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Lethal Kiss
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26A blood-soaked love story of rage, revenge, and belonging, Taylor Grothe's adult debut is a sapphic horror/romance that's as grotesque as it is beautiful.
Something ravenous lurks below the marble floors of Preston University…
Marcella might be a monster, but she’s careful. After getting hired at Preston University, she intends to lay low and keep her meals discreet.
Trapped in the rat race of academia, all Lacie wants is to finally hit tenure. She’s determined to make this her year, and nothing is going to stand in her way.
That is, until bodies start dropping.
Marcella swears it isn’t her doing—as if she’d be that sloppy. Whatever’s killing their coworkers is older, and far less restrained. Lacie doesn’t know who to trust, but better the monster you know…
The deeper they dig, the more they’re drawn to each other… and the more something else is drawn to them.
After all, desire has teeth of its own.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Something ravenous lurks below the marble floors of Preston University…
Marcella might be a monster, but she’s careful. After getting hired at Preston University, she intends to lay low and keep her meals discreet.
Trapped in the rat race of academia, all Lacie wants is to finally hit tenure. She’s determined to make this her year, and nothing is going to stand in her way.
That is, until bodies start dropping.
Marcella swears it isn’t her doing—as if she’d be that sloppy. Whatever’s killing their coworkers is older, and far less restrained. Lacie doesn’t know who to trust, but better the monster you know…
The deeper they dig, the more they’re drawn to each other… and the more something else is drawn to them.
After all, desire has teeth of its own.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
1820 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Grothe
5 books206 followersTaylor is a writer of adult and young adult horror, horror romance, and dark fantasy. They hold a nonfiction MFA from Fairfield University, acted as the graduate Assistant Managing Editor of Brevity, and their short works can be found in esteemed publications such as Brevity’s craft blog, Haven Speculative, and Shortwave Magazine. They are a scholar of medieval literature and Nordic Saga. Taylor lives with three cats, two kids, and their spouse, in SW Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 25, 2026
I already can’t wait until fall rolls around so I can reread LK with the perfect atmospheric ambiance!
This is for the lovers of unhinged queer sapphic rage, the monster lovers and the burnt out eldest daughters who were part of the gifted programs in school but feel like they’re teetering on the edge of the universe now.
This is for the lovers of unhinged queer sapphic rage, the monster lovers and the burnt out eldest daughters who were part of the gifted programs in school but feel like they’re teetering on the edge of the universe now.
May 12, 2026
"I'm drawn to her and I'm repulsed by her.”
Picture Scarlett Johansson from Under the Skin reimagined in a world of gritty, academic occultism with monsters you’ve only heard about in folk horror. This is a visceral, sapphic, tribute to ruthless, man-eating feminine rage and the crushing weight of academic burnout. I devoured this. Seriously, give me more please.
Picture Scarlett Johansson from Under the Skin reimagined in a world of gritty, academic occultism with monsters you’ve only heard about in folk horror. This is a visceral, sapphic, tribute to ruthless, man-eating feminine rage and the crushing weight of academic burnout. I devoured this. Seriously, give me more please.
March 9, 2026
Folklorists, academia, Norse, mythology, secret societies, sapphics, horror romance, this is everything to me
May 3, 2026
Thank you netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review 🌹
Lethal Kiss by Taylor Grothe is a monstrously seductive, deeply haunting, and romantic new adult horror novel. Our main characters are professors in the classics department. Marcella, the draugr disguised as a human, has the goal of feeding and not getting caught. And then there’s Lacie, the achingly human and autistic woman who fears nothing more than losing her job. And they just became coworkers, competing for tenure. Amidst a dark academia setting, where misogynistic, old white men take charge—something is wrong. Catastrophically so when fellow professors drop dead.
This book is terrifying, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and incredibly bewitching. The prose and pacing are magnificent. I highlighted approximately 50% of the book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
While horror is the primary focus of this book, the romance between Lacie and Marcella captured my heart and soul. There is a sinful amount of yearning between the two women. Their romance is driven by lust at first, but it blossoms into something greater. They are the epitome of being truly seen, facades stripped away, and loved regardless. A love based on innate understanding, forgiveness, and adoration despite it all.
“I know how it feels to truly believe that you’re a horrifying, disgusting monster. But you’re no more monster than I am.”
And please don’t misunderstand me, the horror is equally beautiful. Grotesque, gory, and an all-around blood bath, Grothe does not cut corners when it comes to horror. Bloodshed and murder are plentiful in this novel.
I highly recommend this book to the following people:
- Anyone who enjoys rivals to lovers
- Sapphics who grapple with the age-old question, “Do I want to be her or do I want to be with her?”
- Anyone who has religious trauma.
- Fans of Jennifer’s Body.
- Misandrists.
Lethal Kiss by Taylor Grothe is a monstrously seductive, deeply haunting, and romantic new adult horror novel. Our main characters are professors in the classics department. Marcella, the draugr disguised as a human, has the goal of feeding and not getting caught. And then there’s Lacie, the achingly human and autistic woman who fears nothing more than losing her job. And they just became coworkers, competing for tenure. Amidst a dark academia setting, where misogynistic, old white men take charge—something is wrong. Catastrophically so when fellow professors drop dead.
This book is terrifying, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and incredibly bewitching. The prose and pacing are magnificent. I highlighted approximately 50% of the book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
While horror is the primary focus of this book, the romance between Lacie and Marcella captured my heart and soul. There is a sinful amount of yearning between the two women. Their romance is driven by lust at first, but it blossoms into something greater. They are the epitome of being truly seen, facades stripped away, and loved regardless. A love based on innate understanding, forgiveness, and adoration despite it all.
“I know how it feels to truly believe that you’re a horrifying, disgusting monster. But you’re no more monster than I am.”
And please don’t misunderstand me, the horror is equally beautiful. Grotesque, gory, and an all-around blood bath, Grothe does not cut corners when it comes to horror. Bloodshed and murder are plentiful in this novel.
I highly recommend this book to the following people:
- Anyone who enjoys rivals to lovers
- Sapphics who grapple with the age-old question, “Do I want to be her or do I want to be with her?”
- Anyone who has religious trauma.
- Fans of Jennifer’s Body.
- Misandrists.
Want to Read
February 6, 2026Jennifer's Body meets Ninth House??? I AM SEATED.
April 16, 2026
Lethal Kiss will destroy you in the most unique way possible and leave you hungry for a unique monster story. Like the description and introduction state – this is not a vampire novel. Absolutely loved to be introduced to Draugr and to feel like I am on a horrifying but very sapphic Skyrim playthrough. Whether you dabble with Nordic literature or not – you will fall in love with Marcella and Lacie. A story written to be unapologetically queer and uniquely horrifying with a new monster to meet. Delicious and eerie!
What is not to like about this narrative honestly? Nothing. The poetic writing will keep you enticed as you immerse yourself into this dark academia setting. The creature is lurking and bodies are dropping. What does this mean for our protagonists and will secrets need to be revealed to stay safe? This will dive to deep corners of fears and being fully yourself. Are there secrets about yourself you wish you could say or wish someone close would secretly discover so that you no longer need to hide it? Then this is the book for you to see what that mindset looks like in real time.
Another strength of Taylor’s is writing such real personalities in their characters. I feel like Marcella is a real person. The dialogue is captivating and it fits within the setting of the book. The chemistry will burn between the context, and Taylor sure knows how to write delightfully sapphic and spicy scenes. This is a must-read horror this year and I promise you that you will not be disappointed.
There was nothing but enjoyable moments throughout this narrative. I cannot wait to re-read this on publication day. Something about draugr and sapphics really works. Great writing and a passion for writing queer horror is what Taylor continues to provide us. What a narrative and I think you will enjoy it. All opinions are my own. Thank you Taylor Groethe, Tor Nightfire, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy.
For tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews, visit my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
What is not to like about this narrative honestly? Nothing. The poetic writing will keep you enticed as you immerse yourself into this dark academia setting. The creature is lurking and bodies are dropping. What does this mean for our protagonists and will secrets need to be revealed to stay safe? This will dive to deep corners of fears and being fully yourself. Are there secrets about yourself you wish you could say or wish someone close would secretly discover so that you no longer need to hide it? Then this is the book for you to see what that mindset looks like in real time.
Another strength of Taylor’s is writing such real personalities in their characters. I feel like Marcella is a real person. The dialogue is captivating and it fits within the setting of the book. The chemistry will burn between the context, and Taylor sure knows how to write delightfully sapphic and spicy scenes. This is a must-read horror this year and I promise you that you will not be disappointed.
There was nothing but enjoyable moments throughout this narrative. I cannot wait to re-read this on publication day. Something about draugr and sapphics really works. Great writing and a passion for writing queer horror is what Taylor continues to provide us. What a narrative and I think you will enjoy it. All opinions are my own. Thank you Taylor Groethe, Tor Nightfire, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy.
For tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews, visit my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
January 22, 2026
Lethal Kiss is deliciously the kind of book that doesn’t let you go, it dug itself into me and is still buzzing under my skin long after I read it. The eerie undertones left the perfect setting I was craving and I ate this up in one sitting.
The tension, the yearning, the way the relationship burns - I couldn’t get enough.
And let me just say Marcella? I can’t decide if I want to never meet her in a dark alley or follow her to one.
The tension, the yearning, the way the relationship burns - I couldn’t get enough.
And let me just say Marcella? I can’t decide if I want to never meet her in a dark alley or follow her to one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lethal Kiss is a hungry, wickedly dark tale which will leave you begging for more. Grothe's rich, lyrical prose weaves a tale of revenge, obsession and love. With a murder mystery that kept me guessing at every turn and a seductive sapphic romance, Lethal Kiss is bound to be the next dark academia sensation. Easily one of my top reads of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Taylor Grothe and Tor Nightfire for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a phenomenally written adult debut that I absolutely loved and devoured. A horror romance, Taylor Grothe balances both sides so well, delivering something that feels fresh, unique, and hard to put down. The blend of monstrous academia and a simmering sapphic romance creates such an addictive atmosphere that I was hooked from the start.
Marcella is sent to Preston’s Classics Department under the guise of filling in for missing professors, though we quickly understand she has been part of that problem herself. She is cunning, sharp, and unapologetically monstrous, yet still relatable in the way she craves comfort, routine, and a sense of control. Lacie, on the other hand, is doing everything she can to survive the brutal climb toward tenure while dealing with the fallout of disappearing colleagues, including her friend. When the two meet, there is an immediate tension, both suspicious and magnetic, that only builds as the story unfolds.
The mystery element really shines as Marcella and Lacie begin investigating the deaths on campus. What follows is a tense unraveling of secrets within Preston, where no one has time to question anything because academia demands everything from them. I loved how Grothe used this to highlight the constant stress and pressure at every level, and especially how the author did not shy away from the misogyny that is so deeply embedded in these spaces. It felt real and frustrating in a way that added depth to the horror rather than distracting from it.
The dynamic between Marcella and Lacie is easily one of the strongest parts of the book. Marcella calling her Little Lamb, the push and pull between danger and desire, and the slow build of trust made their relationship feel intense. Even when Marcella holds back out of fear of hurting Lacie, the connection between them never weakens. If anything, it makes everything more compelling.
The horror escalates in such a satisfying way, from secret dinners to hidden societies to the reveal of other monsters operating within the university. The choices Marcella makes at the end are bold, brutal, and emotional, cementing just how far she is willing to go and what that means for her and Lacie.
The prose is accessible and engaging, with moments of sharp wit woven throughout the darker elements. It never feels too heavy, even when tackling serious themes, and that balance made it incredibly easy to fly through.
This is easily a top read of the year for me. It is perfect for anyone looking for something sapphic, unsettling, and genuinely fun while still having something meaningful to say about academia and power. I will be thinking about Marcella and Lacie for a long time.
This is a phenomenally written adult debut that I absolutely loved and devoured. A horror romance, Taylor Grothe balances both sides so well, delivering something that feels fresh, unique, and hard to put down. The blend of monstrous academia and a simmering sapphic romance creates such an addictive atmosphere that I was hooked from the start.
Marcella is sent to Preston’s Classics Department under the guise of filling in for missing professors, though we quickly understand she has been part of that problem herself. She is cunning, sharp, and unapologetically monstrous, yet still relatable in the way she craves comfort, routine, and a sense of control. Lacie, on the other hand, is doing everything she can to survive the brutal climb toward tenure while dealing with the fallout of disappearing colleagues, including her friend. When the two meet, there is an immediate tension, both suspicious and magnetic, that only builds as the story unfolds.
The mystery element really shines as Marcella and Lacie begin investigating the deaths on campus. What follows is a tense unraveling of secrets within Preston, where no one has time to question anything because academia demands everything from them. I loved how Grothe used this to highlight the constant stress and pressure at every level, and especially how the author did not shy away from the misogyny that is so deeply embedded in these spaces. It felt real and frustrating in a way that added depth to the horror rather than distracting from it.
The dynamic between Marcella and Lacie is easily one of the strongest parts of the book. Marcella calling her Little Lamb, the push and pull between danger and desire, and the slow build of trust made their relationship feel intense. Even when Marcella holds back out of fear of hurting Lacie, the connection between them never weakens. If anything, it makes everything more compelling.
The horror escalates in such a satisfying way, from secret dinners to hidden societies to the reveal of other monsters operating within the university. The choices Marcella makes at the end are bold, brutal, and emotional, cementing just how far she is willing to go and what that means for her and Lacie.
The prose is accessible and engaging, with moments of sharp wit woven throughout the darker elements. It never feels too heavy, even when tackling serious themes, and that balance made it incredibly easy to fly through.
This is easily a top read of the year for me. It is perfect for anyone looking for something sapphic, unsettling, and genuinely fun while still having something meaningful to say about academia and power. I will be thinking about Marcella and Lacie for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are books you admire—and then there are books that devour you whole.
Lethal Kiss by Taylor Grothe is feral, blood-soaked, and utterly intoxicating—dark academia at its most vicious and most seductive.
From the moment you step onto the campus of Preston University, you can feel it—that wrongness humming just beneath the surface. Grothe doesn’t just build atmosphere; they weaponize it. Ivy-covered walls become suffocating. Lecture halls feel like hunting grounds. And beneath it all, something ancient and hungry waits with terrifying patience.
At the heart of this story are Marcella and Lacie—two assistant professors clawing for tenure, circling each other like predators. Marcella, a draugr with a quiet, rotting power, and Lacie, sharp-tongued, brilliant, and gloriously defiant, are electric together. Their dynamic is combustible, grumpy x bratty in the most feral sense, and every interaction feels like a collision between desire and destruction. This is enemies-to-lovers sharpened into a blade.
And the horror? Unrelenting.
Grothe understands that true horror isn’t just blood—it’s hunger. It’s obsession. It’s the slow realization that the monster might not be beneath the university… it might be standing beside you. Or worse—it might be you. The murders are visceral, yes, but it’s the dread that lingers. The rot. The inevitability.
What makes Lethal Kiss extraordinary is how seamlessly it binds that horror to something deeply, achingly romantic. This is a story about monstrous love—about being seen in your most ruinous, unpalatable form and being wanted anyway. About feminine rage that refuses to be softened. About ambition that bites back.
And Grothe delivers this with prose that is as lyrical as it is lethal.
Fans of Jennifer’s Body and Ninth House will absolutely fall under its spell—but Lethal Kiss stands entirely on its own: sharper, hungrier, and more unapologetically vicious.
While this marks Grothe’s adult debut, readers of their YA horror novel Hollow will recognize the signature: an author who understands that horror and longing are two sides of the same blade. Here, though, they let it run wild—and the result is breathtaking.
As an author, I am genuinely in awe. The confidence. The control. The sheer audacity of this story.
Lethal Kiss doesn’t ask for your attention—it takes it, drags you into the dark, and dares you to love what you find there.
And the most dangerous part?
You will.
Lethal Kiss by Taylor Grothe is feral, blood-soaked, and utterly intoxicating—dark academia at its most vicious and most seductive.
From the moment you step onto the campus of Preston University, you can feel it—that wrongness humming just beneath the surface. Grothe doesn’t just build atmosphere; they weaponize it. Ivy-covered walls become suffocating. Lecture halls feel like hunting grounds. And beneath it all, something ancient and hungry waits with terrifying patience.
At the heart of this story are Marcella and Lacie—two assistant professors clawing for tenure, circling each other like predators. Marcella, a draugr with a quiet, rotting power, and Lacie, sharp-tongued, brilliant, and gloriously defiant, are electric together. Their dynamic is combustible, grumpy x bratty in the most feral sense, and every interaction feels like a collision between desire and destruction. This is enemies-to-lovers sharpened into a blade.
And the horror? Unrelenting.
Grothe understands that true horror isn’t just blood—it’s hunger. It’s obsession. It’s the slow realization that the monster might not be beneath the university… it might be standing beside you. Or worse—it might be you. The murders are visceral, yes, but it’s the dread that lingers. The rot. The inevitability.
What makes Lethal Kiss extraordinary is how seamlessly it binds that horror to something deeply, achingly romantic. This is a story about monstrous love—about being seen in your most ruinous, unpalatable form and being wanted anyway. About feminine rage that refuses to be softened. About ambition that bites back.
And Grothe delivers this with prose that is as lyrical as it is lethal.
Fans of Jennifer’s Body and Ninth House will absolutely fall under its spell—but Lethal Kiss stands entirely on its own: sharper, hungrier, and more unapologetically vicious.
While this marks Grothe’s adult debut, readers of their YA horror novel Hollow will recognize the signature: an author who understands that horror and longing are two sides of the same blade. Here, though, they let it run wild—and the result is breathtaking.
As an author, I am genuinely in awe. The confidence. The control. The sheer audacity of this story.
Lethal Kiss doesn’t ask for your attention—it takes it, drags you into the dark, and dares you to love what you find there.
And the most dangerous part?
You will.
May 13, 2026
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for the eARC! All thoughts are my own.
This book was everything I’d hoped it would be!!
First of all, Lacie is a character that so many people are going to be able to relate to: whether it’s the catholic guilt, the separation from family due to coming out, her autism, or her ambition and passion for her academia career. I don’t know how but Taylor Grothe writes such relatable characters - even when on the surface level you wouldn’t think you could directly relate to them.
Then we have Marcella, or “Marcie” as all of the men who don’t even ask if it’s okay call her.
“Men in academia are unable to comprehend a woman with an opinion and confidence-especially in a stuffy department like folklore.”
Marcella is a very ancient being, a draugr from Norse mythology. But she is also an academic who is trying to attain tenure without being caught feeding and sometimes killing locals. She is powerful, confident, and beautiful - something that catches Lacie’s attention immediately, even as she’s suspicious of Marcella’s arrival at Preston University. Because she arrives right when Lacie’s best friend/colleague/competition for tenure, Laurel, disappears.
Their love is a slow-burn as the plot descends into horror as the two of them try to find out what is really happening on campus. But when the embers finally spark? It’s a love so passionate.
“This is exactly who she is. World-ending, perfect, rageful.”
Without getting too spoilery, the mystery side of things is so riveting. I thought I knew who was fully involved and yet I was still able to be surprised at the end.
The body horror? PHENOMENAL! If you’re looking for that type of horror you need to pick this one up.
“My true form slides back inside of the skin I'm wearing with a wet, hard suck. Organs rearrange, a familiar sharp tugging pain.”
This book is so quotable but I’m leaving most of that off of here for now as this is from the ARC.
This is Taylor Grothe’s second book and it is my second 5 star read for her books! I’d give it more stars if I could. Just as Hollow was one of my favorites from last year, this is sure to be one of my favorite reads this year.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was everything I’d hoped it would be!!
First of all, Lacie is a character that so many people are going to be able to relate to: whether it’s the catholic guilt, the separation from family due to coming out, her autism, or her ambition and passion for her academia career. I don’t know how but Taylor Grothe writes such relatable characters - even when on the surface level you wouldn’t think you could directly relate to them.
Then we have Marcella, or “Marcie” as all of the men who don’t even ask if it’s okay call her.
“Men in academia are unable to comprehend a woman with an opinion and confidence-especially in a stuffy department like folklore.”
Marcella is a very ancient being, a draugr from Norse mythology. But she is also an academic who is trying to attain tenure without being caught feeding and sometimes killing locals. She is powerful, confident, and beautiful - something that catches Lacie’s attention immediately, even as she’s suspicious of Marcella’s arrival at Preston University. Because she arrives right when Lacie’s best friend/colleague/competition for tenure, Laurel, disappears.
Their love is a slow-burn as the plot descends into horror as the two of them try to find out what is really happening on campus. But when the embers finally spark? It’s a love so passionate.
“This is exactly who she is. World-ending, perfect, rageful.”
Without getting too spoilery, the mystery side of things is so riveting. I thought I knew who was fully involved and yet I was still able to be surprised at the end.
The body horror? PHENOMENAL! If you’re looking for that type of horror you need to pick this one up.
“My true form slides back inside of the skin I'm wearing with a wet, hard suck. Organs rearrange, a familiar sharp tugging pain.”
This book is so quotable but I’m leaving most of that off of here for now as this is from the ARC.
This is Taylor Grothe’s second book and it is my second 5 star read for her books! I’d give it more stars if I could. Just as Hollow was one of my favorites from last year, this is sure to be one of my favorite reads this year.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“You’re good and gentle and beneath that you are a full flame. I want to make you burn.”
4.5/5 Stars
This was the perfect combination of gory horror, sapphic yearning, and dark academia that I’ve seen in a book! Marcella is a draugr, a mythical creature that devours life energy (and sometimes bodies), who transfers into Preston University’s elite Classics department as an assistant professor. Lacie, her next door neighbor and fellow assistant professor, is a human just trying to understand why her friend went missing. The banter, the wit, the yearning between these two!!! AHHHHHH!!! They end up on a mysterious hunt to figure out why assistant professors are going missing - and why does no one care?
“The rules don’t exist. These men made them up.”
This book leans heavily into the gross undertones of misogyny in higher academia. The professors and their sleazy inferences, the male colleagues and their comments, the way women aren’t even acknowledged on the same level as men is all so vividly and heartbreakingly done. Grothe managed to make goosebumps break out on me while reading because I could feel the message seeping out of the pages. That being said, Marcella’s straightforward and flirty attitude helped balance out the darker commentary which was nice.
Without giving away any spoilers, I was a little confused on Lyle’s arc and the ending of the story as a whole. It was a great ending, but I was like wait - she can just.. do that? I won’t say more for the sake of spoilers, but overall it didn’t impact my feeling on the story by much besides some confusion.
“This is exactly who she is. World-ending, perfect, rageful.”
Overall, this is a fantastic book! It has the perfect gothic, fall dark academia vibes I love to see in any book and the writing pulled me in so quickly. I would highly recommend this!!
Thank you to Tor Nightfire and Taylor Grothe for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
4.5/5 Stars
This was the perfect combination of gory horror, sapphic yearning, and dark academia that I’ve seen in a book! Marcella is a draugr, a mythical creature that devours life energy (and sometimes bodies), who transfers into Preston University’s elite Classics department as an assistant professor. Lacie, her next door neighbor and fellow assistant professor, is a human just trying to understand why her friend went missing. The banter, the wit, the yearning between these two!!! AHHHHHH!!! They end up on a mysterious hunt to figure out why assistant professors are going missing - and why does no one care?
“The rules don’t exist. These men made them up.”
This book leans heavily into the gross undertones of misogyny in higher academia. The professors and their sleazy inferences, the male colleagues and their comments, the way women aren’t even acknowledged on the same level as men is all so vividly and heartbreakingly done. Grothe managed to make goosebumps break out on me while reading because I could feel the message seeping out of the pages. That being said, Marcella’s straightforward and flirty attitude helped balance out the darker commentary which was nice.
Without giving away any spoilers, I was a little confused on Lyle’s arc and the ending of the story as a whole. It was a great ending, but I was like wait - she can just.. do that? I won’t say more for the sake of spoilers, but overall it didn’t impact my feeling on the story by much besides some confusion.
“This is exactly who she is. World-ending, perfect, rageful.”
Overall, this is a fantastic book! It has the perfect gothic, fall dark academia vibes I love to see in any book and the writing pulled me in so quickly. I would highly recommend this!!
Thank you to Tor Nightfire and Taylor Grothe for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Taylor Grothe and Tor for the ARC!
Lethal Kiss is the most achingly seductive and fiery horror romance you'll ever read. With chemistry that sizzles, gore that screams, and monsters that represent us in all the ways we need them to, this book will be one of the best releases of 2026.
Taylor Grothe's writing is addictive from the beginning. They don't hold back at any point in the story. Page one throws readers right into the intense, but compelling nature of the story that they are bound to fall in love with. Once you've read one chapter, it's impossible not to want to read more. Marcella's POV starts the story off, and I could not imagine a more spectacular beginning. It's so easy to fall into her trap and want to spend every hour of every day with Marcella and her story. Although it may seem like it couldn't possibly get any better, Lacie's POV makes you even more desperate to keep reading.
There aren't many things I love more than books that allow women to be angry. Lacie is not only allowed, but encouraged, to be furious with the way she has been mistreated by the people in her life. Lacie, at first, seems tame when you put her next to Marcella, but she is a deeply complex character with a personality you'll adore even more as you keep reading. Her development over the story is beautiful, and there are no words I can say in this review to describe just how well her character is written.
Corruption is met with calculated rage and a brutally clever main couple. This is a dark academia book (heavy on "dark') that is actually willing to acknowledge the deeply rooted problems in academia and higher education. There's no shortage of depraved white men, but they're no match for Marcella and Lacie. Watching the two of them fight against the men in power and take up the space they deserve throughout the book was intoxicating. Their journey is one you absolutely cannot miss.
The blood-soaked pages of Lethal Kiss will suck you in and hold you with their sharp teeth from the first line to the very end. I read this book when I was busier and more overwhelmed than I had been in months, and it was the greatest relief. This is the perfect blend of ruthless adventure, scorching rage, and blazing sapphic yearning. If you haven't added Lethal Kiss to your TBR yet, you must sprint to do it now.
Lethal Kiss is the most achingly seductive and fiery horror romance you'll ever read. With chemistry that sizzles, gore that screams, and monsters that represent us in all the ways we need them to, this book will be one of the best releases of 2026.
Taylor Grothe's writing is addictive from the beginning. They don't hold back at any point in the story. Page one throws readers right into the intense, but compelling nature of the story that they are bound to fall in love with. Once you've read one chapter, it's impossible not to want to read more. Marcella's POV starts the story off, and I could not imagine a more spectacular beginning. It's so easy to fall into her trap and want to spend every hour of every day with Marcella and her story. Although it may seem like it couldn't possibly get any better, Lacie's POV makes you even more desperate to keep reading.
There aren't many things I love more than books that allow women to be angry. Lacie is not only allowed, but encouraged, to be furious with the way she has been mistreated by the people in her life. Lacie, at first, seems tame when you put her next to Marcella, but she is a deeply complex character with a personality you'll adore even more as you keep reading. Her development over the story is beautiful, and there are no words I can say in this review to describe just how well her character is written.
Corruption is met with calculated rage and a brutally clever main couple. This is a dark academia book (heavy on "dark') that is actually willing to acknowledge the deeply rooted problems in academia and higher education. There's no shortage of depraved white men, but they're no match for Marcella and Lacie. Watching the two of them fight against the men in power and take up the space they deserve throughout the book was intoxicating. Their journey is one you absolutely cannot miss.
The blood-soaked pages of Lethal Kiss will suck you in and hold you with their sharp teeth from the first line to the very end. I read this book when I was busier and more overwhelmed than I had been in months, and it was the greatest relief. This is the perfect blend of ruthless adventure, scorching rage, and blazing sapphic yearning. If you haven't added Lethal Kiss to your TBR yet, you must sprint to do it now.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Taylor Grothe said “you want toxic yuri? and horror? oh, and you love Jennifer’s Body?” and said HERE. And you know what? I ate it up (just like Marcella eats humans. She’s just a little hungry, and I support both women’s rights and wrongs).
My friend said “read this, you’ll love it,” so I did what any reasonable person would do and bumped it up my TBR. And I can confirm: I did, in fact, love it. It’s gay, and it also slays (literally), so really, what’s not to love?
Marcella is just so innately lovable. Is she a monster? Yes. A creature to be feared? Yes. But if monster, why hot and hilarious?
Something I loved so deeply about this book was the dichotomy between Marcella and our other FMC, Lacie. Lacie comes from a background rife with catholic guilt, complicating her relationship with her family and her sexuality - she fears loving a woman, and what the implications of that may be. Marcella, though having faced persecution for her sexuality in her own right, also fears BEING feared for what she truly is. This fear of loving and the fear of not bring able to BE loved created an incredible “push-and-pull” dynamic. Monster and human, both longing for acceptance and struggling with self-loathing - and really, are they so different after all?
Lacie is repressing her sexuality, and Marcella is repressing her hunger. The idea of “need” is so wonderfully explored here, how desire, when repressed, is all-consuming. What if, instead, one indulged, unapologetically and unabashed?
By the end, Lacie is tired of wanting, of being afraid. She wants to finally feel angry. And would it be wrong to be a little hungry?
My friend said “read this, you’ll love it,” so I did what any reasonable person would do and bumped it up my TBR. And I can confirm: I did, in fact, love it. It’s gay, and it also slays (literally), so really, what’s not to love?
Marcella is just so innately lovable. Is she a monster? Yes. A creature to be feared? Yes. But if monster, why hot and hilarious?
Something I loved so deeply about this book was the dichotomy between Marcella and our other FMC, Lacie. Lacie comes from a background rife with catholic guilt, complicating her relationship with her family and her sexuality - she fears loving a woman, and what the implications of that may be. Marcella, though having faced persecution for her sexuality in her own right, also fears BEING feared for what she truly is. This fear of loving and the fear of not bring able to BE loved created an incredible “push-and-pull” dynamic. Monster and human, both longing for acceptance and struggling with self-loathing - and really, are they so different after all?
Lacie is repressing her sexuality, and Marcella is repressing her hunger. The idea of “need” is so wonderfully explored here, how desire, when repressed, is all-consuming. What if, instead, one indulged, unapologetically and unabashed?
By the end, Lacie is tired of wanting, of being afraid. She wants to finally feel angry. And would it be wrong to be a little hungry?
December 9, 2025
What can I say about Lethal Kiss? Too many things! It was my top read of the year and I inhaled it in one sitting. I could go on for days, so I’ll keep it brief rather than writing a dissertation about it.
I had the honor of reading an early draft of Lethal Kiss, and my god is it something special. I spent weeks recovering from it and drowning my sorrows that it was over with snickers bars.
It’s not often that a book is so good it sends me into a reading slump, but that’s exactly what happened. Nothing I picked up gripped me in the same way Lethal Kiss did.
In less than 400 pages, Taylor Grothe managed to create a rich story on its own, but the Nordic lore that was used in telling it only enhanced the narrative. It was easy to get lost in this version of our world and forget that ours does not, in fact, have draugrs running around (to our knowledge).
In true Grothe fashion, they’ve created two incredibly well rounded and complex leads in Marcella and Lacie. And while they are wildly different, I found myself relating to both of them for myriad reasons, furthering my attachment to this story.
There is no shortage of badassery, self discovery, acceptance, unconditional love, “ew, boys,” and not to mention the varied representation like queerness and autism in both Lacie and Marcella. It should also go without saying that the sapphic love story you’ll find in Lethal Kiss is beautifully crafted and the way the relationship builds feels organic and believable.
This story of murder, secret societies, love, and monsters is a must read.
It’s not often that a book is so good it sends me into a reading slump, but that’s exactly what happened. Nothing I picked up gripped me in the same way Lethal Kiss did.
In less than 400 pages, Taylor Grothe managed to create a rich story on its own, but the Nordic lore that was used in telling it only enhanced the narrative. It was easy to get lost in this version of our world and forget that ours does not, in fact, have draugrs running around (to our knowledge).
In true Grothe fashion, they’ve created two incredibly well rounded and complex leads in Marcella and Lacie. And while they are wildly different, I found myself relating to both of them for myriad reasons, furthering my attachment to this story.
There is no shortage of badassery, self discovery, acceptance, unconditional love, “ew, boys,” and not to mention the varied representation like queerness and autism in both Lacie and Marcella. It should also go without saying that the sapphic love story you’ll find in Lethal Kiss is beautifully crafted and the way the relationship builds feels organic and believable.
This story of murder, secret societies, love, and monsters is a must read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Author & NetGalley
I devoured this book.
Lethal Kiss is a stunningly gory, intoxicating, and intellectual dark academia story that had me hooked from the first page. This was one of my highly anticipated books of 2026 and for me personally, it did not disappoint. I mean, that opening paragraph? C'mon.
Grothe has such a beautiful prose and their storytelling is witty, lyrical, and filled with vivid imagery. I felt all of LK in my very bones and didn't want the story to end. It's well thought out and the pacing is fluid with plenty of meat-no pun intended.
Both Marcella and Lacie are fantastic and I adore them. There's a bit of a grumpy x sunshine vibe going on and I love the way their relationship develops-Marcella, for the most part, is forever unperturbed with Lacie's analytical attitude, all with a deadly smile on her face. Marcella starts to let go and just accept she likes Lacie and in turn, Lacie doesn't fear the way she's attracted to Marcella, in all forms.
Marcella makes some bold and brutal choices throughout the book, cementing how far she'll go for those she loves and what her life means to her. The reader can't help but root for the actual "monster" among terrible, elitist men and I'm all here for it.
If you want a well written, genuine horror romance with murder, secret plots filled with mystery, along with the murdering of misogynistic men, Lethal Kiss should be right up your alley.
I devoured this book.
Lethal Kiss is a stunningly gory, intoxicating, and intellectual dark academia story that had me hooked from the first page. This was one of my highly anticipated books of 2026 and for me personally, it did not disappoint. I mean, that opening paragraph? C'mon.
Grothe has such a beautiful prose and their storytelling is witty, lyrical, and filled with vivid imagery. I felt all of LK in my very bones and didn't want the story to end. It's well thought out and the pacing is fluid with plenty of meat-no pun intended.
Both Marcella and Lacie are fantastic and I adore them. There's a bit of a grumpy x sunshine vibe going on and I love the way their relationship develops-Marcella, for the most part, is forever unperturbed with Lacie's analytical attitude, all with a deadly smile on her face. Marcella starts to let go and just accept she likes Lacie and in turn, Lacie doesn't fear the way she's attracted to Marcella, in all forms.
Marcella makes some bold and brutal choices throughout the book, cementing how far she'll go for those she loves and what her life means to her. The reader can't help but root for the actual "monster" among terrible, elitist men and I'm all here for it.
If you want a well written, genuine horror romance with murder, secret plots filled with mystery, along with the murdering of misogynistic men, Lethal Kiss should be right up your alley.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y’all. THIS BOOK. All the dark academia vibes of Ninth House, and all the blood and gore of Jennifer’s Body, wrapped into one delicious slow burn horror romance.
Things have been off at Preston University for a while. Assistant professors have slowly been going missing, and while Lacie is trying to focus on her track to tenure, she can’t help but feel that these colleagues aren’t simply dropping out like admin claims. When Marcella, an aloof, secretive fresh face for tenure track is welcomed to campus, bodies start dropping quicker. Marcella may be a monster, but these killings are not her doing—she would never be so sloppy. Lacie and Marcella must team up to figure out what’s happening beneath Preston University’s prestigious facade, or they risk being the next victims.
I absolutely flew through this one. Not only were the dark academia vibes on point, but I loved how complex our main characters Marcella and Lacie were. I loved Grothe’s exploration of what it means to be a “monster”; whether in the literal sense of being a full blown undead draugr, or in the societal sense of being “other”. Also, the female rage in this one is *chefs kiss no notes*
This one sunk its teeth in and wouldn’t let go, and I won’t stop thinking about it for a looooong time 😭
Thank you SO much to the author and Tor Nightfire for the early copy!
Things have been off at Preston University for a while. Assistant professors have slowly been going missing, and while Lacie is trying to focus on her track to tenure, she can’t help but feel that these colleagues aren’t simply dropping out like admin claims. When Marcella, an aloof, secretive fresh face for tenure track is welcomed to campus, bodies start dropping quicker. Marcella may be a monster, but these killings are not her doing—she would never be so sloppy. Lacie and Marcella must team up to figure out what’s happening beneath Preston University’s prestigious facade, or they risk being the next victims.
I absolutely flew through this one. Not only were the dark academia vibes on point, but I loved how complex our main characters Marcella and Lacie were. I loved Grothe’s exploration of what it means to be a “monster”; whether in the literal sense of being a full blown undead draugr, or in the societal sense of being “other”. Also, the female rage in this one is *chefs kiss no notes*
This one sunk its teeth in and wouldn’t let go, and I won’t stop thinking about it for a looooong time 😭
Thank you SO much to the author and Tor Nightfire for the early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a pheonomenally written adult debut. A horror romance, Grothe excels at both aspects, delivering a hot and enticing sapphic romance with perfect monstrous and academic vibes. For horror fans, you'll be on the edge of your seat as Marcella (a Draugr!) and Lacie try to uncover who (other than Marcella) is killing professors. Marcella is a gorgeously monstrous and cunning protagonist who just wants to watch TV with her cat, drink wine, and occasionally feast on misogynistic boys. Lacie is a wonderfully grumpy and booksmart protagonist who feels down to earth and relatable, with excellent character depth. Together, Marcella and Lacie complement each other stunningly in this dual POV story; readers will be rooting for both characters. Of course, they are ridiculously hot together and monster lovers will really enjoy what Marcella can do. The prose is accessible as well, full of campy, light quips and witty banter. Much love to Macmillan for providing me with an uncorrected bound manuscript. This is absolutely a top read of the year and a strong suggestion for purchase for libraries! This is the absolute perfect book for anyone looking for something sapphic and scary and overall incredibly fun.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Tor Nightfire and Netgalley for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!
Well, Taylor Grothe does it again! They've delivered a master work full of horrors, fantasy, and sapphic delight!
This is one of those "smash the patriarchy" books that gets you fired up and ready to punch some people. It delivers it so perfectly that you feel as though you're the women being wronged - you're the one who wants revenge more than anything else.
I loved the journey that Marcella and Lacie both go on, because it's such an inspiring one that so many wish to see in themselves. The journey of finding the "smash the patriarchy" fire within themselves, while also learning to deconstruct what the world has told you about yourself and learn who you really are, what you really want, and how to grab it from life.
The dark academia atmosphere suits Taylor's writing so well, as they expertly add to the insidious creepiness that permeates the book - the existential dread that stealthily grips you while you read.
If you're looking for a sapphic dark academia masterpiece, look no further!
Well, Taylor Grothe does it again! They've delivered a master work full of horrors, fantasy, and sapphic delight!
This is one of those "smash the patriarchy" books that gets you fired up and ready to punch some people. It delivers it so perfectly that you feel as though you're the women being wronged - you're the one who wants revenge more than anything else.
I loved the journey that Marcella and Lacie both go on, because it's such an inspiring one that so many wish to see in themselves. The journey of finding the "smash the patriarchy" fire within themselves, while also learning to deconstruct what the world has told you about yourself and learn who you really are, what you really want, and how to grab it from life.
The dark academia atmosphere suits Taylor's writing so well, as they expertly add to the insidious creepiness that permeates the book - the existential dread that stealthily grips you while you read.
If you're looking for a sapphic dark academia masterpiece, look no further!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was everything I wanted in a book and more!! This book had me in its grip from the first line and the more I read the harder it was to put it down.
This book follows Lacie a sweet and slightly naive professor on the tenure track and Marcella a draugr who is new to the university and grows close with Lacie. These two had such an intense pull for each other and you couldn't help but want them together. The tension and yearning between these two will keep feeding you as they try to discover the dark and nefarious happenings in their university department.
Lethal Kiss was an amazing blend of horror, romance, and female rage with a light touch of camp that made this read so incredibly fun and difficult to put down.
I highly highly recommend this for anyone who is a fan of dark academia, horrormance, sapphic representation, autism rep, eldritch monsters, and female rage.
Thank you so much to Tor Nightfire, Netgalley, and Taylor Grothe for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book follows Lacie a sweet and slightly naive professor on the tenure track and Marcella a draugr who is new to the university and grows close with Lacie. These two had such an intense pull for each other and you couldn't help but want them together. The tension and yearning between these two will keep feeding you as they try to discover the dark and nefarious happenings in their university department.
Lethal Kiss was an amazing blend of horror, romance, and female rage with a light touch of camp that made this read so incredibly fun and difficult to put down.
I highly highly recommend this for anyone who is a fan of dark academia, horrormance, sapphic representation, autism rep, eldritch monsters, and female rage.
Thank you so much to Tor Nightfire, Netgalley, and Taylor Grothe for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hello!! This is my book and I love it very much. I thought this would be a good place to drop some information about Lethal Kiss ahead of publication.
This book is a sapphic dark academia horror romance! It is not a vampire book, though it has supernatural elements based loosely on Norse mythology and early modern Anglo-Saxon stories (such as Beowulf). All revenant/undead stores share commonality, but many speak about autonomy, power structures, cannibalism, bloodlust, monstrosity, and the like. This story is no different. Like many dark academia stories, Lethal Kiss attempts to pull apart these complicated elements and cast them in new light--especially where the narrative confronts eurocentrism and elitism. I drew from my own academic background in medievalism and Nordic saga, but of course this is a work of fiction and artistic license was taken.
I do so dearly hope you enjoy! Marcella and Lacie will always be close to my heart <3
This book is a sapphic dark academia horror romance! It is not a vampire book, though it has supernatural elements based loosely on Norse mythology and early modern Anglo-Saxon stories (such as Beowulf). All revenant/undead stores share commonality, but many speak about autonomy, power structures, cannibalism, bloodlust, monstrosity, and the like. This story is no different. Like many dark academia stories, Lethal Kiss attempts to pull apart these complicated elements and cast them in new light--especially where the narrative confronts eurocentrism and elitism. I drew from my own academic background in medievalism and Nordic saga, but of course this is a work of fiction and artistic license was taken.
I do so dearly hope you enjoy! Marcella and Lacie will always be close to my heart <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was fine. The relationship between Marcella and Lacie was frankly tiresome. Main characters and side charachters alike were flat. Lacie has the depth of a cardboard cut out: mousy, religious guilt. Moves on from a crush on one colleague to confessing her love of another within a week and a half. That's all there is. The author wants to make big statements about patriarchy and that's great, in theory, but our female protagonists didn't have enough substance for me to cheer for them. I didn't feel compelled to care about these people and I would have stopped reading if not for my commitment to the publisher and author.
The academic world described here does not make sense. Assistant professors don't live together in a dorm. They don't transfer universities in the middle of their job. They aren't treated like students.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The academic world described here does not make sense. Assistant professors don't live together in a dorm. They don't transfer universities in the middle of their job. They aren't treated like students.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While this is so far out of my normal wheelhouse, I could NOT resist the allure of this book. Lethal Kiss combines so many elements- such as feminism, Dark Academia, monster lovin, horror and romance and friendships. The wit and humor was truly out of this world, and I especially loved that eldest daughters are having a moment in literature and pop culture everywhere. If you're looking for representation, Grothe presents it here for you in this dazzling and enthralling beauty. I don't want to spoil it, because devouring it as quickly as I did goes unspoken if you know me and my usual tastes for certain lore/ tropes. Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh how I love a tale full of misogynistic men getting their comeuppance ✨
Lethal Kiss is a wonderful blend of gory, sapphic, folkore, dark academia setting, and Jennifer’s Body vibes and I lapped it up.
Not your typical monster romance (Marcella isn’t a monster in my eyes🥹) and such a refreshing spin on the genre.
Murder mysteries and secret societies in academic settings are so good and Lethal Kiss hits the mark.
Marcella is an absolute babe, her personality was the standout in this for me, she gave me all of those Sabine vibes from Bury Our Bones that I have been missing.
Somehow mixing that little bit of desire and tension with a bit of humour and wit works really well with the likes of the gory body horror throughout, top marks 🙌🏻
Lethal Kiss is a wonderful blend of gory, sapphic, folkore, dark academia setting, and Jennifer’s Body vibes and I lapped it up.
Not your typical monster romance (Marcella isn’t a monster in my eyes🥹) and such a refreshing spin on the genre.
Murder mysteries and secret societies in academic settings are so good and Lethal Kiss hits the mark.
Marcella is an absolute babe, her personality was the standout in this for me, she gave me all of those Sabine vibes from Bury Our Bones that I have been missing.
Somehow mixing that little bit of desire and tension with a bit of humour and wit works really well with the likes of the gory body horror throughout, top marks 🙌🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When you mix dark academia, femme rage horror, and a sapphic romance, you fall into the trap laid by Grothe in Lethal Kiss. The book paints a snowy traditional academic setting, complete with a made up Classics-focused Northeastern university, which becomes blood soaked and delicious as the main characters move onto the scene. In a perfectly orchestrated trail of plot breadcrumbs, Grothe manages to have us rooting for the literal monster while wanting to hunt down the human ones----or are they human after all??? If you are a fan of dark academia but think it could go just a wee bit darker, Lethal Kiss will be your cup of tea. Or your stash of Snickers bars.
April 22, 2026
This sounded SO SO good so I’m disappointed I didn’t like it as much. It gave Jennifer’s Body in the best way - Marcella only hunts boys.
I felt like there was no connection between Lacie & Marcella and it felt forced. I didn’t see what they liked in each other because they had very little interaction but seemed to suddenly get feelings. Some terms felt a little overused - “lamb” - which made the text feel boring.
I did like the vibes and atmosphere, I think I just needed more character development/background on both and more set up for the relationship between the two.
Thank you to the author and Tor Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my review!
I felt like there was no connection between Lacie & Marcella and it felt forced. I didn’t see what they liked in each other because they had very little interaction but seemed to suddenly get feelings. Some terms felt a little overused - “lamb” - which made the text feel boring.
I did like the vibes and atmosphere, I think I just needed more character development/background on both and more set up for the relationship between the two.
Thank you to the author and Tor Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Through gorgeous prose, Grothe deftly weaves a tale of female rage that takes on the patriarchy/male dominated academia while centering a beautiful, complicated, sapphic love story. Adding to this fast paced, gripping story are monsters both human and otherwise, which makes this a compelling horror story even more than the deliciously abundant gore.
This queer, autistic, Classics major will be recommending Lethal Kiss to everyone she knows.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
This queer, autistic, Classics major will be recommending Lethal Kiss to everyone she knows.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and their publishing company for giving me early access to this title for an honest review.
What a dark, venomous story of two women (human or other) trying to make it in an academic world like our own full of toxic, patriarchal nonsense designed to always go against them. What a vicious way to portray these women standing up for themselves. Beautifully done. The romance felt a little rushed to me in tue beginning, but just felt lustful and deliciously dramatic as it went on.
What a dark, venomous story of two women (human or other) trying to make it in an academic world like our own full of toxic, patriarchal nonsense designed to always go against them. What a vicious way to portray these women standing up for themselves. Beautifully done. The romance felt a little rushed to me in tue beginning, but just felt lustful and deliciously dramatic as it went on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I truly have no words. This book is such an exquisite interrogation of academia and what it means to be a marginalized group within it.
I don’t know which lead I loved more, but I *KNOW* I hated every man to cross the page. The relationship and yearning between Marcella and Lacie was EVERYTHING to me.
Grothe is an evocative writer that can pack such a punch in such a short sentence and I am still deeply unwell. There were so many highlights in my kindle because I simply could not stop obsessing. This world is contemporary while still being lush and immersive.
I don’t know which lead I loved more, but I *KNOW* I hated every man to cross the page. The relationship and yearning between Marcella and Lacie was EVERYTHING to me.
Grothe is an evocative writer that can pack such a punch in such a short sentence and I am still deeply unwell. There were so many highlights in my kindle because I simply could not stop obsessing. This world is contemporary while still being lush and immersive.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lethal Kiss is a sapphic murder mystery style book with Norse inspired monsters. I thought it was executed really well in terms of the pacing and romance.
I did find I had a hard time with imaging what the characters were supposed to look like and how the "monsters" were supposed to look. I also thought having a bit more world building and understanding of the who and what would've help me feel more engaged and connected to the characters and story.
Overall, I would recommend this book!
I did find I had a hard time with imaging what the characters were supposed to look like and how the "monsters" were supposed to look. I also thought having a bit more world building and understanding of the who and what would've help me feel more engaged and connected to the characters and story.
Overall, I would recommend this book!
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