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13 Ways I Tried To Kill My Husband: Tales from Grim Gate
What happens when an unhinged woman, a descendant of a blessed bloodline, marries a Demon Kingpin of Grim Gate?
You get a dark, humorous, explosive, spicy, and gritty paranormal romance.
Chaos. Carnage. Chemistry.
And a darkly hilarious, explosively gritty love story.
In a world of fairytale creatures, Myrna O’Hern, a descendant of the Van Helsings, has quite the mouth and an even bigger temper. Reluctantly, she agrees to marry the Demon Kingpin, searching for answers about her father's suspicious accident.
But when her demon husband vanishes, and she becomes the prime suspect, Myrna ends up behind bars… which isn’t completely shocking, considering she’s tried to kill him thirteen times.
Arden Vour, last of his bloodline and ruler of every demon faction in Grim Gate, honors the contract he signed because he made a promise, even though it should have died with Joseph O’Hern.
The kingpin knew Myrna hated his kind. Knew she was volatile. Knew she was dangerous.
He just didn’t expect to fall for the tiny assassin who wants him dead.
If Grim Gate were ever to cough up an enemies-to-lovers romance, this would be the one.
You get a dark, humorous, explosive, spicy, and gritty paranormal romance.
Chaos. Carnage. Chemistry.
And a darkly hilarious, explosively gritty love story.
In a world of fairytale creatures, Myrna O’Hern, a descendant of the Van Helsings, has quite the mouth and an even bigger temper. Reluctantly, she agrees to marry the Demon Kingpin, searching for answers about her father's suspicious accident.
But when her demon husband vanishes, and she becomes the prime suspect, Myrna ends up behind bars… which isn’t completely shocking, considering she’s tried to kill him thirteen times.
Arden Vour, last of his bloodline and ruler of every demon faction in Grim Gate, honors the contract he signed because he made a promise, even though it should have died with Joseph O’Hern.
The kingpin knew Myrna hated his kind. Knew she was volatile. Knew she was dangerous.
He just didn’t expect to fall for the tiny assassin who wants him dead.
If Grim Gate were ever to cough up an enemies-to-lovers romance, this would be the one.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
5 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
J.W.G. Stout
10 books21 followersJess Stout is the Author of The Delta’s Daughter, the sequel Rise of a Queen, book 3 – The Gladiator Wolf King, and the latest in the series Hunji: A Broken Wolf & The Last Witch of Andora – book 4.
Born in the USA and raised in the United Kingdom, she is now a wife and mother of two, living back in the USA, with a passion for writing and animals.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Jess was an entrepreneur with her own printing business. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and most of all, curling up with a good book and her three dogs, Venus, Apollo Creed, and Atlas.
Since starting this writing journey, I have done everything wrong. With many twists and turns in my life these past three years, I was never able to take the time to dive into what I needed to do as an indie author.
With tragedy striking our hearts and our lives towards the end of 2024, I took months off and away from work, my passion (writing). Then came the holidays, and there didn't seem to be enough days and hours in the week to dedicate my time to writing, editing, and publishing my work. Everything seemed like such a rush.
Finally, in January 2025, I found my feet, my rhythm, and my drive again to finish what I had started to make room for upcoming projects and create more thrilling adventures through the power of storytelling.
At first, I dove headfirst into completing my goals, but quickly realized I needed to step back and take a deep breath if I was going to make my books one of the best reads I could give my readers.
Born in the USA and raised in the United Kingdom, she is now a wife and mother of two, living back in the USA, with a passion for writing and animals.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Jess was an entrepreneur with her own printing business. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and most of all, curling up with a good book and her three dogs, Venus, Apollo Creed, and Atlas.
Since starting this writing journey, I have done everything wrong. With many twists and turns in my life these past three years, I was never able to take the time to dive into what I needed to do as an indie author.
With tragedy striking our hearts and our lives towards the end of 2024, I took months off and away from work, my passion (writing). Then came the holidays, and there didn't seem to be enough days and hours in the week to dedicate my time to writing, editing, and publishing my work. Everything seemed like such a rush.
Finally, in January 2025, I found my feet, my rhythm, and my drive again to finish what I had started to make room for upcoming projects and create more thrilling adventures through the power of storytelling.
At first, I dove headfirst into completing my goals, but quickly realized I needed to step back and take a deep breath if I was going to make my books one of the best reads I could give my readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
"When her hands fall, and she stops struggling, I release my hold and stop pounding her pussy. I slap her cheek, bringing her around, and wait until she has a lung full of air before starting all over again."
Before anyone comes at me, please know that non con wasn’t mentioned at all in the trope map the author shared to promote the ARC. There were no trigger warnings either. I would’ve thought a hundred times before applying if they had been included. I told myself I’d go easy on arcs, that if I dnfed, I just wouldn’t rate them so I wouldn’t tank the overall rating. But this book was too much.
The first time the FMC and MMC almost slept together, she told him to stop, but he kept going. I don’t care who initiated it or if they were both into it at first, when someone is clearly uncomfortable and verbally says no, you stop. Period. Otherwise, it’s rape.
I thought I could forgive it because she kicked his ass pretty quickly after. But then this happened, and I was out. She literally passed out from him choking her, and he slapped her awake so he could continue the punishment? From the bottom of my heart, go to hell, but even hell is too good for you.
Before anyone comes at me, please know that non con wasn’t mentioned at all in the trope map the author shared to promote the ARC. There were no trigger warnings either. I would’ve thought a hundred times before applying if they had been included. I told myself I’d go easy on arcs, that if I dnfed, I just wouldn’t rate them so I wouldn’t tank the overall rating. But this book was too much.
The first time the FMC and MMC almost slept together, she told him to stop, but he kept going. I don’t care who initiated it or if they were both into it at first, when someone is clearly uncomfortable and verbally says no, you stop. Period. Otherwise, it’s rape.
I thought I could forgive it because she kicked his ass pretty quickly after. But then this happened, and I was out. She literally passed out from him choking her, and he slapped her awake so he could continue the punishment? From the bottom of my heart, go to hell, but even hell is too good for you.
March 16, 2026
Book: 13 Ways I Tried to Kill My Husband
Author: J.W.G Stout
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FIVE STAR REVIEW
I don't know where to start with this review!!! This book was beyond my expectations! I didn't know what to expect as this was my first spicy book I read and let me tell ya the SPICE is there!!!!!
There were twist and turns I didn't see coming! We are on this hot passionate love hate roller coaster all while trying to solve a mystery and I am here for it!!!!
It gave me humor; I laughed out loud and so did my fiancé! We both enjoyed it and he didn't read the book!!! It gives you so much spicy you can feel the sexual tension building as you're reading, making you long for it just as much as the main character!
There is a point where I felt bad for her husband because despite him being how he is I feel like he still somehow has morals and wants to do the right thing. I absolutely love all the characters good and bad. They all fit well with the story line. The story line is in order and makes sense. There is a little time hope but it's not a very big one!
I enjoyed that there was a bigger picture with a bunch of other small pictures going on at the same time. There is multiple point of view which keeps you on the hook wanting to know what the other is thinking in that moment!
If you have ever seen Lucifer the TV Show you would enjoy this book 1000%!!!!
I fell in love with this book and you will too!
Author: J.W.G Stout
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FIVE STAR REVIEW
I don't know where to start with this review!!! This book was beyond my expectations! I didn't know what to expect as this was my first spicy book I read and let me tell ya the SPICE is there!!!!!
There were twist and turns I didn't see coming! We are on this hot passionate love hate roller coaster all while trying to solve a mystery and I am here for it!!!!
It gave me humor; I laughed out loud and so did my fiancé! We both enjoyed it and he didn't read the book!!! It gives you so much spicy you can feel the sexual tension building as you're reading, making you long for it just as much as the main character!
There is a point where I felt bad for her husband because despite him being how he is I feel like he still somehow has morals and wants to do the right thing. I absolutely love all the characters good and bad. They all fit well with the story line. The story line is in order and makes sense. There is a little time hope but it's not a very big one!
I enjoyed that there was a bigger picture with a bunch of other small pictures going on at the same time. There is multiple point of view which keeps you on the hook wanting to know what the other is thinking in that moment!
If you have ever seen Lucifer the TV Show you would enjoy this book 1000%!!!!
I fell in love with this book and you will too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 28, 2026Honest ARC rating
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I literally read this in one sitting. The drama was too intriguing to pause mid-chaos and the smut is to die for.
13 ways I tried to kill my husband is what happens when A demon king is in love with someone who's tried to kill him multiple times. Yeah, it's as good as it sounds.
What worked for me:
Arden and Myrna absolutely carried. She's a badass with zero doormat energy, he's this morally grey demon king who's obsessed with her, and their chemistry is INSANE. The enemies-to-lovers hits different when every murder attempt makes him fall harder.
The pacing is fast and the plot twist actually surprised me. Not too many things happening at once, just enough to keep you hooked. And the spice scenes aren't just there for show, they actually move the plot forward.
What I wanted more of:
An epilogue with their heir (my fictional niece deserves page time!).
One more grovel scene because I'm greedy. And honestly I wanted Myrna to panic more when Arden went missing - like girl, show me you're feeling things since y'all haven't even said "I love you" yet.
Bottom line:
If you love demon kings, enemies-to-lovers that actually delivers, and morally grey MMCs who are obsessed - read this. Just finished and already want to reread chapter one.
Thank you to Jess Stout for the ARC! All opinions are my unhinged own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I literally read this in one sitting. The drama was too intriguing to pause mid-chaos and the smut is to die for.
13 ways I tried to kill my husband is what happens when A demon king is in love with someone who's tried to kill him multiple times. Yeah, it's as good as it sounds.
What worked for me:
Arden and Myrna absolutely carried. She's a badass with zero doormat energy, he's this morally grey demon king who's obsessed with her, and their chemistry is INSANE. The enemies-to-lovers hits different when every murder attempt makes him fall harder.
The pacing is fast and the plot twist actually surprised me. Not too many things happening at once, just enough to keep you hooked. And the spice scenes aren't just there for show, they actually move the plot forward.
What I wanted more of:
An epilogue with their heir (my fictional niece deserves page time!).
One more grovel scene because I'm greedy. And honestly I wanted Myrna to panic more when Arden went missing - like girl, show me you're feeling things since y'all haven't even said "I love you" yet.
Bottom line:
If you love demon kings, enemies-to-lovers that actually delivers, and morally grey MMCs who are obsessed - read this. Just finished and already want to reread chapter one.
Thank you to Jess Stout for the ARC! All opinions are my unhinged own.
February 14, 2026
I went into the book unsure if I would like it but it had me in a chokehold from the first few chapters and I couldn’t put it down. It’s now 2am in the morning and I need to be up at 6 but I just couldn’t stop til I devoured the entire book.
It was amazing!
Is it wrong that I loved just how chaotic the two main characters were with each other? Like woah. I don’t think my husband would enjoy the game but it really did pump the spice up to a whole new level.
I was also pleasantly surprised that the storyline wasn’t just about the different ways Myrna could kill Arden (although that was great) but it also had a bigger one with lots of twists and turns.
Both of the storyline’s flowed so well together and I loved the characters and how thought out each one was.
I also thoroughly enjoyed all the different attempts Myrna used on her husband and found myself laughing out loud. Fair warning the spice is HOTT like steam coming from your kindle hot and I highly recommend not reading the book in public!
I look forward to seeing what else J.W.G Stout has in store from us, I know I’ll be keeping an eye out for her next read!
It was amazing!
Is it wrong that I loved just how chaotic the two main characters were with each other? Like woah. I don’t think my husband would enjoy the game but it really did pump the spice up to a whole new level.
I was also pleasantly surprised that the storyline wasn’t just about the different ways Myrna could kill Arden (although that was great) but it also had a bigger one with lots of twists and turns.
Both of the storyline’s flowed so well together and I loved the characters and how thought out each one was.
I also thoroughly enjoyed all the different attempts Myrna used on her husband and found myself laughing out loud. Fair warning the spice is HOTT like steam coming from your kindle hot and I highly recommend not reading the book in public!
I look forward to seeing what else J.W.G Stout has in store from us, I know I’ll be keeping an eye out for her next read!
January 20, 2026
This book is such a fun read! Myrna is human, her father arranges a marriage contract with Arden, Don of Demons, allegedly to protect her. Myrna is a direct Van Helsing descendent and honestly she’s pretty tough. Shortly after the contract is signed Myrna’s father dies and her brother takes over the family business. Myrna is forced into the marriage. Now this woman has fire, she strongly objects to the arranged marriage. As she proceeds to try to kill her new husband, in some really seriously innovative and awful ways, the results are often hilarious and had me laughing out loud. Myrna and Arden end up falling in love while she’s continually trying to kill him and they also solve some serious issues in Myrna’s family. The book has some spice, it is a really good read, I definitely recommend it. Thank you Jess for the opportunity to read and review your work, I loved it.
February 9, 2026
I laughed a lot while reading this book. A little murder and seek? Well how about trying to kill your husband as many ways as you can imagine even though he’s unkillable but it’s really just some twisted way you get sex instead. All while solving your father’s murder and making sure your house gets the leader it really needs.
I really enjoyed the different creatures, it wasn’t just vampires and werewolves but demons and goblins too. All this fantasy twisted up into a modern day world. She eventually learns to love her husband, which made me happy, and I’m glad that the first scene didn’t turn out to be true! This book is extra spicy 🌶️. Open door explicit scenes 😮💨 just know that there’s also a side of kink before you open it.
I really enjoyed the different creatures, it wasn’t just vampires and werewolves but demons and goblins too. All this fantasy twisted up into a modern day world. She eventually learns to love her husband, which made me happy, and I’m glad that the first scene didn’t turn out to be true! This book is extra spicy 🌶️. Open door explicit scenes 😮💨 just know that there’s also a side of kink before you open it.
February 13, 2026
I received an ARC copy and am leaving my voluntary review. I was intrigued by the title and honestly the story was so much more than I expected. At first I was concerned that it took awhile to get to the first murder attempt and by the time the third attempt was made I was giggling to myself curious what she would try next, sure some of the deaths were not elaborated on but I think this was tactfully done in a way that kept me enthralled. Mryna comes across as a spunky, impulsive, brat which is a perfect compliment to Arden and his cool, calm and collected persona. I could not put the book down so I do recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an amusing book if you like dark humor. Myrna is forced to marry a demon under lies her brother told her, she believes Arden killed her father so she sets out in a series of creative ways to temporarily kill him until she gets the proof she needs to actually kill him. Along the way they use her attempts as foreplay and get close to one another. Throughout all this someone is doing shady stuff and pinning it on the demons to divide the houses in the city and they're trying to figure out who it is.
February 14, 2026
I received this book as an arc and let me tell you I was pleasantly surprised. I was in need of a palate cleanser after finishing throne of glass and this did the trick!
It had me laughing, and kicking my feet all throughout!
There was also still enough plot to keep you guessing.
The Mmc was delicious…
This book is the perfect blend of spicy and funny!
If you liked butcher and blackbird or lights out but wanted maybe a supernatural twist I would give this book a try. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
It had me laughing, and kicking my feet all throughout!
There was also still enough plot to keep you guessing.
The Mmc was delicious…
This book is the perfect blend of spicy and funny!
If you liked butcher and blackbird or lights out but wanted maybe a supernatural twist I would give this book a try. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
January 23, 2026
ARC Review- I can’t believe how much I laughed throughout this book. Myrna, our unhinged FMC from the Van Helsing family line, makes a game out of trying to kill her Demon Don husband. This book has forced marriage, some forced proximity, tasty tension, constant and hilarious murder attempts, mysterious plot line, and good banter, all mixed with magic and paranormal characters. What a fun sexy read! Thank you JWG Stout for the advanced copy! I’m an instant fan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Aaaassah I loved this book soooo much!!! Things I loved about this book:
Multiple funny moments between the MMC and fmc sprinkled throughout the book.
The romance was TOP tier.
The MMC was so 🥵🥵🥵.
Myrna and Arden's chemistry 🔥🔥🔥
I can't wait for this book to come out so I can recommend it to all of my reader friends!!
Thank you to the author for letting me arc read your amazing upcoming release!!
Multiple funny moments between the MMC and fmc sprinkled throughout the book.
The romance was TOP tier.
The MMC was so 🥵🥵🥵.
Myrna and Arden's chemistry 🔥🔥🔥
I can't wait for this book to come out so I can recommend it to all of my reader friends!!
Thank you to the author for letting me arc read your amazing upcoming release!!
February 6, 2026
I received this book as an ARC for my honest review.
Myrna hates demons, and not only is the man she’s marrying a demon, she thinks he killed her father.
What starts as enemies quickly turns into Arden wanting her pretty fast. And he’s actually kind of sweet. But Myrna wants nothing to do with him, and consistently makes his life miserable in any way she can, by attempting to end his life.
Did he kill her father? Will she fall for him? You’ll have to read to find out!
Myrna hates demons, and not only is the man she’s marrying a demon, she thinks he killed her father.
What starts as enemies quickly turns into Arden wanting her pretty fast. And he’s actually kind of sweet. But Myrna wants nothing to do with him, and consistently makes his life miserable in any way she can, by attempting to end his life.
Did he kill her father? Will she fall for him? You’ll have to read to find out!
March 6, 2026
13 ways I fell in love with this book
1. Unhinged FMC
2. She actually tries to kill him
3. He falls first
4. He says “good girl” 🫠
5. Spicyyy
6. But still has plot
7. She wants to be punished
8. He delivers. Repeatedly.
9. Vivid world building and laugh out loud moments
10. Side characters that add to the story
11. MMC soft at heart and rough in bed 😘
12. The shovel scene
13. Standalone
Loved this wild ride!
🫶🏽Myrna + Arden🫶🏽
1. Unhinged FMC
2. She actually tries to kill him
3. He falls first
4. He says “good girl” 🫠
5. Spicyyy
6. But still has plot
7. She wants to be punished
8. He delivers. Repeatedly.
9. Vivid world building and laugh out loud moments
10. Side characters that add to the story
11. MMC soft at heart and rough in bed 😘
12. The shovel scene
13. Standalone
Loved this wild ride!
🫶🏽Myrna + Arden🫶🏽
January 24, 2026
Such a fun read!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The whole murder and catch premise came through in all its glory.
Arden was definitely the touch her and ☠️ type. He accepted her brand of crazy from the beginning and I love it.
Myrna is definitely bordering on psycho, but it’s really just that her level of crazy comes out if she thinks you have hurt who she loves.
Such a fun read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The whole murder and catch premise came through in all its glory.
Arden was definitely the touch her and ☠️ type. He accepted her brand of crazy from the beginning and I love it.
Myrna is definitely bordering on psycho, but it’s really just that her level of crazy comes out if she thinks you have hurt who she loves.
Such a fun read.
January 25, 2026
4.75 ⭐️ This book was a fun time! I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book. Myrna is definitely an interesting type of crazy but so easily likable. Arden is the touch her and ☠️ type FMC. I’d you’re looking for a steamy paranormal romance with dark humor this is it. It was a quick read, that I couldn’t put down!
Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 25, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Myrna is forced to uphold her dead father’s contract by marrying a demon. She hates all demons but agrees for the sake of brother but it’s not the marital bliss you’d expect. This was a dark romance with a lot of quirks. The murder and seek in this I found quite funny at times and like the personalities of the two. Potential need to tweak trigger warnings for perhaps as a couple themes I would say weren’t fully covered. It was fast paced, had deceit, betrayal and some level of lightheartedness amongst the dark.
Myrna is forced to uphold her dead father’s contract by marrying a demon. She hates all demons but agrees for the sake of brother but it’s not the marital bliss you’d expect. This was a dark romance with a lot of quirks. The murder and seek in this I found quite funny at times and like the personalities of the two. Potential need to tweak trigger warnings for perhaps as a couple themes I would say weren’t fully covered. It was fast paced, had deceit, betrayal and some level of lightheartedness amongst the dark.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing book! it has steamy scenes, funny parts and wonderful characters. I have to say my favorite character was Arden he is so protective and loving despite Myrnas actions. The ways in which she tries to kill him (unsuccessfully) are comical and had me giggling the whole time.
February 13, 2026
What a ride! Myrna is my spirit animal. Her brother is a creep and marries her off to Arden shortly after her father dies. She’s one mad girl, hence the name of the book. I giggled a lot and definitely swooned over Arden. This book is awesome just check the trigg3rs.
February 26, 2026
First I want to say Thank You to JWG Stout for this ARC. I was in such a reading slump and this book got me right out, I was a little unsure if I would like this book but this book had me laughing out loud. Myrna is forced to marry Arden and he’s a demon, Myrna also thinks Arden killed her dad. I must say even when Myrna wants nothing to do with Arden there chemistry is off the charts hot!! I couldn’t get enough of this book and I don’t want to give too much away so you should definitely add this book to your TBR because you wont be disappointed!
February 18, 2026
i love this book so much u have my heart fluttering so my i had butterflies in my stomach her publishment i want for myself
February 19, 2026
This was a breath of fresh air. It was very different and fun. It had me kicking my feet giggling. The spice was spicing. I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was really holding out hope for this book, because it started out pretty well.
Unfortunately, around the 30% mark the book took a turn for the worse resulting in a 2/5 rating.
The plot was very promising and the initial secrecy was well thought out and nicely delivered.
Arden and Myrna were very likeable and the new ways she constantly thought of to torture and kill Arden had me laughing. As the story progressed though, I couldn't help but feel like they were both very immature and the chemistry/sexual tension seemed really forced. I kept feeling like the author was trying too hard to create tension and sexy comebacks, unfortunately having the opposite effect. I think it would have been beneficial to the story to include more bonding scenes in between the murder attempts, especially after he started sexually "punishing" her for her failed attempts. Around 55-60% the story line's progression started getting sloppy and I feel the book could do with 50 more pages before the final plot twist, to really tie things together and smooth out some plot holes.
Another aspect of the book I didn't enjoy was the spicy scenes. Apart from a couple of them, the rest felt unsexy, poorly researched and very awkward. Some triggers weren't mentioned in the initial list, but I didn't much care since I don't have any triggers, but someone else might be surprised. I was especially annoyed when in one spice scene there was no care or mention of protection/sanitation in between changing entrance points(if you know, you know), making it seem like the mmc didn't care at all about the health aspects of his actions on the fmc.
In the end, would I recommend this book to new readers? Maybe, if I knew the reader wasn't as harsh a judge as me.
Unfortunately, around the 30% mark the book took a turn for the worse resulting in a 2/5 rating.
The plot was very promising and the initial secrecy was well thought out and nicely delivered.
Arden and Myrna were very likeable and the new ways she constantly thought of to torture and kill Arden had me laughing. As the story progressed though, I couldn't help but feel like they were both very immature and the chemistry/sexual tension seemed really forced. I kept feeling like the author was trying too hard to create tension and sexy comebacks, unfortunately having the opposite effect. I think it would have been beneficial to the story to include more bonding scenes in between the murder attempts, especially after he started sexually "punishing" her for her failed attempts. Around 55-60% the story line's progression started getting sloppy and I feel the book could do with 50 more pages before the final plot twist, to really tie things together and smooth out some plot holes.
Another aspect of the book I didn't enjoy was the spicy scenes. Apart from a couple of them, the rest felt unsexy, poorly researched and very awkward. Some triggers weren't mentioned in the initial list, but I didn't much care since I don't have any triggers, but someone else might be surprised. I was especially annoyed when in one spice scene there was no care or mention of protection/sanitation in between changing entrance points(if you know, you know), making it seem like the mmc didn't care at all about the health aspects of his actions on the fmc.
In the end, would I recommend this book to new readers? Maybe, if I knew the reader wasn't as harsh a judge as me.
February 24, 2026
This gets 5 stars from me...... First off, this book is hilarious! Not exactly what I expected in such a great way. This is not your typical book BTW. It's fantastic, just go read it. Between the humor and the WTH moments, this gets my vote of approval.
First off, this married couple plays "Murder and Seek".... Which is funny in the best way. She tries to kill him and he "punishes" her in the spicy way. It becomes a game at one point.
So without giving too many spoilers, we have out MFC who is forced to marry our MMC. She tries to kill him thinking he was a part of a death. As the story progresses, she falls for him, he falls for her. He can't be killed easy as he is a Demon BTW. And yes, our MFC knows that there is only one true way to erase him. As the story progresses, you find out that there is "evil" afoot! It's messy in all the ways. She has a brother that wants to be the head and tries to be the head.... Things are not as they seem in more than one way. This book does start off with our MMC missing and our MFC in a police station being asked where her missing husband is.
There is humor that is fantastic...... You know you want to read this book as it has humor, spice, and all things in-between. There is different families (like mob type families) that are descendants. You have witches, demons, and all kinds of mythical things. Just trust me, if you want spice, some hmmmmmmmm, and a somewhat HEA, check this book out. It does end with a HEA but some things happen that make it sad.
First off, this married couple plays "Murder and Seek".... Which is funny in the best way. She tries to kill him and he "punishes" her in the spicy way. It becomes a game at one point.
So without giving too many spoilers, we have out MFC who is forced to marry our MMC. She tries to kill him thinking he was a part of a death. As the story progresses, she falls for him, he falls for her. He can't be killed easy as he is a Demon BTW. And yes, our MFC knows that there is only one true way to erase him. As the story progresses, you find out that there is "evil" afoot! It's messy in all the ways. She has a brother that wants to be the head and tries to be the head.... Things are not as they seem in more than one way. This book does start off with our MMC missing and our MFC in a police station being asked where her missing husband is.
There is humor that is fantastic...... You know you want to read this book as it has humor, spice, and all things in-between. There is different families (like mob type families) that are descendants. You have witches, demons, and all kinds of mythical things. Just trust me, if you want spice, some hmmmmmmmm, and a somewhat HEA, check this book out. It does end with a HEA but some things happen that make it sad.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
😈Paranormal with demons, witches, vampires and more!
🔪Attempted murder, repeatedly
♥️Arranged Marriage
🖤Bdsm
This was sooo cute! A feisty FMC with a fiery MMC. Laugh out loud, kick your feet level banter. And is this room on 🔥 fire level spice. What more could you want?
🔪A marriage arrangement between a human and a demon gets moved up after the accidental death of the humans father. The brother doesn't believe the death was accidental but that the betrothed demon is involved and now needs his sister, Myrna, to get intell.
🔪Can we just give Myrna her own review?! Because wow. What a spit-fire, instigator and all around great character. She has no nonsense and take charge personality. I can see her commanding the attention of every room she walks into and I couldn't get enough.
🔪Recommend for readers of high level spice while still reading a great plot then this one is for you!
🔪Thank you to the author, publisher and BookFunnel for the ARC! All thoughts and feelings are my own.
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
😈Paranormal with demons, witches, vampires and more!
🔪Attempted murder, repeatedly
♥️Arranged Marriage
🖤Bdsm
This was sooo cute! A feisty FMC with a fiery MMC. Laugh out loud, kick your feet level banter. And is this room on 🔥 fire level spice. What more could you want?
🔪A marriage arrangement between a human and a demon gets moved up after the accidental death of the humans father. The brother doesn't believe the death was accidental but that the betrothed demon is involved and now needs his sister, Myrna, to get intell.
🔪Can we just give Myrna her own review?! Because wow. What a spit-fire, instigator and all around great character. She has no nonsense and take charge personality. I can see her commanding the attention of every room she walks into and I couldn't get enough.
🔪Recommend for readers of high level spice while still reading a great plot then this one is for you!
🔪Thank you to the author, publisher and BookFunnel for the ARC! All thoughts and feelings are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🧨 If it's a punishment you want, it's a punishment you'll get. 🧨
13 Ways I Tried to Kill My Husband is a dark paranormal romance written by J. W. G. Stout.
In this book we've got an arranged marriage between a Van Helsing descendant and a demon Don. It's very much paranormal underground mob city with different paranormal species running all the local criminal misdeeds. This arranged marriage was something Myrna was prepared to do but the death of her father had her hoping the contract would be void. Fat chance. Marrying the demon kingpin was the last thing she wanted to do but if she had to do it, she was going to have her fun 😈
This book was absolutely hilarious and hot all in one standalone. The banter between Myrna and her husband had me rolling and all her clever murder attempts while her husband comes hunting her for her punishments (🥵) were so entertaining. Absolutely enemies to lovers in such a sexy way. With gritty dark humor this story kept me entertained the entire time! Absolutely recommend this for a quick stand alone read! 🔥
13 Ways I Tried to Kill My Husband is a dark paranormal romance written by J. W. G. Stout.
In this book we've got an arranged marriage between a Van Helsing descendant and a demon Don. It's very much paranormal underground mob city with different paranormal species running all the local criminal misdeeds. This arranged marriage was something Myrna was prepared to do but the death of her father had her hoping the contract would be void. Fat chance. Marrying the demon kingpin was the last thing she wanted to do but if she had to do it, she was going to have her fun 😈
This book was absolutely hilarious and hot all in one standalone. The banter between Myrna and her husband had me rolling and all her clever murder attempts while her husband comes hunting her for her punishments (🥵) were so entertaining. Absolutely enemies to lovers in such a sexy way. With gritty dark humor this story kept me entertained the entire time! Absolutely recommend this for a quick stand alone read! 🔥
February 25, 2026
This book was a hard one for me. I found it very hard to like the FMC. I understood that she was in a relationship with someone that she thought killed a family member so she wanted vengeance, but the continual killing of her immortal husband "just because" it seemed to turn her on, was a no-go for me. I found it hard to like her after the third attempt. It was just tedious and. She never really showed any growth in her character. While on the other hand, the MMC grew in depth and likability. He became someone that i wanted to see succeed and find love with SOMEONE ELSE. Someone more deserving and less stabby.
I get everyone has their kinks, their likes, and that is okay. But i just couldn't find anything to like about a woman who was turned on by the anger he husband had when he came back from the dead after she killed him, knowing that he had to kill people in order to come back to life every time she killed him. And she would just act like the victim. It's just sick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I get everyone has their kinks, their likes, and that is okay. But i just couldn't find anything to like about a woman who was turned on by the anger he husband had when he came back from the dead after she killed him, knowing that he had to kill people in order to come back to life every time she killed him. And she would just act like the victim. It's just sick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ll be completely honest here, I did not expect to like this as much as I did. I was surprised as to how much fun I had reading this. I’m very much a judge a book by the cover girlie and I hate to say it but the cover isn’t hitting for me. I feel bad saying that, but it’s my truth. HOWEVER, once I started reading, I knew that I was dead wrong. So forgive me for my sins. This was so good.
Myrna is a bad B who takes no sh*t and we love her for that. Even when she had to make tough decisions, and she did them and didn’t look back. Arden is a demon, sure, but he somehow incredibly lovable? So the fact that Myrna is consistently trying to kill him hurts my soul a little bit because we actually don’t want him to die. But I guess that’s the risk you take when a monster hunter marries a demon.
Beyond that, the spice? Wow. Things get hot, babes. Like, they do not hold back. Pretty much if you can imagine it, they’re doing it. And they’re doing it hard. 😮💨
Myrna is a bad B who takes no sh*t and we love her for that. Even when she had to make tough decisions, and she did them and didn’t look back. Arden is a demon, sure, but he somehow incredibly lovable? So the fact that Myrna is consistently trying to kill him hurts my soul a little bit because we actually don’t want him to die. But I guess that’s the risk you take when a monster hunter marries a demon.
Beyond that, the spice? Wow. Things get hot, babes. Like, they do not hold back. Pretty much if you can imagine it, they’re doing it. And they’re doing it hard. 😮💨
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was such so fun!! It literally had everything I would want in a standalone. It had drama, passion, banter, angst, humor, a great storyline, etc. I was hooked from the very first chapter. If you're looking for something that's a dark, paranormal, rom-com with an arranged marriage and forced proximity, you need to read this one.
I will also say, even though this is a hilarious book, the challenges the characters have to face is very serious. I think this author did a fantastic job with balancing the serious parts of this book with the humor, so neither one outshined the other. The character development and relationship development were fantastic. The different ways the FMC tried to kill her husband were great - my favorite was #13. However, #4 gets an honorable mention because I love how she followed the act up. :)
I will also say, even though this is a hilarious book, the challenges the characters have to face is very serious. I think this author did a fantastic job with balancing the serious parts of this book with the humor, so neither one outshined the other. The character development and relationship development were fantastic. The different ways the FMC tried to kill her husband were great - my favorite was #13. However, #4 gets an honorable mention because I love how she followed the act up. :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book Myrna is a feisty and headstrong FMC and Arden is a fierce and fiery MMC. Together they create a clash of hilarious, violent, chaotic and heated situations which work so brilliantly together to create a book that I binge read in a few hours! The story line that runs through the multiple attempts on Arden (which are all absolute greatness) also keeps you gripped to find out what is happening and who is it. I would and have recommended this book to anyone who listens to me as it’s such a good read.
February 17, 2026
From enemies to a marriage contract that was upheld even after her fathers passing. Marrying a demon king is not what she wanted but to be a spy for her brother and try and find out what happened to her father she will do what she has to do. So off she goes to find out not just that I mean after 13 failed attempts and then he finally getting killed her husband the demon himself dies. Guess what she is off to be questioned and behind bars for murder. I will not be a spoiler but I will say this was an off the wall edge of my seat read that was amazing. Grab your copy cozy up and read away.
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