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Reap & Sow #1
Reap & Sow
A young woman bargains with a demon to save her brothers, only to lose her heart in this slow-burn romantasy about dark magic, unlikely love, and the imperfect beauty of mortality.
This stunning hardcover edition of Reap & Sow will feature deluxe embellishments, including a dazzling metallic jacket, full color printed edges, patterned end papers, and a specially designed case.
The penniless in Blackbridge have only two choices: Sell the body or sell the soul. And thanks to Eda Shaw, business is booming.
Indentured to a capricious demon known as Mr. Night, Eda and her brothers arrange illicit Pacts on his behalf, luring the city's most desperate into trading years of their lives for their deepest desires. When a Pact goes awry and her brothers are arrested, Eda realizes she’ll need an infernal ally of her own: Kit'rath, an infuriating demon with a curious penchant for humanity and the only being in Blackbridge that Mr. Night seems to fear. As they race to rescue her family and save the city from ruin, an undeniable connection sparks between mortal and demon.
But Kit's help doesn’t come cheap. Now, Eda risks losing her heart to the one who claims her years—and saving herself may prove the steepest cost of all.
Rich with gothic atmosphere, sharp wit, and simmering romantic tension, Reap & Sow is a fantasy debut perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig, Hannah Whitten, and Heather Fawcett.
This stunning hardcover edition of Reap & Sow will feature deluxe embellishments, including a dazzling metallic jacket, full color printed edges, patterned end papers, and a specially designed case.
The penniless in Blackbridge have only two choices: Sell the body or sell the soul. And thanks to Eda Shaw, business is booming.
Indentured to a capricious demon known as Mr. Night, Eda and her brothers arrange illicit Pacts on his behalf, luring the city's most desperate into trading years of their lives for their deepest desires. When a Pact goes awry and her brothers are arrested, Eda realizes she’ll need an infernal ally of her own: Kit'rath, an infuriating demon with a curious penchant for humanity and the only being in Blackbridge that Mr. Night seems to fear. As they race to rescue her family and save the city from ruin, an undeniable connection sparks between mortal and demon.
But Kit's help doesn’t come cheap. Now, Eda risks losing her heart to the one who claims her years—and saving herself may prove the steepest cost of all.
Rich with gothic atmosphere, sharp wit, and simmering romantic tension, Reap & Sow is a fantasy debut perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig, Hannah Whitten, and Heather Fawcett.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2026
About the author
Charlotte B. Plumb
1 book356 followersCharlotte B. Plumb is a fantasy author living in the UK with her husband, cat, and slightly mad dog. She believes books are the closest anyone can get to real magic, and when she isn't daydreaming about fictional characters, she's at her laptop writing them—if the cat isn’t already sitting on it.
Her debut novel, REAP & SOW, is coming Oct 2026.
Her debut novel, REAP & SOW, is coming Oct 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 746 reviews
Did Not Finish
September 16, 2026I’m dnf’ing this at 48%
I don’t think the romance was done well. The chemistry wasn’t there, and the attraction was heavy handed. Everything felt forced. I’m weirdly forgiving of that stuff in contemporary romance but I don’t like to see this in romantasy.
When Kit info dumped his tragic past to Eda after knowing her for literally no time at all, I rolled my eyes. There was no reason for it either, he just started spilling his life story. Not the best way to tackle character exposition, imo.
I also didn’t like the writing, the dialogue or the characters (not even Kit). Honestly, I have zero desire to pick this back up.
I tried but it’s not for me!
✎ᝰ. pre-read: i too would make a pact with a hot demon
💌 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley XO for the arc!
I don’t think the romance was done well. The chemistry wasn’t there, and the attraction was heavy handed. Everything felt forced. I’m weirdly forgiving of that stuff in contemporary romance but I don’t like to see this in romantasy.
When Kit info dumped his tragic past to Eda after knowing her for literally no time at all, I rolled my eyes. There was no reason for it either, he just started spilling his life story. Not the best way to tackle character exposition, imo.
I also didn’t like the writing, the dialogue or the characters (not even Kit). Honestly, I have zero desire to pick this back up.
I tried but it’s not for me!
✎ᝰ. pre-read: i too would make a pact with a hot demon
💌 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley XO for the arc!
May 23, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Netgalley
I’m elated to announce that this book, one of my most anticipated reads of the year so far, did not disappoint in the slightest. Not only did it not disappoint, it surpassed every single expectation I had of it.
Eda was the kind of character you can’t help but root for. She didn’t always make the wisest decisions, specifically in the beginning, but it was never difficult to see where she was coming from. This girl had me screaming “stopppp” at my phone screen with that one thing she did at the start, not just because she was being a complete idiot, but also because I just didn’t want her to suffer the consequences that were so obviously coming.
Kit’rath is a terrible name. Lucky for him, I love him enough to overlook that. He’s a demon, so that’s already +1000 points, but he’s also hilarious. The moment where he called Tripp and Eda children and sarcastically chastised them for bickering had me laughing out loud. And deep down, surprisingly sensitive for a demon. How fresh that he be the one to see the world with hope and awe while Eda is jaded and bitter.
Don’t get it twisted, he’s also a sassy asshole. So basically he is everything I love in a man—except the hope and awe thing, of course—especially the dark hair, because I can only tolerate so many blonds.
The romance was to die for. Plain and simple. I’m doing my best to avoid spoilers, but I HAVE to mention this one thing:
When he took her to the play, and she mentioned not liking sad endings, and he asked her if she would wish she hadn’t come if the ending would sadden her, but he was obviously talking about their ending? UGH. Literally a PERFECT scene.
I wish I could quote specific moments from the writing, because I loved it and there were so many that would make me squeal if I was a person who squealed. It was deceptively simple—it never tried too hard, wasn’t littered with fancy language, but still managed to be vivid, layered, and PULL ON MY HEARTSTRINGS THE WHOLE TIME.
The world was immersive; it felt lived in rather than a mere backdrop for the events of the story. From the cities to the people to the religion to Kit’s home realm, everything felt fully realized and authentic. I especially enjoyed the details and lore of the faith system. It was quite intriguing, but more importantly, it was incredibly fleshed out.
I loved the nuance in how Eda and her brothers viewed their father. Eda could only see him as a selfish, foolish man who sacrificed his children, while her brothers remembered a time before that, when he was a good dad, and still held so much love for him despite what he did. They mourned a man Eda never knew, and wanted her to do so as well, but she just couldn’t, especially with the way she was essentially groomed by Mr. Night. Their differing perspectives, along with her sentimental attachment to the demon they were indebted to, added so many layers to the grief they each shared and made it feel that much more real.
The ending pt. 1 was absolutely perfect—dare I say I’m obsessed?
ENDING PT. 2 WTF WAS THAT LAST PARAGRAPH? How am I meant to wait for a second book? I shall remain in excruciating. agony until it comes out.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
thank you to the publisher for the arc♡
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
Me over here waiting for my netgalley request for this to be approved meanwhile it’s been moved to read now god knows how long ago: 🤡🤡
I’m elated to announce that this book, one of my most anticipated reads of the year so far, did not disappoint in the slightest. Not only did it not disappoint, it surpassed every single expectation I had of it.
Eda was the kind of character you can’t help but root for. She didn’t always make the wisest decisions, specifically in the beginning, but it was never difficult to see where she was coming from. This girl had me screaming “stopppp” at my phone screen with that one thing she did at the start, not just because she was being a complete idiot, but also because I just didn’t want her to suffer the consequences that were so obviously coming.
Kit’rath is a terrible name. Lucky for him, I love him enough to overlook that. He’s a demon, so that’s already +1000 points, but he’s also hilarious. The moment where he called Tripp and Eda children and sarcastically chastised them for bickering had me laughing out loud. And deep down, surprisingly sensitive for a demon. How fresh that he be the one to see the world with hope and awe while Eda is jaded and bitter.
Don’t get it twisted, he’s also a sassy asshole. So basically he is everything I love in a man—except the hope and awe thing, of course—especially the dark hair, because I can only tolerate so many blonds.
The romance was to die for. Plain and simple. I’m doing my best to avoid spoilers, but I HAVE to mention this one thing:
When he took her to the play, and she mentioned not liking sad endings, and he asked her if she would wish she hadn’t come if the ending would sadden her, but he was obviously talking about their ending? UGH. Literally a PERFECT scene.
I wish I could quote specific moments from the writing, because I loved it and there were so many that would make me squeal if I was a person who squealed. It was deceptively simple—it never tried too hard, wasn’t littered with fancy language, but still managed to be vivid, layered, and PULL ON MY HEARTSTRINGS THE WHOLE TIME.
The world was immersive; it felt lived in rather than a mere backdrop for the events of the story. From the cities to the people to the religion to Kit’s home realm, everything felt fully realized and authentic. I especially enjoyed the details and lore of the faith system. It was quite intriguing, but more importantly, it was incredibly fleshed out.
I loved the nuance in how Eda and her brothers viewed their father. Eda could only see him as a selfish, foolish man who sacrificed his children, while her brothers remembered a time before that, when he was a good dad, and still held so much love for him despite what he did. They mourned a man Eda never knew, and wanted her to do so as well, but she just couldn’t, especially with the way she was essentially groomed by Mr. Night. Their differing perspectives, along with her sentimental attachment to the demon they were indebted to, added so many layers to the grief they each shared and made it feel that much more real.
The ending pt. 1 was absolutely perfect—dare I say I’m obsessed?
ENDING PT. 2 WTF WAS THAT LAST PARAGRAPH? How am I meant to wait for a second book? I shall remain in excruciating. agony until it comes out.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
thank you to the publisher for the arc♡
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
Me over here waiting for my netgalley request for this to be approved meanwhile it’s been moved to read now god knows how long ago: 🤡🤡
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
somewhere between 3.5 and 4!
Eda and her brothers work in an antique shop where people can secretly make supernatural bargains--trading years of their lives for whatever they want. The siblings owe a debt to a demon, Mr. Night. When a pact goes wrong, Eda goes to Mr. Night's enemy to seek out his help and makes a pact with him but there is a price...
She's loyal and he's strongly connected to humanity.. Let's HOPE this is good!
This book is featured on BOTM for October! Grab your $5 copy early here: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
Very easy to sign up (you get a free tote!), pause, skip or cancel at no additional cost to you!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley XO and the author, Charlotte B. Plumb for an early ARC!
Publication date: October 6, 2026
Eda and her brothers work in an antique shop where people can secretly make supernatural bargains--trading years of their lives for whatever they want. The siblings owe a debt to a demon, Mr. Night. When a pact goes wrong, Eda goes to Mr. Night's enemy to seek out his help and makes a pact with him but there is a price...
She's loyal and he's strongly connected to humanity.. Let's HOPE this is good!
This book is featured on BOTM for October! Grab your $5 copy early here: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
Very easy to sign up (you get a free tote!), pause, skip or cancel at no additional cost to you!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley XO and the author, Charlotte B. Plumb for an early ARC!
Publication date: October 6, 2026
July 1, 2026
Reap & Sow by Charlotte B. Plumb
Book Blurb: A young woman bargains with a demon to save her brothers, only to lose her heart in this slow-burn romantasy about dark magic, unlikely love, and the imperfect beauty of mortality.
Rating: *****
Feels: Intrigued, Adventure, Entertained, Satisfied
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Dark Fantasy, Dark Romance
First published October 6, 2026 : 384 pages
Themes & Setting: Very much a gothic romantasy with themes of religious persecution and a really interesting take on heaven and "hell". There were definite themes of good vrs evil and what do those actually mean to the individual.
FMC: Eda is devoted to her family which does not always lead her to make the best choices. I do love her fumbles through the story and also just her tenacity to get what she needs done under staggering odds.
MMC: Kit makes dealing with a demon look like a very good idea !! He has swagger, history and a built in mystery that make him irresistible !! Just absolutely yummy.
Conclusion: Sooo I’m obsessed with this read. loving the vibes. Gothic romantasy. Deals with demons. Shady happenings in the dark !! Super grumpy demon daddy !!!! Sloooow Burn goodness 🥰🥰Omg yes please !!!! I loved so many things about this read and how it all came together to just be fun, amusing and thought provoking. We have demons who make pacts with humans for years of their lives. Interesting to see what people want to give up time for and the dynamic that creates. The manipulation of public opinion by many different sources in this setting is fascinating and I hope we learn more about the origin of the demons. I really enjoyed this take on demons and pacts / free will. Highly recommended
This book has:
Gothic Vibes
Demon Deals
Forced Proximity
Witches & Magic
Slow Burn
Witty Banter
Book Blurb: A young woman bargains with a demon to save her brothers, only to lose her heart in this slow-burn romantasy about dark magic, unlikely love, and the imperfect beauty of mortality.
Rating: *****
Feels: Intrigued, Adventure, Entertained, Satisfied
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Dark Fantasy, Dark Romance
First published October 6, 2026 : 384 pages
Themes & Setting: Very much a gothic romantasy with themes of religious persecution and a really interesting take on heaven and "hell". There were definite themes of good vrs evil and what do those actually mean to the individual.
FMC: Eda is devoted to her family which does not always lead her to make the best choices. I do love her fumbles through the story and also just her tenacity to get what she needs done under staggering odds.
MMC: Kit makes dealing with a demon look like a very good idea !! He has swagger, history and a built in mystery that make him irresistible !! Just absolutely yummy.
Conclusion: Sooo I’m obsessed with this read. loving the vibes. Gothic romantasy. Deals with demons. Shady happenings in the dark !! Super grumpy demon daddy !!!! Sloooow Burn goodness 🥰🥰Omg yes please !!!! I loved so many things about this read and how it all came together to just be fun, amusing and thought provoking. We have demons who make pacts with humans for years of their lives. Interesting to see what people want to give up time for and the dynamic that creates. The manipulation of public opinion by many different sources in this setting is fascinating and I hope we learn more about the origin of the demons. I really enjoyed this take on demons and pacts / free will. Highly recommended
This book has:
Gothic Vibes
Demon Deals
Forced Proximity
Witches & Magic
Slow Burn
Witty Banter
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
”What else would you have me confess?” He rumbled. “How I despise every moment your eyes aren’t on me? How low I would prostrate myself, just to earn another measly crumb of your attention?”
i went into this book with the bare minimum of info, so i was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. it was so easy to get sucked into this world / plot and i grew fond of all the characters right away, basically.
Eda and her two brothers Lawrie and Ben are left indebted to a demon, who they’ve been slowly feeding the townspeople souls to. then something goes wrong, forcing Eda to make another deal with another demon (the mmc Kit), since he’s her only real option.
Kit is truly such a babygirl, he’s got a perfect balance in his personality and i loved how his defenses dropped entirely whenever he was with Eda. i felt that Eda was more morally ambiguous, but her love for the people closest to her is what drives her motivations.
the ending had me staring at the wall.. cause i had a false sense of security and i do NOT appreciate how i have to wait to figure out what the hell she meant??!!!
➷ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Berkley XO for the arc, all opinions are my own.
i went into this book with the bare minimum of info, so i was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. it was so easy to get sucked into this world / plot and i grew fond of all the characters right away, basically.
Eda and her two brothers Lawrie and Ben are left indebted to a demon, who they’ve been slowly feeding the townspeople souls to. then something goes wrong, forcing Eda to make another deal with another demon (the mmc Kit), since he’s her only real option.
Kit is truly such a babygirl, he’s got a perfect balance in his personality and i loved how his defenses dropped entirely whenever he was with Eda. i felt that Eda was more morally ambiguous, but her love for the people closest to her is what drives her motivations.
the ending had me staring at the wall.. cause i had a false sense of security and i do NOT appreciate how i have to wait to figure out what the hell she meant??!!!
➷ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Berkley XO for the arc, all opinions are my own.
November 17, 2025
Official blurb to come but I LOVED this. Propulsive and twisty and with an absolutely delicious love interest - you’re all not ready!!
March 2, 2026
Some stories flirt with darkness. This one signs a contract in blood and asks you to read the fine print.
From the very first chapter, we’re dropped into the gothic gloom with Eda—desperate, determined, and just reckless enough to consider that making a pact with a demon might be a reasonable life choice. She needs to save her two brothers. The stakes? High. The atmosphere? Deliciously shadowed. The moral compass? Slightly… negotiable.
It’s an opening that hooks you by the collar and whispers, “Trust me, darling…” before vanishing into the mist. And yes—you’ll absolutely want more after that first chapter.
Eda’s journey is laced with witches, demons, long-buried truths, and the kind of found family that blooms in the most unexpected (and probably cursed) places. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching her forge new friendships while unravelling secrets that may cost her more than she bargained for. Because really—can you have it all? Salvation, love, power… and no consequences?
Let’s talk about the MMC. Because oh, we must.
He arrives wrapped in shadow and sarcasm, delivering dry, razor-sharp humour that had me laughing out loud more than once. The banter? Immaculate. Effortless. The kind that crackles on the page. And his persistent use of “Darling”? Absolutely swoon-worthy. It’s the verbal equivalent of a gloved hand tipped under your chin—charming, dangerous, and just a little bit mocking.
But make no mistake: in a story about demons, the devil is always in the details.
The magic system hints at rules, loopholes, and the fine print of infernal bargains. You can’t help but read carefully, searching for the catch. Because there is one. There’s always one. The tension doesn’t just come from looming threats—it comes from the creeping suspicion that someone, somewhere, hasn’t read the contract closely enough.
This book revels in its gothic setting: shadowed corridors, whispered truths, morally grey choices, and the intoxicating pull of power at a price. It balances humour with darkness beautifully, allowing moments of levity to slice through the gloom without ever undercutting the stakes.
So the question lingers long after you turn the page:
If you were offered everything you ever wanted… would you check the details?
A wickedly fun, banter-filled, demon-infused tale that proves once again—trusting a devil is easy.
Understanding him? That’s the tricky part.
From the very first chapter, we’re dropped into the gothic gloom with Eda—desperate, determined, and just reckless enough to consider that making a pact with a demon might be a reasonable life choice. She needs to save her two brothers. The stakes? High. The atmosphere? Deliciously shadowed. The moral compass? Slightly… negotiable.
It’s an opening that hooks you by the collar and whispers, “Trust me, darling…” before vanishing into the mist. And yes—you’ll absolutely want more after that first chapter.
Eda’s journey is laced with witches, demons, long-buried truths, and the kind of found family that blooms in the most unexpected (and probably cursed) places. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching her forge new friendships while unravelling secrets that may cost her more than she bargained for. Because really—can you have it all? Salvation, love, power… and no consequences?
Let’s talk about the MMC. Because oh, we must.
He arrives wrapped in shadow and sarcasm, delivering dry, razor-sharp humour that had me laughing out loud more than once. The banter? Immaculate. Effortless. The kind that crackles on the page. And his persistent use of “Darling”? Absolutely swoon-worthy. It’s the verbal equivalent of a gloved hand tipped under your chin—charming, dangerous, and just a little bit mocking.
But make no mistake: in a story about demons, the devil is always in the details.
The magic system hints at rules, loopholes, and the fine print of infernal bargains. You can’t help but read carefully, searching for the catch. Because there is one. There’s always one. The tension doesn’t just come from looming threats—it comes from the creeping suspicion that someone, somewhere, hasn’t read the contract closely enough.
This book revels in its gothic setting: shadowed corridors, whispered truths, morally grey choices, and the intoxicating pull of power at a price. It balances humour with darkness beautifully, allowing moments of levity to slice through the gloom without ever undercutting the stakes.
So the question lingers long after you turn the page:
If you were offered everything you ever wanted… would you check the details?
A wickedly fun, banter-filled, demon-infused tale that proves once again—trusting a devil is easy.
Understanding him? That’s the tricky part.
April 29, 2026
first 6 star of the year we truly love to see it
Reap & Sow truly shines through in its character work - these characters are so intensely lovable and easy to cheer for. In particular, our MMC, Kit’rath, is an absolute delight. What’s not to love about a cheeky, sassy man who just so happens to be a demon? For my fellow Voidwalker lovers: this man is Antal coded.
This book made me laugh, scream, cry, and gasp, sometimes all within the same page… but that ending was unforgivable, and you can see my exact reaction in the second slide. I am begging, pleading, and screaming for the sequel EXPEDITIOUSLY.
My pitch:
Hidden beneath the shroud of Blackbridge’s piety, desperate citizens deal away years of their life to demons in pursuit of their greatest desires. Eda Shaw understands better than anyone how deep these illicit transactions run. After all, she has a mirror ensconced in her basement capable of summoning one such demon, Mr. Night, having inherited both the mirror and her father’s Pact upon his passing. The Shaws owe Mr. Night human years, and as such, must bring him willing participants eager to sign their lives away.
Desperation breeds impulse and Eda decides to deliver on their debt sooner than later, only to be entrapped by the Blades, an army in service of eliminating demonic presence from Blackbridge, resulting in the capture of her brothers. In a bid to free them, Eda makes a pact of her own with another elusive demon hidden within Blackbridge… But Kit’rath Ansellis is more intriguing than she could ever imagine.
Alas, you don’t always get what you bargain for.
Reap & Sow truly shines through in its character work - these characters are so intensely lovable and easy to cheer for. In particular, our MMC, Kit’rath, is an absolute delight. What’s not to love about a cheeky, sassy man who just so happens to be a demon? For my fellow Voidwalker lovers: this man is Antal coded.
This book made me laugh, scream, cry, and gasp, sometimes all within the same page… but that ending was unforgivable, and you can see my exact reaction in the second slide. I am begging, pleading, and screaming for the sequel EXPEDITIOUSLY.
My pitch:
Hidden beneath the shroud of Blackbridge’s piety, desperate citizens deal away years of their life to demons in pursuit of their greatest desires. Eda Shaw understands better than anyone how deep these illicit transactions run. After all, she has a mirror ensconced in her basement capable of summoning one such demon, Mr. Night, having inherited both the mirror and her father’s Pact upon his passing. The Shaws owe Mr. Night human years, and as such, must bring him willing participants eager to sign their lives away.
Desperation breeds impulse and Eda decides to deliver on their debt sooner than later, only to be entrapped by the Blades, an army in service of eliminating demonic presence from Blackbridge, resulting in the capture of her brothers. In a bid to free them, Eda makes a pact of her own with another elusive demon hidden within Blackbridge… But Kit’rath Ansellis is more intriguing than she could ever imagine.
Alas, you don’t always get what you bargain for.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Happy Release Day!!
A very enjoyable read that's a mix between cozy and romantasy.
This was a surprise for me. I was obviously hoping to enjoy it, but it ended up being much better than I was thinking it would be. Very interesting storyline, really great writing, and two main characters that were really entertaining and engaging.
I think at times the pacing could have been a little better, but I think that's where the cozy side comes in. It was a very interesting combo, but I don't think it balanced quite right, but it made me very interested to read more like this. And it seems like this will be a series? If so, absolutely sign me up for the sequel ❤️🔥
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley XO for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
A very enjoyable read that's a mix between cozy and romantasy.
This was a surprise for me. I was obviously hoping to enjoy it, but it ended up being much better than I was thinking it would be. Very interesting storyline, really great writing, and two main characters that were really entertaining and engaging.
I think at times the pacing could have been a little better, but I think that's where the cozy side comes in. It was a very interesting combo, but I don't think it balanced quite right, but it made me very interested to read more like this. And it seems like this will be a series? If so, absolutely sign me up for the sequel ❤️🔥
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley XO for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(4.5⭐)
UMMM???? OMINOUS MUCH?? Could've just ended the book with the paragraph before, I did not need to feel dread like that... I'm genuinely terrified now??? Like truly the way I went from "aww" to my heart dropping FAST. I need book 2 right now.
There are so many things to love about Reap & Sow. Not only did it have such beautiful prose (seriously, the writing??), but this world and its characters are just so full of life. Which I know is such an odd thing to say considering practically all books are like this but there was just something unique here. Maybe it's because its been quite awhile since I felt this consumed by a book's romantic storyline in 2 months. Or maybe it's because I genuinely adored so much the theme of mortality that was explored. The juxtaposition between Eda, the human, who despises the weaknesses and lack of mortality and power of her own kind mortals, and Kit, the demon, who admires mortals, mimicks their actions and longs to be like them. Like hello I was obsessed with it!! Kit's fierce love for poetry, songs, plays... and giving Eda that same experience🥹 I love them your honour.
Which speaking of those two!! THEM OH MY GOSH. Kit and Eda had me gushing and squealing in delight every 5 seconds I swear. THEY'RE SO CUTE HELLO?!?!? From the moment Kit appeared I was like "yup, that's my man." We love a demon that gives threats of violence during that first encounter with the FMC!! Gosh I could not stop laughing he's genuinely so funny😭 And I love Eda for being such a mood like "yes he's pretty but oh I really shouldn't be even LIKING a demon because a) he could be playing with my feelings and b) I literally owe him FIFTY years of my life..." and YET🫣 They had such amazing chemistry!!! I adored their banter, literally every second of it was golden. They complement each other so well, theyre my babies omg. The way I melted like a puddle during all those romantic scenes?? Like wow was Kit SUCH a romantic. And every time he called Eda "darling" I was giggling and kicking my feet MY HEART. The amount of scenes I highlighted with these two... I was a goner. Get me a man like Kit please and thank you.
And again, can I scream about the writing?? Talk about being not only gorgeous and immersive but ADDICTING?! In a flash I would read 20% in bursts without even noticing and don't even get me started on those intense scenes... like nobody talk to me let me gasp in peace!! My heart was beating so so fast during that last half especially, I was genuinely so invested I could not take my eyes off the book. (And funny enough my 11 year old sister chose that exact moment to want to gush about a book she was reading and as much as I love hearing her talk, I could not be interrupted!!)
The plot was very well written in my opinion and I definitely did not expect those turn of events near the end?? (The way I nearly cried during one scene omg) I'm so excited to see where we're taken next in book 2!
And of course as I mentioned before, the world was written so beautifully. I could picture myself in Blackbridge and found myself admiring the same things Eda and Kit would describe as if I was experiencing it. It gives me a new appreciation of the small city I live in honestly LOL. Though it's obviously nowhere as interesting as Blackbridge. Also on another note, I'm excited to learn more about Hell and the other demons next book!!
I will say that the only reason this isn't a 5 star, despite how much I adored it, is because I'm not getting that feeling of "5 stars!! I'm obsessed!!" that I would usually get (idk I'm picky with 5 stars this year😭)
All in all, Reap & Sow is an amazing debut and Charlotte has definitely won me over!! I will be counting down the days until we get book 2. (And please... don't scare me with that ending, please don't hurt my babies😭 I'll offer 50 years of MY life)
Thank you Berkley XO for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!! And thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the physical ARC!
UMMM???? OMINOUS MUCH?? Could've just ended the book with the paragraph before, I did not need to feel dread like that... I'm genuinely terrified now??? Like truly the way I went from "aww" to my heart dropping FAST. I need book 2 right now.
A heart is more valuable than any number of years, and harder still to get back.
There are so many things to love about Reap & Sow. Not only did it have such beautiful prose (seriously, the writing??), but this world and its characters are just so full of life. Which I know is such an odd thing to say considering practically all books are like this but there was just something unique here. Maybe it's because its been quite awhile since I felt this consumed by a book's romantic storyline in 2 months. Or maybe it's because I genuinely adored so much the theme of mortality that was explored. The juxtaposition between Eda, the human, who despises the weaknesses and lack of mortality and power of her own kind mortals, and Kit, the demon, who admires mortals, mimicks their actions and longs to be like them. Like hello I was obsessed with it!! Kit's fierce love for poetry, songs, plays... and giving Eda that same experience🥹 I love them your honour.
Which speaking of those two!! THEM OH MY GOSH. Kit and Eda had me gushing and squealing in delight every 5 seconds I swear. THEY'RE SO CUTE HELLO?!?!? From the moment Kit appeared I was like "yup, that's my man." We love a demon that gives threats of violence during that first encounter with the FMC!! Gosh I could not stop laughing he's genuinely so funny😭 And I love Eda for being such a mood like "yes he's pretty but oh I really shouldn't be even LIKING a demon because a) he could be playing with my feelings and b) I literally owe him FIFTY years of my life..." and YET🫣 They had such amazing chemistry!!! I adored their banter, literally every second of it was golden. They complement each other so well, theyre my babies omg. The way I melted like a puddle during all those romantic scenes?? Like wow was Kit SUCH a romantic. And every time he called Eda "darling" I was giggling and kicking my feet MY HEART. The amount of scenes I highlighted with these two... I was a goner. Get me a man like Kit please and thank you.
And again, can I scream about the writing?? Talk about being not only gorgeous and immersive but ADDICTING?! In a flash I would read 20% in bursts without even noticing and don't even get me started on those intense scenes... like nobody talk to me let me gasp in peace!! My heart was beating so so fast during that last half especially, I was genuinely so invested I could not take my eyes off the book. (And funny enough my 11 year old sister chose that exact moment to want to gush about a book she was reading and as much as I love hearing her talk, I could not be interrupted!!)
The plot was very well written in my opinion and I definitely did not expect those turn of events near the end?? (The way I nearly cried during one scene omg) I'm so excited to see where we're taken next in book 2!
And of course as I mentioned before, the world was written so beautifully. I could picture myself in Blackbridge and found myself admiring the same things Eda and Kit would describe as if I was experiencing it. It gives me a new appreciation of the small city I live in honestly LOL. Though it's obviously nowhere as interesting as Blackbridge. Also on another note, I'm excited to learn more about Hell and the other demons next book!!
I will say that the only reason this isn't a 5 star, despite how much I adored it, is because I'm not getting that feeling of "5 stars!! I'm obsessed!!" that I would usually get (idk I'm picky with 5 stars this year😭)
All in all, Reap & Sow is an amazing debut and Charlotte has definitely won me over!! I will be counting down the days until we get book 2. (And please... don't scare me with that ending, please don't hurt my babies😭 I'll offer 50 years of MY life)
Thank you Berkley XO for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!! And thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the physical ARC!
September 15, 2026
Some people like their mmcs akin to golden retrievers, or German shepards or even pitbulls. But how about the cat-coded mmc? You know the type: Cardan, Howl, Astarion, Antal from Voidwalker, Mal from How To Find A Nameless Fae... This one is another. Bonus points if he actually has a tail he emotes with, or with his ears. I have a type, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Kit is very much that: charming, flirty, funny, fashionable, somewhat cowardly, will dance around subjects rather than jump into them head on, and in romantic dynamic he's more of an enabler than pressurer. And I always appreciate this. He let Eda withdraw when she wanted to, and didn't jump at her until she asked him to. I love when a romance plot hands the agency back to fmc instead of having the love interest coerce her into a relationship (why is that so popular still, I don't know).
But anyway, first things first. This isn't my first encounter with Charlotte B. Plumb's writing. There was a time when I beta read for strangers on the internet and I found out that Jessica Faust, head of the BookEnds Literary Agency, was right in her assessment that most books get rejected from publication because they're boring. Charlotte's book stood out in the sea of boring, saggy, soggy, meandering plots. It was propulsive, it had engaging characters, it had an interesting and logically tied together plot. Unfortunately, it wasn't this book, and I wish that book also saw the light of day, because it was so good. But this one? This one is better.
I loved that the plot starts from Eda, the protagonist and sole pov of this novel, making a careless mistake. Too many books I pick up are so preoccupied with making the protagonist "likeable" and morally right that they never allow them to make a grave mistake. These characters are always forced into the plot against their protests, accused unfairly, or burdened with useless family they have to provide for. Eda's brothers are the opposite of useless, they're more reasonable than her and they try to protect her even if it means sacrificing themselves for her. So her guilt after making a mistake her brothers take the blow for is much more relatable than when the family is useless and causing problems and yet the mc for some odd reason martyrs themselves for those deadweights. The sibling bonds here were very well done and nobody felt like a personalityless plot prop.
Eda is desperate, and out of desperation people often make rash or stupid decisions, but it never felt like pointless stubbornness or catching idiot ball story. She was also very reasonable towards her developing attraction towards Kit, she kept reminding herself about her goals, the divide between humans and demons and the dire consequences of her pact, it wasn't one of those "I hate him for no reason but I can't resist him" romances there are dime a dozen in romantasy.
The plot progressed at a steady pace and the romance filled the downtime and never felt like happening at the expense of the main plot of saving Eda's brothers and fixing all the problems the trio was in.
I also liked Eda wasn't a blushing virgin. She keeps reminiscing of her past lover, Wymond, who was okay - he wasn't an evil ex or an awful lover, as it commonly happens in romances. And she pushed him away due to her secrets rather than because of some great trauma. I liked how it was all normal instead of usual story of no past experience or horrible ones.
I appreciate that Kit's greatest challenge was facing his fears. I feel commonly that character arc is reserved for female characters while male characters are not allowed cowardice, because it's perceived as too unmanly. But I enjoy when the character's flaws aren't convenient, it makes them feel so much more human, and facing those flaws so much more compelling.
I loved the side characters too. Besides Eda's brothers, we have the "witch" Robin, the imp Tripp who played the role of "sassy animal companion" even though he's not exactly a baby dragon, but still adorable, and Tenelle who's a honorable Black woman leader of the holy knights, she really reminded me of Seelah from the game Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and I loved that game and I loved that character.
The humour in this book was impeccable. So many "humorous" books don't work for me because they feel more like a string of gags than an actual story. Here the humour was a good addition to the plot, but didn't replace it. Esp. chapters 15, 16, 30, 34 & 35. I felt it was more British humour with its sarcasm and deadpan tone than the more common "Marvel banter". Yes, the author is British, so we have all the trousers and arses in the story.
There are 2 spicy chapters back to back at around 77%, but they aren't very explicit, they're firmly open door but more on the euphemistic side. I saw this book was initially classified as YA in the UK, but since then has been moved into the new New Adult imprint, Dusk. I'm truly fascinated with the development of all those "new adult" "crossover" "romantasy" imprints because they all hint at the old truth: we need to free women-authored romantic fantasy from the confinements of YA. I enjoy a lot of YA novels, but I also like adventure fantasy that isn't that dark and gritty and we should have some of that in adult, adult doesn't mean it can't be fun.
The ending was... partially predictable, partially too neatly wrapped in a bow, but I don't care, because it was satisfying, and I didn't expect anything less from a romantasy.
I had a great time with Reap & Sow and I can only ask: Red Skies when?
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK Children's for the ARC!
But anyway, first things first. This isn't my first encounter with Charlotte B. Plumb's writing. There was a time when I beta read for strangers on the internet and I found out that Jessica Faust, head of the BookEnds Literary Agency, was right in her assessment that most books get rejected from publication because they're boring. Charlotte's book stood out in the sea of boring, saggy, soggy, meandering plots. It was propulsive, it had engaging characters, it had an interesting and logically tied together plot. Unfortunately, it wasn't this book, and I wish that book also saw the light of day, because it was so good. But this one? This one is better.
I loved that the plot starts from Eda, the protagonist and sole pov of this novel, making a careless mistake. Too many books I pick up are so preoccupied with making the protagonist "likeable" and morally right that they never allow them to make a grave mistake. These characters are always forced into the plot against their protests, accused unfairly, or burdened with useless family they have to provide for. Eda's brothers are the opposite of useless, they're more reasonable than her and they try to protect her even if it means sacrificing themselves for her. So her guilt after making a mistake her brothers take the blow for is much more relatable than when the family is useless and causing problems and yet the mc for some odd reason martyrs themselves for those deadweights. The sibling bonds here were very well done and nobody felt like a personalityless plot prop.
Eda is desperate, and out of desperation people often make rash or stupid decisions, but it never felt like pointless stubbornness or catching idiot ball story. She was also very reasonable towards her developing attraction towards Kit, she kept reminding herself about her goals, the divide between humans and demons and the dire consequences of her pact, it wasn't one of those "I hate him for no reason but I can't resist him" romances there are dime a dozen in romantasy.
The plot progressed at a steady pace and the romance filled the downtime and never felt like happening at the expense of the main plot of saving Eda's brothers and fixing all the problems the trio was in.
I also liked Eda wasn't a blushing virgin. She keeps reminiscing of her past lover, Wymond, who was okay - he wasn't an evil ex or an awful lover, as it commonly happens in romances. And she pushed him away due to her secrets rather than because of some great trauma. I liked how it was all normal instead of usual story of no past experience or horrible ones.
I appreciate that Kit's greatest challenge was facing his fears. I feel commonly that character arc is reserved for female characters while male characters are not allowed cowardice, because it's perceived as too unmanly. But I enjoy when the character's flaws aren't convenient, it makes them feel so much more human, and facing those flaws so much more compelling.
I loved the side characters too. Besides Eda's brothers, we have the "witch" Robin, the imp Tripp who played the role of "sassy animal companion" even though he's not exactly a baby dragon, but still adorable, and Tenelle who's a honorable Black woman leader of the holy knights, she really reminded me of Seelah from the game Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and I loved that game and I loved that character.
The humour in this book was impeccable. So many "humorous" books don't work for me because they feel more like a string of gags than an actual story. Here the humour was a good addition to the plot, but didn't replace it. Esp. chapters 15, 16, 30, 34 & 35. I felt it was more British humour with its sarcasm and deadpan tone than the more common "Marvel banter". Yes, the author is British, so we have all the trousers and arses in the story.
There are 2 spicy chapters back to back at around 77%, but they aren't very explicit, they're firmly open door but more on the euphemistic side. I saw this book was initially classified as YA in the UK, but since then has been moved into the new New Adult imprint, Dusk. I'm truly fascinated with the development of all those "new adult" "crossover" "romantasy" imprints because they all hint at the old truth: we need to free women-authored romantic fantasy from the confinements of YA. I enjoy a lot of YA novels, but I also like adventure fantasy that isn't that dark and gritty and we should have some of that in adult, adult doesn't mean it can't be fun.
The ending was... partially predictable, partially too neatly wrapped in a bow, but I don't care, because it was satisfying, and I didn't expect anything less from a romantasy.
I had a great time with Reap & Sow and I can only ask: Red Skies when?
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK Children's for the ARC!
September 20, 2026
4.5 stars
That ending. Ha. 😭 the author better be a lying liar who lies because I will not accept anything else
Rtc
That ending. Ha. 😭 the author better be a lying liar who lies because I will not accept anything else
Rtc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 ⭐️
"Lack of experience or education does not equal lack of ability. You can be whatever you wish, Eda. The world is yours. You need only decide to seek it out."
Reap & Sow was such an addicting read all the way, and I can’t remember the last time I FLEW through a book. I breezed through this one. When I got approved on NetGalley, I literally dropped everything to read this one, and it was so worth it. Hot demon and blood bargains? Say less. I definitely could feel the Cassandra Clare x Rachel Gillig vibes from this book, and I think this was a great, gothic debut that deserves all the raving reviews it’s been getting!
I think it is always very telling that a book will be good when it ensnares you within its first chapter. I was locked TF in from the getgo. Every chapter is so bingeable! Literally. There is something happening in every chapter and when you reach the end of one, you just want to blaze through the next just as fast. I was fighting sleep! I think this one will blow up when it’s out and will be sure to please the gothic romance and monster romance fans.
The plot was so freaking good, where the stakes are already high from the beginning. Eda and her two brothers are trickily tied to Mr Night, a demon they are indebted to because of an old bargain their father made before his death and now must work to arrange pacts among other desperate humans whereby years are shaved off their lives to be granted their deepest desires. It was such a compelling concept that was executed really well. I loved the social commentary with how it depicts the worst of humanity, and how the demons exploit that weakness through the bargains.
I really liked the sibling bond between Eda, Lawrie and Ben, and felt awful for them since they’re essentially tied to a bargain they want no part of, and their willingness to sacrifice years of their own lives if it means protecting each other. Their bond was really convincing, even if I wish we got to see more of them in the story. I really liked Eda, too, and love seeing more soft FMCs being portrayed in literature. She’s so brave in spite of all she's gone through. With the demonic debt she finds herself in, it’s no surprise Eda is self-deprecating and has a pessimistic world view, but a lot of it was very justified given her situation, and she is very self-sacrificing because of it. My heart broke for her since she’s such a sweet girl. There were a few times Eda made bad decisions out of desperation that had me screaming at my kindle, but honestly, it was really easy to understand where she came from.
My bad for thinking Mr Night was going to be the love interest at first, LMFAO. But no. The real love interest is Kit’rath, or Kit – another demon that Eda makes a bargain with when things suddenly go awry between her brothers. Kit is very much an acquired taste with his foul mouth and standoffish behaviour in the beginning. It took me a while to figure out if I liked him, and I just wanted to scrub that crass mouth of his, but he really, really grew on me the more I read, and I am begging everyone to give him a chance! I was so worried he was going to be this Wattpad coded love interest, but I am so happy to report that that was not the case! Kit is honestly just a cat in my eyes – super standoffish, cynical, a bit of a douchebag, but once he lets down his guard, he’s actually so cute, sweet and boyish. I’m so glad this didn’t turn out to be insta lusty, and there was some light pining and slow burn in there. Kit is very rough around the edges because of his upbringing, but I really like how flawed he was as someone that’s so used to hiding and running away, and I loved how that was mirrored through his powers! Not spoiling so much, but Kit’s powers are so cool and I loved how it was really well utilized in the novel!!
The romance surprisingly ended up being so pure. I think it’s so beautiful how Kit sees her worth where she does not and brings that light into her life. They compliment each other so well with Eda’s softer nature and Kit’s crasser yet thoughtful nature, even as a demon. The playhouse scene was one of my favorites and then some of the things Kit says?? He won me over after that. Big time. And we can’t forget Trill, Kit’s loyal yet annoying, infuriating imp that also somehow really grew on me by the book’s end. These characters are just so fun and memorable.
I thought the ending was perfect until I read the last paragraph and went WTF. Like, I’m sorry, we are definitely getting a sequel now, right?? I will be traumatized until a sequel gets announced!!
"Lack of experience or education does not equal lack of ability. You can be whatever you wish, Eda. The world is yours. You need only decide to seek it out."
Reap & Sow was such an addicting read all the way, and I can’t remember the last time I FLEW through a book. I breezed through this one. When I got approved on NetGalley, I literally dropped everything to read this one, and it was so worth it. Hot demon and blood bargains? Say less. I definitely could feel the Cassandra Clare x Rachel Gillig vibes from this book, and I think this was a great, gothic debut that deserves all the raving reviews it’s been getting!
I think it is always very telling that a book will be good when it ensnares you within its first chapter. I was locked TF in from the getgo. Every chapter is so bingeable! Literally. There is something happening in every chapter and when you reach the end of one, you just want to blaze through the next just as fast. I was fighting sleep! I think this one will blow up when it’s out and will be sure to please the gothic romance and monster romance fans.
The plot was so freaking good, where the stakes are already high from the beginning. Eda and her two brothers are trickily tied to Mr Night, a demon they are indebted to because of an old bargain their father made before his death and now must work to arrange pacts among other desperate humans whereby years are shaved off their lives to be granted their deepest desires. It was such a compelling concept that was executed really well. I loved the social commentary with how it depicts the worst of humanity, and how the demons exploit that weakness through the bargains.
I really liked the sibling bond between Eda, Lawrie and Ben, and felt awful for them since they’re essentially tied to a bargain they want no part of, and their willingness to sacrifice years of their own lives if it means protecting each other. Their bond was really convincing, even if I wish we got to see more of them in the story. I really liked Eda, too, and love seeing more soft FMCs being portrayed in literature. She’s so brave in spite of all she's gone through. With the demonic debt she finds herself in, it’s no surprise Eda is self-deprecating and has a pessimistic world view, but a lot of it was very justified given her situation, and she is very self-sacrificing because of it. My heart broke for her since she’s such a sweet girl. There were a few times Eda made bad decisions out of desperation that had me screaming at my kindle, but honestly, it was really easy to understand where she came from.
My bad for thinking Mr Night was going to be the love interest at first, LMFAO. But no. The real love interest is Kit’rath, or Kit – another demon that Eda makes a bargain with when things suddenly go awry between her brothers. Kit is very much an acquired taste with his foul mouth and standoffish behaviour in the beginning. It took me a while to figure out if I liked him, and I just wanted to scrub that crass mouth of his, but he really, really grew on me the more I read, and I am begging everyone to give him a chance! I was so worried he was going to be this Wattpad coded love interest, but I am so happy to report that that was not the case! Kit is honestly just a cat in my eyes – super standoffish, cynical, a bit of a douchebag, but once he lets down his guard, he’s actually so cute, sweet and boyish. I’m so glad this didn’t turn out to be insta lusty, and there was some light pining and slow burn in there. Kit is very rough around the edges because of his upbringing, but I really like how flawed he was as someone that’s so used to hiding and running away, and I loved how that was mirrored through his powers! Not spoiling so much, but Kit’s powers are so cool and I loved how it was really well utilized in the novel!!
The romance surprisingly ended up being so pure. I think it’s so beautiful how Kit sees her worth where she does not and brings that light into her life. They compliment each other so well with Eda’s softer nature and Kit’s crasser yet thoughtful nature, even as a demon. The playhouse scene was one of my favorites and then some of the things Kit says?? He won me over after that. Big time. And we can’t forget Trill, Kit’s loyal yet annoying, infuriating imp that also somehow really grew on me by the book’s end. These characters are just so fun and memorable.
I thought the ending was perfect until I read the last paragraph and went WTF. Like, I’m sorry, we are definitely getting a sequel now, right?? I will be traumatized until a sequel gets announced!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I binged the HELL out of this debut & finished it within 24 hours. +.5 was for the vibes!
🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: October 6, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Berkley XO
💜 Dark romantic fantasy (new adult)
💜 3rd person POV
💜 Gothic setting & atmosphere
💜 Deals with demons
💜 Sibling bonds
💜 Flirty MMC & banter
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️ (vague description)
REAP & SOW by Charlotte B. Plumb is book 1 in a new dark romantic fantasy duology, and this story had me in a chokehold. I started this book around 11 PM last night, and I took every moment I could to binge it this Sunday (it is now 10 PM).
The vibes (as I suspected) were immaculate, and I found the world building and magic system development to be easy to follow. Her writing style is a bit reminiscent of Adalyn Grace, Kalie Cassidy, Raven Kennedy (I just finished my ARC of The Sweetest Fiend, so this book is top of mind) and The Twisted Sisters. I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere and darker themes splashed with flirty banter & comedic relief.
Our FMC, Eda is 20 years old and has been indentured to a demon her entire life. Every year, her and her brothers have to help the demon collect 50 years worth of people's lives given to him freely by those who make a deal/Pact with him (which she helps orchestrate). SO she's basically been living a life without much choice, friendships, love, or the ability to go anywhere beyond her family's shop. All she wants is her freedom, even if it comes at the cost of other's. This is definitely a tale of her self discovery, but it had undertones of a coming of age story (I'd consider this more new adult). I love the relationship she has with her two brothers, and I couldn't help but deeply feel for this character given her upbringing/background.
I would like to avoid spoilers, but our MMC is a cheeky, flirty devil of a man. I love a man who yearns, and I appreciated the development and, at times, quirkiness of this character. His character very much compliments hers, and I like the way they mirror one another (ironic, I know, if you've read this book).
Side note: one of my favorite micro tropes is when he speaks to her in a language she doesn't know and has to translate *squeals*
I really appreciate the use of juxtapositions within this story. It felt like the author intentionally put contrasting scenes, characters, etc. in place to make the characters and the reader (me) question things versus follow our own bias or preconceived notions. It brings to question what is truly good versus evil. It also has interesting conversations around corruption and the dismantling of faith. I went into this story thinking the demons would be the most corrupted characters within this tale, but...
Even though I loved this book, I ultimately didn't give it the full 5 star rating for a few reasons. The dialogue would switch from a more formal/historical feel to modern (especially when it came to the cursing), which threw me off at times. There were also some plot points that had me looking a bit sideways because it felt they almost contradicted other things I had learned. The resolution at the end felt too easy? Given all the build up, I would've expected for THAT to actually be what led us into book 2. Instead, it was easily resolved by another character popping in to save the day. I still feel very torn on how this character's story was handled...
Nonetheless, that ending was criminal. The way my face dropped as the rug was ripped out from underneath me. I'm both terrified and excited to see how Charlotte wraps up this duology.
🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: October 6, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Berkley XO
💜 Dark romantic fantasy (new adult)
💜 3rd person POV
💜 Gothic setting & atmosphere
💜 Deals with demons
💜 Sibling bonds
💜 Flirty MMC & banter
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️ (vague description)
REAP & SOW by Charlotte B. Plumb is book 1 in a new dark romantic fantasy duology, and this story had me in a chokehold. I started this book around 11 PM last night, and I took every moment I could to binge it this Sunday (it is now 10 PM).
The vibes (as I suspected) were immaculate, and I found the world building and magic system development to be easy to follow. Her writing style is a bit reminiscent of Adalyn Grace, Kalie Cassidy, Raven Kennedy (I just finished my ARC of The Sweetest Fiend, so this book is top of mind) and The Twisted Sisters. I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere and darker themes splashed with flirty banter & comedic relief.
Our FMC, Eda is 20 years old and has been indentured to a demon her entire life. Every year, her and her brothers have to help the demon collect 50 years worth of people's lives given to him freely by those who make a deal/Pact with him (which she helps orchestrate). SO she's basically been living a life without much choice, friendships, love, or the ability to go anywhere beyond her family's shop. All she wants is her freedom, even if it comes at the cost of other's. This is definitely a tale of her self discovery, but it had undertones of a coming of age story (I'd consider this more new adult). I love the relationship she has with her two brothers, and I couldn't help but deeply feel for this character given her upbringing/background.
I would like to avoid spoilers, but our MMC is a cheeky, flirty devil of a man. I love a man who yearns, and I appreciated the development and, at times, quirkiness of this character. His character very much compliments hers, and I like the way they mirror one another (ironic, I know, if you've read this book).
Side note: one of my favorite micro tropes is when he speaks to her in a language she doesn't know and has to translate *squeals*
I really appreciate the use of juxtapositions within this story. It felt like the author intentionally put contrasting scenes, characters, etc. in place to make the characters and the reader (me) question things versus follow our own bias or preconceived notions. It brings to question what is truly good versus evil. It also has interesting conversations around corruption and the dismantling of faith. I went into this story thinking the demons would be the most corrupted characters within this tale, but...
Even though I loved this book, I ultimately didn't give it the full 5 star rating for a few reasons. The dialogue would switch from a more formal/historical feel to modern (especially when it came to the cursing), which threw me off at times. There were also some plot points that had me looking a bit sideways because it felt they almost contradicted other things I had learned. The resolution at the end felt too easy? Given all the build up, I would've expected for THAT to actually be what led us into book 2. Instead, it was easily resolved by another character popping in to save the day. I still feel very torn on how this character's story was handled...
Nonetheless, that ending was criminal. The way my face dropped as the rug was ripped out from underneath me. I'm both terrified and excited to see how Charlotte wraps up this duology.
October 4, 2026
4.25⭐️
Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the gifted ARC.
Had a good time reading this. Right away we meet the demon Mr. Night with whom the Shaw family have a pact with. He is summoned through a mirror portal from his world to the mortal world. The Shaw’s are required to bring more people to make pacts with the demon.
Eda Shaw decides to help out her brothers in completing their pact however ends up in a rabbit hole of trouble that leads her through a crazy journey to make things right again. I really enjoyed the relationship between Eda and her two brothers.. when they first get separated.. I was tearing up because I could feel how close they were!
That continued through the whole book. 🩷
It also took me a while to figure out who the love interest was as we kept getting introduced to some interesting characters. lol
The lore behind the demon world and their pacts and how everything worked was done very well.. I wanted to know more about the demon world. My fav part about it was the language and how some words were used … ESPECIALLY .. Mir’han and Va kesh din… was so cute !! My fav part of the book 🩷
The love story woven into this book was also swoon worthy.. once they finally admit their feelings. Esp him … wow he had a way with words.. def thought they were cute together..
Great book for fall ! Even better if you like demons
Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the gifted ARC.
Had a good time reading this. Right away we meet the demon Mr. Night with whom the Shaw family have a pact with. He is summoned through a mirror portal from his world to the mortal world. The Shaw’s are required to bring more people to make pacts with the demon.
Eda Shaw decides to help out her brothers in completing their pact however ends up in a rabbit hole of trouble that leads her through a crazy journey to make things right again. I really enjoyed the relationship between Eda and her two brothers.. when they first get separated.. I was tearing up because I could feel how close they were!
That continued through the whole book. 🩷
It also took me a while to figure out who the love interest was as we kept getting introduced to some interesting characters. lol
The lore behind the demon world and their pacts and how everything worked was done very well.. I wanted to know more about the demon world. My fav part about it was the language and how some words were used … ESPECIALLY .. Mir’han and Va kesh din… was so cute !! My fav part of the book 🩷
The love story woven into this book was also swoon worthy.. once they finally admit their feelings. Esp him … wow he had a way with words.. def thought they were cute together..
Great book for fall ! Even better if you like demons
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Berkley XO for the e-arc!
This is a delightful debut romantasy that stands out from many in the genre simply because of how elevated the writing is. This novel is atmospheric and the writing is just incredibly rich and filled with words I don't often see in books. It was just so fun to read this novel because of the turns of phrases and metaphors and similes that Charlotte uses. Truly, if you love books for their writing on a line level, this will astound you!
As for the marketing for this being gothic, that is purely aesthetic wise and somewhat thematically, but this book doesn't really try to emulate Gothic form or plot devices, so I wouldn't call it gothic really. Just a heads up!
I was a big fan of our main character Eda. Although she makes some frustrating choices, her character development is really well done and very coming of age in a way. I loved how she stood for what she believed in no matter what, but I almost wish she had a bit more depth in ways. I feel that for the character arcs and romance arc, this book does lean YA (and it is advertised as a cross-over fantasy) which just at times I found to be at odds with the more mature theme of religious corruption and how it was executed. But back to Eda, she's an admirable character and I really did like her!
Kit was a bit too stereotypical for me. I did love his love for humanity but I just think that the YA tone of his arc did him a disservice and just didn't allow me as a reader to fully sink my teeth into his psyche. His snark and quips were fun enough but never won me over.
In the same vein, the romance didn't win me over either. I wish it did!! But alas. It's really YA feeling. There's great banter but limited emotional growth if you ask me beyond basic romantic progress for a couple. I just think it lacked the darkness and intensity I was craving (he's a demon for Pete's sake!). But it was sweet, if not a touch too insta-lovey for my taste.
The plot is fun and done very well. I think the climax is a bunch of super convenient things happening at once, again feeling very YA, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The magic system, with bargains and mirrors that act as portals, was really cool! I wish we'd seen more of it in a way, since our knowledge of the demon world is really limited for the whole novel, but that is what the sequel is for.
The last paragraph or so just didn't work for me. I know it's setting up the sequel but I feel setting up an actual plot point briefly mentioned in more depth would have been better.
Either way I'm really excited to see what is in store for Eda in the sequel, and to see where Charlotte's career goes next! Grab this beauty (I mean the cover hello) on October 6th in bookstores :)
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Berkley XO for the e-arc!
This is a delightful debut romantasy that stands out from many in the genre simply because of how elevated the writing is. This novel is atmospheric and the writing is just incredibly rich and filled with words I don't often see in books. It was just so fun to read this novel because of the turns of phrases and metaphors and similes that Charlotte uses. Truly, if you love books for their writing on a line level, this will astound you!
As for the marketing for this being gothic, that is purely aesthetic wise and somewhat thematically, but this book doesn't really try to emulate Gothic form or plot devices, so I wouldn't call it gothic really. Just a heads up!
I was a big fan of our main character Eda. Although she makes some frustrating choices, her character development is really well done and very coming of age in a way. I loved how she stood for what she believed in no matter what, but I almost wish she had a bit more depth in ways. I feel that for the character arcs and romance arc, this book does lean YA (and it is advertised as a cross-over fantasy) which just at times I found to be at odds with the more mature theme of religious corruption and how it was executed. But back to Eda, she's an admirable character and I really did like her!
Kit was a bit too stereotypical for me. I did love his love for humanity but I just think that the YA tone of his arc did him a disservice and just didn't allow me as a reader to fully sink my teeth into his psyche. His snark and quips were fun enough but never won me over.
In the same vein, the romance didn't win me over either. I wish it did!! But alas. It's really YA feeling. There's great banter but limited emotional growth if you ask me beyond basic romantic progress for a couple. I just think it lacked the darkness and intensity I was craving (he's a demon for Pete's sake!). But it was sweet, if not a touch too insta-lovey for my taste.
The plot is fun and done very well. I think the climax is a bunch of super convenient things happening at once, again feeling very YA, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The magic system, with bargains and mirrors that act as portals, was really cool! I wish we'd seen more of it in a way, since our knowledge of the demon world is really limited for the whole novel, but that is what the sequel is for.
The last paragraph or so just didn't work for me. I know it's setting up the sequel but I feel setting up an actual plot point briefly mentioned in more depth would have been better.
Either way I'm really excited to see what is in store for Eda in the sequel, and to see where Charlotte's career goes next! Grab this beauty (I mean the cover hello) on October 6th in bookstores :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Berkeley XO and NetGalley for the gifted arc!! I loved this AND it can be read as a standalone (I know it’s not a standalone but if you ignore the last paragraph of the book it absolutely works as one). I’m so impressed that this is the author’s debut—her writing is fantastic and the gothic atmosphere was so atmospheric. I will say that although this is a book box’s upcoming YA pick, I would not classify this as YA—from what I understand, it’s NA in the US and YA in the UK.
This book follows Eda Shaw. She and her brothers are bound to a demon bargain made by their father, and they facilitate demon pacts through the gateway mirror in the basement of their antique shop. When Eda’s brothers are arrested, she narrowly escapes and makes a deal with a different demon, Kit (the MMC), to save her brothers. This world is super religious, and I loved how much the author talked about the church’s hypocrisy.
Kit is genuinely SO funny. I wasn’t expecting the humor in this, but I enjoyed it so much. He and Eda begin as reluctant allies that slowly become something more. I felt like their relationship developed so naturally, and their banter was top tier. The tension and yearning was so good.
With how short and fast-paced this was, I was very impressed by the character development and the worldbuilding. I was so invested in the characters, and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book. The side characters were perfect—specifically Tripp and Robin. For the most part, this book takes place in/around their town, Blackbridge, but I definitely think it will expand more in the next book. Like I said, although it CAN be read as a standalone, I’ll be reading book two as soon as it comes out.
This book follows Eda Shaw. She and her brothers are bound to a demon bargain made by their father, and they facilitate demon pacts through the gateway mirror in the basement of their antique shop. When Eda’s brothers are arrested, she narrowly escapes and makes a deal with a different demon, Kit (the MMC), to save her brothers. This world is super religious, and I loved how much the author talked about the church’s hypocrisy.
Kit is genuinely SO funny. I wasn’t expecting the humor in this, but I enjoyed it so much. He and Eda begin as reluctant allies that slowly become something more. I felt like their relationship developed so naturally, and their banter was top tier. The tension and yearning was so good.
With how short and fast-paced this was, I was very impressed by the character development and the worldbuilding. I was so invested in the characters, and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book. The side characters were perfect—specifically Tripp and Robin. For the most part, this book takes place in/around their town, Blackbridge, but I definitely think it will expand more in the next book. Like I said, although it CAN be read as a standalone, I’ll be reading book two as soon as it comes out.
October 7, 2026
a big thank you to penguin for the gorgeous arc + pr box of reap & sow 🥀💜
i expected a gothic romantasy coming into this and gotten SO. MUCH. MORE out of it!!! this felt SO fresh and fun :’))) i was rooting for eda and her brothers through and through! the sibling dynamic was *chef’s kiss* 🫶🏼 LOVE when the older brothers act their age and actually look out for their little sister :’)
i’m a big fan of the writing that got me hooked from page one! the stakes were high, the plot flowed naturally, and it was just overall such a fun and cute and atmospheric time! ✨💘🥀 the romance was actually so sweet :’D kit was SO howl coded with his sass and powerful magic, but the man also has TASTE and enjoys poetry and theatre and arts 🫶🏼✨ honestly both eda and kit gave me gremlin vibes which i loveee 🙂↔️ i miss my gremlin characters!!! this was also a lot darker than i thought which isn’t a bad thing at all! in fact it was SO intriguing and ugh, that ending?!? what does it meannnn?!? 😩😩
what a gorgeously fun and clever debut. i had the best best time reading this 🥹 also also the audiobook was SO GOOD. the duet was done so well and once again it was just soooo much fun!!! 💘💘
i expected a gothic romantasy coming into this and gotten SO. MUCH. MORE out of it!!! this felt SO fresh and fun :’))) i was rooting for eda and her brothers through and through! the sibling dynamic was *chef’s kiss* 🫶🏼 LOVE when the older brothers act their age and actually look out for their little sister :’)
i’m a big fan of the writing that got me hooked from page one! the stakes were high, the plot flowed naturally, and it was just overall such a fun and cute and atmospheric time! ✨💘🥀 the romance was actually so sweet :’D kit was SO howl coded with his sass and powerful magic, but the man also has TASTE and enjoys poetry and theatre and arts 🫶🏼✨ honestly both eda and kit gave me gremlin vibes which i loveee 🙂↔️ i miss my gremlin characters!!! this was also a lot darker than i thought which isn’t a bad thing at all! in fact it was SO intriguing and ugh, that ending?!? what does it meannnn?!? 😩😩
what a gorgeously fun and clever debut. i had the best best time reading this 🥹 also also the audiobook was SO GOOD. the duet was done so well and once again it was just soooo much fun!!! 💘💘
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this book. It was one of my most anticipated reads, and I preordered it faster than I could even finish reading the sample on the publisher’s website. It’s the kind of book I’m thrilled to have in my collection.
Eda was such an incredible character to root for — though there were definitely moments when I wanted to scream at my Kindle because of some of her very questionable decisions. 😭
One of my favourite aspects of her character was how authentically her relationship with her brothers was portrayed. I also loved seeing how differently she viewed their father compared to them. Those contrasting perspectives added so much depth to both the family dynamic and Eda herself. Understanding where she was coming from made it easier to see what motivated many of her choices, even when I didn’t necessarily agree with them. She’s such a wonderfully complex character, and the author handled that complexity so well.
And Kit'rath? He’s one of my favorite MMCs. I loved the way the author blended his sharp wit with flirtatious banter while still giving him a genuinely soft side. It never felt forced or added solely for the sake of the plot; every tender moment felt completely true to who Kit'rath was as a character. His humor, charm, and vulnerability all worked together so naturally that he felt incredibly authentic. It’s rare to find a character who can be witty, flirtatious, and unexpectedly sweet without any of those traits overshadowing the others, but Kit'rath struck that balance perfectly.
And romance? I was swooning so hard. 10/10 recommending.
Reap & Sow perfectly satisfied my craving for a gothic story, blending an atmospheric setting with just the right touch of romance. And that ending? It was the cherry on top — now I am starving for more. While the writing style occasionally gave the book a slightly young adult feel, the story itself was undeniably adult in both its themes and emotional depth. If I had to place it anywhere, I’d definitely call it New Adult — it sits comfortably in that sweet spot between the two.
Thank you Charlotte B. Plumb, Penguin, Berkley XO and Netgalley for opportunity to read and review this arc!
Eda was such an incredible character to root for — though there were definitely moments when I wanted to scream at my Kindle because of some of her very questionable decisions. 😭
One of my favourite aspects of her character was how authentically her relationship with her brothers was portrayed. I also loved seeing how differently she viewed their father compared to them. Those contrasting perspectives added so much depth to both the family dynamic and Eda herself. Understanding where she was coming from made it easier to see what motivated many of her choices, even when I didn’t necessarily agree with them. She’s such a wonderfully complex character, and the author handled that complexity so well.
And Kit'rath? He’s one of my favorite MMCs. I loved the way the author blended his sharp wit with flirtatious banter while still giving him a genuinely soft side. It never felt forced or added solely for the sake of the plot; every tender moment felt completely true to who Kit'rath was as a character. His humor, charm, and vulnerability all worked together so naturally that he felt incredibly authentic. It’s rare to find a character who can be witty, flirtatious, and unexpectedly sweet without any of those traits overshadowing the others, but Kit'rath struck that balance perfectly.
And romance? I was swooning so hard. 10/10 recommending.
Reap & Sow perfectly satisfied my craving for a gothic story, blending an atmospheric setting with just the right touch of romance. And that ending? It was the cherry on top — now I am starving for more. While the writing style occasionally gave the book a slightly young adult feel, the story itself was undeniably adult in both its themes and emotional depth. If I had to place it anywhere, I’d definitely call it New Adult — it sits comfortably in that sweet spot between the two.
Thank you Charlotte B. Plumb, Penguin, Berkley XO and Netgalley for opportunity to read and review this arc!
September 21, 2026
Nothing I love more than a rich, smart, shitty, & sad demon book boyfriend.
Kit was SUCH A PRAT and I loved every bit of it. Laments not sleeping on silk pillows, appreciates good tailoring—he’s perfect. Irreverent is my favorite flavor of MMC always and while he wasn’t my preferred hair color he had everything else going for him.
I absolutely adored Eda here, too. She’s scrappy and tenacious and bites back in a way that I (and Kit, obviously) loved. You feel her desperation and root for her even very early on when she’s not making the best of choices.
This world, too, was so interesting to me. It was sort of gothic but in a gothic meets steampunk meets Six of Crows kind of way. The lure of religion and role of the church in the politics here felt different; I liked the multiple adversaries and other key characters that popped up along the way in the plot.
also:
🐍 shape shifting demon BF with horns and a tail
🪞 portals to other worlds & demon pacts
🔨 Tripp the Imp steals the show with every line
🐀 wit and banter and bickering
💜 he falls first, and harder
🐦⬛ new adult with spice
⛴️ he calls her darling
🐎 only one horse (but he’s the horse)
This worked so nicely and neatly as a standalone romantasy until those last two paragraphs. I almost wish I had not read them but also I shall be back because I did very much enjoy this crew.
Such a strong debut! Thank you Berkley XO for the ARC!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded 🆙
Kit was SUCH A PRAT and I loved every bit of it. Laments not sleeping on silk pillows, appreciates good tailoring—he’s perfect. Irreverent is my favorite flavor of MMC always and while he wasn’t my preferred hair color he had everything else going for him.
I absolutely adored Eda here, too. She’s scrappy and tenacious and bites back in a way that I (and Kit, obviously) loved. You feel her desperation and root for her even very early on when she’s not making the best of choices.
This world, too, was so interesting to me. It was sort of gothic but in a gothic meets steampunk meets Six of Crows kind of way. The lure of religion and role of the church in the politics here felt different; I liked the multiple adversaries and other key characters that popped up along the way in the plot.
also:
🐍 shape shifting demon BF with horns and a tail
🪞 portals to other worlds & demon pacts
🔨 Tripp the Imp steals the show with every line
🐀 wit and banter and bickering
💜 he falls first, and harder
🐦⬛ new adult with spice
⛴️ he calls her darling
🐎 only one horse (but he’s the horse)
This worked so nicely and neatly as a standalone romantasy until those last two paragraphs. I almost wish I had not read them but also I shall be back because I did very much enjoy this crew.
Such a strong debut! Thank you Berkley XO for the ARC!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded 🆙
October 7, 2026
I had fun reading this book! Eda finds herself in a difficult position after pact goes wrong. She is willing to do anything to help release her brothers from jail even making a pact with a dubious demon. I was immediately hooked with the world and the writing was great. I loved Eda's and Kit's dynamic, the back and forth was perfect. The only thing that I didn't love was the reasoning for why Kit was avoiding Mr.Knight, it felt weak in my opinion. Overall, I enjoyed it and I cannot wait to see what this author does next, especially after that last paragraph in the book. Thank you to Berkley XO for the opportunity to read this arc.
September 30, 2026
I’m obsessed with this grumpy demon! Kit’rath’s dry humor and the softer side he tries to hide made me love him more with every scene. The slow burn is excruciating, but all that tension had me hanging on to every little moment between him and Eda.
Eda’s journey was one of my favorite parts. She’s fiercely devoted to her family, even when that leads her into trouble, and I loved watching her find her strength and become more sure of herself. The demon bargains, dark magic, and gothic setting made this such an atmospheric read.
This was a wonderful gothic romantasy, and the kind of book that feels perfect to curl up with in the fall. I loved it!
Eda’s journey was one of my favorite parts. She’s fiercely devoted to her family, even when that leads her into trouble, and I loved watching her find her strength and become more sure of herself. The demon bargains, dark magic, and gothic setting made this such an atmospheric read.
This was a wonderful gothic romantasy, and the kind of book that feels perfect to curl up with in the fall. I loved it!
Did Not Finish
September 27, 2026DNF at 40 %
Gothic fantasy, a demon and a human, enemies to lovers—everything about this book sounded like something I should love, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
The FMC makes a deal with a demon to save her brothers. The demon has horns and a tail, but he can also take on a human form.
The beginning really intrigued me, but after that, I started to feel bored. I think my main problem with this book is that I’m simply not the target audience. It’s primarily a YA book, while I was expecting a much darker atmosphere. I read almost half of it, but I still didn’t feel any connection to the characters or any chemistry between them.
Also, when I requested the ARC, I didn’t realize it was a duology.
Even though this book wasn’t for me, I would still recommend it, and I think it’s a great fit for fall
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley XO for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Gothic fantasy, a demon and a human, enemies to lovers—everything about this book sounded like something I should love, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
The FMC makes a deal with a demon to save her brothers. The demon has horns and a tail, but he can also take on a human form.
The beginning really intrigued me, but after that, I started to feel bored. I think my main problem with this book is that I’m simply not the target audience. It’s primarily a YA book, while I was expecting a much darker atmosphere. I read almost half of it, but I still didn’t feel any connection to the characters or any chemistry between them.
Also, when I requested the ARC, I didn’t realize it was a duology.
Even though this book wasn’t for me, I would still recommend it, and I think it’s a great fit for fall
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley XO for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ☆
This was so good and so refreshing. I absolutely flew through this book, it was so addictive and has literally everything I crave in a gothic romantasy. The writing is lyrical and had such a beautiful way of pulling me in and keeping me engaged until the very last page and I never once felt overwhelmed, it was so easy to understand and at times it certainly pulled at my heartstrings.
The world was atmospheric and immersive and as for the characters, I loved them so much especially the banter between them. Eda was fierce and determined which gets her into trouble more than she would like but she's also passionate and brave and willing to face the consequences with care and grace and this is what I especially loved the most and made me want to root for her.
Where do I even start with Kit 🫠 oh how I loved him as well and I believe this is a character that needs to be met without knowing too much about, so all I will say is that he was so charming but also speaks his mind leading to him being blunt but there is so much more to him and the banter between him and Eda had me in such a hold throughout this book but the chemistry between them is the type that leaves butterflies behind and plenty of swooning...
There is also a scene that had me completely hooked 👀
Everything about it was just so beautifully told and gave a good balance between plot and the slow burn romance but it really shines with a gripping plot, bargains, stakes and so well developed. A gorgeous atmospheric gothic read. Highly recommend!
This was so good and so refreshing. I absolutely flew through this book, it was so addictive and has literally everything I crave in a gothic romantasy. The writing is lyrical and had such a beautiful way of pulling me in and keeping me engaged until the very last page and I never once felt overwhelmed, it was so easy to understand and at times it certainly pulled at my heartstrings.
The world was atmospheric and immersive and as for the characters, I loved them so much especially the banter between them. Eda was fierce and determined which gets her into trouble more than she would like but she's also passionate and brave and willing to face the consequences with care and grace and this is what I especially loved the most and made me want to root for her.
Where do I even start with Kit 🫠 oh how I loved him as well and I believe this is a character that needs to be met without knowing too much about, so all I will say is that he was so charming but also speaks his mind leading to him being blunt but there is so much more to him and the banter between him and Eda had me in such a hold throughout this book but the chemistry between them is the type that leaves butterflies behind and plenty of swooning...
There is also a scene that had me completely hooked 👀
Everything about it was just so beautifully told and gave a good balance between plot and the slow burn romance but it really shines with a gripping plot, bargains, stakes and so well developed. A gorgeous atmospheric gothic read. Highly recommend!
August 16, 2026
so charming!!!!!
I went into this book pretty much blind & am so glad that I did. This was fast paced & full of action while still being silly-goofy-fun.
things to know:
- human x demon romance
- her family is trapped in a pact with a demon to collect human years for him (they get people to make deals with a demon basically)
- a pact goes awry & she tracks down a different demon to assist
- he’s sassy (think the vibe of the love interest from Irresistible Urge To Fall For You Enemy - I can’t ever remember that guys name)
this was veryyy cute. read in less than 24 hours
I went into this book pretty much blind & am so glad that I did. This was fast paced & full of action while still being silly-goofy-fun.
things to know:
- human x demon romance
- her family is trapped in a pact with a demon to collect human years for him (they get people to make deals with a demon basically)
- a pact goes awry & she tracks down a different demon to assist
- he’s sassy (think the vibe of the love interest from Irresistible Urge To Fall For You Enemy - I can’t ever remember that guys name)
this was veryyy cute. read in less than 24 hours
October 3, 2026
Reap & Sow mightily impressed me! It makes excellent use of a gothic and supernatural atmosphere that is both gorgeous in how it adds tension to the slow burn forbidden romance, and it is chilling, giving a sense of danger at any given time and at any turn of the corner. Together the stakes feel high and my emotional investment steadily deepened over the course of the journey. All this resulted in a thrilling and worthwhile journey. 4.5
In an effort to save her imprisoned brothers, Eda makes a pact with a demon, never expecting an action to create quite the ripple effect of consequence and cost. And lead to a personal journey full of risk and resolve. On the back of tragedy, Eda finds herself rising to the challenge and setting herself a new course. And I was all in. Absolutely all in for it. The narrative is very well paced. I came to know Eda and her brothers quite well, well enough to fear when the brothers were taken. And I came to care deeply in hoping Eda could find a way to save them. I also came to not only understand but feel enthralled by the world they inhabit. Not just the society they live in, but how it tangles with the beyond where demons reside and pacts are enacted. With the threat all that persistently looms above. The tension always felt ripe, I was constantly bracing myself at the start of every chapter because I just didn’t know what could happen, all I knew was the danger felt tangible. And there is such an addicting thrill to that. Like a chill runs down the spine but the fingers itch to still turn that page!
The world-building and plot are very welcoming and immersive, and the atmosphere is fantastically tense and suspenseful, leading to a story I felt I became part of. This book sets off at the right pace with excellent engagement and that is steady throughout this work.
Including when we meet Kit, the demon Eda makes a Pact with. The demon she falls in love with. I found Kit to be a terrific character. He is fascinating in how he adapts and arguably embraces the humanity he hides away in. But what I found most compelling about him is how the narrative allows him vulnerability. He may be a formidable creature, but he is also a creature that has felt fear and lived its consequence. While we do not spend time in his POV, through Eda we learn about him quite well. And he goes through his own character arc and transformation. And all of that is triggered by knowing Eda. She is scared of what’s ahead but she is full of resolve and courage. Eda is a magnificent heroine in that even when she stumbles or makes mistakes, she never ceases to keep trying. To keep fighting. She is relentless in the best ways and we see how that motivates Kit in turn.
The dynamic between Eda and Kit is one that positively challenges the other as they discover one another throughout their proximity. We see Eda learn Kit and he learn her. What I mean by that is they see each other as they are, and I always, always love when a romance builds that emotional intimacy. Yes the chemistry and attraction is magnetic, but these two develop an emotional intimacy through shared truths, secrets, fears and hopes. It levels up their growing bond. These two are from such different words, they themselves should be too different to work, but they do work. I wasn’t sure how it could all work, but I knew I yearned for it and needed it to triumph.
Now, I do have to admit I did not do my homework properly and mistakenly thought I was reading a standalone, to the very end I thought that! And then boom! The eleventh hour strikes with the most unexpected of omens and now I am begging for more! Truly hoping the plan is for a sequel because you can’t leave me hanging! I need to know what happens next! I came to care and invest heavily in these characters, so I hope we get more and get to see where their next journeys take them.
I was so magnificently captivated by Reap & Sow, it delivered a work that is both memorable and positively deserving of more exploration.
Thank you Berkley XO and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
In an effort to save her imprisoned brothers, Eda makes a pact with a demon, never expecting an action to create quite the ripple effect of consequence and cost. And lead to a personal journey full of risk and resolve. On the back of tragedy, Eda finds herself rising to the challenge and setting herself a new course. And I was all in. Absolutely all in for it. The narrative is very well paced. I came to know Eda and her brothers quite well, well enough to fear when the brothers were taken. And I came to care deeply in hoping Eda could find a way to save them. I also came to not only understand but feel enthralled by the world they inhabit. Not just the society they live in, but how it tangles with the beyond where demons reside and pacts are enacted. With the threat all that persistently looms above. The tension always felt ripe, I was constantly bracing myself at the start of every chapter because I just didn’t know what could happen, all I knew was the danger felt tangible. And there is such an addicting thrill to that. Like a chill runs down the spine but the fingers itch to still turn that page!
The world-building and plot are very welcoming and immersive, and the atmosphere is fantastically tense and suspenseful, leading to a story I felt I became part of. This book sets off at the right pace with excellent engagement and that is steady throughout this work.
Including when we meet Kit, the demon Eda makes a Pact with. The demon she falls in love with. I found Kit to be a terrific character. He is fascinating in how he adapts and arguably embraces the humanity he hides away in. But what I found most compelling about him is how the narrative allows him vulnerability. He may be a formidable creature, but he is also a creature that has felt fear and lived its consequence. While we do not spend time in his POV, through Eda we learn about him quite well. And he goes through his own character arc and transformation. And all of that is triggered by knowing Eda. She is scared of what’s ahead but she is full of resolve and courage. Eda is a magnificent heroine in that even when she stumbles or makes mistakes, she never ceases to keep trying. To keep fighting. She is relentless in the best ways and we see how that motivates Kit in turn.
The dynamic between Eda and Kit is one that positively challenges the other as they discover one another throughout their proximity. We see Eda learn Kit and he learn her. What I mean by that is they see each other as they are, and I always, always love when a romance builds that emotional intimacy. Yes the chemistry and attraction is magnetic, but these two develop an emotional intimacy through shared truths, secrets, fears and hopes. It levels up their growing bond. These two are from such different words, they themselves should be too different to work, but they do work. I wasn’t sure how it could all work, but I knew I yearned for it and needed it to triumph.
Now, I do have to admit I did not do my homework properly and mistakenly thought I was reading a standalone, to the very end I thought that! And then boom! The eleventh hour strikes with the most unexpected of omens and now I am begging for more! Truly hoping the plan is for a sequel because you can’t leave me hanging! I need to know what happens next! I came to care and invest heavily in these characters, so I hope we get more and get to see where their next journeys take them.
I was so magnificently captivated by Reap & Sow, it delivered a work that is both memorable and positively deserving of more exploration.
Thank you Berkley XO and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook and Berkley XO for the gifted book!
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ✦
This was a balanced, fun paranormal fantasy debut with a compelling plot and a swoon-worthy romance.
The world building was really well done, and captured my attention right away. The atmosphere was dark and texturally rich, completely enveloping me in shadows, sin and desperation. This is a world that operates on a stark socio-economic divide, famously summarized by the grim reality that the city's poorest residents have only two options to survive: sell the body or sell the soul. I loved that despite how dark this concept and atmosphere was, the narrative never felt too heavy, in part due to the amazing character work and compelling romance.
Eda is a fierce, dedicated and reckless human protagonist who trades years of her life in order to protect her family. I loved how truly human she felt and could empathise with all of the tough decisions she was forced to make. Kit’rath (Kit) was an immensely charming, playful, and flirty demon who overflowed the narrative with sharp, witty dialogue and he completely captured my heart. I also absolutely loved Tripp, their mischievous little imp sidekick. Their interactions never take away from the depth and weight of the story, but worked to balance the narrative in a really unique way.
Although I welcomed how much this book prioritized its world-building, atmosphere and plot, the romance stood out as the absolute star of the show for me. Eda and Kit had the most intoxicating dialogue, matching each other’s teasing and flirting in such a fun way. Although there was a clear attraction behind these playfully volatile interactions, their relationship builds slowly and naturally over the course of the book with incremental shifts in trust. Their chemistry was magnetic and I ate it up.
For readers hoping for a deeply explicit or mature adult fantasy, it is worth noting that the narrative voice heavily skews toward a crossover Young Adult vibe. The characters read a bit younger than intended, and although there is open door spice, the steam levels are relatively mild. This didn’t take any enjoyment away for me because I expected it, but I also wouldn’t personally recommend it for a younger audience.
That said, I definitely recommend this book if you’re in the mood for a dark, atmospheric fantasy with a strong, romantic core. If you love sharp banter, high stakes, and medium pacing, I think this will work for you.
Similar Vibes: Belladonna by Adalyn Grace (but fun), The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle (another Adult/YA crossover) or The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller.
✦ 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 ✦
This was a duel narration by Elloise Thomson and Owen Hall, and what an incredible listen it was! Elloise captured Eda’s pragmatic, hardened survival instinct well, while Owen leaned into Kit’rath’s playful, dark charm. Their chemistry was undeniable, and really enhanced my reading experience. Excellent sound quality and pacing as well. Don’t skip the audio for this one!
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚:
Reluctant Allies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine Subverted
Deal With The Devil
Institutional Corruption
Inherited Trauma
Morally Grey Choices
Follow me on Instagram for more bookish content
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ✦
This was a balanced, fun paranormal fantasy debut with a compelling plot and a swoon-worthy romance.
The world building was really well done, and captured my attention right away. The atmosphere was dark and texturally rich, completely enveloping me in shadows, sin and desperation. This is a world that operates on a stark socio-economic divide, famously summarized by the grim reality that the city's poorest residents have only two options to survive: sell the body or sell the soul. I loved that despite how dark this concept and atmosphere was, the narrative never felt too heavy, in part due to the amazing character work and compelling romance.
Eda is a fierce, dedicated and reckless human protagonist who trades years of her life in order to protect her family. I loved how truly human she felt and could empathise with all of the tough decisions she was forced to make. Kit’rath (Kit) was an immensely charming, playful, and flirty demon who overflowed the narrative with sharp, witty dialogue and he completely captured my heart. I also absolutely loved Tripp, their mischievous little imp sidekick. Their interactions never take away from the depth and weight of the story, but worked to balance the narrative in a really unique way.
Although I welcomed how much this book prioritized its world-building, atmosphere and plot, the romance stood out as the absolute star of the show for me. Eda and Kit had the most intoxicating dialogue, matching each other’s teasing and flirting in such a fun way. Although there was a clear attraction behind these playfully volatile interactions, their relationship builds slowly and naturally over the course of the book with incremental shifts in trust. Their chemistry was magnetic and I ate it up.
For readers hoping for a deeply explicit or mature adult fantasy, it is worth noting that the narrative voice heavily skews toward a crossover Young Adult vibe. The characters read a bit younger than intended, and although there is open door spice, the steam levels are relatively mild. This didn’t take any enjoyment away for me because I expected it, but I also wouldn’t personally recommend it for a younger audience.
That said, I definitely recommend this book if you’re in the mood for a dark, atmospheric fantasy with a strong, romantic core. If you love sharp banter, high stakes, and medium pacing, I think this will work for you.
Similar Vibes: Belladonna by Adalyn Grace (but fun), The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle (another Adult/YA crossover) or The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller.
✦ 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 ✦
This was a duel narration by Elloise Thomson and Owen Hall, and what an incredible listen it was! Elloise captured Eda’s pragmatic, hardened survival instinct well, while Owen leaned into Kit’rath’s playful, dark charm. Their chemistry was undeniable, and really enhanced my reading experience. Excellent sound quality and pacing as well. Don’t skip the audio for this one!
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚:
Reluctant Allies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine Subverted
Deal With The Devil
Institutional Corruption
Inherited Trauma
Morally Grey Choices
Follow me on Instagram for more bookish content
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Eda and her brothers have lived their lives brokering demon bargains. It's not by their own choice - their father left them with the balance of his debt after he died, so if they don't broker the deals, they'd be on the hook ... and the collateral is their lives. This means that Eda knows a lot about the way "their" particular demon, Mr. Night, works, and not much more about the world she lives in. When Eda gets her brothers thrown in jail and is abandoned by Mr. Night, she goes to Mr. Night's greatest rival to ask for help.
But whooooo could've predicted that this new demon is super powerful, super hot, and really digs humans. He likes human CULTURE, y'all, get your minds out of the gutter! (But also yeah he thinks certain specific humans *cough* Eda *cough* are HAWT.) He begrudgingly makes his own demon bargain with Eda, and suddenly they're on the same side. They're gonna rescue her brothers, cultivate an appreciation for the dramatic arts, fall in love maybe?, kill a whole lot of people (I didn't forget to mention this is a romantasy on the darker side, did I?), etc.
The fantasy world is very cool without being overexplained. I also really loved the Eda/Kit pairing. It's not exactly enemies to lovers, but they are extremely reluctant allies, and both are morally gray characters who care about specific people rather than humanity at large. Plus, I'm a reader who loves a plot that moves, and the action here never ends. The villains are truly villainous, and this world's good guys need some help from people like Eda and Kit to take care of business.
One minor quibble: I think there are several ways to wrap up the story of one book while leaving room for a sequel. Authors can leave plot threads dangling with the promise of snipping or tying them off in the next book; authors can focus on secondary characters and set up motivations, relationships, etc. for them to continue on; or an author could polish off all of the action of the current book but in the epilogue introduce a new plot point or sudden reversal of fortune. I recently raved about The Court of Venus and its epilogue cliffhanger. Reap & Sow had a similar end-of-book cliffhanger, but it didn't feel organic to the book. I give the first 375 pages an A, but the cliffhanger gets a B-.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
But whooooo could've predicted that this new demon is super powerful, super hot, and really digs humans. He likes human CULTURE, y'all, get your minds out of the gutter! (But also yeah he thinks certain specific humans *cough* Eda *cough* are HAWT.) He begrudgingly makes his own demon bargain with Eda, and suddenly they're on the same side. They're gonna rescue her brothers, cultivate an appreciation for the dramatic arts, fall in love maybe?, kill a whole lot of people (I didn't forget to mention this is a romantasy on the darker side, did I?), etc.
The fantasy world is very cool without being overexplained. I also really loved the Eda/Kit pairing. It's not exactly enemies to lovers, but they are extremely reluctant allies, and both are morally gray characters who care about specific people rather than humanity at large. Plus, I'm a reader who loves a plot that moves, and the action here never ends. The villains are truly villainous, and this world's good guys need some help from people like Eda and Kit to take care of business.
One minor quibble: I think there are several ways to wrap up the story of one book while leaving room for a sequel. Authors can leave plot threads dangling with the promise of snipping or tying them off in the next book; authors can focus on secondary characters and set up motivations, relationships, etc. for them to continue on; or an author could polish off all of the action of the current book but in the epilogue introduce a new plot point or sudden reversal of fortune. I recently raved about The Court of Venus and its epilogue cliffhanger. Reap & Sow had a similar end-of-book cliffhanger, but it didn't feel organic to the book. I give the first 375 pages an A, but the cliffhanger gets a B-.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a digital review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Eda Shaw and her brothers run a shady little antiques shop that is really just a front for arranging life-year pacts with the absolute worst landlord in existence, Mr Night. When one of those pacts blows up and her brothers get arrested, Eda does what any rational person would do: she goes and bargains with a different, a powerful demon named Kit’rath. Because why solve one demonic problem when you can collect the whole set.
The gothic atmosphere in Blackbridge is all damp stone, moral bankruptcy, people selling bits of their remaining lifespan like it’s a buy-one-get-one-free sale when it’s really just an evil genie deal where you get what you wished for, but not the way you wanted. Plumb writes the city like she actually hates it a little, which I respect.
And Kit’s got that “I’ve been watching humans for centuries and somehow still finds them interesting” energy that should not work as well as it does. The banter between him and Eda is enough that I kept catching myself smirking at my phone like a fool.
The slow burn is so slow it occasionally forgets it’s burning. There are stretches where the plot is just Eda and Kit circling each other while the actual plot sits politely in the corner waiting its turn. I wanted more nuance from the demon politics and fewer lingering glances across foggy alleys. Also, Eda’s brothers exist mostly to be in danger and occasionally say something supportive. They could have been named Brother 1 and Brother 2 and I probably wouldn’t have noticed.
The magic system of trading years is clever without needing a twenty-page glossary, and the romance eventually pays off in a way that feels earned rather than inevitable. I just wish the middle hadn’t meandered quite so much while everyone was busy being witty and tragic.
* Deal with a demon (obviously)
* Forced proximity while on the run
* Snarky demon who finds humanity “curious”
* Found family that is mostly just actual family in peril
* Gothic city that wants everyone dead
* Slow burn that tests your patience and your willingness to keep reading
* “I only bargained for your years not your heart” (sure Jan)
I’d probably read a sequel. I’m invested enough in Kit’rath’s weird soft spot for humans to see where this goes.
Eda Shaw and her brothers run a shady little antiques shop that is really just a front for arranging life-year pacts with the absolute worst landlord in existence, Mr Night. When one of those pacts blows up and her brothers get arrested, Eda does what any rational person would do: she goes and bargains with a different, a powerful demon named Kit’rath. Because why solve one demonic problem when you can collect the whole set.
The gothic atmosphere in Blackbridge is all damp stone, moral bankruptcy, people selling bits of their remaining lifespan like it’s a buy-one-get-one-free sale when it’s really just an evil genie deal where you get what you wished for, but not the way you wanted. Plumb writes the city like she actually hates it a little, which I respect.
And Kit’s got that “I’ve been watching humans for centuries and somehow still finds them interesting” energy that should not work as well as it does. The banter between him and Eda is enough that I kept catching myself smirking at my phone like a fool.
The slow burn is so slow it occasionally forgets it’s burning. There are stretches where the plot is just Eda and Kit circling each other while the actual plot sits politely in the corner waiting its turn. I wanted more nuance from the demon politics and fewer lingering glances across foggy alleys. Also, Eda’s brothers exist mostly to be in danger and occasionally say something supportive. They could have been named Brother 1 and Brother 2 and I probably wouldn’t have noticed.
The magic system of trading years is clever without needing a twenty-page glossary, and the romance eventually pays off in a way that feels earned rather than inevitable. I just wish the middle hadn’t meandered quite so much while everyone was busy being witty and tragic.
* Deal with a demon (obviously)
* Forced proximity while on the run
* Snarky demon who finds humanity “curious”
* Found family that is mostly just actual family in peril
* Gothic city that wants everyone dead
* Slow burn that tests your patience and your willingness to keep reading
* “I only bargained for your years not your heart” (sure Jan)
I’d probably read a sequel. I’m invested enough in Kit’rath’s weird soft spot for humans to see where this goes.
October 7, 2026
I haven’t had this much fun reading a new adult book since finishing The Crimson Moth by Cristin Ciccarelli.
This was such a fun and fast-paced story, with strong endearing characters, and just the right amount of sizzle in the romance.
The test of a good romantic fantasy is if you can take the romance and turn it platonic and see if the story would still stand on its own, and I think this passes that test. Our main character makes a deal with a demon to save her brothers, but her commitment in saving them always remains the priority.
The romance was fun and flirty and only amplified the story in a strong secondary manner which is my preference by far. It also didn’t fall prey to an abundance of lust and honestly felt really emotion based and sweet.
I was so impressed by this debut, it made for a really strong standalone…but after that ending, I am hopeful that we might get a sequel.
The audio was absolutely incredible, and it is one that I could see myself listening to again when I need something light and fun in the future. The single POV, dual narration was very well cast.
If you genuinely enjoy new adult fantasy, I think this is one of the best books I’ve read in that genre this year! I genuinely can’t wait to see what this author does next, and I will be cheering her on in the future.
This was such a fun and fast-paced story, with strong endearing characters, and just the right amount of sizzle in the romance.
The test of a good romantic fantasy is if you can take the romance and turn it platonic and see if the story would still stand on its own, and I think this passes that test. Our main character makes a deal with a demon to save her brothers, but her commitment in saving them always remains the priority.
The romance was fun and flirty and only amplified the story in a strong secondary manner which is my preference by far. It also didn’t fall prey to an abundance of lust and honestly felt really emotion based and sweet.
I was so impressed by this debut, it made for a really strong standalone…but after that ending, I am hopeful that we might get a sequel.
The audio was absolutely incredible, and it is one that I could see myself listening to again when I need something light and fun in the future. The single POV, dual narration was very well cast.
If you genuinely enjoy new adult fantasy, I think this is one of the best books I’ve read in that genre this year! I genuinely can’t wait to see what this author does next, and I will be cheering her on in the future.
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