on mutual understanding.

The romance is also spicy, but in a way that never overwhelms the story or feels unnecessary. The intimacy adds to their connection instead of distracting from it. It highlights something important, that to love someone that deeply, to give yourself to someone fully, trust has to exist first. The spice felt earned, emotional, and rooted in vulnerability.

This book does come with triggers and touches on heavy emotional themes, so please check before diving in. It explores grief, mental health, and the quiet struggles people often carry alone. Without spoiling anything, the story shifts how we view death, not as something purely terrifying, but as something intertwined with compassion, presence, and perspective.

It made me reflect on how modern society often avoids uncomfortable conversations, and how deeply we need stronger, more genuine support systems for one another.

This wasn’t just a romance. It was a story about empathy, vulnerability, and redefining how we look at endings.

[Jody Vogler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing is believing… or is it?

This book had me so intrigued from the tropes list, and then once I started reading, I COULD NOT STOP. The concept is wildly unique, and I devoured every single page. Think Final Destination vibes with a dark, gothic paranormal romance twist that sinks its claws in and does not let go.

Mackenzie Vidente survives what should have been her death thanks to one split second premonition...and that single moment puts her directly in Death’s crosshairs. Enter Daxton Mortis. Thanatos. Death himself. Beautiful, terrifying, inevitable… and completely obsessed. He doesn’t just want her soul, he wants her. Forever and Always

The chemistry? Unhinged.
The spice? Next freaking level 🔥
The tension between fate and desire? Chef’s kiss.

Daxton is everything you want in a dark romance book boyfriend: obsessive, feral, seductive, morally gray, and an absolute sex god.. while still managing to have a surprisingly tender side. I would follow this man straight into the underworld without hesitation.

Mackenzie is just as compelling. Fierce, bold, broken, and real. Her grief (especially after losing her father like I also did) hit hard, and her strength made me love her even more. She’s unapologetically herself, pink hating and all, and I was rooting for her every step of the way.

This is the perfect February read!! Valentine’s Day vibes, but with blood, Death, obsession, and the kind of love that feels like fate. If you love dark romance with morally gray monsters, sharp banter, and lots of deliciously twisted spice, go read this ASAP.

I’m obsessed with this author’s writing style and will absolutely be picking up more from them. This story is one I’ll be dreaming about for a long time.

[Chantel Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Simply a delicious read!"
​If you are looking for a dark romance that expertly weaves Greek mythology into a modern, gritty setting, Forever & Always is an absolute must-read. This story is intense, atmospheric, and carries a weight that lingers long after you turn the final page.
​The Premise
​The story follows Mackenzie Vidente, a 19-year-old clairvoyant with the burden of seeing and speaking to the dead. After a traumatic event where she saved 28 souls from their fate, she finds herself stalked by Death himself.
​Enter Daxton Mortis (Thanatos), the God of Death. He is powerful, brooding, and deeply intrigued by the girl who managed to help souls escape his grasp. While his sisters (The Fates) keep Mackenzie’s thread hidden from him, Daxton is determined to find out who she is—and why he’s so drawn to her.
​What I Loved
​The World-Building: The integration of the three Fates (Clotho, Atropos, and Lachesis) reimagined in this context adds a layer of depth that mythology fans will adore.
​The Leads: The chemistry between Daxton and Mackenzie is electric. It’s a high-stakes "cat and mouse" game where the lines between life, death, and desire are blurred.
​The Dark Tone: This isn't a lighthearted romp. It deals with heavy themes and "bad guys" you will truly love to hate, making the journey feel visceral and real.
​Final Thoughts
​This book is perfect for readers who love a protective, morally grey "God of Death" trope and a heroine who is as brave as she is haunted. It’s dark, spicy, and incredibly compelling. I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next in this universe!

[Sydney Ely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, bite-sized introduction to a new dark romance series. I finished it in a single day and walked away at 4 stars with 4-spice heat.

The premise alone had me hooked: a mortal girl who can speak to ghosts and glimpse the future, a God of Death who is owed the souls of the 28 people she saved, including, eventually, her own. The tension between fate, debt, and desire created a strong emotional throughline for a novella.

Daxton is deeply problematic in that delicious dark-romance way- powerful, possessive, and not remotely soft until he realizes who she is to him. Once that switch flips, though, his devotion to his “lady death” becomes intense and all-consuming. Their dynamic is sharp, passionate, and fueled by power imbalance and obsession. This was also my first real corruption arc, and I completely understand the hype now.

The book also leans into some very niche genre elements (the chain… truly iconic), which made it feel distinct and memorable.

My only real drawbacks were the use of the miscommunication trope, which is never a favorite of mine, and the fact that the MMC didn’t become immediately and exclusively obsessed with the FMC. The continued outside encounters after they met pulled me out of the fantasy a bit, even if he was thinking about her the entire time. The ending also felt abrupt and landed more in “happy for now” territory rather than offering a true sense of resolution.

That said, this absolutely did its job as a series starter. The worldbuilding, death lore, and character dynamics have so much potential, and I’m very invested in where their story goes next.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever and Always by Aria Devereux is a unique paranormal romance that blends mythology, fate, and emotional healing into a powerful love story.

Mackenzie has lived her whole life with the ability to see spirits and occasionally glimpse the future. When a terrifying premonition shows her a mass shooting that will claim her life and the lives of her friends, she manages to get everyone out safely before tragedy strikes. But cheating death has consequences.

Thanatos, the god of death, senses that something has disrupted the natural order. Souls that were meant to pass on are still walking the earth, and he must personally come to collect them. Taking the mortal name Daxton and embodying a human form, he begins reaping the souls that escaped their fate. But the moment he meets Mackenzie, everything changes.

What starts as curiosity quickly grows into something much deeper. Mackenzie initially sees him as cold and unfeeling, but she soon realizes that the burden of being Death weighs heavily on him. As their connection deepens, the story becomes less about fearing death and more about understanding its place in the natural order.

This book explores grief, trauma, healing, and the idea that even the god of death deserves love. The ending is both heartbreaking and beautiful, showing just how far two soulmates will go to find each other.

If you enjoy paranormal romance with mythology, emotional depth, and a love story that transcends life and death, this book is definitely worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book from Aria Devereux in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

[Torylee Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝔄𝔯𝔠 ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴
6⭐️ 5/5 🌶

“𝘞𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦, 𝘔𝘢 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦 Â𝘮𝘦?”
𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓭𝓸 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓪 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽, 𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝓪𝓼 𝓲𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝔂 𝓫𝓮—𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓲𝓻 𝓼𝓾𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓘𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝔂 𝓘 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓮 𝓪𝓼 𝓘 𝓭𝓸—𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝔀𝓸 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓲𝓷, 𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓲𝓷 𝓲𝓽𝓼 𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽.

Wow. First and foremost, I absolutely LOVE the way Aria writes her stories. The conversations between characters flow so smoothly and the banter is addictive and so well done. And the spice. Daaaaaamn this was a spicy good time. The mouth on this man was INSANE.

I felt such a connection to the FMC Mackenzie and found myself relating to so much in this book. I felt fucking SEEN. I cried, I laughed and literally don’t know what to do now that I’m done. Like Mackenzie and Daxton are just everything and I am so excited to see what’s to come!

Forever and Always was beautiful and I enjoyed every single second of this journey and that ending!!!! I’m literally begging for more, please.

𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚎.
( hi can I tattoo this on me)

“𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐢𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭… 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬. “𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠.”

🩸ғɪɴᴀʟ ᴅᴇsᴛɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ x ᴛʜᴇ ғᴀʟʟᴏᴜᴛ
🖤ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ x ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴀᴛ
💀ʜᴇ ғᴀʟʟs ғɪʀsᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀʀᴅ
🩸ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴀᴄᴀᴅᴇᴍɪᴀ
🖤ᴇʀᴏᴛɪᴄ ʜᴏʀʀᴏʀ ᴠᴀʟᴇɴᴛɪɴᴇ’s ᴅᴀʏ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟʟᴀ
💀ᴍғғ/ᴍᴍ/ᴍғ
🩸ᴄᴏʀʀᴜᴘᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀʀᴄ
🖤ᴛʜɪɴ ʟɪɴᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀᴛᴇ
💀ᴄʟᴀɪʀᴠᴏʏᴀɴᴛ x ɢᴏᴅ ᴏғ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ
🩸“ɪ’ᴅ ᴋɪʟʟ ғᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ.”
🖤“ғᴏʀᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏs”
💀ᴛᴇʟᴇᴘᴀᴛʜʏ
🩸ᴘsʏᴄʜᴏᴋɪɴᴇsɪs
🖤ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
💀ᴜɴᴄᴏɴᴠᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀ

[Nicole Wolstenholme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an advanced reader copy of Forever and Always by Aria Devereux. This is my first book by this author and I ate it up!! I gave this 5 stars and definitely want more from the main characters Mackenzie(FMC) and Daxton(MMC). Going into this book I did not know what to expect, but I would not change one thing about this story.

This Novella is dark, heavy, emotional and spicy. We have Mackenzie who can see spirits at a young age and as she gets older she starts to talk to them and communicate to be able to help them move on. One day she and her friends were on their way to Creative Writing 318. When they are standing in the hall way waiting she hears a gunshot and she sees her friend drop in her brothers arms and more classmates being shot. She is the last of her friends the shooter kills. She realizes she had a premonition of something that hasn’t happened yet. She is able to save some of her classmates, her friends and herself, but unfortunately she could not save everyone.

Due to the lives she has saved she has messed with Deaths design. Daxton or Thanatos now has to leave the Underworld to retrieve the souls he was promised. He doesn’t understand how Mackenzie is able to do this and wants to know more. He goes to his 3 sisters to find out more but they refuse to tell him so he says he will figure it out on his own. Daxton arrives in the mortal world and waits for his souls to arrive at a cafe. Once Mackenzie walks in and he lays eyes on her everything changes for him and her.

[Marci Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was a fun read. Death as the love interest isn’t my usual trope, but I’ll take some dark horror.

The premise hooked me: clairvoyant MacKenzie cheating fate and Dax/Thanatos/Death showing up to reclaim what’s his. It definitely gave Final Destination vibes, which I loved. Death breaking the fourth wall and talking to readers added charm, and honestly, he was very likable for, you know…Death. The gore? Great. Would’ve happily taken more.

Where it lost me a bit was the execution. The writing was easy to read but sometimes felt stiff or flat. The tone skewed young—fine for Kenz (college student), less convincing for a literal ancient being.

It also sits in an awkward space length-wise. Too long for a tight novella, too underdeveloped for a full novel. I wanted either a streamlined focus on the central incident and their relationship for a novella, or a deeper dive into Monroe, Dax’s family fallout, the sisters’ visions, and the mythology for a novel. More push-and-pull tension would’ve made the romance hit harder instead of leaning on insta-lust.

The ending was unexpected and will probably divide readers. I wasn’t mad at it, but it felt unresolved. As an ARC reader, having that extra chapter included may help with some of that and provide a little more clarity. If this is setting up a series, there’s serious potential here. With more depth and stronger emotional buildup, this could be something really memorable.

[Mandy Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Forever and Always
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had me at the playlist.

But then? It absolutely possessed me.

From eerie folklore elements to strong Final Destination–esque tension and cheated-death energy, I was hooked almost immediately. There’s that same feeling of inevitability circling the characters… like fate is watching and Death is waiting.

And DEATH. 🥵

Breaking the fourth wall. Calling us “little mortal.” Pierced in all the right places 😏. Twisted gentleman energy with the most unhinged sense of humor.

The dark humor in this book is unmatched. The narration style makes you feel like you’re inside the story, watching chaos unfold in real time. It’s shocking, absurd, and somehow hilarious all at once.

And the spice?? Ice water to the face. Unexpected. Bold. Intense. Phenomenal.

“The only tears I want from you are those of ecstasy, never sadness.”

Sir??????

What I loved most is that this isn’t just romance. It’s fate, vengeance, and embracing the parts of yourself the world tells you to bury. The MMC doesn’t try to “fix” her. He doesn’t soften her edges. He hands her the power and stands by her while she claims it.

If you love:
• Morally gray MMC
• Supernatural romance
• Death x Mortal
• Fate vs Free Will
• Dark humor
• Vengeance arc
• Fourth wall breaks
• Touch-her-and-die energy

You need this.

If you’re a Final Destination franchise fan — read this immediately and thank me later 😘