Soulless

by Weena Bernabel

Love was never meant for him.

Malek has walked the earth for centuries as Death itself—a reaper without a soul, cursed to collect rather than to feel. He knows nothing of warmth, of tenderness, of what it means to be human… until Seraphine.

Seraphine is fragile yet unyielding, broken yet burning with a light Malek never thought he’d crave. Drawn to her innocence and haunted by her ocean-blue eyes, Malek finds himself shackled by a bond that defies every law of the underworld. But love between a mortal and a soulless reaper was never supposed to exist—let alone survive.

As shadows tighten and fate conspires to tear them apart, Malek must face the every rule broken, every sacrifice made, is pushing them closer to the edge of ruin. To keep Seraphine safe, he would burn the world. To keep her, he would damn himself forever.

But in a love this forbidden, there is only one certainty—
Every soul has a price.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

Weena Bernabel is a storyteller of intense emotion.
Her novels explore the thin line between light and darkness, where passion feels dangerous and connection feels destined. With a love for gothic atmospheres, poetic prose, and emotionally charged relationships, she writes stories that dive deep into the shadows of the human heart.
Inspired by classic literature, haunting melodies, and the belief that some souls are bound beyond logic, Weena creates worlds where love is powerful enough to defy fate. An old soul at heart, she finds inspiration in 1950s oldies and blues music.
When she is not writing, she can be found cozy with a book, a warm mug of coffee, and Luna by her side.
She believes every being deserves to be loved—and that some loves are written long before we are born.

Reviews

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️This was nothing like I’ve ever read, and an interesting take on fated soulmates. Seraphine has really been alone her whole life, but tried to make the best of it. When a life changing event happens, she unexpectedly meets Malek. He just so happens to be the reaper, coming to claim her soul but ends up claiming way more than that. The slow burn and somewhat sentient aspect of this was a good change of pace for me! I also thought from Maleks POV that he was just doing what was expected of him and not what he wanted to do with his “life” and meeting Seraphine made him see the light (literally) and didn’t care about what consequences occurred.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soulless is a haunting and emotional paranormal romance that completely pulls at your heart. Malek an immortal Reaper who shouldn't be able to feel love begin to change because of Seraphine is both beautiful and heartbreaking through all the hardships they both have to face just to be able to be together. Their pull towards each other is undeniable.
Their connection is deep, slow, and full of emotional tension, set against dark underworld stakes and forbidden love. It's not just romance it's about identity, fate, and discovering feelings where none should exist and what it takes to be with the one you love.
Soft, gothic, and achingly tender this one stays with you long after the last page, left me in awe at the end!

[Alysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even think I can put into words what this book has done to me. This is not what I was expecting at all in the best way and I’m so glad I won this book in the giveaway. It was fated and I think I might need a physical copy because when the ending makes me cry, it’s worthy of being immortalized on my shelf.

[Alma Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Soulless ✨

Quote: “Her soul was supposed to be my harvest. Instead, she has become my hunger.”
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Gothic Fantasy Romance Vibes

This story is nothing like I’ve read before however i was so captivated by this story. This story follows Malek a reaper and Seraphine a mortal. Despite the laws and orders that are supposed to to keep the reapers and mortals apart somehow the connection that these two have finds a way around it. The writting in this one just had me hooked from the beginning and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen chapter after chapter. This gives gothic fantasy vibes and even though I haven’t read anything like this before this is a 5 star read for me. I absolutely enjoyed it. There is no spice in this book however the spice is not needed because the emotional connection between these two is more than enough to make this story amazing.

[The DyslexiCat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book is 100% like, Nothing I have read before. The tension.. the slow burn and the way both are so worth every suspense filled word. Every ache they go through. SOULLESS will take you on an emotional roller coaster rooting for that HEA we all want.

[Madeline Ramsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book might hold the record for number of similes and metaphors I’ve ever read in a single novel. The writing was lyrical but a bit predictable and repetitive for my taste, and I found myself still not knowing much about the characters even halfway through the book. I feel the story lacked the kind of depth needed to keep me engaged and interested in the story.

The story moves very quickly and features a forbidden romance. The FMC is very damsel in distress, and cries a lot. I would have liked to see her have a bigger and stronger role.

It’s a short read, and I’d recommend it for anyone looking to read a slightly paranormal, closed door/low spice, and fast paced romance.

[Yamilette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t not expected to cry! The ending got me twice and twice I cried.

This book fell poetically gothic. There’s a lot of descriptions of emotions that felt poetic.

Also if you were hoping to find smut. This is not the book for you.

The slow burn was slowwwww but worth it!

[Caitlynn Yanz]

This was sent to me, so I did my best to approach it with an open mind, hoping that the writing style had matured/ improved from “In Another Lifetime”; however, that was not the case. Short, mediocre sentences, little substance and creativity, more instant infatuation, and an obvious lack of an editor, I DNFed “Soulless” for these reasons.

Many thanks to Weena Bernabel and BookFunnel for the ARC. All thoughts, opinions, and critiques are my own.

(My review contains no spoilers.)

This is extremely fast-paced; the chapters end before they go anywhere or say anything of value. Bernabel’s writing style is, frankly, for those who enjoy the short video, romance reel apps advertised on social media. I will concede that more effort was put towards the setting compared to “In Another Lifetime,” though, without complex thoughts and sentences, it still reads very flat and mindless.

My advice, Weena Bernabel, is to take some grammar and creative writing courses and read more books from various genres.

[Ohhheyimmandy📚🌿 · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was death made flesh, she was life incarnate….and the world would burn to keep them apart. 💀

Soulless-by Weena Bernabel

🩶Blurb🩶
Love was never meant for him. Malek has walked the earth for centuries as Death itself—a reaper without a soul, cursed to collect rather than to feel. He knows nothing of warmth, of tenderness, of what it means to be human... until Seraphine. Seraphine is fragile yet unyielding, broken yet burning with a light Malek never thought he'd crave. Drawn to her innocence and haunted by her ocean-blue eyes, Malek finds himself shackled by a bond that defies every law of the underworld. But love between a mortal and a soulless reaper was never supposed to exist-let alone survive.
As shadows tighten and fate conspires to tear them apart, Malek must face the every rule broken, every sacrifice made, is pushing them closer to the edge of ruin. To keep Seraphine safe, he would burn the world.
To keep her, he would damn himself forever. But in a love this forbidden, there is only one certainty- Every soul has a price.
🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶

He collects souls, but hers could destroy him… and the world.

Malek, handsome, brooding and immortal, is the epitome of death.. He is after all a reaper who has been cursed to walk earth soulless, collecting souls, but never feeling. That is until he meets Seraphine. Seraphine is broken, and fragile,and most importantly human. Malek is immediately drawn to her and forced to feel things he hasn’t felt in centuries. As fate conspires to intervene and interrupt their forbidden love, it is up to Malek to choose between keeping Seraphine safe or damning himself forever.

Soulless is a dark, heart-wrenching tale where love is a sin, and every choice carries the weight of eternity.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the Author for allowing me to ARC read this beautiful story.

[MaryBeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! I loved every single second of reading this. The chapter lengths are PERFECT. I was never bored or wanting throughout the entire thing. I was completely entranced from the very first pages. The writing is so smoothly written that you just glide through the pages effortlessly.

The underworld world building was immaculate 🤌🏻
I truly felt like i was walking along those marble halls and racing through the paths of darkness.

Malek is the MMC and he is EVERYTHING you want out of a top tier book boyfriend. You get “touch her and die”, “I will burn the world for you”, “You are mine”. He’s possessive/protective, he would sacrifice himself for her in an instant, but also is sweet only for her. 🫠🥹

“I will tear at the edges of time until it bends to keep you”
“You are both my curse and salvation” 🖤

Seraphine the FMC is such a tortured soul who just hasn’t had anyone truly love her in a very long time until the one who was supposed to take her soul, stole her heart.

“If loving you damns me, let me be damned”
“I will crawl back to you if you cut me free” ♥️

Definitely 5 star read!! One of my favorite dark romances reads of the year!

[Liv Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me right away with its dark, swoony premise. Malek has existed for centuries as Death itself—more reaper than man—until he meets Seraphine, a beautiful and fiercely strong mortal. What starts as fascination turns into a bond that feels impossible and dangerous, especially with the rules of the underworld closing in and fate basically daring them to fall apart. The stakes keep climbing as Malek is forced to choose how far he’ll go to protect her (and what he’s willing to become in the process), and I loved how the story balanced that eerie, supernatural tension with genuine heart. It was super romantic, I got attached to the characters fast, and the worldbuilding had so much atmosphere without ever feeling confusing. The writing was easy to read and flowed really well, and I honestly teared up at the ending. It was soooo sweet and emotional. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was out of my norm, this was really good! I liked the writing style, the angst between the two main characters, and the background story.

Malek had my heart in a chokehold as he tried to fight for Seraphine and heal himself all at the same time. The amount of emotions packed into the love they had was beautiful. He *literally* went to the end of the earth to find out how to protect Seraphine and his love for her.

Seraphine is thrust into a world she knows nothing about after a traumatic accident. The way this woman took everything in with bravery and strength was admirable. Right before the end, I was absolutely gutted as I thought it wasn’t going to be a HEA. Their love for each other was beautiful and overshadowed all the tribulations.

[Nishtha Agnihotri what_do_iread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soulless isn’t just another emotional read — it’s a slow unraveling of everything you think you know about pain and love. The way Weena Bernabel writes her characters makes you ache for them; you can feel the exhaustion in their silence and the hope they’re too scared to admit.

There were moments that made me pause and just breathe — scenes where the words hit so close to home, I had to put the book down for a second. The emotional growth and self-discovery are written with such honesty, it almost feels like therapy in disguise.

It’s haunting, intense, and beautifully tragic — the kind of book that lingers long after the last page. 📃

Do read it , It will be worth your time

[Fawndra Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway. Thank you.
I thought I knew how the story would go and sad it was a bit predictable. I was wrong. I did not expect what happened toward the end. and a few chapters before the end I thought it would have made a good ending. Well I was wrong. Her ending was way better. For being a shorter book it was full of so much. This is a story of bonds, obsession, longing, loss, love, and possessiveness. I am pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this read. Weena's writing style I really like. She is descriptive without being too vulgar or going way into detail. It's just enough to paint the picture in your head. I will be looking up more books by her in the future.

[Jessi Kroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last. It’s also like nothing I’ve ever read before, a story that blends the supernatural world with very real and raw emotion. The writing is absolutely captivating and I could feel the intensity of the characters’ emotions through the story. The story centers around Malek’s (the reaper) infatuation with an earthly woman, Seraphine. The bond between Seraphine and Malek is so deep and beautiful, it transcends all notions of what’s permissible. A truly unique story that demonstrates the dualities of light and dark, death and rebirth, sadness and joy.

[Nichole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unlike anything I've ever read. I was totally not prepared for the dark, hauntingly phenomenal words written on these pages. One of the best love stories I've ever read. You have Malek, a soulless Reaper, who can't feel anything by design. Then you have Seraphine, a mortal, who has been alone and craves nothing but loving and being loved in return. Their story is so very beautiful. The yearning, tension, and emotions are top tier. I was enthralled with each chapter. This story highlights that everyone deserves and is worthy of love. I highly recommend reading this masterpiece!

[Melissa Lozano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the laws and order keeping reapers and humans apart, Malek and Seraphine challenge it all in this forbidden, fantasy romance. They’re adorable, but in a sad way lol.
The book is not generally a happy one, as both characters are constantly being challenged- both mentally and physically- but the ending will leave you satisfied. Be warned, it is a fast-paced romance. But when the soul knows, it knows.
Also, Malek’s possessiveness is EVERYTHING!

[Lena Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to mention that I have never read a story with this premise, and that was such a nice feeling. I love reading those Hallmark-style romances that are predictable, but sometimes I want something that’ll completely catch me off guard, and Soulless did exactly that.

This is a book that I could’ve easily read in one sitting, but stretched it out because I didn’t want it to end. The last probably 25% had me on my toes. I wasn’t sure how Seraphine and Malek’s story would end, and I was so nervous.

I absolutely loved Malek and Seraphine’s story. I hated what she went through, but the end was perfection.

Any book that wrecks me emotionally and then puts me back together is an automatic five star read! This was no exception. The writing was beautiful, and the descriptions of the underworld and everything Seraphine went through made me feel like I was a part of the story.

[Monica Grace Gossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me in all the best ways possible… words... I’m supposed to have words to describe it and to give a hella good review…. But I have none, and definitely not for the reasons anyone would think!!!! It’s because it was beautiful, sad and heart-wrenching but still like I said beautiful!!! Her writing style makes me want more need more! The storyline and plot was completely different and original and like nothing I’ve read before!!! 5⭐️

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, that was not what I expected, but in a good way! What an interesting take on soulmates. I was watching the pages tick away and getting quite concerned for Malek and Seraphine’s story. In the end they get their HEA, they just have to go through some big trials and tribulations to get there. This is a closed door story, but it doesn’t feel lacking in the slightest.

[Kimberley_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not emotionally prepared for this story. It’s so beautifully written, so unique, heartbreaking and wonderful all at once and I cannot wait for everyone else to read this.

This is the second book I have ARC’d for this author and she is fast becoming one of my favourites. I am emotionally wrecked after reading this and I loved every minute of it.

[jenreadingrainbow1212 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soulless is a suspenseful, intensifying romance story between the grim reaper and a mortal soul. Creatively well written. I could feel every emotion and had to remind myself to breathe! A wonderful short story that gets your heart pounding right from the start. I highly recommend reading this one!!

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soulless was a journey beyond life to what happens as we die. Seraphine and Malek’s story kept my full attention. I could not put this book down. If you love a story that includes a fated meeting, an instant connection, and a possessive MMC you will enjoy this one too.

[Kogi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate:4.2⭐️


I enjoyed this book so much.The tension, angst and want was so evident it left wanting more. I love Malek us all I can say and his bond with Lucifer definitely didn't deter me.
I loved that he cared for Seraphine in his own way.

How Seraphine was portrayed made the book so much .

[AshieNightShade · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐
The story was short yet captivating. It was beautiful yet sad in its own way. It made me cry, honestly. I loved the characters 🫶🏻
I'd like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity to ARC read this book.

[blossomingwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and heavy love story. The forward prepared me for how heavy this would feel, but my goodness it didn't prepare me for the love. Malek and Seraphine are an example of fate I can get behind.

Not lengthy, but beautifully written.

[Missyrhae.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like a story I have never read before. It kept me READING 📚 and not wanting to put it down! The Cover was the first thing that wanted me to read this and I can say IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Reaper and mortal yhat are fated mates and their chemistry was perfect! Weena knows how to write ✍️

[Margie Gavaldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I love the story line, the one who thought that he couldn’t be loved was loved. Then his whole would changed all because he was tested.
All it takes is that one person to change it all and either you take the risk or you lose what you are missing out on.

[Marie smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a really good deep think about life read this is definitely the book for you. Seraphine and malek are both amazing and Makena touch her and die is great. Please please make sure to read trigger warnings. This is a really deep book.

[kelsee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t often read dark romance, but this was a fast paced, spooky, and romantic read! Fans of “touch her and die” and soulmates/fated mates will enjoy this novel. If you are a fan of dark romances, Soulless is very unique and worth the read.

Thank you to the author for the ARC!