What happens when you die, become the Grim Reaper’s Lawyer, then tie your soul with that same Grim Reaper forever? Well, you certainly do not get peace.
The relationships that Joyce worked hard to build begin to crumble as new revelations unfold. As Joyce tries to navigate her professional and personal life, Eden is faced with something even worse than before. Something that is stronger than a reaper and may be impossible to stop. Someone who is the beginning and may very well be the end. An entity who everyone should fear—God.
With the fate of the Living World and Eden in their hands, Joyce and Aiden must team up with someone unexpected to prevent God from destroying everything. This time around, the fight may very well be outside the courtroom with fate as the judge. Will they save Eden and the Living World from its very own creator? Or will God take back what they rightfully own?
The Case of the Missing Romance: Counsel for the Disappointed
I’ll preface this by saying that I’ve always loved this writer’s work. Their storytelling is usually masterful, and the prose in this latest release is no exception—it’s well-written, fluid, and immersive. However, while I truly wanted to enjoy this book, I sadly can’t say I did.
This review is not an indictment of her work—far from it. I’ve devoured her previous three books like I ain’t eaten since the Last Supper. So, when I tell you I was eagerly anticipating this sequel, I mean I was readdddy—fork and knife in hand, stomach growling, expecting an amazing meal. Instead, what I got was a good salad...and some homemade croutons.Sure, it’s well-crafted, with incredible world-building for Eden, but it wasn’t the hearty, satisfying story I had been waiting for.
After such a long wait to see how Joyce and Aiden’s story would unfold, I was ready for more of their domestic romance. In the first book, the way they tied their souls together was far from ideal—basically the Eden version of a shotgun wedding. Life and death, or rather dead and waiting to reincarnate and very dead dead dead no coming back, forced their hand. Now that they’re linked forever, I wanted to see how they would build their relationship in more ordinary, everyday moments—something more intimate and grounded. Like, we had the rushed shotgun soultie,” now what? Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Instead, we ended up with more focus on their jobs than their actual relationship and romance. I mean, it’s great to know Joyce is thriving in her new position and career, but when did this turn into "Workplace Chronicles: Eden Edition?" (To be fair, I’d read that too!) But that’s not what I came here for. I wanted the love story continued.
Instead of focusing on Joyce and Aiden’s journey, the book detoured into what felt like a side quest. Yirrah and Deus, Joyce’s mom and other supporting characters in this installment, held little interest for me. While their roles were obviously important to the plot, it was Joyce and Aiden’s story I was invested in. Their emotional connection, so powerfully established before, was sidelined. I wanted to see them fall in love again outside of Eden, without their memories—a rekindling of their bond through the mundane and the real. We get a brief glimpse of that towards the end when they finally get married earth side and then it’s over. I would’ve eaten up an entire story of them having to start from scratch getting to know each other and date each other in Eden or earth. Instead, too much time was spent on the Deus subplot, which could’ve been wrapped up in three chapters.
To make matters worse, Joyce somehow became unlikeable than in the previous book. I’m not sure how a character I loved managed to become so annoying but here we are. Maybe it was the lack of focus on her relationship with Aiden, or maybe it was the new plotline that felt more like a detour than a progression. Either way, she left me feeling less empathetic than before—like someone who’s been handed a second chance at life and decided to complain about the weather instead.
This book, unfortunately, felt like a sequel letdown. It strayed away from the characters and the love story I was hoping for and turned into something that didn’t resonate with the heart of the original. While I remain a fan of this writer and their talent, this sequel didn’t deliver the emotional depth and romance I was longing for. Instead, it felt like we were stuck in a side quest no one asked for—least of all, Joyce and Aiden.
I wish I could’ve read this book quicker but my place of employment kept interrupting me. I think another 50 pages would’ve made this a perfect 5 ⭐️ read for me.
There was the occasional pronoun mix up that had me stumble but it wasn’t too egregious. What the heck was up with Mac? I didn’t see how his situation was relevant. And then it was like that explains that( it didn’t explain it to me but maybe I missed it). Either way I wish that was explained more. Also what was Deus doing that whole time? I would’ve loved to see that as a chapter. Or maybe I was reminiscent of my Supernatural episodes with Crowley’s whole story arc. Like what was Deus doing while Gabriel was running amok? I liked Yirah’s chapter and her sacrifice for her creations. God is for sure a woman and if she’s anything like Yirah, I’d be ok with that.
Aiden. My forever book boyfriend. Why don’t you exist? The last chapter…. The epilogues?!?!….. I’d re-read those on days when I’m feeling all love is lost. When he popped back up and found her again?! Chef’s kiss. I wanted more. I’m sad it’s over.
Thank you for selecting me to be an ARC reader. The wait was worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was really entertaining, it had been awhile since I read the first book but the little recap at the beginning was very helpful. You’ve gotta love Aiden and Joyce. They’re so cute and hilarious. I forgot how over the top Joyce can be and was slightly annoyed but got over that pretty quickly.
I know this seems like the conclusion, but I wouldn’t mind checking in on the antics in Eden or Aden and Joyce’s life.
I will never get enough of Joyce and Aiden… and this one just gave us so much more of them.
Enter a god. Start the chaos. And boom there’s the drama. But this was so much more! In book 1 we got to see Joyce come to terms and step up, sure… but in book 2 we get to see how she’s grown. Her confidence is soaring (mostly). She’s the bad B we all dream to be. Still hilarious and living as the queen she is. I love her.
And Aiden! 🥵 never enough, okay!! That’s it. Period. Because the way he rides for Joyce is top notch! That’s his woman and he will literally move heaven and earth to be by her side. 😍
“I did get a full life. I lived a thousand lifetimes in one year. You love me. I got to be loved. That’s enough for me. What more could I ask for?”
And to top it off the conclusion of this was one of the most beautiful endings I’ve read recently. Had me cheesing and getting all teary eyed like I’m a main character. I went through all the emotions reading this and it was so worth it.
Thank you thank you Mea for the ARC and the chance to share my honest review early!
Joyce and Aiden are by far one of my most favourite and memorable couples. The Missing Gods Lawyer continued their storyline, showcasing the same fun banter, chemistry, and humour. However, I rate it 3.5 stars because I found the plot was slow at first and more focused on Deus, with Joyce and Yirah's relationship taking the spotlight instead of Joyce and Aiden. Aiden felt a little bit in the background.
I love the author's writing, humour, and the overall messages she portrays through her books. I absolutely loved this duology and I cannot wait to see what else Mea has in store for us!
omg I finished this way too quickly!! ahhh I love joyce and aiden together they're such a beautiful breath of fresh air. this series will always hold a special place in my heart. even with the delay this book came at the perfect time! my heart is so happy 💖💘🖤🥰🥳😭😭 5 🌟!
You just do not understand the wave of emotions this book took me on. In less than 300 pages I went from cackling like a she-devil, to complete “wtf”, and then to sobbing…a deep chested sob as I flipped through the last pages of this book. I was convinced I might need to send Ms. Monique a bill for the emotional distress I have suffered but I’ll call us even for the beautiful way you ripped my heart out my chest only to tell it that it deserves a love, as you wonderfully put, that transcends lifetimes.
I don’t want their story to end, I had received an Arc of this book almost a week ago and I was terrified at the thought of finishing the book I wanted to hold off on reading and just stay were I was for as long as humanly possible but I knew I needed to find the courage to finish it and thank goodness I did.
The bar is in the heavens atp or should I say in Eden *wink* *wink* and I will not settle for less than an Aiden in my life. Who doesn’t want someone who is so undeniably in love with them.
( Idk if you will ever see this but Ms. Mea Monique… I just…. Thank you for your beautiful mind, for creating theses characters and creating something that feels like it exists beyond words on paper… or texts on screen. Thank you Eternally Carlette ❤️💜)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was such a funny, smart and soulful send off to my two lovebirds that I've missed since book 1. Joyce and Aiden's love story took the front seat to the chaos that is the afterlife and Eden which to be honest, I cared about wayyy more than all the background plots. The ending had me on the verge of tears as it exhibited that love can last a lifetime...over and over and over again.
I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it. I was excited for this book because I loved the first one but this just didn’t hit the same. Joyce became very unlikable and annoying but I pushed through. I’d would have liked a little more of Joyce and Aiden’s love story on Earth but all we got were a few time jumps at the end. The whole Dues and Yirah storyline could have been focused on less. However, it was well written and I would still read more by this author.
Rating a generous 3 stars because 2 feels too harsh.
I was slightly disappointed with this book and after thinking on it I feel like the characters that I enjoyed werent part of this book and that the characterizations were off/missing their marks.
The Deus and Yirah plot I think also took away from Joyce and Aiden which is a shame because I think there was a lot of potential to take the storyline another way and have Joyce/Aiden somehow be able to overcome Deus through their soul tie.
I wasnt a great fan of them being rebirthed into new lives and would have liked to see a few chapters of them having that life together and their friends from Eden ‘checking in’ on them as the years progressed.
Will definitely be reading whatever else the author has in store though despite being underwhelmed in this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I finished the first book earlier this year and never thought to pick up the second! But I finally did and it was so worth it!! The book was a short read but sooo good! The emotions and love this one had was amazing! The comic relief in the book didn’t damper the raw emotions that the author portrayed through the characters! I loved it!!!
**SPOILER*** I will say that glossing over the relationship between Joyce and her mother was a missed opportunity! I felt like that could have been explored a lot more but it was more like, “well she’s sorry so I’ll just forgive her I guess.” Like girl bye, her mom should not have been left off the hook that easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Okay, I was reallyyyy looking forward to this sequel, however, this felt rushed. The Good: I love the chapter title references throughout the book. I honestly love Joyce and the love/hate relationship she has with Aiden. I love how even with no memories, they still managed to fall in love again but I do think they relied HEAVILY on that soul-tie. I guess my question would be, I'd they didn't have memories or that soul tie, would they have found each other again. The underlying messages were cute.
The Bad: The wording often felt repetitive. Like on one page, Yirah says something about Deus and says the EXACT same thing a page later. Like it feel like reader's deja vu. Joyce and Aiden do this a few times, too, and I know they are soul tied, but they are still two different people. Also, the editing was not that great as I got confused who was talking as it switched from I to him mid-page. Also, spice level: 2-3. I know some ppl like light spice, and if that's your cup of tea, then this book is for you, but the spice here was pretty light and repetitive.
SPOILER ALERT, BUT THIS IS TO THE AUTHOR: Didnt like the ending, defeating the main antagonists was wayyyy too easy! Also, how did Joyce not know who her biggest hater was? If someone lured me out to a trap, friend or not, I'm side eyeing you at the least! Also, why didn't Yirah eat the fruit herself so she'd have enough power to trap Deus again? Whyyyy was that not even a thought? I honestly thought Joyce would eat the fruit and become an angel and somehow save Aiden but he was saved because of there bond? Boo Chile lol For all of that Yirah and Deus could have been reincarnated, too. All in all, it was okay.
Ohhmmmmggeeeee!!! I absolutely love when the second book is just as good as the first! I loved Joy and Aiden instantly in the first book and this one just solidified it!!!! AIDEN FOR TOP BOOK BF!? Umm yes absolutely The ending almost broke my heart but it was an even better ending than I could have imagined 😭🥹 I’d live in their universe forever
10/10 recommend pls do be sure to check out the first book from the Life After Death series “The Grim Reapers Lawyer” 💀
Good lord that was a messsssss. This is all vibes, tone and character. Story work is lacking. I suspect this would have made a cute sitcom about 20 years ago. The Charmed girlies of color would have eaten this up.
3.5 mimosa stars I didn't like this one as much as book 1, although I really liked the ending (except for the epilogues - yes, there are multiple -, which ruined it for me).
pasiėmiau šitą kvailystę pabaigt po 5 knygų per 4 dienas apie serijinius žudikus (labai geros, labai patiko), kad ale paskaityt kažką lengvo, pravalyt mintis, o čia autorė sumąsto NUŽUDYT VIENĄ IŠ PAGRINDINIŲ VEIKĖJŲ!? ir dėl ko? absoliučiai be jokios priežasties. patyčios.
A part of me wishes I can go back and start the book, in fact start the series from the absolute beginning. Like I just want more of Joyce and Aiden. I am greedy when it comes to their relationship, the love they share, the laughs they give….
I think I’m still in shock from the events that unfolded in this book. Like it was too much. My head will be spinning from an influx of emotions all week omg.
The plot was beautifully choatic and I loved every second of it. Dues? I was so ready to throw him the dueces sign because he was resting on my last nerve. There was so much plot twists and yes, at times it did feel rushed but ugh. I just want more of these characters.
I managed to read this in one sitting. I’m getting my braids done and braiding girlies you know how that goes. So imagine me sitting here devastated when my hair isn’t done but the book is? Big sigh.
I did appreciate the epilogues tho. I absolutely needed that.
Mea, if you read this review I want you to know I was in a book slump and your book yanked me out. I will probably go back into one mourning Aiden and Joy but they will live on forever in my heart 🥹 and I read the authors note too. You inspire me. Thank you
You got me again Miss Lady!! This book was super cute, I really liked it. Joyce and Aiden are so funny all the snipping and snapping just to make up in the best way 😝. Honestly I was shocked by Yirah’s back story it had me shockeddd lol talk about HUGE plot twist 😂. I always love the way Mea sets up the story because after the plot twist I instantly started thinking about book one like ohhhh that makes sense 🤭. What really made the book for me was Joyce felt like she lost everybody and she was actually about to gain everything 🥹🥹 her man , her family, and happiness 🥰. I love love even the crazy wild kind 🫶🏾 anddddd God is a woman 😏✨ highly recommend this one
Watching the love blossom between Joyce and Aiden in the first book was beautiful. But watching their bond grow even stronger in book 2 was a testament to the strength that is love.
For as much as some of Joyce's personality annoyed me, had me reacting like Aiden lol, watching her confidence transform and her willingness to pay it forward was beautiful.
Now AIDEN, listen. When you think of the phrase standing ten toes down he should be the first book bae you picture. Baby stood on business at all times when it came to his Joy.
We couldn't have asked for a better written send off than what Mea delivered. She did that.
⚠️: This is the 2nd book in the series, read the 1st book - The Grimm Reaper's Lawyer
🖤This was such a well wrapped up sequel that made me: swoon, drool, cry, laugh and love while reading! I adore Aiden & Joyce! Even though I hate to see the storyline end I enjoyed this reading journey of love, life, death and life after death.
📚Genre: Paranormal Romance, Interracial Love, Romantic-Comedy - Ms. Monique gives you all the feels in this 2 part series!
📖: What happens after & during death, does 1 finally get to rest or do they have to work for the ultimate rest and peace in life, can love be found after it's lost constantly, is Tupac still on the earth, will Aiden and Joyce solidify their love, how much does a soul tie really mean, look out because you never know who reincarnated into another person walking the earth!
finished the first book and missed joyce and aiden badly. the spice, the banter and the crack in this one? top tier, i went through so many emotions all at once whilst reading this book and LOVED IT. real and valid.
I highly recommend this. I’ll will be preaching and screaming this book to anyone and everyone. I can’t wait for more :)
also, a huge thank you to mea monique for the opportunity for being an ARC reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ok! So I finished this quickly. Overall, I want to say that the story wasn’t “story-ing”, it’s really disappointing. I just felt like things were presented and you move on. The plot twist with the memory was cute, but I wish that was a majority of the romance in this book. It only lasted a few pages I fear and I didn’t get to soak it up, a felt that way with multiple turning points in the story.
4.5 stars This is a duology, so if you’re coming to this book first, put it down and read book 1. It won’t make sense if you haven’t read book 1 first. With that out of the way, be prepared for the emotional roller coaster which is this book. Whew chile. We immediately catch up from the end of book one. We have Joyce and Aiden trying to figure out what’s going on and to determine whether or not this being who is stating that they are God is truly who he thinks he is and then why was this guy able to shut down everything. Come to find out he is who he is but we also learn that some of Joyce‘s friends are not who they say they are. Not to go into too much detail because it will give away parts of the story, but needless to say, there is some betrayal within the friend circle on who’s been telling the truth and who’s lying. All in all, Joyce is still responsible for coming to the rescue in a way that she wasn’t expecting. She has the opportunity to see some people from her past life that she wasn’t sure she’d be able to see again. She is still very much so in love with Aiden, still has the support of her father and is kicking ass at work. She’s also still being asked to go above and beyond without additional mimosas to show for it! When I said at the start that this book was an emotional roller coaster, that was not dramatics. It truly is. The banter is top-notch. The author does an amazing job at creating witty conversations between all of the characters and you really get a feel for how Joyce is in the midst of everything that’s going on. You also get to continue to witness the love and affection between Joyce and Aiden throughout this book. But that also comes with some serious bouts of sadness and confusion and frustration from all involved. (Side note-was reading this book while I was getting my nails done and I had to stop reading because I was starting to cry in the chair!) All in all, this book was well worth the laughs and the tears. The author, as in book one, really knows their way around the sexy sexy times. You were able to feel the love and admiration Joyce and Aiden have with each other and also the fun and the playfulness that comes through in their banter also made it into the bedroom. I will definitely recommend this book duo for anyone who is interested in having fun while their emotions put through the wringer and I am looking forward to reading other books from this author’s catalog.
This book was very quick. A lot happened within such a short timespan, but also a long timespan at the same time.
I continue to love Joyce and Aiden together. At first I was not a fan that they lost the memories of one another and basically restarted their journey. To me it made it feel like everything from book one didn’t matter, I wish we had more of them together and in love without any blocks. Towards the middle, I didn’t hate that they lost their memories, but I still wasn’t a fan. I did enjoy seeing that even with the blocks they still came together in the end. So for the memory loss portion, I’m 50/50 on.
The next thing is the whole issue with the gods. To me it felt kinda random and rushed. For the gods to go to a whole war last time and still not be fully resolved was a big deal. So, when Dayus was ‘swiftly’ handled this time, it felt rushed to me.
I did enjoy the ending, seeing that regardless of where their souls were, Joyce and Aiden would always find one another. It gave us the heartbreak of them not being together, but then repaired our hearts with them coming full circle with a family.
I did enjoy this book, just not as much as the first one. I wanted more of Joyce and Aiden together and in love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.