What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Me Dead #2
Grim and Bear It
Poppy's skull over heels in love, and not even death can stop her...
Poppy Grim dreams of starring in a real-life rom-com. Instead, she's an overworked, lonely grim reaper with chronic motion sickness from ferrying souls to the afterlife. She adheres to all the reaper handbook rules except one-she regularly visits the love she lost twelve years ago when she passed. She's not worried-humans can only see her when they are about to die, after all-until Jake looks up and says her name.
Supernatural Investigator Jake Robinson wants to leave active duty because of past on-the-job injuries, but he's determined to finish solving the most important case of his career first. His plans sink like the Titanic-his ghost roommate's favorite movie-when he sees Poppy.
With death looming, they both risk everything-including their hearts-and work together to keep Jake alive while he stops the people threatening his family. But love is a losing game when the punishment for a reaper-human relationship is permanent removal from existence.
Poppy Grim dreams of starring in a real-life rom-com. Instead, she's an overworked, lonely grim reaper with chronic motion sickness from ferrying souls to the afterlife. She adheres to all the reaper handbook rules except one-she regularly visits the love she lost twelve years ago when she passed. She's not worried-humans can only see her when they are about to die, after all-until Jake looks up and says her name.
Supernatural Investigator Jake Robinson wants to leave active duty because of past on-the-job injuries, but he's determined to finish solving the most important case of his career first. His plans sink like the Titanic-his ghost roommate's favorite movie-when he sees Poppy.
With death looming, they both risk everything-including their hearts-and work together to keep Jake alive while he stops the people threatening his family. But love is a losing game when the punishment for a reaper-human relationship is permanent removal from existence.
344 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2022
About the author
Heather Novak
20 books145 followersBold, Breathtaking, Badass Romance.
When she’s not pretending to be a rockstar with purple hair, Heather Novak can be found crafting LGBTQ+ romances with disability representation. She’s also a weekly columnist for Hypoparathyroidism News, where she talks about life with her rare disease. Heather’s work as an award-winning author and advocate earned her a spot on BEQ Magazine’s 40 LGBTQ+ Leaders Under Forty list in 2021.
Heather is full of bisexual glitter, is pretty sure her left arm is haunted, and collects multiple editions of her favorite books. She lives in southeast Michigan with Mr. Heather and a collection of musical instruments and mobility aids.
Follow her at heathernovak.net
When she’s not pretending to be a rockstar with purple hair, Heather Novak can be found crafting LGBTQ+ romances with disability representation. She’s also a weekly columnist for Hypoparathyroidism News, where she talks about life with her rare disease. Heather’s work as an award-winning author and advocate earned her a spot on BEQ Magazine’s 40 LGBTQ+ Leaders Under Forty list in 2021.
Heather is full of bisexual glitter, is pretty sure her left arm is haunted, and collects multiple editions of her favorite books. She lives in southeast Michigan with Mr. Heather and a collection of musical instruments and mobility aids.
Follow her at heathernovak.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 21, 2022
Privileged to receive an e-ARC (thanks Tule & Heather) LOVED THIS... it's the 2d in the series & I do recommend you read the 1st (Blood Thinners) first or else serious spoiler territory.
Can a Grim reaper (Poppy) find a happy ending with a human (her childhood sweetheart Jake, 💜 him)??? You have to read to find out....
and while the romance is resolved, there is a cliffhanger ending so I'm dying (pun intended) for the final book in the trilogy.
Can a Grim reaper (Poppy) find a happy ending with a human (her childhood sweetheart Jake, 💜 him)??? You have to read to find out....
and while the romance is resolved, there is a cliffhanger ending so I'm dying (pun intended) for the final book in the trilogy.
July 20, 2022
The author does a great job filling the world with all types of interesting supernatural things and creatures and lore. This was pretty fun to read! I loved Poppy, and Jake was wonderful. Honestly though, I think Daisy is my fav! I wasn’t pleased with Poppy having to become a reaper at such a young age, she was clearly traumatized by all of it.
I was a little put off by how many times Jake says he shouldn’t have said *insert sleep or good mood or whatever here* because then everything goes wrong. The first one I thought was cute. The second one? Meh. The third one, I was over it.
Overall, a good story and I’m glad I read it! And I really want to see Romi’s story and Daisy’s story. Oh! And I love the LGBTQ representation!!
I was a little put off by how many times Jake says he shouldn’t have said *insert sleep or good mood or whatever here* because then everything goes wrong. The first one I thought was cute. The second one? Meh. The third one, I was over it.
Overall, a good story and I’m glad I read it! And I really want to see Romi’s story and Daisy’s story. Oh! And I love the LGBTQ representation!!
May 13, 2026
This was a really fun read for me - it's a second book in a trilogy, but I hadn't read the first book and being honest, I don't think you need to. You get a lot of the backstory throughout this book, so I didn't really feel any confusion. I still may go back and read it, though.
While I do wish the FMC got to let her anger and hurt out at her family for being dead at 16 for the family business - overall, this book was so good. The characters were heartbreaking, separately, and once everything happened, you were absolutely rooting for them and wondering how things were going to work out. I know I shed a few tears.
A couple of sex scenes, queer normative world and chronic pain disability rep makes this book a wonderful representation book for me. If you can handle kind of clunky writing, I think you'll enjoy this.
While I do wish the FMC got to let her anger and hurt out at her family for being dead at 16 for the family business - overall, this book was so good. The characters were heartbreaking, separately, and once everything happened, you were absolutely rooting for them and wondering how things were going to work out. I know I shed a few tears.
A couple of sex scenes, queer normative world and chronic pain disability rep makes this book a wonderful representation book for me. If you can handle kind of clunky writing, I think you'll enjoy this.
June 1, 2022
Grim and Bear It is the second installment in the Love Me Dead series, so it picks up right where Blood Thinners left off. This book alternates between Poppy and Jake’s perspectives, bringing light to both sides of their relationship. It also highlights all kinds of diversity, including various LGBTQ+ characters, severe allergies, and the use of a mobility aid. I like that no matter how a person sees themselves, they can find a character in this book that they can relate to.
Although this book is a romance, to me the biggest draw was actually the mystery behind the Vixen drug. Who was threatening Jake, why events were playing out the way they were, and ultimately who is responsible? These are all questions I was dying to have answered (and some that have to wait until book 3 comes out!). In addition to the towns of Applechester and Hayvenwood (a nod to the author’s other paranormal romance series), Poppy’s world of the grim reaper island was explored. The island was super detailed, with nods to Greek mythological after life, including the process that souls go through as well as the River Styx.
Although there were some questions answered, I felt that the biggest question I had was why Poppy got sent to be a grim reaper so early, and that never got answered. (Could there be some kind of elaborate plot that will explain this in book 3? Possible, but in my opinion, not probable. I might be pleasently surprised, though.) To me, this felt like something that was conveniently skipped over in order to have the story take place - which is fine, but it also brought down the story for me from 5 stars (AKA “perfect”) to 4 stars (still really frickin’ amazing).
The best part of this book was by far the ending. I had observed the author’s Instagram and knew that people were talking about the ending, but was really confused as to why - until I got to the very last page. And I kid you not, I screamed out loud and started furiously flipping through the book looking for all the details I missed. Honestly, this ending makes me even more excited for book 3, Dearly Departed, which will be out later this summer!
Although this book is a romance, to me the biggest draw was actually the mystery behind the Vixen drug. Who was threatening Jake, why events were playing out the way they were, and ultimately who is responsible? These are all questions I was dying to have answered (and some that have to wait until book 3 comes out!). In addition to the towns of Applechester and Hayvenwood (a nod to the author’s other paranormal romance series), Poppy’s world of the grim reaper island was explored. The island was super detailed, with nods to Greek mythological after life, including the process that souls go through as well as the River Styx.
Although there were some questions answered, I felt that the biggest question I had was why Poppy got sent to be a grim reaper so early, and that never got answered. (Could there be some kind of elaborate plot that will explain this in book 3? Possible, but in my opinion, not probable. I might be pleasently surprised, though.) To me, this felt like something that was conveniently skipped over in order to have the story take place - which is fine, but it also brought down the story for me from 5 stars (AKA “perfect”) to 4 stars (still really frickin’ amazing).
The best part of this book was by far the ending. I had observed the author’s Instagram and knew that people were talking about the ending, but was really confused as to why - until I got to the very last page. And I kid you not, I screamed out loud and started furiously flipping through the book looking for all the details I missed. Honestly, this ending makes me even more excited for book 3, Dearly Departed, which will be out later this summer!
June 6, 2022
The “will they, won’t they” theme throughout this book and the tension Heather has built around Poppy and Jake had me hooked from the very first chapter. Pile on the mysteries surrounding Poppy’s death, Jake’s Vixen case, and if/when Jake is going to die and you’ll be furiously flipping pages to get to the end…just in time for the cliffhanger. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait for Book 3 in the series.
May 22, 2022
Having devoured the first book in the ‘Love Me Dead’ series, ‘Blood Thinners’, I got in line to be an ARC reader for ‘Grim and Bear it.’ I enjoyed Jake’s character in the first book and loved getting to know him better in this one. Jake is a sweet, loyal, hard-working pan-sexual man who happens to use mobility aids. This is classic Heather Novak – she doesn’t only write diverse characters but it’s clear that she rejoices in their diversity. A wide range of sexualities, genders and abilities are embraced, and on top of that, Jake’s work partner Paris has a tonne of food allergies. The way the characters respect and support each other with their differences/challenges makes me love them even more.
Poppy was relatable on more than one level, and it was fun to learn about the world and rules of the reapers. It’s funny to think she’s stuck wearing a unicorn tee and leggings for all eternity because that’s what she chose to wear as a sixteen-year-old rebelling against the idea of being forced to join the family reaper business. Novak has a deft way of combining the ludicrous and campy with emotional, real-to-life characters you can cheer for.
It was a great read, if not quite as addictive as ‘Blood Thinners’. Looking forward to book three to learn more about these characters (both human, supernatural and hybrid) and their wild, romance-filled adventures.
Poppy was relatable on more than one level, and it was fun to learn about the world and rules of the reapers. It’s funny to think she’s stuck wearing a unicorn tee and leggings for all eternity because that’s what she chose to wear as a sixteen-year-old rebelling against the idea of being forced to join the family reaper business. Novak has a deft way of combining the ludicrous and campy with emotional, real-to-life characters you can cheer for.
It was a great read, if not quite as addictive as ‘Blood Thinners’. Looking forward to book three to learn more about these characters (both human, supernatural and hybrid) and their wild, romance-filled adventures.
May 20, 2022
A fantastic fantasy romance.
This is such a great story, but often emotional. Jake and Poppy were in love, but torn apart while they were still teenagers, when Poppy’s family followed their destiny to became Grim Reapers. Poppy and Jake never forget each other. Jake constantly searched for Poppy, not knowing what happened to her or where she went. He was just told they moved. Poppy still had the ability to watch over Jake, without him knowing, even though she was breaking reaper rules. But one day it all changed and Jake was able to see Poppy. What does this mean? Is it because Jake is a supernatural investigator? Maybe he uncovered a new mystery. Is it his time to die? Or is there something else supernatural happening. Lots of questions arise. But the main question is, can Poppy and Jake be together again, or are they destined to always be a forbidden love?
I was hooked on this book from the start. This author took me on an amazing journey into the supernatural world. I also enjoyed catching up with the characters from the previous book in the series. I would recommend reading the Love Me Dead series in order so you don’t miss anything and you know the characters and their stories better.
This is such a great story, but often emotional. Jake and Poppy were in love, but torn apart while they were still teenagers, when Poppy’s family followed their destiny to became Grim Reapers. Poppy and Jake never forget each other. Jake constantly searched for Poppy, not knowing what happened to her or where she went. He was just told they moved. Poppy still had the ability to watch over Jake, without him knowing, even though she was breaking reaper rules. But one day it all changed and Jake was able to see Poppy. What does this mean? Is it because Jake is a supernatural investigator? Maybe he uncovered a new mystery. Is it his time to die? Or is there something else supernatural happening. Lots of questions arise. But the main question is, can Poppy and Jake be together again, or are they destined to always be a forbidden love?
I was hooked on this book from the start. This author took me on an amazing journey into the supernatural world. I also enjoyed catching up with the characters from the previous book in the series. I would recommend reading the Love Me Dead series in order so you don’t miss anything and you know the characters and their stories better.
June 6, 2022
Heather Novak's Love Me Dead series is absolutely worth the read.
"Grim and Bear It" heroine, Poppy instantly became my favorite character in the series. Poppy is a Grim Reaper, who, at the age of sixteen, had her human life taken from here so she may do her birthright duty of collecting and helping recently deceased souls crossover.
Poppy has never stopped caring for her childhood love, Jake, and she longs to be with him and experience the human life that was taken from her too soon.
Readers of the series were introduced to Jake in book one, Blood Thinners. Jake was a character of whom I wanted more, and I was excited to learn he is the hero of the second book in the series - "Grim and Bear It."
Poppy and Jake are endgame, but HOW? One is, literally, dead. To say the least, there are some challenges.
Those who know Heather Novak's Lynch Brothers series will be delighted by the not at all subtle Easter Egg and character crossover.
Readers of Heather Novak's know she loves a happily ever after, but she won't make getting the HEA ending predictable.
With plot twists and turns, I am excitedly waiting for the final book in the series. Readers were hit with a couple of shocking plot reveals and twists in the final pages of the books that had me gasping aloud.
"Grim and Bear It" heroine, Poppy instantly became my favorite character in the series. Poppy is a Grim Reaper, who, at the age of sixteen, had her human life taken from here so she may do her birthright duty of collecting and helping recently deceased souls crossover.
Poppy has never stopped caring for her childhood love, Jake, and she longs to be with him and experience the human life that was taken from her too soon.
Readers of the series were introduced to Jake in book one, Blood Thinners. Jake was a character of whom I wanted more, and I was excited to learn he is the hero of the second book in the series - "Grim and Bear It."
Poppy and Jake are endgame, but HOW? One is, literally, dead. To say the least, there are some challenges.
Those who know Heather Novak's Lynch Brothers series will be delighted by the not at all subtle Easter Egg and character crossover.
Readers of Heather Novak's know she loves a happily ever after, but she won't make getting the HEA ending predictable.
With plot twists and turns, I am excitedly waiting for the final book in the series. Readers were hit with a couple of shocking plot reveals and twists in the final pages of the books that had me gasping aloud.
June 6, 2022
Heather has done it again; Grim and Bear It will pull you in from the first page and keep you engaged until the very end. Poppy and Jake’s story is sweet, a little spicy, and will tug at your heart strings for sure. Heather has created a world and characters that feel both fresh and familiar all at once and integrates the supernatural elements in such a way that it isn’t just some cheesy trope but a believable and intriguing world all its own. This is a quick read for those that are a fan of romance and mystery and it’s highly probable that you won’t be able to put the book down until you find out just how Jake and Poppy’s story turns out. If you’re looking for a feel good, spine tingling romantic mystery jam packed full of action featuring a hero using a mobility aid and Bi/Pan romance then friends this is your ticket. You won’t regret reading this and it’s quite possible that this latest book from Heather will become a favorite, expect to be left wanting more.
May 19, 2022
The hunt is on for whomever is testing hybrid vampire venom laced with fentanyl. Jake and Paris are on the case when Jake’s long deceased love Poppy, appears to him. She is a reaper and if you can see her, you are next to die. She’s confused because Jake is definitely not on any reaper’s list. It is a mystery to both of them and allows Poppy to help the case. Through it all, the love that Poppy and Jake felt for each other is still alive and growing. Neither knows how things will turn out as they work together with Paris to solve the crime.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 13, 2022
Look, do i want to wax poetic over book two in the Love Me Dead series?? I do. I really really do. Instead, i am going to tell you how reading this book made me feel, it was like getting drenched by rain on a hot summer day. It was like having your two closest friends tell you that they started dating but were forced to call it quits due to unforeseen events. I felt like my soul was ripped out of my body but was quickly wrapped in the warmest knitted sweater any kindly grandma could knit. I felt enraptured by the love and devotion Poppy and Jake have for each other but i also felt like flipping a table due to the ending. Ms. Novak does it again.
April 6, 2023
4.5 stars ⭐️ Must read
I wish we could do half ratings on here as I have such a hard time giving books 5 stars.
This book was captivating, romantic, and a great addition to the series. I am consistently intrigued by the characters, enveloped in the romance, and ripping through the pages to discover what’s next.
With each book, the tension builds and builds so that a light, easy read, turns into a harrowing adventure.
Not to mention, an ending with a cliffhanger that only leaves me begging for more. I am truly yearning to start the next book as soon as I can, eager for more of this world.
Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a solid romance novel to pass the time.
I wish we could do half ratings on here as I have such a hard time giving books 5 stars.
This book was captivating, romantic, and a great addition to the series. I am consistently intrigued by the characters, enveloped in the romance, and ripping through the pages to discover what’s next.
With each book, the tension builds and builds so that a light, easy read, turns into a harrowing adventure.
Not to mention, an ending with a cliffhanger that only leaves me begging for more. I am truly yearning to start the next book as soon as I can, eager for more of this world.
Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a solid romance novel to pass the time.
October 13, 2024
I really enjoyed another story in the SHAP world. I loved seeing characters from the first book popping back up.
While the book’s romantic storyline focuses on a male and female they are both queer and I love that the author gives the same love and attention to this couple as she did the first and shows different queer characters.
I’m also super eager for book three because I have a sneaky feeling Eliza and Paris might be next in the hot seat *fingers crossed*
The story itself is absolutely beautiful. I love different takes on Grimm reapers. The writing is as fun and the side characters are always a hoot.
While the book’s romantic storyline focuses on a male and female they are both queer and I love that the author gives the same love and attention to this couple as she did the first and shows different queer characters.
I’m also super eager for book three because I have a sneaky feeling Eliza and Paris might be next in the hot seat *fingers crossed*
The story itself is absolutely beautiful. I love different takes on Grimm reapers. The writing is as fun and the side characters are always a hoot.
May 30, 2022
When I finished this book was I surprised? Of course. Expect the unexpected. Heather always makes me cry laugh, sad and happy the same time. I love all the supernatural series, love stories where I can really dive into and always want to know what happens next? This Book made me so nervous i was so excited about the story that I thought really? Why? You need to read it all you really want to know how this story goes. When you finish it you say ok why is that the end? Makes me curious about the next one in this series! So I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
June 2, 2022
I Received and ARC. Reading the Love Me Dead series is like indulging in Mexican Hot Chocolate. It’s luxurious, and sweet with just the right amount of spice to keep you coming back. Grim and Bear It opens with Poppy a Grim Reaper spying on the love of her former life as she has since her passing 12 years prior. She gets caught and paranormal machinations ensue. If you want to see how Grim Reapers do family dinner, LGBTQ+ representation, laugh out loud relatable moments, and Spicy Paranormal Romance…This is your book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
Oh. My. God.
Heather hits it out of the park with Grim & Bear It. Just when you think you know what’ll happen you’re wrong. It tugs on every heartstring you have while being funny as hell. I laughed. I cried. I laughed while crying.
Poppy & Jake’s relationship is beautiful in its ability to grow and evolve. It also proves that love does not vanish after death. As a widow, this particular message touched me the most.
Overall this book is more than just an LGBTQ paranormal romance. It’s a legitimate look at love, grief, growth and second chances.
Heather hits it out of the park with Grim & Bear It. Just when you think you know what’ll happen you’re wrong. It tugs on every heartstring you have while being funny as hell. I laughed. I cried. I laughed while crying.
Poppy & Jake’s relationship is beautiful in its ability to grow and evolve. It also proves that love does not vanish after death. As a widow, this particular message touched me the most.
Overall this book is more than just an LGBTQ paranormal romance. It’s a legitimate look at love, grief, growth and second chances.
June 8, 2022
I liked Grim and Bear It even more than the first book in the trilogy! It got deeper into the mystery that started in book 1 but still left me curious for how things will unfold in book 3. I also love Jake and Poppy's story and the introduction of the Reaper world. I thought the world building was great and I loved the tie-in to the characters from Heavenwood! Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for book 3!
June 6, 2022
Such a great story. I loved the characters and all of the emotions the book takes us through. Will Jake and Poppy's love be able to stand true even in death? This is a must read!!! I really hope to see more of these characters in future books from Ms. Novak as she has a way of really making them feel like friends and family you want to be with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
The adventures continue with Poppy and Jake in book 2 of the Love Me Dead series. They discover a leak in their organization and the serum that is turning humans into vampires is a highly hunted commodity. Will the team have to die to save the human race? I enjoyed this series and look forward to book 3. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 5, 2022
Absolutely adore this series!
Heather creates amazing characters, who are so relatable even if i don't have a house ghost or deal with the supernatural daily- I connect with her characters in a way you don't often get a chance to.
Beautiful to see main characters with disabilities that are so well included that it's just natural.
Funny, sweet, great mystery, romance.. it's got it all
Heather creates amazing characters, who are so relatable even if i don't have a house ghost or deal with the supernatural daily- I connect with her characters in a way you don't often get a chance to.
Beautiful to see main characters with disabilities that are so well included that it's just natural.
Funny, sweet, great mystery, romance.. it's got it all
September 18, 2022
Family business is one of those kinda shitty guilted-into things in normal circumstances; Poppy's case is like, the epitome of the terrible version of this. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole story, relationship and thriller both.
Also, really sad I needed the epilogue to put two and two together... apparently my armchair detective skills are slipping.
Also, really sad I needed the epilogue to put two and two together... apparently my armchair detective skills are slipping.
June 4, 2025
So different but so good!
Somehow I started this series with this book (#2) but it didn’t impact the ride much. Honestly, I cried much of the time- Jake as a human and Poppy as a reaper, each of them yearning for each other. The longing, the history, the devotion through time…❤️. Fair warning: plot continues into Book 3!
Somehow I started this series with this book (#2) but it didn’t impact the ride much. Honestly, I cried much of the time- Jake as a human and Poppy as a reaper, each of them yearning for each other. The longing, the history, the devotion through time…❤️. Fair warning: plot continues into Book 3!
June 8, 2025
Fun characters in a great story
This book was filled with fun characters navigating their way through a great story filled with action, adventure, a bit of magic and even a dragon. I enjoyed this book and look forward to further adventures for these characters. I recommend this book and start of the series.
This book was filled with fun characters navigating their way through a great story filled with action, adventure, a bit of magic and even a dragon. I enjoyed this book and look forward to further adventures for these characters. I recommend this book and start of the series.
June 2, 2022
I loved this book! The characters were great, I loved Poppy and Jake’s relationship. I especially loved the way Poppy played her violin. Definitely enjoyed this book, cannot wait for the next in the series!
June 6, 2022
She did it again!
First of all, this is the crossover you never knew you needed. Then, I really want what Poppy and Jake have. This is a sweet and spicy story, with handfuls of action and feelings. You meet again previous books fan favorites and I can't wait to read the next one!
First of all, this is the crossover you never knew you needed. Then, I really want what Poppy and Jake have. This is a sweet and spicy story, with handfuls of action and feelings. You meet again previous books fan favorites and I can't wait to read the next one!
October 16, 2026
I wanted to like this book more. It was a Sidetrack Bookshop find. It was signed and came with an art piece and bookmark. I was intrigued by the concept, just not the execution of it. I really liked Poppy & Jake as a couple, everything else brought the story down for me.
September 7, 2022
I listened to this on audiobook and thought it was a lot of fun! I love Poppy and Jake! Ah! So good and so well written. :D I can't wait for book 3.
February 26, 2023
Heather Novak does it again. I actually liked this one even better than Blood Thinners. Poppy is such a great character and getting to know Jake better was such a treat. Love this book!
May 13, 2023
Do I have an unhealthy obsession with Jake Robinson? Yes. No further questions.
June 7, 2025
Oh my God this was sooo good! But in the end I don't get why Jake didn't get that drug so that his leg would heal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews