Guarded by the Reaper

Monster Security Agency #9

by Cara Wylde

There’s only death for her, and eternity for me.

My client, Millie, made the wrong deal - her soul for her sister's life. Now she must pay up, and she's ready, but she needs fourteen days to take care of one last thing. The creature who's waiting to dine on her soul won’t give her an extension, so Millie hires me to guard and protect her for the little time she has left on this earth. Who better to delay her death if not the Grim Reaper himself?

I’m a bag of bones, flesh held together by a magic cloak. For decades, I’ve wandered, aimless, lost, disenchanted with the world… But as I spend time with this mortal woman, forced close by my duty to her, Millie gradually reminds me who I am and what my purpose is.

Now that I found her, I can’t lose her. For her, I will break the rules of the universe, fight the soul eater that wants to devour her, and deceive death itself.Monster Security Agency is the most elite bodyguard service in the world. These monster bodyguards are lethal, powerful, and determined to protect their clients at all costs. They shouldn't fall in love with their principals, but if they do? Things are bound to explode.

Here come spicy, romantic, and action-packed tales by your favorite paranormal and monster romance Cassie Alexander, Layla Fae, and Cara Wylde. Dive into the world of the Monster Security Agency.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Monsters, Paranormal, Monster Romance, Paranormal Romance, Ebooks

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2024

About the author

Cara Wylde loves to write about strong, feisty women and their hot Alphas who will do anything to make them happy. Her books are filled with romance and just a dash of mystery, suspense, and that eerie atmosphere she fell in love with reading too many gothic novels. With a master's degree in Comparative Literature, she can't help but play with tropes and themes from various genres, trying to come up with fresh perspectives on the paranormal characters her readers love so much. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, witches... Cara will always make sure they get their own twists.

When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.

Reviews

[Peaches Beach · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just bad. Really. Bad. I really love this series but every book by this author is bad. The stories and Ideas are good but not carried out well. The plot is all over the place the dialog is unnatural and is like a poor high school play script. The plot seems like she is just throwing stuff in at random moments and like it’s barely thought out. This book was difficult to get through. If i wasn’t committed to the series I would have DNF’d. too bad for the series because the other 2 authors that write for the series are so good and every book this author writes is so consistently bad. I do think that her books could be made so much better by good editing and consistent plot.

[T.P.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars: There were some good ideas here and I love a Grim Reaper, there is something quite enchanting about the scythe and assisting souls to cross over. The main male character was nice, I liked him from the start. However, I did feel like there was quite a bit of backstory there, but I got only a glimpse into his past. The FMC appeared to be nice enough though I did not understand some of her decisions.

My main issue with this one was that it felt somewhat disjoint at places and frankly, the romance was there, but it did not feel like a genuine connection between two souls. I think that perhaps this author's style is not quite right for me. Overall, good ideas, but execution wise, it did not deliver. Hopefully, other readers enjoy it more.

[Ahici · Rating 3 out of 5]

The entire series is a set of stand-alone novels, and I wanted to give this author one last try.

I wasn’t overly enthralled by the authors previous books in the series and unfortunately this one still didn’t hit the mark. It was better than the previous additions in the series, but was still lacking some good gradual character development. The plot was pretty straight forward, nothing surprising and with quite a few holes concerning logical thinking on the characters parts. The spice was there, but it was mild at best.

I’m done with the series and it was overall great. I don’t think I’ll be picking up any more from this author though.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was a little skeptical that I would like the book as a romance about a Grim Reaper? But it really works. Grim has been working for the Monster Security Agency on the side for a while now, instead of doing his duty for Death and bringing souls to their Afterlife. He takes on Camellia Aster as a client because she needs two weeks for her sister’s cat to get better and she is being hunted by poppet’s because she made a deal with a very powerful being. But she did this because her sister was dying, so she did what she did for love, as she is now. The poppet’s are terrifying. I loved learning about how he had befriended a few people. Norman is a piece of work. Elysia is so small and cute at 8. I was very upset that Millie (Camellia) leaves her alone so much and for so long for a little kid. I had to keep reminding myself that it was just a story, lol. Some of the book is terrifying. I had to have the AC on because I was giving off fear sweat and chewing on my nails. But, there was also romance because Millie was just so pure of heart. I love her. She could see the truth about Grim and made him feel again. It was so beautiful. Reading about meeting Death and the Fates- was scary and beautiful too. I loved this book. The end was both upsetting and beautiful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flannery Simchuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gets an E for entertaining but that’s it!😂

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grim and Millie (Camellia)

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew then that I'd move heaven and earth for her. If it came down to it, I'd trade my immortality for her life..."~Grim🪓❤️🥹

Let me begin by writing how much I love the book cover. It's romantic in every dark Addams way possible.🖤🖤 It's very cool!! I like how that image is what happens in the story too. But I will not spoil when it happens here.🙅🏻‍♀️

I am a new reader to Ms Wylde's creativity and I really enjoyed her style of storytelling. This is a very different kind of story. It deals with hardships and grief for one. Wanting to feel safe. Needing it. Finding a connection to a person is difficult enough. But in this case, it happens to be with an otherworldly being who also happens to be a Reaper. You know who I'm talking about. The guy you see at the end of it all.💀😱 But Grim use to be a man first. It's a complex and layered situation. Part monster, or is he really? To me, Grim is a supernatural. He's jaded, not cruel, he knows what he is and never expects anything from anyone. The guy who collects souls, who works at MSA, is about to meet his true destiny. One he wasn't expecting. He's been hired as a protector, a bodyguard, for a wealthy woman named Millie. I like Grim. He's not what I was expecting. He can be sarcastic, even distant, there are reasons for it, but what use to work for him, isn't any more. He's got secrets. Even insecurities. Yup. Imagine that. Sadness too. Grim wants... acceptance and love. He's tired of death itself. What happened with Isabelle.😥 No spoilers.

I like Millie. This girlll is strung out from making a deal with an unimaginable creature to protect Elysia, her little sister, who is sick. There are hardships here. Depression. Wishing and missing. Their parents are gone. I felt that sadness. If you could save your loved one, wouldn't you do anything, even make a dark deal, to save them? But it comes with a price. They always do.🧪😵🪦 But she needs help from Grim before sealing the deal. Time is ticking. The stress is exhausting her. But Grim makes all that go away. He's what she needs. She also has secrets. One tiny question, if I may? Who took care of little Elysia when our couple was away from the mansion dealing with the twists? The hired help were sent away sooo...🤔

The macabre is here. Not overly, but enough creepy, if that makes sense. I got some early Stephen King vibes. The villain and her warped minions are everywhere. I wasn't expecting what happened in that situation to be that, I wanted more action to be honest.🙉🙀 But okay. I love the cat. Definitely!!! Breathless. They were different. And there is attraction and a sudden romance brewing and happening for our couple. Spicy time.🔥🫦🔥I know what you're thinking. How is it possible? Millie and Grim? Well. It is what it is. You have to go with it. Enjoy it for what it is and let it be.😝🤣🤣 Hehe

I won't spoil what happens next for our unexpected couple. Does it all work out? Is there a HEA? Uhhh, yes. The epilogues at the end were an unexpected surprise. But it fits. I really really enjoyed the story. Grim and Millie are love. I loved it. It's a unique, beautiful, world building. I was invested. I couldn't put it down. I do recommend. Happy reading.🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤

😈🩻☔Thank you to Ms Wylde and Booksprout for an early book. I'm voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts on the story I read.☔🩻😈

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATINGS:
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️
Ending ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶 [I think I only counted 3 spicy scenes]

📚Genre📚
Paranormal Romance
Gothic romance
Monster Romance
Bodyguard Romance
Dark fantasy romance
Fantasy romance
Paranormal dark fantasy
High Fantasy
Fiction
Dark Thriller
Elements of horror
Elements of stalking

✨️Tropes✨️
Grim Reaper/Ansel Sullivan x Camellia Aster
Century-old Deliverer of Souls x 26YO Human
Monster Security Agency
Shadow Daddy
Deadly Bargain
Damsel in Distress
Witty Banter
Broody Protector
Rich vs poor
Strangers-to-friends-to-lovers
Magic
He falls first & hard
Touch her & ☠️
Forced Proximity
Physically Very Different
Opposites attract
Grumpy/Sunshine
Age gap
Innocent Cohabitation
Insta-love
Bodyguard
Emotional scars
Broken in some way
Forbidden Love
Is it all as it seems?
Unlikely hero 🐈
Found Family
HEA

⚠️Trigger Warnings⚠️
¤ Modern-Day Seattle, WA
¤ Poppets [grotesque mockery of a human child, its eyes like glowing embers, made of clay & straw teeth with straw limbs, claws]
¤ Magic, curses, magically-enchanted artifacts, magically-binded deals, otherworldly creatures
¤ Nightmares
¤ Being bitten by otherworldly creatures
¤ ☠️ of parent(s) [off page; remembered]
¤ On-page [detailed] remembrance of the car crash
¤ Mentions of drinking poison
¤ Elements of: Horror, gore
¤ FMC comes from wealth & privilege
¤ MMC [as a human] was poor & starving, transient
¤ Fear, panic, hysteria, anxiety
¤ Cancer [Millie's sister & a secondary side character]
¤ A friend ☠️ing of cancer in a hospital setting & subsequent 💀
¤ Grief
¤ Mentions of the three Fates
¤ Feelings of abandonment
¤ Oral sex
¤ Rough sex
¤ Death [the "Breathless"] is a non-binary entity with ever-shifting physical features
¤ Body Horror
¤ 🍆 warming
¤ Kidnapping [forced teleportation by the enemy; very brief]
¤ Marriage in the epilogue

📝✒️NOTES✒️📝
☆ Grim can teleport 😱 Grim's cloak is Enchanted fabric
☆ Poppets were like cockroaches, skittering in the shadows; They were extensions of Ma-Vasha’s will, animated by her power, & she was older than time itself - as ancient as Death. They linger in Millie's subconscious, can harm her physically, & they speak to her in her thoughts. Poppets attack her in the dream realm; they're crafty creatures - they prey on your deepest desires & fears, even using magic to illusion themselves as your ☠️ Mom
☆ MMC [as a human] was a soldier/veteran; he survived mustard gas only to die of exposure/hunger on the streets of the country he'd fought for. He, then, received a job offer as the Grim Reaper

💁‍♂️Pairing💁‍♀️
M/F

🗣POV🗣
First person; Dual POV [Grim + Millie]

💫Book Summary💫 Following the sudden, tragic death of her parents, Camellia [AKA: Millie] takes on the responsibility of caring for her 8YO younger sister, Elysia. Elysia's Leukemia brings her to ☠️s door, & on impulse, Millie agrees to a bargain with an ancient, soul-eating creature, Ma-Vasha. The bargain? Millie's soul to save Elysia. Once she drinks the poison, she's 💀. Millie has 14 days until Ma-Vasha [or her Poppets] come for her soul. Millie tracks down the Monster Security Agency, where she's assigned the Grim Reaper as her 14-day protector. But.... once you make a deal with Ma-Vasha, there's no going back, no negotiating. Can Grim truly save her or is he just delaying the inevitable?

🗨My favorite quote(s)🗨
“Now, rule number three… My cloak and my scythe,” [he said finally, his voice low & menacing] “Off limits. You don’t touch them. Ever.” - Grim, MMC [page 29] [Apparently, Grim is very sensitive about his stuff being touched 😂🤣]

"But as I looked down at her, at the way her dark hair fanned out across my arm like a silken wave, the way her lips curved into a small, peaceful smile, I couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, some lines were meant to be crossed." - Grim [page 47]

"The Fates were more than just mythical figures; they were the cogs in the machinery of life and death. The First Sister spun the threads of existence with her spindle, each one representing a life about to begin. The Second Sister measured them, her fingers deciding the length and breadth of each journey. But it was the Third Sister, the one with the shears, who truly fascinated and terrified me. Her touch was final. She snipped a thread of life, and somewhere in the land of the living, a life ended. Then it was my job to find the severed thread that blew in the wind on earth, follow it to its source, and finish what she’d started. With my scythe, I cut the thread a second time from where it was knotted around the dying human’s – or monster’s – breastbone. Finally, I guided their soul to the door beyond which their afterlife awaited. I never knew what someone’s afterlife looked like. All I knew was that beyond the door, they would find what they needed at that moment." - Grim [page 93]

"Death appeared, not as the skeleton I’d imagined, but as a shifting, ethereal presence. They offered me a contract – an eternity of reaping in exchange for three gifts. The first gift was the scythe, which I would use to sever the delicate threads of life. The second, my cloak, a shroud of concealment that held my broken body together and shielded the living from the horror of my true form. And the third gift… The Breathless gave me a new thread of life, a shimmering strand they called the thread of eternity. It replaced my severed life thread, knotting tightly around my breastbone. I’d never given it much thought before – just another part of the package deal that came with my new existence. Apparently, my thread of eternity existed outside the jurisdiction of the Fates, the sisters who spun, measured, and cut the threads of mortal lives. It was a loophole in the cosmic tapestry, a thread that only its owner could sever." - Grim [page 125]

✅️What I liked✅️
• The Grim Reaper, scythe & all, crammed inside a human vehicle?! 😂🤣😂🤣
• Grim has a smartphone? How do I get that number? 🫢😘
• Chapter 17/18 [Daddy Grim f**ks like a God]! 🥵💦
• His 💦 is black smoke? *Fans face* 🫠🫢
• Chapter 25/26! And Chapter 37! 🥵
• The chemistry between the two MCs is absolutely intoxicating!
• If I don't get to f*** the Grim Reaper when I ☠️, I will riot in the underworld! 🫢😆

❌️What I didn't like❌️
• The predictability of Millie's "sister" actually being Millie's daughter; there were multiple hints throughout the book, indicating she was more than her sister
• Some grammatical mistakes noted - their/they're, incomplete quotations, etc
• Of course Ma-Vasha took Elysia! The bad guys always abduct the innocent(s) when a bargain goes south! 🤨🙄😒
• Ma-Vasha 💀ing because she's allergic to cats? Unlikely.
• If I hear the phrase "I was a Grim Reaper, for crying out loud!" one more time, I will throw a table!

My feelings about this book:
👉 I've read better ones 🤷‍♀️ [this is a neutral rating]

Would I read this again? 🤔
No...

📢Review📢 Overall, it's not a terrible read. If you're looking for a quick monster*ish romance read, this will deliver.

[Petra Hart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have loved this series so much I gave Wylde another chance. Unfortunately neither the characters nor the plot made me want to finish the book.

[Malia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. Overall, it wasn't my favorite of this series but I enjoyed reading it. Grim was adorable in an innocent sort of way. I liked the somewhat slow burn. The twist with the sister I didn't expect but should've so well done. Everything wrapped up very neatly. Out of the entire series, this one was on the less spicy side so maybe less than 4 open door scenes. But still a good read. It just didn't knock my socks off. I did finish in one day though so great writing.

[Kaja R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t piss me off cause wdym i’m 16% in and you’re already in love?? Wrap it up.

[Mae Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving this one a 5 star even though there was no character development and the outcome of the story fell a little short, however, I loved it all regardless and it was a quick read. Can't complain.

Millie has bargained with Ma-Vasha to save her sister - Elysia (which is actually her daughter, she got pregnant at 18 and the father didn't want anything to do with her and left, her parents (rich people) decided to adopt their granddaughter as their own). Elysia has leukaemia and Millie decides to bargain her soul to this soul-eating monster in exchange for her sister/daughter. She needs 14 days to get her shit together and by shit I mean, make sure this cat (Lady Mews) that her sister loves so much is recovered after being hit by a car, said cat currently in a vet hospital and is recovering well *no animals were harmed in this book*. Why she needs to do that really makes no sense since she's rich enough to actually hire someone to do EXACTLY just that.

So this Ma-Vasha thinks that Millie had reneged on the deal and is sending these weird life sized scarecrow/voodoo (Called Poppets) looking things to taunt her and she needs a bodyguard from the MSA (Obviously) In steps Grim, a reaper for over a century, first he denies the job and then agrees to it after Millie chases him down and explains what happens.

He goes with her to her family estate in which she's now laid off every single servant because she fears for their safety. So these Poppets taunt Millie day and night but cannot enter the house because it's protected by family love (PS Her parents died in a car accident a year prior and their love still permeates the home and that's what is preventing the Poppets from entering). So they try entering another way which is through her dreams where they can harm her. Long story short, Grim realizes this and wraps his cloak around her while she sleeps and this is the only way she is safe from the Poppets while she sleeps.

They fall in love probably about 2-3 days in? (can't remember, probably somewhere around that since this is the timeframe for the FMC and MMC to fall in love in these MSA books). So there is no way to break this deal unless another soul is sacrificed. Grim being the golden retriever that he is, decides he's going to give up his eternal life for her after they both meet with Death (aka Breathless, who's a they/them) and realizes this is the only way.

While in their meeting with Death, Millie is asked to wait outside and stumbles on a room of prophecies and meets the one of the Fate Sisters, she gives Millie a glass bottle with a prophecy about Ma-Vasha and a clue on how to end it without giving up their souls, they read it and don't get it. Something along the lines of rich furs blah blah get silent death....don't ask, just read. Any who Ma-Vasha has had enough and whisks Millie to her castle and tells her its time to pay up, Millie begs for a few more days and Ma-Vasha surprisingly agrees and sends her back to her family estate all the while kidnapping Elysia. Millie doesn't know this until her and Grim come back from the vet with Lady Mews in tow hoping to cheer Elysia up since she was upset about not being able to leave the estate. They find Elysia's room empty and realized she's been kidnapped and Grim teleports them to Ma-Vasha's castle where now Grim is ready to give up his soul in exchange for Millie's. Just as he's about to do this, Lady Mew who was hiding underneath his cloak while he teleported, jumped out and ran towards Ma-Vasha and single handedly killing her cause get this.....she's allergic to cats! and that was the meaning of the prophecy. Ma-Vasha dies and Grim teleports them back and they all live happily ever after. Fast forward to 1 year, Grim and Millie get married. Fast forward to 24 year and Millie is 50 y/o, she decides she also wants to be a reaper and Death (they/them) grants her this request and they both are now certified reapers for all eternity. There you go folks, your HEA.

While there are so many unanswered questions in this book, I won't change my review to anything less than a 5 star. I enjoyed it, it was fun and quick to read. The one thing I thought was so crazy is, the author just didn't want to factor in that Millie literally left her 8y/o sister/daughter alone while out trying to solve these issues instead of just at least leaving one staff to babysit....I mean if this was real life, I'm sure Millie would have more problems than just soul eating monsters....Social workers and child protective services will be all over her ass.

[Elainie Force · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars rounded up to 5)

As someone who usually sticks strictly to thrillers, Guarded by the Reaper was my first real dive into Romantasy, and it completely exceeded my expectations. I saw some reviews on the lower end saying "nothing happened" and let me just say this is NOT true lol.

Every chapter moved with the urgency I’m used to in a suspense novel, constantly introducing new stakes that kept my ADHD brain fully engaged. I found myself flying through it in about an hour a day over a few sittings, and it has definitely inspired me to start branching out into other genres more often.

The protagonist, Millie, finds herself ensnared in a precarious bargain with a very evil antagonist, leaving her with only a few weeks to live. In a desperate bid for survival, she enlists the protection of the Grim Reaper to safeguard her remaining days. This premise offered a remarkably unique trope since like I said, I am a crime and psychological thriller reader.

The world-building surrounding the various dimensions and the "poppets" was surprisingly immersive. I was particularly impressed by how the author handled the Grim Reaper’s internal voice; giving him a tangible history made his emotions feel incredibly authentic and grounded. Seeing the feelings and curiosity grow between Millie and Grim through their alternating perspectives was the highlight of this book, and while a few specific word choices or exclamation marks felt a bit awkward at times, it never pulled me out of the story.

The romance developed beautifully within a relatively short timeframe. The spice was a solid 4/5 for me & it felt realistic for his specific "condition," and I was genuinely fascinated by how a cloaked skeleton functions in those more private moments! Ultimately, it’s a poignant tale of love and sacrifice that delivers a very satisfying happy ending. I especially loved how the villain met their end; without spoiling anything, let’s just say they got exactly what they deserved in the most comedic and "cutest" way possible. A truly great read for any young adult fan of fast-paced, supernatural romance.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Millie needs a monster body guard to keep her safe from the soul eating enchantress that she sold her soul to, just a few more days until her cat recovers from an injury. She gets assigned a grim reaper, named Grim, who reluctantly agrees and goes to protect her and her little sister. She sees him as more than just a grim reaper and he sees her pure and noble nature and of course they fall in love. Adorbs.

I’ve read a bunch of the bodyguard trope and I like it but definitely nothing like this. They’re all these growls strong alpha guys who have to get in touch with their feelings but this was a whole other level. I loved the development and the characters were so interesting. Honestly it was entirely ruined by the premise, it made absolutely no sense that she would be ok with dying she just needed to wait until the cat is recovered to go, it’s not like that will provide a guardian for her sister. So ya that part made it a little hard to get on board but if you skip that part then the rest is great and creepy and spicy and unique….up until the end. I won’t ruin it but the conclusion also made no sense. The cause of death wouldn’t kill someone and even in the very very rare case that it did, it wouldn’t kill you in 2 minutes. So ridiculous. There were some other logical inaccuracies like he says he’s been reaping souls for centuries but he was human in WWI and the cat still has a cast how can it hold onto things. Don’t even get me started on the epilogue. I do like the conclusion but the timing is insulting, add 20 years and maybe it’ll make sense MAYBE.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millie is in a difficult situation and while it is (mostly) of her own doing, she had very good reasons for making the bargain she made. She's not even trying to get out of the bargain, she just wants enough time to settle one tiny little affair before she hands herself over to the creature who's going to eat her soul.

The entity she made the bargain with isn't really known for giving extensions, though, so Millie has to hire Grim to keep her safe until she's done what needs to be done. Grim doesn't want the job, pretty much turns it down at first, but somehow ends up doing exactly what Millie needs him to do after meeting her. Which is to say, he's attempting to protect her from some very bad creatures who want nothing more than to drag her back to their mistress.

The thing that springs up between Millie and Grim is unexpected for both of them. Grim can't imagine how someone as beautiful and kind as Millie could want someone who's the walking undead, Millie likes Grim (more than likes, really), but knows her time is limited. So she pushes all her doubts aside and decides to explore these feelings she has for the reaper before her time is up.

Secrets, bargains, prophecies, a reaper who needs a purpose, and a lady who is willing to risk it all for the people she loves. Oh, and a cat. A sweet, maybe a little naughty cat who happens to be in the right place at the right time to put things in motion. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4&1\2 fabulous🌟's for Guarded by the Reaper🔥💖🌟

This was a surprisingly beautiful story. Not because the author isn't a wonderful writer but that she made the story between the characters heartfelt , beautiful and full if love. What would you do for someone you loved more than anything? What sacrifices would you be willing to make for the people you love to be healthy and safe? This book is full of love. The love between family, parents and siblings, the love shared between friends and the love that no d's two hearts together for eternity! This is a book well worth the read it has just enough creepy (poppets) and that's all I'm saying , the perfect amount of angst and terrific characters that you will fall in love with. Grim had a horrible hard life when he was alive and in the centuries following he's seen the things people are capable of and has lost faith in humanity, until he meets Camellia. Camellia, has sacrificed much and will willingly do more but she just needs a few more days to fulfill a promise. They only way that is going to work is if she hires herself a guest from MSA! When she meets Grim she's knows he's the one. From their first meeting their lives become woven together fate has a way of working miracles when they need too. Give this book a try you won't be sorry! So so fabulous💖🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🌟💖

[Shyla Ames · Rating 1 out of 5]

So much potential and so little follow through. That’s what I felt reading this book. Previous books in the series felt more thought out than this one. It’s was as if someone took an outline and published it, only leaving out half the pages.
Also, there was all this talk about the fmc having to end her life to satisfy the bargain she’d made but never any talk about what would happen to her 8yo sister/daughter she cared for. It only mentioned what would happen to her trust fund. It was an itchy tag that kept bothering me throughout the book. Also, who leaves an 8yo home alone with those poppets hanging around?? Irresponsible behavior that truly grated for me. Strong fmc she was not, maybe not afraid of a reaper but rather afraid of life it sounds like. Also, if his bony fingers would cut or puncture her clothes, etc, how did they manage any sex with hands??!? Idea was good but just not thought through very well.
I put this book down for a bit because it was just so hard to get through. I only picked it back up because I was more than halfway through and wanted the dang thing finished so I could return it to KU. Glad it was “free” to read because I would have wanted my money back on this one. I will not be finishing this series. Disappointing because I love the premise and potential of what it could be.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

'This was a love that defied logic. And in that moment, something shifted inside me. Something dark and cold and ancient, something that had been frozen solid for decades, began to thaw. And it terrified me.'

I loved this book. I've read a handful of Grim Reaper- or it's equivalent- romance, but this one is definitely my favorite. I love the premise so much! After Millie's parents died, all she had was her sister, Elysia. But when her leukemia came back with a vengeance shortly afterwards, Millie sold her soul to a dark creature to save her. Only right as she was going to drink the poison she'd been given, her sister's cat came in with a broken leg and will need fourteen days to recover after surgery. She wants to hire Grim to protect her for just that amount of time- to have saved both her sister and her sister's cat- before she'll take her life and hold up her end of the bargain. Grim initially refused the job, but something about her selflessness got through his walls.

I liked the way their relationship developed. What kind of happy ending can an immortal, tired of the endless, and a human, dying with little time have? The story had suspense, the poppets were creepy!, and I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out. 4 stars

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

When modern medicine failed, Camellia (Millie) Aster made a deal with a soul eater, her sisters health for her own soul. Her sister is alive and well, but Millie needs fourteen days before fulfilling the obligation, unfortunately, the soul eater is impatient and won't wait. Mille contacts the Monster Security Agency to hire a bodyguard. He is one of the many Grim Reapers, and an employee of Monster Security, but the last thing Grim wants is to guard a spoiled rich girl trying to avoid fulfilling a bargain the made of her own free will.

Oh, wow, I loved this book! I have to admit that I couldn't quite figure out how a romance between a human woman and a skeletal being such as a grim reaper would work, but I thought this was a fascinating and engrossing romance between these two very different beings. These are compelling and unique characters with engaging personalities in a steamy paranormal romance with some unexpected twists and a happily ever after. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonding Through Tragedy

Initially, I was unsure that this novel would appeal to me, just judging by the cover. Since the release was so close to Halloween 🎃, I decided to read it. What a pleasure!
MSA’s employee Grim Reaper is tasked to guard heiress Camellia Aster, who is being threatened by an evil force after making a deal with “her”. The author details the previous tragedies that have shaped both the MC’s. What readers will discover is a professional relationship that transforms into one of love between two individuals whose lives have been surrounded in death. Read how Grim regains little by little the tenuous threads of his humanity, of the memories of his former life and of the memories of tragedy, heartbreak and emotions.
Although Camellia is a study in loveliness, poignancy and overwhelming love for her sister, it is Wylde’s characterization of Grim that is the “soul” of this novel. Keep a box of tissues nearby. This book deserves an overwhelming 5 stars 🌟!
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarded by the Reaper is a wonderful paranormal romance that is a sweet and emotional read.
Millie Astor has approached the Monster Security Agency to hire a bodyguard she only needs for fourteen days.
Grim a Reaper is offered the job by his boss but when he finds out that Millie made a deal with
Ma-Vasha an evil soul eater he turns it down.
Millie tells Grim her reasons for making the deal by giving up her own life for her sisters, and why she needs his protection for those extra fourteen days.
Goodness, this story was such a heart-tugger of a read filled with love, family, danger, surprises, friendship, and spice in a beautifully written adventure of evil defeated by the power of love. World building was imaginative and the story immersive and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to take the journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grim is at a security firm where he took a job. The owner has a job that is right up his alley. Guard an heiress for 14 days. He refuses and leaves.
Millie watches as a grim reaper leaves the owner's office and follows him. On the roof before he leaves she grand his cloak. She beseeches him to take the job and explains why. So he signs the contact.
He is fascinated by the human woman and her sister. He realizes the deal she made was from one of love for her sister.
The longer he's there the more he feels. He realizes he wants her for his own. But they need to figure out a way to save Millie from the contact she signed to give her life in return for her sister's.
Help comes from two different directions...Death himself and one of the fates. Will they be able to win? What will it cost them?
A beautiful story that will touch the heart of the reader.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: I wasn't sure what to expect from this book in the series but I was definitely intrigued by the premise of basically De@th guarding over life so that was enough to lure me in. But once I found out the reason behind the 14 days specified for Grim to be watching over and keeping Millie safe I was totally bought in. The intrigue part of this story feels pretty fleshed out and I really enjoyed it. But oddly, the romance aspect of this book just didn't quite click for me for some reason. There's no insta love which is good, but I ended up feeling like the flip from bodyguard and principle to intimacy happens pretty suddenly which threw me. There's a lot of spice and unique Grim Accessories *ahem* so between that and the reason why Grim is protecting Millie I still enjoyed myself going through the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grim was asked to guard Camellia for 14 days that all she needed to stay alive so she could get her sister’s cat from the vet as it had a broken leg. She owes her life to Ma-Vasha for curing her sister of cancer, poppets were after her whenever she went outside or in her dreams. When he covered her with his cloak she wasn’t attacked in her dreams and they fell in love and when they touched he didn’t feel the cold. The Breathless wanted to talk to them but then he had to talk to Grim alone and the 1st fate gave Millie a prophecy that would kill Ma-Vasha. Went to get the cat and Elysia her sister was taken by the poppets, so they went to save her and the cat had hidden in his cloak. And Ma-Vasha was taken care of and Grim had to go back to reaping souls but could stay with Millie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grim the mysterious man with a weapon and a cloak. She was brave from the get go, i mean running up to him and grabbing him like that when he refused her is pretty brave. I like how when he looked at her he didn't see a client he saw a woman that would do anything for those she loves and oh boy did she ever. When he told her he couldn't protect her in her dreams but then they find out the magic cloak can was well done, with that he could protect her in places he didn't think he could. 2 parts made me giggle 1 was with the soul eater and Lady Mew and 2 was the wedding set up. I could just imagine the wedding of people to one side and reapers on the other. It was beautifully passionate and made you laugh type of book. Some parts made me teary eyed and make me like grim more than the serious reaper he was trying to be.

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ABSOLUTELY loving this series of the Monster Security Agency from Cara Wylde. A great story and you really can't put any of them down especially this
one. Millie made a deal with a soul eater, her sisters health for own soul. Her is sister is alive, but Millie has to fulfill her obligations. She tries to see if she can get some help with Monster Security and hire a bodyguard. Grim doesn't want to do this but he realizes she is more than he thought. Millie knows he is the one, but can she do now. Grimm with do anything to stop the soul eater to take her. A great story and you are going to love it as much as I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

When modern medicine fails her sister, Camellia (Millie) Aster strikes a desperate deal with a soul eater: her soul for her sister's health. With time running out, she hires Grim, a jaded Grim Reaper from the Monster Security Agency, as her bodyguard. As their unlikely connection deepens, the line between protector and monster blurs, leading to unexpected twists and steamy moments.

This captivating paranormal romance explores love amidst grief and sacrifice. Millie’s desperation and Grim’s hidden insecurities create a compelling tale filled with chilling villains and palpable chemistry.

With a striking cover that embodies its dark romance, this beautifully crafted story promises a satisfying happily ever after. I was hooked from start to finish and highly recommend it! 🖤✨

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Bodyguard to Forever and Ever

Millie has made a deal with a soul sucker to save her sister’s life, but she needs more time. When she contacts Monster Security Agency, she never expected to be guarded by Grim. Grim was just about to quit, but something about Millie has him saying yes. This story is about so much more than protection, it’s about the sacrifices one makes for love, the way love has you looking beyond the surface. Millie was such a caring character and Grim, for all his toughness, was vulnerable - I really came to care for them both. I leaked numerous tears for these two - Millie was so brave in how resigned she was to her fate - and I loved every bit of the book. A wonderful read.

[Tiffani Scibilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

ill start by saying that I went in blind and bought 3 books from the monster security agency series and ill extremely grateful that the other 2 i bought are by a differant author bc this book just wasn't it. it felt rushed and beyond the topic its like a child wrote it. it was extremely repetitive. if I read looked into her eyes one last time or used the word juices again I was going to throw the book against the wall. the concept is amazing. a girl made a deal with a soul eater to save her sister and hired a bodyguard to help her survive the next 14 days but idk the plot has hope it was just poorly executed in my opinion. hope the other ones are better. deff won't be reading any of the other ones by this same author.

[Jessica O'Hara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor pacing and repetitive writing

I wanted to check this one out when it came up on my recommendation list after reading another book by Wylde. Unfortunately I struggled to get through this one despite its shorter length and really had to grit it out to not DNR it. The romance moved weirdly fast with no real reason other than “she’s kind” after knowing her for maybe a whole day and the spice was meh at best. A lot of the descriptions were distractingly repetitive and I found myself glossing over whole paragraphs toward the end. Also the big “solution” to the story was a major let down and eye roll. This whole book felt like lower effort and I was really disappointed after generally enjoying the last Wylde book I read.