Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones

by Bailey Grayson

Your sacrifice will be for the greater good.

That's what my grandmother said, right before she stabbed me in the heart. Apparently, a witch with no power has no other purpose than to be sacrificed to the Deathwatch Revenants in return for making my unborn sister a powerful necromancer. Well, the joke's on her because I wake up in the Underworld surrounded by, yep, you guessed it, the Deathwatch Revenants. And not only that, I seemed to have acquired some powerful death magic, go figure!

With all the complications over at G.R.I.M, Hades sends us off on a soul collecting mission. I'm just going to take the opportunity to also seek some cold, hard revenge on the coven that killed me.

Watch out, grandma. I'm coming for you.

Join Raevyn on her deathly journey of discovery as she finds out just how powerful she really is. This is a why choose romance which means the heroine won't have to choose her love interest. There is some bad language and some graphic sexual scenes so this book is recommended for people aged 18+. There is instalove, LGBTQ+ characters, fated love and so much more.

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose, M M Romance, Vampires, Romance, Demons

Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2024

Reviews

[Lucie V.]

This book is free on Amazon (Canada) today (12/28/2024). 🙂


Has anyone read it? Do I need to read the other G.R.I.M. book before this one?


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[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Why Choose
*Paranormal
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Revenge Plot
*Underworld Based
*Greek Pantheon
*Unknown FMC
*Building Harem (6)
*MM relations
*Standalone
*Shared Universe
Saucy supernatural standalone
A great addition to the GRIM world that’s already been introduced by this author - so do expect to see some cameos. Although you can read this book entirely independently of that series 👍
This follows Raevyn who after being sacrificed finds herself in the underworld and drawn to a number of men - each of whom are unique characters who share a sense of possessiveness and protective over our leading lady 🥰 what I really enjoyed was the intrigue around what Raevyn’s magic can do and what she actually is! There’s a really good balance between her character mystery as well as the spice 😄 there’s plenty of it especially with all six of her men having their own experiences with each other 🌶️ the only thing for me was I did feel we got more of some men focused on than others (she doesn’t do the deed with all of them in space of this book) so I would have liked a bit more balance there - I do understand why with one of them though. Overall a strong and enjoyable read.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 3/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5

Paranormal
Why Choose
Morally Grey MMC
Touch Her & ☠️
Magical Awakening
Strong FMC
Large Harem
Fated Mates
Friends To Lovers
Existing MM
Witty Banter
Found Family
Revenge

Sticks & Stones & Broken Bones is a standalone book in the G.R.I.M. tales.

Raevyn is having the absolute worst day. First, her coven, believing her to be a null, uses her as a sacrifice to gain more power. Then she wakes up in the Underworld surrounded by hotties with no idea if she’s alive or dead, what to make of the power they can feel inside inside her, or the instant connection she feels to each. Okay, the hottie part isn’t so bad except they’re the Deathwatch Revenants, deadly creatures of myth, dangerous to everyone except her. Right?

It turns out the Underworld isn’t all bad. She gets to practice her new power and Hades gives them the task of reaping some difficult souls. She even gets a taste of revenge.
All isn’t as it seems for our girl. Mysteries, secrets, and lies about her past and future are slowly revealed.

This was a really fun and fast read. The guys are morally grey and fairly psychotic but devoted to Raevyn. There was great banter and good spice. Looking forward to the next one.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones is a standalone within the G.R.I.M. universe. This is an interconnected series.

You have:
💜PNR
🖤Whychoose- 6 men
💜MM
🖤Standalone
💜Found Family
🖤Revenge
💜Touch Her & ☠️
🖤Magical Awakening
💜Strong FMC
🖤Fated Mates
💜Friends To Lovers


I am absolutely in love with this series. From the very beginning, I was hooked! I absolutely loooved Raevyn. She's so full of wit and sass, and definitely matched her guy's energy. There was action, spice, banter. Definitely a fun read!!

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Bailey, what a book. I never knew how much I enjoyed a big group within a why choose book, but you did it so good!
If you want a book with pnr, gods and a purple haired necromancer then this is the one for you. She is feisty and won't let anyone stop her.

[Sierra Browne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy a “she has multiple boyfriends and her boyfriends are boyfriends trope” but the smut was almost completely just stuff happening with the boyfriends. Not terrible but I would’ve preferred it be more focused on the fmc

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sticks And Stones And Broken Bones by Bailey Grayson(related to G. R. I. M.) is an exciting fantasy romance. Raevyn Is a witch with no powers that her family sacrifices in the hopes of being granted more power and a Necromancer in their line. However when Raevyn shows up in the Underworld still alive and filled with power she is left with many questions. The Revenants that she was sacrificed to feel a bond to her and agree to help her seek revenge and find answers to her questions. However it seems each answer leads to more questions. Will Raevyn be able to use her newfound powers to defeat her grandmother and keep her men safe?
I really enjoyed this book. It was so layered with mysteries and I really enjoyed trying to make predictions of what was really going on and what would come next. I liked all the characters and enjoyed seeing some from Grayson’s other G. R. I. M. book in this universe. Each of the men was very different from each other, each with a burden to carry. Raevyn is an interesting combo of sweet and dark. The story itself had lots of twists and surprises that kept me guessing. There was some spice;some MM from a previous relationship and a budding why choose romance that builds in the story.
If you enjoy fantasy romance/erotica, found family, mystery, revenge, darkness, LQBTQ+, and why-choose this is a must read. Wonderful characters and amazing world-building with lots of spice.is only a bonus. Additionally if you enjoy this, you need to check out Right Hand of The Reaper based in the same universe with the story of a few of the characters we meet in this story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been excitedly awaiting another G.R.I.M book and Bailey Grayson made all my dreams come true with Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones.


When a story starts off with dark magic, hot guys who lean more on the charcoal side of morally gray, a magical house, and a talking bird, I knew it was gonna be a fantastic read. I loved every minute of this book, it took me longer to read because if I was laughing (I can have a dark sense of humor) and commentating. The story started off good but then shot straight to amazing. There was some steam, this book had a flirty feeling to it with a fair amount of sexual tension. As for the actual plot, the mystery surrounding Raevyn kept me guessing. Things aren't adding up, weird stuff keeps happening and no one has any answers. I really enjoyed seeing characters from the previous stories, the club scene was a good surprise. I'm hoping for more crossover in later books.


Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones was freaking awesome! And that ending, whoo. This story was a little dark with a bit of humor mixed and there was magic galore (just how I like it.) Bailey is doing an excellent job of world-building and has written memorable characters, it's a wonderful addition to the G.R.I.M. universe. I'm getting addicted to this world, I need more, novellas, shorts, and full stories, I'll take anything I can get my hands on.

[Katelyn Livezey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal
Why Choose
Morally Grey MMC
Touch Her & ☠️
Magical Awakening
Strong FMC
Large Harem
Fated Mates
Friends To Lovers
Existing MM
Witty Banter
Found Family
Revenge

Sticks & Stones & Broken Bones is a standalone book in the G.R.I.M. tales.

Raevyn, our FMC, is considered a null. She has not had the best life… not the worst, but definitely not the best.

Her coven, led by her grandmother, uses her as a sacrifice to gain more power. She wakes up in the Underworld surrounded by four very good looking men with no idea if she’s alive or dead. There’s this power she can feel inside her that wasn’t there before. She feels an instant connection to each of the four men…. Who turn out to be the Deathwatch Revenants, deadly creatures of myth, dangerous…. That her coven worships.

The Underworld isn’t what you would picture. It’s its own world.. While she’s there she gets to practice her new power. The guys work for Hades, the king, and she gets to be a part of the team and reap some souls.
She brings her other mate back to life while testing her powers. Plus you get to meet two more mates… well one and a half and you’ll understand why once you read it.
She does eventually find out some much needed information… like why her mom didn’t save her, who her father was, and why she has the powers she does.

This book was amazing and I 100% recommend!!!

[T.P.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was rather refreshing , I needed some mythologically entangled story to sweep me off my feet. The plot is engaging, there is slight mystery as to the FMC's heritage and I loved the Deathwatch Revenants and what they represented. Not to mention the different powers displayed here, from witchcraft and sacred rituals to necromancy, and fabulous display of power unearthly strength, which only Gods could yield. This entire universe throws you in the mystical Underworld, which offers magic, dangerously alluring characters and of course, quite a few revelations.

I loved Raevyn's journey as she experiences her newfound magic. Although she started off quite timid, the main heroine managed to stand her ground and face her worst fear. The guys were fabulous - a tad psychotic and slightly vicious, but undeniably smitten with Raevyn. The only thing that I would have liked to see was a bit more balanced relationship building. There was more time dedicated to some of the gentlemen rather than to each of them spends time with Raevyn. However, that did not take away from the story or the reading experience itself.

I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of Greek Mythology, ancient magic and spellbinding characters. I am definitely going to read more from the G. R. I. M. universe as I did encounter some fascinating side characters as well.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

* 4.5 stars

My rating for this book depends a little on whether I have to rate it as part of a series (of books that can be read as standalones), or as a true standalone where the storyline of these characters is truly done. The thing is; I’m not sure which of the two it actually is. But in case it’s the first, and there is more to be expected in the future, I would rate it five stars. Otherwise I would have to say I have to limit myself to four, and here’s why:

Even though this book ends in a HFN/HEA (depending on whether you need an epilogue to have the ‘ever after ‘feeling or not), not every piece of the story feels resolved. On top of that, this book suffers from what often happens with big harems in a standalone, and that is that it lacks relationship building. Don’t worry, it’s plenty spicy, but the relationships don’t go much future than knowing how they look without their clothes on.

All of that could be resolved in a second (or third book), in which case I highly recommend it because the storyline is filled with action and spice! What I’ve learned of the characters so far has definitely peaked my interest, and I would just love much more of them. Just make sure you love MM in your harem, because the poly vibes are strong.

[Angela Paton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a why choose romance novel. I actually couldn’t put this book down from start to finish. This book is set in the same universe as Right hand of the Reaper. With some characters making an appearance from that book but you don’t need to read that book to actually read this one. This book has a trigger warning so give that a wee read before you start as no book is worth anyone’s mental health. The FMC story starts with a sacrifice. Her Grandmother telling her that her sacrifice will be for the greater good. She was being sacrificed for the greater good, for her unborn sister to become a powerful necromancer. That didn’t quite go the way Raevyn’s grandmother or coven was expecting, she wakes up in the underworld with the deathwatch revenants who she was sacrificed to. Raevyn comes to find she has powers, and not just any power, all her life she was told she had no power. With her and the revenants having a mission to collect souls for G.R.I.M, she has decided it is also her best opportunity to get revenge on her coven for everything they put her thru. While doing this she discovers a lot about herself dam I want to keep talking better not put any more in or it would be filled of spoilers

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving these stories set in the GRIM world. Although characters and events from the main series title do crop up in here it is an independent stand alone story.
Raevyn is deemed a null witch and in the opening scene of this book she is sacrificed to the Deathwatch Revenants by her Grandmother who hopes that in exchange for the sacrifice Raevyns unborn sister will receive the power to become a Necromancer. Only when she awakens in the underworld after the ritual surrounded by the hot Revenants she begins to wonder is she really a witch with no powers and is she really actually dead?
There were so many characters that I loved in this story. In RH I normally have a favourite guy but to be honest in this one I really couldn't choose! The story is really well written, there are a lot of MM moments in this as the males build romantic relationships between themselves too as the book progresses although there is one pairing already in place from the start.
I really would have liked to see Hades reaction when he finds out that one of the characters has not been imprisoned again as per his orders but I do think that there is a chance we will get to see it yet as the books in this world do cross over. I highly recommend this as I really enjoyed it from beginning to end

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raevyn is from a long line of witches, who are dying to have a necromancer in their line. So when Raevyn finds she doesn't have any powers, her grandmother sacrifices her to the Revenants to make that dream a reality with her little sister. Things take a quick turn when Raevyn doesn't die, but wakes up in the underworld, and learns that not only does she have powerful dedth powers, but the Revenants she was sacrificed to have formed a bond with her. Now she's going to get some answers and possibly some revenge on her grandmother.

Bailey Grayson is an author that I can expect good spice from as well as a good story. I loved Raevyn and seeing her grow with her men. She has a unique story, and you really can't guess exactly what will happen next as you read. The author keeps you excited and on your toes the entire time.

I will say that while I love reverse harem romances, the one thing that seems to cause issues for authors is relationship building. The book is over 300 pages, but we don't get to see the relationships built between Raevyn and each of her men or even really see how they all fit together in a relationship setting. Despite this issue, the book is has a strong plot, spicy scenes, and at least ends on an HFN/HEA.

Overall rating
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶

[Robin Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give very few 5 star reviews, and this one is probably a 4.5. However, it was original, fast paced, and well written. My only two complaints were I wanted more of the story and it needed a better editor.

I think it is probably hard for author to balance keeping a story engaging and supplying just the right amount of details. I'd rather have the engaging story, but there was so much more I wanted to know. And I really wanted the spicy scenes to be more robust. Most of the spicy scenes didn't go all the way. The book does end on a high note in that regard.

I'd also like to see a sequel about these characters so we could see their relationships develop further.

It was strange that the FMC was more afraid of a witch than Hades. No matter how powerful the witch, that doesn't make much sense, other than we can sometimes let irrationality influence our reactions.

As far as the editing, there were a few run on sentences. The phrase "gauge out his eyes" should have been "gouge out." There was at least one other wrong word used. For KU book,though, it didn't have an unusual amount of errors.

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this book had me dragged in from the very first chapter, what a great opening for a story. Once I started, I couldn't stop as it got better and better with every page I turned. We open with Raevyn being sacrificed by her coven and her finding herself in a world she never fully realised existed.

Everything she knew about herself is false and she's got more power than she knew she had. As her new journey in "life" begins, she wakes up surrounded by the Deathwatch Revenants, the very being she was sacrificed to.

There's a perfect mixture of MM (existing relationship) and MF throughout and even some mild enemies-to-lovers with one of the guys. We hit the ground running and every chapter is perfect. I enjoyed every single moment and even enjoyed the little cameos throughout.

A brilliant must-read for paranormal romance fans and other stories from the author's G.R.I.M stories.

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! The book was so much more than I expected it to be and I do not regret ignoring my adulting activities today to read this book. I’m only sad that this is a standalone and not the first book in a series… I could read about these characters for many more books to come. I didn’t realize that this was a book that was interconnected to other series so I’m gonna go read those soon, if the GRIM series is anything like this book I’m going to be sad when it’s over. This is my first book by this author, and I am in love with her writing style. I get just enough of the backstory that it keeps me hooked but not bored. Raevyn and her guys are so sweet and sassy that it just makes my heart all ooey gooey. And those spicy scenes were sooo hot. 🥵 good lord gravy, someone get me a fan…
I would not be opposed to more books about this group (hint hint, wink wink) ***insert grabby hands*** gimme more please!

[Libby Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This is the kind of book, where you sit down to read a few pages and end up finishing the whole book. It was so good. This is also the kind of RH book where you don’t have a favourite guy as you love them all.
The book follows our FMC Raevyn, her grandmother sacrifices her as she believed her to be a null. Which turns out wasn’t the case and she was stronger than most as she turns out to be a demigod as well as a necromancer! When she dies she goes to the underworld here she meets her Revenants and she is connected to all of them. She seeks revenge on her grandmother, and to do this she lets Apollo out to help her! I’m not saying much more as I don’t want to ruin it!! It did have a fab ending though
Overall such a good read I would definitely recommend it! Also there is plenty of steam!

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a standalone PNR RH/poly. Its set in the G.R.I.M. world but you don't need to have read any of the others (I haven't).

Raevyn believes that she has no powers, but it takes being killed by her grandmother to find out who she really is.

I really enjoyed this story as Raevyn starts finding out who she is and what she can do, whilst seeking revenge on her coven for sacrificing her.

All the guys were different, and I loved the banter between them all as they all start to find their place with Raevyn. She collected them all along the way.

As this is a standalone we don't delve too deeply into anyones relationships or pasts, but I liked that the story kept moving at a good pace. There were lots of different things going on, not just with Raevyn but with all the guys too.


- PNR RH / mm
- multi POV
- 6 guys in harem
- Greek mythology

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raevyn and her men take one heck of an adventure together. I loved the way one of the guys described the men: having extraordinary gifts but then also having significant other challenges that kind of counteract their gifts. I think that part gave me pause just a bit, because isn't that how all of us feel? None of us is perfect but we all have things we are really good at, despite the things that may hold us back. And the people who matter most to us won't care at all about those challenging 'imperfect' bits. More importantly in this story, it was those kind of jagged edges to each guy that fit together perfectly for Raevyn to make a really great harem. Raevyn's 'no more power for bullies' mentality was absolutely amazing to see, especially with regards to Hades. Such a great novel and loved the cameo from my favorite GRIM reaper!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a standalone within the author's GRIM universe. While you'll see some people you recognise if you've read the others, it's not necessary.

Raevyn is a witch with no powers, so her power-hungry grandmother decides the best way she can serve the coven is to sacrifice her to the Revenants. Of course, it doesn't turn out quite as expected.

Watching Raevyn come into her powers is a fun storyline, and learning where they came from even more so. She has an interesting mix of mates, who themselves have a great mix of pre-existing relationships to various levels, and we also see these grow and develop. This book is SPICY!

Overall, I loved the plot, which centred around Raevyn's background, how she got to where she is and how she deals with what's happened to her. It's a great addition to the GRIM universe and I can't wait to read more!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!

This book is dark, but in a totally good way. The FMC, Raevyn, is used by her coven as a sacrifice after having grown up as a null, but it goes wrong. She does end up in the underworld, but she isn’t dead. She is found by the Revenants – which is a group of men that were created by Hades. With them, she knows that she has found her mates – all four of them. And when they tell her she has magic, she doesn’t believe it since she never has before. She uses her necromancy powers to bring Hawk back and discovers that he is also one of her mates. There is much more that happens to this story as secrets about her heritage and the witch coven she grew up in are discovered. And just who the mysterious voice in her head actually is!

This was fantastic, and I would love to read more about these characters!

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sticks and Stones and Broken Bones (G.R.I.M) by Bailey Grayson was a quick fun read and an exciting dip into a magic filled world that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat!

This is the story of our fabulous FMC Raevyn who comes from a long line of witches—a line that l upon discovering she had no powers she was gladly sacrificed to try and fulfill their families lifelong wishes of having a necromancer in the family. However things didn’t go as planned and Raevyn finds herself in the underworld—where she not only has powerful death powers, but has also formed a bond with the Revenants she was sacrificed to. Now it’s time to deal with her treacherous family, find a little revenge and possibly even love along the way…

Needless to say I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait for more from Grayson!

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lied to her whole life, she was sacrificed by her grandmother for the good of the coven.
Turns out she doesn't really die, but she is very determined to get revenge.
She finds the perfect assistance when she falls into the realm of the very ones that her coven are sacrificing her to.
There, she comes in to her own powers, finally, and starts to make sense of her life.
But she's now got all these guys surrounding her that want to consume her, and we're not talking about her soul.
Then she has to go and raise the dead, annoy a God, who then put them all on a job.
See, no rest for the dead, and she's got witches to slay, with ancestors coming out of the woodwork.
It was an interesting read that I really enjoyed.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of don’t even know what to say about this book. It sucked me in right from the start, and everything that happened after that felt like a complete surprise. I adored that I got to see some of my favorite characters from “Right Hand Of The Reaper” as we followed Raevyn’s journey of growth, learning, and transformation. Her Revenants (and company) were an unexpected joy. I am in awe of the author’s ability to make their bloodthirsty possessiveness charming in the face of the red flags it should be throwing up. And now that I’ve learned even more about this world the author has created, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next story in it.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Donna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down till I completely finished.
I really enjoy reading books about Greek Mythology and this was just so good and really loved it.

Raevyn hadn’t shown any signs of having any type of powers. It took until her Grandmother to kill her to realise she did have some type of powers.

Thanks to being killed by her grandmother she learns who she truly is and grows into the person she’s meant to be.
Raevyn decides to seek revenge on those who sacrificed her life, while doing this she ends up finding multiple guys who end up loving and finding their way all together.
You get multi POV which I really enjoy as I love seeing it from everyone’s views.

[Anoesjka Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! As Raevyn collects her harem along the way, all whilst fighting against her evil grandmother! She has always been an outcast in her coven, but being sacrificed is the absolute limit. When she finds herself in the underworld with four hot revenants, things start to look up. Discovering some of her powers as a necromancer and more, and then collecting another couple of hotties to add to her harem seems to come as second nature to her. There are a few twists and turns, and a bit of spice with all her guys. I loved how Raevyn was instantly so comfortable in the underworld and was able to stand up to Hades, and how the guys all overcame their own little demons to fall for her so deeply. A great read!

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a witch doesn't have powers, being sacrificed seems the most logical next step, right? Well, that's what Raevyn's family thinks is best, but things don't go exactly as planned. She is sent to the Underworld very much alive and confused with the powers she actually has. She also discovers the Deathwatch Revenants who not only feel a connection to her but also decide to help her achieve revenge against the coven that sacrificed her. It was an interesting read being introduced and learning more about the characters and this world, and we also get some spicy moments between Raevyn and the men she meets in the Underworld. This is a why choose romance after all. This was a great addition to the G.R.I.M. universe, and I look forward to more!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to do when your coven leader, who’s also your grandmother, sacrifices you? After years of neglect and abuse, our heroine finds her power and strength, along with an amazing ragtag of incredible men (and a couple of gods!) Raevyn went through quite the transformation!
I enjoyed the story overall, and like the premise of it. I would have liked a bit more details to some parts of the plot (some parts felt a bit rushed) however, this faster pace fits the story. I liked seeing how the relationships between all the characters developed, and together, they found their forever.
If there ever is a follow up, I’d be vested in the world they inhabit, and Raevyn’s familial ties. Of course, seeing how everyone is getting along with each other, too!

[TheSugaredBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading I couldn't put it down! From page one, it's nonstop action. And I loved it!! Raevyn is both vulnerable and fierce. She's also smart, probably the smartest in her coven for seeing things as they really are. Her guys bring a whole lot of hotness to the story. Casimir, Korbin, Rook, Hawk and Nox will immediately have you falling for them! I love how they all instantly feel their connection, even though some of them fight it more than orhers. And then you add Apollo to it and just WOW!! There are so many secrets to uncover, so many twists and turns, and this book will have you reeling while trying to figure out what's really happening! Plenty of steam, magic, twisty turns and lots of the feels!!