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Reap & Sow
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Expected 19 Jan 27Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 05:59:47
20 copies available
U.S. only
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.
512 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Charlotte B. Plumb
1 book247 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 303 reviews
May 25, 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: 🤡🤡
July 16, 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
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.
May 23, 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
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!
May 3, 2026
KIT my beloved <3
April 29, 2026
What a delightful book! I have an immense TBR but when I received an ARC of this book at bookcon - it somehow moved to the top of the list and I’m so glad it did.
If you like a gothic vibe, pacts, scheming, and snarky demons with a side of humanity - this is the book for you! The romance develops naturally and is well done and the ending 👀👀👀I can’t wait to see what develops there! I think this is going to be the next book everyone is talking about!
If you like a gothic vibe, pacts, scheming, and snarky demons with a side of humanity - this is the book for you! The romance develops naturally and is well done and the ending 👀👀👀I can’t wait to see what develops there! I think this is going to be the next book everyone is talking about!
June 7, 2026
When I received this copy it jumped ahead of my long tbr! The blurb intrigued me so much and it did not disappoint! It was such a fun read! I loved the banter, slow burn and natural relationship progression. And what a delight Tripp was as a sidekick! It had such a unique storyline and kept me intrigued the whole way through plus it’s a standalone so no cliffhanger!
Thank you to Berkley XO and NetGalley for the early copy of this book.
Thank you to Berkley XO and NetGalley for the early copy of this book.
July 28, 2026
3.25!
no soy muy fan d la fantasía pero los demonios pec
no soy muy fan d la fantasía pero los demonios pec
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Berkley XO and Penguin Random House UK, for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Reap & Sow is the blueprint for a perfect dark romance - with an amazing romance, compelling characters, an addictive writing, and an engaging plot!
From the first chapter, Reap & Sow sets the mood - a dark and mysterious town where sins are rampant, with three siblings desperate to fulfil the bargain their dad made with a demon, whilst not being arrested. I love the immediate bond between the siblings, and how much their dynamic showed through their interaction - all bound to each other and this demon by a deadly deal. I really liked both brothers and Eda - she was young and naive, but she had a good nature and fiercely loved her brothers.
I absolutely love the idea of a family bound to a demon, forced to lure humans to him to sell precious years of their lives. I loved the setting - with demons offering deals to humans illegally and a dangerous religious order lurking, ready to arrest anyone involved. The writing was really good, and I immediately felt attached to the siblings and to the story. I loved Eda so much - she was not a perfect character, she made mistakes, but she learned from them and grew throughout the story, and I loved following her as she tried to make things right.
I LOVED Kit - funny and flirty, full of mischief and bad intentions, but with a heart of gold. He was the perfect MMC, and I just loved him; his humour was everything, and I love how much he came to adore Eda. Their romance was so pure, yet so intense, born of desire, desperation and adoration, and I could not get enough - I love how much they loved each other, despite all the barriers. It felt like two people finding each other, unwilling to let go.
I liked all the characters - from Robin, to Tripp (he was such a funny addition), Lowrie and Ben, and even all the villains - they all brought something interesting to the story, and a lot of them did have some character arc, which I loved.
The story was fast-paced and engaging from the beginning to the end - I did not feel like this book had any slow parts, and I genuinely enjoyed reading every single page. The plot wasn't overly complicated, but it was compelling with high stakes - the siblings' lives, the town's entire future, and thousands of souls at stake.
Highly recommend!
Reap & Sow is the blueprint for a perfect dark romance - with an amazing romance, compelling characters, an addictive writing, and an engaging plot!
From the first chapter, Reap & Sow sets the mood - a dark and mysterious town where sins are rampant, with three siblings desperate to fulfil the bargain their dad made with a demon, whilst not being arrested. I love the immediate bond between the siblings, and how much their dynamic showed through their interaction - all bound to each other and this demon by a deadly deal. I really liked both brothers and Eda - she was young and naive, but she had a good nature and fiercely loved her brothers.
I absolutely love the idea of a family bound to a demon, forced to lure humans to him to sell precious years of their lives. I loved the setting - with demons offering deals to humans illegally and a dangerous religious order lurking, ready to arrest anyone involved. The writing was really good, and I immediately felt attached to the siblings and to the story. I loved Eda so much - she was not a perfect character, she made mistakes, but she learned from them and grew throughout the story, and I loved following her as she tried to make things right.
I LOVED Kit - funny and flirty, full of mischief and bad intentions, but with a heart of gold. He was the perfect MMC, and I just loved him; his humour was everything, and I love how much he came to adore Eda. Their romance was so pure, yet so intense, born of desire, desperation and adoration, and I could not get enough - I love how much they loved each other, despite all the barriers. It felt like two people finding each other, unwilling to let go.
I liked all the characters - from Robin, to Tripp (he was such a funny addition), Lowrie and Ben, and even all the villains - they all brought something interesting to the story, and a lot of them did have some character arc, which I loved.
The story was fast-paced and engaging from the beginning to the end - I did not feel like this book had any slow parts, and I genuinely enjoyed reading every single page. The plot wasn't overly complicated, but it was compelling with high stakes - the siblings' lives, the town's entire future, and thousands of souls at stake.
Highly recommend!
March 12, 2026
The one thing I must say before beginning this review is that I’m so grateful to have been able to participate in the Boutique Book Breaks reading retreat at Burley Manor last week. There’s nothing I like better than discovering a new author that I can get behind, especially when they write quality romantasy. This was made even more exciting by the fact that this book will not be released until October of this year so my inner book nerd was definitely very happy. But let’s talk about the book…
The vibes in this new world created by Charlotte Plumb are reminiscent of the gothic feeling of the Shepherd King duology. Wonderful characters, an original magic system and really good world building all combined in a well written tale that leaves you wanting more. Although it took about 80 pages for me to get fully absorbed in the story, once I was, I didn’t want to put it down. Unfortunately, life work and other reading commitments got in the way over the next couple of days, but each time I returned to it, I did so with a renewed sense of pleasure that I would be able to spend my time in the company of characters that I loved.
The main focus was, of course, on Eda. Her quest to save her brothers was the main driving force of the story but it is the involvement of an array of characters that gave this book a wider dimension. None of them are purely ‘white hat’. It is the range of morally grey to absolutely reprehensible (Florian springs to mind) that made “Reap & Sow” such a good read. Of course, the romance between Eda and Kit is one that will satisfy any reader that appreciates the genre. It was brimming with sensual undertones, snark and witty repartee that will have you kicking your feet. And then, of course, there are other notables characters such as Robin and Tripp whom I also loved.
From a romance perspective, this title sits in that nebulous space between YA and adult romantasy. While it included some spice (🌶️), it was well done, not overly graphic, and used to heighten the emotional core of the book (as opposed to being added for purely salacious purposes).
As with all good tales of this type, this one also goes beyond a romantic adventure and explores various themes. With aspects of Dr. Faustus blended with politics, power grabbing mixed with religious zealotry, some heart pumping action, and a clear warning to be ‘careful what you wish for’, it transcends simple escapism - if you choose to read deeper. Or it can be read as a gothic fairytale. The outcome lies in the eye (and mind) of the reader.
I mentioned at the beginning of this review how grateful I was to be able to read this book ahead of its release date. Unfortunately, after having finished it, I discovered a downside: that I will have to wait even longer in order to be able to read the final instalment of this duology. While it did not have a heart stopper of a cliffhanger, it did end on a mysterious note that left me wanting to know more. Maybe the author will take pity on this poor reader and send me the ARC of book 2 when she has finished it? 🤞🏻 Hope springs eternal.
A solid debut novel by an author that I’m looking forward to hearing more from.
5 stars 🤓📚
#charlottebplumb #reapandsow
#booksbooksbooks #books #bookish #bookaddict #bookclubread #reading #bookstagram #booktok #bookreview #booksof2026 #bookdragon #bookworm #lovebooks #bookrecs #booklovers #booklove #booknerd #bibliophile #ilivetoread #passionforbooks #bookish #readingcommunity #bookaddict #bookrecs
#fiction #romance #romantasy #Gothic #gothicfantasy #fantasy
#burleymanor #boutiquebookbreaks #readingretreat #meettheauthor
The vibes in this new world created by Charlotte Plumb are reminiscent of the gothic feeling of the Shepherd King duology. Wonderful characters, an original magic system and really good world building all combined in a well written tale that leaves you wanting more. Although it took about 80 pages for me to get fully absorbed in the story, once I was, I didn’t want to put it down. Unfortunately, life work and other reading commitments got in the way over the next couple of days, but each time I returned to it, I did so with a renewed sense of pleasure that I would be able to spend my time in the company of characters that I loved.
The main focus was, of course, on Eda. Her quest to save her brothers was the main driving force of the story but it is the involvement of an array of characters that gave this book a wider dimension. None of them are purely ‘white hat’. It is the range of morally grey to absolutely reprehensible (Florian springs to mind) that made “Reap & Sow” such a good read. Of course, the romance between Eda and Kit is one that will satisfy any reader that appreciates the genre. It was brimming with sensual undertones, snark and witty repartee that will have you kicking your feet. And then, of course, there are other notables characters such as Robin and Tripp whom I also loved.
From a romance perspective, this title sits in that nebulous space between YA and adult romantasy. While it included some spice (🌶️), it was well done, not overly graphic, and used to heighten the emotional core of the book (as opposed to being added for purely salacious purposes).
As with all good tales of this type, this one also goes beyond a romantic adventure and explores various themes. With aspects of Dr. Faustus blended with politics, power grabbing mixed with religious zealotry, some heart pumping action, and a clear warning to be ‘careful what you wish for’, it transcends simple escapism - if you choose to read deeper. Or it can be read as a gothic fairytale. The outcome lies in the eye (and mind) of the reader.
I mentioned at the beginning of this review how grateful I was to be able to read this book ahead of its release date. Unfortunately, after having finished it, I discovered a downside: that I will have to wait even longer in order to be able to read the final instalment of this duology. While it did not have a heart stopper of a cliffhanger, it did end on a mysterious note that left me wanting to know more. Maybe the author will take pity on this poor reader and send me the ARC of book 2 when she has finished it? 🤞🏻 Hope springs eternal.
A solid debut novel by an author that I’m looking forward to hearing more from.
5 stars 🤓📚
#charlottebplumb #reapandsow
#booksbooksbooks #books #bookish #bookaddict #bookclubread #reading #bookstagram #booktok #bookreview #booksof2026 #bookdragon #bookworm #lovebooks #bookrecs #booklovers #booklove #booknerd #bibliophile #ilivetoread #passionforbooks #bookish #readingcommunity #bookaddict #bookrecs
#fiction #romance #romantasy #Gothic #gothicfantasy #fantasy
#burleymanor #boutiquebookbreaks #readingretreat #meettheauthor
June 20, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley XO, for the sneak peek of Reap and Sow by Charlotte B. Plumb!
I was invested from the very start and completely hooked by the end of chapter 8. The writing pulled me in immediately, and the premise is exactly my kind of read.
I quickly fell in love with Eda and found myself intrigued by her siblings as well. Now that I’ve finally been introduced to the potential MMC, I’m even more curious to see where this story goes.
I already have the book preordered and cannot wait to continue the story!
I was invested from the very start and completely hooked by the end of chapter 8. The writing pulled me in immediately, and the premise is exactly my kind of read.
I quickly fell in love with Eda and found myself intrigued by her siblings as well. Now that I’ve finally been introduced to the potential MMC, I’m even more curious to see where this story goes.
I already have the book preordered and cannot wait to continue the story!
June 30, 2026
The title is very fitting for this story. Fell in love with the characters and the gothic atmosphere that was created. Welcome to the bloody and vicious city of Blackbridge. We get a corrupt Bishop, a handsome shapeshifting demon, a no nonsense witch and a loyal snippy imp.
Mr. Night just needs 10 more years and the debt that has kept Eda and her brothers trapped, will be paid in full. But a new Bishop has come to town with plans of his own. Everything goes horribly wrong one evening when Eda tries to get the debt paid. In order to get her brothers free she makes deals with the leader of an underground criminal organization and a charismatic demon that has a penchant for fashion. Along the way she makes some unexpected allies and uncovers the Bishop's sinister plans for Mr. Night. Eda finds herself drawn to Kit and realizes they have more in common than should she ever could have imagined. She has less than 3 weeks to free her brothers, pay their debt to Mr. Night, retrieve the gateway and expose the Bishop. What could go wrong?
The ending was both happy and sad. Adore Robin and Tripp!!
Thank you to the author, @berkleyxo and @netgalley for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mr. Night just needs 10 more years and the debt that has kept Eda and her brothers trapped, will be paid in full. But a new Bishop has come to town with plans of his own. Everything goes horribly wrong one evening when Eda tries to get the debt paid. In order to get her brothers free she makes deals with the leader of an underground criminal organization and a charismatic demon that has a penchant for fashion. Along the way she makes some unexpected allies and uncovers the Bishop's sinister plans for Mr. Night. Eda finds herself drawn to Kit and realizes they have more in common than should she ever could have imagined. She has less than 3 weeks to free her brothers, pay their debt to Mr. Night, retrieve the gateway and expose the Bishop. What could go wrong?
The ending was both happy and sad. Adore Robin and Tripp!!
Thank you to the author, @berkleyxo and @netgalley for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2026
I cannot recommend Reap and Sow by Charlotte Plumb enough! I was drawn in immediately when we find out our FMC, Eda and her family deal in pacts with demons. I love a dark and moody read and this book delivers. The way that the author writes really makes you feel like you are there in how descriptive she is. I loved also watching the main characters grow and develop throughout the story, especially Eda. At first she seemed so unsure of herself, but as the story progressed, she really grew into a more confident protagonist. And let’s not leave out our MMC. Let me tell you, Charlotte Plumb is bringing back men who YEARN. Who would crawl for their woman and want any sort of attention they would give them. I am so here for it! Also that ending!! 👀
Do yourself a favor and read this book because you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you so much Berkeley XO for a chance to read an eARC of this book.
Do yourself a favor and read this book because you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you so much Berkeley XO for a chance to read an eARC of this book.
June 29, 2026
*I received this ARC from Booktrovert*
3.75/5 ⭐️
This was a really great dark/gothic fantasy romance! I love the setting being in shadowy small town with medieval vibes. It’s a fast paced plot with a mystery aspect that had me hooked the entire time. The characters are really great- each have their own flaws and develop over time. I didn’t love the romance between our two main characters, specifically, the pacing was off. I thought this was supposed to be a slow burn and really it didn’t feel like that at all. Their relationship developed a little too fast. Kit’s dialogue was a bit cheesy at times and I just wish they had more time to develop their relationship. The ending of the book felt a bit rushed but overall, it was great romantasy!
3.75/5 ⭐️
This was a really great dark/gothic fantasy romance! I love the setting being in shadowy small town with medieval vibes. It’s a fast paced plot with a mystery aspect that had me hooked the entire time. The characters are really great- each have their own flaws and develop over time. I didn’t love the romance between our two main characters, specifically, the pacing was off. I thought this was supposed to be a slow burn and really it didn’t feel like that at all. Their relationship developed a little too fast. Kit’s dialogue was a bit cheesy at times and I just wish they had more time to develop their relationship. The ending of the book felt a bit rushed but overall, it was great romantasy!
May 26, 2026
This dark, atmospheric fantasy gave me major ‘The Bear And The Nightingale’ vibes — in the best way.
Eda bargains with a demon to save her brothers. Their relationship is lighter than Bear and the Nightingale, but still fun to watch. I won’t divulge any other plot points here — I’ll just say that while it has other familiar elements to ‘Bear’, it still feels completely unique. The world, conflicts, and characters all stood on their own. So if you like The Bear And The Nightingale, try this.
Also…This is honestly what I was hoping Swordheart would be for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley XO for this ARC all opinions are my own.
Eda bargains with a demon to save her brothers. Their relationship is lighter than Bear and the Nightingale, but still fun to watch. I won’t divulge any other plot points here — I’ll just say that while it has other familiar elements to ‘Bear’, it still feels completely unique. The world, conflicts, and characters all stood on their own. So if you like The Bear And The Nightingale, try this.
Also…This is honestly what I was hoping Swordheart would be for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley XO for this ARC all opinions are my own.
May 24, 2026
I read this book in less than 24 hours. Absolutely amazing read. It grips you from the beginning and keeps you bated until the last sentence. Stunning is an understatement. ATE THIS UP! Such good banter, amazing story from start to end. 5+ stars!
Currently Reading
July 19, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley XO for offering this sneak peek as a Read Now. I’ve found my next I NEED THIS ON MY SHELF AND IN MY HANDS book. BRB while i go preorder that Target exclusive!
In just 81 pages, Reap & Sow had me me fully invested in the Shaw siblings future… I NEED MORE. Charlotte B. Plumb delivered one of the most gripping sneak peeks I’ve ever read. I felt every emotion under the sun, often within the same chapter. The tone is dark but not in the way we’re used to associating it with the term dark while discussing fantasy romance. And it was threaded with just enough hope to keep you clinging to every page.
I was perched on the edge of my seat, convinced I knew what was coming next… only to be blindsided by twists that made me question everything. And somehow, in under 40 pages, I formed a genuine attachment to a character I was suddenly terrified of losing (and no, it wasn’t our FMC). That’s how sharp and immersive this writing is.
The worldbuilding is rich but not heavy or overwhelming. The pacing is immaculate (though what a TEASE to cut the ending where it did in this sneak peek), and the storyline is unique - it felt fresh and new .. something I need to sink my teeth into, if that makes any sense.
I haven’t been this invested in a book in over a year. I literally paused reading to email the author’s publicists because I need the full ARC immediately. Eda’s story has me fully enamored… I’m invested, obsessed, ready to clear my schedule the moment I get my hands on the rest. 3am crashout anyone? (yes, that’s what time it is).
And I have to talk about the Shaw siblings. Their bond is one of my favorite parts of this sneak peek… it was warm, complicated, and protective all wrapped into one. I went from being not overly impressed with big brother Ben to absolutely drooling over a particular scene where he comes to Edas’ aid. That moment alone cemented him as a character I’m desperate to follow deeper into the story.
I won’t rehash what the blurb already tells you, but I will say this.. Plumb’s voice is fresh and addictive. This feels like the start of a series that will take over my entire personality. The stakes are high and while there’s clearly a love‑interest thread in the works, it never overtakes the plot which as we all know, is a rare and welcome balance for fantasy readers who want romance without losing the plot.
If the rest of the book delivers even half of what these 81 pages promise, we’re looking at a one of the best releases of the year. Highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy with high stakes, immersive worlds, and character dynamics that grab you by the throat (wink wink).
In just 81 pages, Reap & Sow had me me fully invested in the Shaw siblings future… I NEED MORE. Charlotte B. Plumb delivered one of the most gripping sneak peeks I’ve ever read. I felt every emotion under the sun, often within the same chapter. The tone is dark but not in the way we’re used to associating it with the term dark while discussing fantasy romance. And it was threaded with just enough hope to keep you clinging to every page.
I was perched on the edge of my seat, convinced I knew what was coming next… only to be blindsided by twists that made me question everything. And somehow, in under 40 pages, I formed a genuine attachment to a character I was suddenly terrified of losing (and no, it wasn’t our FMC). That’s how sharp and immersive this writing is.
The worldbuilding is rich but not heavy or overwhelming. The pacing is immaculate (though what a TEASE to cut the ending where it did in this sneak peek), and the storyline is unique - it felt fresh and new .. something I need to sink my teeth into, if that makes any sense.
I haven’t been this invested in a book in over a year. I literally paused reading to email the author’s publicists because I need the full ARC immediately. Eda’s story has me fully enamored… I’m invested, obsessed, ready to clear my schedule the moment I get my hands on the rest. 3am crashout anyone? (yes, that’s what time it is).
And I have to talk about the Shaw siblings. Their bond is one of my favorite parts of this sneak peek… it was warm, complicated, and protective all wrapped into one. I went from being not overly impressed with big brother Ben to absolutely drooling over a particular scene where he comes to Edas’ aid. That moment alone cemented him as a character I’m desperate to follow deeper into the story.
I won’t rehash what the blurb already tells you, but I will say this.. Plumb’s voice is fresh and addictive. This feels like the start of a series that will take over my entire personality. The stakes are high and while there’s clearly a love‑interest thread in the works, it never overtakes the plot which as we all know, is a rare and welcome balance for fantasy readers who want romance without losing the plot.
If the rest of the book delivers even half of what these 81 pages promise, we’re looking at a one of the best releases of the year. Highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy with high stakes, immersive worlds, and character dynamics that grab you by the throat (wink wink).
July 4, 2026
Excellent fantasy, if marred by the epilogue.
In the city of Blackbridge, Eda Shaw and her brothers run an illicit side hustle selling demon pacts to desperate folks. When Eda's brothers are caught, Eda must make a pact of her own with Kit, a demon long absconded to the human world, to save them from execution.
Characters really shone, expertly written into believable and flawed people. Eda herself is prickly and guarded, but vulnerable at her core. Wry, reckless, and motivated by love, she's my favourite sort of heroine to follow as she makes mistakes and learns and grows from them. The side characters all feel fleshed out and real, even those we meet for a couple of scenes only. There's secrets, betrayals, corruption, knights with honour, thieves with none. The city of Blackbridge itself is like its own character as well. With its dank canals, seedy establishments and murky underground secret passages, Plumb truly brings the place to life with a deft hand. I thought the relationship between Eda and Kit'rath Ansellis, the trickster demon, was full of chemistry and a lot of great banter, however the 'slow burn enemies-to-lovers' is oversold, as by 60% they're already declaring their feelings. I'd be hard-pressed to call it slow burn at all. It's more like 'no burn to instant burn'.
My only major qualm, however, is the execution of the epilogue. Overall the last chapter is fantastic, giving all the characters space to conclude their individual storylines and conflicts, and granted, I thought this was a standalone – and this would've worked perfectly as one – but the last paragraph, written in present tense as opposed to the past tense of the rest, abruptly undermines the whole story, mainly Eda's relationship with Kit, in a manner equivalent to a kid yelling 'sike, you thought!' and mooning the reader. Look, I love a cliffhanger, but this isn't the way to build intrigue for the next book. It should've happened more organically within the last few chapters. As it stands, it doesn't really feel like there's anywhere to go from here, as every plot thread is tied up neatly with a bow.
Would knowing there's a second book have changed my perspective? Maybe, and my criticism still stands, but I do think REAP & SOW is brilliant overall. Pacy, thrilling, romantic, this is truly excellent quality for a debut.
WILL I READ ON? Conflicted. I really did enjoy this, but I was convinced this was a standalone and that last paragraph was so off-putting that I'm not sure I want to. I can't see how these characters develop from here. I'll have to see how I feel nearer the time.
Early copy received from Penguin Random House UK in exchange for an honest review. This title releases 8th October 2026.
LAST REVIEW
In the city of Blackbridge, Eda Shaw and her brothers run an illicit side hustle selling demon pacts to desperate folks. When Eda's brothers are caught, Eda must make a pact of her own with Kit, a demon long absconded to the human world, to save them from execution.
Characters really shone, expertly written into believable and flawed people. Eda herself is prickly and guarded, but vulnerable at her core. Wry, reckless, and motivated by love, she's my favourite sort of heroine to follow as she makes mistakes and learns and grows from them. The side characters all feel fleshed out and real, even those we meet for a couple of scenes only. There's secrets, betrayals, corruption, knights with honour, thieves with none. The city of Blackbridge itself is like its own character as well. With its dank canals, seedy establishments and murky underground secret passages, Plumb truly brings the place to life with a deft hand. I thought the relationship between Eda and Kit'rath Ansellis, the trickster demon, was full of chemistry and a lot of great banter, however the 'slow burn enemies-to-lovers' is oversold, as by 60% they're already declaring their feelings. I'd be hard-pressed to call it slow burn at all. It's more like 'no burn to instant burn'.
My only major qualm, however, is the execution of the epilogue. Overall the last chapter is fantastic, giving all the characters space to conclude their individual storylines and conflicts, and granted, I thought this was a standalone – and this would've worked perfectly as one – but the last paragraph, written in present tense as opposed to the past tense of the rest, abruptly undermines the whole story, mainly Eda's relationship with Kit, in a manner equivalent to a kid yelling 'sike, you thought!' and mooning the reader. Look, I love a cliffhanger, but this isn't the way to build intrigue for the next book. It should've happened more organically within the last few chapters. As it stands, it doesn't really feel like there's anywhere to go from here, as every plot thread is tied up neatly with a bow.
Would knowing there's a second book have changed my perspective? Maybe, and my criticism still stands, but I do think REAP & SOW is brilliant overall. Pacy, thrilling, romantic, this is truly excellent quality for a debut.
WILL I READ ON? Conflicted. I really did enjoy this, but I was convinced this was a standalone and that last paragraph was so off-putting that I'm not sure I want to. I can't see how these characters develop from here. I'll have to see how I feel nearer the time.
Early copy received from Penguin Random House UK in exchange for an honest review. This title releases 8th October 2026.
LAST REVIEW
August 4, 2026
Move over shadow daddies. The era of the demon daddy is about to be ushered in by Kit.
Starting this book out, I didn’t know what to expect from this debut author. I definitely didn’t expect to be adding this to my short list of romantasy favorites. The writing is beautiful, gothic, and reminiscent of Rachel Gillig’s ODW, and TKATM. The story is unique, the characters are complicated.
I loved the slowburn, the story, but what really hooked me even more than all of that (which would have hooked me on it’s own, with how fantastic it was) was the constant delve into what makes a human what they are, the consideration of how we are all a complex mix of greed, emotion, and choices. It’s so easy to say we wouldn’t do something, or judge someone for a choice they made, until you are in a similar situation.
Eda’s faced with the reckoning of making a desperate decision, which she has judged many others for. She’s had a pretty rough life, but never felt the need or desire to make a deal with a demon until she needs help saving her brothers.
Kit’s a different kind of demon altogether, which raises the concept of how you can’t judge and entirety of people based off of a few experiences. Kit and Eda both find themselves learning that the other wasn’t what they expected at all.
“What would you have me confess? 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?”
Moving on from that, the romance aspect was well written too. Subtle, beautiful and a slow burn worth waiting for, the characters find themselves falling in love, and you’ll fall in love with then right along with it. Their flaws and their strengths are both highlighted throughout the book, and throughout their relationship as they get to know each other.
I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy, and have already been recommending this one to friends! This book will hook you from page one, and won’t let you go.
The story does leave room for another book, but also comes to a satisfying conclusion, which I loved, we’re kinda tired of trying to keep track of all the crazy left field cliffhangers in this genre where the next book isnt set to release for years. So, definitely an added bonus, that has insured I personally will be picking up the next book.
If you love:
Forced proximity
Gothic settings
Corrupt religious leaders
Morally complex characters
He IS the horse
One bed
Slow burns
He falls first
Complex world building
Reluctant allies
Smart heriones
ODW & TKATM
This book is a must add to your TBR!
Starting this book out, I didn’t know what to expect from this debut author. I definitely didn’t expect to be adding this to my short list of romantasy favorites. The writing is beautiful, gothic, and reminiscent of Rachel Gillig’s ODW, and TKATM. The story is unique, the characters are complicated.
I loved the slowburn, the story, but what really hooked me even more than all of that (which would have hooked me on it’s own, with how fantastic it was) was the constant delve into what makes a human what they are, the consideration of how we are all a complex mix of greed, emotion, and choices. It’s so easy to say we wouldn’t do something, or judge someone for a choice they made, until you are in a similar situation.
Eda’s faced with the reckoning of making a desperate decision, which she has judged many others for. She’s had a pretty rough life, but never felt the need or desire to make a deal with a demon until she needs help saving her brothers.
Kit’s a different kind of demon altogether, which raises the concept of how you can’t judge and entirety of people based off of a few experiences. Kit and Eda both find themselves learning that the other wasn’t what they expected at all.
“What would you have me confess? 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?”
Moving on from that, the romance aspect was well written too. Subtle, beautiful and a slow burn worth waiting for, the characters find themselves falling in love, and you’ll fall in love with then right along with it. Their flaws and their strengths are both highlighted throughout the book, and throughout their relationship as they get to know each other.
I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy, and have already been recommending this one to friends! This book will hook you from page one, and won’t let you go.
The story does leave room for another book, but also comes to a satisfying conclusion, which I loved, we’re kinda tired of trying to keep track of all the crazy left field cliffhangers in this genre where the next book isnt set to release for years. So, definitely an added bonus, that has insured I personally will be picking up the next book.
If you love:
Forced proximity
Gothic settings
Corrupt religious leaders
Morally complex characters
He IS the horse
One bed
Slow burns
He falls first
Complex world building
Reluctant allies
Smart heriones
ODW & TKATM
This book is a must add to your TBR!
July 18, 2026
If you too, wish to woo a sassy demon into falling head over heels for you, Kit'rath is the one for you.
Reap & Sow ticks all the boxes for an indulgent romantasy with a demon. A strong, protective demon who has a soft spot for humans and Eda especially, all the while trading playful flirts. He's more on the snooty end, making Eda & Kit feel like equals with how comfortable they are bickering and taking digs at each other.
All that said, the romance is emphasized in the romantasy to where it ends up eclipsing the fantasy aspects. There are multiple scenes where, while sweet romantic developments, feel jarringly out of place with how much it isolates the two characters from the plot. It was strange to me how often they had random escapades to be together to further their romance when there's plenty of moments of them interacting with the plot that could've been used. I felt less engaged with the plot the further their romance progressed, because the conflict was fading into the background and the stakes felt unimportant with how the world seems to pause to let them have their romantic moments together.
With how much it pushed the romance, I found it hard to take Eda's doubts about Kit seriously. It felt artificial when they had picture perfect moments together, and I felt annoyed at the attempt of threatening a relationship conflict when every other attempt (from other characters) are brushed off and used as a moment to reinforce their relationship. The way they fall for each other was quick and without hurdles, so I couldn't understand why Eda was drawing back with how devoted Kit is at this point.
I had different expectations after the first 30% laid out a strong foundation and established all the fantasy elements with the mirrors, demons, and pacts. When the main conflict is introduced, it feels monumental and important. To see the plans be mostly done off-screen and then it solved so quickly was disappointing. Another conflict popping up in its place felt rushed; Eda didn't possess enough conviction at this point for me to feel invested in her motives. Her character development did not feel thorough enough for this to be the reasonable next development in the story.
The ending also fell short for me because of how Kit disappears during the important moments and then reappears at the very end. It was a "third act breakup" that came too late and then gets bulldozed over by a new relationship issue that forces angst where it doesn't belong. It also gets rectified way too quickly and easily that again, makes me wonder what the point of their relationship conflicts are if it's constantly shown to have no stakes. I started to dislike their romance in the latter half because it felt like two people failing to communicate to each other and purposely misconstruing what the other says.
I really didn't like the vague cliffhanger paragraph either. Had there been elaboration, I would've been okay with expecting a sequel. But it's tacked on at the last minute after what seems to be a "good ending". It left a sour taste in my mouth when there wasn't anything foreshadowing it (nor does it give anymore information aside from serving as an ominous warning).
All in all, very strong beginning, but it lost steam for me and didn't regain my interest after the halfway point.
Reap & Sow ticks all the boxes for an indulgent romantasy with a demon. A strong, protective demon who has a soft spot for humans and Eda especially, all the while trading playful flirts. He's more on the snooty end, making Eda & Kit feel like equals with how comfortable they are bickering and taking digs at each other.
All that said, the romance is emphasized in the romantasy to where it ends up eclipsing the fantasy aspects. There are multiple scenes where, while sweet romantic developments, feel jarringly out of place with how much it isolates the two characters from the plot. It was strange to me how often they had random escapades to be together to further their romance when there's plenty of moments of them interacting with the plot that could've been used. I felt less engaged with the plot the further their romance progressed, because the conflict was fading into the background and the stakes felt unimportant with how the world seems to pause to let them have their romantic moments together.
With how much it pushed the romance, I found it hard to take Eda's doubts about Kit seriously. It felt artificial when they had picture perfect moments together, and I felt annoyed at the attempt of threatening a relationship conflict when every other attempt (from other characters) are brushed off and used as a moment to reinforce their relationship. The way they fall for each other was quick and without hurdles, so I couldn't understand why Eda was drawing back with how devoted Kit is at this point.
I had different expectations after the first 30% laid out a strong foundation and established all the fantasy elements with the mirrors, demons, and pacts. When the main conflict is introduced, it feels monumental and important. To see the plans be mostly done off-screen and then it solved so quickly was disappointing. Another conflict popping up in its place felt rushed; Eda didn't possess enough conviction at this point for me to feel invested in her motives. Her character development did not feel thorough enough for this to be the reasonable next development in the story.
The ending also fell short for me because of how Kit disappears during the important moments and then reappears at the very end. It was a "third act breakup" that came too late and then gets bulldozed over by a new relationship issue that forces angst where it doesn't belong. It also gets rectified way too quickly and easily that again, makes me wonder what the point of their relationship conflicts are if it's constantly shown to have no stakes. I started to dislike their romance in the latter half because it felt like two people failing to communicate to each other and purposely misconstruing what the other says.
I really didn't like the vague cliffhanger paragraph either. Had there been elaboration, I would've been okay with expecting a sequel. But it's tacked on at the last minute after what seems to be a "good ending". It left a sour taste in my mouth when there wasn't anything foreshadowing it (nor does it give anymore information aside from serving as an ominous warning).
All in all, very strong beginning, but it lost steam for me and didn't regain my interest after the halfway point.
June 18, 2026
4.5 stars
I really really enjoyed this one. It was one I loved picking back up and I had a great time reading. The characters were fun, I really enjoyed the setting, and overall the pacing was well done (only a few points dragged).
For me, the only reason I couldn’t give it a full 5 was the uniqueness of the characters. Yes, they are fun, but they’re pretty much what I expected from a romantasy with a 20yo fmc and a much older demon mmc. Which is fine, I just wish that this story had done something a little different. The plot was unique and the setting enthralling but I wanted more from the characters.
The romance in this was super fun, not necessarily closed door but maybe the door is cracked open? I thought there were sooo many cute moments between our two characters and I put a lot of tabs in my copy because of it 🤭
This could definitely be read as a standalone, and likely will be for me. I do recommend this if you like a slower burn romance and a plot that is intriguing!
I really really enjoyed this one. It was one I loved picking back up and I had a great time reading. The characters were fun, I really enjoyed the setting, and overall the pacing was well done (only a few points dragged).
For me, the only reason I couldn’t give it a full 5 was the uniqueness of the characters. Yes, they are fun, but they’re pretty much what I expected from a romantasy with a 20yo fmc and a much older demon mmc. Which is fine, I just wish that this story had done something a little different. The plot was unique and the setting enthralling but I wanted more from the characters.
The romance in this was super fun, not necessarily closed door but maybe the door is cracked open? I thought there were sooo many cute moments between our two characters and I put a lot of tabs in my copy because of it 🤭
This could definitely be read as a standalone, and likely will be for me. I do recommend this if you like a slower burn romance and a plot that is intriguing!
June 12, 2026
4.5/5 Stars
More, I need more and desperately. I went into this book a little cautious, weary on the side of maybe this will be your typical romantasy book but it wasn't, it was more then that.
I loved the character's and their development in this book. I saw myself in Eda, willing to risk & do anything for the ones she loved even if it meant making a pact. And I found myself loving Kit, he was such a perfect contrast to Eda's character and they made such a perfect pair for a slow burn love story.
Speaking of the slow burn.. it was perfect. It wasn't too fast, but also wasn't necessarily a dreadful dragging on slow burn that makes you want to rip your hair out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley XO for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
More, I need more and desperately. I went into this book a little cautious, weary on the side of maybe this will be your typical romantasy book but it wasn't, it was more then that.
I loved the character's and their development in this book. I saw myself in Eda, willing to risk & do anything for the ones she loved even if it meant making a pact. And I found myself loving Kit, he was such a perfect contrast to Eda's character and they made such a perfect pair for a slow burn love story.
Speaking of the slow burn.. it was perfect. It wasn't too fast, but also wasn't necessarily a dreadful dragging on slow burn that makes you want to rip your hair out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley XO for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
The rest of my review (below these bolded paragraphs) will explain why I planned to give this book a better rating. Then I read the second-to-last chapter: Chapter Thirty-Four.
In Chapter Thirty-Four, we learn that a side character is queer. Very shortly after that, that character ends up sacrificing themselves for the sake of the main character (i.e. ).
Now, it’s possible that there were other side characters that were revealed to be queer and I just missed it; so please correct me if I’m wrong! (Given I couldn’t find any reviews posted before mine that mention queer rep, I don’t think I’m wrong.) But if I’m right, it reads as “bury your gays”, which honestly put me right off the book, right at the end.
Again, it’s possible I’m mistaken and there are other queer characters. And the reason I gave this book two stars instead of one star is because I read the eARC, and there is still time for revisions to be made. But if this side character is in fact the only queer character in the entire book, AND they were killed off (as soon as their queerness was revealed, mind you), that isn’t right.
All in all, this was a fine read for me up until that point.
I thought the writing was easy enough to read, and I really loved how the story revolved around demonic deals (even if the rules weren’t always consistent).
I was really excited about experiencing the Gothic setting on the page, but I never felt like I had a true grasp of what the world was like. I can appreciate why Eda and Kit had to travel around to a lot of different places, but most of the time I couldn’t fully visualize each specific location, which is a shame.
I liked Eda’s relationship with her brothers a lot. In fact, I think I liked their dynamic more than Eda’s relationship with Kit, as her connection with her brothers felt far more realistic and believable to me.
Kit tells another character early on that Eda is far too young for him… which was kinda weird, given we know Kit is the love interest. Like, if the author is going to go the immortal/mortal route for the romance, just own it; don’t point out how large the age gap is from the jump. It made it off-putting for me.
The romance between Kit and Eda did not feel earned. While the love confessions didn’t come until the latter half of the book, it felt like they hated each other on one page, and then they were in love on the very next page. There was no build up, and I still couldn’t tell you why they like each other, to be honest.
On top of that, this book was a bit of a slog at times to get through, particularly in the middle. But when it was good, it was really good!
Also the ending… felt like plot convenience after plot convenience in the final chapter. Especially with the way everything wrapped up. (The final paragraph was a good setup for the sequel though.)
[So even without my concerns for the queer rep, it seems that I found more negatives than I did positives about this book.]
All in all, I could potentially pick up the sequel, but I’m not as excited about it as I thought I would be. And hopefully my qualms about the queer representation are addressed prior to publication.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
In Chapter Thirty-Four, we learn that a side character is queer. Very shortly after that, that character ends up sacrificing themselves for the sake of the main character (i.e. ).
Now, it’s possible that there were other side characters that were revealed to be queer and I just missed it; so please correct me if I’m wrong! (Given I couldn’t find any reviews posted before mine that mention queer rep, I don’t think I’m wrong.) But if I’m right, it reads as “bury your gays”, which honestly put me right off the book, right at the end.
Again, it’s possible I’m mistaken and there are other queer characters. And the reason I gave this book two stars instead of one star is because I read the eARC, and there is still time for revisions to be made. But if this side character is in fact the only queer character in the entire book, AND they were killed off (as soon as their queerness was revealed, mind you), that isn’t right.
All in all, this was a fine read for me up until that point.
I thought the writing was easy enough to read, and I really loved how the story revolved around demonic deals (even if the rules weren’t always consistent).
I was really excited about experiencing the Gothic setting on the page, but I never felt like I had a true grasp of what the world was like. I can appreciate why Eda and Kit had to travel around to a lot of different places, but most of the time I couldn’t fully visualize each specific location, which is a shame.
I liked Eda’s relationship with her brothers a lot. In fact, I think I liked their dynamic more than Eda’s relationship with Kit, as her connection with her brothers felt far more realistic and believable to me.
Kit tells another character early on that Eda is far too young for him… which was kinda weird, given we know Kit is the love interest. Like, if the author is going to go the immortal/mortal route for the romance, just own it; don’t point out how large the age gap is from the jump. It made it off-putting for me.
The romance between Kit and Eda did not feel earned. While the love confessions didn’t come until the latter half of the book, it felt like they hated each other on one page, and then they were in love on the very next page. There was no build up, and I still couldn’t tell you why they like each other, to be honest.
On top of that, this book was a bit of a slog at times to get through, particularly in the middle. But when it was good, it was really good!
Also the ending… felt like plot convenience after plot convenience in the final chapter. Especially with the way everything wrapped up. (The final paragraph was a good setup for the sequel though.)
[So even without my concerns for the queer rep, it seems that I found more negatives than I did positives about this book.]
All in all, I could potentially pick up the sequel, but I’m not as excited about it as I thought I would be. And hopefully my qualms about the queer representation are addressed prior to publication.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
June 30, 2026
✨3.75✨ really enjoy this one, the world building was really easy to follow, the characters were enjoyable, love love Kit and Tripp. If you love a gothic vibe with demons this is up your alley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
In the city of Blackbridge, temptation takes on a whole new meaning. Though forbidden, those desperate enough can bargain with demons, who will grant humans’ wishes in exchange for years off their lives - and there’s *always* someone willing to make a deal. Eda Shaw and her brothers, themselves trapped by a Pact their father made, have spent years evading capture and serving up these hopeless souls for Mr. Night, the demon who occupies the magical mirror in their cellar. But when a deal goes awry, Eda’s brothers are captured, and she’s forced to flee the city. On the run and with no other options, she does the one thing she’s sworn never to do: make a Pact with a demon. Kit’rath Ansellis, a demon who is as infuriating as he is dangerous (and handsome), is the only one who can help. As Eda and Kit race against time to save her brothers, Eda finds that she may have given away more than she bargained for - and that the one who owns her heart also holds her life in his hands.
Reap & Sow is the first book in a new romantasy duology by debut author Charlotte B. Plumb. My thoughts on various aspects of the story are given below.
*World-building/Plot: Though I saw the world of Reap & Sow described as “gothic” and “Bridgerton-esque” on social media, I didn’t really feel that was the case. Blackbridge felt a bit anachronistic - overall (IMO), it felt quite medieval, but then there were also times when it came across as super modern. Because of that, I never really felt fully immersed in the world. Though the central premise (and main driver of the plot) was interesting, I felt like the magical system was pretty vague beyond the initial information given about the bargaining system with the demons. As a result, the plot was quite linear (make bargain, save brothers, try to find way out of bargain) without any twists or reveals to expand upon the story or the universe. Though the action did pick up around the 40% point, it was far enough along in the book that I probably would have DNFed early on if I weren’t reading this as an ARC. The author has definitely created a compelling world (I think there were some real interesting points made about faith in a world of demons and how it’s easy to be judgemental until you’re the one in trouble), I just wish it got to shine through a bit more.
*Character Development: Eda is a twenty-year old young woman who has lived a (forcibly) sheltered life up until the events of this book. She’s your “typical” youngest child, in that her older siblings treat her like a kid and she, in return, over-corrects in certain situations because she’s convinced that she knows more than them. It’s because of this that she and her brothers end up in the situation they’re in early on in the book, with them in jail and her on the run. I have mixed feelings about Eda as our FMC - I do think that she had a lot of compassion for people and did end up maturing by the end of the book, but she still came across as incredibly young and frustratingly naive for most of it, and she spent most of the time either bossing people around or having to be saved by others. Though Reap & Sow is being categorized as NA, it felt like a solidly YA book with some vulgar language mixed in for shock value (as well as some spice towards the end of the book).
However, I had absolutely no issues with our MMC (DMC?) Kit, Eda’s love interest and her primary companion throughout the book. Lord Ansellis was the standout for me - he was charming and witty (as well as a shameless flirt), but he also had a ton of emotional depth due to his tragic past - I absolutely loved experiencing the mortal world from his eyes. Though I thought his attraction to Eda a bit far-fetched (for the reasons listed above), I must admit I was definitely kicking and screaming when he was romancing her. Besides Kit, I also enjoyed the secondary characters in the book, especially Eda’s brothers and Kit’s familiar Tripp.
*Pacing/Writing Style: Though the pacing for the first half of the book was a bit slow, things definitely picked up in the second half. However, any pacing issues were lessened by Charlotte B. Plumb’s excellent writing; even if the action was a bit slow, the flow was seamless and it was easy to devour the book in only a couple sittings. Though this is the author’s debut, her writing style came across as that of a much-more-seasoned veteran - I was really impressed.
Overall, I thought Reap & Sow was an entertaining read (and definitely worth checking out if the issues I described above don’t bother you), though I will probably not continue with the series - though there is a bit of a (super vague) cliffhanger ending, it felt like a self-contained story and I am not sure what else is left to be explored in this world. However, this was a really strong debut and I would definitely check out other works by Charlotte B. Plumb in the future. Even though this particular universe didn’t quite work for me, her writing was fantastic - and she’s definitely great at crafting a man who yearns!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley XO for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In the city of Blackbridge, temptation takes on a whole new meaning. Though forbidden, those desperate enough can bargain with demons, who will grant humans’ wishes in exchange for years off their lives - and there’s *always* someone willing to make a deal. Eda Shaw and her brothers, themselves trapped by a Pact their father made, have spent years evading capture and serving up these hopeless souls for Mr. Night, the demon who occupies the magical mirror in their cellar. But when a deal goes awry, Eda’s brothers are captured, and she’s forced to flee the city. On the run and with no other options, she does the one thing she’s sworn never to do: make a Pact with a demon. Kit’rath Ansellis, a demon who is as infuriating as he is dangerous (and handsome), is the only one who can help. As Eda and Kit race against time to save her brothers, Eda finds that she may have given away more than she bargained for - and that the one who owns her heart also holds her life in his hands.
Reap & Sow is the first book in a new romantasy duology by debut author Charlotte B. Plumb. My thoughts on various aspects of the story are given below.
*World-building/Plot: Though I saw the world of Reap & Sow described as “gothic” and “Bridgerton-esque” on social media, I didn’t really feel that was the case. Blackbridge felt a bit anachronistic - overall (IMO), it felt quite medieval, but then there were also times when it came across as super modern. Because of that, I never really felt fully immersed in the world. Though the central premise (and main driver of the plot) was interesting, I felt like the magical system was pretty vague beyond the initial information given about the bargaining system with the demons. As a result, the plot was quite linear (make bargain, save brothers, try to find way out of bargain) without any twists or reveals to expand upon the story or the universe. Though the action did pick up around the 40% point, it was far enough along in the book that I probably would have DNFed early on if I weren’t reading this as an ARC. The author has definitely created a compelling world (I think there were some real interesting points made about faith in a world of demons and how it’s easy to be judgemental until you’re the one in trouble), I just wish it got to shine through a bit more.
*Character Development: Eda is a twenty-year old young woman who has lived a (forcibly) sheltered life up until the events of this book. She’s your “typical” youngest child, in that her older siblings treat her like a kid and she, in return, over-corrects in certain situations because she’s convinced that she knows more than them. It’s because of this that she and her brothers end up in the situation they’re in early on in the book, with them in jail and her on the run. I have mixed feelings about Eda as our FMC - I do think that she had a lot of compassion for people and did end up maturing by the end of the book, but she still came across as incredibly young and frustratingly naive for most of it, and she spent most of the time either bossing people around or having to be saved by others. Though Reap & Sow is being categorized as NA, it felt like a solidly YA book with some vulgar language mixed in for shock value (as well as some spice towards the end of the book).
However, I had absolutely no issues with our MMC (DMC?) Kit, Eda’s love interest and her primary companion throughout the book. Lord Ansellis was the standout for me - he was charming and witty (as well as a shameless flirt), but he also had a ton of emotional depth due to his tragic past - I absolutely loved experiencing the mortal world from his eyes. Though I thought his attraction to Eda a bit far-fetched (for the reasons listed above), I must admit I was definitely kicking and screaming when he was romancing her. Besides Kit, I also enjoyed the secondary characters in the book, especially Eda’s brothers and Kit’s familiar Tripp.
*Pacing/Writing Style: Though the pacing for the first half of the book was a bit slow, things definitely picked up in the second half. However, any pacing issues were lessened by Charlotte B. Plumb’s excellent writing; even if the action was a bit slow, the flow was seamless and it was easy to devour the book in only a couple sittings. Though this is the author’s debut, her writing style came across as that of a much-more-seasoned veteran - I was really impressed.
Overall, I thought Reap & Sow was an entertaining read (and definitely worth checking out if the issues I described above don’t bother you), though I will probably not continue with the series - though there is a bit of a (super vague) cliffhanger ending, it felt like a self-contained story and I am not sure what else is left to be explored in this world. However, this was a really strong debut and I would definitely check out other works by Charlotte B. Plumb in the future. Even though this particular universe didn’t quite work for me, her writing was fantastic - and she’s definitely great at crafting a man who yearns!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley XO for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 5, 2026
⭐ 2.5 ❤️ 3/5
I really wanted to love this book with its period setting, but it was a significant struggle for me. I was expecting a New Adult book, but I assume this book is geared towards a much younger demographic than I am, and that’s coming from a reader who has some YA books among my favorites (e.g. Divine Rivals, Once Upon a Broken Heart, Six of Crows). It felt somewhere between Middle Grade and Young Adult due to the register (abundance of exclamation marks, pervasive overexplaining including of jokes), FMC (20) & MMC’s behavior and attitudes, dialogue, and crude playground humor coming across much younger than their stated ages with Adult aspects mixed in including graphic gore, cursing, and open door spice.
While the book started off slow, I started to become invested by Chapter 4, when the stakes were raised and Eda acted with more agency. I wasn’t expecting action scenes so early on, but the story was able to build tension and pull me in. The pacing was inconsistent after that, where I found most of the story to be sluggish except whenever we hit action sequences closer to the end. The final chapters were the highlight of the story and brought back the tension that I felt around Chapter 4, when Eda met Kit.
The time period is not explicitly stated, but the fashion references (e.g. whalebone bodices with crisp white ruffle collars and austere puffy breeches) point us towards a ~1570–1620 Renaissance aesthetic, which I appreciated although the juxtaposition of modern informal dialogue in a period setting was jarring.
The register of the dialogue veered back and forth between faux archaic (Shakespearean-esque) and contemporary social media speak like what you might expect to read on Twitter or a text thread. It came across as stilted and wooden. The call and response banter style felt like they were just trading insults (e.g. “takes one to know one”) with a rapid fire of staccato rhythm of short simple sentences.
I was drawn to this book due to the comps to Rachel Gillig and Heather Fawcett, but didn’t find much overlap. Gillig's atmospheric, lyrical prose and Fawcett's academic whimsy both feel more controlled. If you enjoy the writing style of Sarah J. Maas (simple sentences, fragmented sentences) or even Raven Kennedy, the writing here is a closer match although it leans more into camp than SJM or RK (think Zodiac Academy, though ZA commits fully to it).
There was a tendency in the book to overexplain. We’d be shown something and then told it immediately afterward including occasionally being told that something was a joke.
I found it hard to root for Eda and Kit given that she was often unkind towards him and at the worst of times, she spoke to him in a very cruel way when she didn’t get her way. Their connection felt declared rather than earned.
While this book was not for me, it might be for you if you are a Young Adult paranormal reader looking for an easy campy read with open door spice.
CW: Graphic gore, child death, misogyny
This review is based off an ARC provided by Berkley XO via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I really wanted to love this book with its period setting, but it was a significant struggle for me. I was expecting a New Adult book, but I assume this book is geared towards a much younger demographic than I am, and that’s coming from a reader who has some YA books among my favorites (e.g. Divine Rivals, Once Upon a Broken Heart, Six of Crows). It felt somewhere between Middle Grade and Young Adult due to the register (abundance of exclamation marks, pervasive overexplaining including of jokes), FMC (20) & MMC’s behavior and attitudes, dialogue, and crude playground humor coming across much younger than their stated ages with Adult aspects mixed in including graphic gore, cursing, and open door spice.
While the book started off slow, I started to become invested by Chapter 4, when the stakes were raised and Eda acted with more agency. I wasn’t expecting action scenes so early on, but the story was able to build tension and pull me in. The pacing was inconsistent after that, where I found most of the story to be sluggish except whenever we hit action sequences closer to the end. The final chapters were the highlight of the story and brought back the tension that I felt around Chapter 4, when Eda met Kit.
The time period is not explicitly stated, but the fashion references (e.g. whalebone bodices with crisp white ruffle collars and austere puffy breeches) point us towards a ~1570–1620 Renaissance aesthetic, which I appreciated although the juxtaposition of modern informal dialogue in a period setting was jarring.
The register of the dialogue veered back and forth between faux archaic (Shakespearean-esque) and contemporary social media speak like what you might expect to read on Twitter or a text thread. It came across as stilted and wooden. The call and response banter style felt like they were just trading insults (e.g. “takes one to know one”) with a rapid fire of staccato rhythm of short simple sentences.
I was drawn to this book due to the comps to Rachel Gillig and Heather Fawcett, but didn’t find much overlap. Gillig's atmospheric, lyrical prose and Fawcett's academic whimsy both feel more controlled. If you enjoy the writing style of Sarah J. Maas (simple sentences, fragmented sentences) or even Raven Kennedy, the writing here is a closer match although it leans more into camp than SJM or RK (think Zodiac Academy, though ZA commits fully to it).
There was a tendency in the book to overexplain. We’d be shown something and then told it immediately afterward including occasionally being told that something was a joke.
I found it hard to root for Eda and Kit given that she was often unkind towards him and at the worst of times, she spoke to him in a very cruel way when she didn’t get her way. Their connection felt declared rather than earned.
While this book was not for me, it might be for you if you are a Young Adult paranormal reader looking for an easy campy read with open door spice.
CW: Graphic gore, child death, misogyny
This review is based off an ARC provided by Berkley XO via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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!!
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!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I went into this book with the expectation of experiencing a fleshed out world and a strong relationship between the two leads. Unfortunately I don’t think I was able to find that in this book. I had instantly been hooked by the premise at first, and really wanted for the story to dig into the premise of making pacts with demons. However, it explored this and every other piece of world building with such vapidness—everything you think a demon would do, a demon does. The introduction of a hierarchical order and the world of Infernus unfortunately falls flat when there’s not much coveted outside of this race of creatures are fundamentally violent and cruel. Hmm… (With exceptions of course) This shallow exploration is unfortunately prevalent in all aspects of the book, characters remain one-toned throughout. Everyone plays their prescribed part perfectly towards the end of getting our characters together.
Addressing the issue of the character writing, there’s definitely inklings of characters changing. Kind of. We see Eda’s big internal change happen when she sees a child get brutalized in front of her by a fiend, and she’s suddenly questioning her self-preservation. This being an external change, devoid of any choice on her part, doesn’t really convince me of the slow pivot towards her wanting to save all of Blackbridge. These characters are so nameless, the town itself and its inhabitants feel like such set dressing or otherwise vehicles to propel the plot forward. I not given any reason to care. And outside of that, our main character is held together to by a loose string of character traits. Yes she is plucky and self-sacrificing, but I’m going to be so honest, I have no idea what she even likes or motivations outside of wanting to be free. I really wanted to have a reason to care about her but it just didn’t really come. There were never any real consequences or losses for Eda, no permanent changes despite the high stakes. Like yes, fine, the only queer character loses her life for her. In the last few pages and then it’s just fine I guess. In truth, the writing for all the characters fell flat across the board. Everything we know or assumed to be true was true, and wasn’t anything else besides that.
This is a smaller point, but a more grating one, the romance was not great. The signs of attraction leading into the full-fledged romance felt so heavy-handed during moments that felt like they were supposed to be tonally serious. The progression was just Eda and Kit’s growing physical attraction and milquetoast bickering. Even at the midpoint, when Eda questions why Kit is so unwilling to save anyone besides her, and their ‘big break’, that feels so consequence-less as well. Just unfortunately not great and on paper I would’ve really liked these ideas. However the execution was plainly just not there for all the characters.
The story points themselves were fine. Nothing ever really felt like a direct consequence of each other, rather just loosely strung together plot points and characters conveniently needing things. Everything felt so convenient, from the locations to the characters, that it came across as so so vapid. This felt so beat by beat that nothing ever felt truly real or lush, even when that the nicer than average prose asked you to consider it as such.
Overall, I really wanted to like this book. It had everything on paper that I love about the romantasy genre. Unfortunately, the execution and the story did not hold up against the expectations I had. Still, the line by line prose sang a lot better than most of romantasy’s on the shelves. I think there’s something hopefully promising for future releases.
I went into this book with the expectation of experiencing a fleshed out world and a strong relationship between the two leads. Unfortunately I don’t think I was able to find that in this book. I had instantly been hooked by the premise at first, and really wanted for the story to dig into the premise of making pacts with demons. However, it explored this and every other piece of world building with such vapidness—everything you think a demon would do, a demon does. The introduction of a hierarchical order and the world of Infernus unfortunately falls flat when there’s not much coveted outside of this race of creatures are fundamentally violent and cruel. Hmm… (With exceptions of course) This shallow exploration is unfortunately prevalent in all aspects of the book, characters remain one-toned throughout. Everyone plays their prescribed part perfectly towards the end of getting our characters together.
Addressing the issue of the character writing, there’s definitely inklings of characters changing. Kind of. We see Eda’s big internal change happen when she sees a child get brutalized in front of her by a fiend, and she’s suddenly questioning her self-preservation. This being an external change, devoid of any choice on her part, doesn’t really convince me of the slow pivot towards her wanting to save all of Blackbridge. These characters are so nameless, the town itself and its inhabitants feel like such set dressing or otherwise vehicles to propel the plot forward. I not given any reason to care. And outside of that, our main character is held together to by a loose string of character traits. Yes she is plucky and self-sacrificing, but I’m going to be so honest, I have no idea what she even likes or motivations outside of wanting to be free. I really wanted to have a reason to care about her but it just didn’t really come. There were never any real consequences or losses for Eda, no permanent changes despite the high stakes. Like yes, fine, the only queer character loses her life for her. In the last few pages and then it’s just fine I guess. In truth, the writing for all the characters fell flat across the board. Everything we know or assumed to be true was true, and wasn’t anything else besides that.
This is a smaller point, but a more grating one, the romance was not great. The signs of attraction leading into the full-fledged romance felt so heavy-handed during moments that felt like they were supposed to be tonally serious. The progression was just Eda and Kit’s growing physical attraction and milquetoast bickering. Even at the midpoint, when Eda questions why Kit is so unwilling to save anyone besides her, and their ‘big break’, that feels so consequence-less as well. Just unfortunately not great and on paper I would’ve really liked these ideas. However the execution was plainly just not there for all the characters.
The story points themselves were fine. Nothing ever really felt like a direct consequence of each other, rather just loosely strung together plot points and characters conveniently needing things. Everything felt so convenient, from the locations to the characters, that it came across as so so vapid. This felt so beat by beat that nothing ever felt truly real or lush, even when that the nicer than average prose asked you to consider it as such.
Overall, I really wanted to like this book. It had everything on paper that I love about the romantasy genre. Unfortunately, the execution and the story did not hold up against the expectations I had. Still, the line by line prose sang a lot better than most of romantasy’s on the shelves. I think there’s something hopefully promising for future releases.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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