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Dark Rulers #7
Jailer to the Death God
A Standalone Dark Rulers Romance
Vale has lost everything to the plague--friends, servants, and almost the entire royal family. Newly crowned as queen of a dying nation, she determines to stop the tide of grief by summoning and ensnaring Arawn, the Death God himself. But Arawn is none too happy at the human queen's attempt to control him, and he's determined to teach her a lesson.
Vale has lost everything to the plague--friends, servants, and almost the entire royal family. Newly crowned as queen of a dying nation, she determines to stop the tide of grief by summoning and ensnaring Arawn, the Death God himself. But Arawn is none too happy at the human queen's attempt to control him, and he's determined to teach her a lesson.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2023
328 people are currently reading
3892 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca F. Kenney
72 books2,917 followersRebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
February 11, 2023
4 Little Queen Stars ⭐️
This book was an intense and captivating read that is the stunning juxtaposition of the misery of Death but at its core, this book is about love. It not only deals with the topic of immense grief and debilitating self-sacrifice but also dives into the enchanting nature of who Death would be if he was a person.
I have grown to absolutely LOVE Rebecca Kenney's writing. She has such an ease of drawing you into her story and characters making it impossible to put the book down. The writing is so easy to read and understand and I love that we are given two POVs, both easy to distinguish but equally gripping.
**Note: Even though this book is Book 7 in the Dark Rulers Series, each story can be read as a stand-alone.
This story follows Vale, the new Queen of a nation that is suffering the brutal consequences of a plague. She has lost almost everything she holds dear including her family and friends and now has to carry the weight of the dying kingdom on her shoulders. In a last effort, determined to save her people, she does the unthinkable and summons Arawn the God of Death and forces him into a bargain he is none too happy about.
This book had the thrill of playing TROPE BINGO with my heart with the best tropes out there being included…
- Hades and Persephone Retelling (reversed)
- One Bed
- Tethered Souls
- Enemies to Lovers
- Would die for....
- Marriage of convenience
- Virgin MC
- Nightmare Comfort Scene
I absolutely adored Vale and Arawn and even looked past how quickly their love blossomed. There was a lot of raw emotional pain Vale works through but the tactful way this was dealt with as she embraces love was beautiful. At the start, they are both scarred, hurt and broken inside but become better versions of themselves through the influence of each other. Arawn teaches Vale how to be strong, stand up for herself and sometimes put her needs first. Vale teaches Arawn what exactly it means to be human - to give into your desires, needs and emotions. His initial naivety at the world was adorable, and who would have thought smelling soap would be so profound? Also the banter between the two of them had me giggling out loud numerous times!
I also enjoyed the insight into some more of the lore and backstory of the Gods that's been hinted at in the previous books. For me, this one felt like one of the better books in this series with regard to the world-building and unique magic as some of the mysteries about the magic in the world were finally explained!
The only thing I didn't enjoy was how quickly it ended. While the ending was beautiful and heartwarming, like some of the previous books in this series major plot points are only discovered around 85% of the book and the last 15% is a mad rush to resolve as much as possible leaving me with an almost underwhelming feeling about the end.
Overall Rebecca Kenney has become an instant buy author for me and I cannot wait to explore the rest of her Backlist! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Fantasy Romance and also swoons at any of the tropes found in this Godly delight!
This book was an intense and captivating read that is the stunning juxtaposition of the misery of Death but at its core, this book is about love. It not only deals with the topic of immense grief and debilitating self-sacrifice but also dives into the enchanting nature of who Death would be if he was a person.
I have grown to absolutely LOVE Rebecca Kenney's writing. She has such an ease of drawing you into her story and characters making it impossible to put the book down. The writing is so easy to read and understand and I love that we are given two POVs, both easy to distinguish but equally gripping.
**Note: Even though this book is Book 7 in the Dark Rulers Series, each story can be read as a stand-alone.
This story follows Vale, the new Queen of a nation that is suffering the brutal consequences of a plague. She has lost almost everything she holds dear including her family and friends and now has to carry the weight of the dying kingdom on her shoulders. In a last effort, determined to save her people, she does the unthinkable and summons Arawn the God of Death and forces him into a bargain he is none too happy about.
This book had the thrill of playing TROPE BINGO with my heart with the best tropes out there being included…
- Hades and Persephone Retelling (reversed)
- One Bed
- Tethered Souls
- Enemies to Lovers
- Would die for....
- Marriage of convenience
- Virgin MC
- Nightmare Comfort Scene
I absolutely adored Vale and Arawn and even looked past how quickly their love blossomed. There was a lot of raw emotional pain Vale works through but the tactful way this was dealt with as she embraces love was beautiful. At the start, they are both scarred, hurt and broken inside but become better versions of themselves through the influence of each other. Arawn teaches Vale how to be strong, stand up for herself and sometimes put her needs first. Vale teaches Arawn what exactly it means to be human - to give into your desires, needs and emotions. His initial naivety at the world was adorable, and who would have thought smelling soap would be so profound? Also the banter between the two of them had me giggling out loud numerous times!
I also enjoyed the insight into some more of the lore and backstory of the Gods that's been hinted at in the previous books. For me, this one felt like one of the better books in this series with regard to the world-building and unique magic as some of the mysteries about the magic in the world were finally explained!
The only thing I didn't enjoy was how quickly it ended. While the ending was beautiful and heartwarming, like some of the previous books in this series major plot points are only discovered around 85% of the book and the last 15% is a mad rush to resolve as much as possible leaving me with an almost underwhelming feeling about the end.
Overall Rebecca Kenney has become an instant buy author for me and I cannot wait to explore the rest of her Backlist! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Fantasy Romance and also swoons at any of the tropes found in this Godly delight!
Read
May 11, 2024I am utterly ....
It was almost an awesome read. If not only for the certain chapters that visibly gave me the shivers.
The chapter where in the h was telling H to fck the priestess and in his pov he describes the priestess' ass like omg wow. VERY ROMANTIC.
“So I would fuck her,” I nod to the round golden ass of the priestess as she disappears through the archway. “And no one would have cause to complain that I was being unfaithful to you?”
“None at all.” She’s smiling brightly, almost fiercely. “I know your chains are paining you. And since you don’t want me, you should take her. Relieve your agony. You have my blessing.”
AND take note, the heroine gets jealous afterward. Like GIRL ARE you alright? do u need any help, you are the one who pushed the Hero in the first place then you'd get all upset suddenly...
“This is a marriage of convenience, or had you forgotten?” she hisses. “And even if it wasn’t, the rules are different in this temple.”
“And you wish me to fuck that priestess?”
“If it will stop you from looking so gloomy and agonized, yes! You can’t possibly have any objection. She’s beautiful.”
“Fine,” I snarl. “After the reception, I’ll go plunge my cock into that priestess. Would you like to watch me come inside her?”
“No.” Her cheeks are red, her eyes viciously bright.
“A pity you’ll miss the show, wife.” I cherish the shock in her eyes when I speak that word. “Come, we have guests waiting.”
The way the Hero was describing the priestess makes me so so so upset and the heroine clearly has an attitude too.
“Give me a moment.” I fling myself onto the bed, enjoying the cool slide of the sheets against the hot skin of my bare back. “I think I feel it passing already. This effect can’t last long with someone like me. I heal, you see. The poison of the alcohol will soon be gone, and then I can fulfill all my desires with the buxom priestess.”
“I’ll go and fetch her for you,” says Vale haughtily. “Don’t leave this room.”
My mind clears while she’s gone. The effect of the alcohol was interesting, but after consuming it in such large quantities, I have a desperate need to piss. I relieve myself in the bathing room of our suite, returning just in time to see Vale entering with the priestess.
The woman’s gold paint has been smudged during the dancing, and her brown skin glows through it. She’s beautiful. Desirable.
“Let us begin the Rite of Purging, my lord,” murmurs the priestess. She reclines on the bed, propped on her elbows, with her thighs parted. Every bit of her is on display, soft folds and glistening center. She is wet at the thought of taking me.
My pulse pounds in my head, and magic roils beneath my skin, shadows pressing to the surface, yearning to explode. The crunching, chafing, gnawing weight of my chains would disappear if I took out my cock and slipped it inside this beautiful priestess. A rite spoken, a climax achieved, and I would have relief for a while. Relief, without the terrifying, visceral connection I felt yesterday when I was intimate with the little Queen.
When we were joined, she and I, my heart clenched with the fervent desire to protect her, hold her, be with her always. I cherished her in those moments.
But cherishing is akin to love, I suspect. I cannot allow myself to love Vale, because if I do, and if the emotion remains intact at the end of my year-long contract with her, I forfeit my throne to Macha. And Macha will do terrible things with the power of Annwn.
“My lord.” The priestess is playing with herself, a gentle smile on her full lips. “Come and complete the rite. I will say the prayers while you take your pleasure.”
The wine I drank hums at the back of my
brain, a lingering blur. It would be so easy to yield, to sink into this woman who means nothing. To breathe easier as the weight of my chains is lifted. To have no worries of love and such foolishness. To attach no meaning to the carnal act.
But my little Queen is wandering somewhere in the temple, alone.
She is always alone. And I cannot bear it.
I cannot take joy with anyone else, when she is my joy, my relief, my peace.
My wife.
Only good thing was that HE DID not continue with it but he WOULD. He thought of it. and it is d*****g. Yes, the small bits of thoughts about the heroine is okay but still what the hell. This whole scene is very unnecessary. I believe this is a pattern with the author. Mind you, this has a Virgin HERO but was such a turn off honestly.
On the author's other book, the Hero also talks about mating with other women after being intimate with the heroine. that, too has a Virgin Hero. So yeah. Read at your own risk. The way the author writes feels like any moment her HERO would cheat on their heroines. I never thought I would encounter reading a material where in the author consistently writes annoying heroines and Hero written like they are unromantic and unfaithful men.
I should like this because this has a V hero
For me, this was very unsafe. The way the Hero describes the ow, and his thoughts. even without doing the whole thing was a turn off. Yeah. That's it. Bye. And mind you, that whole scene was like on 70% of the book.
Such an unfortunate thing. This has potential. The premise, the writing and all others. But yeah. There would always be something that would ruin a reader's enjoyment.
I think if you can turn a blind eye to those kinds of scenes, monologues, yada yada this would be a good read for you all.
Still if you hate these kind of scenes/dramas, you can skip it :)
The author can write but her way of writing is not for me :)
EDIT: i edited my review and filtered it a bit, Idk i feel like an angel today.. but yea. This one, If not for those scenes i mentioned above. I WOULD really love love it. 🤧
It was almost an awesome read. If not only for the certain chapters that visibly gave me the shivers.
The chapter where in the h was telling H to fck the priestess and in his pov he describes the priestess' ass like omg wow. VERY ROMANTIC.
“So I would fuck her,” I nod to the round golden ass of the priestess as she disappears through the archway. “And no one would have cause to complain that I was being unfaithful to you?”
“None at all.” She’s smiling brightly, almost fiercely. “I know your chains are paining you. And since you don’t want me, you should take her. Relieve your agony. You have my blessing.”
AND take note, the heroine gets jealous afterward. Like GIRL ARE you alright? do u need any help, you are the one who pushed the Hero in the first place then you'd get all upset suddenly...
“This is a marriage of convenience, or had you forgotten?” she hisses. “And even if it wasn’t, the rules are different in this temple.”
“And you wish me to fuck that priestess?”
“If it will stop you from looking so gloomy and agonized, yes! You can’t possibly have any objection. She’s beautiful.”
“Fine,” I snarl. “After the reception, I’ll go plunge my cock into that priestess. Would you like to watch me come inside her?”
“No.” Her cheeks are red, her eyes viciously bright.
“A pity you’ll miss the show, wife.” I cherish the shock in her eyes when I speak that word. “Come, we have guests waiting.”
The way the Hero was describing the priestess makes me so so so upset and the heroine clearly has an attitude too.
“Give me a moment.” I fling myself onto the bed, enjoying the cool slide of the sheets against the hot skin of my bare back. “I think I feel it passing already. This effect can’t last long with someone like me. I heal, you see. The poison of the alcohol will soon be gone, and then I can fulfill all my desires with the buxom priestess.”
“I’ll go and fetch her for you,” says Vale haughtily. “Don’t leave this room.”
My mind clears while she’s gone. The effect of the alcohol was interesting, but after consuming it in such large quantities, I have a desperate need to piss. I relieve myself in the bathing room of our suite, returning just in time to see Vale entering with the priestess.
The woman’s gold paint has been smudged during the dancing, and her brown skin glows through it. She’s beautiful. Desirable.
“Let us begin the Rite of Purging, my lord,” murmurs the priestess. She reclines on the bed, propped on her elbows, with her thighs parted. Every bit of her is on display, soft folds and glistening center. She is wet at the thought of taking me.
My pulse pounds in my head, and magic roils beneath my skin, shadows pressing to the surface, yearning to explode. The crunching, chafing, gnawing weight of my chains would disappear if I took out my cock and slipped it inside this beautiful priestess. A rite spoken, a climax achieved, and I would have relief for a while. Relief, without the terrifying, visceral connection I felt yesterday when I was intimate with the little Queen.
When we were joined, she and I, my heart clenched with the fervent desire to protect her, hold her, be with her always. I cherished her in those moments.
But cherishing is akin to love, I suspect. I cannot allow myself to love Vale, because if I do, and if the emotion remains intact at the end of my year-long contract with her, I forfeit my throne to Macha. And Macha will do terrible things with the power of Annwn.
“My lord.” The priestess is playing with herself, a gentle smile on her full lips. “Come and complete the rite. I will say the prayers while you take your pleasure.”
The wine I drank hums at the back of my
brain, a lingering blur. It would be so easy to yield, to sink into this woman who means nothing. To breathe easier as the weight of my chains is lifted. To have no worries of love and such foolishness. To attach no meaning to the carnal act.
But my little Queen is wandering somewhere in the temple, alone.
She is always alone. And I cannot bear it.
I cannot take joy with anyone else, when she is my joy, my relief, my peace.
My wife.
Only good thing was that HE DID not continue with it but he WOULD. He thought of it. and it is d*****g. Yes, the small bits of thoughts about the heroine is okay but still what the hell. This whole scene is very unnecessary. I believe this is a pattern with the author. Mind you, this has a Virgin HERO but was such a turn off honestly.
On the author's other book, the Hero also talks about mating with other women after being intimate with the heroine. that, too has a Virgin Hero. So yeah. Read at your own risk. The way the author writes feels like any moment her HERO would cheat on their heroines. I never thought I would encounter reading a material where in the author consistently writes annoying heroines and Hero written like they are unromantic and unfaithful men.
I should like this because this has a V hero
For me, this was very unsafe. The way the Hero describes the ow, and his thoughts. even without doing the whole thing was a turn off. Yeah. That's it. Bye. And mind you, that whole scene was like on 70% of the book.
Such an unfortunate thing. This has potential. The premise, the writing and all others. But yeah. There would always be something that would ruin a reader's enjoyment.
I think if you can turn a blind eye to those kinds of scenes, monologues, yada yada this would be a good read for you all.
Still if you hate these kind of scenes/dramas, you can skip it :)
The author can write but her way of writing is not for me :)
EDIT: i edited my review and filtered it a bit, Idk i feel like an angel today.. but yea. This one, If not for those scenes i mentioned above. I WOULD really love love it. 🤧
January 30, 2023
2.5 stars
Somehow this one feels a little too similar to the last RFK book I read. And I didn't enjoy that one much for the same reason I would say why I didn't enjoy this one.
First, let's established an imbalance power relationship between the two main leads (debtor-debtee, captor-captive). Then, add a closed proximity trope for some reason. After that, well, they got to know each other and started to fall in love. Add another confrontation. They bang. Another confrontation. They confessed. Another confrontation. The end.
See? It's kinda the same, despite the different settings. I guess it was just too formulaic for me. Hell, I don't know what I even wanted from this book actually.
But hey, if you're interested in this kind of storyline, and not oversaturated by them, I think you would like it. (pssstt, there's marriage in convenience trope too).
Somehow this one feels a little too similar to the last RFK book I read. And I didn't enjoy that one much for the same reason I would say why I didn't enjoy this one.
First, let's established an imbalance power relationship between the two main leads (debtor-debtee, captor-captive). Then, add a closed proximity trope for some reason. After that, well, they got to know each other and started to fall in love. Add another confrontation. They bang. Another confrontation. They confessed. Another confrontation. The end.
See? It's kinda the same, despite the different settings. I guess it was just too formulaic for me. Hell, I don't know what I even wanted from this book actually.
But hey, if you're interested in this kind of storyline, and not oversaturated by them, I think you would like it. (pssstt, there's marriage in convenience trope too).
January 2, 2023
This sht is like poetry. Honestly this was the best one yet. They just get better.
I really loved arawan and his little queen. This story was sweet and dark at the same time. It was beautiful.
I cried a few time in the beginning it was emotional. Like I said. Poetry.
“How wickedly arbitrary is death, how fickle. How dispassionately hateful in its choice of whom to take and whom to leave.”
Also funny Her inner monologue made me laugh and I loved that he was a virgin. That was a nice twist. She was mildly experienced and she wasn’t a prude and I liked that a lot.
I also loved that he just literally wasn’t having another girl at all. Not at all.
“I didn’t tell the Council of my plan. Didn’t think it wise to say, “Esteemed advisors, I have decided to burn candles around a sinkhole and slit the throats of nine citizens in the hope of raising and trapping an ancient god who may or may not be able to stop this plague.”
Poetry…
“There is a power in her grief, a brilliance to her rage. This is a woman who, if she had magic, could level cities by the sheer violence of her tumultuous heart.”
Also..their vows guys:
“I vow to forsake every heart but yours, and seek solace with you alone.I dedicate myself to your joy, your hope, and your service.My heart shall be thrall to your love.I am myself, and you are yourself. Yet I will weave my life with yours, and the two of us shall be stronger, until the day betrayal or death may divide us.What is woven shall not be cut, and what is entangled shall not be severed.Yours infinitely, yours devotedly. Yours in passion and pain, in beauty and blood, in age and agony.By the goddess I swear it, and by my blood I bind it.”
Poetry. More sheer and utter poetry
“Grant me the indulgence of loving you a little while longer.”
I really loved arawan and his little queen. This story was sweet and dark at the same time. It was beautiful.
I cried a few time in the beginning it was emotional. Like I said. Poetry.
“How wickedly arbitrary is death, how fickle. How dispassionately hateful in its choice of whom to take and whom to leave.”
Also funny Her inner monologue made me laugh and I loved that he was a virgin. That was a nice twist. She was mildly experienced and she wasn’t a prude and I liked that a lot.
I also loved that he just literally wasn’t having another girl at all. Not at all.
“I didn’t tell the Council of my plan. Didn’t think it wise to say, “Esteemed advisors, I have decided to burn candles around a sinkhole and slit the throats of nine citizens in the hope of raising and trapping an ancient god who may or may not be able to stop this plague.”
Poetry…
“There is a power in her grief, a brilliance to her rage. This is a woman who, if she had magic, could level cities by the sheer violence of her tumultuous heart.”
Also..their vows guys:
“I vow to forsake every heart but yours, and seek solace with you alone.I dedicate myself to your joy, your hope, and your service.My heart shall be thrall to your love.I am myself, and you are yourself. Yet I will weave my life with yours, and the two of us shall be stronger, until the day betrayal or death may divide us.What is woven shall not be cut, and what is entangled shall not be severed.Yours infinitely, yours devotedly. Yours in passion and pain, in beauty and blood, in age and agony.By the goddess I swear it, and by my blood I bind it.”
Poetry. More sheer and utter poetry
“Grant me the indulgence of loving you a little while longer.”
May 13, 2025
The chapter where he described everyone else's ass and tits right after he married the FMC...wasn't my favorite. 🫥
August 25, 2025
I hated reading whatever this was for SO MANY reasons, but Eunoia summed up some of my thoughts in her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 15, 2023
3,5
A good read, maybe not particularly memorable for me and the plot was a bit predictable but it was done well and enjoyable. The steamy scenes were great and the characters weren't annoying, stupid or impossible to take seriously (it may sound like a low bar but it really isn't).
Love the cover.
A good read, maybe not particularly memorable for me and the plot was a bit predictable but it was done well and enjoyable. The steamy scenes were great and the characters weren't annoying, stupid or impossible to take seriously (it may sound like a low bar but it really isn't).
Love the cover.
April 9, 2025
He’s the god of death, and he’s been summoned by the queen to stop a plague. But not just summoned… bound… to the queen… for one years time… so she may rid her realm of this plague… and the… death god… is pissed…
This book is… perfection.
There’s a marriage of convenience that had me sweating so hard my kindle kept slipping out of my hands.
How much can you give and sacrifice before you realize that you need to take care of yourself too?
There’s a lot of grief in this story and it’s an incredibly healing journey.
This is one of my favorite female main characters all time. She’s thrust into a role she wasn’t prepared for, but she does it with grace and compassion. She’s stubborn and strong, and so unbelievably sweet. I just want to hug her.
“I stand motionless, riveted, caught in the sucking force of emotional currents unfamiliar to me. There is a power in her grief, a brilliance to her rage. This is a woman who, if she had magic, could level cities by the sheer violence of her tumultuous heart.”
An element that I love in this book even though it breaks my heart a little is that feeling of being touch starved. Just needing someone to literally lay on top of you so you can feel that weight. So you feel like you’re not going to lose yourself and float away.
“His muscles twitch as if he’s getting ready to move off me. I wrap my arms around his waist to hold him in place. I don’t know why. He is death, and divine magic. I can sense the Otherness of him. Hold me down. Press me back into myself. Soothe me, save me.”
This adorable god who is terrifying one moment but so naive the next. Getting to understand him and feeling his pain is so necessary.
“How much do I need you?” he says raggedly, hoarsely. “I crave your sweet essence like a tree craves water. I hunger for you, for every soft curve of your flesh. I want to swallow you whole, feel you quiver in my belly and vibrate against my bones. I want to carve you open and crawl inside your very heart and savor the gentle strength of your nature forever.”
Is this book spicy? Yes. Is it tasty delicious yum yum yum? Yes, again. But this story is so much more than that. It pulls on your heart, makes you consider what you’d do in dire circumstances, and it tests your ideas of how far you can grow as a person. It tests how much you can handle being knocked down and how well you get back up.
This book is… perfection.
There’s a marriage of convenience that had me sweating so hard my kindle kept slipping out of my hands.
How much can you give and sacrifice before you realize that you need to take care of yourself too?
There’s a lot of grief in this story and it’s an incredibly healing journey.
This is one of my favorite female main characters all time. She’s thrust into a role she wasn’t prepared for, but she does it with grace and compassion. She’s stubborn and strong, and so unbelievably sweet. I just want to hug her.
“I stand motionless, riveted, caught in the sucking force of emotional currents unfamiliar to me. There is a power in her grief, a brilliance to her rage. This is a woman who, if she had magic, could level cities by the sheer violence of her tumultuous heart.”
An element that I love in this book even though it breaks my heart a little is that feeling of being touch starved. Just needing someone to literally lay on top of you so you can feel that weight. So you feel like you’re not going to lose yourself and float away.
“His muscles twitch as if he’s getting ready to move off me. I wrap my arms around his waist to hold him in place. I don’t know why. He is death, and divine magic. I can sense the Otherness of him. Hold me down. Press me back into myself. Soothe me, save me.”
This adorable god who is terrifying one moment but so naive the next. Getting to understand him and feeling his pain is so necessary.
“How much do I need you?” he says raggedly, hoarsely. “I crave your sweet essence like a tree craves water. I hunger for you, for every soft curve of your flesh. I want to swallow you whole, feel you quiver in my belly and vibrate against my bones. I want to carve you open and crawl inside your very heart and savor the gentle strength of your nature forever.”
Is this book spicy? Yes. Is it tasty delicious yum yum yum? Yes, again. But this story is so much more than that. It pulls on your heart, makes you consider what you’d do in dire circumstances, and it tests your ideas of how far you can grow as a person. It tests how much you can handle being knocked down and how well you get back up.
January 2, 2023
ARC Review: Jailer to the Death God by Rebecca F Kennedy
Synopsis:
The Plague has taken everything from Vale: her parents, her friends, even her freedom. She was thrust into her Queenship after the loss of her brother, and she has been unable to stop the virulent illness from decimating her people. In an act of desperation, she summons Arawn, the Death God, determined to convince him to stop claiming her kingdoms souls.
Arawn is different from most gods, content to rule over his domain without the frivolity and carelessness that his brothers and sisters are so prone to enjoying. But when this mortal queen rips him from his throne and binds him to her side, he is suddenly exposed to all the pain, passion and pleasure of human existence.
They strike a deal, and find themselves bound in more ways than one.
Rating: 4.5/5
Review:
This book was very hard to put down. I loved the dynamic between Vale and Arawn, and the shift from enemies to lovers was perfection. Vale is a very deep character, and her pain and anguish make her so dynamic and strong. Her heartache made her so resilient and calculating and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective.
Arawn’s divinity mixed with his childishness and naivety made him very charming.
The plot of this book was exceptional!!! I was concerned that the spice might overtake the story, which is something I don’t enjoy, but that is not the case with Jailer. The story is so well done, Olympiad in its grandeur, and dark in all the best ways.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for dark fantasy romance, with a heavy dose of spice.
Quote: “Like the plague, I recognize its symptoms in myself. Love is a lyrical sickness that lacerates the unsatisfied heart with pretty wounds, singing through bloody whispers until the victim realizes they are dying. By then, it is far too late.”
Synopsis:
The Plague has taken everything from Vale: her parents, her friends, even her freedom. She was thrust into her Queenship after the loss of her brother, and she has been unable to stop the virulent illness from decimating her people. In an act of desperation, she summons Arawn, the Death God, determined to convince him to stop claiming her kingdoms souls.
Arawn is different from most gods, content to rule over his domain without the frivolity and carelessness that his brothers and sisters are so prone to enjoying. But when this mortal queen rips him from his throne and binds him to her side, he is suddenly exposed to all the pain, passion and pleasure of human existence.
They strike a deal, and find themselves bound in more ways than one.
Rating: 4.5/5
Review:
This book was very hard to put down. I loved the dynamic between Vale and Arawn, and the shift from enemies to lovers was perfection. Vale is a very deep character, and her pain and anguish make her so dynamic and strong. Her heartache made her so resilient and calculating and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective.
Arawn’s divinity mixed with his childishness and naivety made him very charming.
The plot of this book was exceptional!!! I was concerned that the spice might overtake the story, which is something I don’t enjoy, but that is not the case with Jailer. The story is so well done, Olympiad in its grandeur, and dark in all the best ways.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for dark fantasy romance, with a heavy dose of spice.
Quote: “Like the plague, I recognize its symptoms in myself. Love is a lyrical sickness that lacerates the unsatisfied heart with pretty wounds, singing through bloody whispers until the victim realizes they are dying. By then, it is far too late.”
January 1, 2023
I received a free ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This is a standalone novel, so even though it’s #7 in the series, you don’t need to read any other books first before diving into this world.
Between the world-building, the characters, and the high stakes, I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in two days. This book contains grief, angst, romance, court intrigue, and more. This book made me laugh out loud several times, and it also made me teary. Reading this was like watching a movie.
I was determined to finish this book before 2022 ended, and I’m happy to report that I was able to do so with about an hour and a half to spare!
Trigger warnings for losses of loved ones, threat of sexual assault, blood, violence.
This is a standalone novel, so even though it’s #7 in the series, you don’t need to read any other books first before diving into this world.
Between the world-building, the characters, and the high stakes, I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in two days. This book contains grief, angst, romance, court intrigue, and more. This book made me laugh out loud several times, and it also made me teary. Reading this was like watching a movie.
I was determined to finish this book before 2022 ended, and I’m happy to report that I was able to do so with about an hour and a half to spare!
Trigger warnings for losses of loved ones, threat of sexual assault, blood, violence.
May 4, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ DDBC read for May 💀 This book is part of a series but all books can be read as standalone - I haven’t read any others in this series (yet)! This book tore me down before it bought me back up that is for sure! The heartache that Vale has experienced is painful to follow, surrounded by so much death and devastation. Who better to help her through this than the God of Death himself - Arawn. I would have loved a slower burn but that personal preference, enjoyed the touch her and die vibes though. Ngl Arawn’s response to his, let’s say, body’s reaction to Vale had me giggling - not often is a God a virgin in books 😂. Overall enjoyed this book 🌶️
July 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this, my new favorite book that I’ve read by Rebecca Kenney
This book was a spicy, trope filled, romantic fantasy with gothic elements that gave me Tim Burton vibes. Arawyn and Vale were such a gorgeous power couple. I actually found the book through fanart of them and had to read it. I love how they uplifted one another. They suited each other so well. I’m kind of bummed it’s a stand-alone because I wanted to spend more time with them and I think there were some parts that were rushed. But I will be reading more from this author 🥀
Tropes included
One bed
Marriage of convenience
Touch her and die
Winged MMC
Forbidden romance
This book was a spicy, trope filled, romantic fantasy with gothic elements that gave me Tim Burton vibes. Arawyn and Vale were such a gorgeous power couple. I actually found the book through fanart of them and had to read it. I love how they uplifted one another. They suited each other so well. I’m kind of bummed it’s a stand-alone because I wanted to spend more time with them and I think there were some parts that were rushed. But I will be reading more from this author 🥀
Tropes included
One bed
Marriage of convenience
Touch her and die
Winged MMC
Forbidden romance
August 24, 2025
4.5 stars
January 29, 2023
More of a 3.5-4, I’ve been thinking about this book lately and feel like a 3 star rating is too low (esp compared to some other books I rated 3 stars). I still stand by my original review but I wanted to update the rating to be more fair. It’s really not a bad book! I just had some issues with it.
This book had all the elements for a 5-star rating for me and I have loved every other book I’ve read by Rebecca Kenney but it just didn’t fully come together in my opinion. This review will include some spoilers but I’ll do my best to be vague.
What worked: the characters and the setting. I really loved Vale - a selfless ruler consumed by grief who is willing to try anything to save her people including human sacrifice to summon the God of Death. And Arawn - an isolated virgin God who has never felt love or lust gets summoned to the mortal realm and is bombarded with new sensations and experiences. Set in a kingdom overrun with a terrible plague, the overall tone of the book is dark and full of grief but this serves to highlight moments of triumph and joy even more. When Vale finally does something purely for herself I was cheering so hard because even with all the responsibilities on her shoulders she deserved to feel good once in a while.
What didn’t fully work: the romance and the ending. It felt like one minute they were enemies, then unwilling allies, then briefly lovers, then they were in love?? I wish there had been a smoother transition. I also expected it to be spicier. We essentially get told that without novel or pleasurable experiences Arawn will feel his chains more acutely but we don’t see much of that one way or the other. Lastly the ending felt a bit spoon fed. Every interaction with the Goddess of War reminded me of a villain’s monologue where they just tell you their evil plan and then with the repeated mentioning of a very useful weapon it made the ending predictable and unsatisfying.
I will say the very, very end where Arawn gives Vale two gifts was sweet but it wasn’t enough to counteract previous events.
Thanks to Rebecca Kenney for the ARC - all opinions are my own.
This book had all the elements for a 5-star rating for me and I have loved every other book I’ve read by Rebecca Kenney but it just didn’t fully come together in my opinion. This review will include some spoilers but I’ll do my best to be vague.
What worked: the characters and the setting. I really loved Vale - a selfless ruler consumed by grief who is willing to try anything to save her people including human sacrifice to summon the God of Death. And Arawn - an isolated virgin God who has never felt love or lust gets summoned to the mortal realm and is bombarded with new sensations and experiences. Set in a kingdom overrun with a terrible plague, the overall tone of the book is dark and full of grief but this serves to highlight moments of triumph and joy even more. When Vale finally does something purely for herself I was cheering so hard because even with all the responsibilities on her shoulders she deserved to feel good once in a while.
What didn’t fully work: the romance and the ending. It felt like one minute they were enemies, then unwilling allies, then briefly lovers, then they were in love?? I wish there had been a smoother transition. I also expected it to be spicier. We essentially get told that without novel or pleasurable experiences Arawn will feel his chains more acutely but we don’t see much of that one way or the other. Lastly the ending felt a bit spoon fed. Every interaction with the Goddess of War reminded me of a villain’s monologue where they just tell you their evil plan and then with the repeated mentioning of a very useful weapon it made the ending predictable and unsatisfying.
I will say the very, very end where Arawn gives Vale two gifts was sweet but it wasn’t enough to counteract previous events.
Thanks to Rebecca Kenney for the ARC - all opinions are my own.
February 11, 2023
Omg!!! This book… where to begin? We follow Vale princess (newly queen) on a journey to save her kingdom from a vile plague. As a last resort she and a friend (Rose) perform a ritual to summon the death god Arawn. Little did she know that summoning the death god would bind his and her life together for a year. A year that she stated to save her people from the plague. The death gods sister created an additional clause into the summoning spell that states if Vale dies Arawn will die leaving his land of the death and throne in Annwn free for the taking. It also states that if he should fall in love while his life is tied to Vale that he shall forfeit his throne and again it will be up for grabs.
Immediately, you can feel the push and pull of the relationship between Vale and Arawn. There is this intense need for one another, that at first neither want to act upon but both eventually do as a “one and done” kind of thing.
Through our their journey of trying to save the people of Cerato, they encounter trials that test their will and shaky relationship.
If you like stories of a strong heroine willing to do whatever it takes to save her people, stories of gods and goddess, fake relationship/marriage (convenience), battling mythical creatures, revenge, and stories where good always wins, then this is a must read!
This book made me laugh, cry and even a little angry (toward a specific character). I felt the longing and the pull between the two characters. Rebecca F. Kenney has out done herself and I really hope that one day there will be more to this story.
Immediately, you can feel the push and pull of the relationship between Vale and Arawn. There is this intense need for one another, that at first neither want to act upon but both eventually do as a “one and done” kind of thing.
Through our their journey of trying to save the people of Cerato, they encounter trials that test their will and shaky relationship.
If you like stories of a strong heroine willing to do whatever it takes to save her people, stories of gods and goddess, fake relationship/marriage (convenience), battling mythical creatures, revenge, and stories where good always wins, then this is a must read!
This book made me laugh, cry and even a little angry (toward a specific character). I felt the longing and the pull between the two characters. Rebecca F. Kenney has out done herself and I really hope that one day there will be more to this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
Urgh- who knew death could look so good?!
I enjoyed this book so much!
The heroine: Queen 👑
This craven, sniffling, white-haired creature is the person who has summoned and ensnared me. They cannot even rise to greet a god. Such disrespect.
Vale is selfless and loving. She’s been given a throne she never wanted of a nation that is dying by an unexpected plague. Her only option is to summon the god of death and bargain with him.
The hero: God 🔱
“I’m not getting rid of the horns,” he says, before I can demand it. “I refuse to walk this plane in a form that could be mistaken for mortal. I am a god, and I expect to be treated with the respect I deserve.”
Arawn is a god and has no interest in feeble human business. He is arrogant and aloof; not at all prepared for the small queen who has summoned and trapped him.
There were honestly so many amazing moments in this book, the build up of suspense, the foreshadowing and the inevitable climax. So well done.
I loved the relationship development and the constant fighting of feelings in the beginning. The virgin god knows exactly what he’s doing when he eventually gives in and wow some of those scenes were hot 🥵
I take a long lock of her pale hair, separate it gently from the others, and wind it slowly around her throat. Her hair is so long I can wrap it twice around her slim neck.
The writing was brilliant as always.
Kissing her is like dying.
This book has made it to my list of must haves in paperback.
Deducted a star because of the rushed ending. I need moreeeee.
I enjoyed this book so much!
The heroine: Queen 👑
This craven, sniffling, white-haired creature is the person who has summoned and ensnared me. They cannot even rise to greet a god. Such disrespect.
Vale is selfless and loving. She’s been given a throne she never wanted of a nation that is dying by an unexpected plague. Her only option is to summon the god of death and bargain with him.
The hero: God 🔱
“I’m not getting rid of the horns,” he says, before I can demand it. “I refuse to walk this plane in a form that could be mistaken for mortal. I am a god, and I expect to be treated with the respect I deserve.”
Arawn is a god and has no interest in feeble human business. He is arrogant and aloof; not at all prepared for the small queen who has summoned and trapped him.
There were honestly so many amazing moments in this book, the build up of suspense, the foreshadowing and the inevitable climax. So well done.
I loved the relationship development and the constant fighting of feelings in the beginning. The virgin god knows exactly what he’s doing when he eventually gives in and wow some of those scenes were hot 🥵
I take a long lock of her pale hair, separate it gently from the others, and wind it slowly around her throat. Her hair is so long I can wrap it twice around her slim neck.
The writing was brilliant as always.
Kissing her is like dying.
This book has made it to my list of must haves in paperback.
Deducted a star because of the rushed ending. I need moreeeee.
March 28, 2023
Author Lillian Lark recommended this so I immediately borrowed it on Kindle Unlimited. Be aware that you have to wait until around the 50% mark for actual spicy scenes. I also felt like the last quarter wrapped up too many things too quickly. This could have easily been a duology. However, I still liked it overall and would recommend it to anyone looking for some dark and spicy fantasy romance. Just be aware that the setting and plot revolves around a plague so if that's a trigger or something you avoid, then you should avoid this book.
July 9, 2024
,I had been devouring all of Rebecca's books, and literally, all have been fantastic. It is wonderful to read fresh creative works with 🌶🌶🌶 that just hits differently. Absolutely an 18+ read, but the story building is easy to follow! The plot keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat. To add more, I enjoy the individualistic personalities that she writes
for each character, it truly breaks from the mould of the "copy paste heroine/hero."
I'm already waiting for the next book!
for each character, it truly breaks from the mould of the "copy paste heroine/hero."
I'm already waiting for the next book!
January 1, 2023
Every book I read by Kenney is better than the last and this is no exception!
Kenney does a fantastic job of writing the most morally grey characters and making you fall in love with them which is exactly what happened with Arawan. I loved both him and Vale from the start and their romance is so perfectly done!
I highly recommend this to any fans of paranormal romance and if you haven’t read anything by Kenney yet this is a great place to start!
Kenney does a fantastic job of writing the most morally grey characters and making you fall in love with them which is exactly what happened with Arawan. I loved both him and Vale from the start and their romance is so perfectly done!
I highly recommend this to any fans of paranormal romance and if you haven’t read anything by Kenney yet this is a great place to start!
December 24, 2022
From the beginning, I knew that Vale and Arawn were going to become one of the favorite couples of the Dark Rulers series.
Arawn starts out slightly naive and calloused towards the human world. Vale is at the end of her rope and desperate to help her kingdom. Yet, they find a way to work things out. Vale is an incredibly strong-willed character, and it pairs well with Arawn's stubbornness. I'm a sucker for characters turning into softies for each other, and their arc is perfect.
The book was a wonderful blend of romance and fantasy. It has enemies to lovers and forbidden love. It pulled at my heart string several times.
Rebecca F Kenney's books have been some of my favorites of 2022, and I'm excited to keep reading more in 2023.
Arawn starts out slightly naive and calloused towards the human world. Vale is at the end of her rope and desperate to help her kingdom. Yet, they find a way to work things out. Vale is an incredibly strong-willed character, and it pairs well with Arawn's stubbornness. I'm a sucker for characters turning into softies for each other, and their arc is perfect.
The book was a wonderful blend of romance and fantasy. It has enemies to lovers and forbidden love. It pulled at my heart string several times.
Rebecca F Kenney's books have been some of my favorites of 2022, and I'm excited to keep reading more in 2023.
January 29, 2023
I can’t even begin to say how in love with this story I am. This book had every 5 star element—from tropes beautifully crafted & executed, to a bind shared between two worlds. I absolutely adore the relationship between Arawn and Vale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
A beautiful love story
I read this over the course of a few days and I loved every minute! I loved Vale and Arawn's story and the crazy tension that would build between them. I won't lie, I was tearing up at the end because it was so perfect and sweet.
I read this over the course of a few days and I loved every minute! I loved Vale and Arawn's story and the crazy tension that would build between them. I won't lie, I was tearing up at the end because it was so perfect and sweet.
January 12, 2023
Loved this! Definitely in my top three favourite Kenney books...
January 15, 2023
Another great tale of lust, love, and delightful fantasy by Rebecca F Kenney. Highly recommend.
January 20, 2023
I gave this book 4 1/2⭐️ it’s really enjoyable
April 15, 2023
Dark, intriguing, comfortably predictable in parts and fascinatingly surprising in others. I liked it, but it also wasn't impossible to put down.
November 28, 2023
Rebecca Kenney books are SO GOOD but i wish they are much longer or atleast made into duologies. i need more of arawn and vale 😭😭😭 arawn has my whole heart 😩
January 5, 2023
** spoiler free review below **
Okay let's just get it out of the way, again, that Rebecca is my Queen and rarely ever does me wrong okay? I trust her with everything. Every. Thing.
And I've been so, so excited for this one especially because we've heard about the Gods before in this universe, Arawn the most if memory serves. I knew the one who captured his love would have to be special and she is. She really is.
The storyline was beautifully inspired by myth and tradition while also staying so unique. I had no idea how it was going to end and by the time I felt like I had it, the entire thing went into a direction I hadn't thought of. And that doesn't happen often in my experience so of course that's one of my favorite parts.
Oh boy, was that ending cheesy? Yes but it's like ordering a cheese pizza. YOU EXPECT IT TO BE PRETTY CHEESY OKAY. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM THE GOD OF DEATH HERE? Always, it made me cry and I loved every second.
Once again my Queen proves why she owns me heart and soul.
Themes:
• one bed
• marriage of convenience
• fated mates (?)
• virginal mmc
Ratings:
Plot: 4½ ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
Spice: 4 ⭐
Overall: 5 ⭐
Okay let's just get it out of the way, again, that Rebecca is my Queen and rarely ever does me wrong okay? I trust her with everything. Every. Thing.
And I've been so, so excited for this one especially because we've heard about the Gods before in this universe, Arawn the most if memory serves. I knew the one who captured his love would have to be special and she is. She really is.
The storyline was beautifully inspired by myth and tradition while also staying so unique. I had no idea how it was going to end and by the time I felt like I had it, the entire thing went into a direction I hadn't thought of. And that doesn't happen often in my experience so of course that's one of my favorite parts.
Oh boy, was that ending cheesy? Yes but it's like ordering a cheese pizza. YOU EXPECT IT TO BE PRETTY CHEESY OKAY. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM THE GOD OF DEATH HERE? Always, it made me cry and I loved every second.
Once again my Queen proves why she owns me heart and soul.
Themes:
• one bed
• marriage of convenience
• fated mates (?)
• virginal mmc
Ratings:
Plot: 4½ ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
Spice: 4 ⭐
Overall: 5 ⭐
May 11, 2025
This was a captivating story with a good sprinkling of hot spice. Characters showed growth and were easily loveable too. Loved how it ended too! That was such a great surprise and one I did not see coming.
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