Category: Check Content Warning/Triggers

The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Contemporary, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

The Reluctant ReaperThe Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 11, 2025

As the daughter of Death, Amara Morrigan has spent years avoiding her family or rather the family business, by moving from the family compound in North Dakota and staying busy with lots of temp jobs and spending time with her best (and only) friend, Graham Gray. But when news reaches her that her father is ill, she has no choice but to return home and thankfully Gray insists on coming with her. Amara has been adamant since she was a child that she would not become a reaper, but with Death literally on death’s door, she agrees to temporarily take over his duties. But it doesn’t take long to figure out that she was set up or that things have gone off the rails, leaving the fate of her father in question. She will have to figure it out and set things right before she loses everything that she loves.

This was a fun, fast-paced story with intriguing characters and lots of witty banter. I adored the relationship between Amara and Gray, they were perfect for each other, and I was rooting hard for them. The book has a lot going on, there is lying, snarky gods, betrayal, death, found family, lots of lefse, secrets, friends to lovers, twists and turns and an unexpected ending. As much as I enjoyed the book, I will admit that at times the dialogue and the plot seemed a bit chaotic and confusing, but overall, it was a good read, and I enjoyed the mystery just as much as the romance. I would happily recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a rom-com type romantasy with a mystery twist. It is important to note that the book does touch on some sensitive issues, such as child abuse, death of a child and death from illness, I did feel like the author handled all of these with empathy and respect, but I would recommend checking the content warnings before reading the book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Isle of Waiting by G.W. Prouse

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Fairytale Retelling, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Standalone Title, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Isle of WaitingIsle of Waiting by G.W. Prouse

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Set in an evocative, famine-stricken version of early 1900s Greece. The story follows Kora, a young woman whose world has been shaped by the mysterious disappearance of the Immortals. Her life, though quiet and ordinary, takes a dramatic turn when her twin brother William is killed while protecting her, thrusting Kora into a supernatural bargain to save his soul. I appreciated the imaginative premise and how the author wove together mythic and fairytale elements, particularly with Shade—a god reminiscent of both Hades and Peter Pan, whose reluctance and vulnerability add intrigue to the plot.

Kora herself is a memorable protagonist: stubborn, loyal, and surprisingly brave. Her interactions with her family, especially her younger brother Michael, offer touching moments of warmth amid the story’s tension and loss. I also found her relationship with Shade compelling, with their slow-burn romance giving the book emotional depth. The setting—Greece on the edge of collapse—provides a compelling backdrop and heightens the stakes of Kora’s journey.

The blurb for this book intrigued me, but I did struggle at times with the pacing and the way the story balanced its dual inspirations, making the narrative harder to fully invest in. Some characters, particularly Shade, came across as more childish than I expected for a romantic lead, and the dialogue sometimes felt as if I was reading a YA novel rather than a romantasy. Overall, this was a touching story of love, loss, and self-discovery. And while it may not resonate with everyone—especially those looking for a more traditional mythological retelling—I think readers who enjoy unconventional fantasy, fairytale reimagining, will enjoy this book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *