Nixed: A Halloween Story

by Teshelle Combs

Grace Grim has worked hard to earn her title as the premier Grim Reaper of the ages, and Halloween is the day she polishes her trophies. Until a serial killer has the audacity to make a move on her kill count during the one time of year she refuses to share. A rivalry of grave proportions ensues and Grace must resist the killer’s sexual appeal while burying the competition.

This delightfully wicked short story is part of the Holiday Haters series. Meet holiday villains, indulge in their romantic misdemeanors, and get your laugh on.

Genres: Romance, Holiday

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2024

About the author

Teshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.

She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).

Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.

Find TC @booksarebrightstars on TikTok.

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad. Don’t judge me. Got it from the author at a book event. Deeply regret it.

[Bevany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short, fun Halloween reaper tale. The characters are so funny, and once you start, you can't put it down. If you are looking for a fun fast read you can't go wrong.

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nixed by Teshelle Combs is easily my favorite novella in the series so far. I have been anxiously and excitedly awaiting a Halloween version knowing it would not disappoint and somehow it has exceeded expectations I didn’t know I had. First, the FMC is Grace, my favorite secondary character from book two. Her storyline/backstory was the most fun to dive into and so creative. She has the best angsty, sassy, tough girl personality which she needs since she’s the grim reaper… (The grim reaper is my favorite thing and a female grim reaper is unheard of so double exciting) The MMC is a serial killer trying to out do Grace on Halloween; her day. So rude! The ensuing chaos is legendary. There are so many things that I want to add in that were PERFECT and had me laughing/ gasping/ jaw dropping/ talking out loud, but I don’t want to spoil the book. I will leave with, it is 58 pages and the perfect read for anytime fall or not. I cannot recommend Nixed by Teshelle Combs enough; especially as a part of the Holiday Haters Series.

[Jesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this quick holiday novella read. Grace is everything! Now I just want more of this Lady Reaper and Diggs story!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the PERFECT spooky season read. Grace is the fmc I live for — she’s sassy, quirky, and puts up with NOTHING. I love when not only the main character is your favorite, but all the side characters are too! Love when authors break the fourth wall. It makes for a fast and hilarious read. READ. THIS. NOW.

[Jordynn Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

oh my god!! I absolutely loved this!! My only complaint is that there isn’t more!! 😂

[Jessica Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I got to alpha read this as Tess wrote it, but it’s such a perfect spooky season, fast-paced novella that I quickly read it again - this time without the stops of having to wait for her to write more.

The Holiday Haters novellas are such a fun and quirky read, yet different from her usual reads, but I love them just the same. I love how the MC breaks the “fourth wall” and makes the reader part of the story. And the snark just oozes hilarity (for me, anyway).

The latest installment, Nixed, is about Grace, a grim reaper, who takes pride in her work and treats it as an art form. But this sacred Halloween season, her favorite btw, you better write that down, Grace is challenged by a new serial unaliver on the scene. But this masked man isn’t all he appears to be. Can you catch all the clues before Grace does? (I didn’t.) Not to mention, our new masked man on the scene has a thing for our girl, Grace, and when the mask comes off…those sparks between them become quite the raging inferno. Literally. Well, read it for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Overall Rating
😂😂😂😂😂 - Laughs/Hiliarity
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Spice (Nothing vulgar)
🔪🔪🔪 - Blood/Gore/Death/Harm (Nothing too gory)
😱😱😱😱 - Plot twists! & Surprises (Big Pops Hades is comical as well)

The only thing actually “spooky” about this read is Grace herself and the time of year in which the story takes place. And this is perfectly fine by me. It’s the perfect quick read to either get you ready to begin your spooky reads for the season, or to cleanse your palate in between heavy, dark spooky reads so you can make your goals through the whole season.

And if you enjoyed this story, don’t forget the others - Frosted (Christmas), Suckers (Valentines), and Cracked (Easter) - they’re all sporting this vibe will have you laughing and wishing these characters were real. 💜

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teshelle Combs has done it again with yet another amazing Holiday Haters short story. Grace is my bestie! I absolutely love her so so much. Nixed was such a cute and fun story following my friend Grace Grim, an amazing lady reaper who is fantastic at her job and follows the rules of death (causing it and taking it when the persons clock runs out) set by the Boss. Then she meets a serial killer named Diggs and they end up playing a game and making a bet of who can get the most kills Halloween night….. but there is more to Diggs than meets the eye…..Will Grace prevail and keep her job? Find out in this witty and hilarious short story. Perfect for spooky season!!!

[BooksThrillJessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bite-sized thrilling adventure that follows Grim Gracie, the top Grim Reaper, as she battles against her newest nemesis. This devilishly handsome masked sinner is out for Gracie’s job and will do whatever it takes to secure it.
I devoured this in one setting. I loved the purple harried, bubble gum (even though it was licorice flavored) lover Gracie with my whole heart. This novela was such a unique take on a quick, dark romance involving Halloween and the afterlife.
I cannot wait to read the other Holiday Haters!

*Thank you to Teshelle Combs for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

[BooksThrillJessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bite-sized thrilling adventure that follows Grim Gracie, the top Grim Reaper, as she battles against her newest nemesis. This devilishly handsome masked sinner is out for Gracie’s job and will do whatever it takes to secure it.
I devoured this in one setting. I loved the purple harried, bubble gum (even though it was licorice flavored) lover Gracie with my whole heart. This novela was such a unique take on a quick, dark romance involving Halloween and the afterlife.
I cannot wait to read the other Holiday Haters!

*Thank you to Teshelle Combs for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

[Jack Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't. Mess. With. Grace's. Job. Especially. On. Halloween.

Grace Grim the best reaper there has ever been is full of sass and wit, but do not be fooled. She is as dangerous as a grim reaper can be! Until a challenge is made on her day of days to try and take her job from her. But can she keep it?

What I love about this story is how we as the readers are made to feel part of the conversation with our main character. A technique I feel doesn't get used enough in first person. Add in the fact we are reading from a villainous view that isn't also trying to make them the good guys either.

[Bobbie Gonyaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy, witty, smexy, and dangerously entertaining. Don't let Grace fool you, she has killer moves and a mouth that doesn't quit. If you encounter her, pray you have black licorice on hand and your running shoes tied tight. And never, ever, tell her you're coming for her job. I wonder who was brave enough to challenge her?? Find out for yourself ~holiday hater entertainment at its finest. Amazing work Tess Combs

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read perfect for spooky season. Grace Grim loves her reaping job but is now being challenged by a gorgeous and infuriating specimen. The way these two act together is fantastic. Has a bit of an unexpected twist at the end that makes it even better. It is a part of the Holiday Haters series but can be read on its own. Highly recommend the entire series as they are all quick and easy reads.

[Jessica Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love TC short stories, every one is similar but a little bit different! I love the characters in this one, especially since the intensity of dislike is so much higher than some of the other short stories. It keeps in trend with you, the reader, is supposed to help the MC prevent succumbing to the attraction growing but it may not work out. There's a pleasant twist at the end so you'll definitely get through this one quickly just to find out what it is!

[Tiffany Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love the grim reaper?! And no one better to grace that title then Grace Grim herself - I couldn't adore Grace anymore then I already do...she's grabbie, stabbie and one big baddie! Super fast well written read filled with witty banter, murderous desire, comedic single-pov narration, and a twist you don't expect! Just another perfect edition of the Holiday Haters series right in time for spooky season!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fiction / Halloween / Paranormal / Dark / Romance
⭐⭐⭐/5 🌶/5

CW: Dubcon in a weird way but not really

This was Odd and totally perfect for Halloween!! She is the Grim Reaper, he's a serial killer. This story was funny, dark, and delicious all wrapped up in a black and purple little bow.

There was one odd sexual scene, not really descriptive.

I am still cackling over calling Hades 'Daddy" yet it has very little to do with anything.....

[Hayley Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️. 5

This was such a short easy to read novella. It actually made me laugh quite a bit. The only reason my rating is not higher is because I did not like how the story started I just felt confused. I also kind of expected more from Grace she just seemed to give in so easily to Grayven. Other than that I enjoyed the story and really liked the banter between Grace and Grayven it constantly had me smiling and laughing. I also really liked that Grace interacted with the reader.

[April Samples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nixed is the Halloween story of the year! I loved that it was written as a story and as a conversation. I also like that the “Grim Reaper” was a woman. The story moves fast, but it’s amazing. Tess has a way with words and this short story is no exception. I really enjoyed Grace’s character and how she meant business. The ending was perfect and a great surprise!

[Lindsay Schmiedecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! My girl Grace is back and she’s even deadlier than I thought from “Cracked”!! This book made me love her even more. Her sass and attitude just make her amazing! Not to mention her anger issues lol you go from sweet off the handle Grace from “Cracked” to monstrous off the wagon Grace of Nixed! By far my favorite book out of this whole series!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

[Alaina Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Holiday Haters story is all about Grace Grim, Lady Reaper, as she competes against a serial killer to keep her job as said reaper. Grace was a favorite of mine from Combs' previous Holiday Haters story, Cracked, so I enjoyed seeing her get her own story.

Like always the banter is funny and on point. Another fun, quirky, dark humored, quick read brought to you by Teshelle Combs.

[Tabatha Slagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Holiday Haters novella and another set of characters you easily fall in love with. I loved Grace, Grayven grew on me, and Hades was just yes. Of course, it was too short for my liking but in the way that, I'm glad there's more coming and I don't want it all at once. Definitely looking forward to the continuation of all four in the collection.

[Emily Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Holiday Haters series. These stories are amazing. They are all short, quick read and the characters are all so dang lovable. I was kind of bummed that there were no references to the others like there usually is, but it didn't make the story any less great. A must read and I cannot wait for the kickstarter to launch to own these stories in a physical format.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so funny and cute!! I love the different interpretations of each type of supernatural/paranormal creature and their hilarious, yet spicy way they interact with the people who are there to steal their hearts - so to speak 🤣 and I greatly enjoy the breaking of the 4th wall. Definitely recommend if you need a quick little pick me up.

[Savanna Rae Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a reaper, a love story, and a dirty competition!!! This dude had her all kinds of jacked up! The twist and turns in this short were so much different to the others. And the reveal at the END…I was gobsmacked! Absolutely flabbergasted in all the good kind of ways! It was fun, cheeky, a little spicy! Love love love ❤️

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this one was so funny, not going to lie. I loved it. I have a feeling that Grace is the Grace from Cracked, but don't quote me on it. It took me awhile honestly until the end to see who Diggs was and I was not expecting that at all!! Loved this one as I loved the rest of this series! They all short quick reads, but they all mixed together without you really knowing. Loved it!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this story brought in a familiar character from a previous story while offering a fresh twist. Grace’s rivalry with the serial killer was both hot and suspenseful, keeping the tension high while still delivering plenty of laughs. The dark humor and chemistry between the characters really made this a fun read, while the stakes (and the heat) were perfectly balanced. Loved it!

[Sefri Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story about my favorite girl. Grace is a feisty, amazing, lethal, and (dare I say) hot grim reaper. She meets someone who is keen on taking away all her Halloween kills, and chaos (fun) ensures. Please read this very fun Halloween story. I promise you’ll love it ^^

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Grace and her stabbies. Holiday haters has been a fun little read. I love all of our “villains” each and everyone has something that makes you like the bad guy. But Grace has to be one of the funnest. She is a no nonsense sassy gal that gets what she wants.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this short story. I can see myself in Grace so much! The banter back and forth between her and Grayven is everything. I love that there’s more instalments to each holiday haters annually, it’s like a cute tradition. Now I just have to wait a year for more. Hades is life!

[Justine Bowser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun Halloween short story! It was so nice to see a female reaper be the badass she is.😍 I loved the subtle touches with the Greek Gods and thought it was so cool to see Hades be such a fun guy. I can't wait until next Halloween to see what Grace is up to again!