A Date with Death

by Kelly Creagh

When the Grim Reaper develops feelings for the children’s librarian whose soul he is supposed to collect, he finds that with feelings comes something far worse than death—life.

Helena Hart isn’t having the best night. Her date just ditched her, her Halloween costume bombed, and her only sympathetic ear is a dead silent partygoer in a Grim Reaper get-up. But when she falls off a balcony and he catches her with a very real skeletal hand, she realizes he may not be a party guest at all. Before she can process the near-death experience, he vanishes, leaving her to wonder if she hallucinated the whole thing.

Grim isn’t supposed to save souls. He’s supposed to reap them. And while he’s not sure why he spared Helena, he does know that if his superiors find out, he’s as good as dust—which is saying something for a guy who’s mostly bones. But keeping away from Helena is proving harder than expected—especially when she isn’t the least bit afraid of his monstrous form.

Worse, to his horror, Helena makes him feel. And for a reaper, feeling is a fate far more dangerous than death.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romantasy, Contemporary

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 14, 2026

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one.

While the premise is familiar, a romance involving the Grim Reaper, it felt fresh, fun, and completely engaging from start to finish. The author takes a concept we have all seen before and gives it a unique and playful twist that really works.

The characters were a standout for me. Helena is such a bright and vibrant presence, and her personality brings so much warmth and humor to the story. Her introduction at the Halloween party was memorable, and from that moment on I was fully invested. Watching her slowly piece together what is happening, and why she keeps surviving situations she should not, added a really fun layer to the plot.

Grim was just as compelling. The dynamic between him and Helena develops naturally, and their relationship was easy to root for. As the story progresses, their connection deepens in a way that feels emotional (and spicy!) without losing the fun tone that makes the book so enjoyable.

The pacing kept me turning pages, and the mix of romance, humor, and paranormal elements worked really well together.

I will not give too much away, but this is a perfect addition to a fall or Halloween reading list, especially if you enjoy paranormal romance with a lighter, fun twist.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a needed change of pace from what I usually read. Grim is a stellar MMC and his character arc is excellent. The world was so well built and thought out. I’m such a sucker for comedic relief characters and there were too many to count. The magic system was extremely unique and detailed. I’m so glad to have received this as an arc!

Plot: 9/10
Magic system: 5/5
Spice level: 3/5

[Zaira Sehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hottest Grim Reaper book I’ve read. And I’ve read quite a few since I have a soft… uhhh dark… spot for Reapers!! Highly recommend! Great plot, fantastic characters and hot AF!!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Disclaimer: I received an Advancer Reader Edition via a Goodreads Giveaway.... I really hope I clicked the right box... I'm a newbie, be kind.

Ok, since this is my first go 'round reviewing a giveaway, I'm REALLY gonna have to let the stars speak for me. In a few months, I will properly gush over this gem, but I am still me, so if a bit of my wild side comes out, I am truly sorry.

I went into this thinking three things:

1. I'm most definitely NOT going to win.
2. My last experience with a Kelly Creagh novel was a bit lackluster, so I was cautiously optimistic.
3. Do not compare this to Nevermore. You'll only hurt your own heart (that's as personal as this review gets, scout's honor)

That last bit being said... This really took me back to why I adored the Creagh's Nevermore Trilogy. There's a fair amount of humor, intriguing world-building, and you really feel for both leads in that they're both kind of lonely in vastly different worlds. Plus, it had some throwbacks to Nevermore itself (when this book is widely released, I'll explain). It also read like you had to pay attention; very detail-oriented with cute callbacks are the name of the game.

However, at times, it does read like a first attempt at an adult romance. It's the definition of a slow burn, yes, but I think we could stand to have had a bit more interaction between Grim and Helena before all the action starts. We are quite literally thrown into the plot from chapter one (no spoilers), as well as a bit more of Helena-centric exploration. There were snippets I wanted more from (i.e. phone calls with her mom that were info dumped in, and a mentioned hang out with someone named Brooke who's name dropped, but never seen). Overall, Grim felt a bit more fleshed out (no pun intended) with his co-workers/job/life than Helena does. And at first, I took issue with the pacing, how everything happened almost too quickly for me as a reader to react. But then I had to remember: we are kinda in a time-crunch. Collecting fated souls is kind of a pressing matter.

The whole explanation/ending prior to the epilogue felt a bit rushed. It may have been the most unfortunate break of "show don't tell" rule I've read in a while. The "big bad"/twist of fate just needed a bit more build-up throughout the novel.

So... why 4 stars?

I can forgive all of those issues because of the way it made me feel as a reader: like I was transported, like my mantra became "Ok, 50 pages, then I'll call it quits tonight". Yeah, right. I just went right back in for more.

I'm trying hard not to fan-girl, really put my old B.A. cap to good use instead. But in the end, it's still just me reviewing a book. Despite the pacing/lack of Helena's personal world-building, I had a good time with this. Loved the psychopomp distinction, the forms Grim takes on when interacting with Helena, and the smut. Cannot forget the smut.

[Stella Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reader copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tropes: Paranormal Romance, Grumpy x Sunshine, Touch Her And Die (literally), Found Family, Protector Romance, Love At First Sight, Forbidden Love, Soft For Only Her

Wow. I loved this book so much. I’m obsessed! What a pleasant surprise. The book starts off right away with Grim meeting Helena at a Halloween costume party. She just incessantly talks to him, even though she can’t see his face and he isn’t responding. And he basically falls in love with her. He saves her from death, then finds out that death will probably continue coming for her, so he keeps saving her.

Helena, a children’s librarian, has the hots for the Grim Reaper. She’s into bad boys and not afraid to hide it. I mean, she saw someone dressed as the Grim Reaper, told him her whole life story, and also fell in love with him. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s precious.

When Grim was described in his human form, my jaw dropped and I had to reread it. It was the most perfect thing ever and fit him so well. I don’t want to ruin it for you, but My Chemical Romance might make an appearance. I also loved the Found Family vibes in this book with Helena and Grim’s friends, along with The Judge.

Anyway, these two fall so deeply in love and become so obsessed with each other. It’s precious. And the smut scenes are perfect. There are a lot of questions surrounding Grim, what his past entails, who is trying to bring about his downfall, and what exactly Helena has to do with any of it, but we do get our answers at the very end.

I will say, the explanation felt a bit… anticlimactic for me. I honestly thought Cedric had played more of a part in Grim’s past, but the actual explanation I didn’t really see coming because it was almost too obvious. However, I did love how it all turned out in the end, and we got our lovely HEA.

Overall, what a cozy, feel-good paranormal romance about the Grim Reaper falling in love, with some spicy smut along the way.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler Free Summary
A woman has to outrun death from one demon while falling for the Grim Reaper.

Vibes
If you love spooky, Halloween-vibes romance like I do, this book absolutely delivers! 🎃🖤 The author blends modern humor, a compelling plot, and a swoony romance into something that feels both cozy and addictive.

The chemistry between the main characters was one of the highlights for me. Their relationship develops in such a fun, natural way that it’s impossible not to get invested. Watching them dance around defining the relationship (DTR) was especially entertaining—one of them is completely clueless while the other slowly gives in, and the dynamic makes their interactions even more enjoyable.

The humor was another standout element. The characters’ attempts at joking and communicating with each other had me laughing more than once, and the banter felt genuine rather than forced. And honestly… Hunter. That’s it. That’s the comment. If you know, you know. 😌

I also have to give credit to the plot. I went in expecting to mainly enjoy the romance and the spooky atmosphere, but the storyline itself ended up pulling me in more than I anticipated. It takes a little time to build toward the finale, but the payoff is worth it and wraps the story up in a satisfying way.

Overall, this was such a fun, seasonal read—perfect for anyone who loves a little romance mixed with spooky vibes, humor, and great character chemistry. I’d definitely recommend picking this one up when you’re in the mood for something festive and entertaining. 🎃✨





Received my free copy from NG

[The Polished Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Final destination meets the color sunshine yellow with an MMC who is both skeleton AND muscular man with tattoos and an adorable librarian FMC who takes saving cupcakes from being squished very seriously!? Shut up! Say less! I’m so in!

Our boy Grim is Grumpy Grim with two capital Gs! Appearing as a skeleton (which at first I did have reservations about in terms of where intimacy was headed) has an alternate tattood boy body suit (that sounded less gross in my head but I’m sticking with it) the boy has body! Okay?? Also I find his scythe abilities weirdly sexy.. like it just stands there waiting for him?? What a cutie!

I’ve been in a total grim reaper/death/hades kick (although I think it’s more that all these authors are too because I have always been partial to death as a character and suddenly the authors of the world are delivering)!! I really loved this version, though, something about it worked so well for me. The story is cute. The characters brought exactly what I wanted them to. The bones do make a play for intimacy that pulled me out of the story a little and straight into the hypothetical wonderings of whether that would hurt?? But once I dallied in those thoughts for a sec I just convinced myself it was fine and let it happen. She liked it so I liked it. Case closed.

I also felt really invested in the mystery of Grim’s past. Really invested in his little found family, and yes that does include Pluto thank you. I was just in it. About it. Along for the ride. Enjoying my time in the passenger seat of The Judge (you’ll get it later).

Thank you so much to Kelly Creagh and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this eARC! I just loved it so much!

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and I am already jealous of everyone who is going to get to read it for the first time.
You would think the grim reaper would have better things to be doing with his time. But, I guess I'm glad he doesn't, because this book is tea.

This was SUCH a fun and exciting read.
I love it when authors are able to take something pretty common and basic, like paranormal romance, and genuinely shake it up and produce something that it completely new to me.
And that is what has been done here.

Sunshine human x death? The literal grim reaper? Stop. I love it.
Not only do I love the plot, but I adore the characters too.
Helena and Grim are just written so nicely, and both of them have personalities that I think shine so much on their own, and even more paired together.
I did find that Helena does have a personality element that I would say is ever-so-slightly... overly positive! Which I fine, but it does make her come off a bit ditzy. But it didn't bother me too much.

This story would be so so so nice to read during fall.
It doesn't have particularly seasonal/autumnal vibes built into the setting, but, given the plot I just know this would hit even harder on a chilly day. Seriously, out this on your spooky season TBR.

Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and author Kelly Creagh, for providing me with the eARC of "A Date with Death", in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: July 14, 2026

[V ᛑᛗᛛ · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, when I picked up this book, I expected the Grim Reaper to have something like an ancient accent or ancient mannerism (if that's even a thing. I mean, he must be centuries old). Not... this.... This is a book you pick if you want an unserious Grim Reaper romance.

Unfortunately, that's not what I was going for at all. I mean, looking at the cover, I expected the book to be a little fun and cozy, something light to read in my free time. But it wasn't, for me. This book annoyed me instead. It's full of immature characters and becomes unrealistic at some points.

The most annoying thing is that Grim didn't act like a Grim Reaper. He's more like a teenager (Gen Z, or maybe slightly older). I didn't like how he spoke, acted, or interacted. The dialogue sometimes feels very modern too, bordering on slangy, or something like 'absolutely fucking not'. And yes, I didn't like his friends. Whoever they are, I don't care. I also didn't enjoy the world builiding.

Helena, oh Helena. She easily believed the Grim Reaper was real from the beginning and then went looking for him. I expected some denial at first, but there was none. And yes, I felt like she didn't act her age. The writing also felt like a live reaction to what the character was feeling and doing. More telling than showing. I think that pretty much sums up why I gave this book two stars.

So, in conclusion, I didn't like this book.

[Kelly A · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 22%.

I think there are plenty of others who will enjoy this book, but it just wasn't clicking for me. The writing reminds me of Hannah Nicole Maehrer's Assistant to the Villain series (for context, I made it part of the way through book 3 of that series) but a little more whimsical and descriptive in a way I did not like. I ended up feeling like the characters in A Date with Death were caricatures rather than people. I didn't connect with them emotionally and didn't feel like the pull between Grim and Helena was genuine.

Part of my issue was also the detail given to Grim's home and coworkers. I expected this to be more focused on Grim in the real world and Grim and Helena's love story, but there's a lot of time (at least in the first 22% of the book!) spent in the underworld or between-world area. It felt like a bit of a Greek myth retelling about how Grim Reapers exist/work when I just wanted some romance.

I want to end with some positive feedback. I do like the pairing: the Grim Reaper and a children's librarian. Very grumpy x sunshine coded, though I did appreciate that Helena was not all sunshine. I also liked the initial balcony near-death scene. I was intrigued by the black cauldron of souls and its connection to Grim.

This review is based on an ARC copy of the book through NetGalley.

[Tardisgiggler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book about finding love, acceptance and eventual redemption. I was thinking this was going to be a cute romcom where they go out on actual dates, but this was much more than that. Helena has been hurt a few times, enough to hide herself in a way but it never stops her from thinking positively and trying to find the best in people; thus how she eventually thaws Grim. Grim was pretty clear cut for the most part with his job and how efficient he was, but Helena unlocked something more in him and stirred things up for him. We have some mystery as to why things are happening the way they were and I was not expecting that ending. part of it yes but the overall reveal was not something I'd thought of. The juvenile names for cuss word replacement was a bit too much, especially from Hunter, he was pretty annoying honestly. But I love how strong Helena was for herself and for Grim as well, all the way until the end. I wish they had more scenes where they were together, the spice was pretty great but we only got 2 scenes sadly. Overall this was a really good alternate to what I thought the book was going to be. Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this early, that in no way has influenced my review whatsoever.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE a good Grim Reaper story so I knew that I was in for a treat here. Helena is such a shiny sunshine and Grim is a lonely, grumpy, tatted up, protective, foul mouthed dominant, cinnamon roll. I loved them both so much and they were so good to each other.

Ok, so remember when Twilight came out eons ago, and there was that scene where Edward saves Bella from the would be r*pists? That "rescue the damsel" moment was my favorite in the entire book. I would read that part over and over again. There are quite a few moments like that in this book (because Helena has been marked for death but Grim keeps rescuing her because he is so intrigued by her and can't let her die), without the whole Twilight-esque over dramatized, Bella Swan making sh*t decisions all the time. So the moments in "A Date With Death" are not like that at all but they made me FEEL the same heart pounding swoon I felt when I first read that scene with Bella and Edward. Does that make sense?? Again, Helena is NOT like Bella Swan -she's such a bad a**. And Grim is nothing like the over domineering Edward Cullen.

Anyway, thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for an early copy of this book. I am absolutely going to be grabbing a physical copy of this book for my shelves. All opinions are my own.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. This was a fun and easy read. Helena is at a Halloween party when she runs into what she thinks is someone dressed up as the Grim Reaper. Unbeknownst to Helena, it is the real Grim Reaper. Grim was supposed to take Helena, but instead saves her. Most people don't notice or see him which throws him off. Grim heads back back to the basins, where he delivers souls. The Few then discover that a soul is missing, which creates a problem for Grim. Grim tries to hide this from his friends, Johann and Flora, but Cedric finds out. Cedric is an evil wizard who has it out for Grim. Grim then takes it upon himself to watch over Helena and protect her from Cedric. Helena can sense that someone is there and eventually Grim reveals himself to her. This leads to them getting to know each other and falling in love while trying to save Helena. I enjoyed their banter and seeing them interact with Flora and Johann. I thought the pacing in the second half was great as it was action packed and had a lot of good reveals. If you are looking for an entertaining romance with a paranormal twist, this is a good book to pick up.

[Demi Alyssa De Leon-Yetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thank you NetGalley & Kelly Creagh for this eARC! 💖

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

I will say it was different from most of my usual reads. I’m used to at least a chapter or two of world building and set up but this one was off to the races chapter one. It made it feel really odd to go in with no background & a bajillion questions but it worked! Kelly hooked me and I absolutely adored it all the way through. This one was a slow burn so be prepared for a little will they won’t they for half of the book. I swear it pays off. 💖

The chemistry between Helena & Grim felt super natural and the fact that grim was having an internal crisis every time he saw her was the icing on the cake. I loved that our sunshine incarnate children’s librarian climbed our grumpy reapers walls and continued to show him kindness despite all his rough edges. His character development was top tier for me and despite his doom & gloom attitude, he was such a sweetheart.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I wish we had more background for Helena and her personal life but I understand we focused on the Hallowed Halls more due to a (possible) book 2.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super fun quick, almost cozy, read. Don't let the sweet & cute cover fool you though, once the spice gets spicy, it is HOT. Paranormal/monster smexy times are my jam moreso than contemporary romance, and Grim totally worked for me as a broody, obsessed, touch her and d!e, only sweet for her, alpha-light type MMC. I figured he would have a motorcycle (a la ghost rider maybe), but the classic car also works - that way they could have a seat belt. Would love to hear his reaper voice on audio. Loved and related to the "realness" and quirkiness of the MFC Helena. What female hasn't tried to overshare & then kept talking and asking questions/wondered why their relationship choices are trash/had a stuffy they confided in? Tons of great side characters from both main characters adding their unique charm too. While I didn't feel the ending with the "villain" quite stuck the landing, it was still very satisfying. Thanks for the ARC opportunity, NetGalley & the publisher. Looks like there might be a book 2 coming too, so that's a bonus.

[Autumn Brimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

A Date with Death by Kelly Creagh follows the romantic tale between the Grim Reaper and a children's librarian named Helena. While I did enjoy this, I did find it frustrating that this book was marketed as a horror romance. I understand the concept of death or grim reapers is a bit darker but that doesn't make it horror. This was way more of a paranormal romance to me. But putting aside the genre and marketing, I really enjoyed reading this. The story follows Helena and Grim as they try to navigate the consequences of Grim saving Helena's life while both try in vain to ignore the ever growing feelings they share for each other. Read if you like:

☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
💀Grim reaper MMC
🚗Possessed cars
🍍Talking to a pineapple
💕Love conquers all vibes
💔Forbidden romance
✨Deep emotional connections
🧚🏻Quicky side characters
🦴Spice with a skeleton
💥Soul orgasms
🫨Unexpected plot twists
🔥Possessive MMC

This book releases July 14th 2026! Thank you again to Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review this one!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t say no to a death personified/grim reaper storyline, especially when it’s a cute romcom like genre. This was the good lighthearted, romcom feeling book I needed. I really enjoyed the characters - Helena is a quirky librarian who has insecurities reader can identify with (or at least understand) with Grim as the brooding grim reaper with your stereotypical bad boy vibe and gruff personality.

I appreciated the side characters who enhance the underworld’s storyline and settings. I found the take on pathways for souls interesting and added an easy way to understand different outcomes of souls and how Grim’s work works. There’s action, hi-jinx, spice, and romancy feel good moments between Helena and Grim.

Everything was easy to picture in my mind while reading and I wanted to keep reading to see how the miscommunication and “they’re better off without me but I don’t want to live without them” instances would play out. I do wish there were more instances where Helena and Grim actually dated, but it didn’t bother me enough to not continue reading.

[Aileen Moran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! All thoughts are my own 💀🖤

Okay… I’m obsessed. This was such a fun surprise. It starts with Grim meeting Helena at a Halloween party where she just yaps to him nonstop (he barely responds 😭) and they somehow both fall instantly. He saves her from death, then realizes it’s gonna keep coming for her… so he keeps stepping in.

Helena is a children’s librarian who is fully down bad for the Grim Reaper and honestly? I respect it. Their dynamic sounds ridiculous but it’s actually so cute and works SO well.

Grim’s human form reveal?? I had to reread it. That’s all I’ll say. Also loved the found family vibes and the side characters (The Judge 👀).

Overall, such a cozy, slightly chaotic paranormal romance with a very lovable grim reaper 🖤

[beccasbookscapes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Put in a request for this book knowing that I am not big on romance heavy books, but the premise was intriguing. Perfect book that had mystery, a strong FMC Helena who just needed someone in the form of Grim Reaper to show her how truly special she is. Loved that the romance didn't happen till much further on in the book because it allowed you to build anticipation for their relationship and for their relationship to grow. The book starts with Helena almost falling off a balcony and being saved by a real skeletal hand from the Grim Reaper. The Grim Reaper is now at odds with himself as to why he saved Helena and why he's drawn to her. Helena also finds herself attracted to the Grim Reaper. It's a messy, funny, endearing, and enjoyable book.

[Madison Aboud · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you so much to the incredible Kelly Creagh for gifting me an ARC copy of her upcoming release, “A Date With Death.”

“A Date With Death” is the perfect blend of:
- Beetlejuice
- Assistant to the Villain
- Good Spirits
- Phantom Heart (also by Kelly Creagh!)

To me, this cozy horror rom-com, mixed with some grumpy-sunshine, and a man who knows how to dirty talk led to the absolute best time. Every time I picked it up, I never wanted to put it down. The romance was so sweet, and fun, and my god does Grim know how to weasel his way into a girl’s heart.

I had the absolute best time and can’t wait for everyone to have the opportunity to read it! “A Date With Death” Releases 07.14.26.

P.S. — chapter 42 will forever live rent free in my mind <3

[Shekki’s memoirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when the Grim Reaper falls for a chatterbox librarian? 💀🖤✨
I went into this one expecting a typical paranormal romance, but I am officially obsessed! The hottest Grimm reaper I’ve ever read! From the moment Grim meets Helena at a Halloween party, the "Touch Her and Die" energy is off the charts.

Helena is a sunshine FMC who loves a "bad boy" even if he happens to be Death himself. Let’s just say if you were an MCR fan, Grim’s human form is going to make your jaw drop! . It’s a perfect mix of cozy, feel-good vibes and surprisingly spicy smut.

The HEA was so satisfying that I didn't even mind the not so realistic ending. If you want a spicy, "Obsessed Hero" read that feels like a warm hug, grab this one!

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow I really loved this book! I do feel like this story line has definitely been written about a bunch recently but this is by far my favorite.

I really loved both the main characters but especially Helena, she was such a breath of fresh air, her comedic timing was always perfect, and you are really rooting for her the whole book never once did she become insufferable like so many other FMCs.

Grim was a very strong MMC, I really like the way his pov was written and you definitely felt more of a connection to him compared to similar books written this way.

Overall I would 100% recommend this book! It was on the lighter side and a very quick read.

Thank you NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Kelly Creagh for the amazing eARC!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the free ARC, Gallery books!

In this paranormal romance, a children’s librarian meets her match in the grim reaper. Helena is at a Halloween party and nearly falls to her death, when she’s unexpectedly rescued by none other than Death himself. She keeps running into him, and he finds himself drawn to her as well.

This book is the perfect campy, fun, SPICY, Halloween read! Put this one on your October list because it is the one I will be recommending for everyone at Halloween. Not only is it set on Halloween, but the lightly spooky setting and all the fun references will be the perfect treat. If you love Final Destination, Hades/Persephone, maybe even a bit of Twilight vibes (minus the vampires), I think you’ll DIE for this one.

[Kori Arkfeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelly Creagh, and Gallery Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was pretty cute! Anything where the Grim Reaper is involved is right up my alley. The spice? *chefs kiss* The Netherworld system was pretty cool as well and we kind of learned things with Grim. Helena was a breath of fresh air. The way Grim let her be herself was heartwarming. And his possessiveness…I swooned. I didn’t think Grim deserved to be in the Black Basin but I know we needed a bit of drama and rescuing by Helena. This is getting 3.5 stars. I liked it but it was just sort of surface level and cute but not mind blowing.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helena finds herself at a party where she almost falls off of a balcony. That is, until Grim saves her. Now, the council needs answers to why there is a missing soul.

No worries though, Helena is fated to die. Grim might have developed feelings for her though and now he is on a crazy mission to prevent her from dying. The only problem? His crazy co worker Cedric wants his spot and will do anything he can to make sure that soul is delivered.

This was such a wild ride and while it did slow down a bit at times, I enjoyed it. I think it ended perfectly! Also, the cover for this book is STUNNING. Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books, and Kelly Creagh for an ARC of this book.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Giveaway Winner*

This is a very cute and lighthearted book. The epitome of grumpy/sunshine trope since they meet and she is dressed as sunshine for Halloween and he is the Grim Reaper.

This book deals with death in a respectful way, while also being light and easy to read. The FMC is competent and relatable while being honest about necessary personal growth. The MMC is respectful and fun to read about. There’s some turns along the way that I didn’t see coming, but I was also just enjoying reading the book and seeing what was going to happen.

I could see myself reading this again in the future. You won’t regret picking it up!

[Amy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so freaking cute. A children's librarian and the grim reaper made for such a good story. Helena's job and lack of swearing gave her the air of innocence without it being creepy.

There were so many twists and turns in this book that I was genuinely shocked by the ending. I thought I knew where the story was going and I was mostly wrong, which I loved. The characters were so funny and the pacing made me feel connected to both Helena and Grim.

It was very obvious that the author poured a lot of love into this book. I could feel the passion as I read and I loved every minute of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the free eARC.

[Haley Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this one as an ARC at ApollyCon! I dove in the first day I had it!! This one gets a solid 4.5 ⭐️ Grim was so grumpy and stubborn but his heart is so good.

The spice???? Ma’am. Kelly. This is your first adult novel and you absolutely crushed those chapters. I loved watching their relationship develop and every time Grim came to see Helena I would kick my feet and squeal.

Helena was so special to me because she is just so bright. Her color choices, her personality, her clothing, it all just made me so happy.

I’m so honored that I just so happened to get this one at a convention and was able to read and review it so quickly! We LOVE it!

[Aisha Virk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book started off so well and had so much potential because the premise is exquisite. However, it was not executed properly at all and by 50% of the book I was praying that something interesting happen. It just dragged with no actual plot.

That said the female main character is almost 30, but she comes off as this young, naïve ditzy girl. It’s like the author all the cliché of a nerdy girl and put them together in one person.

[Magpiebookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Date with Death was a really enjoyable blend of sweet romance and darker elements. While it leans more toward a slow burn, it didn’t feel dragged out thanks to the constant sense of intrigue and momentum throughout the story.

I especially appreciated how the plot developed, and the twist toward the end tied everything together in a satisfying way. I was a bit concerned it might end on a cliffhanger, but it thankfully was a standalone.

Overall, a solid read for anyone who enjoys romance with a slightly darker edge.