What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Kiss of the Reaper
The Angel of Death has a name: Azrael. He also has a purpose - to soothe the souls of the suffering into the peaceful passage of the afterlife. But in his twilight existence, Azrael himself has never known peace or pleasure...
Until he meets Sara, the first mortal who can somehow see him in his Reaper form. Charming and spirited despite bearing her own burdens, she intoxicates him with the pleasures of life, even taming his brutal dark side with her fearlessness. But Azrael’s new happiness is short-lived when he realizes Sara’s health is fading. The bright flame of her life is about to be blown out.
And he’s to blame.
Until he meets Sara, the first mortal who can somehow see him in his Reaper form. Charming and spirited despite bearing her own burdens, she intoxicates him with the pleasures of life, even taming his brutal dark side with her fearlessness. But Azrael’s new happiness is short-lived when he realizes Sara’s health is fading. The bright flame of her life is about to be blown out.
And he’s to blame.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2011
75 people are currently reading
2208 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
186 books3,368 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 9, 2018
Song that is a perfect match to the book.
(Don't Fear) The Reaper
Blue Öyster Cult
===============================
God I just love this book after a long time I felt like all the emotions were lined up to come out .
This is a book with a very different topic ,author actually don't like Grim reaper as the hero of the story .
But this book will make you happy,flustered with very heart touch words and emotions and will make you cry like a baby .
This book has a very simple start with Sara a nurse who just got divorced and has a lot in her plate.Paying bills and trying to get alimony from ex husband has made her life like a robot .But a unexpected happens a man with a grim reaper costumer and seven inch long wings comes into her life and claims to a reaper.It felt like some one has just got out of midlife crisis.But things like this dont happen a lot.
Azrael the grim reaper and the hero never expected a mortal to see him and ever hear him .He was there to reap a soul but left his heart there.The image above made me thing was he thinking the same thing when he entered and ended up being seen. He reaps souls once they have passed on and his existence is lonesome and repetitive.When he comes to a conclusion sara can see him he takes her for a journey(a date not official)where she meets his brother how reap souls like him.
This is quite a story I would without wasting a second add it to my favorites. This story had a mortal and a immortal soul which made it very interesting even tough other paranormal books have this same mortal immortal but something about this book make it more interesting.
1.This book has the most perfect book boyfriend with no experience in anything not even in kissing .It made me feet like where did u come from (of couse heaven).His two brother had done phd in kissing and other stuff.
2.After the first kiss it became a book of kisses after every page there would be a kiss.(typical lovebirds)
3.To many emotional hurdles after there marriage.It was like you got married with a grim reaper and problems .
This book has some parts which you can never miss most of the reaped souls were the ones with cancer.Even Sara had to die from cancer.The fate is shown to be the most cruel person but she had nothing to do with anything made it look like she lost her house in vein.The family bonding is a very beautiful part of the story so try not to miss it.
Before ending brace you shelfs.
I am waiting for the other brothers book because nobody can miss them.They made this book more interesting with there presence.
(Don't Fear) The Reaper
Blue Öyster Cult
===============================
God I just love this book after a long time I felt like all the emotions were lined up to come out .
This is a book with a very different topic ,author actually don't like Grim reaper as the hero of the story .
But this book will make you happy,flustered with very heart touch words and emotions and will make you cry like a baby .
This book has a very simple start with Sara a nurse who just got divorced and has a lot in her plate.Paying bills and trying to get alimony from ex husband has made her life like a robot .But a unexpected happens a man with a grim reaper costumer and seven inch long wings comes into her life and claims to a reaper.It felt like some one has just got out of midlife crisis.But things like this dont happen a lot.
Azrael the grim reaper and the hero never expected a mortal to see him and ever hear him .He was there to reap a soul but left his heart there.The image above made me thing was he thinking the same thing when he entered and ended up being seen. He reaps souls once they have passed on and his existence is lonesome and repetitive.When he comes to a conclusion sara can see him he takes her for a journey(a date not official)where she meets his brother how reap souls like him.
This is quite a story I would without wasting a second add it to my favorites. This story had a mortal and a immortal soul which made it very interesting even tough other paranormal books have this same mortal immortal but something about this book make it more interesting.
1.This book has the most perfect book boyfriend with no experience in anything not even in kissing .It made me feet like where did u come from (of couse heaven).His two brother had done phd in kissing and other stuff.
2.After the first kiss it became a book of kisses after every page there would be a kiss.(typical lovebirds)
3.To many emotional hurdles after there marriage.It was like you got married with a grim reaper and problems .
This book has some parts which you can never miss most of the reaped souls were the ones with cancer.Even Sara had to die from cancer.The fate is shown to be the most cruel person but she had nothing to do with anything made it look like she lost her house in vein.The family bonding is a very beautiful part of the story so try not to miss it.
Before ending brace you shelfs.
I am waiting for the other brothers book because nobody can miss them.They made this book more interesting with there presence.
April 14, 2018
“Honey, cancer doesn’t care who you are or what your life is like. It goes after everyone equally. Now it’s your job to fight this thing.”
August 16, 2011
Review posted at Hesperia Loves Books
Ever since reading Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series (hello…Raphael!), I’ve been a sucker for angels. Anytime I see a cover with wings, I’m in because, yes I’ll admit it, wings are hot! So, when Erika @ Bad Ass Book Reviews, turned me on to Dark Kiss of the Reaper, all it took was one look and I was sold! I mean, come on, have you looked at the cover! ;)
Kristen Painter has written a beautiful love story between Sara & Azrael which I really enjoyed. However, I felt a little teased & cheated. Basically what we have in this story is a single human girl, Sara, who sees a drop dead gorgeous guy ‘kill’ a patient. This guy is Azrael, an Angel of Death, reaper of souls. The main plot of the book is their love story and how they fight to be together, even though one is immortal and the other is not. It definitely is not your typical Paranormal Romance genre storyline – nobody is out to kill anyone (other than the souls being reaped), no taking over the world plots or schemes & no love triangles. It is up to their love story to sustain the entire book, which it does for the most part. For me, there were only one major infraction. For me, when reading romances, it has to seem real. It must pass the real life test (would this be something that happened in real life or only in Romance-land-ia), and for the most part, this one worked well. Sara’s fears going into the relationship, especially after her bad marriage, were very authentic and well-placed. However, Azrael realized that he ‘loved’ Sara after only the first date, um yeah, definitely NOT real life. But, if I wanted real life I wouldn’t be reading romance novels right?
What Kristen does do very well is a kick-ass job of writing the chemistry between the two characters. You could feel it radiating off of the page between them. Which is why I’m more that a little frustrated with the book. For me, when the main storyline/plot of a book is the relationship between two people, I damn well better get everything those people have to offer. It is so disappointing, as a reader, to become invested in a story & couple within, and not get everything about their journey. For the entire book we have waited for Sara & Azrael to have sex, what we get is a fade-to-black scene. Now before you go and put your “she’s a hussy” hat on & think all I care about is sex, you’re wrong. What I truly believe is that when you are in love with someone and that person becomes your entire world like Sara & Azrael have become to each other, the natural progression would be for them to have sex. And while we know they did the deed, it just wasn’t fair to the readers to give us the luscious build-up and then NOTHING.
The ending however, more than made up for any irritation that I might have felt at not getting sex deets and I must admit I cried. I know, I know, I’m a sucker for a sweet story – what can I say! I also really enjoyed Chronos & Kol, Azrael’s brothers. Their stories really intrigued me and I sincerely hope that she will give us their books. I would LOVE to get my hands on Kol’s. I really want to see the extremely hard-ass woman who will put him on his toes. Bring on the next Kristen Painter book!
Ever since reading Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series (hello…Raphael!), I’ve been a sucker for angels. Anytime I see a cover with wings, I’m in because, yes I’ll admit it, wings are hot! So, when Erika @ Bad Ass Book Reviews, turned me on to Dark Kiss of the Reaper, all it took was one look and I was sold! I mean, come on, have you looked at the cover! ;)
Kristen Painter has written a beautiful love story between Sara & Azrael which I really enjoyed. However, I felt a little teased & cheated. Basically what we have in this story is a single human girl, Sara, who sees a drop dead gorgeous guy ‘kill’ a patient. This guy is Azrael, an Angel of Death, reaper of souls. The main plot of the book is their love story and how they fight to be together, even though one is immortal and the other is not. It definitely is not your typical Paranormal Romance genre storyline – nobody is out to kill anyone (other than the souls being reaped), no taking over the world plots or schemes & no love triangles. It is up to their love story to sustain the entire book, which it does for the most part. For me, there were only one major infraction. For me, when reading romances, it has to seem real. It must pass the real life test (would this be something that happened in real life or only in Romance-land-ia), and for the most part, this one worked well. Sara’s fears going into the relationship, especially after her bad marriage, were very authentic and well-placed. However, Azrael realized that he ‘loved’ Sara after only the first date, um yeah, definitely NOT real life. But, if I wanted real life I wouldn’t be reading romance novels right?
What Kristen does do very well is a kick-ass job of writing the chemistry between the two characters. You could feel it radiating off of the page between them. Which is why I’m more that a little frustrated with the book. For me, when the main storyline/plot of a book is the relationship between two people, I damn well better get everything those people have to offer. It is so disappointing, as a reader, to become invested in a story & couple within, and not get everything about their journey. For the entire book we have waited for Sara & Azrael to have sex, what we get is a fade-to-black scene. Now before you go and put your “she’s a hussy” hat on & think all I care about is sex, you’re wrong. What I truly believe is that when you are in love with someone and that person becomes your entire world like Sara & Azrael have become to each other, the natural progression would be for them to have sex. And while we know they did the deed, it just wasn’t fair to the readers to give us the luscious build-up and then NOTHING.
The ending however, more than made up for any irritation that I might have felt at not getting sex deets and I must admit I cried. I know, I know, I’m a sucker for a sweet story – what can I say! I also really enjoyed Chronos & Kol, Azrael’s brothers. Their stories really intrigued me and I sincerely hope that she will give us their books. I would LOVE to get my hands on Kol’s. I really want to see the extremely hard-ass woman who will put him on his toes. Bring on the next Kristen Painter book!
September 28, 2011
Ok, I will be the first to admit that I am definitley a wing girl. That aside, I was looking for something to fill my time between my other series and ran accross this book. I was intrigued by the blurb so I started reading. I was pleasantly surprised with what turned out to be a very unique story line. A normal single (divorced) woman happens to see (enter the Reaper) a hot guy with wings "gliding" down the hospital hall way on a cancer unit. Not only does she see him, she sees him reap a soul before her very eyes! Now, I don't think I would have stuck around to see what "wing man" would do next but alas, she does. The story takes off from there, taking us high above the clouds on a flying horse, to a sad ending for a father trying to nurse his son back to health, all the way to Paris! The heat between these two is an inferno and I just couldn't help rooting for this to work.
Oh, and did I mention the brothers!!! How could I forget them! A tad creepy but extremely intriguing, can't wait for them to get their own books (hint, hint Ms. Painter) back to our story.... The chemistry was HELLO Awesome!!! and I couldn't wait for our virgin Reaper to get down to business, they did however, we didn't get to really experience it but, that was ok because in the end good won out and I had a perma-smile on my face. The book took me places I couldn't have thought up and left me wanting more from the talented Ms. Painter. Definitely looking forward to more from her. 4 solid stars.
Oh, and did I mention the brothers!!! How could I forget them! A tad creepy but extremely intriguing, can't wait for them to get their own books (hint, hint Ms. Painter) back to our story.... The chemistry was HELLO Awesome!!! and I couldn't wait for our virgin Reaper to get down to business, they did however, we didn't get to really experience it but, that was ok because in the end good won out and I had a perma-smile on my face. The book took me places I couldn't have thought up and left me wanting more from the talented Ms. Painter. Definitely looking forward to more from her. 4 solid stars.
November 28, 2018
The failed version of Hush Hush + Twilight....The characters are vanilla, the plot leaves a lot to be desired.
August 4, 2014
So...you're telling me the Fates actually made a mistake when they accused Azrael of killing Sara? The Fates? And then decided to compensate said mistake by giving Sara a new life as Lady Death by Azrael's side? Seriously? That's what you went for? About as credible as my bank phoning me and saying they made a mistake and now I have millions in my account.
(I just checked and I'm still as poor as yesterday)
So...the whole plot was just millions shy of credible and I'm not solely referring to the Fades and their mistake. I mean, they meet and fall in love, an angel of death and a mortal. It has been done. Not exactly new or that unbelievable after a few novels. Okay. I can get on board with this. Then Paris happens. The thing with her husband. The diamonds. The marriage. His brother's gifts. The sudden cancer. The whole tragedy. I'm sorry, say what? If this was a more wholesome novel I may have suspended my disbelief long enough to appreciate it. Unfortunately it just wasn't written well enough for me to do it. Much to be desired in the characterization and world-building departments. Certainly nothing worth suspending my belief for.
Rating: 2.5 ★ (half a star for the hot angel)
(I just checked and I'm still as poor as yesterday)
So...the whole plot was just millions shy of credible and I'm not solely referring to the Fades and their mistake. I mean, they meet and fall in love, an angel of death and a mortal. It has been done. Not exactly new or that unbelievable after a few novels. Okay. I can get on board with this. Then Paris happens. The thing with her husband. The diamonds. The marriage. His brother's gifts. The sudden cancer. The whole tragedy. I'm sorry, say what? If this was a more wholesome novel I may have suspended my disbelief long enough to appreciate it. Unfortunately it just wasn't written well enough for me to do it. Much to be desired in the characterization and world-building departments. Certainly nothing worth suspending my belief for.
Rating: 2.5 ★ (half a star for the hot angel)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2014
This book was a strange mishmash of Christian and greek mythology. Think the greek fates; spinners of life threads, Hades' underworld, and on the other hand; biblical reapers, some of them with decidedly unbiblical sounding names...
Azrael is one of three reapers, and the only one who's avoided the company of mortal women. Until Sara, the first woman to see him in his reaper state. I've read quite a few reaper meets human novels. At least death incarnate doesn't fall in love with a lolita/teenager in this one. She's in her thirties and divorced. Kudos to the author for daring to give women past their twenties hope of catching their own supernatural hottie;-) Their love follows the predictable pattern: Instalove (on his part) and the inevitable angst, heartbreak, and hurdle to overcome. Very formulaic. But it was a quick little read with a HEA. Personally, I was more intrigued by Azrael's troubled brother, Kol. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely we'll get to read his story. The author has since moved on to a new series.
Azrael is one of three reapers, and the only one who's avoided the company of mortal women. Until Sara, the first woman to see him in his reaper state. I've read quite a few reaper meets human novels. At least death incarnate doesn't fall in love with a lolita/teenager in this one. She's in her thirties and divorced. Kudos to the author for daring to give women past their twenties hope of catching their own supernatural hottie;-) Their love follows the predictable pattern: Instalove (on his part) and the inevitable angst, heartbreak, and hurdle to overcome. Very formulaic. But it was a quick little read with a HEA. Personally, I was more intrigued by Azrael's troubled brother, Kol. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely we'll get to read his story. The author has since moved on to a new series.
January 6, 2013
Nice story, this is the 3rd book about a reaper that I've read so far. The 3 of them have different stories. Dark Kiss of the Reaper is certainly the most adult one since the relationship is not a high-school-teenager-crush one which make me love the story. The relationship took spot in a hospital and it's kinda logical considering hospital will be the place we likely to meet a reaper. I like it because it's not a teenager thing and the fact that Sara has had a divorce and work two different places of work makes the story even closer to real life.
The reason I put 3 stars is because I felt a flat-romance in the middle of the story. I do like some parts where the romance felt strong but most of the time it's not strong enough. I do love the part where Azrael was panic and had to choose whether to stay with her memories or save her...it's quite touching and I felt sad too. Kristen Painter, thank you for creating a great book to read....A dark Kiss of The Reaper makes me wanna read some more books of yours :)
The reason I put 3 stars is because I felt a flat-romance in the middle of the story. I do like some parts where the romance felt strong but most of the time it's not strong enough. I do love the part where Azrael was panic and had to choose whether to stay with her memories or save her...it's quite touching and I felt sad too. Kristen Painter, thank you for creating a great book to read....A dark Kiss of The Reaper makes me wanna read some more books of yours :)
June 19, 2018
*Spoiler - ish*
A short feel good story on average. So a nurse unknowingly facing death is now able to see Death i.e. the Angel of Death - Azrael. Realizing that he can be seen in his natural state he becomes intrigued by this mortal woman and begins to seek her out. After a few bumps in the road they realized that they loved each other. Plot twist Sara has cancer.After the Fates insinuate that he was at fault and gave him a way to fix the whole situation he soon regrets his decision and forms a plan to get back his woman. Turns out that she's just as stubborn. Their hard work pays off and in the end the Fates officially turn her into the first Female Angel of Death which they again insinuate may be a curse in disguise and not a blessing.
A short feel good story on average. So a nurse unknowingly facing death is now able to see Death i.e. the Angel of Death - Azrael. Realizing that he can be seen in his natural state he becomes intrigued by this mortal woman and begins to seek her out. After a few bumps in the road they realized that they loved each other. Plot twist Sara has cancer.After the Fates insinuate that he was at fault and gave him a way to fix the whole situation he soon regrets his decision and forms a plan to get back his woman. Turns out that she's just as stubborn. Their hard work pays off and in the end the Fates officially turn her into the first Female Angel of Death which they again insinuate may be a curse in disguise and not a blessing.
June 6, 2011
I really enjoyed this book - it really took me away from the world and let my imagination run wild.
I found the dialogue funny and not to mention Azrael *sigh* For an Angel of Death he certainly is gorgeous and sweet. What a honey! Loved it!
I found the dialogue funny and not to mention Azrael *sigh* For an Angel of Death he certainly is gorgeous and sweet. What a honey! Loved it!
July 26, 2012
Dark Kiss of the Reaper was a nice introduction into a present day world that has not one, but three Reapers. I have read about the three Fates (the Virgin, the Mother, & the Crone) in other books, but never three Reapers. I liked this new spin on Death. These three are brothers, but while two of them have "known the pleasures" of women, Azrael, our Hero, has not. Seems he's been a nose-to-the-grindstone kinda boy and simply focuses on his work.
All of that changes when, while at the hospital to reap a soul, he's seen by a mortal. Sara, an oncology ward secretary, can see Azrael. Initially she thinks him to be a singing telegram because who else would be dressed in such a getup. But, as she reaches him at a patient's bedside, they are both surprised - Azrael because Sara can see him when no human (other than those being reaped) should and Sara because she thinks she just witnessed a murder.
The Reapers' world was very interesting to me and I enjoyed the boys' characters..
Like any good book-boyfriend-ho, I was more drawn to the boys and their story. Sara, the heroine, not so much. I feel like I should be embarrassed to say that the issues I had with her character are RL-based. I realize how silly that is because this is a PNR and I've already accepted Azrael and his Reaper brothers. But, her character is living in today's world, so she gets judged on her actions and reactions as if she were in my world.
{Warning: Don't open this spoiler unless you either read the book or don't mind being spoiled.}
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the Reapers and their world that Kristen created. If this were to be a series, I'd read the Reaper brother's books because I'd love to learn more about them.
All of that changes when, while at the hospital to reap a soul, he's seen by a mortal. Sara, an oncology ward secretary, can see Azrael. Initially she thinks him to be a singing telegram because who else would be dressed in such a getup. But, as she reaches him at a patient's bedside, they are both surprised - Azrael because Sara can see him when no human (other than those being reaped) should and Sara because she thinks she just witnessed a murder.
* Azrael is the Reaper of Mercy. He reaps the souls of those "that are ready and deserving of a merciful death."
* Chronos is the Timekeeper. He reaps the souls of those "who've reached their allotted end but have earned no special consideration or condemnation."
* Kol is a Thresher, "the deadliest kind of reaper", who "culls the souls of that no longer deserve a mortal existence."
The Reapers' world was very interesting to me and I enjoyed the boys' characters..
Like any good book-boyfriend-ho, I was more drawn to the boys and their story. Sara, the heroine, not so much. I feel like I should be embarrassed to say that the issues I had with her character are RL-based. I realize how silly that is because this is a PNR and I've already accepted Azrael and his Reaper brothers. But, her character is living in today's world, so she gets judged on her actions and reactions as if she were in my world.
{Warning: Don't open this spoiler unless you either read the book or don't mind being spoiled.}
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the Reapers and their world that Kristen created. If this were to be a series, I'd read the Reaper brother's books because I'd love to learn more about them.
May 9, 2012
~~ ** Originally posted @ ReadingDiva's Blog - Rating 4.5 of 5 * ~~
Review: I am a huge fan of Kristen Painter, when I came across this book I couldn’t help but to grab it and start reading it while ignoring all other books on the top of my TRL. The Dark Kiss of the Reaper is a sweet and wonderful story of love that knows no boundaries.
Dark Kiss of the Reaper is dark and undeniably romantic. Kristen Painter manages to create a world in which the details can easily map out your imagination bringing you to a world filled with romance, loss and eternal love. As usual, Kristen creates an entertaining plot; her story flows easily, leaving you with the need to keep reading.
Her characters are sexy, funny and sweet. I am amazed at how well their dialog flows and their interaction feels real. I honestly think this book has 2 more parts which I hope she writes one day. Kristen Painter makes us wish we had a Ripper of our own. She entice us by creating a wonderful character “Azrael” who is usually represented by sorrow and darkness (The Angel of Death) yet she manages to make him carrying, sexy and loving.
Her characters bring such light to the story, making it interesting, and a page turner. I would love to read more about the 2 other reapers Chronos and Kol, each character brings depth and purpose to the story. This is a great read, one that I highly recommend.
Review: I am a huge fan of Kristen Painter, when I came across this book I couldn’t help but to grab it and start reading it while ignoring all other books on the top of my TRL. The Dark Kiss of the Reaper is a sweet and wonderful story of love that knows no boundaries.
Dark Kiss of the Reaper is dark and undeniably romantic. Kristen Painter manages to create a world in which the details can easily map out your imagination bringing you to a world filled with romance, loss and eternal love. As usual, Kristen creates an entertaining plot; her story flows easily, leaving you with the need to keep reading.
Her characters are sexy, funny and sweet. I am amazed at how well their dialog flows and their interaction feels real. I honestly think this book has 2 more parts which I hope she writes one day. Kristen Painter makes us wish we had a Ripper of our own. She entice us by creating a wonderful character “Azrael” who is usually represented by sorrow and darkness (The Angel of Death) yet she manages to make him carrying, sexy and loving.
Her characters bring such light to the story, making it interesting, and a page turner. I would love to read more about the 2 other reapers Chronos and Kol, each character brings depth and purpose to the story. This is a great read, one that I highly recommend.
December 5, 2013
I stopped reading about 2 pages into chapter 7. I couldn't bring myself to endure this any longer. I tried.. I really tried.
Why I personally do not like this book:
* Fast paced in an unrealistic way.
* Things are too perfect.
* Sara is too Mary-sue in her ways.
* Style of writing.. some things are grammatically correct but could have been better when rephrased. Made me doubt my own English capabilities at times..
* Everything. Is. Too. Perfect!
* Focuses on things that could use a bit less focus. (Because really - I got the general idea now, thanks. No need to repeat is 4x on a single page.)
I just couldn't take the story serious. I feel even unreal/fantasy stories should have a semblance of realism in some kind of way. For me, this book lacked it.
The only thing that kept me reading was the fact I wanted to know more of the world behind Azrael. It feels like an original concept, so that's basically what keeps me going.
For people who like to be swept away by simply the idea of being swept from their daily lives by a hot stunning man - this book is for you.
It just didn't cut it for me.
Why I personally do not like this book:
* Fast paced in an unrealistic way.
* Things are too perfect.
* Sara is too Mary-sue in her ways.
* Style of writing.. some things are grammatically correct but could have been better when rephrased. Made me doubt my own English capabilities at times..
* Everything. Is. Too. Perfect!
* Focuses on things that could use a bit less focus. (Because really - I got the general idea now, thanks. No need to repeat is 4x on a single page.)
I just couldn't take the story serious. I feel even unreal/fantasy stories should have a semblance of realism in some kind of way. For me, this book lacked it.
The only thing that kept me reading was the fact I wanted to know more of the world behind Azrael. It feels like an original concept, so that's basically what keeps me going.
For people who like to be swept away by simply the idea of being swept from their daily lives by a hot stunning man - this book is for you.
It just didn't cut it for me.
November 23, 2011
OMG...I loved this book...
Who would have thought the Grimm Reaper was so f-----g awesome. Damn I fell in love with Azrael. He was everything a girl looks for in a lover, a friend and a mate.
Sara...well let me say that chick had class...she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. And she allowed herself to feel and love even though she had been hurt so badly by Ray.
I had no idea how things were going to play out for these two wonderful beings but Ms. Painter did them justice.
I rarely cry over a book but this one had me in tears at the end.
I couldn't read it fast enough...couldn't get to the end fast enough...
The secondary characters were great too...Chronos and Kol...I sure hope they each get their own stories...I'm sure their stories would be masterpieces as well.
I can't stress strongly enough how much I loved this book...Do yourself a favor...buy it...read it...relish it...
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Who would have thought the Grimm Reaper was so f-----g awesome. Damn I fell in love with Azrael. He was everything a girl looks for in a lover, a friend and a mate.
Sara...well let me say that chick had class...she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. And she allowed herself to feel and love even though she had been hurt so badly by Ray.
I had no idea how things were going to play out for these two wonderful beings but Ms. Painter did them justice.
I rarely cry over a book but this one had me in tears at the end.
I couldn't read it fast enough...couldn't get to the end fast enough...
The secondary characters were great too...Chronos and Kol...I sure hope they each get their own stories...I'm sure their stories would be masterpieces as well.
I can't stress strongly enough how much I loved this book...Do yourself a favor...buy it...read it...relish it...
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
January 28, 2016
Honestly this book seemed written by different people. The whole first half the characters acted like horny teenagers and it was page after page of them wanting to jump each other. Then after it got really serious it was pages of him spoiling her and PG hints at them having great sex. After struggling through so many chapters and wanting to give up then it changed. The chapters at the end was like reading a whole different romance where it was more about love then lust. I know it sounds like I hated this book but it was decent and I did enjoy the character Sara when she was trying to be witty and funny while Azrael was just a struggle to like. I think the author mixing different mythologies made him a bit out of place.
Finally note there was one mistake that really stood out. Chapter 13 starts with the name Dean though the page before and the paragraphs after the guy's name is Dane.
Finally note there was one mistake that really stood out. Chapter 13 starts with the name Dean though the page before and the paragraphs after the guy's name is Dane.
October 23, 2011
This book had me crying near the end! The love Sara and Azrael have for each other was quite touching, I loved this book. I hope that there will be more! I highly recommend it.
December 8, 2022
At least the world building was interesting...
Woof... This one needs some serious editing. I normally have kindle do "text to audio" so I don't notice grammatical errors as much, but this one had missing conjuctions, incorrect words, missing letters in words that changed their meaning... Did the author even go back to edit? As for the story, its an insta-love book with not a whole lot of depth or reasoning.
Woof... This one needs some serious editing. I normally have kindle do "text to audio" so I don't notice grammatical errors as much, but this one had missing conjuctions, incorrect words, missing letters in words that changed their meaning... Did the author even go back to edit? As for the story, its an insta-love book with not a whole lot of depth or reasoning.
November 10, 2017
Wow
Just wow. This book was so freaking moving. I laughed out loud and cried to the point that I needed tissues, but I absolutely loved this book. It’s significantly different from the other books I’ve read by this author; not a bad thing at all, as it was nice to know that she can write such different books that still bring me back for more.
Just wow. This book was so freaking moving. I laughed out loud and cried to the point that I needed tissues, but I absolutely loved this book. It’s significantly different from the other books I’ve read by this author; not a bad thing at all, as it was nice to know that she can write such different books that still bring me back for more.
January 19, 2025
I truly enjoyed this book.
The characters were realistic and down to earth, well except for the underworld ones and they were fantastic. If you are looking for a simplistic yet heartwarming romance with some paranormal and mythology mixed in, this is that book.
Family friendly, collection worthy.
The characters were realistic and down to earth, well except for the underworld ones and they were fantastic. If you are looking for a simplistic yet heartwarming romance with some paranormal and mythology mixed in, this is that book.
Family friendly, collection worthy.
May 1, 2018
I struggled more with this book more than any of the others by this author. It was still a good book, it was still written well and had a great story, maybe I just wasn’t in the righ5 mood to read it. Anyway, enjoy!
November 30, 2018
This book disappointed me. It was too fast in the plot, couldn't connect with any of the characters, it just felt rushed and surreal. I have read other book from Painter that's why I thought this one wasn't going to disappoint me, but it did.
April 12, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. I like the author and how she writes, I have read a lot of different books/series of hers. The characters were sweet, albeit not a whole lot of history to them which is sometimes good, just gets on with the story in the present. I like the twist at the end and the HEA.
January 12, 2025
I never want Kristen's books to end!
I had no idea how this story was going to work out, but, of course, Kristen did an Awesome job of it!
Thank You again, Kristen, for ANOTHER AMAZING BOOK!!!
I had no idea how this story was going to work out, but, of course, Kristen did an Awesome job of it!
Thank You again, Kristen, for ANOTHER AMAZING BOOK!!!
May 14, 2017
EXCEPTIONAL!!!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!
March 17, 2017
An interesting idea.
I love Kristen Painter. Thought I had read everything of hers until I found THIS. How did I not know this book existed. It will make you laugh, cry, cringe, hope and pray that more characters like them invade Kristens brain and beg for their story to be told. Azriel and Sarah have a brilliant story and hopefully, sometime in the future Chronos and Kol may get theirs.
I love Kristen Painter. Thought I had read everything of hers until I found THIS. How did I not know this book existed. It will make you laugh, cry, cringe, hope and pray that more characters like them invade Kristens brain and beg for their story to be told. Azriel and Sarah have a brilliant story and hopefully, sometime in the future Chronos and Kol may get theirs.
November 12, 2015
I wanted to read this book because I am fond of Kristen Painter and her House of Comarrê Series, such as Blood Rights, Flesh and Blood, Bad Blood, Out for Blood and Last Blood. But I must say I was surprised at this book and its lack of a solid plot, it has plenty of humor and wit, but lacks a solid backbone.
Azrael is a Reaper, he reaps souls once they have passed on and his existence is lonesome and repetitive. Until he visits the hospital where Sara works. Unlike other mortals, Sara can see him. After he convinces her of who he is, and entices her to join him on his travels, he appears intoxicated with her beauty, her life and her ability to resist him when he seems powerless to ignore his passion.
Mind, Azrael is intensely handsome, charismatic and dynamic, he has wings, his mansion can conjure up her every wish . He wantsto make the rest of her life comfortable and easy, he can do anything, so he seems incredibly unreal. Sara is divorced so has an ex husband who makes her life a bit tedious, and she is wary of getting into another relationship. Which in my opinion makes Azrael clingy, needy and aggressive. For a dark, super handsome Reaper that is a unfortunate quality.
The story does however have an interesting twist in the form of Sara's health, which seems to be failing her, we are made aware of this at perhaps only one point in the story through her migraines, which turns out . I feel this should have been followed through the main narrative more but hey, just an opinion.
I didn't regret reading it, but it was a bit disappointing in relation to my love for other books by Kristen Painter.
Azrael is a Reaper, he reaps souls once they have passed on and his existence is lonesome and repetitive. Until he visits the hospital where Sara works. Unlike other mortals, Sara can see him. After he convinces her of who he is, and entices her to join him on his travels, he appears intoxicated with her beauty, her life and her ability to resist him when he seems powerless to ignore his passion.
Mind, Azrael is intensely handsome, charismatic and dynamic, he has wings, his mansion can conjure up her every wish . He wantsto make the rest of her life comfortable and easy, he can do anything, so he seems incredibly unreal. Sara is divorced so has an ex husband who makes her life a bit tedious, and she is wary of getting into another relationship. Which in my opinion makes Azrael clingy, needy and aggressive. For a dark, super handsome Reaper that is a unfortunate quality.
The story does however have an interesting twist in the form of Sara's health, which seems to be failing her, we are made aware of this at perhaps only one point in the story through her migraines, which turns out . I feel this should have been followed through the main narrative more but hey, just an opinion.
I didn't regret reading it, but it was a bit disappointing in relation to my love for other books by Kristen Painter.
August 11, 2012
This book had mixed reviews. And well, it was okay.
I didn't see the whole point behind this book other than the Fates were bitches. It was way too feminist for me. It started off man hating...and it pretty much ended man hating, too. Not an attractive package in my eyes. Another book where the woman thinks she is independent and ends up with a very alpha-like male; completely dominant...yet sensitive which doesn't really add up. How lovely--or rather annoying.
I did not like Sara. She was rather materialistic and a tease. Completely at ease knowing she had the power in the relationship when it came to sexual conduct, but had no qualms torturing Azrael. How empowering...not. She practically referred to herself as a prostitute at one point--yet again, she was content with this. Wonderful.
Azrael really didn't do himself justice in this book. He was rather a pansy compared to how I would imagine an Angel of Death being. And for his lack of having patience, he sure let Sara play a ton of games. It was rather unbecoming.
I have to say, I was rather aware that he was not responsible for Sara's cancer. She was having headaches before she even met him. So that wasn't a surprise to me at all. Nothing in this book surprised me...except for the lack of manliness Azrael exhibited. Oh and that it was a clean romance. For all the foreplay like descriptions, I was surprised there. Some would find that to be another ding. But I don't mind that. There are only so many times I can handle reading the word Vagina replaced with the word Sex instead without wanting to break my windows. But yes, this book was nothing special. But it wasn't the worst book I have ever read either. So two stars it gets.
I didn't see the whole point behind this book other than the Fates were bitches. It was way too feminist for me. It started off man hating...and it pretty much ended man hating, too. Not an attractive package in my eyes. Another book where the woman thinks she is independent and ends up with a very alpha-like male; completely dominant...yet sensitive which doesn't really add up. How lovely--or rather annoying.
I did not like Sara. She was rather materialistic and a tease. Completely at ease knowing she had the power in the relationship when it came to sexual conduct, but had no qualms torturing Azrael. How empowering...not. She practically referred to herself as a prostitute at one point--yet again, she was content with this. Wonderful.
Azrael really didn't do himself justice in this book. He was rather a pansy compared to how I would imagine an Angel of Death being. And for his lack of having patience, he sure let Sara play a ton of games. It was rather unbecoming.
I have to say, I was rather aware that he was not responsible for Sara's cancer. She was having headaches before she even met him. So that wasn't a surprise to me at all. Nothing in this book surprised me...except for the lack of manliness Azrael exhibited. Oh and that it was a clean romance. For all the foreplay like descriptions, I was surprised there. Some would find that to be another ding. But I don't mind that. There are only so many times I can handle reading the word Vagina replaced with the word Sex instead without wanting to break my windows. But yes, this book was nothing special. But it wasn't the worst book I have ever read either. So two stars it gets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2011
I admit it, it was the cover that first attracted me; and a mortal woman falling in love with the Angel of Death? Wonderful! From the blurb, I expected this to have a Christian-based angel mythology, but the author chose a Greek-inspired one that worked better than I exected. Azrael is the Reaper of Mercy, assigned to collect souls The Fates have deemed worthy. When he visits a hospital to reap a soul, Sara sees him - the only mortal who can see him in his Reaper form. Though his brother reapers have indulged in casual flings with humans, Azrael has refused to do so - until his curiosity compels him to learn more about her, and show her what he really is. Sara is skittish after a failed marriage, but it equally drawn to Azrael. But will The Fates allow them to find happiness?
This story didn't bring anything new or unique to the paranormal romance genre, but I loved the simple and satisfying romance. Azrael and Sara are almost innocent in their love and I found that refreshing. Readers expecting explicit sex may be disappointed. The sex is of the fade-to-black variety that was very fitting for a love story. I liked these characters, and would love to read a sequel. Surely Kol deserves to find love just as Azrael did? Overall, I couldn't put this down and will definitely look for more by this author.
This story didn't bring anything new or unique to the paranormal romance genre, but I loved the simple and satisfying romance. Azrael and Sara are almost innocent in their love and I found that refreshing. Readers expecting explicit sex may be disappointed. The sex is of the fade-to-black variety that was very fitting for a love story. I liked these characters, and would love to read a sequel. Surely Kol deserves to find love just as Azrael did? Overall, I couldn't put this down and will definitely look for more by this author.
January 31, 2012
I bought this book after reading the first book Painter's other series, Blood Rights. I likes that book so much that I took a chance on this one. I wanted to like it, but the more I read the more I found myself rolling my eyes more than anything else.
I can't say I'm a romance buff, I've read some books in the genre here and there and generally rate them 3 - 4 stars. If I could I would have given this one 2.5.
All the elemants were there for a good story, but it felt shallow...underdeveloped at times.
Here we have this ancient being and he falls in love in a day? Granted the general cookie cutter mold of romance novels is girl meets boy, instant attraction, followed by unyielding love and desire. This had the unbelievable premise of love at first sight, than marriage? with the snap of a finger mind you. This also felt more like a YA than anything else. No racy sex scenes to keep you going. There was all this build up towards it and then instead of fireworks...you get a fizzle.
Good twist at the end, but that's about it. Thankfully this wasn't the first book of hers I read or I might not have continued reading any others.
...and the cover? A man with itty bitty cherub wings? What's sexy about that? Cheesy is more like it.
I can't say I'm a romance buff, I've read some books in the genre here and there and generally rate them 3 - 4 stars. If I could I would have given this one 2.5.
All the elemants were there for a good story, but it felt shallow...underdeveloped at times.
Here we have this ancient being and he falls in love in a day? Granted the general cookie cutter mold of romance novels is girl meets boy, instant attraction, followed by unyielding love and desire. This had the unbelievable premise of love at first sight, than marriage? with the snap of a finger mind you. This also felt more like a YA than anything else. No racy sex scenes to keep you going. There was all this build up towards it and then instead of fireworks...you get a fizzle.
Good twist at the end, but that's about it. Thankfully this wasn't the first book of hers I read or I might not have continued reading any others.
...and the cover? A man with itty bitty cherub wings? What's sexy about that? Cheesy is more like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews