I can’t believe it took me this long to read this book! I love all of Lee Winter’s book! The characters in this novel were so complex and compelling. I didn’t know what to expect with each page I turned. I definitely 💯 recommend this book!

3.5

I struggled rating this book because I truly do not know how I feel about it. It was well written, had a good pace, and mostly kept me intrigued throughout; however, I didn't love this as much as others have seemed to and I don't think I'll remember it very well in the long term.

I think part of where I struggled is in the characterization. Both Natalya/Requiem and Alison feel like they're meant to be well rounded characters but they read pretty flat to me. There is an interesting perspective shift throughout the book that I actually quite enjoyed, but I think that's because I found Alison to be slightly more compelling than Natalya.

Overall, I think this is a fun, twisty book and I love that Lee Winter is writing lesbian fiction that's more than just fluffy romance. While I didn't necessarily buy into the romance, I think it's more to do with my general uninterest in the "ice queen" trope than it is the actual plot and pacing of the romance. I do think the added short story Love is not Nothing at the end of the audiobook did help me buy into the romance a bit more than the main novel did and that is why this is getting 3.5 rather than 3.

This book was utter perfection.
I fell in love with the writing first, Natalya second, and the plot third.
This was fast paced, incredibly well written. It is one of my favourite Lee Winter books to date.

Thanks to Ylva Publishing and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for my review.

This book was a twist from start to finish. I never really knew where it was going and kept turning the pages, eager to learn more about the world spun and created by Winter. Requiem is the story of two women broken and molded by the world around them, but their meeting sets off a series of events that shakes the foundation of everything either one knew. If you're looking for a traditional, cutesy, rides off into the sunset type of romance, this isn't it. But it is still a beautiful story of two women learning how to find themselves and discovering emotions in a place they weren't expecting. And if they were smart, they would have ignored, but the emotions are chaos. They're a foil to the other and the inevitability of their attraction is there, and I found myself rooting for them the entire. Both in their relationship and in breaking free of the toxic binds that had tried so hard to pin them down.

I didn't expect to love a book about a lesbian mob assassin who is also a concert cellist (in Australia), but everything I've read by Lee Winter has been great, so I gave it a shot. My trust was rewarded.

Over dinner, I was trying to give my wife a quick synopsis of the plot. I got to what sounded like the end, but explained that was about the first third of the book. Not even close to done.

Yes, their eyes meet across a crowded room, but nothing after that is even remotely predictable. I was rooting for them but had absolutely know idea how it could every work out.

If that sounds like your kind of fun, go for it. Even if it doesn't, give it a tray, or try one of her other books.

Ylva Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley for an honest review.

Badass Sapphic women are my favorite. This was a wonderfully thrilling story, while some aspects I was able to predict there was just as much that surprised me.

Fantastic story, really does keep the momentum and mystery all the way through. This book keeps you on your toes, the romance to the story is almost a secret as not to pull focus but the character is almost like she is watching a different type of target. The book is superb, would highly recommend and will be reading more by this author in the future.

I love a bad-ass woman, especially when she ends up liking another bad-ass woman ;)
This book was so well-done. I really enjoyed every second. You're doing a disservice by not picking it up

Lee Winter is always a winner, and this was no exception. This was simply an excellent novel. It was well written, the characters were amazing and entertaining, the storyline was compelling and had some unexpected twists and turns, and the romance was satisfying. The different plotlines, the mystery, action, and romance, were all very well balanced and worked well together. It truly felt like an organic and cohesive experience, and not like multiple plot elements were crammed together. All of Winter’s novels are a recommended read from me!

This one is lighter on the romance than some other novels I think and spends more time on the other elements of the novel. The assassin plotline isn’t just thrown in on the side or as backstory, it is a very significant and present element to this novel. It certainly isn’t sweet or fluffy, although there are some very sweet or heartwarming moments snuck in throughout.

There is a separate short story called “Love is Not Nothing” that is a sequel to this novel and I ABSOLUTELY insist that you read it after this one. It adds a lot to the reading experience despite it being relatively short. If I had to pick the weakest part of Requiem it would be the ending which could have been a bit more involved or longer, and this bonus epilogue does a lot to shore up that weakness.

I've read quite a few of Lee Winter's novels, and somehow never picked up Requiem for Immortals before. This was a blend of all my favorite things, enemies to lovers, bad ass female assassin, and romance on top. Perfection.

Requiem for Immortals introduces Natalya Tsvetnenko, a classical cellist who moonlights as a highly skilled assassin. When tasked with a seemingly simple contract, Natalya discovers a web of intrigue and deception that keeps readers on their toes.

Natalya is a fascinating blend of artistry and danger, portrayed with remarkable depth. Her unique approach to her dual life as an assassin and musician is both compelling and believable. The romance is a surprising highlight, well-paced and integral to the story, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the main plot.

Requiem for Immortals is a gripping, artfully crafted novel that blends suspense, romance, and strong character development. A must-read for fans of imaginative and engaging fiction.

I have no idea what genre to classify this book as, but I enjoyed reading it!

Natalya as a cellist, Requiem as an assassin. Requiem is the best of the best at what she does, fulfilling difficult to reach hits and adding a sense of poetic justice. One day, though, the target she's given just doesn't make sense. But the biggest question is why that even bothers her.

First up - if you only want to read books where the main character is likeable from the start then this is not for you. Natalya has been groomed to be a killer from a very young age, with all emotion beaten out of her. She treats people like trash.

This book has a strong romantic thread, but I'm on the fence on whether I'd call it a romance. Partly because of plot balance, partly because Natalya takes so damn long to realise that she actually has emotions. But it's definitely sapphic. And dark. With a lot of suspense.

Alison (the mark) was a really interesting character, and arguably had a bigger development arc than Natalya did. Fair warning that her background isn't the happiest either, so make sure you're prepared for some unhappy themes coming into this one.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

Natalya Tsvetnenko is a professional cellist. She plays in Australia and also tours and guests with other symphonies abroad. She is disciplined, careful and music is her passion. She is also the hired assassin known as Requiem. She has spent years killing off underworld leaders. She also does it in ways that are artistic and give warnings to other gang members. Her day job allows her to hobnob with the wealthy. When she gets her latest assignment she is perplexed because she isn't a gang affiliate and appears to be an innocent. No one is more surprised when the two seemingly are becoming friends, at least as much of a friend as Natalya can be.

Lee Winter creates a character that is complex and compelling. In typical Winter’s fashion this is a very slow burn romance. Requiem was created and almost has no humanity left in her when she meets Allison. Her music is the only way she can show her feelings. She is heartless and dispassionate and that is how she has survived so long. Allison seems bumbling and timid. She gave up her life to care for an ungrateful mother for over a decade. And it isn’t until the second half of the book that you realize she isn’t the mouse that Nat thinks she is.

I found the story riveting and creative. I like that Nat is not apologetic for the things that she has done. And I badly wanted Allison to find a way to be with her. This story is so different and unique I was left gasping and wanting more. Originally released in 2016 and I am excited to see the audio book is available at my local library. After reading through it on the edge of my seat, I’d like to listen to it and pick up anything I missed the first time.

Professional cellist by day, professional assassin at night, she takes both of her job very seriously, which makes her curious why would a job contract required her to kill a seemingly innocent woman, as she dug deeper and got closer with her target, she no longer certain she can proceed, it shaken her to her core and make her doubting everything she once believed.

Wow, just wow, this is such a masterfully crafted romance thriller about our beloved flawed assassin and kind and innocent but smart and strongly hearted violinist. Aside from Mir in Lily and the crown, I don't recall another character so badass and hot! She is flawed and refused to apologize for it, if anything she probably would gave you a death stare so chill you back down from the argument haha.

I had read and re-read all of Winter's books and if asked, without a doubt, Requiem will always be my favorite one. On a side note, Winter's short story <love is not nothing> is a must read! It gave us a better view of how life was going after the ending and without spoiler it warm my heart so much to read it. Definitely recommended it to anyone.

What does it take to be an assassin? An abundance of patience, meticulous practices, absolute control, methodical research, and nerves of steel.

What does it take to be a world-famous cellist, playing for the most renowned orchestras on the planet? An abundance of patience, meticulous practices, absolute control.... wait a minute!

Natalya Tsvetnenko is no ordinary concert cellist. She is also the infamous assassin 'Requiem' who carries out hits for the four major American crime families.

However, when she gets her latest target, she's bewildered by the seemingly innocent mouse of a woman named Alison Ryan, who someone has taken a hit out on.

Following her target and getting to know them better, Requiem's impenetrable facade starts to crack, and she battles the intrigue she feels for Alison Ryan, which leaks into her life as Natalya.

But just who IS Alison Ryan, and why does she need to be ended?

Can Natalya balance both sides of her life whilst not only keeping Alison safe, but by helping her find her feet in a misogynistic workplace?

*I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.*

I am so very late to this read. Like almost a decade late. Anyhow, glad I got with the program. What a read. Natalya Tsvetnenko, cellist/assassin, with no room for feelings or caring. Allison Ryan, classical music enthusiast, and terrific aunt to Haley. Natalya has issues which makes this read even more interesting and those issues stay with her throughout. Allison has issues also which are challenged in a very interesting way. This is a time when I cheer on the assassin and not feel any remorse. She is fierce, focused and creative until she runs into a "mouse" then she is baffled. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a wild as well as intriguing journey that I enjoyed every single turn of the page. I even check out some of the music.

Wonderfully dark fun
I've been a fan of Lee Winter's writing for years. She is a master of the ice queen trope and writes page turners that inform, entertain, and often keep you guessing. Requiem for Immortals has some twists you don't see coming and two very likable and endearing main characters even though one is an assassin and cellist in one. The book includes a playlist/soundtrack at the end for readers who haven't looked up the pieces cited in the story while reading. Musicians and classical music lovers alike will get a kick out of the comments made about certain kinds of instrumentalists and types of music thru the book.
I originally read this book when it was first published so only remembered the barest bones of the story (cellist assassin) before diving in for a re-read. I skipped reading the synopsis and got caught up all over again rooting for justice being served both poetically and creatively on those otherwise protected from punishment for their nefarious actions. With shows like Killing Eve in recent years gracing media screens it may be tempting to skip this book out of the belief that you've seen this story before (or read it in the book series Killing Eve is based on). The basic premise may be similar however this book is far better written than the Killing Eve books and in my view more engaging and satisfying than the former TV series. And because Requiem for Immortals was published years ago, the sequel story is already available so there is no wait to satisfy your curiosity and stay in that universe with those characters a bit longer.
In addition to the memorable main characters there are several secondary characters who will capture your heart and perhaps make you wish that most of the cast of characters in the book existed in real life although perhaps not living anywhere too close to where you live.
I highly recommend this and all of Lee Winter's work and look forward to seeing what she publishes next. May her well of story ideas never run dry.

Wow!
There is no denying that Lee Winter is a master of her craft. Her ability to create characters that are simultaneously dark and loveable is extraordinary. In this story we have assassin Requiem, the number one hire for Melbourne’s criminal underground villains who need to facilitate someone’s demise. But Req is no ordinary assassin. She has morals of her own and matches the punishment to the crime so that her victims realise the error of their ways before they leave this world. Sounds virtuous? No its horrible, and in any other story, a brutal hired assassin with morals would be a juxtaposition too far to accept. But in this story, Winter’s mastery of character development combined with a fast paced, integrated plot allows us to understand the incredibly complex and unauthodox person that is Req.

Enter Alison, a new target who is as uncomplicated as can be. How can Req justify her death? What follows is a cat and mouse game where each character unknowingly chases each other’s truths in an attempt to come out unscathed at the end.

This is truly a mesmerising book. Make sure you clear your calendar before starting it as you will not want to put it down. As dark as the plot is, there are many light-hearted and amusing moments that will make you smile.

I requested this from Netgalley because I saw comparisons to Killing Eve and Villanelle is one of my favourite protagonists. While I can see the similarities, I feel this lacked the comedy and genuine thrill that Killing Eve delivers.

Also, I didn't feel like Requiem was a very engaging character - I found her quite arrogant and annoying, whereas Villanelle manages to somehow be witty and charismatic.

Killing Eve comparisons aside, I found the dialogue quite cringey and the beginning sex scene wasn't for me. I know Requiem probably was meant to come across this way, but it was off-putting how predatory she seemed.

The romance was fine but I felt the characters were quite two dimensional. Also, Natalya's compassion for Alison didn't fit with the rest of her character.

The bad guys were typical bad guys, not nuanced or morally grey. That said, it wasn't easy to root for the MC either and Alison seemed quite passive throughout.

Overall, it's a decent read, but not one I'd reread.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

Maybe my expectations were too high but I wanted to like this more than I did 😭

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!!

This book is intoxicating! It twists and turns and makes you feel just as obsessive as the mc.

I love how wild the plot feels but requiem is so solid and decisive. Also, there’s something about a romance that doesn’t make the flawed characters ‘see the light’ that just hits different.

I will be reading this again and I can’t wait!