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Don't Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper
When unassuming college student Emery Sutton wakes up in the morgue, it takes him a few minutes to remember he has magic (superpowers, damn it!) and free himself from the refrigerated drawer. And the body bag. (God.) It doesn’t take long, though, for him to remember the hot guy with wings he ran into just before a city bus ran into him.
Junior Reaper John must explain to his supervisor how his first solo assignment went so wrong. All he knows is that he happened upon Emery quite by accident, that Emery saw John when he shouldn’t have been able to, and when they accidentally touched, a bus came out of nowhere and plowed Emery under. (John really does feel bad about that.)
Hot angels, annoying demons, hijinks, absurdity, drunk siblings, a dash of silly romance, an inordinate attachment to wings, and a highly disorganized bid for world domination—Don’t Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper follows Emery and John down the rabbit hole where they find that moms are scarier than demons from hell, a goat is not a puppy no matter what Emery’s sister says, and awkward romance can happen anywhere.
Junior Reaper John must explain to his supervisor how his first solo assignment went so wrong. All he knows is that he happened upon Emery quite by accident, that Emery saw John when he shouldn’t have been able to, and when they accidentally touched, a bus came out of nowhere and plowed Emery under. (John really does feel bad about that.)
Hot angels, annoying demons, hijinks, absurdity, drunk siblings, a dash of silly romance, an inordinate attachment to wings, and a highly disorganized bid for world domination—Don’t Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper follows Emery and John down the rabbit hole where they find that moms are scarier than demons from hell, a goat is not a puppy no matter what Emery’s sister says, and awkward romance can happen anywhere.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2019
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259 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 16, 2018
HA! This quote from the book sums itself up perfectly:
It is kind of sappy, the entire situation is right out of a romance novel… a very, very weird romance novel, but it’s also delightfully awkwardly charming.
At 20, college student Emery has had magic for as long as he can remember, but never realized just how powerful his "Superpowers" were, until he woke up in the morgue. After being dead. Well, 'mostly' dead, I suppose.
John (not his real name) was a newly-minted Reaper, who remembered nothing about his former life on Earth. Until he innocently touched a beautiful guy in the middle of the street, inadvertently unlocking some of his old, pre-Angel memories.
But something went wrong, and John's unintentional touch turned into The Touch. Yes, the "poof, you're dead" one. Then, one speeding bus later and the beautiful guy was headed to the morgue in a body bag.
This was SUCH a fun story. From the moment that Emery woke up", after his temporary death, there was one funny situation, internal thought, or quip after another.
Yes, the low-key humor lasted for the *entire* book, which I loved.
I also loved Emery's self-deprecating sense of humor, which felt sort of like an alternate universe "Sam of Wilds" (from TJ Klune's "Tales of Verania" series), just with the OTT-ness turned way down.
I absolutely adored every single side-character in the story, too. From Emery's overly-snarky sister, to his overly-protective momma bear mother, to his overly-sensitive father, they were all equally awesome.
And homeless, would-be fashion critic "Crazy Helen"? OMMFG, how she kept calling Emery women's names, like Nancy, Belinda and Penelope, while he was freaking out over his 'not-deadness' and supposed evil destiny, I was goddamn dying laughing.
This story was definitely a farce, just like the author described it in the forward note, not taking itself too seriously. So while I don't see it curing cancer, I almost guarantee that it'll make you laugh -- if you leave your preconceptions at the door and just roll with it.
I adored the somewhat sappy ending, complete with magical violins and candles, which I'd call an HFN, but since both MC's were and perfect together, the romantic in me is going to go out on a limb and upgrade that to a 'hopeful' HEA.
I only had two niggles about the story. First, the story felt complete, but at only 60 pages, I would've killed for it to be full novel-length. Said the greedy book whore.
Second, the story was told in present tense. Which I *LOATHE*. I found the tense completely distracting, to the point of constantly pulling me out of the story. So yeah, I would've changed that shit in a hot damn minute.
Other than that, I'd rate this short, humorous story at around 4.25 stars and recommend it to fans of funny stories that aren't trying to be more than pure entertainment and contribute to a few well-earned laugh lines on readers' faces.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
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January 4, 2019
*4.5 stars*
Honestly, I loved this funny, quirky novella.
Don't Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper was my first book by Carole Cummings, but now I want to read every single thing she's written.
The story read like a T.J. Klune book, if his comedy books are to your taste. I was actually snicking out loud while reading in bed (my husband was not pleased), and I couldn't put it down. At only 70 pages, I blew right through it, and I left the story wanting MORE.
The family dynamics were adorable, the cast of characters was perfect, and the chemistry was squee-worthy. It was a light, fun, pick-me-up read that will not disappoint. My only complaint is that I wanted 200 more pages. Carole Cummings did something very right.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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Honestly, I loved this funny, quirky novella.
Don't Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper was my first book by Carole Cummings, but now I want to read every single thing she's written.
The story read like a T.J. Klune book, if his comedy books are to your taste. I was actually snicking out loud while reading in bed (my husband was not pleased), and I couldn't put it down. At only 70 pages, I blew right through it, and I left the story wanting MORE.
The family dynamics were adorable, the cast of characters was perfect, and the chemistry was squee-worthy. It was a light, fun, pick-me-up read that will not disappoint. My only complaint is that I wanted 200 more pages. Carole Cummings did something very right.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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April 11, 2019
Every time I read a story that considers itself a parody or farce, I sadly end up being disappointed.
Handsome Junior Reaper Angel John accidentally touches a handsome guy on the street, which immediately causes said guy to be run over by a bus… because ‘touch of death’ etc.
However, our poor victim Emery isn’t dead. At least, not really. He wakes up in a morgue and needs to convince himself he isn’t Patient Zero of some zombie apocalypse.
After several attempts at solving the issue, which results in several accidental deaths for Emery, it turns out that Emery isn’t your average college student after all.
He might in fact be a spawn from hell. But then he’s never done an evil thing in his life, let alone that his mom simply wouldn’t have him raise the end of the world. Cos that’s not something good boys like Emery do…
This story was bat-shit crazy. Sadly, all the comedic references completely buried the characters and left me with a real mess that I did not manage to take seriously as a story.
2 stars!
Handsome Junior Reaper Angel John accidentally touches a handsome guy on the street, which immediately causes said guy to be run over by a bus… because ‘touch of death’ etc.
However, our poor victim Emery isn’t dead. At least, not really. He wakes up in a morgue and needs to convince himself he isn’t Patient Zero of some zombie apocalypse.
After several attempts at solving the issue, which results in several accidental deaths for Emery, it turns out that Emery isn’t your average college student after all.
He might in fact be a spawn from hell. But then he’s never done an evil thing in his life, let alone that his mom simply wouldn’t have him raise the end of the world. Cos that’s not something good boys like Emery do…
This story was bat-shit crazy. Sadly, all the comedic references completely buried the characters and left me with a real mess that I did not manage to take seriously as a story.
2 stars!
January 13, 2019
This short paranormal romance was charming, adorable and totally hilarious! Sam and Emery are truly proof positive that opposites attract and God know they don't come more opposite than these too! Although discounting their core natures these two adorkable geeks are a perfect match! What a truly laugh-out-loud funny and awesome read!
December 18, 2018
Really cute, funny as hell, with a dual POV, and while it ends a little bit abruptly it still manages a HFN ending.
Mostly though I loved the humor and pop culture references.
I'd love to see Emory and his angel in a longer-length story and how, and if, their relationship grows.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Don't Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
Mostly though I loved the humor and pop culture references.
“Hey, I could’ve killed him with my brain!”
“Whoa, okay there, River, settle down.”
“Well, I could’ve.”
“Dude. You cried when Artax sank in the Swamp of—”
“That was very traumatic for a kid’s movie!”
“You saw it when you were fifteen.”
I'd love to see Emory and his angel in a longer-length story and how, and if, their relationship grows.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Don't Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
January 13, 2019
This author is best known for her amazing high-fantasy series full of drama and angst, but she's also the author of one of my favorite warm, light, short fantasy stories - The Queen's Librarian. This story says up front "Farce (noun)". It's a light, frothy, funny, love-at-first-touch... (almost) story.
Emery is a college student who wakes up in the morgue in a body bag, not dead. While most young guys would've flipped out at that, Emery has been in possession of odd superpowers for his whole life. While this is more dramatic than doing real card magic instead of slight-of-hand, or animating his sister's toys, it's still not that far out of his weird experience. He's more worried about being found nude, totally embarrassed by the cliche of being hit by a bus, and curious about the gorgeous guy who touched him right before that happened. Especially the last - those green eyes and black wings were HOT.
Junior Reaper John knows how his job is supposed to go - find the person who is dying, send them to the Transition queue, rinse and repeat. Except his Administrator tracks him down to tell him the young man he Touched isn't in the queue. In fact, the guy has vanished and he doesn't seem to be dead. Administrators hate when the paperwork gets screwed up. John is sent back to Earth to fix his mistake, pronto. But it doesn't turn out to be that simple.
This was fun, cute, humorous, and a little sweet. It's pure froth, with an array of quirky side characters, and loving but off-kilter family dynamics. A good read for a brief moment when you want to end up with an amused smile on your face.
Emery is a college student who wakes up in the morgue in a body bag, not dead. While most young guys would've flipped out at that, Emery has been in possession of odd superpowers for his whole life. While this is more dramatic than doing real card magic instead of slight-of-hand, or animating his sister's toys, it's still not that far out of his weird experience. He's more worried about being found nude, totally embarrassed by the cliche of being hit by a bus, and curious about the gorgeous guy who touched him right before that happened. Especially the last - those green eyes and black wings were HOT.
Junior Reaper John knows how his job is supposed to go - find the person who is dying, send them to the Transition queue, rinse and repeat. Except his Administrator tracks him down to tell him the young man he Touched isn't in the queue. In fact, the guy has vanished and he doesn't seem to be dead. Administrators hate when the paperwork gets screwed up. John is sent back to Earth to fix his mistake, pronto. But it doesn't turn out to be that simple.
This was fun, cute, humorous, and a little sweet. It's pure froth, with an array of quirky side characters, and loving but off-kilter family dynamics. A good read for a brief moment when you want to end up with an amused smile on your face.
January 30, 2020
“Waking up dead” may be an interesting way of wording what might happen after death, but it doesn’t make sense nor is it something that happens to anyone. Well, not as far as we know. Except this is the situation that unassuming student Emery faces right after meeting the most gorgeous man with wings he has ever seen. The situation gets more interesting from there, less probable by the page, and I was soon laughing myself through this ridiculously hilarious novella while trying to breathe. What a hysterical story! And also totally improbable – but that is by design, as the author mentions in her foreword:
“farce (noun): a light dramatic composition marked by broadly satirical comedy and improbable plot
Sooooo… y’know. Just so we’re clear.”
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
“farce (noun): a light dramatic composition marked by broadly satirical comedy and improbable plot
Sooooo… y’know. Just so we’re clear.”
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 29, 2019
There’s a warning at the beginning of the book - and readers should heed it.
Do not go in expecting tears or angst or even logic, really. Don't Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper is, as the warning states, a comical (paranormal) short story. It has enough little twists and geeky humor to make it an enjoyable read on, say, a commuter train or bus. Despite being very short (it'll take you an hour, tops), there are unexpected reveals, a multitude of likable characters, and absurd situations that come to a ridiculous but sweet resolution.
If you only have a bit of time and are in the mood for something not so serious, or just need a bit of a palate cleanser, this is the story for you.
Do not go in expecting tears or angst or even logic, really. Don't Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper is, as the warning states, a comical (paranormal) short story. It has enough little twists and geeky humor to make it an enjoyable read on, say, a commuter train or bus. Despite being very short (it'll take you an hour, tops), there are unexpected reveals, a multitude of likable characters, and absurd situations that come to a ridiculous but sweet resolution.
If you only have a bit of time and are in the mood for something not so serious, or just need a bit of a palate cleanser, this is the story for you.
March 15, 2019
I loved this. It's a silly farce and it's delightful frothy fun. I read it in one sitting and it was a great way to spend a couple of hours. I laughed a lot. I loved the tone of this book and all the unexplained pop culture references--Doctor Who, The Neverending Story, Firefly, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc. Do pay attention to the "warning" at the beginning--this is a very silly book that does not take itself seriously. It's short, ridiculous, and wonderful. It's not really a romance, more of an extended meet-cute and it's superbly entertaining. Carole Cummings writes both fantasy extremes so well--light and silly (like this) or dark and intense (the Wolf's Own or Aisling series)--and I love all of it. I'm always looking forward to what's next from this author.
January 12, 2019
Emery Sutton keeps dying whenever he touches (or being touched) by this gorgeous Reaper – but don’t worry, he also keeps coming back. Of course, Emery knows that he has magic superpower since he’s a little boy, but he never really thinks that one of them is being able to return from the dead. Meanwhile, John, the Reaper, is being tasked by his supervisor to find out why Emery doesn’t stay dead…
The author immediately “warns” the readers that this novella will be a farce – so I did jump in expecting comedy and absurd situation. I loved ALL the characters here – they are all funny, well, except John, he’s quieter than the rest of the casts. But I guess having one of his charges keep coming back makes one loses all speeches *laugh*. My favorite MVP will be Emery’s mother though, she’s a bad-ass.
I cannot spoil what has been happening to Emery that makes him immortal. This is something that readers must find out themselves. All I can say is Don’t Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper is wildly quirky and HIGHLY entertaining. This is my first book of Cummings, since the rest don’t really fall in my usual genre, and I am quite satisfied with what I read.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The author immediately “warns” the readers that this novella will be a farce – so I did jump in expecting comedy and absurd situation. I loved ALL the characters here – they are all funny, well, except John, he’s quieter than the rest of the casts. But I guess having one of his charges keep coming back makes one loses all speeches *laugh*. My favorite MVP will be Emery’s mother though, she’s a bad-ass.
I cannot spoil what has been happening to Emery that makes him immortal. This is something that readers must find out themselves. All I can say is Don’t Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper is wildly quirky and HIGHLY entertaining. This is my first book of Cummings, since the rest don’t really fall in my usual genre, and I am quite satisfied with what I read.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
January 12, 2019
“Emery, please do as your father told you and go tell those people you’re not allowed to be their antichrist.”
I loved these guys ohmygod. Brilliant. This story was adorkable, ridiculous and hilarious.
It was such a fun read. I enjoyed it immensely and couldn't get enough of the characters in this book. Emery's family are the best. Please adopt me, thanks.
Emery is ridiculously unlucky but he has mag- I mean superpowers goddammit.
Then we have John who is just as unlucky and awkward as Emery. Who is just trying to kill Emery dammit.
And together two of them are so freaking cute.
There was gooey eyes at one another, a deathly touch to get around, demons, a baby sacrificial goat that's not a puppy, minions to look after and it was all cute and wonderful and hilarious but for me it felt like a prequel in the romance department and I'm allll here for adorkable awkward romance so I'm sure I'm just echoing others that enjoyed this story: MOOOOREE.
I needed more romance. Even just a couple of freaking kisses. One date. Whatever. I just needed more of that.
3.5 STARS
I loved these guys ohmygod. Brilliant. This story was adorkable, ridiculous and hilarious.
It was such a fun read. I enjoyed it immensely and couldn't get enough of the characters in this book. Emery's family are the best. Please adopt me, thanks.
Emery is ridiculously unlucky but he has mag- I mean superpowers goddammit.
Then we have John who is just as unlucky and awkward as Emery. Who is just trying to kill Emery dammit.
And together two of them are so freaking cute.
There was gooey eyes at one another, a deathly touch to get around, demons, a baby sacrificial goat that's not a puppy, minions to look after and it was all cute and wonderful and hilarious but for me it felt like a prequel in the romance department and I'm allll here for adorkable awkward romance so I'm sure I'm just echoing others that enjoyed this story: MOOOOREE.
I needed more romance. Even just a couple of freaking kisses. One date. Whatever. I just needed more of that.
3.5 STARS
January 2, 2019
This was the type of read that I absolutely needed right now. I laughed and sighed and fell in love a bit.
Emery Sutton was just walking across the street when he saw the man of his dreams...and then he saw the wings. Yeah, that was weird.
Waking up in the morgue, he doesn't feel dead. Well, he must have died, but he's no longer dead. So he gets up, metaphorically dusts himself off and goes about his business, only to find the Reaper has come back. And when he touches Emery again, ugh. Dead.
Now that this has happened a few times, it seems like Heaven and Hell both want a say in what's going on, but nothing can compare to the wrath of a mother scorned.
Oh, and let's not forget about the HOOOT reaper. Emery sure hasn't.
This book was so fun and likeable and every character was great. I loved Emery's sister, who wanted to walk in his footsteps. I loved his dad who was more worried about the minions from hell wrecking his lawn than he was about their actual presence.
I'd totally recommend this and I'd read it again. I just wish there was more to the story... *sigh.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Emery Sutton was just walking across the street when he saw the man of his dreams...and then he saw the wings. Yeah, that was weird.
Waking up in the morgue, he doesn't feel dead. Well, he must have died, but he's no longer dead. So he gets up, metaphorically dusts himself off and goes about his business, only to find the Reaper has come back. And when he touches Emery again, ugh. Dead.
Now that this has happened a few times, it seems like Heaven and Hell both want a say in what's going on, but nothing can compare to the wrath of a mother scorned.
Oh, and let's not forget about the HOOOT reaper. Emery sure hasn't.
This book was so fun and likeable and every character was great. I loved Emery's sister, who wanted to walk in his footsteps. I loved his dad who was more worried about the minions from hell wrecking his lawn than he was about their actual presence.
I'd totally recommend this and I'd read it again. I just wish there was more to the story... *sigh.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
March 30, 2019
4.5 stars
January 17, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
The author explains in the opening of this book that the story is a farce and that remains true all of the way through. The beginning was unique and Emery’s snark and self-deprecating humor had the makings of a fun story. As the story went further along, it lost some of the initial charm for me.
Emery has always been different from his family and when his superpowers emerged, his family just went along with the fact that he had magic. They never questioned it, never wondered where it came from or what Emery may also be capable of, they just went along with it. Emery never knew where it came from either, what it could have meant, or really anything at all about what he could do. He meets John who is a junior reaper, although some want to call him the angel of death. Emery’s powers react to John, which is how Emery winds up in the morgue.
The men are attracted to each other, but that’s as far as a romance goes. We are led to believe the men will develop a romantic relationship, but it is not seen on page. The book then veered toward who Emery actually is with the help of a group of side characters that seemed designed to provide comedic relief, but served the purpose of moving this book off course for me.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
The author explains in the opening of this book that the story is a farce and that remains true all of the way through. The beginning was unique and Emery’s snark and self-deprecating humor had the makings of a fun story. As the story went further along, it lost some of the initial charm for me.
Emery has always been different from his family and when his superpowers emerged, his family just went along with the fact that he had magic. They never questioned it, never wondered where it came from or what Emery may also be capable of, they just went along with it. Emery never knew where it came from either, what it could have meant, or really anything at all about what he could do. He meets John who is a junior reaper, although some want to call him the angel of death. Emery’s powers react to John, which is how Emery winds up in the morgue.
The men are attracted to each other, but that’s as far as a romance goes. We are led to believe the men will develop a romantic relationship, but it is not seen on page. The book then veered toward who Emery actually is with the help of a group of side characters that seemed designed to provide comedic relief, but served the purpose of moving this book off course for me.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
October 3, 2019
LOVED this!!!!!!!!!!! Hilariously funny with great characters. I HIGHLY recommend. 5 big antichrist stars. 😊
You have to read this and I guarantee you will laugh. I wish there was a sequel. Totally checking out more by this author.
You have to read this and I guarantee you will laugh. I wish there was a sequel. Totally checking out more by this author.
July 25, 2019
Too, too funny and very cute. Loved Emery's sister Lisa. She's a hoot. Puppy!
January 16, 2019
LOLOL— this was just what i needed ❤️
November 10, 2020
Short and not what I expected, it was strange and quirky in a way it was random. Abrupt ending and although the two are sweet together, nothing really happens. It was okay.
December 26, 2019
A really funny story, I laughed out loud a few times. Short, sweet and packed a punch.
August 26, 2020
There's not much to say about this. It was a little dumb and all over the place but pleasant enough to read while sitting in a Japanese garden with no kids around except for two teenage goths taking hundreds of photos of themselves because they're interesting.
It's one of those books that makes tons of nerdy pop culture references instead of giving the characters a personality because they confuse those two things, but as those go, it's one of the better ones. I liked the sister and the mom.
It's one of those books that makes tons of nerdy pop culture references instead of giving the characters a personality because they confuse those two things, but as those go, it's one of the better ones. I liked the sister and the mom.
December 24, 2022
A man who cant be killed because he is the antichrist.
A story or demons and angels. A nice short book but quire expensive for only 86 pages
A story or demons and angels. A nice short book but quire expensive for only 86 pages
February 9, 2019
This a pleasant enough short read with quite a bit of humour. It is liberally dosed with references to film and familiar cultural points of reference. The most noticeable thing about the story is the relatively large number of characters whose role becomes apparent some way into the story. As such it is sometimes difficult to know who is central to the plot and who are peripheral. Character description is well done for a short story and centres on personality rather than physical description. The central character is largely passive throughout with much of the action and revelation happening to him. However, there is a thread of magic that is largely mentioned rather than acted upon, which is inherent to this character and his history. The relevance of this to the plot is largely tangential to the story and in fact could have been eliminated without having a significant effect. Descriptions of the surroundings are sufficient to provide context to the story but are not a key feature. Given the title, death is a central feature of the plot but there is no tension associated with this or any other action.
This is structured like a teen read, but it becomes apparent that the central characters are out of their teens. Sex is introduced but not really described either in terms of previous experience or action as part of the story. The relationship between the two central characters is crush-like but always seems to be at arms-length. This complicates the story because this should be at the heart of the tale but reflects a feature of the book where the characters are at the mercy of the plot rather than the other way around.
There is a steady pace to the story throughout with plenty going on. The key issue about this is that with no idea what is or is not relevant and an evolving plot the reader is not led by the hand and needs to concentrate maybe more than is necessary.
By the end of the book all becomes relatively clear. Roles of the key characters are revealed, as are the implications of their relationships. There is a happy ending of sorts, but there are sufficient points unresolved that leave the story open for a sequel.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
This is structured like a teen read, but it becomes apparent that the central characters are out of their teens. Sex is introduced but not really described either in terms of previous experience or action as part of the story. The relationship between the two central characters is crush-like but always seems to be at arms-length. This complicates the story because this should be at the heart of the tale but reflects a feature of the book where the characters are at the mercy of the plot rather than the other way around.
There is a steady pace to the story throughout with plenty going on. The key issue about this is that with no idea what is or is not relevant and an evolving plot the reader is not led by the hand and needs to concentrate maybe more than is necessary.
By the end of the book all becomes relatively clear. Roles of the key characters are revealed, as are the implications of their relationships. There is a happy ending of sorts, but there are sufficient points unresolved that leave the story open for a sequel.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
March 2, 2019
I think this book was the perfect length but if the author had tried to drag out this kind of farce for very long I think it would have worn thin, but the absolute chaos in Emery's life was hilarious. It's not so much of a romance as I'm not sure they even kiss by the end, but it's the hilarious path getting there. Sometimes the wildly involved families irk me but I never felt that here. I loved Emery's mother and her feminist take on life and even his younger sister was not annoying but supportive and funny.
I'll also say I liked that Emery's parents are what I consider 'normal'. Usually in books the parents feel like they are from Leave it to Beaver. Parents are 45 years old and if their adult kid says damn it's this prissy "watch your language". In this one it is more natural, "Goddamn it, Diane!" It's how people born in 1975 would speak. At least the people I know. And when his dad calls Emery lame it's with love and affection not mean.
So overall this was a wild ride and lots of fun, and in my opinion just the right length.
I'll also say I liked that Emery's parents are what I consider 'normal'. Usually in books the parents feel like they are from Leave it to Beaver. Parents are 45 years old and if their adult kid says damn it's this prissy "watch your language". In this one it is more natural, "Goddamn it, Diane!" It's how people born in 1975 would speak. At least the people I know. And when his dad calls Emery lame it's with love and affection not mean.
So overall this was a wild ride and lots of fun, and in my opinion just the right length.
June 19, 2019
3.5! Very charming and cute short.
January 17, 2019
3.5 Stars!
Emery Sutton sees a hot guy with wings right before he gets hit by a bus and wakes up in the morgue. He doesn't really know how he's alive again, but figures it has to do with the other odd things about himself. Junior Reaper John really doesn't need his superior unhappy with him, but being told to track Emery down makes things so much better.
I thought this story sounded cute from the blurb and it is. I will admit that it took me a while to appreciate the way the book started. I found myself wanting to know more than the characters clearly did and so I missed out on some of the humor early on in my quest to understand just what was going on. The climax scene of this book was hilarious and by the time it got to that point, I wanted the book to be longer. The dynamics of the whole situation and everyone in it were funny.
Emery is a sweetheart and his family is a blast. I seriously would not want to be on his mother's bad side. John has a great heart, and I can only hope that his time with Emery will provide him with the pieces he feels are missing.
If you're looking for a cute story with laughs with slightly sappy ending, this book is for you. Just be sure to relax and enjoy the ride.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Emery Sutton sees a hot guy with wings right before he gets hit by a bus and wakes up in the morgue. He doesn't really know how he's alive again, but figures it has to do with the other odd things about himself. Junior Reaper John really doesn't need his superior unhappy with him, but being told to track Emery down makes things so much better.
I thought this story sounded cute from the blurb and it is. I will admit that it took me a while to appreciate the way the book started. I found myself wanting to know more than the characters clearly did and so I missed out on some of the humor early on in my quest to understand just what was going on. The climax scene of this book was hilarious and by the time it got to that point, I wanted the book to be longer. The dynamics of the whole situation and everyone in it were funny.
Emery is a sweetheart and his family is a blast. I seriously would not want to be on his mother's bad side. John has a great heart, and I can only hope that his time with Emery will provide him with the pieces he feels are missing.
If you're looking for a cute story with laughs with slightly sappy ending, this book is for you. Just be sure to relax and enjoy the ride.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 30, 2020
“Waking up dead” may be an interesting way of wording what might happen after death, but it doesn’t make sense nor is it something that happens to anyone. Well, not as far as we know. Except this is the situation that unassuming student Emery faces right after meeting the most gorgeous man with wings he has ever seen. The situation gets more interesting from there, less probable by the page, and I was soon laughing myself through this ridiculously hilarious novella while trying to breathe. What a hysterical story! And also totally improbable – but that is by design, as the author mentions in her foreword:
“farce (noun): a light dramatic composition marked by broadly satirical comedy and improbable plot
Sooooo… y’know. Just so we’re clear.”
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
“farce (noun): a light dramatic composition marked by broadly satirical comedy and improbable plot
Sooooo… y’know. Just so we’re clear.”
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 14, 2019
4.5 stars
Emery dies for the first time and wakes up in the morgue in one of the coolers. He even has a toe tag. Before Emery remembers that he has superpowers that will get him out of his predicament (or magic, as his family calls it), he remembers that he was hit by a bus after he saw a really, really good looking guy. And although that is enough to stop Emery in his tracks, what really caught his attention was the wings that the guy had coming out of his back.
John (not his real name; he doesn't remember who he is) is a Junior Reaper on his first assignment. After he helps his case pass on, he takes a little bit to see the world that he hasn't seen for he doesn't know how long. In doing so, he runs across a really good looking guy who actually sees him, and in the process accidentally has him killed. John thinks that he will find Emery in the waiting line, but when he doesn't, he is sent out to find out who exactly Emery is and to get him in the waiting room to be processed.
Each time Emery and John meet, Emery dies, although they are both getting used to that.
Emery and John were really cute together, as was Emery's family. Although it was short, there was enough story packed in, and I liked how Emery's situation was resolved.
Emery dies for the first time and wakes up in the morgue in one of the coolers. He even has a toe tag. Before Emery remembers that he has superpowers that will get him out of his predicament (or magic, as his family calls it), he remembers that he was hit by a bus after he saw a really, really good looking guy. And although that is enough to stop Emery in his tracks, what really caught his attention was the wings that the guy had coming out of his back.
John (not his real name; he doesn't remember who he is) is a Junior Reaper on his first assignment. After he helps his case pass on, he takes a little bit to see the world that he hasn't seen for he doesn't know how long. In doing so, he runs across a really good looking guy who actually sees him, and in the process accidentally has him killed. John thinks that he will find Emery in the waiting line, but when he doesn't, he is sent out to find out who exactly Emery is and to get him in the waiting room to be processed.
Each time Emery and John meet, Emery dies, although they are both getting used to that.
Emery and John were really cute together, as was Emery's family. Although it was short, there was enough story packed in, and I liked how Emery's situation was resolved.
January 15, 2019
Fun! Sappy! Super cute! Honestly, the whole thing is kicked off with a definition of the word farce so....no big surprises there. This is ridiculous and everywhere with these two guys who probably aren't supposed to meet (a reaper and a wizard/superhero/???) but each totally have the hots for each other. But every time they meet it ends with John (our reaper) accidentally killing Emery (our guy with powers) causing all sorts of complications. The fact that Emery keeps waking up and the higher ups are interested just makes it more complicated, but the two still have the hots for each other. And that is clearly the most important thing. Very fun!
January 11, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-fJ5
From that review: "While most readers and fans are familiar with Carole Cummings from her darker fantasy or supernatural stories, there are a group of lighter, humor-filled tales that show this author's talent for the weird turn for the farce, the fantastical bend of the funny bone. Don’t Fear the (Not Really) Grim Reaper by Carole Cummings is just such a story."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-fJ5
From that review: "While most readers and fans are familiar with Carole Cummings from her darker fantasy or supernatural stories, there are a group of lighter, humor-filled tales that show this author's talent for the weird turn for the farce, the fantastical bend of the funny bone. Don’t Fear the (Not Really) Grim Reaper by Carole Cummings is just such a story."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
February 4, 2020
I laughed out loud several times while reading this
I found this book to be delightfully silly. I think that my favorite had to be the confrontation between Diane Sutton and Administrator Dagmar - and how Mrs Sutton might have been slightly more formidable of the two. There wasn't much of any character development, but I didn't expect it from the author's note at the beginning.
I found this book to be delightfully silly. I think that my favorite had to be the confrontation between Diane Sutton and Administrator Dagmar - and how Mrs Sutton might have been slightly more formidable of the two. There wasn't much of any character development, but I didn't expect it from the author's note at the beginning.
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