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Life After Death
The Grim Reaper's Lawyer
When having to decide between spending her afterlife in hell or as the Grim Reaper’s Lawyer, it's not even a hard choice for Joyce Parker.
Of course she’d choose hell.
Joyce thought her prayers were finally answered when her client killed her. Yes, she knows, it's morbid. But, so is being a lawyer. Now dead, Joyce thought it was blue skies, angel wings, mimosas and Jesus. Well, she was embarrassingly wrong. The insufferable, but good-looking Grim Reaper needs a favor. He needs her to represent him in the newly formed Reaper’s Court. That is, of course, if she wants to go to heaven rather than to hell, which is exactly where she was heading.
What starts off as a favor turns into a whirlwind of chaos with Joyce and the Grim Reaper being in the center of it all. Not only does Joyce have to help the grumpy Reaper, but she also has to save the whole Afterworld—a job she most definitely did not sign up for. Joyce’s life on earth was boring, but her afterlife ends up being the most alive she’s ever felt. Trials, secrets, evil reapers, missing souls, traitors, stolen mimosas and unexpected romance—all the elements for one hell (literally) of a life after death.
Of course she’d choose hell.
Joyce thought her prayers were finally answered when her client killed her. Yes, she knows, it's morbid. But, so is being a lawyer. Now dead, Joyce thought it was blue skies, angel wings, mimosas and Jesus. Well, she was embarrassingly wrong. The insufferable, but good-looking Grim Reaper needs a favor. He needs her to represent him in the newly formed Reaper’s Court. That is, of course, if she wants to go to heaven rather than to hell, which is exactly where she was heading.
What starts off as a favor turns into a whirlwind of chaos with Joyce and the Grim Reaper being in the center of it all. Not only does Joyce have to help the grumpy Reaper, but she also has to save the whole Afterworld—a job she most definitely did not sign up for. Joyce’s life on earth was boring, but her afterlife ends up being the most alive she’s ever felt. Trials, secrets, evil reapers, missing souls, traitors, stolen mimosas and unexpected romance—all the elements for one hell (literally) of a life after death.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2022
1027 people are currently reading
12875 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 894 reviews
December 16, 2022
Of course with this being my own book, I’m going to rate it highly. This is the very first book that I’m publishing. Not my first story though. I’ve always had a crazy imagination, but lacked the courage to put it out there.
With all the craziness that is occurring in this world, I wanted to put something out there to make somebody just a little happier than they were before they picked up this book. Hopefully, you will find a little piece of yourself in Joyce. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this book.
I hope you laugh, gasp, squeal in excitement, and eagerly flip to the next page. Welcome to a little piece of me. Welcome to Joyce and Aiden.
With all the craziness that is occurring in this world, I wanted to put something out there to make somebody just a little happier than they were before they picked up this book. Hopefully, you will find a little piece of yourself in Joyce. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this book.
I hope you laugh, gasp, squeal in excitement, and eagerly flip to the next page. Welcome to a little piece of me. Welcome to Joyce and Aiden.
January 12, 2024
3-3.5stars ⚝
Joyce is a lawyer who's had enough of her job, defending guilty clients and feeling exhausted. But then things take a crazy turn when she ends up in the afterlife, specifically in Eden, a place ruled by reapers. And guess what? Joyce, being the lawyer she is, is needed there to represent Aiden in a groundbreaking court case. There's definitely some sneaky stuff happening behind the scenes too. Joyce and Aiden have a big task ahead to bring justice to their world!
Joyce is such a likable character, and her lighthearted and funny personality really shines through.
Aiden He's like the perfect counterpart to her. His sense of humor was spot-on and well-timed. It would've been awesome to see things from his perspective as well. I enjoy the banter with Aiden and Joyce.
The plot "twists" in the book were predictable, at least to me. At some point the smut was too much for me.
But overall this was such a fun time. I think i might try book 2 when it comes out.
Fav moments/quotes
“I just want a job that does not make me want to jab my pen into my own eye at least once a day, or that does not involve dealing with other people's messed-up lives. “ Yeah me too girl🥲
My mouth opens in shock. I ask, “Are you an angel?” Because I didn’t know they made ‘em like that. I would’ve died sooner if that’s the case.
“What are you doing?” he asks. “Thinking of how if I get a chance to be reincarnated, I’d like to be a rock.”
“Existing just keeps getting worserer.” yeah unfortunately
Joey seems a decent enough guy, but then again, the bar is in Hell after meeting Aiden.
“So, you let just anyone into your apartment at eleven at night?” I smile at him and taunt, “Only the ones I think have potential to be in my bed.”
“Last night when you were too drunk to even know your name, you showed me your toy. I was impressed at the size.” He leans down until his lips are by my ear. “Let me know when you want something bigger.”
However, I will take these feelings with me to Heaven before I ever tell him, or anyone else.
I see it every time you look at him as if he puts the sun in the sky every morning. What you do not realize is that he looks at you as if you are the reason the universe exists.”
Seems as though even when I try to mind my business, the business wants to mind me.
────────
preview: br this with my hohoho😘
“The beautiful thing about love is how it transcends time. People find each other over and over again in different lifetimes. I wouldn’t be surprised if I knew you in my previous life before I became Aiden.”
Joyce is a lawyer who's had enough of her job, defending guilty clients and feeling exhausted. But then things take a crazy turn when she ends up in the afterlife, specifically in Eden, a place ruled by reapers. And guess what? Joyce, being the lawyer she is, is needed there to represent Aiden in a groundbreaking court case. There's definitely some sneaky stuff happening behind the scenes too. Joyce and Aiden have a big task ahead to bring justice to their world!
Joyce is such a likable character, and her lighthearted and funny personality really shines through.
Aiden He's like the perfect counterpart to her. His sense of humor was spot-on and well-timed. It would've been awesome to see things from his perspective as well. I enjoy the banter with Aiden and Joyce.
The plot "twists" in the book were predictable, at least to me. At some point the smut was too much for me.
But overall this was such a fun time. I think i might try book 2 when it comes out.
Fav moments/quotes
“I just want a job that does not make me want to jab my pen into my own eye at least once a day, or that does not involve dealing with other people's messed-up lives. “ Yeah me too girl🥲
My mouth opens in shock. I ask, “Are you an angel?” Because I didn’t know they made ‘em like that. I would’ve died sooner if that’s the case.
“What are you doing?” he asks. “Thinking of how if I get a chance to be reincarnated, I’d like to be a rock.”
“Existing just keeps getting worserer.” yeah unfortunately
Joey seems a decent enough guy, but then again, the bar is in Hell after meeting Aiden.
“So, you let just anyone into your apartment at eleven at night?” I smile at him and taunt, “Only the ones I think have potential to be in my bed.”
“Last night when you were too drunk to even know your name, you showed me your toy. I was impressed at the size.” He leans down until his lips are by my ear. “Let me know when you want something bigger.”
However, I will take these feelings with me to Heaven before I ever tell him, or anyone else.
I see it every time you look at him as if he puts the sun in the sky every morning. What you do not realize is that he looks at you as if you are the reason the universe exists.”
Seems as though even when I try to mind my business, the business wants to mind me.
────────
preview: br this with my hohoho😘
March 27, 2023
this was so ridiculous yet SO fun…but let’s be real for a second. there is no need for this book to be more than 250 pages. i really do wish it was shorter and definitely think that the story should’ve stuck to one or maybe two plot twists, but overall i had so much fun reading this
3.5✨
3.5✨
March 18, 2023
This book is so funny. I just wish we’d gotten the hero’s POV because I think it would have helped me get into the romance more if I could see his secret pining. Joyce is going on my favorite heroines shelf for sure though.
December 7, 2022
MEA MEA MEA MEA MEA MEA. Sit down.. We need to talk…ABOUT HOW YOU HAD ME GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET AT 3AM.
I fucking CANNOT process how just fucking amazing this was omggg. The concept was immaculate, and I’m so freaking proud!
I’m a suspense author, so I predicted the assholes, but you had me doubt my confidence at one point! It was so satisfying watching that unfold!
Where can I find an Aiden? He on Amazon? Prime Delivery to my bedroom? WOMAAAAAN. His mouth his filthy and his actions are DIRRRTY 💯 perfection.
I felt so at home in this book 😭 I need to go back home to NC and just eat because it’s been so long 😭. This book was so great, and I can’t wait to see you progress and develop. I won’t be able to shut up about this book, y’all are gonna be SICK of me.
Every character in this was done so well, every twist, every event, their backstories. I loved it so much!
“What about this situation makes you think you have a choice?”
I literally cannot ahhhhhh. Banter was amazing, the personalities were lovable, the concept was perfect, and I just couldn’t put it down and every time I had to I was pissed 😭.
I’m gonna go buy like 30 paperbacks. BYEEEEEE
I fucking CANNOT process how just fucking amazing this was omggg. The concept was immaculate, and I’m so freaking proud!
I’m a suspense author, so I predicted the assholes, but you had me doubt my confidence at one point! It was so satisfying watching that unfold!
Where can I find an Aiden? He on Amazon? Prime Delivery to my bedroom? WOMAAAAAN. His mouth his filthy and his actions are DIRRRTY 💯 perfection.
I felt so at home in this book 😭 I need to go back home to NC and just eat because it’s been so long 😭. This book was so great, and I can’t wait to see you progress and develop. I won’t be able to shut up about this book, y’all are gonna be SICK of me.
Every character in this was done so well, every twist, every event, their backstories. I loved it so much!
“What about this situation makes you think you have a choice?”
I literally cannot ahhhhhh. Banter was amazing, the personalities were lovable, the concept was perfect, and I just couldn’t put it down and every time I had to I was pissed 😭.
I’m gonna go buy like 30 paperbacks. BYEEEEEE
January 6, 2023
I can’t tell if this book was predictable, or if I read too much and I’m able to predict things super easily, because all three (3) of the “plot twists” I figured out after character introductions (pat on the back)
nevertheless, I had fun. this was definitely a rom-com, and kinda goofy (not derogatory) book, in that the mc had many quips that were (kind of) funny, but also slightly cringey (in a good way). definitely had some spice 😳🥵 a lot more than I thought. these two main characters, once they get over their “hate” were h*rny as hell like damn take a chill pill pls
and look, maybe I’m a hater, but I was doubting our mc’s lawyer abilities for a large portion of the book, but she pulled it out in the end (spoilers ig)
nevertheless, I had fun. this was definitely a rom-com, and kinda goofy (not derogatory) book, in that the mc had many quips that were (kind of) funny, but also slightly cringey (in a good way). definitely had some spice 😳🥵 a lot more than I thought. these two main characters, once they get over their “hate” were h*rny as hell like damn take a chill pill pls
and look, maybe I’m a hater, but I was doubting our mc’s lawyer abilities for a large portion of the book, but she pulled it out in the end (spoilers ig)
April 30, 2023
DNF, definitely a kindle unliminited book. Read about 100 pages and I’m not feeling it.
Writing style was informal and cheesy. Which is fine for a book like this. But there were a lot of inconsistencies in the characters and gaps in worldbuilding.
Joyce is somehow a successful lawyer who can defend guilty clients and prove them innocent. But she’s also somehow childish, unprofessional, and poorly spoken, and comes off as if she’s just pretending to play lawyer.
I think a lot of it was meant to be comedic, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.
Writing style was informal and cheesy. Which is fine for a book like this. But there were a lot of inconsistencies in the characters and gaps in worldbuilding.
Joyce is somehow a successful lawyer who can defend guilty clients and prove them innocent. But she’s also somehow childish, unprofessional, and poorly spoken, and comes off as if she’s just pretending to play lawyer.
I think a lot of it was meant to be comedic, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.
December 24, 2022
I came across author Mea Monique on TikTok. If there are two things I love most, they are a spicy AA Romance and a spicy AMBW romance. TGRL is a spicy AMBW, so I'm reeled in.
Mea Monique's tiktoks for TGRL highlighted the spicy scenes, so I expected the tone of the book to be darker/sexier because Aiden (in those scenes) is more Dom-aggressive leaning. The tone of TGRL is more light, quirky (almost silly) so when Joyce and Aiden finally begin their sexual relationship the tonal shift is kind of jarring. To me there doesn't seem to be any (or maybe just enough) build up for them. This is a single POV, except one chapter, so maybe having Aiden's perspective would've help make the shift make more sense.
Joyce frustrated me and seemed sillier than she should have been. (Occupational bias will kick in if you are also a lawyer. Come on, Joyce, redirect!) Joyce is a 30 y.o. Black woman who has been both a prosecuting and criminal defense attorney; she is burned out from the game. A lot of her experiences (childhood, etc.) should make her jaded, skeptical, and a lot more discerning, but she trips into some conventions that she shouldn't. She can still be quippy, but there is an element of immaturity. Maybe if she were under 25 and still in law school, but not now.
There are no surprises with the villains, they're exactly who you expect them to be. I did enjoy Aiden and the solution to their issue was sweet.
This isn't a bad book, just needed more work, especially with tonal consistency. The spicy scenes feel like they should be in a different book. A few technical errors, but not especially glaring. I would consider reading the sequel, especially with the way that character is described.
Mea Monique's tiktoks for TGRL highlighted the spicy scenes, so I expected the tone of the book to be darker/sexier because Aiden (in those scenes) is more Dom-aggressive leaning. The tone of TGRL is more light, quirky (almost silly) so when Joyce and Aiden finally begin their sexual relationship the tonal shift is kind of jarring. To me there doesn't seem to be any (or maybe just enough) build up for them. This is a single POV, except one chapter, so maybe having Aiden's perspective would've help make the shift make more sense.
Joyce frustrated me and seemed sillier than she should have been. (Occupational bias will kick in if you are also a lawyer. Come on, Joyce, redirect!) Joyce is a 30 y.o. Black woman who has been both a prosecuting and criminal defense attorney; she is burned out from the game. A lot of her experiences (childhood, etc.) should make her jaded, skeptical, and a lot more discerning, but she trips into some conventions that she shouldn't. She can still be quippy, but there is an element of immaturity. Maybe if she were under 25 and still in law school, but not now.
There are no surprises with the villains, they're exactly who you expect them to be. I did enjoy Aiden and the solution to their issue was sweet.
This isn't a bad book, just needed more work, especially with tonal consistency. The spicy scenes feel like they should be in a different book. A few technical errors, but not especially glaring. I would consider reading the sequel, especially with the way that character is described.
January 11, 2023
"Its is in the afterlife and my client is a Grim Reaper. The game has totally changed. New rules and new competition. I hope I am ready for it.
Summary: When Joyce's life ends abruptly (and too soon in her opinion), she finds her death is the least of her worries. She is now in the afterlife where it is nothing like she expected. Hell is not what she thought, and to her surprise her karma balances her out to her not going to heaven..
But to Eden where reapers rule. Reapers are the souls who have a 50/50 balance of good and bad things they've done during their life time. They also have the responsibility of keeping things just, in regards to where souls go when their lives end. In a way it's a buttoned up corporate afterlife with heavy technology. And in comes Joyce who quickly finds out with the current changes in eden she's needed, as exactly what she was in the living world, a lawyer. She's set to represent Aiden who is being accused of collecting the soul of the wrong person. This will be Edens first court case and the start of a new chapter for any law related mishaps in this world. But there seems to be alot going on behind the scenes. Betrayl doesn't just happen among the living. Joyce and Aiden learn no one can be trusted, and its up to them to bring justice to the world as they know it.
I was so excited to read this.. But honestly this entire book read very young. The tone of the MC, the descriptions, the banter, everything felt like our MC was so much younger. I don't mind a YA book, but it didn't fit this book, given she was 30 years old...The best parts were 100% the steamy scenes. As well as seeing how she dived into and explored the case. I liked hearing her speak on being a lawyer because it felt real, perfectly explained, and intriguing. I also liked the bones of the book. The world itself was pretty unique and the plot was interesting but towards the end it got a little chaotic. There were alot of Disney villain-esk reveals and other reveals that felt unnecessary. It was all over the top and ultimately made me push this from a 3 star and just okay to a 2.5. Beautiful cover, all the best to the author and those who enjoyed it.
Summary: When Joyce's life ends abruptly (and too soon in her opinion), she finds her death is the least of her worries. She is now in the afterlife where it is nothing like she expected. Hell is not what she thought, and to her surprise her karma balances her out to her not going to heaven..
But to Eden where reapers rule. Reapers are the souls who have a 50/50 balance of good and bad things they've done during their life time. They also have the responsibility of keeping things just, in regards to where souls go when their lives end. In a way it's a buttoned up corporate afterlife with heavy technology. And in comes Joyce who quickly finds out with the current changes in eden she's needed, as exactly what she was in the living world, a lawyer. She's set to represent Aiden who is being accused of collecting the soul of the wrong person. This will be Edens first court case and the start of a new chapter for any law related mishaps in this world. But there seems to be alot going on behind the scenes. Betrayl doesn't just happen among the living. Joyce and Aiden learn no one can be trusted, and its up to them to bring justice to the world as they know it.
I was so excited to read this.. But honestly this entire book read very young. The tone of the MC, the descriptions, the banter, everything felt like our MC was so much younger. I don't mind a YA book, but it didn't fit this book, given she was 30 years old...The best parts were 100% the steamy scenes. As well as seeing how she dived into and explored the case. I liked hearing her speak on being a lawyer because it felt real, perfectly explained, and intriguing. I also liked the bones of the book. The world itself was pretty unique and the plot was interesting but towards the end it got a little chaotic. There were alot of Disney villain-esk reveals and other reveals that felt unnecessary. It was all over the top and ultimately made me push this from a 3 star and just okay to a 2.5. Beautiful cover, all the best to the author and those who enjoyed it.
January 7, 2023
I’m torn.
I absolutely loved the campy lightheartedness and potential for a slowburn romance that the first half of this book brings alongside a really compelling murder mystery but the story totally falls apart in the second half.
Aiden, our resident grumpy grim reaper, doesn’t even feel like the same character across the two halves of the story and the romance between him and Joyce had a steady build up until a specific turning point and then the rest feels rushed.
The entire second half of this feels rushed. It’s disorienting to read, especially in that last minute world building being slapped together to make a certain conflict be resolved toward the end.
The first half of this book is so much fun. It maintains the vibe of Pushing Daisies or Drop Dead Diva or even Psych where serious subject matter involving crime-solving is balanced out with humor and lovable, ridiculous characters bouncing off of each other. And I did really love the chemistry between this grumpy grim reaper and our hot mess sunshine lawyer, but I think the story could’ve used another draft or something.
Also something about the lack of contractions used in a lot of the dialogue made conversations feel a bit clunky at times.
Love the concept and our main character. I think this had a lot of potential to be something be more, though.
CW: on-page murder, death, gun violence, recurring mentions of dead loved ones/parents, grief, explicit sexual content, excessive drinking
I absolutely loved the campy lightheartedness and potential for a slowburn romance that the first half of this book brings alongside a really compelling murder mystery but the story totally falls apart in the second half.
Aiden, our resident grumpy grim reaper, doesn’t even feel like the same character across the two halves of the story and the romance between him and Joyce had a steady build up until a specific turning point and then the rest feels rushed.
The entire second half of this feels rushed. It’s disorienting to read, especially in that last minute world building being slapped together to make a certain conflict be resolved toward the end.
The first half of this book is so much fun. It maintains the vibe of Pushing Daisies or Drop Dead Diva or even Psych where serious subject matter involving crime-solving is balanced out with humor and lovable, ridiculous characters bouncing off of each other. And I did really love the chemistry between this grumpy grim reaper and our hot mess sunshine lawyer, but I think the story could’ve used another draft or something.
Also something about the lack of contractions used in a lot of the dialogue made conversations feel a bit clunky at times.
Love the concept and our main character. I think this had a lot of potential to be something be more, though.
CW: on-page murder, death, gun violence, recurring mentions of dead loved ones/parents, grief, explicit sexual content, excessive drinking
January 16, 2023
Hilarious and Hot
Oh my god this book is ever bit as good as others have claimed it to be. Joyce is going down as one of my all time favorite FMCs she is fun, funny, authentic, relatable, and inspiring. Aiden is everything I love in a book boyfriend, he’s an alphahole with a dirty mouth and BDE! The writing is witty and makes for an easy read. This was medium to slowish burn with interesting world building and a good but not overly complex plot. And watch out for that cliffy it’s sneaky.
Oh my god this book is ever bit as good as others have claimed it to be. Joyce is going down as one of my all time favorite FMCs she is fun, funny, authentic, relatable, and inspiring. Aiden is everything I love in a book boyfriend, he’s an alphahole with a dirty mouth and BDE! The writing is witty and makes for an easy read. This was medium to slowish burn with interesting world building and a good but not overly complex plot. And watch out for that cliffy it’s sneaky.
August 25, 2023
The beginning was kinda funny, and then the story progressed and I was just flabbergasted at what THE HECK WAS GOING ON. The author just tried to add a bunch of random plot twists and with the added remarks of the main character trying to be funny, this story just took a turn for the worst , where it was just a struggle to carry on reading.
February 9, 2023
Interesting concept, Boring execution. DNF 50%. How can I believe these people are mature 25+ years old when they act like teenagers? Tapped out at 50%, couldn't suffer anymore.
August 8, 2024
*deep sigh*
August 27, 2023
One star.
I didnt "hate read" because I did feel very compelled to finish it. The writing, at a sentence level, is really plain and easy to follow. I find this type of style more engaging versus more lyrical or complex writing.
There's a lot I disliked about this book:
1. Joyce, the female lead. She is snarky like a teenager and is overall very annoying. I felt like I was being gaslit by all these other characters liking her, and frustrated by all these random men who wanted to fuck her upon meeting her. She has no real "flaws" in the sense that she is correct all the time, knows everything, is super brave, very competent, etc. Basically, nothing she does creates misunderstandings, tension or stakes. Everyone loves her and wants to help her. The only people who dislike her are the literal villains.
2. This should have been a dark romance. The sexual tension between Joyce and Aiden starts early. Aiden seems to dislike her but wants to fuck her. And they basically just have sex all the time. Everytime something remotely emotional or interesting happens, they talk for a few sentences and the fuck.
The steam level is pretty low and is exclusively from Aiden. Joyce isnt a super participatory lover; only once does she give him fellatio. The rest of the time Aiden is banging her like a drum and choking her while she just has a bunch of orgasms. I in general liked the sex scenes but felt they were lacking.
3. There are ZERO stakes. Someone breaks into Joyce's apartment to steal her notes for her case and hits her friend over the head. The only thing that happens is that Aiden forces her to stay with him. The loss of her notes literally has no impact on the court case either from her side or the opponent's side. It's like it didnt even happen. This is a recurring issue in the book; things that should matter don't.
4. Twists with no build up. Aiden and Joyce both spent time in foster care and this is how they bond. Fine. But then we discover this guy who is randomly Joyce's dad and spent 25 years monitoring her which was against the rules (but no consequences). She runs out of the courtroom and has a tantrum. But then she has sex with Aiden and gets over it. 🥴🙄
5. Relevant bonding moments between Aiden and Joyce happen offscreen. When they are together they basically only have sex. And now they're in love. But apparently had all these meaningful conversations... but when Joyce went to Hel to get Aiden, she was like "maybe I can come back for him later." Girl okay.
6. All the jokes are bad. Joyce spends an inordinate amount of time joking about people liking raisins. This is obnoxious.
7. The villain is not super believable and one of the lackeys literally says that "they want to make Eden great again". This assertion isnt actually supported by what the villain aims to do...
8. Joyce being 25 and an accomplished lawyer isnt believable. She should've been aged up or given another job. It wasnt even clear she was a good lawyer. The plot just kept rewarding her anyway. So it almost doesnt even matter.
9. The world building is poor. Just. Like. The book uses the concept of karma to determine who goes to Heaven or Hell and it's really clunky. Some of the skeletons are interesting; the afterlife is always bureaucratic in fiction so this wasnt surprising. But I really think the was so simple to facilitate the love story (that is poorly out together).
10. The book ends on a type of cliffhanger to get you to read the second one.
There isnt really anything redeeming about this and I am shocked to see the average rating of 4 stars.
To be honest, this book would only be useful for people who dont mind lazy and otherwise poor characterization, lackluster worldbuilding and repetitve sex where only person seems to do the fucking.
I didnt "hate read" because I did feel very compelled to finish it. The writing, at a sentence level, is really plain and easy to follow. I find this type of style more engaging versus more lyrical or complex writing.
There's a lot I disliked about this book:
1. Joyce, the female lead. She is snarky like a teenager and is overall very annoying. I felt like I was being gaslit by all these other characters liking her, and frustrated by all these random men who wanted to fuck her upon meeting her. She has no real "flaws" in the sense that she is correct all the time, knows everything, is super brave, very competent, etc. Basically, nothing she does creates misunderstandings, tension or stakes. Everyone loves her and wants to help her. The only people who dislike her are the literal villains.
2. This should have been a dark romance. The sexual tension between Joyce and Aiden starts early. Aiden seems to dislike her but wants to fuck her. And they basically just have sex all the time. Everytime something remotely emotional or interesting happens, they talk for a few sentences and the fuck.
The steam level is pretty low and is exclusively from Aiden. Joyce isnt a super participatory lover; only once does she give him fellatio. The rest of the time Aiden is banging her like a drum and choking her while she just has a bunch of orgasms. I in general liked the sex scenes but felt they were lacking.
3. There are ZERO stakes. Someone breaks into Joyce's apartment to steal her notes for her case and hits her friend over the head. The only thing that happens is that Aiden forces her to stay with him. The loss of her notes literally has no impact on the court case either from her side or the opponent's side. It's like it didnt even happen. This is a recurring issue in the book; things that should matter don't.
4. Twists with no build up. Aiden and Joyce both spent time in foster care and this is how they bond. Fine. But then we discover this guy who is randomly Joyce's dad and spent 25 years monitoring her which was against the rules (but no consequences). She runs out of the courtroom and has a tantrum. But then she has sex with Aiden and gets over it. 🥴🙄
5. Relevant bonding moments between Aiden and Joyce happen offscreen. When they are together they basically only have sex. And now they're in love. But apparently had all these meaningful conversations... but when Joyce went to Hel to get Aiden, she was like "maybe I can come back for him later." Girl okay.
6. All the jokes are bad. Joyce spends an inordinate amount of time joking about people liking raisins. This is obnoxious.
7. The villain is not super believable and one of the lackeys literally says that "they want to make Eden great again". This assertion isnt actually supported by what the villain aims to do...
8. Joyce being 25 and an accomplished lawyer isnt believable. She should've been aged up or given another job. It wasnt even clear she was a good lawyer. The plot just kept rewarding her anyway. So it almost doesnt even matter.
9. The world building is poor. Just. Like. The book uses the concept of karma to determine who goes to Heaven or Hell and it's really clunky. Some of the skeletons are interesting; the afterlife is always bureaucratic in fiction so this wasnt surprising. But I really think the was so simple to facilitate the love story (that is poorly out together).
10. The book ends on a type of cliffhanger to get you to read the second one.
There isnt really anything redeeming about this and I am shocked to see the average rating of 4 stars.
To be honest, this book would only be useful for people who dont mind lazy and otherwise poor characterization, lackluster worldbuilding and repetitve sex where only person seems to do the fucking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
It is so good I wanna give an ♾️, but that’s not possible so I give you a 5/5 ⭐️. Cause WHEW 🥹. This is hands down top 3 best book I’ve read this year. This may even be my comfort read after today. I demolished this book in like 5-6hrs, struggling to take breaks to eat and give my dog a bath😭.
Joyce is just like me in so many ways. I love talking whether it’s to my friends or podcast form. I never take things serious, so I always joke around. I know some ppl may find her sense of humor childish, or the several call backs to celebrities and modern day culture (i.e mentioning Beyoncé, Michael B Jordan, and other things — which I normally dislike) but for some reason it just fits. It’s genuine and flows with the character instead of it feeling spewed out just to let us know their hip.
I laughed, giggle, and screamed. The chemistry between Joyce & Aiden hands down takes the cake. Like the banter, smut, tension and groveling GOODNESS. The love confession, Aiden ready to break mfs necks for her. If anyone touch he goes feral>>> Mea Monique put their wholeeeee pudussy into this book.
Even though I figured out the main plot twists (with the last one being a side eye of her being hella nice) it still played perfectly. The world building and power lore was well demonstrated and easy to follow along. Wasn’t complicated and rather simple, which I appreciate. There’s so much I wanna talk about but damn, this kinda helped me think of accepting the question of what happens after life. Which haunts me daily, but somehow this book eased my mind — and pushed my delusion that I’ll find a man like Aiden lol😭.
Anyways, amazing book and can’t wait for the sequel 💖.
Joyce is just like me in so many ways. I love talking whether it’s to my friends or podcast form. I never take things serious, so I always joke around. I know some ppl may find her sense of humor childish, or the several call backs to celebrities and modern day culture (i.e mentioning Beyoncé, Michael B Jordan, and other things — which I normally dislike) but for some reason it just fits. It’s genuine and flows with the character instead of it feeling spewed out just to let us know their hip.
I laughed, giggle, and screamed. The chemistry between Joyce & Aiden hands down takes the cake. Like the banter, smut, tension and groveling GOODNESS. The love confession, Aiden ready to break mfs necks for her. If anyone touch he goes feral>>> Mea Monique put their wholeeeee pudussy into this book.
Even though I figured out the main plot twists (with the last one being a side eye of her being hella nice) it still played perfectly. The world building and power lore was well demonstrated and easy to follow along. Wasn’t complicated and rather simple, which I appreciate. There’s so much I wanna talk about but damn, this kinda helped me think of accepting the question of what happens after life. Which haunts me daily, but somehow this book eased my mind — and pushed my delusion that I’ll find a man like Aiden lol😭.
Anyways, amazing book and can’t wait for the sequel 💖.
February 19, 2023
estoy en un conflicto con este libro porque en si no es malo, esta escrito decente-ish y mas o menos lo disfrute, pero hay muchas inconsistencias, tipo el plot es super predecible, llega un punto en el que te rompe las bolas porque parece que son todos pelotudos que no se dan cuenta de las cosas, es bastante cringe algunas veces, va de 0 a 100 también en muchas ocasiones, es en sí una falopeada todo el concepto (lo cual no es malo en sí, de vuelta me reí bastante) pero había veces que lo estaba leyendo y no entendía como es que llegaron a eso sí NADA QUE VER LO QUE VENIA LEYENDO, es de esos libros donde los empezas a leer y en dos oraciones ya sacaste como se va a desarollar absolutamente todo
pero bueno no esta malo
pero bueno no esta malo
February 7, 2024
Actually one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The FMC is SO relatable, I felt like she was real cause her and I would be friends IRL. The MMC being a grim reaper? Hot. The MMC being a hot Asian grim reaper? Even hotter. These two made me laugh and swoon. I can’t wait to see where this series goes
March 1, 2023
i love the banter between joyce and aiden but i honestly feel like give me best friends that annoy each other vibes instead of lovers... still a fun book to read tho :3 they banged a LOT and since i didn't feel the chemistry between them i just kinda just skimmed the scenes
aiden soul felt so OLD... he died when he was 25 and was a reaper for 5 years so he's basically 30 y/o. our mc died when she was 30 but her soul feels so young and playful. they just don't match at all😭 all they had was lust for each other (no chemistry... they just banged)
i loved the legally blonde court room moment, SO satisfying. honestly all the court room scenes were my favorite. reading about eden and each department is so funny to me lol. AND THE KARMA SYSTEM BAHAHAHAHA the author really had fun poking at celebrities and joking about who went to heaven or hell lmao. the way all lawyers basically went to hell lol talk about wrong career path😭
i kinda checked out at the 80% mark when the case was resolved. the last bits were very action packed and was an entirely different plot line but i couldn't care less tbh. it created an opening for book 2 but i'm treating this like a stand alone so idc idc
i also guessed the plot twist the instant a certain character was introduced. they were SUS from the beginning. this might've been an obvious plot twist but i'm just glad my three brain cells finally caught something right in a book💆🏻♀️
aiden soul felt so OLD... he died when he was 25 and was a reaper for 5 years so he's basically 30 y/o. our mc died when she was 30 but her soul feels so young and playful. they just don't match at all😭 all they had was lust for each other (no chemistry... they just banged)
i loved the legally blonde court room moment, SO satisfying. honestly all the court room scenes were my favorite. reading about eden and each department is so funny to me lol. AND THE KARMA SYSTEM BAHAHAHAHA the author really had fun poking at celebrities and joking about who went to heaven or hell lmao. the way all lawyers basically went to hell lol talk about wrong career path😭
i kinda checked out at the 80% mark when the case was resolved. the last bits were very action packed and was an entirely different plot line but i couldn't care less tbh. it created an opening for book 2 but i'm treating this like a stand alone so idc idc
i also guessed the plot twist the instant a certain character was introduced. they were SUS from the beginning. this might've been an obvious plot twist but i'm just glad my three brain cells finally caught something right in a book💆🏻♀️
January 3, 2023
so this is the first book i finished in 2023… here are my
thoughts.
i follow the author on tiktok, and i’ve been following her since before the book was published as i liked the concept. normally, i don’t write reviews, especially not long ones, but i have a lot of opinions on this book.
i got this book for christmas. i knew it came out on the 20th, and i had been wanting to read it for awhile. when i first started it, i enjoyed the unique setting. it was refreshing, and while the writing style was different than what i was used to, that never put me off a book before. also, as an avid lover of korean media, i had a lot of celebrities in my mind that i pictured aiden as.
that being said, i did not feel the chemistry between the two mcs. it felt like the romance between joyce and aiden was rushed, and it was just straight to banging. i love a good spicy scene, but the emotional depth just wasn’t there. both of the characters were sexualized by each other so often that i found it difficult to believe they had a connection outside of lust.
i did start to enjoy the mystery subplot; however, i found it predictable. i understand that it’s not the main point, but since the romance was lacking, i was hoping the other aspects of story would make up for it.
all in all, the author had an good concept, but it was not executed in a way i found myself enjoying.
thoughts.
i follow the author on tiktok, and i’ve been following her since before the book was published as i liked the concept. normally, i don’t write reviews, especially not long ones, but i have a lot of opinions on this book.
i got this book for christmas. i knew it came out on the 20th, and i had been wanting to read it for awhile. when i first started it, i enjoyed the unique setting. it was refreshing, and while the writing style was different than what i was used to, that never put me off a book before. also, as an avid lover of korean media, i had a lot of celebrities in my mind that i pictured aiden as.
that being said, i did not feel the chemistry between the two mcs. it felt like the romance between joyce and aiden was rushed, and it was just straight to banging. i love a good spicy scene, but the emotional depth just wasn’t there. both of the characters were sexualized by each other so often that i found it difficult to believe they had a connection outside of lust.
i did start to enjoy the mystery subplot; however, i found it predictable. i understand that it’s not the main point, but since the romance was lacking, i was hoping the other aspects of story would make up for it.
all in all, the author had an good concept, but it was not executed in a way i found myself enjoying.
December 1, 2024
I was very intriged by the premise and while I liked it it wasn't more then 3 stars. Not really my type of romance but wasn't a bad story.
September 15, 2023
This thing is the worst book that I have read in a long time (well one of the top two). It felt like a 13-year-old trying to write a story for class. Very predictable. The sex scenes were terrible. It didn’t even feel like it was Aiden’s character. It also felt sort of abusive (but maybe this is a turn on for some people, not me). Aiden felt controlling. I hate everything about this book. It was trying to throw out clever lines, but it was too cheesy. There were plenty of Scooby Doo moments when things were being revealed. The writing was horrible. I would never recommend this to anyone. I hate to dump on anyone, but this book is a zero stars for me.
January 13, 2023
I was so excited for this book - the premise is really interesting.
It turned out okay-ish. The plot in the second half was all over the place and the book could have used some serious editing, the writing was rather juvenile at times.
It turned out okay-ish. The plot in the second half was all over the place and the book could have used some serious editing, the writing was rather juvenile at times.
January 14, 2023
I finally powered through. It was okay. I enjoyed the banter between Joyce and Aiden. I just wanted more from the worldbuilding when it came to the reapers and how they interacted with each other and the world.
February 8, 2023
Some parts I loved, but overall the plot was incredibly predictable and it was way too long.
February 8, 2023
I loved this book. This was such a fun read. I’m a fan of the good place and this book gave me a bit of those vibes with the bureaucracy involved in the afterlife. I look forward to the next book in this series. The ending definitely left me wanting more. I’m officially a fan of this author now 😁
March 9, 2023
SIIIIIIIIGGGGHHHH….
This book got me out of a reading slump and for that I’m grateful. That is where the praise ends. It certainly was a book, but the more I think about it the more it falls apart so I just won’t ever think about it again.
This book got me out of a reading slump and for that I’m grateful. That is where the praise ends. It certainly was a book, but the more I think about it the more it falls apart so I just won’t ever think about it again.
December 6, 2023
OMG GIVE ME BOOK 2 NOW!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and never expected the twists and turns! It had all the elements that I love in a book a great plot, character development, spice & zest, paranormal activity! I love Aiden & Joyce together. Yirah is definitely my best friend!
Tropes: Mr. grumpy v. Miss Sunshine, romance, interracial love, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, soul ties/bonds, slow burn.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and never expected the twists and turns! It had all the elements that I love in a book a great plot, character development, spice & zest, paranormal activity! I love Aiden & Joyce together. Yirah is definitely my best friend!
Tropes: Mr. grumpy v. Miss Sunshine, romance, interracial love, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, soul ties/bonds, slow burn.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 29, 2024
3.5 Stars
These stars are for Aiden and Yirah.
The story was meh for me.
The spice was spicy because of Aiden...
125,000 - 325,000 Scoville units (Fatali) - The spice was definitely more towards the spicier end. I'd say 200,000 Scoville units minimum.
******SPOILER ALERT****
Joey, you backstabbing 'lil asshole. You could have been boo, but you blew it. SMH.
I had a right to be suspicious about Taevian - but it ended in a good way with him.
These stars are for Aiden and Yirah.
The story was meh for me.
The spice was spicy because of Aiden...
125,000 - 325,000 Scoville units (Fatali) - The spice was definitely more towards the spicier end. I'd say 200,000 Scoville units minimum.
******SPOILER ALERT****
Joey, you backstabbing 'lil asshole. You could have been boo, but you blew it. SMH.
I had a right to be suspicious about Taevian - but it ended in a good way with him.
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