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Touch of Death
You’d think having power over life and death would be a real trip—and to be honest it’s not a bad run—but I have a problem. As a female, my power isn’t exactly revered – I’m hated everywhere I go. No biggie, after going it alone for centuries, I find it best to stay away from distractions.
But as darkness starts swallowing up souls, an emergency meeting is called by the rulers of all the realms. They decree that every reaper needs to enhance their power and find a way to reign in the chaos. For most, this comes in the form of status quo aka pats on the back for doing a great job. Of course, the only outlier is me. My fate is decided by none other than the devil himself who demands that I need to be mated or destroyed.
The only romantic interest that’s come close is the devilishly handsome human who’s been on my mind since I spared his life… but one touch from me and he’s as good as dead. Isn’t he? I need to find a mate or I’ll be cast out of the Netherworld for good or worse. Much worse. My desperate quest lands me three sexy-as-hell options which include a reaper, a demon, and a vampire… could they be my path to salvation?
A heart I forgot even existed wants to trust them. The only thing is, these aren’t regular bad boys; they’re darkness incarnate and they have the power to break me. But as our little legion starts to grow closer, enemies linger only too close and become a threat to those I’ve started caring for. My mission is no longer to protect myself. If anyone tries to hurt my guys, I’ll go to the end of the world to keep what I’ve found, even if it means my own undoing…
Touch of Death is the first book in the Grim Gathering series where a badass heroine with a heart, raises hell (literally) whilst trying to find love to strengthen her powers against a growing darkness. If you’re looking for a weak-as-a-twig damsel in distress, this book’s not for you. This is a medium-burn, smoulderingly grim, fantasy reverse harem (obvi for 18+).
** Reader, please this book contains references to suicide and mortal death. **
If this book is for you, read on - you won’t live to regret it.
But as darkness starts swallowing up souls, an emergency meeting is called by the rulers of all the realms. They decree that every reaper needs to enhance their power and find a way to reign in the chaos. For most, this comes in the form of status quo aka pats on the back for doing a great job. Of course, the only outlier is me. My fate is decided by none other than the devil himself who demands that I need to be mated or destroyed.
The only romantic interest that’s come close is the devilishly handsome human who’s been on my mind since I spared his life… but one touch from me and he’s as good as dead. Isn’t he? I need to find a mate or I’ll be cast out of the Netherworld for good or worse. Much worse. My desperate quest lands me three sexy-as-hell options which include a reaper, a demon, and a vampire… could they be my path to salvation?
A heart I forgot even existed wants to trust them. The only thing is, these aren’t regular bad boys; they’re darkness incarnate and they have the power to break me. But as our little legion starts to grow closer, enemies linger only too close and become a threat to those I’ve started caring for. My mission is no longer to protect myself. If anyone tries to hurt my guys, I’ll go to the end of the world to keep what I’ve found, even if it means my own undoing…
Touch of Death is the first book in the Grim Gathering series where a badass heroine with a heart, raises hell (literally) whilst trying to find love to strengthen her powers against a growing darkness. If you’re looking for a weak-as-a-twig damsel in distress, this book’s not for you. This is a medium-burn, smoulderingly grim, fantasy reverse harem (obvi for 18+).
** Reader, please this book contains references to suicide and mortal death. **
If this book is for you, read on - you won’t live to regret it.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
23 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 20, 2023
This is the first in the new Grim Gathering series and it was a touch slow at the beginning , but as it’s first in a series and you have to scene set, character introduce and world build I’m happily forgiving as it picks up pace after about a third to close to halfway. Thana is definitely a strong woman and I loved the potential love matches. Plot wise there is intrigue, adventure and spice, just a sample to start and I’m glad it’s not the whole focus as I’m looking forward to more in the next books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 14, 2023
A Touch of Death is the first book in Willow Reign's latest dark paranormal rh series, Grim Gathering. This book is filled with a variety of supernaturals, multiple realms, magic, and one badass female reaper.
Thana is a strong and independent female who is used to having her own back because of eons of dealing with a lot of hate. Being the only female reaper has brought a lot of attention to her. Most male reapers fear her power, and the other female supes act petty towards her because she gets the wrong kind of attention. However, Thana ignores the negativity and does her job well and with grace.
There are four love interests so far. Hadeon is a male reaper and former friend of Thana. There's some complicated history between the pair but Had has been pining for Thana for a long time. He's one of the few reapers that respect Thana. Alessandro "Alessi" is a devilishly handsome vampire who has a soft spot for humans and is quite the gentleman. Alessi is smooth and makes his feelings known to Thana right away. He has to be my favorite. Then there is the Demon, Aamon, the marquis of Hell. The lively demon is a little loud and absolutely a playboy but he has genuine feelings toward Thana. I should also mention that a human(?) Is thrown into the mix. Clay may be human but there is a little extra in there. He has a darkness about him and knows about the supernatural, heck he studies it. Not much ruffles his feathers good thing too because he has a strong bond with Thana.
I wish I could have lost myself a bit more in this book but I just couldn't. The story was a little wordy, especially in the beginning. It could have benefited from being paired back a little that way the story wouldn't have dragged at times. However, things did really pick up towards the end. A lot was happening and plenty of new information was provided. The world-building was good. Different realms, a variety of supernaturals, and magic were all good. As was the storyline. The story was mainly political but had a misogynistic undertone.
Touching Dead was a good read. There were mating rituals, seals, auras, a suggestion of forced mating, portals, long-dead witches, possible coups, and more. There were a lot of things going on towards the end and I'm not really sure where things will end up but I am curious.
Thana is a strong and independent female who is used to having her own back because of eons of dealing with a lot of hate. Being the only female reaper has brought a lot of attention to her. Most male reapers fear her power, and the other female supes act petty towards her because she gets the wrong kind of attention. However, Thana ignores the negativity and does her job well and with grace.
There are four love interests so far. Hadeon is a male reaper and former friend of Thana. There's some complicated history between the pair but Had has been pining for Thana for a long time. He's one of the few reapers that respect Thana. Alessandro "Alessi" is a devilishly handsome vampire who has a soft spot for humans and is quite the gentleman. Alessi is smooth and makes his feelings known to Thana right away. He has to be my favorite. Then there is the Demon, Aamon, the marquis of Hell. The lively demon is a little loud and absolutely a playboy but he has genuine feelings toward Thana. I should also mention that a human(?) Is thrown into the mix. Clay may be human but there is a little extra in there. He has a darkness about him and knows about the supernatural, heck he studies it. Not much ruffles his feathers good thing too because he has a strong bond with Thana.
I wish I could have lost myself a bit more in this book but I just couldn't. The story was a little wordy, especially in the beginning. It could have benefited from being paired back a little that way the story wouldn't have dragged at times. However, things did really pick up towards the end. A lot was happening and plenty of new information was provided. The world-building was good. Different realms, a variety of supernaturals, and magic were all good. As was the storyline. The story was mainly political but had a misogynistic undertone.
Touching Dead was a good read. There were mating rituals, seals, auras, a suggestion of forced mating, portals, long-dead witches, possible coups, and more. There were a lot of things going on towards the end and I'm not really sure where things will end up but I am curious.
March 1, 2023
I love this book and am willing to purchase the whole series when I'm able to do so. I am willing to wait patiently and yet hope that the next book is published really soon so I can continue the adventure with this crew and find out what is next in the story for the FMC, the MMCs, and the leaders that say they want one thing but have other things in the works. I really don't trust them, as you can tell.
I really like the worlds building in the story, because there are multiple layers of worlds, not just one. The MMCs characters are built in a way that makes them loveable, believable, and badass individuals who are willing to support the FMC but also respecting and honoring her freedom to fight her own fights despite them wanting to protect her they want a partner and an equal.
The antagonists are believable villains and enablers. They are willing to go whatever lengths it takes to obtain their goals and try to get their own ways, because, hello, Satan is only one of many antagonists because this is the underworld and hell.
I appreciate the FMC being a badass and willing to stand on her own, even if she is working against her own self-interest at times it isn't to an extreme and I've seen some do that to their protagonists.
The angst is middle of the road, I've read books that have gone the whole range of seriously-WTF???-how-dare-you-do-that-and-give-me-a-panic-attack to you-are-completely-loved-and-supported-and-will-have-the-warm hearth-and-cuppa-tea-and-a-bowl-of-soup-with-cuddles levels of angst.
The cliffhanger is also middle of the road, it's a wrap you in a warm blanket but also sets up the next book in a way that draws you in, gets you asking for when is the next due date, please; as well as draws you in hook, line, and sinker towards the next part of the adventure.
I love the whole plot; the mystery shows up, people start noticing, and when they go and investigate, they discover a whole to level of the onion. The heart of the whole book is my favorite, a kick ass lady is diminished by her antagonists but comes out eager to fight when she realizes her own self-worth and power. Can't wait to see what happens next, see her finally get her out of her just survive mode, and find out what is in store for her HEA.
I really like the worlds building in the story, because there are multiple layers of worlds, not just one. The MMCs characters are built in a way that makes them loveable, believable, and badass individuals who are willing to support the FMC but also respecting and honoring her freedom to fight her own fights despite them wanting to protect her they want a partner and an equal.
The antagonists are believable villains and enablers. They are willing to go whatever lengths it takes to obtain their goals and try to get their own ways, because, hello, Satan is only one of many antagonists because this is the underworld and hell.
I appreciate the FMC being a badass and willing to stand on her own, even if she is working against her own self-interest at times it isn't to an extreme and I've seen some do that to their protagonists.
The angst is middle of the road, I've read books that have gone the whole range of seriously-WTF???-how-dare-you-do-that-and-give-me-a-panic-attack to you-are-completely-loved-and-supported-and-will-have-the-warm hearth-and-cuppa-tea-and-a-bowl-of-soup-with-cuddles levels of angst.
The cliffhanger is also middle of the road, it's a wrap you in a warm blanket but also sets up the next book in a way that draws you in, gets you asking for when is the next due date, please; as well as draws you in hook, line, and sinker towards the next part of the adventure.
I love the whole plot; the mystery shows up, people start noticing, and when they go and investigate, they discover a whole to level of the onion. The heart of the whole book is my favorite, a kick ass lady is diminished by her antagonists but comes out eager to fight when she realizes her own self-worth and power. Can't wait to see what happens next, see her finally get her out of her just survive mode, and find out what is in store for her HEA.
February 7, 2023
Thana/Thanatos seemed to suffer the same fate as a lot of strong women in male dominated worlds. To reign in her powers, they told her she had to get a mate, she had no choice. Of course, the slimy dirt bag that had been trying to control her the whole time is the one that said she was his.
Souls have been getting away from the reapers and going into “Oblivion” and of course Thana is blamed for it. When she stands up for herself, the powers that be decide to create legions to see what is actually causing the disturbance.
In her legion is Hadeon and old friend turned frenemy that she has unsettled feelings for. Alessandro/Alessi a charming vampire that is letting them use his home as a base. Aamon/Marquis of Hell and Satan’s right-hand man (demon) he’s always been intrigued with Thana. Clayton/Clay the only human, but he has some gifts that are useful to the legion.
All of them are attracted to Thana and she to them. There is a lot of baggage between her and Hadeon and caution when it comes to Aamon due to his power and who he works for. Alessi is a charmer and she is comfortable with him. She is very drawn to Clay and the two of them take things further than just cuddling.
While this is billed as a reverse harem there really isn’t a lot of major steam. I would quantify it as mild steam. If you remove the horizontal time this would work well as a YA book.
I liked the dynamic once they all started working together, but for me there was something missing to really move this to a higher engagement level. All of the parts were there to really elevate the story, I think a greater sense of urgency and a little more passion maybe the missing ingredient.
The story does have me intrigued enough to want to see what happens next. Since it’s the first of the series maybe the author ratchets things up a bit in the following books.
There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the story with an attempted assault.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Souls have been getting away from the reapers and going into “Oblivion” and of course Thana is blamed for it. When she stands up for herself, the powers that be decide to create legions to see what is actually causing the disturbance.
In her legion is Hadeon and old friend turned frenemy that she has unsettled feelings for. Alessandro/Alessi a charming vampire that is letting them use his home as a base. Aamon/Marquis of Hell and Satan’s right-hand man (demon) he’s always been intrigued with Thana. Clayton/Clay the only human, but he has some gifts that are useful to the legion.
All of them are attracted to Thana and she to them. There is a lot of baggage between her and Hadeon and caution when it comes to Aamon due to his power and who he works for. Alessi is a charmer and she is comfortable with him. She is very drawn to Clay and the two of them take things further than just cuddling.
While this is billed as a reverse harem there really isn’t a lot of major steam. I would quantify it as mild steam. If you remove the horizontal time this would work well as a YA book.
I liked the dynamic once they all started working together, but for me there was something missing to really move this to a higher engagement level. All of the parts were there to really elevate the story, I think a greater sense of urgency and a little more passion maybe the missing ingredient.
The story does have me intrigued enough to want to see what happens next. Since it’s the first of the series maybe the author ratchets things up a bit in the following books.
There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the story with an attempted assault.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
February 6, 2023
ARC from author - No spoilers. Bk 1 Grim Gathering series - to be cont. cliffy ending. Adult read.
Demons, vampires, RH, Why Choose, paranormal romance, Why choose, strong FMC, Reapers, Angels.
slow to Med burn/spice
CW: Sex, references to mortal suicide, violence and death
Thana is our FMC and a Reaper, strong in character and power and unusual for it. She is also insular, needs no one, works better alone and has done for eons until she is given no choice.
Being powerful is one thing, being female and powerful it would seem is quite a different matter!
This first installment in the Grim Gathering series does start slowly however it introduces you to the key characters, the World, Hierarchy and society levels with it's acceptable behaviour.
The story gains momentum the further along you read and is addictive.
The plot unfolds smoothly and Thana is, thankfully, able to roll with the punches (can I say that now? apologies if not!) and get back up, learning curve in place to stand her ground again. Her opinions count, her voice will be heard regardless.
The potential love matches are full bodied, charismatic and flawed just enough to make them worthy and undergo character growth through out the story.
There is intrigue, sub plots, action, adventure and enough World Building to keep my interest.
You get your spice, a taster of the full buffet to come I hope, but the author has not used this as the sole selling point in my opinion, there is story, plot and I expect plenty more to come.
A new to me Author in a genre which I love so I was even more pleased to find a gem!
Shall certainly look for Book 2 as this series appeals greatly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Demons, vampires, RH, Why Choose, paranormal romance, Why choose, strong FMC, Reapers, Angels.
slow to Med burn/spice
CW: Sex, references to mortal suicide, violence and death
Thana is our FMC and a Reaper, strong in character and power and unusual for it. She is also insular, needs no one, works better alone and has done for eons until she is given no choice.
Being powerful is one thing, being female and powerful it would seem is quite a different matter!
This first installment in the Grim Gathering series does start slowly however it introduces you to the key characters, the World, Hierarchy and society levels with it's acceptable behaviour.
The story gains momentum the further along you read and is addictive.
The plot unfolds smoothly and Thana is, thankfully, able to roll with the punches (can I say that now? apologies if not!) and get back up, learning curve in place to stand her ground again. Her opinions count, her voice will be heard regardless.
The potential love matches are full bodied, charismatic and flawed just enough to make them worthy and undergo character growth through out the story.
There is intrigue, sub plots, action, adventure and enough World Building to keep my interest.
You get your spice, a taster of the full buffet to come I hope, but the author has not used this as the sole selling point in my opinion, there is story, plot and I expect plenty more to come.
A new to me Author in a genre which I love so I was even more pleased to find a gem!
Shall certainly look for Book 2 as this series appeals greatly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 10, 2023
This was a really interesting book, in terms of the world building aspect, which is what drew me in, and kept me hooked.
You have a powerful FMC, who finds herself at the center of a plot to take over her power and render her subservient, and the only way out is to choose a mate. Problem is, she has to choose from four different males vying for her attention.
It's a 4 star read for me, because while the storyline of the book brought it to a 5 star, the spice was a little lacking for my taste and was a 3 out of 5 spice level. I felt it was more of a slow burn, and you don't really get too much of the reverse harem in this one. Hoping to see more of the reverse harem in the following books, but this one just didn't quite reach where I'd have liked to see it.
With that being said, again, I really enjoyed this book, I just was hoping for a bit more in terms of spice. I'm interested to see how this series continues, and will be looking out for this author in the future.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You have a powerful FMC, who finds herself at the center of a plot to take over her power and render her subservient, and the only way out is to choose a mate. Problem is, she has to choose from four different males vying for her attention.
It's a 4 star read for me, because while the storyline of the book brought it to a 5 star, the spice was a little lacking for my taste and was a 3 out of 5 spice level. I felt it was more of a slow burn, and you don't really get too much of the reverse harem in this one. Hoping to see more of the reverse harem in the following books, but this one just didn't quite reach where I'd have liked to see it.
With that being said, again, I really enjoyed this book, I just was hoping for a bit more in terms of spice. I'm interested to see how this series continues, and will be looking out for this author in the future.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2023
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
It was a fast read for me, the story drew me in. What I didn't understand: is it a revered harem story when the female character kisses two guys and has intercourse with the third a few weeks apart? I'd expected at least three parties to be present at the same time, but this wasn't the case in this book. The only sex scene wasn't steamy at all, but that wasn't the main focus of the book.
The other big issue I had was with the demon of the group. He's Satan's right hand-and he's nice, not cunning, calculating, cruel, whatever. He is the second of the evilest being around and he isn't acting like it.
There were a lot of typos, and the comma placement was random at best, which made it sometimes difficult to read.
However, the story was good and I want to know how the story develops further.
It was a fast read for me, the story drew me in. What I didn't understand: is it a revered harem story when the female character kisses two guys and has intercourse with the third a few weeks apart? I'd expected at least three parties to be present at the same time, but this wasn't the case in this book. The only sex scene wasn't steamy at all, but that wasn't the main focus of the book.
The other big issue I had was with the demon of the group. He's Satan's right hand-and he's nice, not cunning, calculating, cruel, whatever. He is the second of the evilest being around and he isn't acting like it.
There were a lot of typos, and the comma placement was random at best, which made it sometimes difficult to read.
However, the story was good and I want to know how the story develops further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2023
Great first in series, and I can’t wait to see the what happens next! There is a ton of imagery and world-building, with realistic character emotions and mentalities. The FMC is tough and determined, with the power to back it up, and I love that. The male love interests are beautifully imperfect, not the cinnamon roll sweeties that give you a toothache after a while. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good cinnamon roll, but every now and then a girl just needs a steak, and these men are pure beef. Overall excellent and I’m dying to read the next installment. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2023
I was so intrigued by this story, and Thana is such a great FMC. Thana is a wonderful FMC, that you just automatically want to root for. She is a powerful female, and she was shunned for the power that makes her so special. The world-building was really amazing, it was enough so you knew what was going on but not daunting where you were bored. The men that Thana could take as mates are interesting as well, we've got a handsome human, a horned demon, a powerful vampire, a reaper, and Satan's right-hand man.
I am interested in this story and can't wait for the next book!
I am interested in this story and can't wait for the next book!
January 21, 2023
Exceptional content read! You'll grab so many pieces of paranormal, historical fiction, and soul bonding (not a spicy book!)
The plot line here is very VERY solid and I never found myself out of order or confused.
Rating decreased based on grammatical errors.
The plot line here is very VERY solid and I never found myself out of order or confused.
Rating decreased based on grammatical errors.
February 5, 2023
This is an excellent start to a new series and a new author to me. The MCs are defined, strong, determined, and have skills. There are some amazing secondary characters, and hopefully, they will appear in upcoming books. The storyline has drama, danger, action, adventure, and suspense to keep the reader interested and entertained with this engaging read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 19, 2023
Wow what a story I loved it and this is my 1st read for this author and I can’t wait to read more. I loved the character Thana she’s a kick butt reaper who isn’t bothered by anyone’s negative attitude towards her especially by the females who are jealous of her power and because she is very powerful Thana was told to get a mate and she has 4 interested in her another reaper, a vampire, a demon and a human. I absolutely loved this story and I definitely recommend this book.
March 28, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. It was full of drama and action. I felt for everything that was happening to Thana. I loved her legion mates so much. They are so different, but yet want the same things. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
February 4, 2023
This is my first book by Willow Reign. I really liked the story. The characters and world was interesting. Pacing was good. For me it wasn't as spicy as I usually read but it didn't take away from the story.
February 4, 2023
DNF not for me
Tried to get into this book, gave it two tries but the TSTL going on here makes it very hard for me to think "strong heroine" just no
The cover looks good, so there's that I suppose.
Tried to get into this book, gave it two tries but the TSTL going on here makes it very hard for me to think "strong heroine" just no
The cover looks good, so there's that I suppose.
February 16, 2023
Such an amazing book! I absolutely love how she takes no prisoners and won't be pushed around. We'll written and her men are hot! Loved this.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews