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You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker
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Expected 12 May 26A swoonworthy YA supernatural romcom where two academic rivals are trapped as ghosts to haunt the same house.
They'd kill each other...if they weren't already dead.
Tessa Sinclair is a winner. Winner of spelling bees, science fairs, and scholarships. So when she finds herself unexpectedly dead after a graduation party in an abandoned mansion, she's none too pleased. What's worse, her Harvard-bound, Mr. Perfect academic rival, Reed Walker, is there too—deceased, smug, and annoying as hell.
Being a ghost is hard enough, but it's a thousand times worse having to haunt the same house as your nemesis. But as Tessa and Reed retreat to RIP in their respective corners of the mansion, a mystery unfurls about the exact cause of their deaths.
Though they'd rather die (again) than work together, they'll need to overcome their differences to hunt down a murderer on the loose. And should they happen to fall for each other along the way...Who ever said you can't find love after death?
They'd kill each other...if they weren't already dead.
Tessa Sinclair is a winner. Winner of spelling bees, science fairs, and scholarships. So when she finds herself unexpectedly dead after a graduation party in an abandoned mansion, she's none too pleased. What's worse, her Harvard-bound, Mr. Perfect academic rival, Reed Walker, is there too—deceased, smug, and annoying as hell.
Being a ghost is hard enough, but it's a thousand times worse having to haunt the same house as your nemesis. But as Tessa and Reed retreat to RIP in their respective corners of the mansion, a mystery unfurls about the exact cause of their deaths.
Though they'd rather die (again) than work together, they'll need to overcome their differences to hunt down a murderer on the loose. And should they happen to fall for each other along the way...Who ever said you can't find love after death?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 12, 2026
9 people are currently reading
5649 people want to read
About the author
Gwenyth Reitz
1 book35 followersGwenyth Reitz was born in Sri Lanka, and has since lived and worked in California, Washington, Alaska, Montana, Japan, and Mongolia. When not intrepidly exploring she writes genre-blending YA stories with swoony romance, mystery, humor, and heart. Gwenyth now lives with her husband and two kids in New York City, where she can often be found scribbling late into the night on her rooftop like the caffeine-obsessed night-owl she is.
As a theater maker with an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art, Gwenyth works for Lincoln Center Theater teaching acting and directing teens. For fun, she likes to sing Hamilton karaoke, maybe not well, but with gusto. YOU’RE DEAD TO ME, REED WALKER is her debut novel.
Follow her online @GwenythReitz or at www.gwenreitz.com
As a theater maker with an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art, Gwenyth works for Lincoln Center Theater teaching acting and directing teens. For fun, she likes to sing Hamilton karaoke, maybe not well, but with gusto. YOU’RE DEAD TO ME, REED WALKER is her debut novel.
Follow her online @GwenythReitz or at www.gwenreitz.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 1, 2025
Okay, so picture this: you die. Bummer, right? But WAIT—it gets worse. Your afterlife roommate? The one person who made your living days a competitive nightmare. Welcome to the deliciously twisted world of You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker, where academic rivals become ghostly roommates and somehow have to solve their own murders while navigating the most inconvenient feelings ever.
Let me tell you, I went into this book expecting some light paranormal fun, and I got that—but I also got sucker-punched by emotions I wasn't ready for.
Tessa Sinclair is my kind of protagonist: whip-smart, sarcastic as hell, and still fully herself even when she's, you know, dead. Reed Walker? Ugh. He's that golden boy who's annoyingly perfect and somehow gets under your skin in the best/worst way. Their banter? Chef's kiss. The kind of verbal sparring that makes you laugh out loud on public transportation and then have to explain to strangers why you're cackling at your phone.
But here's where this book surprised me—it's not just witty one-liners and ghostly shenanigans (though there are PLENTY of both). Underneath all that supernatural rom-com goodness is this achingly real exploration of what happens when everything gets cut short. When Tessa and Reed start grappling with the unfairness of dying young, of dreams left unfulfilled, of lives barely lived? Yeah. I felt that. Hard.
The romance develops exactly how it should: slowly, reluctantly, with lots of "I hate you" moments that very clearly mean something else entirely. Watching these two go from wanting to murder each other (again) to actually caring was surprisingly moving. The tension between irritation and attraction is so thick you could cut it with a knife—assuming ghosts can hold knives, which is honestly unclear.
The writing itself is fantastic—funny when it needs to be, devastating when you least expect it. You'll be laughing at some ridiculous ghostly mishap one moment, and then BAM, there's a line that just guts you. The author nails this balance between playful and profound, reminding us that life (and death) is meant to be lived, even when you're technically not alive anymore.
If you're into:
Enemies-to-lovers with actual stakes (ha, ghost pun)
Paranormal romance that doesn't take itself too seriously
Mystery elements that keep you guessing
Banter that makes you want to applaud
Stories that make you laugh AND ugly-cry
...then this afterlife adventure is definitely calling your name. Just maybe don't read it at 2 AM when you're already feeling existential. Ask me how I know.
Overall: Spooky, sweet, surprisingly deep, and totally worth your time. Even if it makes you contemplate your mortality while simultaneously shipping two dead teenagers. Which, honestly, is peak YA reading experience.
Massive thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press for the digital ARC! Getting early access to quirky paranormal romances that mess with my emotions is exactly the kind of chaos I signed up for, and I appreciate you enabling my book addiction.
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Let me tell you, I went into this book expecting some light paranormal fun, and I got that—but I also got sucker-punched by emotions I wasn't ready for.
Tessa Sinclair is my kind of protagonist: whip-smart, sarcastic as hell, and still fully herself even when she's, you know, dead. Reed Walker? Ugh. He's that golden boy who's annoyingly perfect and somehow gets under your skin in the best/worst way. Their banter? Chef's kiss. The kind of verbal sparring that makes you laugh out loud on public transportation and then have to explain to strangers why you're cackling at your phone.
But here's where this book surprised me—it's not just witty one-liners and ghostly shenanigans (though there are PLENTY of both). Underneath all that supernatural rom-com goodness is this achingly real exploration of what happens when everything gets cut short. When Tessa and Reed start grappling with the unfairness of dying young, of dreams left unfulfilled, of lives barely lived? Yeah. I felt that. Hard.
The romance develops exactly how it should: slowly, reluctantly, with lots of "I hate you" moments that very clearly mean something else entirely. Watching these two go from wanting to murder each other (again) to actually caring was surprisingly moving. The tension between irritation and attraction is so thick you could cut it with a knife—assuming ghosts can hold knives, which is honestly unclear.
The writing itself is fantastic—funny when it needs to be, devastating when you least expect it. You'll be laughing at some ridiculous ghostly mishap one moment, and then BAM, there's a line that just guts you. The author nails this balance between playful and profound, reminding us that life (and death) is meant to be lived, even when you're technically not alive anymore.
If you're into:
Enemies-to-lovers with actual stakes (ha, ghost pun)
Paranormal romance that doesn't take itself too seriously
Mystery elements that keep you guessing
Banter that makes you want to applaud
Stories that make you laugh AND ugly-cry
...then this afterlife adventure is definitely calling your name. Just maybe don't read it at 2 AM when you're already feeling existential. Ask me how I know.
Overall: Spooky, sweet, surprisingly deep, and totally worth your time. Even if it makes you contemplate your mortality while simultaneously shipping two dead teenagers. Which, honestly, is peak YA reading experience.
Massive thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press for the digital ARC! Getting early access to quirky paranormal romances that mess with my emotions is exactly the kind of chaos I signed up for, and I appreciate you enabling my book addiction.
blog
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
━━━ઇଓㅤ⤸
꒰ 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ꒱ Ⓘ pub date: may 12th 2026
𝟐.𝟓 ✩
🎧꒱ ‘no body, no crime’ | Taylor Swift
꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ꒱
I’m unsure how I feel...
I requested the arc for this book because the premise had me really intrigued. You’re Dead To Me, Reed Walker follows two academic rivals who mysteriously find themselves dead after a graduation party. They both have to work together–putting aside their hate for each other–to solve the question of how they died. There’s a murderer on the loose, suspects who may or may not be innocent, and a ticking clock counting down the minutes until it’s too late. It's always so disappointing when the synopsis is promising, but the execution lacks. And that's exactly what happened.
Originally, I went into this book with no expectations, just vibes. And although I didn’t love it and had my negatives, I'd say the vibes were vibing. What I didn’t expect was how heavy this book was going to be. It’s advertised as a swoonworthy YA supernatural romcom, but I’d beg to differ. I didn’t laugh, I didn’t really swoon, and instead I cried for the loss of innocent lives taken away too early, and the reality that they’d never accomplish their dreams, never grow old, and never get to touch or hold or talk to their loved ones again. Death is a sobering subject; full of what-ifs, regrets, and lots of overthinking about life and what could’ve been. Reading about Tessa and Reed’s hopes and dreams for the future, the goals they wanted to achieve, and the deep regret they held absolutely shattered my heart. It made me fear for what’s to come after death.
The mystery in this book was alright. Not necessarily the greatest of mysteries out there, and I did suspect who it was from the start which takes the fun out of it all. You want something that hooks you in, makes you think you’re correct, and then knocks you off your feet when the true killer is unmasked. It wasn't much of a shock when we finally found out who the murderer was, but their motive for it all was very surprising, disturbing, and disgusting.
In my opinion, the main characters were a little unbearable at the start of the book. I found Reed a bit of a bastard throughout, though he did redeem himself by the end. And I didn’t like Tessa and how she always blamed him for their deaths. I understand that what happened to them was difficult to comprehend and wrap their heads around, but I did find it annoying how much Tessa accused Reed.
Overall, I had a good time. If you’re looking for a groundbreaking mystery, this probably isn’t the right book for you. But I'd still recommend if you’re in for the vibes or just looking for an easy read.
1 star for Hal, 1 star for Tilly, and .5 for the emotional damage.
━━━
ᰔᩚ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ꒱
okay, i’m about 12% in and am kinda not liking it. but, i went into this book solely for the vibes. it’s so unlike other books i’ve read. You're Dead To Me, Reed Walker is about two academic rivals finding themselves dead after a graduation party, where they both haunt the same mansion. they have to work together to find out the reason for their deaths, a bit of a mysterious murderer on the loose. it sounds interesting, maybe even a little emotional from some of the reviews i read. i don’t expect it to be a 5 stars, and have decently low expectations, but i am hoping to somewhat have a good time.
Ⓘ thank you @netgalley and publisher for giving me the chance to read this free arc, i'm very eager to share my thoughts.
pub date: may 12th 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 24/1/2026
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 25/1/2026
-𝓖
꒰ 𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ꒱ Ⓘ pub date: may 12th 2026
𝟐.𝟓 ✩
🎧꒱ ‘no body, no crime’ | Taylor Swift
꒰ 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ꒱
I’m unsure how I feel...
I requested the arc for this book because the premise had me really intrigued. You’re Dead To Me, Reed Walker follows two academic rivals who mysteriously find themselves dead after a graduation party. They both have to work together–putting aside their hate for each other–to solve the question of how they died. There’s a murderer on the loose, suspects who may or may not be innocent, and a ticking clock counting down the minutes until it’s too late. It's always so disappointing when the synopsis is promising, but the execution lacks. And that's exactly what happened.
Originally, I went into this book with no expectations, just vibes. And although I didn’t love it and had my negatives, I'd say the vibes were vibing. What I didn’t expect was how heavy this book was going to be. It’s advertised as a swoonworthy YA supernatural romcom, but I’d beg to differ. I didn’t laugh, I didn’t really swoon, and instead I cried for the loss of innocent lives taken away too early, and the reality that they’d never accomplish their dreams, never grow old, and never get to touch or hold or talk to their loved ones again. Death is a sobering subject; full of what-ifs, regrets, and lots of overthinking about life and what could’ve been. Reading about Tessa and Reed’s hopes and dreams for the future, the goals they wanted to achieve, and the deep regret they held absolutely shattered my heart. It made me fear for what’s to come after death.
The mystery in this book was alright. Not necessarily the greatest of mysteries out there, and I did suspect who it was from the start which takes the fun out of it all. You want something that hooks you in, makes you think you’re correct, and then knocks you off your feet when the true killer is unmasked. It wasn't much of a shock when we finally found out who the murderer was, but their motive for it all was very surprising, disturbing, and disgusting.
In my opinion, the main characters were a little unbearable at the start of the book. I found Reed a bit of a bastard throughout, though he did redeem himself by the end. And I didn’t like Tessa and how she always blamed him for their deaths. I understand that what happened to them was difficult to comprehend and wrap their heads around, but I did find it annoying how much Tessa accused Reed.
Overall, I had a good time. If you’re looking for a groundbreaking mystery, this probably isn’t the right book for you. But I'd still recommend if you’re in for the vibes or just looking for an easy read.
1 star for Hal, 1 star for Tilly, and .5 for the emotional damage.
━━━
ᰔᩚ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: ꒱
okay, i’m about 12% in and am kinda not liking it. but, i went into this book solely for the vibes. it’s so unlike other books i’ve read. You're Dead To Me, Reed Walker is about two academic rivals finding themselves dead after a graduation party, where they both haunt the same mansion. they have to work together to find out the reason for their deaths, a bit of a mysterious murderer on the loose. it sounds interesting, maybe even a little emotional from some of the reviews i read. i don’t expect it to be a 5 stars, and have decently low expectations, but i am hoping to somewhat have a good time.
Ⓘ thank you @netgalley and publisher for giving me the chance to read this free arc, i'm very eager to share my thoughts.
pub date: may 12th 2026
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝: 24/1/2026
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 25/1/2026
-𝓖
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5
This was a lot more emotional than what I expected. I started you’re dead to me, reed walker thinking it would be a cute paranormal romance but it surprised me in how well it dealt with grief. Maybe it shouldn’t because as you can see by the summary it is a story about two dead teenagers, but I think this will hit hard for teenagers especially, obviously, it is ya, but I’m an adult and I still very much enjoyed it.
Tessa and Reed are academic rivals and they both die at the same party and wake up as ghosts trapped in the same place, trying to solve the same mystery: how they died.
The reason I say this deals so well with grief is because we see the MCs families post their deaths and also, themselves trying to accept the future they thought they had was suddenly gone. I love how they were clearly teenagers, they would have the most ridiculous arguments again and again, and that’s exactly what teenagers would do. They don’t magically start to like each other and everything is fixed too, it’s a process and that was very realistic.
The end was a little messy I will admit, but I still liked it, especially the last few chapters. I really like the ending the author gave the main characters.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan for the ARC.
This was a lot more emotional than what I expected. I started you’re dead to me, reed walker thinking it would be a cute paranormal romance but it surprised me in how well it dealt with grief. Maybe it shouldn’t because as you can see by the summary it is a story about two dead teenagers, but I think this will hit hard for teenagers especially, obviously, it is ya, but I’m an adult and I still very much enjoyed it.
Tessa and Reed are academic rivals and they both die at the same party and wake up as ghosts trapped in the same place, trying to solve the same mystery: how they died.
The reason I say this deals so well with grief is because we see the MCs families post their deaths and also, themselves trying to accept the future they thought they had was suddenly gone. I love how they were clearly teenagers, they would have the most ridiculous arguments again and again, and that’s exactly what teenagers would do. They don’t magically start to like each other and everything is fixed too, it’s a process and that was very realistic.
The end was a little messy I will admit, but I still liked it, especially the last few chapters. I really like the ending the author gave the main characters.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan for the ARC.
November 26, 2025
Thank you much to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
-------------------------☽---------------------------
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-------------------------✩---------------------------
︎🍿- This book was great! The vibes were so good, and it was so fun reading about the old house and the ghosts! This book was so creative and the whole time I was reading it I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for what would happen next.
🎬- The Plot in this book was amazing! You’ve heard of the academic rivals to lovers trope. But have you heard of academic rivals to dead rivals to lovers?!?! The story was so interesting , and all the little details that were added made a super fun book!
🥰- I loved the romance between Reed and Tessa! They were so cute together, and it was so fun to see them start to grow closer together throughout the book.
🎥- This book really felt like something new. I thought it was super original, and it didn’t feel like something I had read a hundred times already.
📖- Overall, I thought this book was amazing and I would absolutely recommend you read it when it comes out next year!
-------------------------︎☽---------------------------
TW: grief, death, stalking, swearing, kissing, mentions sexual activity but doesn’t go into detail.
-------------------------☽---------------------------
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-------------------------✩---------------------------
︎🍿- This book was great! The vibes were so good, and it was so fun reading about the old house and the ghosts! This book was so creative and the whole time I was reading it I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for what would happen next.
🎬- The Plot in this book was amazing! You’ve heard of the academic rivals to lovers trope. But have you heard of academic rivals to dead rivals to lovers?!?! The story was so interesting , and all the little details that were added made a super fun book!
🥰- I loved the romance between Reed and Tessa! They were so cute together, and it was so fun to see them start to grow closer together throughout the book.
🎥- This book really felt like something new. I thought it was super original, and it didn’t feel like something I had read a hundred times already.
📖- Overall, I thought this book was amazing and I would absolutely recommend you read it when it comes out next year!
-------------------------︎☽---------------------------
TW: grief, death, stalking, swearing, kissing, mentions sexual activity but doesn’t go into detail.
Want to read
November 20, 2025look at the cover and tell me those are not Jade and Beck
October 3, 2025
Teens bonding over their shared environmentalism is so 2025. I giggled.
- Rivals to lovers
- YA romance
- Paranormal romance
- Murder mystery
Tessa and Reed are long-time academic rivals, competing for the thing that is most important to each of them- the valedictorian spot in their graduating class.
This is, until a wild senior-year house party goes wrong, and they both wake up as ghosts.
In their limited amount of time before having to cross over, they will have to reconcile, crack the case of what really happened to them, and save their friend from meeting the same fate- all while dodging scary shadow monsters.
This was a lot heavier than I was expecting, but also fun.
I thought this would be a lot more light-hearted. Looking back, I am not sure why it didn’t occur to me that the death of two teenagers would be kind of sad.
I mean, Tessa and Reed having to grapple with their own deaths, accept that they will never be able to be with their family and friends again, watch as their loved ones mourn them, and come to terms with the fact that they will never be able to reach their dreams… ouch?
It was interesting to read about, and I actually enjoyed it- but there was this lingering sorrow that stayed with me the entire time.
I know it’s a cliché, but it made me appreciate being alive.
I appreciated Tessa’s realization that life should have been more to her than just good grades. She was loved regardless of her successes.
I think it’s a nice message for younger audiences, even with the heavy delivery.
The romance in this is nice, and I liked seeing Tessa and Reed’s rivalry evolve into something nicer. They were cute.
I would say the romance is a bit secondary to the mystery aspect- but it is still there.
Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Roaring Book Press and author Gwenyth Reitz for providing me with the eARC of “You’re Dead to Me, Reed Walker”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: May 05, 2026
- Rivals to lovers
- YA romance
- Paranormal romance
- Murder mystery
Tessa and Reed are long-time academic rivals, competing for the thing that is most important to each of them- the valedictorian spot in their graduating class.
This is, until a wild senior-year house party goes wrong, and they both wake up as ghosts.
In their limited amount of time before having to cross over, they will have to reconcile, crack the case of what really happened to them, and save their friend from meeting the same fate- all while dodging scary shadow monsters.
This was a lot heavier than I was expecting, but also fun.
I thought this would be a lot more light-hearted. Looking back, I am not sure why it didn’t occur to me that the death of two teenagers would be kind of sad.
I mean, Tessa and Reed having to grapple with their own deaths, accept that they will never be able to be with their family and friends again, watch as their loved ones mourn them, and come to terms with the fact that they will never be able to reach their dreams… ouch?
It was interesting to read about, and I actually enjoyed it- but there was this lingering sorrow that stayed with me the entire time.
I know it’s a cliché, but it made me appreciate being alive.
I appreciated Tessa’s realization that life should have been more to her than just good grades. She was loved regardless of her successes.
I think it’s a nice message for younger audiences, even with the heavy delivery.
The romance in this is nice, and I liked seeing Tessa and Reed’s rivalry evolve into something nicer. They were cute.
I would say the romance is a bit secondary to the mystery aspect- but it is still there.
Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Roaring Book Press and author Gwenyth Reitz for providing me with the eARC of “You’re Dead to Me, Reed Walker”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: May 05, 2026
November 23, 2025
This was a cute YA read. Tessa & Reed were murdered and turned into ghosts. It turned out they have a few days to figure out who did it before they are fully transitioned into their new ghostly life. In between this time, they slowly start to fall in love.
✨ T r o p e s ✨
Murder Mystery
YA Romance
Rivals to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Author Gwenyth Reitz for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
✨ T r o p e s ✨
Murder Mystery
YA Romance
Rivals to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He Falls First
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Author Gwenyth Reitz for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.
October 28, 2025
Drop-dead funny and hauntingly romantic!
November 4, 2025
Oh this was so cute and sweet and SAD. My god, I'm still weeping a little.
October 13, 2025
This was an amazing read, and I am so glad I decided to pick it up. At first, when reading the description of the book, I wasn't sure how I felt about the book because the characters, Reed and Tessa, are ghosts. But honestly, it was amazing! It was unlike any romance I've ever read before.
I loved the mystery aspects of it, like how they were investigating their own deaths and trying to figure out who killed them.
Their romance was also beautiful, with them starting off as enemies while they were alive and becoming lovers as ghosts.
The best part, though, was their journey and their loved ones' journey to finding closure with their death. It made it such a beautiful story, and I absolutely loved the ending. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I loved the mystery aspects of it, like how they were investigating their own deaths and trying to figure out who killed them.
Their romance was also beautiful, with them starting off as enemies while they were alive and becoming lovers as ghosts.
The best part, though, was their journey and their loved ones' journey to finding closure with their death. It made it such a beautiful story, and I absolutely loved the ending. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
December 28, 2025
This book was such a surprise! “You’re Dead to Me Reed Walker” pulled me in with its premise and kept me with its heartfelt journey. I thought this would be just a fun, lighthearted, supernatural romcom but it was so much more than that, dealing with grief in such a way that truly made me connect emotionally with each character (and made me cry at times). I felt like the story focused on the mystery rather than the romance, but both were strong, well-developed plot points. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
“Only we don’t get forever. We only get these few perfect moments.”
“Only we don’t get forever. We only get these few perfect moments.”
October 17, 2025
I wasn’t sure I was going to be into this book. I’m not usually big on ghosts when it comes to reading choices. But I was pleasantly surprised. The story got pretty deep at times, which surprised me for a young adult read. The depth and comedy kept me engaged from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Want to read
May 12, 2025rivals to... ghost rivals? ngl that sounds hilarious
October 20, 2025
Oh my, I am a ball of competing emotions after reading this book. All the humor Reitz packed into the story had me laughing out loud—especially the banter that ignited between Tessa and Reed. I was flipping through the pages, having fun, falling head-over-heels for these characters that were doomed to die. So yes, when I found myself later crying at the reality of their situation, I should have been prepared. But I wasn't. Cue tears. Loved the ending!
October 29, 2025
holy crap!! What a ride! Absolutely perfect timing to read it just before Halloween! It was sweet it was tense it was terrifying and funny and bittersweet and sad and played with grief and growth in a really interesting way! I absolutely loved it!!
October 16, 2025
"You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker" is a charmingly inventive YA supernatural rom-com with a mystery.
The premise is great. Two rivals Tessa and Reed suddenly find themselves deceased and haunting the abandoned mansion where they passed. Rivals to lovers as they team up to solve their own murder, and keep another from happening all while not being able to touch, or speak to anyone still alive.
I laughed quite a few times. The banter was great. An all around great read.
The premise is great. Two rivals Tessa and Reed suddenly find themselves deceased and haunting the abandoned mansion where they passed. Rivals to lovers as they team up to solve their own murder, and keep another from happening all while not being able to touch, or speak to anyone still alive.
I laughed quite a few times. The banter was great. An all around great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC of You’re Dead To Me, Reed Walker!! All opinions are my own.
You’re Dead To Me, Reed Walker is a hilarious gut wrenching adventure. This book is a young adult romance book that I absolutely loved!! It was so funny, but constantly surprised me with its emotional moments.
This book follows Tessa and Reed who are high school rivals that turn into ghosts after they died at a party. They’ll have to work with each other in order to figure out what caused their deaths while dealing with ghost abilities and feelings for each other.
I loved how the author wrote the ghost experiences and interactions with humans!! I’ve never read anything like that and it made me curious about other ghosts in this world. While there were many comedic moments, this book dealt with grief in such a real and beautiful way.
You’re Dead To Me, Reed Walker is one of my favorite reads of this year so far, I definitely want to read more from this author!!
You’re Dead To Me, Reed Walker is a hilarious gut wrenching adventure. This book is a young adult romance book that I absolutely loved!! It was so funny, but constantly surprised me with its emotional moments.
This book follows Tessa and Reed who are high school rivals that turn into ghosts after they died at a party. They’ll have to work with each other in order to figure out what caused their deaths while dealing with ghost abilities and feelings for each other.
I loved how the author wrote the ghost experiences and interactions with humans!! I’ve never read anything like that and it made me curious about other ghosts in this world. While there were many comedic moments, this book dealt with grief in such a real and beautiful way.
You’re Dead To Me, Reed Walker is one of my favorite reads of this year so far, I definitely want to read more from this author!!
October 10, 2025
This book was a super cute and fast read, I can't imagine turning into a ghost with my sworn enemy but watching Tessa and Reed fall in love was interesting especially with the idea of a murderer on the loose!
I liked Tessa's character as well as Reed but I'm a bit curious on how although they died and it's sad, they handled it so well? I mean for two teenagers who were murdered they really locked in and found out the mystery! The ending was, interesting and really like has me wondering what happens after we die and step through that "door".
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Tessa's character as well as Reed but I'm a bit curious on how although they died and it's sad, they handled it so well? I mean for two teenagers who were murdered they really locked in and found out the mystery! The ending was, interesting and really like has me wondering what happens after we die and step through that "door".
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cute YA novel that deals with pretty adult themes very well.
The writing was consistent, well done, and the plot was enjoyable and entertaining.
Tessa and Reed, rivals since middle school end up Haunting the same house together after their unfortunate deaths. They end up discovering that their deaths were no accident- there is a murderer on the loose and they will strike again. Tessa and Reed have to put their differences aside and come together to save the ones they love and find their own peace in the afterlife.
The writing was consistent, well done, and the plot was enjoyable and entertaining.
Tessa and Reed, rivals since middle school end up Haunting the same house together after their unfortunate deaths. They end up discovering that their deaths were no accident- there is a murderer on the loose and they will strike again. Tessa and Reed have to put their differences aside and come together to save the ones they love and find their own peace in the afterlife.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Will rivals Tessa and Reed “beat” the afterlife?
F I V E S T A R S !!
When academic rivals Tessa and Reed’s perpetual game of one-upmanship lands them at a party neither of them was planning to attend and tragedy strikes, what comes next? They wake up as ghosts and launch themselves into an investigation of how they died. They also learn to navigate the afterlife, treating this situation as their newest I-can-do-this-better-than-you-can competition, which is such a tension-filled joy to read. Along the way, the pair learn to see themselves and each other differently. And, wait, is that a spark of attraction? Was it there the whole time? What do they do now?
Let’s be frank, teen death is not an easy subject. But author Gwenyth Reitz handles the difficult scenes with care. So as Tessa and Reed come to terms with being ghosts, we do as well. Plus, Reitz doesn’t let us go long without a laugh. Nor does she ever let us stop rooting for Tessa and Reed’s budding relationship, that they will “beat” the afterlife, or that they will find the future they deserve.
Read this book if you enjoy:
*Authentic teen voices
*Laugh-out-loud verbal sparring
*Solving a murder (or two!)
*Enemies-to-lovers in an incredibly creative forced proximity situation
I loved You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker and can’t wait for Reitz’s next novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
F I V E S T A R S !!
When academic rivals Tessa and Reed’s perpetual game of one-upmanship lands them at a party neither of them was planning to attend and tragedy strikes, what comes next? They wake up as ghosts and launch themselves into an investigation of how they died. They also learn to navigate the afterlife, treating this situation as their newest I-can-do-this-better-than-you-can competition, which is such a tension-filled joy to read. Along the way, the pair learn to see themselves and each other differently. And, wait, is that a spark of attraction? Was it there the whole time? What do they do now?
Let’s be frank, teen death is not an easy subject. But author Gwenyth Reitz handles the difficult scenes with care. So as Tessa and Reed come to terms with being ghosts, we do as well. Plus, Reitz doesn’t let us go long without a laugh. Nor does she ever let us stop rooting for Tessa and Reed’s budding relationship, that they will “beat” the afterlife, or that they will find the future they deserve.
Read this book if you enjoy:
*Authentic teen voices
*Laugh-out-loud verbal sparring
*Solving a murder (or two!)
*Enemies-to-lovers in an incredibly creative forced proximity situation
I loved You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker and can’t wait for Reitz’s next novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group (Roaring Brook Press) and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Tessa Sinclair is all about being the best. She is smart, she is driven, she is creative, she has been bested at being valedictorian by none other than her nemesis Reed Walker. Reed is also hardworking but he is friendly and knows how to have fun. He loves to mess with Tessa and she is fed up. Only one problem, they are dead and they need to work together to solve the cause of it. There is no RIP for this dynamic duo.
This book had me interested the entire time. There was drama and so many twists and turns. The side characters were amazing as well and I loved Tilly. The story was romantic, emotional, funny, sad, and more! This book was well paced and the descriptions were well written. There were so many great elements to the story that made it so amazing. If you like an action packed adventurous, emotionally charged story, I highly recommend this one! I was crying so hard at some points and I am emotionally exhausted after feeling so much in this story. It was so good, but mentally prepare to read this!
Tessa Sinclair is all about being the best. She is smart, she is driven, she is creative, she has been bested at being valedictorian by none other than her nemesis Reed Walker. Reed is also hardworking but he is friendly and knows how to have fun. He loves to mess with Tessa and she is fed up. Only one problem, they are dead and they need to work together to solve the cause of it. There is no RIP for this dynamic duo.
This book had me interested the entire time. There was drama and so many twists and turns. The side characters were amazing as well and I loved Tilly. The story was romantic, emotional, funny, sad, and more! This book was well paced and the descriptions were well written. There were so many great elements to the story that made it so amazing. If you like an action packed adventurous, emotionally charged story, I highly recommend this one! I was crying so hard at some points and I am emotionally exhausted after feeling so much in this story. It was so good, but mentally prepare to read this!
December 1, 2025
This was such a good book🩵
I loved the concept straight away. 2 academic rivals waking up dead and stuck haunting the same house but the execution made it even better. It’s witty, a little eerie and actually pretty emotional 🫶🏻
🫂 Tessa and Reeds dynamic carried the whole story for me. Their banter felt sharp and funny. the shift from annoyance to something warmer didn’t feel rushed and I liked how their walls came down slowly while they tried to piece together what actually happened the night they died. The mystery angle added tension without taking away from the heart of the book 💕
The emotional parts also hit harder than I thought they would. The grief, confusion, the moments where they realise what actually mattered in their lives it all landed in a really honest way 🥺 It kept the story grounded even while it stayed fun and paranormal
The pacing was sooo good. the setting was atmospheric and the ending felt right for the story being told.
It balanced humour and heart perfectly ���
☠️ murder mystery
👻 ya paranormal romance
📕 academic rivals to lovers
🙋🏻♀️ forced proximity
🫠 he falls first
I loved the concept straight away. 2 academic rivals waking up dead and stuck haunting the same house but the execution made it even better. It’s witty, a little eerie and actually pretty emotional 🫶🏻
🫂 Tessa and Reeds dynamic carried the whole story for me. Their banter felt sharp and funny. the shift from annoyance to something warmer didn’t feel rushed and I liked how their walls came down slowly while they tried to piece together what actually happened the night they died. The mystery angle added tension without taking away from the heart of the book 💕
The emotional parts also hit harder than I thought they would. The grief, confusion, the moments where they realise what actually mattered in their lives it all landed in a really honest way 🥺 It kept the story grounded even while it stayed fun and paranormal
The pacing was sooo good. the setting was atmospheric and the ending felt right for the story being told.
It balanced humour and heart perfectly ���
☠️ murder mystery
👻 ya paranormal romance
📕 academic rivals to lovers
🙋🏻♀️ forced proximity
🫠 he falls first
October 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightful gem!
You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker is a swoonworthy YA supernatural romcom that had me grinning from page one. Gwenyth Reitz delivers a hilarious and heartwarming tale of academic rivals turned ghostly roommates, trapped in a haunted mansion with unfinished business—and unresolved feelings.
Tessa Sinclair and Reed Walker are the kind of characters you instantly root for, even as they bicker and banter their way through the afterlife. Their chemistry is electric, their snark is top-tier, and their reluctant partnership to solve the mystery of their deaths is both clever and compelling. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and the romantic tension is pitch-perfect.
This was a super cute and fast read that had me laughing out loud and wishing for more. If you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers, ghostly hijinks, and romcoms with bite, this one’s for you.
You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker is a swoonworthy YA supernatural romcom that had me grinning from page one. Gwenyth Reitz delivers a hilarious and heartwarming tale of academic rivals turned ghostly roommates, trapped in a haunted mansion with unfinished business—and unresolved feelings.
Tessa Sinclair and Reed Walker are the kind of characters you instantly root for, even as they bicker and banter their way through the afterlife. Their chemistry is electric, their snark is top-tier, and their reluctant partnership to solve the mystery of their deaths is both clever and compelling. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and the romantic tension is pitch-perfect.
This was a super cute and fast read that had me laughing out loud and wishing for more. If you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers, ghostly hijinks, and romcoms with bite, this one’s for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Roaring Brook Press for this eARC.
This was such a fun and surprisingly emotional supernatural romcom. Two academic rivals trapped as ghosts in the same abandoned mansion? Definitely a setup that hooked me right away. Tessa’s sharp, overachiever energy paired with Reed’s smug, Harvard-bound confidence made their banter so entertaining, even when they were literally dead and annoyed at each other.
I loved the mix of humor, mystery, and those little existential moments that sneak up on you when you least expect it. The whodunnit thread added just enough tension without taking away from the heart of the story, and the enemies-to-lovers arc had a sweet, unexpected depth to it.
Overall, it’s spooky, witty, and heartfelt all at once—an easy read that balances humor and meaning in a really satisfying way.
This was such a fun and surprisingly emotional supernatural romcom. Two academic rivals trapped as ghosts in the same abandoned mansion? Definitely a setup that hooked me right away. Tessa’s sharp, overachiever energy paired with Reed’s smug, Harvard-bound confidence made their banter so entertaining, even when they were literally dead and annoyed at each other.
I loved the mix of humor, mystery, and those little existential moments that sneak up on you when you least expect it. The whodunnit thread added just enough tension without taking away from the heart of the story, and the enemies-to-lovers arc had a sweet, unexpected depth to it.
Overall, it’s spooky, witty, and heartfelt all at once—an easy read that balances humor and meaning in a really satisfying way.
November 19, 2025
This was a really cute YA novel with Reed and Tessa as our lead characters. They have a very cute romance. This book was amazing and I haven’t normally read any YA books in a long time.
It does have trigger warnings of swearing, stalking and some off screen sexual activity ( the three S). Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.
It does have trigger warnings of swearing, stalking and some off screen sexual activity ( the three S). Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.
December 10, 2025
This was a wild ride and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters and then seeing them adjust to being ghosts. I liked seeing them work their way together and through grief. The mystery to this was wild and that ending was high energy. This was a good ghost book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This debut has my whole heart. I hope you enjoy reading about Reed and Tessa's sweet and haunting adventures as much as I enjoyed writing them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 2 Stars
Now Playing: It’ll Be Okay by Shawn Mendes
My Thoughts:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really wanted to like this book, but there were just too many elements that kept me from fully enjoying it. First, I want to address the marketing, because that played a big role in my expectations. This book is advertised as a swoonworthy rom-com, and while some readers may have felt strong chemistry between the main characters, that wasn’t my experience. More importantly, though, this is not a rom-com. It’s a much heavier story that deals with death, grief, and guilt. I found myself tearing up far more often than laughing, even though I was unable to connect with the characters.
My biggest issue with the book itself was Tessa. I struggled with her character and found her frustrating more often than not. Other characters repeatedly describe her as amazing, smart, and kind, but I didn’t see that reflected in her actions—whether in her own point of view or Reed’s. Aside from her dad and her best friend, Tilly, Tessa often comes across as dismissive and quick to judge. She rarely takes the time to understand others’ motivations and instead forms opinions based on limited perspectives. This is especially evident in her interactions with Reed. Even when he makes an effort to connect with her, she tends to push him away or respond negatively.
One of the most frustrating aspects of her character for me was how she handled the truth about their deaths. She repeatedly places blame on Reed, despite the fact that he had no knowledge of what happened and wasn’t at fault. While I understand that her life was cut short and that she’s dealing with overwhelming grief, directing that anger toward someone in the same position felt unfair and difficult to sympathize with.
Because I didn’t connect with Tessa, the central romance also fell flat for me. I actually found myself more invested in one of the side couples, even though they only appear in a handful of scenes. The dynamic between Tessa and Reed relies heavily on bickering, which I think was intended to come across as playful or endearing. Instead, it often felt repetitive and irritating. There were moments where they seemed to be genuinely connecting, but those moments were frequently cut short by more arguing. As a result, this wasn’t a couple I found myself rooting for.
That said, I do think the book handled themes of grief well. Both Tessa and Reed are not only grappling with their own losses but also witnessing how their deaths impact the people they love. Seeing their families and friends mourn them adds an emotional layer, and the portrayal of anger, fear, and eventual healing felt authentic. The story also touches on the idea that it’s okay not to be perfect and that accepting your flaws is part of growth.
While this book didn’t work for me, it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read this month. I do think my experience might have been different if it had been marketed less as a lighthearted rom-com with a cute cover and more as a deeper, more emotional story about grief. I went in expecting something along the lines of the 2005 romcom Just Like Heaven, but what I got felt much closer to 2004 rom/drama The Notebook.
Now Playing: It’ll Be Okay by Shawn Mendes
My Thoughts:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really wanted to like this book, but there were just too many elements that kept me from fully enjoying it. First, I want to address the marketing, because that played a big role in my expectations. This book is advertised as a swoonworthy rom-com, and while some readers may have felt strong chemistry between the main characters, that wasn’t my experience. More importantly, though, this is not a rom-com. It’s a much heavier story that deals with death, grief, and guilt. I found myself tearing up far more often than laughing, even though I was unable to connect with the characters.
My biggest issue with the book itself was Tessa. I struggled with her character and found her frustrating more often than not. Other characters repeatedly describe her as amazing, smart, and kind, but I didn’t see that reflected in her actions—whether in her own point of view or Reed’s. Aside from her dad and her best friend, Tilly, Tessa often comes across as dismissive and quick to judge. She rarely takes the time to understand others’ motivations and instead forms opinions based on limited perspectives. This is especially evident in her interactions with Reed. Even when he makes an effort to connect with her, she tends to push him away or respond negatively.
One of the most frustrating aspects of her character for me was how she handled the truth about their deaths. She repeatedly places blame on Reed, despite the fact that he had no knowledge of what happened and wasn’t at fault. While I understand that her life was cut short and that she’s dealing with overwhelming grief, directing that anger toward someone in the same position felt unfair and difficult to sympathize with.
Because I didn’t connect with Tessa, the central romance also fell flat for me. I actually found myself more invested in one of the side couples, even though they only appear in a handful of scenes. The dynamic between Tessa and Reed relies heavily on bickering, which I think was intended to come across as playful or endearing. Instead, it often felt repetitive and irritating. There were moments where they seemed to be genuinely connecting, but those moments were frequently cut short by more arguing. As a result, this wasn’t a couple I found myself rooting for.
That said, I do think the book handled themes of grief well. Both Tessa and Reed are not only grappling with their own losses but also witnessing how their deaths impact the people they love. Seeing their families and friends mourn them adds an emotional layer, and the portrayal of anger, fear, and eventual healing felt authentic. The story also touches on the idea that it’s okay not to be perfect and that accepting your flaws is part of growth.
While this book didn’t work for me, it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read this month. I do think my experience might have been different if it had been marketed less as a lighthearted rom-com with a cute cover and more as a deeper, more emotional story about grief. I went in expecting something along the lines of the 2005 romcom Just Like Heaven, but what I got felt much closer to 2004 rom/drama The Notebook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“You’re Dead to Me, Reed Walker” by Gwenyth Reitz is one of those books that completely surprised me. I went in expecting a fun, light paranormal rom-com about academic rivals turned ghostly roommates; and while it definitely delivers on the humor and romance, it also hits way harder emotionally than you might expect.
The story follows Tessa Sinclair and Reed Walker, longtime academic rivals fighting for valedictorian… until a senior-year party goes horribly wrong and they both wake up as ghosts. Now stuck together in the afterlife, they have to figure out how they died, deal with some creepy supernatural threats, and somehow tolerate each other long enough to solve the mystery. Of course, all that forced proximity leads to some very inconvenient feelings.
The best part of this book is easily Tessa and Reed’s dynamic. Their banter is hilarious, their rivalry is intense, and their chemistry is super entertaining. Watching them go from constantly bickering to actually caring about each other feels natural and really satisfying. The enemies-to-lovers progression is slow, messy, and realistic; they don’t just suddenly like each other, and that makes the romance work even better.
What really stood out, though, was how emotional the story gets. Beneath all the ghostly chaos and witty dialogue, the book deals a lot with grief and the idea of having your future suddenly taken away. Tessa and Reed have to face the reality that they’ll never reach their dreams or be with their families again, and seeing their loved ones mourn them adds an extra layer of heartbreak. There’s also a nice message about identity and pressure, especially through Tessa’s realization that life should be about more than just grades and achievements.
The mystery element keeps things interesting, with the characters investigating their own deaths while racing against time and dodging supernatural dangers. The mix of romance, humor, and suspense makes it a fast and engaging read.
That said, the tone might surprise those expecting something purely light and fluffy; there’s a lingering sadness throughout the story. The ending can feel a bit messy or rushed, but it still delivers emotional closure and wraps up the characters’ journeys in a meaningful way.
Overall, this was a fun, heartfelt, and unique YA read. If you like enemies-to-lovers, paranormal twists, witty banter, and stories that balance humor with real emotional depth, this one is definitely worth checking out. It’s sweet, funny, and surprisingly moving, and it might just make you appreciate being alive a little more.
“You’re Dead to Me, Reed Walker” by Gwenyth Reitz is one of those books that completely surprised me. I went in expecting a fun, light paranormal rom-com about academic rivals turned ghostly roommates; and while it definitely delivers on the humor and romance, it also hits way harder emotionally than you might expect.
The story follows Tessa Sinclair and Reed Walker, longtime academic rivals fighting for valedictorian… until a senior-year party goes horribly wrong and they both wake up as ghosts. Now stuck together in the afterlife, they have to figure out how they died, deal with some creepy supernatural threats, and somehow tolerate each other long enough to solve the mystery. Of course, all that forced proximity leads to some very inconvenient feelings.
The best part of this book is easily Tessa and Reed’s dynamic. Their banter is hilarious, their rivalry is intense, and their chemistry is super entertaining. Watching them go from constantly bickering to actually caring about each other feels natural and really satisfying. The enemies-to-lovers progression is slow, messy, and realistic; they don’t just suddenly like each other, and that makes the romance work even better.
What really stood out, though, was how emotional the story gets. Beneath all the ghostly chaos and witty dialogue, the book deals a lot with grief and the idea of having your future suddenly taken away. Tessa and Reed have to face the reality that they’ll never reach their dreams or be with their families again, and seeing their loved ones mourn them adds an extra layer of heartbreak. There’s also a nice message about identity and pressure, especially through Tessa’s realization that life should be about more than just grades and achievements.
The mystery element keeps things interesting, with the characters investigating their own deaths while racing against time and dodging supernatural dangers. The mix of romance, humor, and suspense makes it a fast and engaging read.
That said, the tone might surprise those expecting something purely light and fluffy; there’s a lingering sadness throughout the story. The ending can feel a bit messy or rushed, but it still delivers emotional closure and wraps up the characters’ journeys in a meaningful way.
Overall, this was a fun, heartfelt, and unique YA read. If you like enemies-to-lovers, paranormal twists, witty banter, and stories that balance humor with real emotional depth, this one is definitely worth checking out. It’s sweet, funny, and surprisingly moving, and it might just make you appreciate being alive a little more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*** Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker by Gwenyth Reitz ***
This is a debut novel about two teens, rivals, who are about to graduate highschool. They have the entire world in front of them and have so much potential. Unfortunately, at a big blowout end-of-the-year party in a dilapitated manor, they both die and are stuck together as ghosts. They have to figure out how to get along well enough to not kill each other while navigating the afterlife.
This was a really fun read. It certainly touched on some heavy topics but it wasn't depressing... Honestly, it was inspirational. It was fun and cute. The romance aspects of the story were quite sweet with a decent amount of tension. Reed kind of gives me Cardan vibes, with a bit of sneering and insults and this sort of can't-be-bothered attitude. I obviously loved that! Like a sweeter human version who doesn't bully... He's just kind of arrogant - or at least it seems that way... Honestly, though, just a young man who has some difficult life experiences that causes him to use his attitude as a means of defense...
Oh, also, I love the aspect of the two best friends Tilly and Tessa who do this compliment-bomb thing. It's adorable and funny!
For me personally, the first 50 pages were a bit rocky in places as I noticed what felt like stiff character interactions. Despite this, the first 50 pages were compelling and fast paced. They did really important work establishing everything that needs to be established so that when you hit page 51 you're like "Wait! What?!" And for me, I had a bunch of theories about what happened and I of course was wrong. (I'm trying to be as vague as possible because I don't want to give any spoilers).
I took a lot of notes while reading it, but by the time we have our ghosts, I flew through the story... I had to actively stop myself and go back a few pages to write my notes because I was so immersed in this story. I love Reed and I love Tessa. I would definitely reccomend this story if you are interested in something that is often light and cute, but is also meaningful.
If you like books like Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin, After Life by Gayle Forman, and even Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven, then I think you will really like You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker. This book is similar to those books, however it is definitely more romance forward and more fast paced.
It's a five out of five for me.
This is a debut novel about two teens, rivals, who are about to graduate highschool. They have the entire world in front of them and have so much potential. Unfortunately, at a big blowout end-of-the-year party in a dilapitated manor, they both die and are stuck together as ghosts. They have to figure out how to get along well enough to not kill each other while navigating the afterlife.
This was a really fun read. It certainly touched on some heavy topics but it wasn't depressing... Honestly, it was inspirational. It was fun and cute. The romance aspects of the story were quite sweet with a decent amount of tension. Reed kind of gives me Cardan vibes, with a bit of sneering and insults and this sort of can't-be-bothered attitude. I obviously loved that! Like a sweeter human version who doesn't bully... He's just kind of arrogant - or at least it seems that way... Honestly, though, just a young man who has some difficult life experiences that causes him to use his attitude as a means of defense...
Oh, also, I love the aspect of the two best friends Tilly and Tessa who do this compliment-bomb thing. It's adorable and funny!
For me personally, the first 50 pages were a bit rocky in places as I noticed what felt like stiff character interactions. Despite this, the first 50 pages were compelling and fast paced. They did really important work establishing everything that needs to be established so that when you hit page 51 you're like "Wait! What?!" And for me, I had a bunch of theories about what happened and I of course was wrong. (I'm trying to be as vague as possible because I don't want to give any spoilers).
I took a lot of notes while reading it, but by the time we have our ghosts, I flew through the story... I had to actively stop myself and go back a few pages to write my notes because I was so immersed in this story. I love Reed and I love Tessa. I would definitely reccomend this story if you are interested in something that is often light and cute, but is also meaningful.
If you like books like Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin, After Life by Gayle Forman, and even Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven, then I think you will really like You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker. This book is similar to those books, however it is definitely more romance forward and more fast paced.
It's a five out of five for me.
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