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The Reluctant Reaper
From bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson comes The Reluctant Reaper, a delightful romantasy—with a twist—featuring Death’s daughter.
What’s a death god to do …
A lot of twentysomethings might look forward to inheriting the family business. Amara Morrigan’s got zero interest in hers. The mantle she stands to assume is currently worn by her father, Death.
Amara’s childhood included helplessly watching as her best friend and her favorite teacher were taken away. She knows her dad didn’t do it on purpose … it was just their time. But Amara refuses to accept the job. It’s bad enough that she can sense when the final moment will be for anybody she meets—including her best (and only) friend, Gray. He knows who she is, and he’s cool with it. And though he’s the funniest, kindest, most understanding guy she’s ever met, she can’t allow him to get any closer (however much she might want to), because his moment is coming all too soon.
But now her father is dying. Ominous portents she can’t ignore pull Amara home to Minot, North Dakota, where Death is comatose—something that shouldn’t be possible. Thank all the gods that Gray refuses to be left behind. Amara’s mother is a mess, and Gray gives her somebody to cook for while the other death gods are gathering.
Alas, there’s not enough lefse in all of North Dakota to fix the situation. With their options waning, Amara agrees to (temporarily!) take up her father’s mantel—but she has to figure things out, and fast, because there is no way she’s doing this forever.
What’s a death god to do …
A lot of twentysomethings might look forward to inheriting the family business. Amara Morrigan’s got zero interest in hers. The mantle she stands to assume is currently worn by her father, Death.
Amara’s childhood included helplessly watching as her best friend and her favorite teacher were taken away. She knows her dad didn’t do it on purpose … it was just their time. But Amara refuses to accept the job. It’s bad enough that she can sense when the final moment will be for anybody she meets—including her best (and only) friend, Gray. He knows who she is, and he’s cool with it. And though he’s the funniest, kindest, most understanding guy she’s ever met, she can’t allow him to get any closer (however much she might want to), because his moment is coming all too soon.
But now her father is dying. Ominous portents she can’t ignore pull Amara home to Minot, North Dakota, where Death is comatose—something that shouldn’t be possible. Thank all the gods that Gray refuses to be left behind. Amara’s mother is a mess, and Gray gives her somebody to cook for while the other death gods are gathering.
Alas, there’s not enough lefse in all of North Dakota to fix the situation. With their options waning, Amara agrees to (temporarily!) take up her father’s mantel—but she has to figure things out, and fast, because there is no way she’s doing this forever.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2025
29 people are currently reading
11896 people want to read
About the author
MaryJanice Davidson
142 books5,397 followersMaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular UNDEAD series and the time-traveling historical fiction A CONTEMPORARY ASSHAT AT THE COURT OF HENRY VIII. MaryJanice is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family. You can reach her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 14, 2025
♥ My Overall Thoughts ♥
This romantacy novel is so intriguing and really captured my attention right from the beginning! It is medium paced, character driven and has a diverse cast of characters! It came with a clear thesis, no plot holes and a strong female main character. It is well written, engaging, thought provoking, action packed, and is easy to read. I loved the main characters and the side characters of this story! This is a contemporary paranormal romance, who are friends that become lovers. I was very grateful that there was not a third act breakup. This is full of mystery and has dark, tense vibes to it, I found this book to be very fun to read and left me feeling lighthearted! The cover is just to die for, pun intended!
♥ Synopsis & Rating ♥
“The Reluctant Reaper” is about a girl named Amara who inherits the role of a grim reaper from her father. She does not want the job and refuses to accept it. Growing up from her childhood, she was able to sense when their final moment is with anyone she meets. She has a best friend named Gray, who knows the real her and accepts her for who she truly is. With her father dying, she must accept the role of being a grim reaper. However, she only wants to do this temporarily! This story was a lot of fun! I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars!
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author MaryJanice Davidson and Blackstone Publishing for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Who I think would enjoy this book & Content Warnings ♥
I think anyone that is looking for a fun paranormal romance would like to read this book! This gave me the movie “Little Nicky” vibes. Content warnings include death and grief.
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on November 11, 2025!
♥ Quick Review ♥
💀 Romance & Fantasy Genre
✔️ Strong FMC
💀 Mystery & Dark Vibes
✔️ She becomes the grim reaper
💀 Friends to Lovers
✔️ The Movie “Little Nicky” Vibes
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
This romantacy novel is so intriguing and really captured my attention right from the beginning! It is medium paced, character driven and has a diverse cast of characters! It came with a clear thesis, no plot holes and a strong female main character. It is well written, engaging, thought provoking, action packed, and is easy to read. I loved the main characters and the side characters of this story! This is a contemporary paranormal romance, who are friends that become lovers. I was very grateful that there was not a third act breakup. This is full of mystery and has dark, tense vibes to it, I found this book to be very fun to read and left me feeling lighthearted! The cover is just to die for, pun intended!
♥ Synopsis & Rating ♥
“The Reluctant Reaper” is about a girl named Amara who inherits the role of a grim reaper from her father. She does not want the job and refuses to accept it. Growing up from her childhood, she was able to sense when their final moment is with anyone she meets. She has a best friend named Gray, who knows the real her and accepts her for who she truly is. With her father dying, she must accept the role of being a grim reaper. However, she only wants to do this temporarily! This story was a lot of fun! I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars!
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author MaryJanice Davidson and Blackstone Publishing for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
♥ Who I think would enjoy this book & Content Warnings ♥
I think anyone that is looking for a fun paranormal romance would like to read this book! This gave me the movie “Little Nicky” vibes. Content warnings include death and grief.
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on November 11, 2025!
♥ Quick Review ♥
💀 Romance & Fantasy Genre
✔️ Strong FMC
💀 Mystery & Dark Vibes
✔️ She becomes the grim reaper
💀 Friends to Lovers
✔️ The Movie “Little Nicky” Vibes
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
June 3, 2025
This was a fun read. I always enjoy MaryJanice Davidson's dialogue in her novels. There are so many fun references and laugh out loud moments.
In this novel Amara's father is sick and she has to take over his duties of reaping souls. However she wants no part of this job. On top of this she is worried about her best friend aka love of her life, Gray, who is destined to die soon. Gray has had a difficult childhood and he is the only friend who knows about's Amara's secret. Amara must find out what is making her dad sick and find a way to save Gray.
This is a great supernatural and light novel. It reads quickly and it is a unique look at death. There is some romance and lots of witty dialogue.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
In this novel Amara's father is sick and she has to take over his duties of reaping souls. However she wants no part of this job. On top of this she is worried about her best friend aka love of her life, Gray, who is destined to die soon. Gray has had a difficult childhood and he is the only friend who knows about's Amara's secret. Amara must find out what is making her dad sick and find a way to save Gray.
This is a great supernatural and light novel. It reads quickly and it is a unique look at death. There is some romance and lots of witty dialogue.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
December 24, 2025
The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson is a quirky, romantasy that follows Amara Morrigan, a young woman who would absolutely not rather inherit her father’s job as Death, the reaper of souls, even though that’s her family business and her fate by lineage. Ever since childhood she has refused to embrace or even acknowledge her grim heritage, especially because she can sense exactly when someone’s final moment is approaching, including her best friend Gray, whom she cares for deeply but keeps at arm’s length because of what she knows about his future.
When ominous portents pull her home to Minot, North Dakota, because her father is unusually sick for a god who shouldn’t be able to get sick at all, Amara reluctantly agrees to temporarily take up his mantle so she can sort out who or what is threatening the very essence of Death itself. Alongside her sharp wit and snark, there’s found family, mythic humor, and emotional stakes wrapped up in a premise that turns one of the most existential concepts, mortality itself into an offbeat adventure with heart.
What truly charmed me about this story was how Davidson turns death into something warm, funny, and surprisingly tender. Amara’s resistance to her destiny feels utterly human, and her dynamic with Gray, sweet, familiar, and full of quiet longing, gave the narrative a grounded emotional thread even as gods and portents swirl around them. The humor is sharp and often laugh-out-loud, leaning into the absurdity of mythological beings grappling with everyday life (and lefse in North Dakota) without diminishing the deeper emotional beats about responsibility, loss, and choice.
Some of the mythology and plot twists felt a bit fast-paced or chaotic at times, but the character voice, snappy banter, and heartfelt connection kept me engaged throughout. Overall it feels like the kind of book you read in a couple of sittings and walk away still thinking about how a reluctant heir to Death might decide what kind of legacy she wants to build.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving The Reluctant Reaper four stars because it blends deadpan humor, existential charm, and genuine emotional warmth into a romance-tinged fantasy that feels fresh and joyous even when reckoning with mortality. It isn’t a deeply dark tale despite its subject, but its witty dialogue, lovable characters, and unexpected poignancy make it a satisfying, feel-good read for fans of romantic fantasy with a twist.
When ominous portents pull her home to Minot, North Dakota, because her father is unusually sick for a god who shouldn’t be able to get sick at all, Amara reluctantly agrees to temporarily take up his mantle so she can sort out who or what is threatening the very essence of Death itself. Alongside her sharp wit and snark, there’s found family, mythic humor, and emotional stakes wrapped up in a premise that turns one of the most existential concepts, mortality itself into an offbeat adventure with heart.
What truly charmed me about this story was how Davidson turns death into something warm, funny, and surprisingly tender. Amara’s resistance to her destiny feels utterly human, and her dynamic with Gray, sweet, familiar, and full of quiet longing, gave the narrative a grounded emotional thread even as gods and portents swirl around them. The humor is sharp and often laugh-out-loud, leaning into the absurdity of mythological beings grappling with everyday life (and lefse in North Dakota) without diminishing the deeper emotional beats about responsibility, loss, and choice.
Some of the mythology and plot twists felt a bit fast-paced or chaotic at times, but the character voice, snappy banter, and heartfelt connection kept me engaged throughout. Overall it feels like the kind of book you read in a couple of sittings and walk away still thinking about how a reluctant heir to Death might decide what kind of legacy she wants to build.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving The Reluctant Reaper four stars because it blends deadpan humor, existential charm, and genuine emotional warmth into a romance-tinged fantasy that feels fresh and joyous even when reckoning with mortality. It isn’t a deeply dark tale despite its subject, but its witty dialogue, lovable characters, and unexpected poignancy make it a satisfying, feel-good read for fans of romantic fantasy with a twist.
November 11, 2025
The Reluctant Reaper is another fantastic MaryJanice Davidson installment! Amara Morrigan is the only living child of Death and Freyja Brunhilde. Graham Gray is Amara’s diehard best friend since day one. They share everything including their hopes, dreams, and fears. When Death mysteriously becomes comatose Amara and Gray travel to the family seat. Amara has to become the interim Reaper while Death is ill. Gray tags along as any BFF would. Gray and Amara will wrap you up in their bubble and carry you away to North Dakota to find out how this plays out. Absolutely unputdownable! Be prepared to read it all in one sitting.
December 24, 2025
As a big Charley Davidson fan, I was looking forward to a fun Grim Reaper mystery.
Amara is the daughter of Death and can sense when and how someone will die. She's also forsaken her birthright. Until she's pulled back into the family fold when the unbelievable happens . . . Death becomes ill.
Spoiler? Amara saves Graham Gray from killing himself and they become instant friends. The synopsis lists this as a romantasy so I was expecting a love interest to enter the fold as I saw Gray as her gay sidekick. The romance did not feel organic.
As a palate cleanser, it was good. I would only enjoy it as a series if Amara solved the mysteries of certain people that she's Reaps with Gray as a sidekick.
Amara is the daughter of Death and can sense when and how someone will die. She's also forsaken her birthright. Until she's pulled back into the family fold when the unbelievable happens . . . Death becomes ill.
Spoiler? Amara saves Graham Gray from killing himself and they become instant friends. The synopsis lists this as a romantasy so I was expecting a love interest to enter the fold as I saw Gray as her gay sidekick. The romance did not feel organic.
As a palate cleanser, it was good. I would only enjoy it as a series if Amara solved the mysteries of certain people that she's Reaps with Gray as a sidekick.
October 31, 2025
I’ve been a fan of MaryJanice Davidson since high school when I picked up her “Undead” series. I was so excited to read one of her books again! The Reluctant Reaper was cute, cozy, and a tad of mystery and macabre. Amara, the “Death Lite”, reaper in training was funny and snarky. Her relationship with her best friend, Gray, was fantastic.
While the story and dialogue was a little hard to follow at times, I still enjoyed the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC in exchange for a review. The Reluctant Reaper is out Nov 11th
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Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Steam: 💋
Spice: 🌶️
While the story and dialogue was a little hard to follow at times, I still enjoyed the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC in exchange for a review. The Reluctant Reaper is out Nov 11th
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Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Steam: 💋
Spice: 🌶️
December 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️’s
I just LOVE Davidson’s books. This was absolutely hysterical and I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to see what She writes next 🖤
I just LOVE Davidson’s books. This was absolutely hysterical and I couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to see what She writes next 🖤
October 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: I enjoyed this book a lot. It had humor, some mystery, mythology and magic. Amara does not want to take over the family business (her father is Death...yes, THE Death) but she is summoned home to deal with things when he falls ill. His close circle of other following and mythological beings also comes to support and eat. Hades and Persephone, anyone?
Amara is tasked with dealing with her father's work, figuring out what is wrong with him, and continually talking herself out of jumping her best friend's bones. Gray, her BFF, is happy to help and support her but Amara knows too much about him and his future (or lack thereof) to keep him too close.
I love a fantasy books where the magic is just there...like it's normal and accepted and people just live their lives. Amara deals with her lot in life as best she can, and tries to be as normal as possible. How normal can you be at the dinner table while Hades and Persephone are making out between courses?
Bonus points for Amara being smart, family oriented and standing her ground. A quick, exciting read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.
Amara is tasked with dealing with her father's work, figuring out what is wrong with him, and continually talking herself out of jumping her best friend's bones. Gray, her BFF, is happy to help and support her but Amara knows too much about him and his future (or lack thereof) to keep him too close.
I love a fantasy books where the magic is just there...like it's normal and accepted and people just live their lives. Amara deals with her lot in life as best she can, and tries to be as normal as possible. How normal can you be at the dinner table while Hades and Persephone are making out between courses?
Bonus points for Amara being smart, family oriented and standing her ground. A quick, exciting read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.
September 20, 2025
If you’re looking for a bit of an unhinged (not spicy, but ridiculous) cosy read this autumn, may I introduce you to The Reluctant Reaper. It’s fun in its ridiculousness, doesn’t take itself too seriously and you’ll be forever surrounded by all the mythological characters made for modern world if modern world was a rom com. It’s quirky and a complete madness filled with sharp banter.
Amara Morringan is the daughter of Death himself and has been denying her destiny. She’s moved, worked a tonne of menial jobs and made some friends. Her best friend Gray has a traumatic backstory, but overall is delighted to find out who Amara is and when Death comes calling, because Death is dying, he jumps in on the opportunity to meet the parents. We meet a lot of mythological characters from each continent associated with death - the ones that killed me were Hank and Penny (Hades and Persephone) who love a bit of a “I’ll stab you because you’re a dick but you’re still hot AF foreplay” and plenty more from mythologies across the globe.
I first started in July and soft DNFed at about 30%, then picked it up in September as it felt like more of a cosy read. 20% later I just had to face it, while The Reluctant Reader will hit it off with a lot of people, it just didn’t work for me, and that’s okay. 2.5⭐️ Unfortunately for me, and it may be a case of “it’s not you, it’s me”, I couldn’t connect to the story or its characters. It may not be for me, but the concept is certainly fun and if you’re in the mood for an easy read this autumn, and dialogue-led stories are your jam - I reckon it’ll be a fun ride!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the e-arc.
Amara Morringan is the daughter of Death himself and has been denying her destiny. She’s moved, worked a tonne of menial jobs and made some friends. Her best friend Gray has a traumatic backstory, but overall is delighted to find out who Amara is and when Death comes calling, because Death is dying, he jumps in on the opportunity to meet the parents. We meet a lot of mythological characters from each continent associated with death - the ones that killed me were Hank and Penny (Hades and Persephone) who love a bit of a “I’ll stab you because you’re a dick but you’re still hot AF foreplay” and plenty more from mythologies across the globe.
I first started in July and soft DNFed at about 30%, then picked it up in September as it felt like more of a cosy read. 20% later I just had to face it, while The Reluctant Reader will hit it off with a lot of people, it just didn’t work for me, and that’s okay. 2.5⭐️ Unfortunately for me, and it may be a case of “it’s not you, it’s me”, I couldn’t connect to the story or its characters. It may not be for me, but the concept is certainly fun and if you’re in the mood for an easy read this autumn, and dialogue-led stories are your jam - I reckon it’ll be a fun ride!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the e-arc.
May 22, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
this was so quirky and fun, very fast-paced and it made me feel like i was watching a sitcom about amara and her whole wacky family. the dialogue was naturally very funny and some of the things coming out of the characters’ mouth had me laughing out loud (especially gray), and their humour was my favourite thing about this book. i liked the lil mystery element to it and that each character had a different personality, which we got to see mostly from the way they talked
i do, however, wish there had been more world-building or maybe more i depth to the characters beyond their lines - it read a bit like a script with some fluffing around. maybe if it wasn’t solely focused on just dialogue, i’d have enjoyed it more.
i did really enjoy the relationship between amara and gray and loved that they were practically partners in crime (solving it anyway) but felt the last act was too rushed in suddenly having their feelings come to the surface. it was a bit confusing when the speed amped up but overall i thought they were very cute !!
thank you netgalley & the publisher for the arc!
this was so quirky and fun, very fast-paced and it made me feel like i was watching a sitcom about amara and her whole wacky family. the dialogue was naturally very funny and some of the things coming out of the characters’ mouth had me laughing out loud (especially gray), and their humour was my favourite thing about this book. i liked the lil mystery element to it and that each character had a different personality, which we got to see mostly from the way they talked
i do, however, wish there had been more world-building or maybe more i depth to the characters beyond their lines - it read a bit like a script with some fluffing around. maybe if it wasn’t solely focused on just dialogue, i’d have enjoyed it more.
i did really enjoy the relationship between amara and gray and loved that they were practically partners in crime (solving it anyway) but felt the last act was too rushed in suddenly having their feelings come to the surface. it was a bit confusing when the speed amped up but overall i thought they were very cute !!
thank you netgalley & the publisher for the arc!
July 13, 2025
I’ve read a lot of books by MaryJanice Davidson and I think this might be the one I like the least. It was a super quick read, but all of the characters lacked depth. The conflict wasn’t fleshed out enough. I didn’t feel like the love interests had chemistry so even that was unbelievable for me. A lot of the references were out of date, it almost feels like she wrote this around when she was writing her other series and then saved it to get published at a later date.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 31, 2025
I love the chick-lit, almost comedic cover style, with the female, who we learn is Amara Morrigan, the contrast of the rather dressy, red dress and matching high heels with the black reaper cape and scythe! The cover hints and humour and the book delivers!
Amara is trying to live a “normal” everyday life, she takes temp jobs or jobs that she only sticks at for a week or two. In fact, the book begins where Amora has just been fired by her current boss Billy/William. Amara has sent Billy/William’s financial details to his soon to be ex-wife to aid her in her divorce case.
Amara’s best friend is Graham Gray, or Gray as she calls him, she once saved him from suicide and ever since they have been inseparable friends. Gray constantly teases Amara about her job-hopping antics. When Amara tells him he needs to pay out on their bet she would be fired he quips back that she only lasted as long in the job because her boss wanted to get in her pants!
Amara already has a job she is destined to do, it is expected of her that one day she will take over the family business, one she will inherit when her father dies. Amora is hoping that day will never come, not just because she doesn’t want her father to die but because she really doesn’t want the job. Amara has convinced herself the day will never come as her father is a God, the God of Death! Her family are all Gods and Goddesses.
When Baron La Croix a “family friend” arrives with a message that Amora’s father is seriously ill she packs a bag and heads home with Gray in tow.
Gray is introduced to Amara’s mother Hilly or to give her correct, full name Frejya Brunhilde, a Valkyrie and Goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Hilly loves cooking and feeding everyone, Gray has never seen so much food. Slowly Gray meets all the others who have been summoned to Deaths side now he is ill. There’s Penny & Hank (Persephone & Hades), Arawn and his hellhounds, and Amara’s old tutor and friend Skye (Scathach) and lastly Chernobog. Hilly really is in her element cooking the large amounts of food needed to feed all these people!
Whilst Death is incapacitated it is necessary for Amara to finally accept her role and go and reap the souls of those dying. Gray having nothing else to do other than eat all the food Hilly keeps cooking decides to accompany Amara. When Amara visits those dying no one else can see her and she warns Gray that they will be in a bubble so people will not see him, but strangely those that are dying can see both Amara and Gray. Amara just shrugs off this anomaly as she has to work out what is happening with her father whose condition is worsening by the day. Amara soon realises she has been “set up” that Death is faking it to get her to accept her role as reaper. However, things become more complicated when Death’s health doesn’t start improving. It then occurs to Amara that someone is trying to poison her father, she has to work out fast who, why and stop them too.
With everything going on Amara turns more to Gray and their friendship soon becomes more complicated when they realise, they have feelings for each other. Only they had been holding them back for fear of losing their great friendship. The Gods and Goddesses all like Gray and seem to think he would be the perfect love match/partner for Amara. Theres only one problem they all know that Gray is due to die soon, so how can he and Amara have a future together?
I loved the character of Gray who had an awful childhood, attempted suicide but Amara saved him and they became best friends. I thought it was endearing the way Amara had been paying his parents to stay away from him and leave him to live his life in peace, free of them. The other character I adored was Baron La Croix who though he could eat himself could only enjoy food etc through being near others enjoying food etc.
I loved the banter between the characters, It was amusing and in character for Persephone and Hades to keep sneaking off with each other and them not to be able to keep their lust for each other suppressed, it was funny.
The Gods and Goddesses were humanised as well as staying fairly true to mythology. I adored how Arawn answered to Arwen as that is what Amara called him when she was younger. It was also cute how he had hellhound puppies, that Gray became obsessed with feeding tidbits of food to despite Arawn repeatedly telling him not to.
My immediate thoughts were that this book is a quirky mixture, mash-up of humour, mystery with some romance and mythology thrown in and I really enjoyed it. It was a totally different genre and book pace to what I had been reading so initially I found it difficult to relax into and enjoy but as soon as the banter started flowing and the comedy elements, I felt pulled in. Definitely recommend if you want a light hearted read full of wise-cracks. It certainly made you think of “Death” in a totally different light!
Summing up a funny, banter filled book where the characters are true to the Gods and Goddess mythology that are also given human quirks and habits. Great if you want a light read with some romance and mystery and a relatively happy ending.
Amara is trying to live a “normal” everyday life, she takes temp jobs or jobs that she only sticks at for a week or two. In fact, the book begins where Amora has just been fired by her current boss Billy/William. Amara has sent Billy/William’s financial details to his soon to be ex-wife to aid her in her divorce case.
Amara’s best friend is Graham Gray, or Gray as she calls him, she once saved him from suicide and ever since they have been inseparable friends. Gray constantly teases Amara about her job-hopping antics. When Amara tells him he needs to pay out on their bet she would be fired he quips back that she only lasted as long in the job because her boss wanted to get in her pants!
Amara already has a job she is destined to do, it is expected of her that one day she will take over the family business, one she will inherit when her father dies. Amora is hoping that day will never come, not just because she doesn’t want her father to die but because she really doesn’t want the job. Amara has convinced herself the day will never come as her father is a God, the God of Death! Her family are all Gods and Goddesses.
When Baron La Croix a “family friend” arrives with a message that Amora’s father is seriously ill she packs a bag and heads home with Gray in tow.
Gray is introduced to Amara’s mother Hilly or to give her correct, full name Frejya Brunhilde, a Valkyrie and Goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Hilly loves cooking and feeding everyone, Gray has never seen so much food. Slowly Gray meets all the others who have been summoned to Deaths side now he is ill. There’s Penny & Hank (Persephone & Hades), Arawn and his hellhounds, and Amara’s old tutor and friend Skye (Scathach) and lastly Chernobog. Hilly really is in her element cooking the large amounts of food needed to feed all these people!
Whilst Death is incapacitated it is necessary for Amara to finally accept her role and go and reap the souls of those dying. Gray having nothing else to do other than eat all the food Hilly keeps cooking decides to accompany Amara. When Amara visits those dying no one else can see her and she warns Gray that they will be in a bubble so people will not see him, but strangely those that are dying can see both Amara and Gray. Amara just shrugs off this anomaly as she has to work out what is happening with her father whose condition is worsening by the day. Amara soon realises she has been “set up” that Death is faking it to get her to accept her role as reaper. However, things become more complicated when Death’s health doesn’t start improving. It then occurs to Amara that someone is trying to poison her father, she has to work out fast who, why and stop them too.
With everything going on Amara turns more to Gray and their friendship soon becomes more complicated when they realise, they have feelings for each other. Only they had been holding them back for fear of losing their great friendship. The Gods and Goddesses all like Gray and seem to think he would be the perfect love match/partner for Amara. Theres only one problem they all know that Gray is due to die soon, so how can he and Amara have a future together?
I loved the character of Gray who had an awful childhood, attempted suicide but Amara saved him and they became best friends. I thought it was endearing the way Amara had been paying his parents to stay away from him and leave him to live his life in peace, free of them. The other character I adored was Baron La Croix who though he could eat himself could only enjoy food etc through being near others enjoying food etc.
I loved the banter between the characters, It was amusing and in character for Persephone and Hades to keep sneaking off with each other and them not to be able to keep their lust for each other suppressed, it was funny.
The Gods and Goddesses were humanised as well as staying fairly true to mythology. I adored how Arawn answered to Arwen as that is what Amara called him when she was younger. It was also cute how he had hellhound puppies, that Gray became obsessed with feeding tidbits of food to despite Arawn repeatedly telling him not to.
My immediate thoughts were that this book is a quirky mixture, mash-up of humour, mystery with some romance and mythology thrown in and I really enjoyed it. It was a totally different genre and book pace to what I had been reading so initially I found it difficult to relax into and enjoy but as soon as the banter started flowing and the comedy elements, I felt pulled in. Definitely recommend if you want a light hearted read full of wise-cracks. It certainly made you think of “Death” in a totally different light!
Summing up a funny, banter filled book where the characters are true to the Gods and Goddess mythology that are also given human quirks and habits. Great if you want a light read with some romance and mystery and a relatively happy ending.
May 13, 2025
Let me preface this with, I LOVE MARYJANICE DAVIDSON! I have yet to find a book of hers that I haven't loved and devoured. When I saw this ARC available I knew I had to do everything in my power to try and get a copy.....when I got the email notifying me that I had been approved I did the biggest happy dance!
Now, onto the book itself. The first copy I received had some super crazy formatting for reading on kindle but I was able to reach out to support and let them notify the publisher and within the next 24 hours I redownloaded the copy and it was 100% perfect.
The story has us follow Amara and (Graham) Gray, her best friend that she refuses to admit she has feelings for. Amara is dead (see what I did there?) set against taking over her birthright of becoming...you guessed it, Death. AKA the Grim Reaper. Oddly enough Gray knows all about who she really is and follows her around being a loyal friend anyways. In fact, he finds it fascinating; which really just adds to the delight of reading about their *holy cow obvious I love you and want to scream it from the rooftops* friendship.
Honestly, the whole book is their relationship, and their interactions. Of course we do have a mystery to solve of what, or who is making death die. There are so many great giggle worthy scenes in this book. And I'm talking, full blown feet kicking giggle fest! My favorite would probably have to be comparing La Croix to Beetlejuice....but that's all I'm going to say so I don't spoil anything!
I can't wait to see if we will get to follow Amara and Gray on any additional adventures in the future, I truly hope we do because they have something special. Along with the other Death Gods in this book, it's a fun cast of characters with lots of laughs, a little mystery, and a whole bunch of love.
I can't thank the publisher and NetGalley enough for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early from one of my favorite authors. So if you're curious if you need to read this book? The answer is simple.
YES. YES YOU DO. GO PRE-ORDER IT NOW!
Now, onto the book itself. The first copy I received had some super crazy formatting for reading on kindle but I was able to reach out to support and let them notify the publisher and within the next 24 hours I redownloaded the copy and it was 100% perfect.
The story has us follow Amara and (Graham) Gray, her best friend that she refuses to admit she has feelings for. Amara is dead (see what I did there?) set against taking over her birthright of becoming...you guessed it, Death. AKA the Grim Reaper. Oddly enough Gray knows all about who she really is and follows her around being a loyal friend anyways. In fact, he finds it fascinating; which really just adds to the delight of reading about their *holy cow obvious I love you and want to scream it from the rooftops* friendship.
Honestly, the whole book is their relationship, and their interactions. Of course we do have a mystery to solve of what, or who is making death die. There are so many great giggle worthy scenes in this book. And I'm talking, full blown feet kicking giggle fest! My favorite would probably have to be comparing La Croix to Beetlejuice....but that's all I'm going to say so I don't spoil anything!
I can't wait to see if we will get to follow Amara and Gray on any additional adventures in the future, I truly hope we do because they have something special. Along with the other Death Gods in this book, it's a fun cast of characters with lots of laughs, a little mystery, and a whole bunch of love.
I can't thank the publisher and NetGalley enough for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early from one of my favorite authors. So if you're curious if you need to read this book? The answer is simple.
YES. YES YOU DO. GO PRE-ORDER IT NOW!
September 7, 2025
I devoured this book just this morning, on a cool but beautiful fall-feeling day, and it was just exactly what I needed to get myself geared up for spooky season! I was not expecting this book to have such a delicious mystery at the heart of it, but I loved going along for the ride with Amara and Gray. Amara's father, the real-life Death, is sick, and getting sicker by the minute. Why is he deteriorating so rapidly, and who is going to Reap souls in the meantime? Why are some of the souls not able to be found when she comes for them? And why does Gray look so good in his silly sleep shirt?! All questions Amara is going to have to answer.
The side cast of death gods gave such a great backdrop to Amara's journey of stepping into her role as the new Death. Stories about the Reaper can always be a little hard-no one wants to acknowledge that their time (and the time of their loved ones) will come one day, and I always love the idea of a warm and friendly guide to greet us and welcome us along. And although she may have started out by wanting to reject her birthright, Amara ends up being just what the people of the Midwest need in their Death. The romance, although a subplot, was also sweet and endearing and enduring, full of loyalty--a "You don't have to do this alone, I'll go with you" cushioned in friendship type of love.
I have read and enjoyed other books by Mary Janice Davidson, including the "Undead and Unwed" series, and highly recommend this and her other works for anyone who loves sassy-yet-vulnerable heroines like Buffy, and the twists and turns of Supernatural!
Favorite Quote:
"Dusk was quickly shifting into night, and the uncountable stars over their heads were brilliant pricks of fire. It was impossible to take them in and not feel insignificant. And Death's daughter liked feeling insignificant."
The side cast of death gods gave such a great backdrop to Amara's journey of stepping into her role as the new Death. Stories about the Reaper can always be a little hard-no one wants to acknowledge that their time (and the time of their loved ones) will come one day, and I always love the idea of a warm and friendly guide to greet us and welcome us along. And although she may have started out by wanting to reject her birthright, Amara ends up being just what the people of the Midwest need in their Death. The romance, although a subplot, was also sweet and endearing and enduring, full of loyalty--a "You don't have to do this alone, I'll go with you" cushioned in friendship type of love.
I have read and enjoyed other books by Mary Janice Davidson, including the "Undead and Unwed" series, and highly recommend this and her other works for anyone who loves sassy-yet-vulnerable heroines like Buffy, and the twists and turns of Supernatural!
Favorite Quote:
"Dusk was quickly shifting into night, and the uncountable stars over their heads were brilliant pricks of fire. It was impossible to take them in and not feel insignificant. And Death's daughter liked feeling insignificant."
May 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this. Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for the opportunity
I do feel the formatting could of been improved (but maybe that will be done before release).
Amara is Deaths heir, in line to inherit the family business which she does not want. Amara like the other Death gods also knows by one look at a person the details of their demise.
Gray is her best (and only) friend and when he finds out Amaras is going home, he goes becuase he would never leave her to face this alone.
Their friendship is the backbone of the book. Whatever Amara needs, Grays is there, who's going to indulge all Grays questions and quirks.... Amara.
"I'd endure any amount of awkward with you"
This book gave me Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot vibes with the mystery surrounding Deaths illness.
Though there are still plenty of surprises and odd entertaining characters... I am all for Dachshund hellhounds.
I do feel the formatting could of been improved (but maybe that will be done before release).
Amara is Deaths heir, in line to inherit the family business which she does not want. Amara like the other Death gods also knows by one look at a person the details of their demise.
Gray is her best (and only) friend and when he finds out Amaras is going home, he goes becuase he would never leave her to face this alone.
Their friendship is the backbone of the book. Whatever Amara needs, Grays is there, who's going to indulge all Grays questions and quirks.... Amara.
"I'd endure any amount of awkward with you"
This book gave me Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot vibes with the mystery surrounding Deaths illness.
Though there are still plenty of surprises and odd entertaining characters... I am all for Dachshund hellhounds.
December 16, 2025
MaryJanice Davidson is the queen of wit and I have loved her books for a million years. This book did not disappoint. It was so fun and sweet. Amara is Death’s daughter and she is the heir to the role, something she has been fighting since childhood when she sensed the upcoming death of her friend and a teacher. She moved away and tries to live her life. She has only one friend, Gray, and he knows who and what she is but doesn’t care.
Gray is hilarious and I love the way he and Amara interact. He finds himself in a situation where he’s surrounded by mythical beings and takes it with grace even befriending the dachshund hell hounds. I loved all of the side characters they were all so well written and relatable in the weirdest way. I love this book so much. This is 100% a reread.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing and MaryJanice Davidson for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Gray is hilarious and I love the way he and Amara interact. He finds himself in a situation where he’s surrounded by mythical beings and takes it with grace even befriending the dachshund hell hounds. I loved all of the side characters they were all so well written and relatable in the weirdest way. I love this book so much. This is 100% a reread.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing and MaryJanice Davidson for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 22, 2025
I’ve been a fan of this author for years, probably closer to decades, so I was delighted to be able to read this newest by her. Lately, I’ve been particularly picky about my main characters, and I didn’t click with Amara right away. However, by the end of the book, I was cheering her on as well as Gary, her friend/love interest who I felt so much for because of his tragic backstory. I’d like to learn more about the side characters because they were so captivating, too. Of course, this is a well-written tale (I really wouldn’t expect anything else) but it also has snarky humor, an interesting whodunit, and a surprising ending. Sure to please fans of this author. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
December 11, 2025
Always a fun read
You would think there is no way to make a book about death dealers and God's funny but MJD always manages to inject her unique sense of humor into a story. This one is run from the beginning. What a is Death's daughter we the Death who in in charge of the Midwest of America (there is a lot more than one you see). She has been called home for the.first time in the years her father is extremely ill........in fact he may actually be dying ......something which should be impossible, well almost impossible. So, accompanied by her best friend Grey she makes the journey home where she is forced to face the fact that her father is.in fact close to death (no pun intended) and given that people do not stop dying...........ever........someone has to take over from her father so however reluctantly What a has to.do the one.thing she has always sworn she would never do...............reap the dying, good job she has Grey for support.......when he's not too busy eating her mother's cooking that is............
You would think there is no way to make a book about death dealers and God's funny but MJD always manages to inject her unique sense of humor into a story. This one is run from the beginning. What a is Death's daughter we the Death who in in charge of the Midwest of America (there is a lot more than one you see). She has been called home for the.first time in the years her father is extremely ill........in fact he may actually be dying ......something which should be impossible, well almost impossible. So, accompanied by her best friend Grey she makes the journey home where she is forced to face the fact that her father is.in fact close to death (no pun intended) and given that people do not stop dying...........ever........someone has to take over from her father so however reluctantly What a has to.do the one.thing she has always sworn she would never do...............reap the dying, good job she has Grey for support.......when he's not too busy eating her mother's cooking that is............
May 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of The Reluctant Reaper!
A solid three-star read for me. I really liked the premise—Death’s daughter who wants nothing to do with the family business—but the plot wandered a little, and the tonal shifts made it hard to connect fully.
The banter between Amara and Gray was fun, and the hellhounds? Adorable.
I just wanted a bit more depth and tighter storytelling. Still, it's got charm and originality, and I’d happily read a sequel if one’s coming.
☠️ Death’s daughter
❤️ Friends to lovers
🐾 Hellhounds… but cute
✨ Reluctant heir
⚰️ Found family vibes
🧠 Smart, sarcastic FMC
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of The Reluctant Reaper!
A solid three-star read for me. I really liked the premise—Death’s daughter who wants nothing to do with the family business—but the plot wandered a little, and the tonal shifts made it hard to connect fully.
The banter between Amara and Gray was fun, and the hellhounds? Adorable.
I just wanted a bit more depth and tighter storytelling. Still, it's got charm and originality, and I’d happily read a sequel if one’s coming.
☠️ Death’s daughter
❤️ Friends to lovers
🐾 Hellhounds… but cute
✨ Reluctant heir
⚰️ Found family vibes
🧠 Smart, sarcastic FMC
November 8, 2025
Thanks to net galley for this ARC.
WOW. what can I even say? This book had me so intrigued from the start. The description had me excited to find out how things were going to play out.
We’re thrown right into the story from the first chapter. Things are slightly confusing at the beginning trying to understand what our main characters role is as deaths daughter but the plot line really hooked me.
I loved both the FMC and the MMC, the contrast between them in both personality traits and the fact that he’s human but she’s deaths daughter just worked so well.
The plot had me questioning everything trying to figure out how things were going to go while being blown away at every twist and turn. I genuinely could not predict anything that was going to happen. At no point did I feel there were ‘slow’ parts I was quite literally addicted from the very first chapter right through to the end.
This genuinely blew me away and I need to run and see what else this author has published.
WOW. what can I even say? This book had me so intrigued from the start. The description had me excited to find out how things were going to play out.
We’re thrown right into the story from the first chapter. Things are slightly confusing at the beginning trying to understand what our main characters role is as deaths daughter but the plot line really hooked me.
I loved both the FMC and the MMC, the contrast between them in both personality traits and the fact that he’s human but she’s deaths daughter just worked so well.
The plot had me questioning everything trying to figure out how things were going to go while being blown away at every twist and turn. I genuinely could not predict anything that was going to happen. At no point did I feel there were ‘slow’ parts I was quite literally addicted from the very first chapter right through to the end.
This genuinely blew me away and I need to run and see what else this author has published.
October 31, 2025
This story was so much fun right from the get go. All the characters had something to bring to the story and Amara and Gray are great together.
For only 264 pages this really packs a lot into the pages and there is a lot going on without it feeling rushed at any point.
The mystery revealed was really good and the relationship side felt like it progressed naturally.
Highly recommend this for a great but quick read.
I was privileged to receive this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
For only 264 pages this really packs a lot into the pages and there is a lot going on without it feeling rushed at any point.
The mystery revealed was really good and the relationship side felt like it progressed naturally.
Highly recommend this for a great but quick read.
I was privileged to receive this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
August 12, 2025
This story’s for you if you like a snarky rollercoaster of a ride with death’s daughter who really does not want the top job.
Having to return home because her dad is dying Amara must solve this mystery with plenty of humour and unusual relationships along the way.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Having to return home because her dad is dying Amara must solve this mystery with plenty of humour and unusual relationships along the way.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
October 16, 2025
DNF at 13%
Firstly, a huge thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalleyfor a copy of this eARC 🫶
The premise for this book is what got me - Death's daughter taking up the scythe with a humourous overall tone and overall fun vibes.
I think I knew this book was going to be a challenge for me to get through just from reading the first few words in the first chapter.
The writing is just too casual and whilst I could immediately see the fun tone, it felt too casual for me to be able to read a full book with this writing style.
I appreciate that this is likely just not for me and that others will enjoy it more than me.
Firstly, a huge thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalleyfor a copy of this eARC 🫶
The premise for this book is what got me - Death's daughter taking up the scythe with a humourous overall tone and overall fun vibes.
I think I knew this book was going to be a challenge for me to get through just from reading the first few words in the first chapter.
The writing is just too casual and whilst I could immediately see the fun tone, it felt too casual for me to be able to read a full book with this writing style.
I appreciate that this is likely just not for me and that others will enjoy it more than me.
September 25, 2025
This read more like a script than it did a book. It hinged almost entirely on dialog with very little additional add-ons in-between. Which also meant very little character building, and almost no world building or plot foreshadowing. All the characters sounded exactly the same, with the same humor and thought processes, which made it very difficult at times to differentiate who was talking. They all just blended together in a giant mess. Everyone was trying so hard to be funny that by the end of it i was just constantly rolling my eyes and cringing. Really who talks like this all the time? No one.
The romance...what the heck was that? Its like this author was like ooohhh romance is popular right now so I need to write that, but they've never actually read a romance in thier life...theres literally no emotional connection between the characters. Or if there is one its hard to tell when they are both just talking all the time sounding like the same character. Hard to convey a romance with very little actual descriptive writing. Seriously this author spent an entire small chapter describing a bathroom and didnt even spend as much time describing the world or the characters or thier interactions. And the attempt at smut? No. Please no. I cringed so hard. Like even that was treated as a joke. One of the characters said something along the lines of thank God that wasnt awkward anf no one queefed. And then some joke about beefed before quickly stumbling into a quick cringy sex scene. Like excuse me?! What? Is this supposed to be romantic? Cause its not its just trying too hard to be funny. They first couple chapters of constant jokes was funny the rest of it was just trying too hard.
The plot...the supposed mystery and the big reveal? Again all told through conversation. All summed up in a pretty bow leaving me going...oh...k...very anticlimactic very unserious in the way it was treated again almost as a joke. Hell even the trade at the end? Like no ones upset? Seriously? Oh its alright no big deal cause life's just one giant joke to every single character in this book.
This entire novel was written and read like a joke. Like the author put very little time or effort into actually writing a story, and hoped the humor was enough to carry it through all the glaringly lack of...well actual writing.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The romance...what the heck was that? Its like this author was like ooohhh romance is popular right now so I need to write that, but they've never actually read a romance in thier life...theres literally no emotional connection between the characters. Or if there is one its hard to tell when they are both just talking all the time sounding like the same character. Hard to convey a romance with very little actual descriptive writing. Seriously this author spent an entire small chapter describing a bathroom and didnt even spend as much time describing the world or the characters or thier interactions. And the attempt at smut? No. Please no. I cringed so hard. Like even that was treated as a joke. One of the characters said something along the lines of thank God that wasnt awkward anf no one queefed. And then some joke about beefed before quickly stumbling into a quick cringy sex scene. Like excuse me?! What? Is this supposed to be romantic? Cause its not its just trying too hard to be funny. They first couple chapters of constant jokes was funny the rest of it was just trying too hard.
The plot...the supposed mystery and the big reveal? Again all told through conversation. All summed up in a pretty bow leaving me going...oh...k...very anticlimactic very unserious in the way it was treated again almost as a joke. Hell even the trade at the end? Like no ones upset? Seriously? Oh its alright no big deal cause life's just one giant joke to every single character in this book.
This entire novel was written and read like a joke. Like the author put very little time or effort into actually writing a story, and hoped the humor was enough to carry it through all the glaringly lack of...well actual writing.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2025
As the daughter of Death, Amara Morrigan has spent years avoiding her family or rather the family business, by moving from the family compound in North Dakota and staying busy with lots of temp jobs and spending time with her best (and only) friend, Graham Gray. But when news reaches her that her father is ill, she has no choice but to return home and thankfully Gray insists on coming with her. Amara has been adamant since she was a child that she would not become a reaper, but with Death literally on death’s door, she agrees to temporarily take over his duties. But it doesn’t take long to figure out that she was set up or that things have gone off the rails, leaving the fate of her father in question. She will have to figure it out and set things right before she loses everything that she loves.
This was a fun, fast-paced story with intriguing characters and lots of witty banter. I adored the relationship between Amara and Gray, they were perfect for each other, and I was rooting hard for them. The book has a lot going on, there is lying, snarky gods, betrayal, death, found family, lots of lefse, secrets, friends to lovers, twists and turns and an unexpected ending. As much as I enjoyed the book, I will admit that at times the dialogue and the plot seemed a bit chaotic and confusing, but overall, it was a good read, and I enjoyed the mystery just as much as the romance. I would happily recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a rom-com type romantasy with a mystery twist. It is important to note that the book does touch on some sensitive issues, such as child abuse, death of a child and death from illness, I did feel like the author handled all of these with empathy and respect, but I would recommend checking the content warnings before reading the book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
This was a fun, fast-paced story with intriguing characters and lots of witty banter. I adored the relationship between Amara and Gray, they were perfect for each other, and I was rooting hard for them. The book has a lot going on, there is lying, snarky gods, betrayal, death, found family, lots of lefse, secrets, friends to lovers, twists and turns and an unexpected ending. As much as I enjoyed the book, I will admit that at times the dialogue and the plot seemed a bit chaotic and confusing, but overall, it was a good read, and I enjoyed the mystery just as much as the romance. I would happily recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a rom-com type romantasy with a mystery twist. It is important to note that the book does touch on some sensitive issues, such as child abuse, death of a child and death from illness, I did feel like the author handled all of these with empathy and respect, but I would recommend checking the content warnings before reading the book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
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August 11, 2025⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 — The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson
What first drew me to The Reluctant Reaper was the eye-catching cover and the intriguing premise — the daughter of Death himself. The synopsis had me curious, especially about one odd detail: why on earth does Death reside in North Dakota? (Not necessarily plot-critical, but I had to know!)
From the start, the characters pop with personality. Gray, in particular, is exuberant — he speaks (or rather, thinks) at a million miles a minute, and while it’s entertaining, it sometimes made me feel like I was trying to keep pace with a whirlwind. Amara, our main character, has a quick wit and a sharp tongue, reminding me of Lorelai Gilmore in her snarky, fast-paced banter. It makes her fun to read, though at times I found myself working to keep up with both her dialogue and the shifting points of view.
The concept of being able to sense someone’s death is both morbid and fascinating, and I loved how it was woven into the plot. And yes — I did finally get my answer about why Death lives in North Dakota!
There’s an emotional gut-punch tucked in here as well. Gray’s backstory is intense, and I think a trigger warning page would have been a thoughtful addition for readers.
Ultimately, at around the 50% mark, I decided to DNF — not because it was a bad book (the writing is strong and the humor is sharp), but because I was personally struggling to stay connected to the story. This is absolutely a case of “it’s not you, it’s me.” If you love snappy banter, high-energy characters, and a paranormal twist on life-and-death themes, this could very well be your next favorite read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
What first drew me to The Reluctant Reaper was the eye-catching cover and the intriguing premise — the daughter of Death himself. The synopsis had me curious, especially about one odd detail: why on earth does Death reside in North Dakota? (Not necessarily plot-critical, but I had to know!)
From the start, the characters pop with personality. Gray, in particular, is exuberant — he speaks (or rather, thinks) at a million miles a minute, and while it’s entertaining, it sometimes made me feel like I was trying to keep pace with a whirlwind. Amara, our main character, has a quick wit and a sharp tongue, reminding me of Lorelai Gilmore in her snarky, fast-paced banter. It makes her fun to read, though at times I found myself working to keep up with both her dialogue and the shifting points of view.
The concept of being able to sense someone’s death is both morbid and fascinating, and I loved how it was woven into the plot. And yes — I did finally get my answer about why Death lives in North Dakota!
There’s an emotional gut-punch tucked in here as well. Gray’s backstory is intense, and I think a trigger warning page would have been a thoughtful addition for readers.
Ultimately, at around the 50% mark, I decided to DNF — not because it was a bad book (the writing is strong and the humor is sharp), but because I was personally struggling to stay connected to the story. This is absolutely a case of “it’s not you, it’s me.” If you love snappy banter, high-energy characters, and a paranormal twist on life-and-death themes, this could very well be your next favorite read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 8, 2025
📖 Title: The Reluctant Reaper
✍🏾 Author: MaryJanice Davidson
📅Publication date: 11/11/25 | Read: 11/7/25
📃 Format: e-Book 264 pgs.
Genre:
*Romantasy
*Paranormal
Tropes:
*Grim Reaper/Death
*friends to lovers
*in love w/ BFF
*mythology
*family drama
*slow burn
👆🏾POV: 3rd person
⚠️TW: death of loved ones, grief, terminal illness, substance abuse, depression, and suicide ideation
🌎 Setting: Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota
Summary: Amara has been fired from another temp job and refuses to join the family business-reaping souls. She has the gift to know "the what and when" someone will die. Her father is Death, and she learns he's dying, so she takes her BFF Gary home with her to investigate.
👩🏾 Heroine: Amara Morrigan
👨🏾 Hero: Graham Gray
🎭 Other Characters:
* Baron La Croix-a death god who summons Amara home
*Skye-a fighter from Isle of Skye, Amara's sparring partner
*Freya "Hilly" Brunhilde-Amara's mother
*Persephone "Penny" & Hades "Hank"
*Arawn-a death god w/ hellhounds
*Paeon-the god of godly medicine
*Gloria Gray-Gray's mother
🤔 My Thoughts: This was a cozy romantasy between Death's daughter and her BFF Gray. It's Amara's time to grow up and become who she was meant to. Gray has suffered in life and death was on the horizon until the ultimate sacrifice was made for him. I loved Amara and Gray reaping together and the nonchalant way they professed their love for each other. I felt for Hilly but understood Death's decision and hope for more stories in this world.
Rating: 3.5/5 ✨
Spice level: 1/5🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and MaryJanice Davidson for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: MaryJanice Davidson
📅Publication date: 11/11/25 | Read: 11/7/25
📃 Format: e-Book 264 pgs.
Genre:
*Romantasy
*Paranormal
Tropes:
*Grim Reaper/Death
*friends to lovers
*in love w/ BFF
*mythology
*family drama
*slow burn
👆🏾POV: 3rd person
⚠️TW: death of loved ones, grief, terminal illness, substance abuse, depression, and suicide ideation
🌎 Setting: Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota
Summary: Amara has been fired from another temp job and refuses to join the family business-reaping souls. She has the gift to know "the what and when" someone will die. Her father is Death, and she learns he's dying, so she takes her BFF Gary home with her to investigate.
👩🏾 Heroine: Amara Morrigan
👨🏾 Hero: Graham Gray
🎭 Other Characters:
* Baron La Croix-a death god who summons Amara home
*Skye-a fighter from Isle of Skye, Amara's sparring partner
*Freya "Hilly" Brunhilde-Amara's mother
*Persephone "Penny" & Hades "Hank"
*Arawn-a death god w/ hellhounds
*Paeon-the god of godly medicine
*Gloria Gray-Gray's mother
🤔 My Thoughts: This was a cozy romantasy between Death's daughter and her BFF Gray. It's Amara's time to grow up and become who she was meant to. Gray has suffered in life and death was on the horizon until the ultimate sacrifice was made for him. I loved Amara and Gray reaping together and the nonchalant way they professed their love for each other. I felt for Hilly but understood Death's decision and hope for more stories in this world.
Rating: 3.5/5 ✨
Spice level: 1/5🌶️
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and MaryJanice Davidson for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
August 23, 2025
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a delightful surprise! If I could give half stars, this would be a solid 4.5 - I absolutely loved this book.
Amara, daughter of Death and the Goddess of Fertility, wants nothing to do with the family business. Unfortunately, some powers are inescapable - like being able to see the exact time and manner of death for everyone she meets, including her best friend Graham Gray. She's built her life around dead-end jobs, emotional distance, and staying far away from the family compound. But when another death god brings disturbing news about her father, Amara finds herself racing home instead of away. Reluctant or not, someone needs to keep the family business running.
What made this work so well:
- Fantastic characters - Strong, relatable Amara; Graham as the goofy-yet-tough best friend/potential love interest; a zany cast of death gods; and three absolutely adorable hellhounds
- Perfect tone - Davidson takes the serious topic of death and makes it entertaining and surprisingly heartwarming
- Great pacing - Funny, witty, and fast-moving with just enough mystery to keep you guessing
- Easy accessibility - Real-world setting means light world-building but plenty of fantastical elements
This was my first MaryJanice Davidson book, and I'm definitely picking up more of her work. The ending left me wondering if this might become a series - I'd absolutely read more Amara and Gray adventures!
Perfect for: Readers wanting light, entertaining romantasy with heart, humor, and just enough supernatural elements without heavy world-building.
What a delightful surprise! If I could give half stars, this would be a solid 4.5 - I absolutely loved this book.
Amara, daughter of Death and the Goddess of Fertility, wants nothing to do with the family business. Unfortunately, some powers are inescapable - like being able to see the exact time and manner of death for everyone she meets, including her best friend Graham Gray. She's built her life around dead-end jobs, emotional distance, and staying far away from the family compound. But when another death god brings disturbing news about her father, Amara finds herself racing home instead of away. Reluctant or not, someone needs to keep the family business running.
What made this work so well:
- Fantastic characters - Strong, relatable Amara; Graham as the goofy-yet-tough best friend/potential love interest; a zany cast of death gods; and three absolutely adorable hellhounds
- Perfect tone - Davidson takes the serious topic of death and makes it entertaining and surprisingly heartwarming
- Great pacing - Funny, witty, and fast-moving with just enough mystery to keep you guessing
- Easy accessibility - Real-world setting means light world-building but plenty of fantastical elements
This was my first MaryJanice Davidson book, and I'm definitely picking up more of her work. The ending left me wondering if this might become a series - I'd absolutely read more Amara and Gray adventures!
Perfect for: Readers wanting light, entertaining romantasy with heart, humor, and just enough supernatural elements without heavy world-building.
October 11, 2025
A Snarky, Supernatural Romp with Heart
The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson is a quirky, fast-paced “romantasy” that blends death gods, dysfunctional family dynamics, and reluctant destiny into one delightfully irreverent package. At the center is Amara Morrigan, daughter of Death himself, who wants absolutely nothing to do with the family business, even if she can sense the exact moment someone will die.
Amara’s dry wit and emotional vulnerability make her a compelling lead. She’s not your typical heroine; she’s sarcastic, emotionally guarded, and deeply empathetic beneath the snark. Her relationship with Gray, her best (and only) friend, adds warmth and tension, especially since she knows his time is running out. Their banter is charming, and Davidson’s signature humor keeps things light even when the stakes get metaphysical.
There’s lefse, family drama, and a comatose Death to contend with, and Amara’s reluctant journey toward accepting her role is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected tenderness.
While the plot occasionally leans on convenience and some side characters could use more development, the book’s tone is consistently fun and snappy. It’s a great pick for readers who enjoy paranormal romance with a twist, and who appreciate a heroine who’d rather wield sarcasm than a scythe. Definitely a break from the trending dark fantasy.
Fun, lighthearted, and full of quirky charm.
The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson is a quirky, fast-paced “romantasy” that blends death gods, dysfunctional family dynamics, and reluctant destiny into one delightfully irreverent package. At the center is Amara Morrigan, daughter of Death himself, who wants absolutely nothing to do with the family business, even if she can sense the exact moment someone will die.
Amara’s dry wit and emotional vulnerability make her a compelling lead. She’s not your typical heroine; she’s sarcastic, emotionally guarded, and deeply empathetic beneath the snark. Her relationship with Gray, her best (and only) friend, adds warmth and tension, especially since she knows his time is running out. Their banter is charming, and Davidson’s signature humor keeps things light even when the stakes get metaphysical.
There’s lefse, family drama, and a comatose Death to contend with, and Amara’s reluctant journey toward accepting her role is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected tenderness.
While the plot occasionally leans on convenience and some side characters could use more development, the book’s tone is consistently fun and snappy. It’s a great pick for readers who enjoy paranormal romance with a twist, and who appreciate a heroine who’d rather wield sarcasm than a scythe. Definitely a break from the trending dark fantasy.
Fun, lighthearted, and full of quirky charm.
August 9, 2025
I loved the concept and blurb for this book but was sadly underwhelmed by most aspects of The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson.
I think part of what I found disappointing was that it was marketed as a romance; while it does have the obligatory HEA there is very little actual romance in the book. Yes, the FMC has been in love with her best friend for a very long time and vice versa and they end up together after denying themselves for years... but there is otherwise very little to drive the romance genre. It feels a bit like a Fantasy book with a side of romance that is trying to capitalize on the popularity of romance than that it's actually a romance. Yes, the protagonist's dominant motivation is that of romantic/platonic and familial love but the transition from friends to lovers felt to abrupt to capture this romance readers emotions.
Also the "mystery" that had to be solved in this book wasn't clearly enough foreshadowed that when the FMC stated her revelations many of them came across as "oh that's what that was supposed to hint toward?". And many of the characters felt underdeveloped and hinged on stereotypes... and while I get that they were often supposed to be the archtype of said stereotype they did feel very 2D at times.
Thank you to MaryJanice Davidson, Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC
I think part of what I found disappointing was that it was marketed as a romance; while it does have the obligatory HEA there is very little actual romance in the book. Yes, the FMC has been in love with her best friend for a very long time and vice versa and they end up together after denying themselves for years... but there is otherwise very little to drive the romance genre. It feels a bit like a Fantasy book with a side of romance that is trying to capitalize on the popularity of romance than that it's actually a romance. Yes, the protagonist's dominant motivation is that of romantic/platonic and familial love but the transition from friends to lovers felt to abrupt to capture this romance readers emotions.
Also the "mystery" that had to be solved in this book wasn't clearly enough foreshadowed that when the FMC stated her revelations many of them came across as "oh that's what that was supposed to hint toward?". And many of the characters felt underdeveloped and hinged on stereotypes... and while I get that they were often supposed to be the archtype of said stereotype they did feel very 2D at times.
Thank you to MaryJanice Davidson, Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC
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