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Does forever mean there’s always time for a second chance?
ASHER
I guide souls to the end of their journey. I’m good at my job. I don’t ask questions. Why would I when I believed my story ended long ago?
But memories laid to rest are awakening, drawing me toward a love I have never truly forgotten. With every revelation, the foundations of the afterlife begin to shift, and I am forced to confront a truth more powerful than fate itself.
MADDY
There comes a point when surviving no longer feels like living.
After a lifetime marked by loss, I chose The Bliss, an existence where grief could no longer reach me and every sharp edge of my past was softened into silence.
It was enough. Until it was not.
Some love refuses to die, no matter how deep it’s buried.
Some promises endure beyond death.
And some souls are destined to find one another, no matter how many lifetimes it takes.
A sweeping gothic fantasy filled with mystery, longing, and a love that echoes across centuries, ASHER is the unforgettable second novel in The Lost Souls Chronicles, where every ending is only the beginning of another chance to choose love.
ASHER
I guide souls to the end of their journey. I’m good at my job. I don’t ask questions. Why would I when I believed my story ended long ago?
But memories laid to rest are awakening, drawing me toward a love I have never truly forgotten. With every revelation, the foundations of the afterlife begin to shift, and I am forced to confront a truth more powerful than fate itself.
MADDY
There comes a point when surviving no longer feels like living.
After a lifetime marked by loss, I chose The Bliss, an existence where grief could no longer reach me and every sharp edge of my past was softened into silence.
It was enough. Until it was not.
Some love refuses to die, no matter how deep it’s buried.
Some promises endure beyond death.
And some souls are destined to find one another, no matter how many lifetimes it takes.
A sweeping gothic fantasy filled with mystery, longing, and a love that echoes across centuries, ASHER is the unforgettable second novel in The Lost Souls Chronicles, where every ending is only the beginning of another chance to choose love.
Audible Audio
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
D.J. Krimmer
28 books1,484 followersCrowned as the Queen of Banter, DJ Krimmer is notorious for her razor-sharp wit, emotionally feral romances, and smart-mouthed characters who refuse to behave. Her stories are a heady mix of heart, heat, and humor, all wrapped in a darkly addictive edge that’s unmistakably hers.
A chronic overthinker with a flair for chaos, DJ writes romances that feel a little wild, a little dangerous, and entirely unforgettable. Her characters are messy, magnetic, and always armed with a killer one-liner, proving that love is rarely tidy but always worth it.
When she’s not busy crafting banter that bites or love stories that hit you right in the feels, you can find her laughing at her own jokes, spinning new ideas faster than she can type, and reminding us all that imperfection is where the best stories begin.
Instagram @djkrimmer
TikTok @authordjkirmmer
Represented by: Amanda Wooden with SBR Media
A chronic overthinker with a flair for chaos, DJ writes romances that feel a little wild, a little dangerous, and entirely unforgettable. Her characters are messy, magnetic, and always armed with a killer one-liner, proving that love is rarely tidy but always worth it.
When she’s not busy crafting banter that bites or love stories that hit you right in the feels, you can find her laughing at her own jokes, spinning new ideas faster than she can type, and reminding us all that imperfection is where the best stories begin.
Instagram @djkrimmer
TikTok @authordjkirmmer
Represented by: Amanda Wooden with SBR Media
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
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May 2, 2026Oh I'm so excited for this one!! book 1 was such a pleasant surprise!
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September 9, 2026ARC provided by Blue Nose
I was a little nervous going into Asher because I loved Grim and this world so much, and I wasn’t sure if this would live up to it. It did. I finished it in one sitting, the pacing was perfect for me, and I had forgotten how much I loved this world until I was right back in the OtherWorld.
The story was beautifully written. And Asher absolutely had a story worth telling. I loved getting more of his backstory and understanding more of what shaped him. The way the story moved between past and present was easy to follow, the struggles felt earned, and the plot kept moving the whole time. I never felt like I was waiting around for the story to get somewhere.
Seeing characters from Grim pop back in made it even better, and Big D still has the same humor I loved in the first book. At this point I am fully hoping his story is next.
The ending left me wanting book three, and now I cannot wait for the audiobook because my brain is absolutely not recreating whatever greatness I already know that cast is going to bring.
I’d recommend this to anyone who loved Grim and wants more of this world, especially if you were already curious in Asher.
I was a little nervous going into Asher because I loved Grim and this world so much, and I wasn’t sure if this would live up to it. It did. I finished it in one sitting, the pacing was perfect for me, and I had forgotten how much I loved this world until I was right back in the OtherWorld.
The story was beautifully written. And Asher absolutely had a story worth telling. I loved getting more of his backstory and understanding more of what shaped him. The way the story moved between past and present was easy to follow, the struggles felt earned, and the plot kept moving the whole time. I never felt like I was waiting around for the story to get somewhere.
Seeing characters from Grim pop back in made it even better, and Big D still has the same humor I loved in the first book. At this point I am fully hoping his story is next.
The ending left me wanting book three, and now I cannot wait for the audiobook because my brain is absolutely not recreating whatever greatness I already know that cast is going to bring.
I’d recommend this to anyone who loved Grim and wants more of this world, especially if you were already curious in Asher.
September 14, 2026
3.75⭐️ Grim set the bar ridiculously high for me, so I knew Asher had a lot to live up to. And while I enjoyed being back in this chaotic world, this one didn’t completely grab me the same way.
Asher and Maddy’s story is heartbreaking - centuries of love, loss and yearning 🖤 I loved getting more of the OtherWorld, seeing familiar characters again. I’m a huge fan of Big D!!!
The timeline structure was probably what held me back the most. I’m not usually a fan of jumping between past and present and here it kept breaking my connection with the story just as I was getting invested.
I also wonder if reading this physically changed the experience for me, because the Grim audiobook brought SO much life to these characters.
Still very much invested in this world though, especially after THAT ending! When’s the next book??
Thank you to D.J. Krimmer, Joe Arden and Blue Nose Publishing for providing me with an ARC 🖤
All opinions are my own.
Asher and Maddy’s story is heartbreaking - centuries of love, loss and yearning 🖤 I loved getting more of the OtherWorld, seeing familiar characters again. I’m a huge fan of Big D!!!
The timeline structure was probably what held me back the most. I’m not usually a fan of jumping between past and present and here it kept breaking my connection with the story just as I was getting invested.
I also wonder if reading this physically changed the experience for me, because the Grim audiobook brought SO much life to these characters.
Still very much invested in this world though, especially after THAT ending! When’s the next book??
Thank you to D.J. Krimmer, Joe Arden and Blue Nose Publishing for providing me with an ARC 🖤
All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2026
MY HEART!!😩❤️📚 Listen…I ATE up Grim - loved it and I was SO excited when I found out this world was expanding! But ASHER!? I was NOT expecting to be all in my feels when reading this book - OMG🫣 I felt like it was a little slower paced but I also felt like this story needed to take its time so you REALLY felt these characters and their story.
And that ending!? Yeahhh I’m going to need the next book ASAP!😩😆
Thank you again to Blue Nose for allowing me to read an ARC of this book!
And that ending!? Yeahhh I’m going to need the next book ASAP!😩😆
Thank you again to Blue Nose for allowing me to read an ARC of this book!
October 14, 2026
Even Death Has Loose Ends
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 😋😀😍😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration – Full Cast
Main Characters and Plot Overview
Asher takes readers back into the strange, haunting world of the afterlife, where death doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a person’s story. Asher works guiding souls to the end of their journeys, approaching his job with a detached professionalism that makes sense for someone who believes his own story has already ended. He doesn’t go looking for answers, but when buried memories begin resurfacing and he finds himself drawn back toward a love he has never truly forgotten, the comfortable distance he has maintained becomes impossible to hold on to.
Maddy’s journey is heartbreaking in a different way. After a lifetime of loss, she chooses The Bliss, an existence designed to soften painful memories and keep grief at a distance. I found that idea particularly poignant because it raises an uncomfortable question: if you could erase your suffering, would you also be giving up something important about yourself? Maddy’s decision makes sense when you consider how much she has endured, but the possibility of losing the things that make her who she is adds another layer to her situation.
As Asher’s forgotten memories return and the truth behind their connection begins to emerge, their story becomes about more than simply finding each other again. The revelations threaten to change their understanding of the afterlife itself, turning a deeply personal love story into something much bigger. I was especially drawn to the idea that love can survive even when memories, time, and death stand between two people. Their journey explores whether a second chance is possible when so much of the past has been buried.
Highlights and Limitations
One of my favorite aspects of this story is the contrast between Asher’s role as someone who guides other souls onward and his own unfinished emotional journey. He understands how to help others reach the end of their paths, yet he has to face the feelings and memories he has avoided in his own existence. That contrast makes his character compelling, and I liked that his journey involves confronting the past rather than simply carrying on as though nothing has changed.
Maddy’s choice of The Bliss also gives the story emotional weight. The idea of willingly surrendering painful memories because living with grief has become too difficult is both understandable and unsettling. I appreciated how that premise connects the supernatural setting to recognizable human struggles with loss, regret, and the temptation to escape painful experiences altogether.
The gothic atmosphere, mysteries surrounding the afterlife, and romance spanning more than one lifetime make this a distinctive paranormal fantasy. I also enjoyed the promise of a story in which the rules of the afterlife are not necessarily as fixed as they initially appear. Though it was a bit too gothic at times for my tastes and I really didn’t like the world that much. I liked it a lot in the first book, but I had more trouble with it in this one.
My main reservation is that a story built around forgotten memories, fate, and an elaborate afterlife can become complicated if the world-building and revelations demand too much attention at once. I would have liked a little more room for the emotional consequences of the characters’ discoveries to breathe, rather than having the larger mysteries compete with the romance. Still, the central question of whether love can endure beyond death gave me plenty to think about.
Narration
The ensemble narration is a major attraction of this audiobook. Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell, Andi Eloise, June DeBorahae, James Cassidy, Sean Masters, and Gary Furlong bring a substantial range of voices to the production. With a story involving multiple characters and an unusual supernatural setting, having a full cast helps distinguish the different perspectives and gives the world a more immersive feel.
Joe Arden’s involvement as both co-author and narrator is especially fitting for a story centered on Asher. Maxine Mitchell and the other narrators provide additional voices that help support the emotional and atmospheric sides of the story. The multiple performers also suit the gothic fantasy format, where mystery, romantic tension, and the experiences of different souls all contribute to the larger narrative.
I particularly appreciate ensemble productions when they allow the characters to feel like individuals rather than a succession of voices delivered by one narrator. This cast is well suited to the scale and supernatural premise of the book.
Final Thoughts
Asher sounds like a strong choice for readers who enjoy paranormal romance with gothic undertones, complicated feelings, and questions about what happens after death. What appeals to me most is the emotional premise behind Asher and Maddy’s story. He has spent his existence guiding others forward while believing his own story is finished, and she has sought relief from a lifetime of pain by choosing to forget. Neither can simply move forward without confronting what has been left behind. I have to admit that second chance romance is one of my least favorite tropes, since they always seem to be chock full of yearning, and this one does have way too much of that. Though I loved Grim, the first book in this series, so I have been waiting on this book/audiobook to come out. I have to say I was a bit disappointed in this story and was even bored at times. Too many flashbacks and too much yearning.
I did like that the romance is tied to a larger mystery about the afterlife. The stakes extend beyond whether two people can find their way back to each other, because their rediscovered connection begins challenging the very foundations of the world they inhabit.
I would recommend starting with Grim, the first book in The Lost Souls Chronicles, rather than jumping straight into this one. The second installment builds on the series’ established world, and experiencing that foundation first should make the characters’ journeys and the supernatural elements more rewarding.
Overall, this is a book I’d recommend to readers who want their paranormal romance to have emotional substance alongside its fantasy and mystery. The idea that some connections can survive even the most painful losses is what makes Asher and Maddy’s story appealing to me. Sometimes the most powerful second chances are the ones we never thought we’d get.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 😋😀😍😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration – Full Cast
Main Characters and Plot Overview
Asher takes readers back into the strange, haunting world of the afterlife, where death doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a person’s story. Asher works guiding souls to the end of their journeys, approaching his job with a detached professionalism that makes sense for someone who believes his own story has already ended. He doesn’t go looking for answers, but when buried memories begin resurfacing and he finds himself drawn back toward a love he has never truly forgotten, the comfortable distance he has maintained becomes impossible to hold on to.
Maddy’s journey is heartbreaking in a different way. After a lifetime of loss, she chooses The Bliss, an existence designed to soften painful memories and keep grief at a distance. I found that idea particularly poignant because it raises an uncomfortable question: if you could erase your suffering, would you also be giving up something important about yourself? Maddy’s decision makes sense when you consider how much she has endured, but the possibility of losing the things that make her who she is adds another layer to her situation.
As Asher’s forgotten memories return and the truth behind their connection begins to emerge, their story becomes about more than simply finding each other again. The revelations threaten to change their understanding of the afterlife itself, turning a deeply personal love story into something much bigger. I was especially drawn to the idea that love can survive even when memories, time, and death stand between two people. Their journey explores whether a second chance is possible when so much of the past has been buried.
Highlights and Limitations
One of my favorite aspects of this story is the contrast between Asher’s role as someone who guides other souls onward and his own unfinished emotional journey. He understands how to help others reach the end of their paths, yet he has to face the feelings and memories he has avoided in his own existence. That contrast makes his character compelling, and I liked that his journey involves confronting the past rather than simply carrying on as though nothing has changed.
Maddy’s choice of The Bliss also gives the story emotional weight. The idea of willingly surrendering painful memories because living with grief has become too difficult is both understandable and unsettling. I appreciated how that premise connects the supernatural setting to recognizable human struggles with loss, regret, and the temptation to escape painful experiences altogether.
The gothic atmosphere, mysteries surrounding the afterlife, and romance spanning more than one lifetime make this a distinctive paranormal fantasy. I also enjoyed the promise of a story in which the rules of the afterlife are not necessarily as fixed as they initially appear. Though it was a bit too gothic at times for my tastes and I really didn’t like the world that much. I liked it a lot in the first book, but I had more trouble with it in this one.
My main reservation is that a story built around forgotten memories, fate, and an elaborate afterlife can become complicated if the world-building and revelations demand too much attention at once. I would have liked a little more room for the emotional consequences of the characters’ discoveries to breathe, rather than having the larger mysteries compete with the romance. Still, the central question of whether love can endure beyond death gave me plenty to think about.
Narration
The ensemble narration is a major attraction of this audiobook. Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell, Andi Eloise, June DeBorahae, James Cassidy, Sean Masters, and Gary Furlong bring a substantial range of voices to the production. With a story involving multiple characters and an unusual supernatural setting, having a full cast helps distinguish the different perspectives and gives the world a more immersive feel.
Joe Arden’s involvement as both co-author and narrator is especially fitting for a story centered on Asher. Maxine Mitchell and the other narrators provide additional voices that help support the emotional and atmospheric sides of the story. The multiple performers also suit the gothic fantasy format, where mystery, romantic tension, and the experiences of different souls all contribute to the larger narrative.
I particularly appreciate ensemble productions when they allow the characters to feel like individuals rather than a succession of voices delivered by one narrator. This cast is well suited to the scale and supernatural premise of the book.
Final Thoughts
Asher sounds like a strong choice for readers who enjoy paranormal romance with gothic undertones, complicated feelings, and questions about what happens after death. What appeals to me most is the emotional premise behind Asher and Maddy’s story. He has spent his existence guiding others forward while believing his own story is finished, and she has sought relief from a lifetime of pain by choosing to forget. Neither can simply move forward without confronting what has been left behind. I have to admit that second chance romance is one of my least favorite tropes, since they always seem to be chock full of yearning, and this one does have way too much of that. Though I loved Grim, the first book in this series, so I have been waiting on this book/audiobook to come out. I have to say I was a bit disappointed in this story and was even bored at times. Too many flashbacks and too much yearning.
I did like that the romance is tied to a larger mystery about the afterlife. The stakes extend beyond whether two people can find their way back to each other, because their rediscovered connection begins challenging the very foundations of the world they inhabit.
I would recommend starting with Grim, the first book in The Lost Souls Chronicles, rather than jumping straight into this one. The second installment builds on the series’ established world, and experiencing that foundation first should make the characters’ journeys and the supernatural elements more rewarding.
Overall, this is a book I’d recommend to readers who want their paranormal romance to have emotional substance alongside its fantasy and mystery. The idea that some connections can survive even the most painful losses is what makes Asher and Maddy’s story appealing to me. Sometimes the most powerful second chances are the ones we never thought we’d get.
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September 24, 2026
There are pieces of For Asher that had a lot of potential for me, particularly the scenes involving Chance, but ultimately I struggled with the lack of a cohesive plot and character development.
Maddie and Thomas are introduced with an enormous amount of yearning for one another, but I never felt the story gave me enough foundation for that yearning. Even in the flashbacks, we’re largely dropped directly into their feelings rather than shown the history, experiences, or progression that made those feelings inevitable. Because their relationship is supposed to carry so much of the emotional weight of the novel, I kept waiting for the story to give me the why behind it.
The same issue followed me into the larger storyline. There is a significant amount of banter, searching, and movement, but I often found myself wondering what everything was ultimately building toward and why I should be emotionally invested beyond Maddie and Thomas wanting each other.
I normally love multiple POVs, especially when they allow separate characters and storylines to gradually converge. Here, however, many of the perspectives felt detached from one another rather than like individual threads of the same larger narrative. Chance’s scenes were some of the strongest for me because they suggested possibilities for the story that I wish had been explored more deeply.
I also struggled with the intimate scenes. The first scene between characters presented as inexperienced didn’t feel consistent with that characterization, which pulled me out of the moment. Some later sexual content involving the MMC and another character also felt disconnected from the emotional and narrative trajectory of the book rather than integral to it.
The prose itself could be beautiful at times, particularly in the more lyrical passages and flashbacks. However, there is a noticeable shift between that lyrical style and a much more contemporary voice elsewhere in the novel. Different styles can absolutely coexist within one book, but here the transitions were pronounced enough that I became conscious of them while reading. Rather than feeling like intentional variations within one narrative voice, they sometimes felt like two different approaches that hadn’t been completely blended.
Ultimately, this felt to me like a story with compelling ingredients that needed another round of developmental editing. There is yearning, searching, banter, humor, multiple POVs, lyrical passages, and potentially interesting character dynamics, but I never felt those individual pieces coalesced into a fully developed narrative. Even some of the humor—such as “muscles over marigolds”—felt at odds with the tone established elsewhere.
I wanted more of the foundation beneath Maddie and Thomas, more connective tissue between the POVs, and a clearer sense of what the characters were moving toward and why it mattered. The potential was there. I just wanted the story to dig much deeper into it.
Maddie and Thomas are introduced with an enormous amount of yearning for one another, but I never felt the story gave me enough foundation for that yearning. Even in the flashbacks, we’re largely dropped directly into their feelings rather than shown the history, experiences, or progression that made those feelings inevitable. Because their relationship is supposed to carry so much of the emotional weight of the novel, I kept waiting for the story to give me the why behind it.
The same issue followed me into the larger storyline. There is a significant amount of banter, searching, and movement, but I often found myself wondering what everything was ultimately building toward and why I should be emotionally invested beyond Maddie and Thomas wanting each other.
I normally love multiple POVs, especially when they allow separate characters and storylines to gradually converge. Here, however, many of the perspectives felt detached from one another rather than like individual threads of the same larger narrative. Chance’s scenes were some of the strongest for me because they suggested possibilities for the story that I wish had been explored more deeply.
I also struggled with the intimate scenes. The first scene between characters presented as inexperienced didn’t feel consistent with that characterization, which pulled me out of the moment. Some later sexual content involving the MMC and another character also felt disconnected from the emotional and narrative trajectory of the book rather than integral to it.
The prose itself could be beautiful at times, particularly in the more lyrical passages and flashbacks. However, there is a noticeable shift between that lyrical style and a much more contemporary voice elsewhere in the novel. Different styles can absolutely coexist within one book, but here the transitions were pronounced enough that I became conscious of them while reading. Rather than feeling like intentional variations within one narrative voice, they sometimes felt like two different approaches that hadn’t been completely blended.
Ultimately, this felt to me like a story with compelling ingredients that needed another round of developmental editing. There is yearning, searching, banter, humor, multiple POVs, lyrical passages, and potentially interesting character dynamics, but I never felt those individual pieces coalesced into a fully developed narrative. Even some of the humor—such as “muscles over marigolds”—felt at odds with the tone established elsewhere.
I wanted more of the foundation beneath Maddie and Thomas, more connective tissue between the POVs, and a clearer sense of what the characters were moving toward and why it mattered. The potential was there. I just wanted the story to dig much deeper into it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 ⭐️
I went into Asher incredibly excited to finally learn more about the character we met in Grim. We got just enough of him in that book to make me curious about who he was, how he became a Reaper, and especially the pieces of his past that still haunted him.
At its heart, Asher and Maddy's story is one of star-crossed love. In his first life, Asher was a silversmith and Maddy was the upper-class girl, promised to a man she didn't love and born into a world where choosing Asher wasn't supposed to be an option. Some of the writing surrounding their history is incredibly poetic, and once Asher begins making his way back to Maddy, moving through the memories of his life along the way, the story finally started to pull me in emotionally.
Unfortunately, it took a long time to get there.
There are A LOT of moving parts in Asher. Time. Fate. Mercy. Chance. OtherWorld. Asher's past. Maddy's past. The present. The larger conflict being set up for the series. Chapters can move through multiple memories and timelines, and at times the transitions felt so abrupt that I had to stop and figure out exactly where I was again.
For a book with Asher's name on the cover, I also walked away feeling like I didn't get nearly enough of Asher. So much time is spent building the world around him and setting pieces into place for what is obviously coming next that his own story sometimes gets lost inside it.
The shifts in tone was another struggle for me. Some passages are beautifully written and almost lyrical, while others use much crasser language that felt jarring beside them. The difference in writing styles between the two authors was much more noticeable to me here, particularly in some of the sexual content. (There is also a sexual arrangement between Asher and Fate that initially felt unnecessary and disconnected from the story.) I eventually understood what I think it was establishing within the rules of these different realms, but it took me a while to see its purpose.
That's probably my biggest issue with Asher. I spent too much of the book wondering, Where is this going? Why is this here? What does this have to do with Asher and Maddy?
Where Grim felt like it had a very clear heart, purpose, and direction, Asher felt much more chaotic to me.
And then, after waiting until well past the halfway point for Asher and Maddy's story to truly come together, we're left with a cliffhanger.
There are SO MANY unanswered questions. Mercy's return, Chance's introduction, Fate, the child, the war that's clearly coming... It absolutely sets the stage for the next book in the Lost Souls Chronicles, but I really wanted Asher to have more resolution of its own before taking us there.
There are pieces of this book I genuinely loved. There are beautiful lines, heartbreaking moments, and an incredibly compelling idea at the center of Asher and Maddy's love story. I just wish the book had stayed closer to that heart. With fewer moving parts and more time focused on the two people whose names and history brought me into this story, I think it could have hit me so much harder.
Grim left me emotionally wrecked.
Asher left me with a whole lot of questions.
And apparently I have to wait for the next book to get my answers.
I was provided an advance copy of Asher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I went into Asher incredibly excited to finally learn more about the character we met in Grim. We got just enough of him in that book to make me curious about who he was, how he became a Reaper, and especially the pieces of his past that still haunted him.
At its heart, Asher and Maddy's story is one of star-crossed love. In his first life, Asher was a silversmith and Maddy was the upper-class girl, promised to a man she didn't love and born into a world where choosing Asher wasn't supposed to be an option. Some of the writing surrounding their history is incredibly poetic, and once Asher begins making his way back to Maddy, moving through the memories of his life along the way, the story finally started to pull me in emotionally.
Unfortunately, it took a long time to get there.
There are A LOT of moving parts in Asher. Time. Fate. Mercy. Chance. OtherWorld. Asher's past. Maddy's past. The present. The larger conflict being set up for the series. Chapters can move through multiple memories and timelines, and at times the transitions felt so abrupt that I had to stop and figure out exactly where I was again.
For a book with Asher's name on the cover, I also walked away feeling like I didn't get nearly enough of Asher. So much time is spent building the world around him and setting pieces into place for what is obviously coming next that his own story sometimes gets lost inside it.
The shifts in tone was another struggle for me. Some passages are beautifully written and almost lyrical, while others use much crasser language that felt jarring beside them. The difference in writing styles between the two authors was much more noticeable to me here, particularly in some of the sexual content. (There is also a sexual arrangement between Asher and Fate that initially felt unnecessary and disconnected from the story.) I eventually understood what I think it was establishing within the rules of these different realms, but it took me a while to see its purpose.
That's probably my biggest issue with Asher. I spent too much of the book wondering, Where is this going? Why is this here? What does this have to do with Asher and Maddy?
Where Grim felt like it had a very clear heart, purpose, and direction, Asher felt much more chaotic to me.
And then, after waiting until well past the halfway point for Asher and Maddy's story to truly come together, we're left with a cliffhanger.
There are SO MANY unanswered questions. Mercy's return, Chance's introduction, Fate, the child, the war that's clearly coming... It absolutely sets the stage for the next book in the Lost Souls Chronicles, but I really wanted Asher to have more resolution of its own before taking us there.
There are pieces of this book I genuinely loved. There are beautiful lines, heartbreaking moments, and an incredibly compelling idea at the center of Asher and Maddy's love story. I just wish the book had stayed closer to that heart. With fewer moving parts and more time focused on the two people whose names and history brought me into this story, I think it could have hit me so much harder.
Grim left me emotionally wrecked.
Asher left me with a whole lot of questions.
And apparently I have to wait for the next book to get my answers.
I was provided an advance copy of Asher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
I wish that I would of applied for the ALC because I first did Grim on audiobook and was obsessed! And I feel like Asher would of had the same impact on me if I did it on audio. But regardless I LOVED Asher.
LOVE NEVER DIES.
I loved the new characters and the old characters from Grim. Asher is intense and possessive and I was completely invested at the way his story unfolded. Asher is unforgettable and this story was addictive. It was funny and heartbreaking. Just learning about his life and how he came to the other world is just so 🥹 this book was the true definition of the quote from Grim- “Love Never Dies” Once again DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden understood the assignment! I can’t wait to do this on audiobook!
I wish that I would of applied for the ALC because I first did Grim on audiobook and was obsessed! And I feel like Asher would of had the same impact on me if I did it on audio. But regardless I LOVED Asher.
LOVE NEVER DIES.
I loved the new characters and the old characters from Grim. Asher is intense and possessive and I was completely invested at the way his story unfolded. Asher is unforgettable and this story was addictive. It was funny and heartbreaking. Just learning about his life and how he came to the other world is just so 🥹 this book was the true definition of the quote from Grim- “Love Never Dies” Once again DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden understood the assignment! I can’t wait to do this on audiobook!
September 25, 2026
First, you need to read Book 1 (and remember it! I had hoped the author would have helped us remember the main parts).
That’s a complicated book that gave me conflicted emotions (from 🤣 to 😭 to 😤)
✅dual V ♥️
✅scene with OW 💔
✅pain/pleasure
✅multiple POV
✅humour and witty banter
✅past & present
✅amnesia
⚠️end on a cliffhanger
🌶️🌶️
Mind you, the MCs only reunited at 90%!!! That was really annoying. Okay, we got snippets of their life together in the past but still… hence the cliffhanger
Now, the OW scene and my opinion on it as the scene matters!!
When the story begins, our MFC (Maddy) has been ☠️ for centuries (literally).
The memory of her is sometimes too painful for Asher, so he’s been asking Fate (a deity) to forget, and in exchange, the evil woman wants 💦 🍆.
Even though Asher doesn’t enjoy it (he says he is dissociating), I will never understand why we need a descriptive scene with OW (and a very 🥵 one on top of it).
After finishing the book, I realise I couldn’t forgive Asher for what he did with Fate. The guy was all about pain, but only the physical one. He was not strong enough to withstand the pain brought by memories of Maddy. He chose to desecrate what he had with Maddy and f*** OW… and he did that for a long time. He basically had more relations with Fate than with Maddy. It broke my heart.
He even rubbed it in her face!! “Fate is a cruel mistress, my dove.” Asshole!!!
Maddy deserved so much better.
Song: ERA Ameno
That’s a complicated book that gave me conflicted emotions (from 🤣 to 😭 to 😤)
✅dual V ♥️
✅scene with OW 💔
✅pain/pleasure
✅multiple POV
✅humour and witty banter
✅past & present
✅amnesia
⚠️end on a cliffhanger
🌶️🌶️
Mind you, the MCs only reunited at 90%!!! That was really annoying. Okay, we got snippets of their life together in the past but still… hence the cliffhanger
Now, the OW scene and my opinion on it as the scene matters!!
When the story begins, our MFC (Maddy) has been ☠️ for centuries (literally).
The memory of her is sometimes too painful for Asher, so he’s been asking Fate (a deity) to forget, and in exchange, the evil woman wants 💦 🍆.
Even though Asher doesn’t enjoy it (he says he is dissociating), I will never understand why we need a descriptive scene with OW (and a very 🥵 one on top of it).
After finishing the book, I realise I couldn’t forgive Asher for what he did with Fate. The guy was all about pain, but only the physical one. He was not strong enough to withstand the pain brought by memories of Maddy. He chose to desecrate what he had with Maddy and f*** OW… and he did that for a long time. He basically had more relations with Fate than with Maddy. It broke my heart.
He even rubbed it in her face!! “Fate is a cruel mistress, my dove.” Asshole!!!
Maddy deserved so much better.
Song: ERA Ameno
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Editing to add audiobook review:
Yessssss! So, in my original review, I gave Asher 5 stars for the love, complexity, and the characters tragic journey of love. Now that I’ve listened to the audiobook, more like devoured, and once again the performances from the voice actors have turned a remarkable storyline into an unforgettable experience. Is it possible to rate higher than five stars?! This audio played out like a movie in my mind. The subtle sound effects further heightened the journey back into the OtherWorld and I was here for every single moment of it.
Each voice actor not only brought their signature talents but also a certain charisma, passion, and just something special to this audio. I can’t wait to see what comes next from the OtherWorld.
As always, thank you Blue Nose Audio for the ALC.
Format: Audiobook
Narrators: June deBorahae, Sean Masters, Maxine Mitchell, Andi Eloise, Joe Arden, James Cassidy, and Gary Furlong
__________________________________________
Wow… THIS right here is why I love romance stories so much.
I was completely captivated by Asher and Maddy’s tragic tale from the beginning. I thought I knew what to expect going in, but spoiler alert, I did not. It was so much more than I could have imagined. This is a true second chance romance. Imagine, the love of your life trying to find you after death in The OtherWorld, going against all odds and risking his eternal soul, just to get to you. I can’t think of a more romantic gesture… like EVER. If I don’t have a love exactly like this, then what’s the point.
I adored getting a blast from the past and a trip back to the OtherWorld. In addition to some of our favorite immortal beings and deities, new and intriguing ones are introduced, creating absolute mayhem and chaos. Side thought: If I could punch one fictional character in the throat, I’m choosing Alister.
Asher and Maddy’s love story is one that will continue to take space in your mind and heart long after you turn the last page. Getting both past and present timelines, allows us the privilege of not only knowing the characters’ mortal souls, but their immortal ones as well. Their love was once innocent and sweet, yet forbidden and dangerous. It was stolen moments, first touches, and unkept promises, turning tragic and heartbreaking…. and that’s just the beginning. While devouring this book, I giggled at the banter, smiled at antics and even cried over how unfair life could be. Asher has a darker, more serious vibe, but still keeping the same humor and charm we adored from Grim. *It was the finger guns for me.* I will say, it seems that DJ and Joe decided NOT to hold back, demanding all the feels and emotional damage from their readers. Asher is an incredible and unique love story full of betrayal, tragedy, obsession, and a love that’s all consuming. 5+ Stars!
Thank you to both authors, DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden, along with Blue Nose, for the ARC.
Yessssss! So, in my original review, I gave Asher 5 stars for the love, complexity, and the characters tragic journey of love. Now that I’ve listened to the audiobook, more like devoured, and once again the performances from the voice actors have turned a remarkable storyline into an unforgettable experience. Is it possible to rate higher than five stars?! This audio played out like a movie in my mind. The subtle sound effects further heightened the journey back into the OtherWorld and I was here for every single moment of it.
Each voice actor not only brought their signature talents but also a certain charisma, passion, and just something special to this audio. I can’t wait to see what comes next from the OtherWorld.
As always, thank you Blue Nose Audio for the ALC.
Format: Audiobook
Narrators: June deBorahae, Sean Masters, Maxine Mitchell, Andi Eloise, Joe Arden, James Cassidy, and Gary Furlong
__________________________________________
Wow… THIS right here is why I love romance stories so much.
I was completely captivated by Asher and Maddy’s tragic tale from the beginning. I thought I knew what to expect going in, but spoiler alert, I did not. It was so much more than I could have imagined. This is a true second chance romance. Imagine, the love of your life trying to find you after death in The OtherWorld, going against all odds and risking his eternal soul, just to get to you. I can’t think of a more romantic gesture… like EVER. If I don’t have a love exactly like this, then what’s the point.
I adored getting a blast from the past and a trip back to the OtherWorld. In addition to some of our favorite immortal beings and deities, new and intriguing ones are introduced, creating absolute mayhem and chaos. Side thought: If I could punch one fictional character in the throat, I’m choosing Alister.
Asher and Maddy’s love story is one that will continue to take space in your mind and heart long after you turn the last page. Getting both past and present timelines, allows us the privilege of not only knowing the characters’ mortal souls, but their immortal ones as well. Their love was once innocent and sweet, yet forbidden and dangerous. It was stolen moments, first touches, and unkept promises, turning tragic and heartbreaking…. and that’s just the beginning. While devouring this book, I giggled at the banter, smiled at antics and even cried over how unfair life could be. Asher has a darker, more serious vibe, but still keeping the same humor and charm we adored from Grim. *It was the finger guns for me.* I will say, it seems that DJ and Joe decided NOT to hold back, demanding all the feels and emotional damage from their readers. Asher is an incredible and unique love story full of betrayal, tragedy, obsession, and a love that’s all consuming. 5+ Stars!
Thank you to both authors, DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden, along with Blue Nose, for the ARC.
September 20, 2026
“𝐴 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝘩𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝘩𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑔𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠,”
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first book, Grim! This one broke my heart in the beginning and had me desperately hoping for a happy ending by the end.
“𝑇𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛’𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝐵𝑜𝑡𝘩 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒. 𝐵𝑜𝑡𝘩 𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝘩𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑤𝑎𝑦.”
D.J. Krimmer always has a way with words and does such a fantastic job bringing these stories to life. Adding Joe Arden as a co-writer took this book to another level. These two together are incredible, and I absolutely loved what they created.
“𝑁𝑜, 𝑚𝑦 𝑑𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝐹𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒. 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝘩𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠. 𝐹𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑦 𝘩𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝘩𝑎𝑑 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑤𝑜, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑦. 𝐼 𝑐𝘩𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒.”
I also loved that we got a little bit of everyone in this book. It really helped bring everything together and gave us a chance to see the bigger picture while still getting more of the characters we’ve come to love.
“𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑤𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑖𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠. 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒, 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑤𝑎𝑟; 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝.”
This book took me on such a roller coaster of emotions. My heart was breaking one minute, and I was holding my breath and hoping for a happy ending the next. I’m really hoping we get another book because I would love to see more of these characters and their stories.
“𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑤𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜 𝑤𝘩𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑚𝑎’𝑎𝑚. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝘩𝑜𝑙𝑑 ’𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝘩𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝘩𝑜𝑙𝑑 ’𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛.”
This is definitely one I need to reread on audio because I know I’ll experience it all over again!
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first book, Grim! This one broke my heart in the beginning and had me desperately hoping for a happy ending by the end.
“𝑇𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛’𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑠, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝐵𝑜𝑡𝘩 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒. 𝐵𝑜𝑡𝘩 𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝘩𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑤𝑎𝑦.”
D.J. Krimmer always has a way with words and does such a fantastic job bringing these stories to life. Adding Joe Arden as a co-writer took this book to another level. These two together are incredible, and I absolutely loved what they created.
“𝑁𝑜, 𝑚𝑦 𝑑𝑜𝑣𝑒. 𝐹𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒. 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝘩𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠. 𝐹𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑦 𝘩𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝘩𝑎𝑑 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑤𝑜, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑦. 𝐼 𝑐𝘩𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒.”
I also loved that we got a little bit of everyone in this book. It really helped bring everything together and gave us a chance to see the bigger picture while still getting more of the characters we’ve come to love.
“𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝘩𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑤𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑖𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠. 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒, 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑤𝑎𝑟; 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝.”
This book took me on such a roller coaster of emotions. My heart was breaking one minute, and I was holding my breath and hoping for a happy ending the next. I’m really hoping we get another book because I would love to see more of these characters and their stories.
“𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑤𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜 𝑤𝘩𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝑚𝑎’𝑎𝑚. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝘩𝑜𝑙𝑑 ’𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝘩𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝘩𝑜𝑙𝑑 ’𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛.”
This is definitely one I need to reread on audio because I know I’ll experience it all over again!
October 14, 2026
🖤🎧 ASHER — DJ Krimmer & Joe Arden
The Lost Souls Chronicles, Book 2
AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD AUDIOBOOK EXPERIENCE!
Well, DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden… WHAT ON EARTH HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!
I thought Grim was phenomenal. It was one of my TOP LISTENS OF 2025, and it left an impression that stayed with me long after I took my headphones off.
So naturally, I went into Asher excited.
What I wasn’t expecting was to be sitting in a dentist’s waiting room trying not to sob, then finding myself laughing out loud in a shopping aisle later that same day.
Apparently, emotional stability wasn’t included in my audiobook subscription.
Did I binge this entire book in a day? Absolutely.
Did I regret a single second? Not a chance.
🖤 THE STORY: LOVE, LOSS & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
At its heart, Asher is a story about grief, regret, redemption, second chances, and a love that refuses to surrender to time, death, or fate.
And goodness me, the emotions!
DJ and Joe explore the complicated realities of grief beautifully — the anger, the guilt, the longing, and the pain of wishing you could change things that can never be changed.
What I loved most was that the grief never felt simple or conveniently wrapped up. The characters’ pain felt real, their journeys felt earned, and the love beneath it all was utterly overwhelming.
Because sometimes love doesn’t end when a life does. And sometimes the hardest thing is learning how to live with everything that remains.
Asher’s journey genuinely got under my skin. There were moments I wanted to climb straight into this book, wrap these characters in the biggest hug imaginable, and tell them they deserved so much better than the pain they’d endured.
And woven through the heartbreak? Humour, tenderness, and characters who made me feel every possible emotion.
THE WORLD-BUILDING & THE CHAOS!
Reapers, deities, ghosts, the mortal realm, rock monsters the Otherworld, supernatural bureaucracy…
Because apparently, even the afterlife comes with management and administrative headaches.
The world-building is wonderfully imaginative, with vivid imagery and timelines that give real depth to the characters and the experiences that shaped them.
It feels atmospheric, beautifully constructed, occasionally terrifying, and completely immersive.
And the characters? OH, THE CHARACTERS!
Kane, Rue and Big D — MORE, PLEASE!
Getting to see more of Kane and Rue’s journey was such a treat, and their happiness brought another beautiful layer to the story.
And then there’s THAT wonderfully unpredictable agent of chaos.
The mischief, the personality, the sheer entertainment! Every appearance had me grinning. DJ and Joe, whoever came up with this character deserves a bloody medal.
And Big D…
Bloody hell. I ADORE him. His character, his humour, his voice — EVERYTHING!
NOW, LET’S TALK ABOUT THAT AUDIOBOOK!
An ALC from Blue Nose Audio, and what an absolute privilege this was to experience.
THIS WASN’T JUST A NARRATION. IT WAS A CINEMATIC MASTERPIECE FOR THE EARS. 🎧🔥
The full cast. The performances. The accents. The immersive soundtrack. The otherworldly music that sweeps you right into the heart of the story.
EVERYTHING WORKED.
The soundscape wasn’t simply background music. It enhanced the atmosphere, heightened the tension, deepened the emotion, and made the world feel as though it existed all around me.
I wasn’t just listening to Asher.
I WAS THERE.
And as a British listener, I have to give a special mention to those accents.
Sean, darling, WE DO EXIST! 😂🇬🇧
The accents were superb. Absolutely superb. No notes from this Brit!
Sean Masters and June DeBorahae delivered phenomenal performances, drawing me into every emotion and making the heartbreaking moments hit even harder.
But this praise extends to the ENTIRE cast.
Gary Furlong deserves a special shout-out. He may be new to this cast, but he arrived and absolutely owned his moments. His agent of chaos was brilliantly performed, and every character he voiced felt distinct and memorable. He brought such energy, personality, and sheer entertainment to the production that I found myself looking forward to every appearance.
Gary, you were FANTASTIC!
Maxine Mitchell… oh, Maxine. 🖤
There is something about her voice that instantly captures my attention. She has such a gift for bringing emotion and personality to a performance, and her work here was another reminder of why I adore listening to her.
And the Sisters Time and Fate? Absolutely loved them!
Big D … aka James … you know you are fucking awesome!
Every performer brought something special to this production, creating an immersive experience that felt genuinely unforgettable.
The narrators didn’t simply tell me this story. They made me FEEL it.
The heartbreak. The laughter. The longing. The love.
All of it.
And when the final moments arrived, I was left wondering how on earth I was supposed to follow this with another audiobook.
DJ KRIMMER & JOE ARDEN — YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!
Grim was a masterpiece, and Asher absolutely stands alongside it.
The story reminded me that love isn’t always easy, grief isn’t always tidy, and sometimes the connections we make are powerful enough to defy everything standing in their way.
There was heartbreak. There was laughter. There was tenderness, tension, and enough emotional whiplash to leave me needing a strong cup of tea and a lie-down.
And through it all was LOVE.
Big, complicated, stubborn, impossible-to-kill love.
I feel incredibly lucky to have been awarded my first direct ALC from Blue Nose Audio, and I’m so glad I got to experience this story in a production that did it such justice.
🎧 MY VERDICT?
A beautifully layered paranormal fantasy, a deeply emotional love story, unforgettable characters, and an audiobook production that deserves to be experienced with headphones on and the world switched off.
If you loved Grim, you absolutely need to step through this portal.
If you’re an audiobook lover who craves immersive, full-cast storytelling, put this on your radar.
Just perhaps avoid listening in public if you value keeping your emotions — and facial expressions — under control.
DJ Krimmer & Joe Arden, thank you for another unforgettable journey.
And to that phenomenal cast: you didn’t just bring this book to life. YOU MADE IT LIVE.
And just when I thought I could catch my breath, the book ended on a CLIFFHANGER!
That final moment left me staring into the void, desperately needing answers and immediately wanting the next instalment. So, DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden, please know that I am now emotionally invested, impatient, and absolutely not okay until I find out what happens next.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to recover… and start campaigning for Big D’s book.
Because priorities, people. PRIORITIES. 😂🖤🎧
The Lost Souls Chronicles, Book 2
AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD AUDIOBOOK EXPERIENCE!
Well, DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden… WHAT ON EARTH HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!
I thought Grim was phenomenal. It was one of my TOP LISTENS OF 2025, and it left an impression that stayed with me long after I took my headphones off.
So naturally, I went into Asher excited.
What I wasn’t expecting was to be sitting in a dentist’s waiting room trying not to sob, then finding myself laughing out loud in a shopping aisle later that same day.
Apparently, emotional stability wasn’t included in my audiobook subscription.
Did I binge this entire book in a day? Absolutely.
Did I regret a single second? Not a chance.
🖤 THE STORY: LOVE, LOSS & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
At its heart, Asher is a story about grief, regret, redemption, second chances, and a love that refuses to surrender to time, death, or fate.
And goodness me, the emotions!
DJ and Joe explore the complicated realities of grief beautifully — the anger, the guilt, the longing, and the pain of wishing you could change things that can never be changed.
What I loved most was that the grief never felt simple or conveniently wrapped up. The characters’ pain felt real, their journeys felt earned, and the love beneath it all was utterly overwhelming.
Because sometimes love doesn’t end when a life does. And sometimes the hardest thing is learning how to live with everything that remains.
Asher’s journey genuinely got under my skin. There were moments I wanted to climb straight into this book, wrap these characters in the biggest hug imaginable, and tell them they deserved so much better than the pain they’d endured.
And woven through the heartbreak? Humour, tenderness, and characters who made me feel every possible emotion.
THE WORLD-BUILDING & THE CHAOS!
Reapers, deities, ghosts, the mortal realm, rock monsters the Otherworld, supernatural bureaucracy…
Because apparently, even the afterlife comes with management and administrative headaches.
The world-building is wonderfully imaginative, with vivid imagery and timelines that give real depth to the characters and the experiences that shaped them.
It feels atmospheric, beautifully constructed, occasionally terrifying, and completely immersive.
And the characters? OH, THE CHARACTERS!
Kane, Rue and Big D — MORE, PLEASE!
Getting to see more of Kane and Rue’s journey was such a treat, and their happiness brought another beautiful layer to the story.
And then there’s THAT wonderfully unpredictable agent of chaos.
The mischief, the personality, the sheer entertainment! Every appearance had me grinning. DJ and Joe, whoever came up with this character deserves a bloody medal.
And Big D…
Bloody hell. I ADORE him. His character, his humour, his voice — EVERYTHING!
NOW, LET’S TALK ABOUT THAT AUDIOBOOK!
An ALC from Blue Nose Audio, and what an absolute privilege this was to experience.
THIS WASN’T JUST A NARRATION. IT WAS A CINEMATIC MASTERPIECE FOR THE EARS. 🎧🔥
The full cast. The performances. The accents. The immersive soundtrack. The otherworldly music that sweeps you right into the heart of the story.
EVERYTHING WORKED.
The soundscape wasn’t simply background music. It enhanced the atmosphere, heightened the tension, deepened the emotion, and made the world feel as though it existed all around me.
I wasn’t just listening to Asher.
I WAS THERE.
And as a British listener, I have to give a special mention to those accents.
Sean, darling, WE DO EXIST! 😂🇬🇧
The accents were superb. Absolutely superb. No notes from this Brit!
Sean Masters and June DeBorahae delivered phenomenal performances, drawing me into every emotion and making the heartbreaking moments hit even harder.
But this praise extends to the ENTIRE cast.
Gary Furlong deserves a special shout-out. He may be new to this cast, but he arrived and absolutely owned his moments. His agent of chaos was brilliantly performed, and every character he voiced felt distinct and memorable. He brought such energy, personality, and sheer entertainment to the production that I found myself looking forward to every appearance.
Gary, you were FANTASTIC!
Maxine Mitchell… oh, Maxine. 🖤
There is something about her voice that instantly captures my attention. She has such a gift for bringing emotion and personality to a performance, and her work here was another reminder of why I adore listening to her.
And the Sisters Time and Fate? Absolutely loved them!
Big D … aka James … you know you are fucking awesome!
Every performer brought something special to this production, creating an immersive experience that felt genuinely unforgettable.
The narrators didn’t simply tell me this story. They made me FEEL it.
The heartbreak. The laughter. The longing. The love.
All of it.
And when the final moments arrived, I was left wondering how on earth I was supposed to follow this with another audiobook.
DJ KRIMMER & JOE ARDEN — YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!
Grim was a masterpiece, and Asher absolutely stands alongside it.
The story reminded me that love isn’t always easy, grief isn’t always tidy, and sometimes the connections we make are powerful enough to defy everything standing in their way.
There was heartbreak. There was laughter. There was tenderness, tension, and enough emotional whiplash to leave me needing a strong cup of tea and a lie-down.
And through it all was LOVE.
Big, complicated, stubborn, impossible-to-kill love.
I feel incredibly lucky to have been awarded my first direct ALC from Blue Nose Audio, and I’m so glad I got to experience this story in a production that did it such justice.
🎧 MY VERDICT?
A beautifully layered paranormal fantasy, a deeply emotional love story, unforgettable characters, and an audiobook production that deserves to be experienced with headphones on and the world switched off.
If you loved Grim, you absolutely need to step through this portal.
If you’re an audiobook lover who craves immersive, full-cast storytelling, put this on your radar.
Just perhaps avoid listening in public if you value keeping your emotions — and facial expressions — under control.
DJ Krimmer & Joe Arden, thank you for another unforgettable journey.
And to that phenomenal cast: you didn’t just bring this book to life. YOU MADE IT LIVE.
And just when I thought I could catch my breath, the book ended on a CLIFFHANGER!
That final moment left me staring into the void, desperately needing answers and immediately wanting the next instalment. So, DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden, please know that I am now emotionally invested, impatient, and absolutely not okay until I find out what happens next.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to recover… and start campaigning for Big D’s book.
Because priorities, people. PRIORITIES. 😂🖤🎧
October 15, 2026
4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
After absolutely falling in love with Grim, I couldn’t wait to jump straight into Asher, and I’m so happy to say that D.J. Krimmer and Joe Arden have delivered another beautiful, emotional story. 🥹
I loved getting to explore more of the OtherWorld and learning about Asher’s past and everything that shaped him. His journey of healing and growth was beautifully written, and while the pacing was a little slower than Grim, I think it allowed us to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Getting to spend more time with familiar faces was another highlight, especially the humour they brought to some of the heavier moments. Although this didn’t quite reach the same emotional heights as Grim for me, I still loved how it balanced grief, love and hope. And THAT ENDING?! I’m going to need the next book immediately. 😭
🎧 Once again, the full-cast narration was absolutely phenomenal. The performances brought every emotion to life so perfectly, from the grief and vulnerability to the humour and quieter moments. There’s something so special about experiencing this world through audio, and I genuinely couldn’t imagine listening to this series any other way.
Another beautifully written and wonderfully narrated story. After listening to both books back to back, I’m nowhere near ready to say goodbye to this world! 🖤
After absolutely falling in love with Grim, I couldn’t wait to jump straight into Asher, and I’m so happy to say that D.J. Krimmer and Joe Arden have delivered another beautiful, emotional story. 🥹
I loved getting to explore more of the OtherWorld and learning about Asher’s past and everything that shaped him. His journey of healing and growth was beautifully written, and while the pacing was a little slower than Grim, I think it allowed us to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Getting to spend more time with familiar faces was another highlight, especially the humour they brought to some of the heavier moments. Although this didn’t quite reach the same emotional heights as Grim for me, I still loved how it balanced grief, love and hope. And THAT ENDING?! I’m going to need the next book immediately. 😭
🎧 Once again, the full-cast narration was absolutely phenomenal. The performances brought every emotion to life so perfectly, from the grief and vulnerability to the humour and quieter moments. There’s something so special about experiencing this world through audio, and I genuinely couldn’t imagine listening to this series any other way.
Another beautifully written and wonderfully narrated story. After listening to both books back to back, I’m nowhere near ready to say goodbye to this world! 🖤
September 15, 2026
After Grim, I could not wait to get my hands on this book! I am completely invested in this series, and somehow it just keeps getting better and better. This is easily one of my top 5 reads of the year!
After getting to know Asher in Grim, I was so excited to get his story, and DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden did not disappoint. I loved getting to see more of Asher and what was underneath that sarcastic, guarded exterior. There is so much more to him than we saw in the first book, and I loved watching his story unfold.
This story had the perfect mix of emotion, humor, banter, and romance. There were moments that had me laughing, moments that broke my heart, and definitely moments where I was sitting there like, WHAT?! The characters have so much personality, and I was completely pulled into their story.
Asher and Maddy’s love story was truly one for the books. It was filled with love, loss, and so much yearning for each other. I also loved getting a glimpse of the Otherworld and seeing more of the characters I fell in love with in Grim.
DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden are such a great writing duo. They know how to create characters who are complicated, entertaining, and so easy to become attached to. And Asher? Yeah… he definitely stole a piece of my heart.
If you loved Grim and were waiting for Asher’s story, you absolutely need to pick this one up! It’s emotional, funny, romantic, and completely addictive. I cannot wait to see what comes next!
After getting to know Asher in Grim, I was so excited to get his story, and DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden did not disappoint. I loved getting to see more of Asher and what was underneath that sarcastic, guarded exterior. There is so much more to him than we saw in the first book, and I loved watching his story unfold.
This story had the perfect mix of emotion, humor, banter, and romance. There were moments that had me laughing, moments that broke my heart, and definitely moments where I was sitting there like, WHAT?! The characters have so much personality, and I was completely pulled into their story.
Asher and Maddy’s love story was truly one for the books. It was filled with love, loss, and so much yearning for each other. I also loved getting a glimpse of the Otherworld and seeing more of the characters I fell in love with in Grim.
DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden are such a great writing duo. They know how to create characters who are complicated, entertaining, and so easy to become attached to. And Asher? Yeah… he definitely stole a piece of my heart.
If you loved Grim and were waiting for Asher’s story, you absolutely need to pick this one up! It’s emotional, funny, romantic, and completely addictive. I cannot wait to see what comes next!
October 14, 2026
Beautifully Tragic 💔
Audiobook 4.5🌟
“For now—the pain. Forever—my love.” 🥺
This book was very different from Grim. I loved them both!
The pain, the heartbreak, the cruelty of it all!
This book was very different from Grim. I loved them both!
Every time you think these characters have reached their breaking point, there’s more hurt, more devastation, and more heartbreak. Asher and Maddy could never be together, their love was a forbidden one. This story will put your heart through the wringer and leave you feeling EVERYTHING.
THE CAST! 🤯🤯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I am yet a mere mortal, and my words cannot possibly do this masterpiece justice. The voice acting was utterly transcendent!! Between the flawless accents and the raw, powerful emotion packed into every scene, the voice talent elevated this story into an otherworldly listening experience! Every single performance was phenomenal. The intensity, the delivery, EVERYTHING was perfection! They brought these characters to life in a way that made me feel every single moment. Absolutely incredible from beginning to end!!
Audiobook 4.5🌟
“For now—the pain. Forever—my love.” 🥺
This book was very different from Grim. I loved them both!
The pain, the heartbreak, the cruelty of it all!
This book was very different from Grim. I loved them both!
Every time you think these characters have reached their breaking point, there’s more hurt, more devastation, and more heartbreak. Asher and Maddy could never be together, their love was a forbidden one. This story will put your heart through the wringer and leave you feeling EVERYTHING.
THE CAST! 🤯🤯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I am yet a mere mortal, and my words cannot possibly do this masterpiece justice. The voice acting was utterly transcendent!! Between the flawless accents and the raw, powerful emotion packed into every scene, the voice talent elevated this story into an otherworldly listening experience! Every single performance was phenomenal. The intensity, the delivery, EVERYTHING was perfection! They brought these characters to life in a way that made me feel every single moment. Absolutely incredible from beginning to end!!
October 15, 2026
Sooo.. WHAT WAS THAT? After Grim, I was so excited for this one, especially the audiobook. Do not get me wrong, Asher and Maddies story is good. Heartbreaking, heartwarming and the yearning is top tier. I loved the concept in this book, how Asher had to go through the things he did to get to the point where he might get to Maddie once more. Big D, still a BIG fan of him 😆
HOWEVER! Who the f.. gave anyone permission for a CLIFFHANGER?! I. Was. Not. Ready.
Asher is a good story, in the Other World where we get to meet all the characters from Grim again. I do think that Grim was a better and more complex story, but Asher was good.
HOWEVER! Who the f.. gave anyone permission for a CLIFFHANGER?! I. Was. Not. Ready.
Asher is a good story, in the Other World where we get to meet all the characters from Grim again. I do think that Grim was a better and more complex story, but Asher was good.
October 14, 2026
I knew that I was going to love Asher and Maddy's story! Their story was beautiful and heartbreaking. I actually think I loved this more than Grim!
As always, the audiobook is casted to perfection!
Huge thank you to Blue Nose Audio for the ALC!
As always, the audiobook is casted to perfection!
Huge thank you to Blue Nose Audio for the ALC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Asher" delivers everything that you'd expect from a "Grim" sequel and then expands the world and tells its own incredible story. It feels more like a fantasy book, with a lot of the main action and adventures taking place in the magical OtherWorld.
Asher's story is told in two timelines, that are revealed parallel to each other. Right from the start you know the ending of the part of the story that takes place in 1860s England. So while the present timeline pushes forward, the one in the past reveals in flashbacks what led to that ending. For me that was a very engaging way to tell the plot, I couldn't wait to piece together the past story and see where the present story was going.
In this book the OtherWorld gets expanded and a lot more detailed. There are no long descriptions though, or big parts with explanations. Everything is revealed naturally and gradually, as part of the story. The worldbuilding is very easy to follow, but it also creates an unique atmosphere. The Other World is alive, and vivid, with sounds, and sights and even smells, with magical creatures, and fantastical landscape, and it's interesting and so very beautiful and haunting. The 1860's England is just as immersive.
This incredible world is filled with wonderfully developed characters, every one of them as memorable as the main ones. I loved the new characters and I loved seeing again some of the characters from Grim. The dynamic between Kane and Rue has changed, and I loved that I got to see how. I also loved that the dynamic between Kane and Big D has stayed the same. Chance was a fantastic new addition. He was very entertaining, but also had a deeper, philosophical side, that I am still thinking about. Time and Fate are also developed further and I am very curious where their stories are going to go.
I was so intrigued to get to know Maddy, in the present and in the Bliss, and in the past. She is fascinating, brave and smart, and funny, with a heart filled with love. And Asher... Him I loved even in Grim, because of the glimpses of his true character. But after really getting to know him and the darkness that he carries, seeing what he's been through and what he is ready to do for love, Tommy, Thomas, Asher, he's my favorite male character from the series. At least for now.
The love story between Asher and Maddy is very beautiful. It starts with a friendship, filled with understanding and acceptance and develops into an unbreakable connection. It's tragic, it's hopeful; there's so much longing, and pain, and simply ... feeling.
Even though there's humor and banter in this story, it's darker than Grim. It is also just as heavy as Grim was, beautiful, heartbreaking. Meaningful. There's a chapter (34) that I am going to reread again, and again, and again.
Grim is so special to me, because there were parts of the story that meant something important to me, that changed my own perspective. I didn't expect it but Asher did the same. It is a very interesting story, entertaining, and also heartbreaking. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I hated. I fell in love. And now, after the end of the book, I am left looking at myself, because it is more than just a fascinating story.
Asher's story is told in two timelines, that are revealed parallel to each other. Right from the start you know the ending of the part of the story that takes place in 1860s England. So while the present timeline pushes forward, the one in the past reveals in flashbacks what led to that ending. For me that was a very engaging way to tell the plot, I couldn't wait to piece together the past story and see where the present story was going.
In this book the OtherWorld gets expanded and a lot more detailed. There are no long descriptions though, or big parts with explanations. Everything is revealed naturally and gradually, as part of the story. The worldbuilding is very easy to follow, but it also creates an unique atmosphere. The Other World is alive, and vivid, with sounds, and sights and even smells, with magical creatures, and fantastical landscape, and it's interesting and so very beautiful and haunting. The 1860's England is just as immersive.
This incredible world is filled with wonderfully developed characters, every one of them as memorable as the main ones. I loved the new characters and I loved seeing again some of the characters from Grim. The dynamic between Kane and Rue has changed, and I loved that I got to see how. I also loved that the dynamic between Kane and Big D has stayed the same. Chance was a fantastic new addition. He was very entertaining, but also had a deeper, philosophical side, that I am still thinking about. Time and Fate are also developed further and I am very curious where their stories are going to go.
I was so intrigued to get to know Maddy, in the present and in the Bliss, and in the past. She is fascinating, brave and smart, and funny, with a heart filled with love. And Asher... Him I loved even in Grim, because of the glimpses of his true character. But after really getting to know him and the darkness that he carries, seeing what he's been through and what he is ready to do for love, Tommy, Thomas, Asher, he's my favorite male character from the series. At least for now.
The love story between Asher and Maddy is very beautiful. It starts with a friendship, filled with understanding and acceptance and develops into an unbreakable connection. It's tragic, it's hopeful; there's so much longing, and pain, and simply ... feeling.
Even though there's humor and banter in this story, it's darker than Grim. It is also just as heavy as Grim was, beautiful, heartbreaking. Meaningful. There's a chapter (34) that I am going to reread again, and again, and again.
Grim is so special to me, because there were parts of the story that meant something important to me, that changed my own perspective. I didn't expect it but Asher did the same. It is a very interesting story, entertaining, and also heartbreaking. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I hated. I fell in love. And now, after the end of the book, I am left looking at myself, because it is more than just a fascinating story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This ones really hard to put into words. What i can say is this, if you loved Grim? You will absolutely love Asher. As a woman who is weak for first loves and soul mates/star crossed lovers? This gives you all of it. Every memory of their love from the past, those who tried to keep them apart. My pooooor heart.
And getting to come back to our favorite characters? Big D right off the rip knowing hes always been that cocky attitude of him we all love? Its like coming home to family.
This book was even better than the first in my opinion. Buckle up friends.
And getting to come back to our favorite characters? Big D right off the rip knowing hes always been that cocky attitude of him we all love? Its like coming home to family.
This book was even better than the first in my opinion. Buckle up friends.
dnr
September 26, 2026Dual v but he is in so much pain when he loses the fmc he has to fuck the ow and you all are calling the scene hot while simultaneously calling yourselves safety readers? you all lost your damn mind
October 13, 2026
🎧 Audio Review and what an audio it was...
It's no surprise that Sean Masters and James Cassidy were phenomenal as always 👌🏼 but I want to specifically mention June deBorahae and Gary Furlong. Both narrators are new to me and their performance captivated me from the beginning!
I won't deny, when it comes to British representations I can be very critical 🙈
I don't know what nationality June deBorahae is but wow! The British accent of Maddy and alternative accent of Fate was incredibly impressive, I honestly thought it was two different people, it's so well done!
Gary Furlong - excuse me! How have I never experienced an audio from him! I'm craving more! Between the accent and the humour of his characters, he embodied the roles and had me excited for his next dialogue.
The audio for me definately surpassed the story .. I went in blind, expecting similar emotional complexities we found in Grim but unfortunately it didn't quite reach there for me.
Slowwwwwww burn, lots of yearning and it felt like the entire book was spent searching for Maddy.
I did love the character development of Asher, him facing his inner turmoil and growing as a character.
James Cassidy's humour was a welcomed reprieve at every entrance .. it brought something extra and really did keep me interested.
The main characters getting together at 94% was just too long a wait for me .. throwing in the plot twist and cliffhanger .. I most certainly will be watching for book 3 as Asher to me is most certainly a plot filler for alot more to come.
It's no surprise that Sean Masters and James Cassidy were phenomenal as always 👌🏼 but I want to specifically mention June deBorahae and Gary Furlong. Both narrators are new to me and their performance captivated me from the beginning!
I won't deny, when it comes to British representations I can be very critical 🙈
I don't know what nationality June deBorahae is but wow! The British accent of Maddy and alternative accent of Fate was incredibly impressive, I honestly thought it was two different people, it's so well done!
Gary Furlong - excuse me! How have I never experienced an audio from him! I'm craving more! Between the accent and the humour of his characters, he embodied the roles and had me excited for his next dialogue.
The audio for me definately surpassed the story .. I went in blind, expecting similar emotional complexities we found in Grim but unfortunately it didn't quite reach there for me.
Slowwwwwww burn, lots of yearning and it felt like the entire book was spent searching for Maddy.
I did love the character development of Asher, him facing his inner turmoil and growing as a character.
James Cassidy's humour was a welcomed reprieve at every entrance .. it brought something extra and really did keep me interested.
The main characters getting together at 94% was just too long a wait for me .. throwing in the plot twist and cliffhanger .. I most certainly will be watching for book 3 as Asher to me is most certainly a plot filler for alot more to come.
October 15, 2026
Grim was one of my all time favorite reads so I had very high expectations for Asher. And let me just say, Joe & DJ did not disappoint. This story was absolutely incredible from start to finish. The way the authors brought everything together was beautifully done, and I was once again amazed by the writing, the emotions, and the unforgettable characters.
The love between Asher and Maddy was everything. 🥹❤️ It was so beautifully written and so deep and genuine. Their relationship was heartbreaking, sexy, captivating, and so damn profound.
I also have to give major credit to the authors for how well they handled the time jumps! Sometimes time jumps can make a story feel disconnected, but that was absolutely NOT the case here. Everything flowed so naturally, and each jump added another layer of depth and emotion to the story. It was incredibly well executed!
And can we PLEASE talk about the humor?! 😂 The perfectly timed comedic moments were everything! They brought such a wonderful balance to all the emotions. BIG D is an absolute LEGEND! 🤣🙌
This book had it ALL—beautiful love, incredible storytelling and even more world building, emotional depth, and moments that made me literally laugh out loud. The authors truly outdid themselves, and I loved every second of it! This is one of those stories that reminded me exactly why I love reading so much. Easy 5 stars.
The love between Asher and Maddy was everything. 🥹❤️ It was so beautifully written and so deep and genuine. Their relationship was heartbreaking, sexy, captivating, and so damn profound.
I also have to give major credit to the authors for how well they handled the time jumps! Sometimes time jumps can make a story feel disconnected, but that was absolutely NOT the case here. Everything flowed so naturally, and each jump added another layer of depth and emotion to the story. It was incredibly well executed!
And can we PLEASE talk about the humor?! 😂 The perfectly timed comedic moments were everything! They brought such a wonderful balance to all the emotions. BIG D is an absolute LEGEND! 🤣🙌
This book had it ALL—beautiful love, incredible storytelling and even more world building, emotional depth, and moments that made me literally laugh out loud. The authors truly outdid themselves, and I loved every second of it! This is one of those stories that reminded me exactly why I love reading so much. Easy 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"WWNSTM? What would nana say to me?"
What would she say indeed. Well, for starters, she would repeat a quote from book one, “Love Never Dies”. And how true that is! Book two in The Lost Souls Chronicles is about second chances, forbidden love, and star-crossed lovers. As someone who is a hopeless romantic and loves stories of soulmates. I ate every second of this up.
We follow Asher as he searches for his true love Maddy. Written in a dual timeline, we learn how their paths intertwined through memories and how they both ended up in the Otherworld. There journey is both heartbreaking, emotional and beautiful. And just like the first book, there is a message within the story. You the reader will experience a journey of self growth, reflection and forgiveness. And I truly love how the authors have us connect with the characters in this way.
If you loved Grim then you are absolutely going to love Asher. It gives the same vibes as the first book and we even have Big D, Rue & Kane back. I also loved the introduction of the new characters and how we got to explore more of The Otherworld.
Thank you Bluenose Audio, DJ Krimmer & Joe Arden for giving me the opportunity to read this early copy of Asher. I absolutely loved it.
What would she say indeed. Well, for starters, she would repeat a quote from book one, “Love Never Dies”. And how true that is! Book two in The Lost Souls Chronicles is about second chances, forbidden love, and star-crossed lovers. As someone who is a hopeless romantic and loves stories of soulmates. I ate every second of this up.
We follow Asher as he searches for his true love Maddy. Written in a dual timeline, we learn how their paths intertwined through memories and how they both ended up in the Otherworld. There journey is both heartbreaking, emotional and beautiful. And just like the first book, there is a message within the story. You the reader will experience a journey of self growth, reflection and forgiveness. And I truly love how the authors have us connect with the characters in this way.
If you loved Grim then you are absolutely going to love Asher. It gives the same vibes as the first book and we even have Big D, Rue & Kane back. I also loved the introduction of the new characters and how we got to explore more of The Otherworld.
Thank you Bluenose Audio, DJ Krimmer & Joe Arden for giving me the opportunity to read this early copy of Asher. I absolutely loved it.
October 14, 2026
Story: 4.25 Stars
Narration: 5+ Stars
Asher was one of my most anticipated books of 2026, and now I can wholeheartedly say the next book in the series will be one of my most anticipated for 2027!
I am an enormous fan of both authors and the universe they created in GRIM. Asher and Maddy’s second-chance, dual-timeline romance was full of side quests, obstacles, and self-reflection that kept me hitting play in every spare moment I had. The story deeply explored the choice between numbness and bliss versus feeling both pleasure and pain. I felt the weight of that choice alongside the characters, and it prompted some reflection of my own.
There were a few moments when the timelines felt slightly disconnected, leaving me a little confused, but never enough to pull me out of the story. Revisiting life with Rue and Kane was like going home. Big D is everything and more! And Chance added such a fun layer to this one.
The audio on this series is unmatched! I am an immersive reader whenever possible and if you are new to audiobooks THIS is the series to start with - though you'll be spoiled for any audiobook to come!
Narration: 5+ Stars
Asher was one of my most anticipated books of 2026, and now I can wholeheartedly say the next book in the series will be one of my most anticipated for 2027!
I am an enormous fan of both authors and the universe they created in GRIM. Asher and Maddy’s second-chance, dual-timeline romance was full of side quests, obstacles, and self-reflection that kept me hitting play in every spare moment I had. The story deeply explored the choice between numbness and bliss versus feeling both pleasure and pain. I felt the weight of that choice alongside the characters, and it prompted some reflection of my own.
There were a few moments when the timelines felt slightly disconnected, leaving me a little confused, but never enough to pull me out of the story. Revisiting life with Rue and Kane was like going home. Big D is everything and more! And Chance added such a fun layer to this one.
The audio on this series is unmatched! I am an immersive reader whenever possible and if you are new to audiobooks THIS is the series to start with - though you'll be spoiled for any audiobook to come!
October 17, 2026
You know when you read the second book in a series & are POSITIVE it can't be better than the first? That was me going into Asher.. & BOY WAS I MISTAKEN. I absolutely loved Grim but Asher blew him out of the water. This story is so emotionally charged. Anger, lust, love, betrayal, & everything in between. I laughed, cried, yelled "WTF" a few too many times. I read this by audio book & I am recommending this series to every person I know. This take on the afterlife has me in an absolute chokehold. The amount of spice is a perfect balance to keep the story charged & fun. While the emotional journey Asher & Maddy go through is absolutely heart breaking. I will be holding my breath for the next book because WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK WAS THAT ENDING?!?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Walking into The Other World again to experience this magic was absolutely the best time.
First I would like to say that this book takes you on such a beautiful and fun adventure of Lost Love, Long forgotten memories, unbelievable heartache, forbidden love, Loss again, Heartache, Poetry, and just the most exquisite show of Redemption I have read.. Well since Grim that is.
If you are thinking that this is a stand alone, you are somewhat right.. Kind of. You ABSOLUTELY should read Grim first so you get an intro into The Other World in the way it was imagined.
Thomas Asher is just a humble blacksmith that had an unfortunate encounter that leads him to The Other World. Maddy is a Lady of her time and when these two collide.. well MAGIC is proven to exist.
They battle through all the twists and turns of their current situations and time to eventually possibly maybe just get to spend the rest of never together. I was not expecting to fall for these characters equally and even more that Grim with Kane and Rue. Here are though..
Dj and Joe do such a fantastic job with these stories, they bring you into their own minds and show you something unreal and magical and beautiful. So much so that when this story came to an end I was SO sad to not have a full conclusion.. Now we wait.. for what comes next. I have no predictions yet but I will say it will be epic I am sure!
OH and Big D.. well I suspect he has more of a story to come.. at least let's hope! Also Nana.. Hey girl hey!
Thank you to Blue Nose Audio for allowing me the Honor to early read this and thank you for the ride.
First I would like to say that this book takes you on such a beautiful and fun adventure of Lost Love, Long forgotten memories, unbelievable heartache, forbidden love, Loss again, Heartache, Poetry, and just the most exquisite show of Redemption I have read.. Well since Grim that is.
If you are thinking that this is a stand alone, you are somewhat right.. Kind of. You ABSOLUTELY should read Grim first so you get an intro into The Other World in the way it was imagined.
Thomas Asher is just a humble blacksmith that had an unfortunate encounter that leads him to The Other World. Maddy is a Lady of her time and when these two collide.. well MAGIC is proven to exist.
They battle through all the twists and turns of their current situations and time to eventually possibly maybe just get to spend the rest of never together. I was not expecting to fall for these characters equally and even more that Grim with Kane and Rue. Here are though..
Dj and Joe do such a fantastic job with these stories, they bring you into their own minds and show you something unreal and magical and beautiful. So much so that when this story came to an end I was SO sad to not have a full conclusion.. Now we wait.. for what comes next. I have no predictions yet but I will say it will be epic I am sure!
OH and Big D.. well I suspect he has more of a story to come.. at least let's hope! Also Nana.. Hey girl hey!
Thank you to Blue Nose Audio for allowing me the Honor to early read this and thank you for the ride.
September 15, 2026
Asher was beautifully written. I loved being in the OtherWorld again, and the way that this absolutely sucked me in.
Jumping between past and present, Asher and Maddy's story had me in all of my feels. The tension... the heartbreak... the longing 😭 It was an emotional rollercoaster that had me both sobbing and laughing out loud (the best kind of reader's journey!)
Grim was a favorite of mine, and Asher was an incredible follow up. I cannot wait to see what DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden share with us next because after that ending, I need the next book. I'm definitely looking forward to the audio release so it can break my heart & heal me all over again 💔🥺
Jumping between past and present, Asher and Maddy's story had me in all of my feels. The tension... the heartbreak... the longing 😭 It was an emotional rollercoaster that had me both sobbing and laughing out loud (the best kind of reader's journey!)
Grim was a favorite of mine, and Asher was an incredible follow up. I cannot wait to see what DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden share with us next because after that ending, I need the next book. I'm definitely looking forward to the audio release so it can break my heart & heal me all over again 💔🥺
October 14, 2026
DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden you have done it again! I don't think I have ever read as an intense love story as I have in Asher. I almost read this last month on the day of release because I didn't want to wait for the audio and I'm so glad I waited. Asher has the most brilliant cast and Sean Masters and June DeBorahae deserve an award for their beautiful reading as Asher/Thomas Asher and Maddy/Fate. Joe Arden and Andi Eloise are back for our favorite Grimly couple Kane and Rue, Maxine Mitchell delivers as always as Time and Mercy and James Cassidy stealing the thunder as Big D. I highly recommend downloading the book and the audio for the full immersive experience.
October 16, 2026
These two write so well together. I wasn’t sure if I could like Asher as much as I did Grim but nope I was wrong it is so good. One moment I was laughing the next I was crying then back to laughing (my husband just looked at me like I am crazy lol). I read along with the audio book and the way the story is wrote and the way all the narrators bring these characters to life is chefs kiss. I definitely recommend giving this a read if you are wanting something that will make you laugh and cry in the same story.
September 3, 2026
ALC Review
The universe of the OtherWorld is very, well, dead…. yet alive in the name of all things pain, pleasure, pleasantry, and petulance. DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden’s second installment in The Lost Souls Chronicles tells a dual timeline quest for love and redemption, centuries apart, by way Thomas Asher and Madeleine Whitcomb.
Asher is a deeper look at the cost and devastation of losing love in a mortal timeline, and finding a second chance on a different plane of existence. Their story begins for us in the form of adolescent admiration in early 1860’s England, and their mortal love story doesn’t burn long enough to see the end of that decade. This time capsule creates a sense of urgency as Tommy and Maddy start to peel back the pain to revisit long suppressed memories.
June deBorahae and Sean Masters take the lead in a wildly talented, full cast performance. In addition to their roles as Maddy and Tommy, they voice Fate and Seek, respectively.
What never fails to tickle my earbuds is how striking the difference is between those roles from these two actors, and how these characters are delivered with an earnestness that feels natural and imprinted wholly in the performance.
June’s tone in Maddy’s accent is so crisp and clear, I found myself craving her POV chapters. She gives a playful and innocent, yet entirely conniving and confident twist on a young girl growing into a woman destined to marry a man who feels entitled to snuff her brilliance.
June’s performance of Maddy’s in The Bliss is probably my favorite POV in the entirety of the book.
And as Fate? Chapter Five is brilliantly written and my favorite development of the OtherWorld. Here’s to an uprising of female characters who demand what they want.
Sean puts Asher through an emotional wringer in multiple high-stakes scenes while capturing our lead character at pivotal and distinctive moments in his life. It is not lost on me how Asher’s broken boy energy drove his motivations and overall disposition in Grim. Sean maintains this consistently in Asher.
When Asher’s assignment shifts, Sean gives us the opportunity to hear a different side of Asher that felt so true to the heart we saw glimpses of in book one. When Seek steps into the story, Sean gives him a sweet simplicity that shines a light on my favorite plot development of all…hope.
The cast is rounded out by talent that are all, undeniably, voices I respect and trust to tell this story in a way that gives it the dignity and divine performance it deserves. Maxine Mitchell as Time? My heart was ticking for her as she found her power. Gary Furlong as a newly introduced Chance? I’m cashing in all my chips for this playful gravitational force and his charming, yet soul wrenching, bartering.
Andi Eloise brings back a Rue who shines in her role in The Lost Souls Division with powerful enthusiasm. Andi gives Rue some dominant energy in her relationship with Kane that had me giggling.
Joe Arden’s Kane is lovesick and it oozes into his character in such an obvious and compelling way — his softening as a man speaks to his character growth.
James Cassidy’s Death delivered my favorite zingers and nonsensical bureaucratic bullshit in a way I never knew existed until James put on Daryl’s robes and said “WWND?”
There are other significant characters who join the journey of remembrance at pivotal spots in the story. The cast gives each of those characters their own atmosphere to exist in that helps them feel folded into the story without feeling as though they are misplaced. Alister, you will learn, takes up more space than he deserves and is ultimately the biggest driving force of the major conflict in Tommy and Maddy’s story.
Rounding out the essence that is Asher — The spice is used very well in the two timelines and in situations where it explains character motivations, plot points, and conflict. The emotions within the love story is felt at many points, and individually, during each character’s pleasure and pain.
A subtle, yet impactful, soundscape adds to the overall experience without overtaking the performances of the actors. Original music is woven with beads of industrial and technological sounds. I appreciated the sound that indicated the flashbacks — it felt so right.
If anything, may you leave with a similar hope as I did — at the end of it all, may there be hope for as many chances as I need to find my peace.
The universe of the OtherWorld is very, well, dead…. yet alive in the name of all things pain, pleasure, pleasantry, and petulance. DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden’s second installment in The Lost Souls Chronicles tells a dual timeline quest for love and redemption, centuries apart, by way Thomas Asher and Madeleine Whitcomb.
Asher is a deeper look at the cost and devastation of losing love in a mortal timeline, and finding a second chance on a different plane of existence. Their story begins for us in the form of adolescent admiration in early 1860’s England, and their mortal love story doesn’t burn long enough to see the end of that decade. This time capsule creates a sense of urgency as Tommy and Maddy start to peel back the pain to revisit long suppressed memories.
June deBorahae and Sean Masters take the lead in a wildly talented, full cast performance. In addition to their roles as Maddy and Tommy, they voice Fate and Seek, respectively.
What never fails to tickle my earbuds is how striking the difference is between those roles from these two actors, and how these characters are delivered with an earnestness that feels natural and imprinted wholly in the performance.
June’s tone in Maddy’s accent is so crisp and clear, I found myself craving her POV chapters. She gives a playful and innocent, yet entirely conniving and confident twist on a young girl growing into a woman destined to marry a man who feels entitled to snuff her brilliance.
June’s performance of Maddy’s in The Bliss is probably my favorite POV in the entirety of the book.
And as Fate? Chapter Five is brilliantly written and my favorite development of the OtherWorld. Here’s to an uprising of female characters who demand what they want.
Sean puts Asher through an emotional wringer in multiple high-stakes scenes while capturing our lead character at pivotal and distinctive moments in his life. It is not lost on me how Asher’s broken boy energy drove his motivations and overall disposition in Grim. Sean maintains this consistently in Asher.
When Asher’s assignment shifts, Sean gives us the opportunity to hear a different side of Asher that felt so true to the heart we saw glimpses of in book one. When Seek steps into the story, Sean gives him a sweet simplicity that shines a light on my favorite plot development of all…hope.
The cast is rounded out by talent that are all, undeniably, voices I respect and trust to tell this story in a way that gives it the dignity and divine performance it deserves. Maxine Mitchell as Time? My heart was ticking for her as she found her power. Gary Furlong as a newly introduced Chance? I’m cashing in all my chips for this playful gravitational force and his charming, yet soul wrenching, bartering.
Andi Eloise brings back a Rue who shines in her role in The Lost Souls Division with powerful enthusiasm. Andi gives Rue some dominant energy in her relationship with Kane that had me giggling.
Joe Arden’s Kane is lovesick and it oozes into his character in such an obvious and compelling way — his softening as a man speaks to his character growth.
James Cassidy’s Death delivered my favorite zingers and nonsensical bureaucratic bullshit in a way I never knew existed until James put on Daryl’s robes and said “WWND?”
There are other significant characters who join the journey of remembrance at pivotal spots in the story. The cast gives each of those characters their own atmosphere to exist in that helps them feel folded into the story without feeling as though they are misplaced. Alister, you will learn, takes up more space than he deserves and is ultimately the biggest driving force of the major conflict in Tommy and Maddy’s story.
Rounding out the essence that is Asher — The spice is used very well in the two timelines and in situations where it explains character motivations, plot points, and conflict. The emotions within the love story is felt at many points, and individually, during each character’s pleasure and pain.
A subtle, yet impactful, soundscape adds to the overall experience without overtaking the performances of the actors. Original music is woven with beads of industrial and technological sounds. I appreciated the sound that indicated the flashbacks — it felt so right.
If anything, may you leave with a similar hope as I did — at the end of it all, may there be hope for as many chances as I need to find my peace.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews