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Lethal Kiss
Not yet published
Expected 22 Oct 26Knowledge isn't the only thing she's hungry for . . .
Three centuries on Earth have taught Marcella one when the bodies pile up, it’s time to move. Now a "quiet" professor at Preston University, she’s keeping her profile low and her kills even lower. But when another academic is murdered and it isn't her doing, she has to rethink her plans . . .
Lacie knows her coworkers aren't just quitting — they’re vanishing. The only person she trusts to help is the beautiful, aloof newcomer with a predatory grace. Together, they uncover a hunger festering beneath the campus marble that rivals Marcella’s own.
As the body count rises, so does an unlikely attraction. Marcella is a monster, but Lacie is becoming something just as dangerous. In a place built on spilled blood, they might be each other’s only hope —provided Marcella doesn't eat her partner first.
Class is in session. Survival is extra credit. . .
Three centuries on Earth have taught Marcella one when the bodies pile up, it’s time to move. Now a "quiet" professor at Preston University, she’s keeping her profile low and her kills even lower. But when another academic is murdered and it isn't her doing, she has to rethink her plans . . .
Lacie knows her coworkers aren't just quitting — they’re vanishing. The only person she trusts to help is the beautiful, aloof newcomer with a predatory grace. Together, they uncover a hunger festering beneath the campus marble that rivals Marcella’s own.
As the body count rises, so does an unlikely attraction. Marcella is a monster, but Lacie is becoming something just as dangerous. In a place built on spilled blood, they might be each other’s only hope —provided Marcella doesn't eat her partner first.
Class is in session. Survival is extra credit. . .
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Taylor Grothe
5 books226 followersTaylor Grothe 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 Titan Book’s These Dreaming Spires, 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 New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 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.
March 9, 2026
Folklorists, academia, Norse, mythology, secret societies, sapphics, horror romance, this is everything to me
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.
May 24, 2026
“The easiest way to kill a man is by pinching the delicate skin of his throat with your teeth and shucking the tissue like an oyster’s shell.”
When this is how the book starts, you know you’re in for a good time. This was such a fun ride — the murder mystery, the horror, the dark academia, the romance — it was so well done.
“He’s discounted me, and I am all immolation.” This sentence gave me chills. I love it so much. It’s one of those lines that just resonated and I want to paint it on my wall so I can see it all the time.
There is so much of Lacie’s journey that resonated with me. The insecurity, the constant striving to do your best and prove yourself to those higher up, the knowledge that you’re smart but maybe it isn’t enough? And then when Marcella snaps at her. Ugh. I felt that so viscerally. I have felt paralyzed by the fear of not wanting to get in trouble, and it’s stopped me from speaking up even when I really wanted to. It’s something I’ve been working on a lot, so this definitely struck a chord.
I loved how much we got into the action at the end. It was exciting and tense and I was living for it.
Also, shoutout to Bellatrix. I always love a cat companion! Also, the settee from the House of Lords next to the IKEA accent chairs had me giggling.
And now, a few more of my favourite quotes with no context, just because I love them so much:
I’ve always been a hoarder of knowledge. I want to read everything. All of it.
She is beautiful. She is terrible.
I understand the weight of things lost. Everything, even that which feels most permanent, is devoured by the hunger of time. Yes, everything decays. Even me.
Thank you to Taylor Grothe and their street team, as well as Tor Nightfire for the e-arc!
4.5🌟 rounded up for Goodreads
When this is how the book starts, you know you’re in for a good time. This was such a fun ride — the murder mystery, the horror, the dark academia, the romance — it was so well done.
“He’s discounted me, and I am all immolation.” This sentence gave me chills. I love it so much. It’s one of those lines that just resonated and I want to paint it on my wall so I can see it all the time.
There is so much of Lacie’s journey that resonated with me. The insecurity, the constant striving to do your best and prove yourself to those higher up, the knowledge that you’re smart but maybe it isn’t enough? And then when Marcella snaps at her. Ugh. I felt that so viscerally. I have felt paralyzed by the fear of not wanting to get in trouble, and it’s stopped me from speaking up even when I really wanted to. It’s something I’ve been working on a lot, so this definitely struck a chord.
I loved how much we got into the action at the end. It was exciting and tense and I was living for it.
Also, shoutout to Bellatrix. I always love a cat companion! Also, the settee from the House of Lords next to the IKEA accent chairs had me giggling.
And now, a few more of my favourite quotes with no context, just because I love them so much:
I’ve always been a hoarder of knowledge. I want to read everything. All of it.
She is beautiful. She is terrible.
I understand the weight of things lost. Everything, even that which feels most permanent, is devoured by the hunger of time. Yes, everything decays. Even me.
Thank you to Taylor Grothe and their street team, as well as Tor Nightfire for the e-arc!
4.5🌟 rounded up for Goodreads
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.
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.
Want to Read
February 6, 2026Jennifer's Body meets Ninth House??? I AM SEATED.
Read
July 4, 2026Thank you NetGalley, Tor Nightfire, and Taylor Grothe for the ARC! I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all thoughts are my own. The fact that I have a physical ARC from the author and an eARC from Netgalley has in no way, shape, or form influenced this review.
4.75 out of 5 stars!
Lethal Kiss is a delightfully bloody romp of story! The main characters are Marcella, a draugr, and Lacie, an assistant professor trying her best. After Marcella is let go from University of Seattle, she is sent to Preston University, where they have a very competitive and unorthodox program for their professors. Meanwhile, Lacie realizes that her work friend, Laurel, has gone missing. Additionally, she is struggling to keep up with the program. While Marcella plans on enjoying herself, achieving tenure, and maybe feeding on a few of her colleagues, she and Lacie are drawn together when they find a murdered body! One in which Marcella was NOT the one responsible.
This story is fun, phenomenal, dark, gory, and campy at the same time! I like the presence of Norse mythology in this story, as it's not a mythology I'm familiar with. I really love the author's usage of these Nordic monsters, especially Marcella. As others have said, there are quite a few comparisons with this story to the movie Jennifer's body! The biggest comparison by far is the killing of boys by a supernatural femme entity. I really enjoyed the fleshing out of the fictional Preston University. While the University is undeniably a high-tier one, there are signs of an underlying rot. Even with this rot, our main characters Marcella and Lacie are still up to the task of solving a mystery and finding justice.
Speaking of the main characters, Marcella and Lacie are wonderful characters who complement each other immensely. Marcella is an icon, and I love her confidence in herself. While some of her confidence is a front, I love that she is sure of herself and decisive in her actions. She also has a secret, softer side that she'll rarely let anyone see. While I don't know if she explicitly has migraines, I wonder if those with chronic migraines can see themselves in her. I love the fact that Marcella is genderfluid, as this is my first time reading a book with a genderfluid MC. I most like that Marcella is able to ultimately be true to herself no matter the cost.
As for Lacie, she is seemingly the opposite of Marcella. She is anxious, autistic, and heavily lacks confidence in herself. She also is reliant on her job, and she is constantly stressed out by the frankly unfair job requirements foisted upon her. However, Lacie has a hidden strength and rage inside herself. Lacie is a very, very resilient person, as I feel like most people, including myself, would either buckle under the pressure and/or quit. Depictions of her autism and anxiety made me feel seen, as someone with both of these diagnoses. I'm sincerely grateful to the author for this representation. While autism and anxiety can be debilitating, those of us who have both have hidden strengths and deserve compassion. In Lacie's case, her knowledge of Norse mythology is invaluable to the investigation, and a little bit of nurturing helps her flourish.
The chemistry between Marcella and Lacie is evident in their first meeting. While the two are initially rivals, their circumstances allow each to find hidden strength and vulnerabilities in the other party. The two do not get along at first, but they learn to give grace to each other and meet each other halfway. I love the fact that it takes time for the characters to warm up to each other. The relationship occurs within two weeks, yet the high-stakes circumstances have a way of making the speed of this relationship feel realistic to me. I'm always a sucker for two characters who see each other, and Marcella and Lacie's relationship is one of my new favorite sapphic ships!
Sociopolitical commentary, specifically critiques about the academic system, are heavily prevalent in this story. While Preston University doesn't exist in real life, the competition of achieving tenure is something I've heard about from my time working in an academic research lab. This competition of achieving tenure is heavily touted by the dean himself. Professors can find themselves heavily favored or set up to fail, with some professors even disappearing. The Classics department is also heavily racist and sexist, with women of color like Therese being looked down upon. The professors openly leer at women and feminine-aligned professors, something that Marcella and Lacie both unfairly put up with.
I have a few nitpicks that keep this book from fully being a 5 star read. A part of me wishes that there were pronunciation guides to the Nordic terms, as I had trouble figuring out how to pronounce these words. I also personally had a bit of an issue with the arc of a side character, Lyle. I'm not entirely sure what his arc accomplished, and I wasn't really satisfied with the way things worked out for him. Even with these nitpicks, I still had a fantastic time with this story!
Lethal Kiss is the perfect read for fall! This story is both for horror fans and romance fans. There's action, tension, suspense, romance, and even some spice. I find the unconventional ending for Marcella and Lacie to be a fulfilling. I even like what I believe is the intentional omission of Marcella and Lacie's last names. This almost signals to me that their first names are what defines them, not their surnames. Lastly, there is an adorable cat named Bellatrix, not named after that one character in that one franchise. Rest assured that Bellatrix remains safe and unharmed.
4.75 out of 5 stars!
Lethal Kiss is a delightfully bloody romp of story! The main characters are Marcella, a draugr, and Lacie, an assistant professor trying her best. After Marcella is let go from University of Seattle, she is sent to Preston University, where they have a very competitive and unorthodox program for their professors. Meanwhile, Lacie realizes that her work friend, Laurel, has gone missing. Additionally, she is struggling to keep up with the program. While Marcella plans on enjoying herself, achieving tenure, and maybe feeding on a few of her colleagues, she and Lacie are drawn together when they find a murdered body! One in which Marcella was NOT the one responsible.
This story is fun, phenomenal, dark, gory, and campy at the same time! I like the presence of Norse mythology in this story, as it's not a mythology I'm familiar with. I really love the author's usage of these Nordic monsters, especially Marcella. As others have said, there are quite a few comparisons with this story to the movie Jennifer's body! The biggest comparison by far is the killing of boys by a supernatural femme entity. I really enjoyed the fleshing out of the fictional Preston University. While the University is undeniably a high-tier one, there are signs of an underlying rot. Even with this rot, our main characters Marcella and Lacie are still up to the task of solving a mystery and finding justice.
Speaking of the main characters, Marcella and Lacie are wonderful characters who complement each other immensely. Marcella is an icon, and I love her confidence in herself. While some of her confidence is a front, I love that she is sure of herself and decisive in her actions. She also has a secret, softer side that she'll rarely let anyone see. While I don't know if she explicitly has migraines, I wonder if those with chronic migraines can see themselves in her. I love the fact that Marcella is genderfluid, as this is my first time reading a book with a genderfluid MC. I most like that Marcella is able to ultimately be true to herself no matter the cost.
As for Lacie, she is seemingly the opposite of Marcella. She is anxious, autistic, and heavily lacks confidence in herself. She also is reliant on her job, and she is constantly stressed out by the frankly unfair job requirements foisted upon her. However, Lacie has a hidden strength and rage inside herself. Lacie is a very, very resilient person, as I feel like most people, including myself, would either buckle under the pressure and/or quit. Depictions of her autism and anxiety made me feel seen, as someone with both of these diagnoses. I'm sincerely grateful to the author for this representation. While autism and anxiety can be debilitating, those of us who have both have hidden strengths and deserve compassion. In Lacie's case, her knowledge of Norse mythology is invaluable to the investigation, and a little bit of nurturing helps her flourish.
The chemistry between Marcella and Lacie is evident in their first meeting. While the two are initially rivals, their circumstances allow each to find hidden strength and vulnerabilities in the other party. The two do not get along at first, but they learn to give grace to each other and meet each other halfway. I love the fact that it takes time for the characters to warm up to each other. The relationship occurs within two weeks, yet the high-stakes circumstances have a way of making the speed of this relationship feel realistic to me. I'm always a sucker for two characters who see each other, and Marcella and Lacie's relationship is one of my new favorite sapphic ships!
Sociopolitical commentary, specifically critiques about the academic system, are heavily prevalent in this story. While Preston University doesn't exist in real life, the competition of achieving tenure is something I've heard about from my time working in an academic research lab. This competition of achieving tenure is heavily touted by the dean himself. Professors can find themselves heavily favored or set up to fail, with some professors even disappearing. The Classics department is also heavily racist and sexist, with women of color like Therese being looked down upon. The professors openly leer at women and feminine-aligned professors, something that Marcella and Lacie both unfairly put up with.
I have a few nitpicks that keep this book from fully being a 5 star read. A part of me wishes that there were pronunciation guides to the Nordic terms, as I had trouble figuring out how to pronounce these words. I also personally had a bit of an issue with the arc of a side character, Lyle. I'm not entirely sure what his arc accomplished, and I wasn't really satisfied with the way things worked out for him. Even with these nitpicks, I still had a fantastic time with this story!
Lethal Kiss is the perfect read for fall! This story is both for horror fans and romance fans. There's action, tension, suspense, romance, and even some spice. I find the unconventional ending for Marcella and Lacie to be a fulfilling. I even like what I believe is the intentional omission of Marcella and Lacie's last names. This almost signals to me that their first names are what defines them, not their surnames. Lastly, there is an adorable cat named Bellatrix, not named after that one character in that one franchise. Rest assured that Bellatrix remains safe and unharmed.
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/
May 16, 2026
Taylor Grothe’s adult debut does not disappoint! It is a vicious dark academia horromance that immediately sinks its claws into you and does not let go. Set within the cutthroat halls of Preston University, the story follows Marcella, a carefully restrained monster trying to keep a low profile, and Lacie, a tired assistant professor desperate to survive the brutal race for tenure. Both are up against men who think they’re entitled to everything, be it women or positions of power. When bodies start turning up, the atmosphere shifts from tense to downright feral. Grothe blends murder mystery, grotesque horror, and queer romance. The result is unputdownable and unforgettable! I was hit some twists as well!
The balance between monstrous violence and deep human emotion, is a delight. And the feminine rage is really raging in this one! Beneath all of the blood and rage and sexiness, is a story about loneliness, ambition, identity, and the desperate need to be fully seen by another person. Marcella and Lacie’s relationship is magnetic. It’s feverish, it’s violent and bloody, it’s sexy. I learned about Nordic folklore and will be going down a rabbit hole of research now (thank you Taylor). Fans of dark academia, feminine rage, queer love and horromance that are equal parts gruesome and emotional need to snatch this one up immediately!
Forever thankful to Taylor Grothe for sending a signed and personalized ARC to me. Book goes on sale 10/20/26.
The balance between monstrous violence and deep human emotion, is a delight. And the feminine rage is really raging in this one! Beneath all of the blood and rage and sexiness, is a story about loneliness, ambition, identity, and the desperate need to be fully seen by another person. Marcella and Lacie’s relationship is magnetic. It’s feverish, it’s violent and bloody, it’s sexy. I learned about Nordic folklore and will be going down a rabbit hole of research now (thank you Taylor). Fans of dark academia, feminine rage, queer love and horromance that are equal parts gruesome and emotional need to snatch this one up immediately!
Forever thankful to Taylor Grothe for sending a signed and personalized ARC to me. Book goes on sale 10/20/26.
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.
June 6, 2026
Lethal Kiss was the horrifically hot, gruesomely gory, sapphic love story I’ve been craving. Complete with gothic & dark academia vibes throughout, Taylor Grothe pulled me into this debut adult novel with their alluringly terrifying monster, Marcella. Hitting all the grotesque aspects of monster’s consuming prey and such detailed writing I could visualize Marcella turning into her other self, this easily sits as a top horror romance for me!
“I feel alive for the first time in a year. There’s nothing, and I mean nothing, like killing a boy.”
If Jennifer’s Body meets Ninth House sounds like it’s for you then you must read this! It’s about two FMCs. (One human, one… not human) Marcella is the new hire at Preston University who’s brought into the Classics department where Lacie has been for the last few years as an assistant professor, both studying folklore and Old Norse. As colleagues keep disappearing, Lacie finds her best friends body and decides to work with Marcella to get to the bottom of what’s responsible. It’s clear they’re dealing with creatures she previously thought only belonged in her studies.
Secret societies, bloody killings, and an unlikely love as an undead monster begins to care for someone for the first time in ages. This was such a great read and will be perfect to consume around spooky season when it releases on 10.20!!
~Thank you Tor Nightfire for the gifted eARC, all thoughts within this review are my own~
“I feel alive for the first time in a year. There’s nothing, and I mean nothing, like killing a boy.”
If Jennifer’s Body meets Ninth House sounds like it’s for you then you must read this! It’s about two FMCs. (One human, one… not human) Marcella is the new hire at Preston University who’s brought into the Classics department where Lacie has been for the last few years as an assistant professor, both studying folklore and Old Norse. As colleagues keep disappearing, Lacie finds her best friends body and decides to work with Marcella to get to the bottom of what’s responsible. It’s clear they’re dealing with creatures she previously thought only belonged in her studies.
Secret societies, bloody killings, and an unlikely love as an undead monster begins to care for someone for the first time in ages. This was such a great read and will be perfect to consume around spooky season when it releases on 10.20!!
~Thank you Tor Nightfire for the gifted eARC, all thoughts within this review are my own~
June 13, 2026
Not to pick favorites but this may be the most exciting ARC I’ve been approved for so far. Last year I had the great fortune of winning a copy of Taylor Grothe’s first book, Hollow, from a Goodreads giveaway. I, of course, devoured it and was thrilled when Grothe announced Lethal Kiss! This book was even a factor in encouraging me to sign up for a NetGalley account, though I didn’t dare pin all my book reviewing hopes on being approved. I only thought it would be so cool if I had the chance to read this one a little early.
Grothe sure knows how to paint a horrifying picture. They have an incredible talent for weaving the atmosphere so you almost feel like you are there with Marcella and Lacie, a fly on the wall watching the story unfold. The gore and horror are definitely present but it’s well balanced with humor.
Thank you NetGalley, Tor, and Taylor Grothe for the eARC of Lethal Kiss! I had a lot of fun reading it and I already know I can’t wait for whatever Taylor Grothe does next!
Grothe sure knows how to paint a horrifying picture. They have an incredible talent for weaving the atmosphere so you almost feel like you are there with Marcella and Lacie, a fly on the wall watching the story unfold. The gore and horror are definitely present but it’s well balanced with humor.
Thank you NetGalley, Tor, and Taylor Grothe for the eARC of Lethal Kiss! I had a lot of fun reading it and I already know I can’t wait for whatever Taylor Grothe does next!
July 15, 2026
Taylor Grothe delivers a moving tale full of ache, fear, and romance in this dark, emotional horror.
With a fun and often humorous story akin to Jennifer’s Body, this queer revenge fantasy had me cackling with laughter and beaming at the goriest parts. It also revealed wounds that are still raw, telling a love story full of yearning between two women who have been scorned for being themselves.
I found so much of myself in Lacie and saw a lot of who I strive to be in Marcella. For an author to put their pain and experiences into words and somehow make it feel as though it is MY soul being bared between the pages is a rare thing indeed, and I am grateful for books like these.
Wrought with stunning poetic language, Scandinavian folklore, and the ever-excitable revenge plot, this is a must for every horror fan. Taylor Grothe is a true artist and their words show us how to learn to love even the darkest of ourselves.
With a fun and often humorous story akin to Jennifer’s Body, this queer revenge fantasy had me cackling with laughter and beaming at the goriest parts. It also revealed wounds that are still raw, telling a love story full of yearning between two women who have been scorned for being themselves.
I found so much of myself in Lacie and saw a lot of who I strive to be in Marcella. For an author to put their pain and experiences into words and somehow make it feel as though it is MY soul being bared between the pages is a rare thing indeed, and I am grateful for books like these.
Wrought with stunning poetic language, Scandinavian folklore, and the ever-excitable revenge plot, this is a must for every horror fan. Taylor Grothe is a true artist and their words show us how to learn to love even the darkest of ourselves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is one of those books that is going to stay with me long after I’ve read the last pages. A perfect, spooky atmosphere for the dark academic setting that sets its twisted course of male dominance when the characters Marcella and Lacie (the POVs that are showcased in the chapters of this book) are growing angry with the cards that they’re given through their respective fields of study and are willing to fight, tooth and nails ready, for justice when things become bloody.
I truly grew lost in this world and the way rage is highlighted with Marcella and Lacie as characters (with Marcella being open with it right from the start while Lacie has to learn her feelings towards it gradually ((with her at the end accepting it and not willing to let it go))) was written wonderfully and even had me looking inwards at my own feelings towards it.
Lethal Kiss has left its mark with me that I will not forget and deeply appreciate. There is so much power in storytelling and within this book, it truly shines bright.
This is one of those books that is going to stay with me long after I’ve read the last pages. A perfect, spooky atmosphere for the dark academic setting that sets its twisted course of male dominance when the characters Marcella and Lacie (the POVs that are showcased in the chapters of this book) are growing angry with the cards that they’re given through their respective fields of study and are willing to fight, tooth and nails ready, for justice when things become bloody.
I truly grew lost in this world and the way rage is highlighted with Marcella and Lacie as characters (with Marcella being open with it right from the start while Lacie has to learn her feelings towards it gradually ((with her at the end accepting it and not willing to let it go))) was written wonderfully and even had me looking inwards at my own feelings towards it.
Lethal Kiss has left its mark with me that I will not forget and deeply appreciate. There is so much power in storytelling and within this book, it truly shines bright.
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.
Did Not Finish
May 14, 2026It pains me SO much to do this, but I think DNFing this book now and preventing what would be a one or two star rating is the overall kindest thing I can do for myself and for it.
I wanted to like Lethal Kiss so badly. It's sapphic. It features a draugr. It's comped to Ninth House. And yet. And yet! The 51% of the book that I did manage to read felt very unpolished, almost as if I were reading a first draft. I understand that what I had was an uncorrected early copy, but still: there were so many editing issues and inconsistencies within the text that really took me out of the story. At one point, we're told it's 2025. Then we're told it's 2026. Little things like that are, unfortunately, very difficult for me to ignore. Not to mention the fact that I felt like the entire university experience was very unrealistic. Lacie and Marcella are assistant faculty members and yet they live in dorms above undergraduate students? Marcella also continues to kill and/or maim people in rather public places and we're supposed to believe that she just gets away with it? I don't buy it.
Not to mention the fact that both of our leads lacked any substance to them. They always seemed to be arguing with each other or getting into these charged spats that I suppose are meant to underline their chemistry but instead just feel very contrived. Lacie's dearest friend--though that's a stretch, the book can't seem to decide if Lacie and Laurel were indeed close or if it was mostly closeness from Lacie's side--has died and she's busy getting distracted by the new professor in town rather than focusing all of her attention on the justice she apparently wants.
Which brings me to my next point (and perhaps biggest reason for DNFing): this book was far too insta-lovey for me. Within seconds of being tossed in each other's orbit, Lacie and Marcella are obsessed with one another. Besides both being attractive and studying Classics, I can't quite see where else they mesh into a believable couple. It's also only been about a week. A traumatic week at that. Not really opportune conditions to fall in love, I suppose.
Like I said, I really wanted to like this book. On paper, it really is everything I love in a book and more. There's even a sweet black cat.
All that said, please take my opinion with a grain of salt. The atmosphere of this book really is excellent and I still find myself loving that Grothe wrote a story about a draugr.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy. All opinions are my own!
I wanted to like Lethal Kiss so badly. It's sapphic. It features a draugr. It's comped to Ninth House. And yet. And yet! The 51% of the book that I did manage to read felt very unpolished, almost as if I were reading a first draft. I understand that what I had was an uncorrected early copy, but still: there were so many editing issues and inconsistencies within the text that really took me out of the story. At one point, we're told it's 2025. Then we're told it's 2026. Little things like that are, unfortunately, very difficult for me to ignore. Not to mention the fact that I felt like the entire university experience was very unrealistic. Lacie and Marcella are assistant faculty members and yet they live in dorms above undergraduate students? Marcella also continues to kill and/or maim people in rather public places and we're supposed to believe that she just gets away with it? I don't buy it.
Not to mention the fact that both of our leads lacked any substance to them. They always seemed to be arguing with each other or getting into these charged spats that I suppose are meant to underline their chemistry but instead just feel very contrived. Lacie's dearest friend--though that's a stretch, the book can't seem to decide if Lacie and Laurel were indeed close or if it was mostly closeness from Lacie's side--has died and she's busy getting distracted by the new professor in town rather than focusing all of her attention on the justice she apparently wants.
Which brings me to my next point (and perhaps biggest reason for DNFing): this book was far too insta-lovey for me. Within seconds of being tossed in each other's orbit, Lacie and Marcella are obsessed with one another. Besides both being attractive and studying Classics, I can't quite see where else they mesh into a believable couple. It's also only been about a week. A traumatic week at that. Not really opportune conditions to fall in love, I suppose.
Like I said, I really wanted to like this book. On paper, it really is everything I love in a book and more. There's even a sweet black cat.
All that said, please take my opinion with a grain of salt. The atmosphere of this book really is excellent and I still find myself loving that Grothe wrote a story about a draugr.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy. All opinions are my own!
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.
July 16, 2026
4.5 stars <3
Lethal Kiss is a deliciously gothic and sexy, dark academia horrormance. It was dark, gory and full of female rage. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, especially when it was Marcella's point of view. She was my favourite main character of the two, probably due to the fact I too was in love with her.
The use of Nordic monsters was super cool and interesting, especially seen as I haven't read books with monster's quite like these. I enjoyed the academia angle and I thought the lush setting of Preston University really added to the dark academia aesthetic. On occasion I found myself lost within the actual mystery part. The pacing initially started slowly but when it increased, it was harder to keep track of who was what, who did what and what they were actually trying to achieve. This book is very easy to enjoy just based on vibes alone, I often struggle with books where I am a little confused at what is actually happening, but the allure of Lethal Kiss is no joke. I was constantly pulled in by the eerie atmosphere, the mystery of it all, the goriness, the slow burning romance and of course the female rage. The theme of the book was vengeance and rightly so, Taylor Grothe wrote female rage exquisitely.
For me, the romance was the best part. The chemistry was sizzling. The witty banter was captivating, along with the nicknames. I constantly felt like Marcella was flirting with me, and I was NOT complaining. Marcella's personality was the backbone of this book and I ate it up, never have I loved a character quite like this before. I'd love to have known more about Marcella's history, as well as Lacie's family and religious trauma. Despite saying I would've like more, I do think Taylor added enough of each to add depth to the story without overloading it, which I appreciated.
I don't normally do .5 stars but I literally only half a very minimal reason this isn't 5 stars and it is just that I found the climax of the story to be a little bit disjointed. I wasn't fully clear on Lyle's role in it all and I felt there was too much going on in the 'fight' to fully understand it all. But whilst this did bother me a tiny bit, it in no way ruined the atmosphere or the story itself.
I very much recommend Lethal Kiss. This is Taylor's second book and their writing has only gotten better. I cannot wait for everything that comes next from them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Taylor Grothe and Tor Nightfire for this ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
Lethal Kiss is a deliciously gothic and sexy, dark academia horrormance. It was dark, gory and full of female rage. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, especially when it was Marcella's point of view. She was my favourite main character of the two, probably due to the fact I too was in love with her.
The use of Nordic monsters was super cool and interesting, especially seen as I haven't read books with monster's quite like these. I enjoyed the academia angle and I thought the lush setting of Preston University really added to the dark academia aesthetic. On occasion I found myself lost within the actual mystery part. The pacing initially started slowly but when it increased, it was harder to keep track of who was what, who did what and what they were actually trying to achieve. This book is very easy to enjoy just based on vibes alone, I often struggle with books where I am a little confused at what is actually happening, but the allure of Lethal Kiss is no joke. I was constantly pulled in by the eerie atmosphere, the mystery of it all, the goriness, the slow burning romance and of course the female rage. The theme of the book was vengeance and rightly so, Taylor Grothe wrote female rage exquisitely.
For me, the romance was the best part. The chemistry was sizzling. The witty banter was captivating, along with the nicknames. I constantly felt like Marcella was flirting with me, and I was NOT complaining. Marcella's personality was the backbone of this book and I ate it up, never have I loved a character quite like this before. I'd love to have known more about Marcella's history, as well as Lacie's family and religious trauma. Despite saying I would've like more, I do think Taylor added enough of each to add depth to the story without overloading it, which I appreciated.
I don't normally do .5 stars but I literally only half a very minimal reason this isn't 5 stars and it is just that I found the climax of the story to be a little bit disjointed. I wasn't fully clear on Lyle's role in it all and I felt there was too much going on in the 'fight' to fully understand it all. But whilst this did bother me a tiny bit, it in no way ruined the atmosphere or the story itself.
I very much recommend Lethal Kiss. This is Taylor's second book and their writing has only gotten better. I cannot wait for everything that comes next from them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Taylor Grothe and Tor Nightfire for this ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
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
Lethal Kiss is the kind of horror novel that sinks its teeth into you from the very first page and refuses to let go. Equal parts dark academia, sapphic romance, and creature horror, this book delivers everything I could have wanted and more.
Set within the halls of Preston University, the story follows Marcella, a monster trying desperately to keep a low profile, and Lacie, an ambitious assistant professor finally determined to earn tenure. Both women find themselves caught in a terrifying mystery that forces them together in ways neither expected.
What truly made this book shine for me was the relationship between Marcella and Lacie. Their connection feels authentic, messy, vulnerable, and emotional. Beneath the tension, attraction, and undeniable chemistry is a story about acceptance, belonging, and finding someone who sees every part of you. Including the pieces you wish you could hide and choosing to stay anyway.
The horror is phenomenal. It's vivid and unsettling, and there is an ever-present sense of dread lurking beneath every interaction. The creature horror feels genuinely monstrous, and the escalating danger kept me completely invested. Every discovery pulls the reader deeper into a nightmare that feels impossible to escape.
It balances brutality and tenderness beautifully. One moment I was horrified, the next I was completely invested in the emotional journey of these characters. The writing is engaging, the pacing is addictive, and the combination of romance and horror feels perfectly executed.
Thank you so much Tor Nightfire & Taylor Grothe for the #gifted copy!
all opinions are my own!
Set within the halls of Preston University, the story follows Marcella, a monster trying desperately to keep a low profile, and Lacie, an ambitious assistant professor finally determined to earn tenure. Both women find themselves caught in a terrifying mystery that forces them together in ways neither expected.
What truly made this book shine for me was the relationship between Marcella and Lacie. Their connection feels authentic, messy, vulnerable, and emotional. Beneath the tension, attraction, and undeniable chemistry is a story about acceptance, belonging, and finding someone who sees every part of you. Including the pieces you wish you could hide and choosing to stay anyway.
The horror is phenomenal. It's vivid and unsettling, and there is an ever-present sense of dread lurking beneath every interaction. The creature horror feels genuinely monstrous, and the escalating danger kept me completely invested. Every discovery pulls the reader deeper into a nightmare that feels impossible to escape.
It balances brutality and tenderness beautifully. One moment I was horrified, the next I was completely invested in the emotional journey of these characters. The writing is engaging, the pacing is addictive, and the combination of romance and horror feels perfectly executed.
Thank you so much Tor Nightfire & Taylor Grothe for the #gifted copy!
all opinions are my own!
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!
May 21, 2026
✨Intimate. Grotesque. Beautiful. Feral. Poetic.✨
There was this lush balance between horror and vulnerability. The dark academia vibes were impeccable and dripping from damn near every page. Preston University felt alive in the worst possible way: claustrophobic, predatory, and full of secrets rotting beneath the surface.
The tension never lets up, whether it’s the mystery unfolding beneath the campus or the slow, magnetic pull between Marcella and Lacie. The yearning (you should all know by now I am an absolute SUCKER for yearning) feels tangible, and the undeniable connection between two souls no matter what they’re made of is genuinely heartwarming.
The gore is brutal and beautifully done, but underneath all the blood and teeth and monsters there’s really a story about loneliness, rage, obsession, and the ache of wanting someone to truly see you for what you are… and having them not only see it, but love it. Encourage it. Pull those hidden parts of you into the open and make you feel safe enough to finally become exactly who you are.
If you love dark academia, sapphic horror romance, monstrous morally gray yearning characters, and tension so thick it practically breathes on you through the pages, this one delivers it ALL.
Also… draugrs are shapeshifters. I’ll let your imagination do with that what you will 😉🙃
There was this lush balance between horror and vulnerability. The dark academia vibes were impeccable and dripping from damn near every page. Preston University felt alive in the worst possible way: claustrophobic, predatory, and full of secrets rotting beneath the surface.
The tension never lets up, whether it’s the mystery unfolding beneath the campus or the slow, magnetic pull between Marcella and Lacie. The yearning (you should all know by now I am an absolute SUCKER for yearning) feels tangible, and the undeniable connection between two souls no matter what they’re made of is genuinely heartwarming.
The gore is brutal and beautifully done, but underneath all the blood and teeth and monsters there’s really a story about loneliness, rage, obsession, and the ache of wanting someone to truly see you for what you are… and having them not only see it, but love it. Encourage it. Pull those hidden parts of you into the open and make you feel safe enough to finally become exactly who you are.
If you love dark academia, sapphic horror romance, monstrous morally gray yearning characters, and tension so thick it practically breathes on you through the pages, this one delivers it ALL.
Also… draugrs are shapeshifters. I’ll let your imagination do with that what you will 😉🙃
June 12, 2026
⊹₊✎⋆.𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆.⋆⊹₊
"Lethal Kiss" by: Taylor Grothe
★★
Thank you Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.
𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
I am soooo sorry and I had to DNF a book but I just couldn't do it anymore. The book felt so slow and all the characters were incredibly unlikeable.
I had a really hard time imagining the way our main character would turn into a draugr and harvest from her victims or how she's this incredible being but makes the dumbest choices.
The awkward tension between the two was just so cringe. This ancient draugr catching feels right away for a random human? Meh. I felt like a majority of the book was just a constant reminder of how hot Marcella was and how Lacie is a closet lesbian.
I saw a lot of people talking about how they can see this book being inspired by "Jennifer's Body" but what if you've never watched that movie? As someone who's not into pop culture... I just didn't understand.
I did enjoy the message of the story though - like how women in academia always have to work harder or how favoritism plays a huge role in your success.
Overall I wanted to like this book and it had some great gory scenes and the idea of having a draugr as the supernatural sounded soooo awesome but it fell flat for me.
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"Lethal Kiss" by: Taylor Grothe
★★
Thank you Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.
𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
I am soooo sorry and I had to DNF a book but I just couldn't do it anymore. The book felt so slow and all the characters were incredibly unlikeable.
I had a really hard time imagining the way our main character would turn into a draugr and harvest from her victims or how she's this incredible being but makes the dumbest choices.
The awkward tension between the two was just so cringe. This ancient draugr catching feels right away for a random human? Meh. I felt like a majority of the book was just a constant reminder of how hot Marcella was and how Lacie is a closet lesbian.
I saw a lot of people talking about how they can see this book being inspired by "Jennifer's Body" but what if you've never watched that movie? As someone who's not into pop culture... I just didn't understand.
I did enjoy the message of the story though - like how women in academia always have to work harder or how favoritism plays a huge role in your success.
Overall I wanted to like this book and it had some great gory scenes and the idea of having a draugr as the supernatural sounded soooo awesome but it fell flat for me.
Connect with me on Instagram
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
Marcella knows the fastest and best way to kill a man (by pinching the delicate skin of their throat with her teeth and shucking the tissue like an oyster shell). One day her boss calls her in for a conversation, but it’s not exactly what she expects — he wants to pass her off to another university.
Lacie doesn’t want to be paranoid, but she’s worried about her friend Laurel, who disappeared… and whose room now belongs to Marcella.
Marcella is surrounded by rumors and is far from perfect — she feeds on boys and men after all, but she didn’t kill Laurel. But if it wasn’t her, then who was it?
Well, what can I say, the comparison to Jennifer's Body was definitely there for a reason. Marcella and Lacie really reminded me of Needy and Jennifer, as well as Regina and Cady from Mean Girls. GET IN LOSER, WE’RE GOING TO SOLVE A MURDER.
It leaned more into the gory side of horror with quite a fast pace. I was really invested in the murder mystery. This dark academia vibe, mythology, and folklore were so, so interesting! I definitely had fun with this! And we as a society need more books with female rage, where misogynistic men get what they deserve.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the eARC
Lacie doesn’t want to be paranoid, but she’s worried about her friend Laurel, who disappeared… and whose room now belongs to Marcella.
Marcella is surrounded by rumors and is far from perfect — she feeds on boys and men after all, but she didn’t kill Laurel. But if it wasn’t her, then who was it?
Well, what can I say, the comparison to Jennifer's Body was definitely there for a reason. Marcella and Lacie really reminded me of Needy and Jennifer, as well as Regina and Cady from Mean Girls. GET IN LOSER, WE’RE GOING TO SOLVE A MURDER.
It leaned more into the gory side of horror with quite a fast pace. I was really invested in the murder mystery. This dark academia vibe, mythology, and folklore were so, so interesting! I definitely had fun with this! And we as a society need more books with female rage, where misogynistic men get what they deserve.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the eARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eARC of this book, these are my honest thoughts. (Slight spoilers ahead):
I loved this book! Lethal Kiss is thick with rage, passion, wit, mystery, corruption, gore and morally gray characters bent on revenge. The scenes were cinematic. The gothic university setting felt tangible. The love story was to die for.
The genre of dark academia is used to critique white supremacist, misogynistic, pedophilic and other oppressive systems running rampant in academia. The genre of horror manifests as screeching rage in a draugr’s mouth, and permeates Preston University—home to bigoted professors and to Lacie, an assistant classics professor with dreams of making tenure.
Mystery unfolds as the first in a line of bodies is found on campus grounds. An unlikely alliance forms. At the beating bloody heart of this story is Marcella and Lacie, two characters who just want to be loved, to relinquish their masks and be themselves, to stop the heartache and pain even when for so much of their lives, they’ve been told and shown through abandonment, disgust or betrayal that they can’t.
Rage can be fickle in this tale, it grows and retreats. But be warned, one thing it hardly ever does is lie in wait forever.
I loved this book! Lethal Kiss is thick with rage, passion, wit, mystery, corruption, gore and morally gray characters bent on revenge. The scenes were cinematic. The gothic university setting felt tangible. The love story was to die for.
The genre of dark academia is used to critique white supremacist, misogynistic, pedophilic and other oppressive systems running rampant in academia. The genre of horror manifests as screeching rage in a draugr’s mouth, and permeates Preston University—home to bigoted professors and to Lacie, an assistant classics professor with dreams of making tenure.
Mystery unfolds as the first in a line of bodies is found on campus grounds. An unlikely alliance forms. At the beating bloody heart of this story is Marcella and Lacie, two characters who just want to be loved, to relinquish their masks and be themselves, to stop the heartache and pain even when for so much of their lives, they’ve been told and shown through abandonment, disgust or betrayal that they can’t.
Rage can be fickle in this tale, it grows and retreats. But be warned, one thing it hardly ever does is lie in wait forever.
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