Welcome to my dark romance haven, where we explore stories that mix love with danger, obsession, and chaos. If you’re a fan of heart-pounding, boundary-pushing tales, you’re in the right place!

I’m Summer, and today I’m diving into the Dead Man Walking Duet by Susanne Valenti and Caroline Peckham, comprised of The Death Club and Society of Psychos. This was my first time reading works from these authors, and wow—what a thrilling introduction! This spoiler-free review will give you a taste of the duet’s wild energy without ruining the surprises.


As with nearly all dark romance novels, this book does have mature themes that may not be for everyone. If you are sensitive to certain triggers, please check the trigger warnings before reading.

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“I was somehow alive, clinging to this world like a cockroach with a tiara.” Brooklyn

“Sadly, I wasn’t a lesbian. Even the Devil hadn’t helped me out with that. Like, give a girl a break please, Big Red? Just have a word with my vagina and tell her dicks are devious and pussy is purity.”
Brooklyn

WHAT WORKED WELL

This duet is a masterclass in balancing chaos and heart. The writing style shines with multiple points of view, each character’s voice distinct and deeply affected by their past. Brooklyn’s stream-of-consciousness narration is a chaotic delight, blending humor with darkness that had me laughing even in tense moments.

The reverse harem dynamic is unique—unlike typical harems where the men are already allies, Niall and Mateo start as enemies, and AJ’s arrival shakes things up further. Watching them navigate jealousy and find their place in the group while building a romance with Brooklyn is deeply satisfying. It shows that this story isn’t just about the romance; it’s about their growth as a found family.

The humor is a standout, lightening the brutal fights and high-stakes twists without diluting the story’s intensity. The slow-burn chemistry between Brooklyn and her men is electric, with just enough steam to keep you hooked. The world-building, filled with daring escapes and gritty settings, immerses you in this anarchic universe.

“Pretty is what you call girls who are sweet and bland and boring. You’re not pretty. You’re the only thing in the room no matter how full it is. You’re the kind of woman men go to war for. Even beautiful doesn’t cut it for You’re breathtaking in the most extraordinary way.”
Niall

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER

No book is flawless, and the duet has a few hiccups, so let’s explore what could’ve been better.

I feel like this duet should’ve been a single book. The Death Club spends much of its time setting up the world and characters, and AJ doesn’t get introduced properly until the end of book one. The romance also builds slowly and can feel sparse, which may frustrate readers craving more heat early on.

Additionally, for much of the story, one love interest feels like the main focus, while the others are sidelined until the plot needs them. It does start balancing out some by the end of book two, but it leaves the harem feeling a little unbalanced, and I would’ve loved to see more equal attention through the story.

“I couldn’t think about anything else. From the moment I’d first laid eyes on her she’d been owning my mind and tempting my body and I needed more. I needed all of it. And when I had her, I’d feed her to my demons and let her sate their wicked cravings.”
Mateo

FINAL THOUGHTS

LET’S TALK!

Have you read the Dead Man Walking Duet? What did you think of Brooklyn’s unhinged energy? Who was your favorite love interest—Niall, Mateo, or AJ? Drop your spoiler-free thoughts in the comments, and let me know your favorite reverse harem tropes! If you’re new here, join our shadowy community for more dark romance reviews, and check out this duet for a thrilling escape.