A Deal in Death

Immortal Desires #2

by Jaclyn Rodriguez

Return to a world of dangerous tarot magic, thrilling deception, and spellbinding romance in the conclusion of the Immortal Desires series

A shattered realm, a deadly prophecy, a battle of hearts . . . can love overcome fate?

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Dark Academia

688 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 2, 2027

About the author

Jaclyn Rodriguez is a biracial author of Puerto Rican heritage, and has been madly in love with fantasy since before she could walk, forever drawn to magic and the impossible. If there are high stakes and intricate world-building, she's in, and she adores a strong romantic subplot, the more complicated the better. She spends her non-writing time practicing archery, and deconstructing her favorite tv shows and films. She currently lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband, son, and two quirky dogs. She is also a proud member of the ​LGBT community.

Jaclyn can be found online at jaclynrodriguezbooks.com.

A VOW IN VENGEANCE will be her debut.

Reviews

[Jessica Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Book 2 is somehow even better than Book 1.

Did I think it was possible to top AVIV? Absolutely not. And yet Jacklyn Rodriguez said “hold my pen” and proceeded to multiply everything we loved in the first book by ten.

A Deal in Death is everything you want a sequel to be. It’s bigger, bolder, deeper, and refuses to slow down. The plot expands in the best way, the character development hits harder, and the pacing keeps you fully locked in from start to finish.

And the ending.

The EPILOGUE.

I have no words. Just know I sat there staring at my wall questioning every life decision I’ve ever made.

You will cry. That is not a suggestion, that is a warning. Multiple tears. Possibly emotional collapse. Especially in that last stretch of the book where everything hits at once and your heart officially clocks out.

I am already unwell thinking about other people experiencing this for the first time.

When this releases in February 2027, I am begging you, no I am URGING you, to run to your nearest bookstore like your life depends on it. If you’ve already preordered, congratulations, you are emotionally responsible. If not, fix that immediately.

[Brandihreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this 6 stars, I would! Such an epic conclusion to A Vow in Vengeance. Had me feeling all the emotions and throwing my kindle multiple times cause WTF?! I ATE this up!!

Packed with rage, high stakes, prophecies, impending war, side characters you just love, and romance that ignites between the MC’s!! All of it wrapped up perfectly. Can’t wait to see what else the author writes!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deal in Death by Jaclyn Rodriguez
Publication Date: February 2, 2027

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (If I could give it 6 stars, I absolutely would.)

First and foremost, thank you to Jaclyn Rodriguez for allowing me to be part of the street team and for providing me with an ARC of this incredible book. It has been such an honor to follow this series and help support its release.

Now let's talk about the fact that Jaclyn somehow managed to top A Vow in Vengeance.

Did I think it was possible? Absolutely not.

Did Jaclyn Rodriguez prove me wrong? Without hesitation.

A Deal in Death is everything you could possibly want from a sequel and an epic series conclusion. It's bigger, bolder, more emotional, and somehow raises the stakes in every possible way. From the very first page, I was completely locked in.

Rune Ryker and Prince Draven return facing impossible odds, devastating losses, looming war, and prophecies that threaten everything they've fought for. The tension never lets up. Every chapter seemed to deliver another twist, betrayal, revelation, or emotional gut punch.

And the emotions?

This book absolutely destroyed me.

You will cry. That is not a suggestion—it is a warning.

Rune's journey throughout this book was incredible. She's carrying so much grief, guilt, rage, and responsibility, yet her resilience never wavers. Jaclyn has created such a powerful, complex, and unforgettable Latina FMC, and I loved every second of following her story.

One thing this duology does exceptionally well is character work. Every single character feels important. The side characters aren't simply there to fill space—they each contribute something meaningful to the story, and I became deeply attached to all of them.

Beyond the action, magic, and romance, this story carries a beautiful message about family. It explores the idea that family isn't always defined by blood and that found family can be just as powerful, healing, and life-changing. Those themes hit especially hard throughout this final installment.

And then there's the ending.

The ending.

The EPILOGUE.

I genuinely sat staring at my wall afterward questioning everything. I am still not emotionally recovered.

Packed with tarot magic, high-stakes battles, prophecy, romance, found family, heartbreak, hope, and enough emotional damage to last me until book release day, A Deal in Death is a phenomenal conclusion to the Immortal Desires duology.

I already know I'm going to be thinking about these characters for a very long time.

Do not sleep on this series.

Add it to your TBR. Preorder it. Tell your friends. Prepare your emotions accordingly.

Thank you again to Jaclyn Rodriguez and Slowburn Reads for allowing me to read and review this ARC. I truly feel honored to have been part of this journey.

[Uncaged Reads Uncaged Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

+++I have received a free eARC of this book. This is my honest review+++

A Deal in Death is the thrilling, high-stakes conclusion to the Immortal Desires duology, and Jaclyn Rodriguez pulled out all the stops. Rune Ryker and Prince Draven—the powerful wielders of The World—are back, fighting seemingly insurmountable odds to save and unite the four realms.
From the very first page, this book is non-stop, nail-biting excitement. It is packed with so many jaw-dropping twists, turns, and betrayals that you won't be able to predict what's going to happen from one moment to the next. Rune is drowning in guilt, shame, grief, and rage as the hits just keep coming, and her resilience throughout it all is staggering.
Rodriguez has written a fiercely strong, resilient Latinx FMC, which is a breath of fresh air in the genre. We need so much more BIPOC representation like this in fantasy, and I am entirely here for it!
The character work in this duology is unmatched. Every single character—even the minor ones—brings something vital to the table, and each of them is fiercely loyal in their own unique way.
Beyond the action, there is a beautiful message about family. The story deeply explores how not all blood families are healthy or loving, and that found family is just as valid, powerful, and healing. As long as you have found love and happiness, that is what truly matters.
This book is an absolute masterpiece of tarot magic, raw emotion, and relentless action. The entire duology is an incredible, unforgettable ride that is worth every single second of your time.

Do not sleep on this one! Add it to your TBR and PREORDER NOW! Release Date: February 2, 2027

I want to thank @netgalley @jaclynrodriguezauthor and @zandoprojects @slowburn.reads for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

[Megan Witsche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early ARC Read From Netgalley

Tropes: Dark Academia Romantasy, Fake Fated Mates to Mates, Forced Proximity, Snark & Banter, Betrayal, Touch Her & ☠️, Tarot Based Magic, Forbidden Romance, Hate Everyone But You, Prophecy, Gods/Elves/Druids/Seraphs

Quotes: "I will always be yours. Until the stars burn out. Hatefully and adoringly, my wicked heart is yours alone. If you want it."

Review No Spoilers: A shattered realm, a fatal prophecy, a battle of hearts . . . can you claim the crown?

In the aftermath of the chaos that engulfed her last semester at the Forge the ruthless academy where Immortal druids are forged Rune Ryker is still grappling with the cost of the immense power she possesses. Determined to master her tarot magic, she trains relentlessly beside Prince Draven, bound together by a shared ambition: overthrow the Immortal Realms and destroy their greatest enemy, the Seraph King Altair.

For all the uncertainty surrounding them, Rune has always been certain of one thing her love for Draven. But that certainty is shaken when the God of Death delivers a devastating prophecy. A future with Draven is possible, but it will come with a horrifying and bloody price. There is another path available to her, one that offers peace, safety, and even the possibility of a different love, though accepting it may demand sacrifices she cannot yet comprehend.

As war draws ever closer and enemies both old and new begin to emerge from the shadows, Rune and Draven find themselves racing toward a brutal reckoning. With fate seemingly set against them, they must decide whether the strength of their love is enough to defy destiny or whether some prophecies are impossible to escape.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Jaylyn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you thank you thank you Zando, Jaclyn, and Behind the Pages for an e-arc of A Deal in Death in exchange for an honest review!!

5/5 stars (infinite stars!!)

I cannot believe I am writing a review for this incredible book right now! I’m so incredibly grateful that I got the opportunity to read A Deal in Death early! A Deal in Death was easily my favorite book I have read this year and the Immortal Desires duology is officially my favorite duology of all time! I took a few days to write this review because it’s so hard to fully encompass what I want to say about this story and how amazing it is!

I devoured this book! It was so incredibly fast paced and you could not tear me away from this book if you tried. I knew when Jaclyn posted the blurb about A Deal in Death and it mentioned a prophecy that it was going to make things very interesting! The prophecy added a whole other layer to this story that I was eating UP! It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen!

Rune Ryker is such an incredible character. She is formidable, and will do anything to save her family and friends and is a character I greatly admire. And Draven is just the perfect MMC. I already miss reading about them so much!

Knowing that this was the conclusion of Rune and Draven’s story had me in tears at the end of the book. I love these characters and the world so much and I know it’s one I’ll go back to time and time again. I will never tire of this story or this series. I’m already planning a re-read of this series so that I can visit this world and read about this characters again!

[Jaclyn Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Reader,

A Deal in Death is the conclusion of Rune and Draven’s story. I wrote A Vow in Vengeance with love: for the romantasy stories that saved me, for those who have felt so unseen, and for every girl who has ever felt unworthy or undeserving of love. I especially wanted those who have never seen themselves receive a “happily ever after” in a romantasy to feel that they, too, could be the heroic FMCs in the stories that made me fall in love with reading.

We are all beautiful, and we are all deserving.

If A Vow in Vengeance helped you feel seen, or loved, or worthy, then I will have achieved far more than even my wildest dreams. If you had fun, and you laughed, or you slid into my DMs to threaten me with a shoe for that ending—errrr, well, I’m glad I made you feel something. To feel is to live.

A Vow in Vengeance was written with my love, and A Deal in Death was written with my hope. The hope that you will love it, too, and find a home within its pages, and that women will continue to grow into their power. To claim space not only in the reading community, but in every hall and at every table.

With that, I hope you love this book, keep its secrets while others wait to read it, and know that this time I won’t interrupt Rune and Draven’s time together (well . . . mostly).

Thank you for reading,

XO-Jaclyn

[BookishAgenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic conclusion to an even more epic love story. I fell in love with this series from the very first chapter of A Vow in Vengeance, and this finale exceeded every expectation.

This book delivered shock after shock, leaving me with emotional whiplash in the best possible way. The number of annotations I made is honestly unreasonable.

Rune fully embraces her identity and fights for what she believes in, all while navigating an eternal battle between duty and her heart. Draven uncovers truths about both his past and present that force him to question everything he thought he knew about his future.

Questions are answered, secrets are revealed, and every twist adds to this unforgettable adventure. The action, emotion, and character growth made this an incredible ending to a phenomenal series.

I will never get enough of Rune and Draven's story. If I could erase my memory and experience this series for the first time again, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Favorite Quotes:
"You are worthy of love. You are enough"
"Until the stars burn out, Rune, I will always worship you."
"You were not forged for peace but fire. Not a victim but a victor. A villain, if it comes to it."
"I'm so h**ny I'd *bleep* a carrot

[alicia ⏾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25☆ this was a fantastic ending to this duology and these characters’ story. and my god was it a rollercoaster of emotions.

the plot was continuously moving, there was so much going on but it wasn’t overpowering by any means and it didn’t leave me confused at all. and the little plot twists throughout the story had me reading for hours non stop.

i think draven ended up being my favorite in this book. he definitely had “i will burn the world down for you” vibes and was ready to deliver. and when a certain twist came into play (iykyk) he never stopped fighting for her. loved that man!

i really enjoyed the last couple chapters. of course the ending had me on the edge of my seat, but the very end had me smiling like an idiot!

thank you to jaclyn and her team for sending me an arc!

“𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒆… 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒃 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊’𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒘 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”

[Brooke M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely obsessed with this duet.

Meddling gods, tarot magic, political intrigue, secrets and betrayal, found family and do anything for each other love - what does this story not have?!

A Deal in Death finished this duet perfectly. I was locked in (and messaging Jaclyn) the entire book. I screamed, sobbed, laughed and blushed. My emotions were shot by the end.

There are so many moving pieces, and Jaclyn kept my interest with every detail and reveal. I loved learning more about the world’s history and the lives of the characters. I was surprised with several of the secrets we learned. Rune and Draven are clearly everything, but the side characters all play important roles as well.

Don’t trust anyone, including Jaclyn.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[E H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vow in vengeance was a teaser, glimpse, A SHORT, compared to the wonders of a deal in death. Jaclyn truly unleashed the full extent of her creativity on this book. I went in thinking it would be a quick, fun, fast paced book like Vow in Vengeance, just to be pleasantly surprised when I was introduced to the equivalent of the extended editions of all three LOTR movies. Like Jaclyn… how did you expand AND wrap up this world so well in less than 700 pages? I am in awe.

The book brings, raw emotions, intelligence, tactics, vapid creatures, some slight twists and turns, but most importantly a partnership that never falters. I cannot say much more without spoilers, and as an ARC reader, I vowed to keep my trap shut. But be prepared for all the things you WOULD NOT HAVE EXPECTED after having read book one.

[A Court of Sprayed Edges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early eARC Review:

Infinity stars to Jaclyn Rodriguez. This book made me want to throw my kindle, laugh, cry and everything else in between. I can't get enough of Rune and Draken!!

There is action, plot twists, and so much tension. I can't wait until I can share more but this is an absolutely fantastic read and a phenomenal conclusion to a beautiful story.

[Ariana silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection! It completely exceeded my expectations. I LOVE a high stakes adventure. There is a war coming and Rune and Draven work alongside their friends to save everyone. The love these two have for each other is unmatched and I’m so sad that it’s over. 😭 The perfect conclusion for the amazing duet. 💜

Thank you so much Jaclyn and Behind the Pages PA 🖤

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this copy as an eARC and this is my honest review!

♾️ ⭐️ read!! Hands down!!
What an absolutely amazing way to conclude a vow of vengeance! The magic, the characters, the world building! This book takes you on quite the roller coaster! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to throw your kindle! I absolutely love this series! ❤️

[Courtney Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 STAR ABSOLUTE PERFECTION 😍

I fear I wont recover from the reading slump this book is going to put me in because nothing can compare!

[Lora Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - 6 freaking stars. This book was a rollercoaster coaster of emotions and the perfect book 2 of the series. I absolutely devoured this book.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an arc from NetGalley 😎

I LOVED AVIV so I expected nothing less when I started ADID. The banter between Rune and Draven was just as hysterical as it was in the first book. I can’t wait to give my full review after release day, but I will say- I was STRESSED at multiple points throughout my read lol. Jaclyn Rodriguez should offer a Xanax prescription with each preorder 😂

[Belinda Clemons]

So beautiful and vividly rich. RUNE and Draven are so amazing i can say i did cry during certain chapters. What a Great Conclusion.