Death Knows My Name

Memory Keepers #1

by Casse NaRome

MAYNE ST LECLAIR has spent her adult life closed off emotionally from the world around her. She learned very early on that those who get close to her end up dead. She knows she is cursed, but what she doesn't know is why.

ECTAIN “ERIC” EDECK knows the pain he has caused Mayne but the connection is undeniable. Can Mayne get past the hurt and fall in love or has her heart been broken too many times?

Is death playing some sort of cruel joke on Mayne St LeClair or is watching her suffer breaking Death’s heart?

Genres: Paranormal, Interracial Romance, Romance

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2013

About the author

Casse Narome is the alter-ego of a self-proclaimed awesome weirdo who spent her childhood reading and daydreaming. As an adult that is also how she spends her time only now she writes her daydreams down for everyone to read. Casse is never serious, has been accused of wishing her life was a sitcom, laugh track and all, has a bad habit of talking out loud to herself and she is fine with being a little insane. She spends way too much time online, too much money buying books and laughing at her own jokes. You will find her on Twitter being very random and spewing her opinions. When you see her online, tell her to get back to her writing! Or just engage her in a hilarious random conversation.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book via twitter and really like the premise: MAYNE spent her adult life closed off emotionally from the world around her. She learned very early on that those who get close to her end up dead. She knows she is cursed, but what she doesn’t know is why.

From the very beginning I loved Mayne St. Le Clair she and I are a lot alike, we say how we feel and we love a good movie. I was literally tweeting lines from the book as I read the novel and laughed out loud. Then, ECTAIN “ERIC” EDECK enters the story. Can Mayne get past the hurt and fall in love or has her heart been broken too many times?

Warning: This book references religion, heaven, hell, angels, and the devil.

The good:

Their are a lot of really good lines in this book:

"..his voice was soft and rich. It rolled over me like butter on a hot biscuit." loc.283

"I'm aware of your habit of speaking to yourself through talking to the dog" loc 405 Yes, I resemble this comment. I do talk to the dog as a means of talking to myself. Cause only crazy people talk to themselves and answer back!

Jim, I love when writers make pets characters in the book.

I've never read of a memory keeper before, so I thought this was very unique.

I won't get into it, but I found the religious philosophies of this book to be interesting. The fall of the angel of light, nephillim, Gabriel, Michael, the grim reaper all make an interesting appearance in this novel. My kudos to the author for having the gumption to include all of these characters in a new way.

Valience was such a good bad guy. I really hope that he gets his own story!

The bad:


At one point Mayne is arguing scripture with an angel. AN ANGEL. As in a creature created for the sole purpose of serving God. I think that the author was trying to prove that the angels know the scripture, but can never know what it is to feel what it means because they are designed to just follow commands. But it came across as a pissing contest of biblical knowledge.

Their were some continuity and grammatical problems that were minor distractions from the storyline.

I'm jus saying:

This is a satisfactory read that will make you laugh and maybe cry. The character deals with deep emotions of loss and regret that you may find enjoyable.

[Danielle Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all let me just say that author Casse NaRome, had me hooked and sold the minute I heard the word Angels and Death. I love just about any book that involves Angels and Death and I really go ga ga when they are hot and smexy Angels and Death! And trust me no one has written a smexier (I know that is not a word, but it is now); Death than Casse NaRome.

Eric, or Ectain Edeck has got to be the most delicious version of Death that I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and trust me it is a pleasure to read this book! Death Knows My Name definitely does not disappoint in any department. Especially in the hot and smexy department. Pretty sure if this book were any hotter it would catch fire, yea it is that hot!

But I promise you, this book is more than hot, it has a great story and great humor. Plus it has a fierce, tough as nails female character, Mayne. She has had a hard life, full of death, pain and loss. She pushes everyone away only to put herself in more pain. Then Eric stalks into her life and everything changes. She discovers that all her pain and loss hasn't been for nothing and that the teachings of the Bible couldn't be more real. Death and Angels exist and she plays a key role everything.

Not sure how to handle this new discovery Mayne pushes away again only to gain strength and fight for herself and others like her. But with this new found strength, everything she has grown to love is put on the line and her decisions put Angel against Angel.

Death Knows My Name is a book that will not only have you quivering, and sheds a whole new light on the idea of Death. All I can say is if Death is anything like Eric, then please come and sweep me away, or up! Death Knows My Name will have your quivering, make you laugh, make you cheer and make you fall in love with the characters. So go pick it up already!

*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Felicia Tatum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! Wow...it was new, it was different, it was wonderful! I loved how real and broken Mayne was, how Devon was the same but managed to stay strong for her, and how Eric swooped in and helped make sense of her suffering.

I haven't read many books about angels, but I think I need to read more. This was a great twist on things and helps one see that things do happen for a reason.

V was a great, misunderstood good guy wanting to be bad. I thought it was great how Mayne still held out hope for him, wanting him to be good, when he tried so desperately to be bad.

The characters were well rounded, developed, and lovable. I really hope there are more books about Mayne and Eric, because they were one hot couple!

[EndlessReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if death seemed to follow you?

What would you do if everyone you love dies?

What would you do if you came face to face with death himself?

and What would you do if you fell in love with death?

This is the story of Mayne. A young adult who has been through some of the most traumatic experiences in life. Not only do we find out that she lost both her parents and her brother in the space of a couple of week, but her first true love "Dante" was murdered outside his bar one god awful night.

Mayne comes face to face with a guy who she thinks is stalking her, and breaking into her apartment to move her stuff to make her think she's going crazy, well this is in fact DEATH.....also goes by the name Ectain Edeck (AKA Eric).

Eric is described in this book as a tanned mysterious, dark haired, tattooed guy, well I don't know about you but at the mention of dark haired and tattooed I was sold!

How much pain can one person go through before they take action? Well that is a really good question, because that's what keeps happening to Mayne, pain and lots of it.

You get to meet Mayne's best friend Devon, he was also Dante's brother (Maynes Ex). He soooooooooo sounds like a total swoon worthy guy, although he sleeps around and fools with the ladies, I would like my try in settling him down!

Both Mayne & Devon seem to have gone through all of this murder, pain, grief together, they've stuck by one another since they were young and when Dante died.

Mayne's character although she is a strong independent woman, who doesn't stand for any shit, Casse shows up that deep inside her she is fragile. A broken, defeated woman, who seems to be just a shell in the beginning, and not really living life as a young woman should.

The characters in this book are all loveable although in the beginning you probably hate a particular person, but he's seems to have lost his way a little and Mayne helps him :)

Casse writes this book as we want her to, edgy, exciting, hot scenes, what more can a reader ask more..... oh yeah ANOTHER INSTALMENT!

[S. Policar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this book, the first being an ARC some ten years ago, and I still absolutely LOVED this book! Casse has taken things we were taught as children and brought them to life in new ways.
This story is not for everyone. It is bound to piss a few people off with some of its concepts and the way certain characters are portrayed, but those very reasons are why I love this book so much.
Throughout the book I only found a sprinkling a very minor errors that Casse's former publisher's editors missed (the same errors from the ARC).
I love how Casse has lifted most of the weight the heavy topics of this book cover by weaving humor in the form of Mayne St. LeClaire into the tale so the reader will smile a bit more than feel the sting of tears. Make no mistake the reader will feel that sting on more than one occasion.
While Mayne is the heroine of this book, it’s little Anya that stole my heart and actually made me tear up, just another testiment to Casse’s abilities as story teller to have a character that has such a small role as the one Anya has have such a large impact on the reader.
I look forward to seeing what other things Mayne and Eric do in future installments of this series.has (Casse, you better do something with Valenience's story; just sayin')
I give this book 5 of 5 paws.

[Tanja Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Knows My Name gave a new twist to love story. I am still trying to get over the sadness and loss this book puts forth but in the end its all for the Greater Plan. The men in this book are all desireable Eric and Devon being the first choice but "V" has something alluring about him too. Mayne is the fragile female that has lost everyone she has ever loved or even gotten remotely close to. She is a broken, defeated shell of a lost girl with only Devon and the man that visits her only in her dreams. This book is very hard to set down once you start reading but somehow Mayne comes to sad terms with the lives that have been taken from her takes a step in facing all her fears. The night she took a stand on her way home may change her life forever better or worse shes decided shes done being scared. Happy reading ;)

[Colette · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I hate the Angel of Death! He's so sexy, but he took my family from me! But also he's so sexy, and did I mention he is sexy? Go away Death we can't be together! No wait, stop don't go! It's been less than a week, but I love you!"



Now I understand why I stopped reading this in 2014. This is a book I really, really wanted to love. But I just couldn't. The concept is interesting, but the writing style is so damn incoherent. There were full scenes where I was just confused as to what was happening and why. Such lost potential.

Nonetheless I was willing to stick it out. But see scene above. That was my last straw. I just couldn't. I can make better use of my coronavirus-quarantine-reading time. See you in 5 more years where I give this a third try!

[Emotonal Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am still reading this, but had to take a break,it isn't exactly what I thought it would be.
The heroine was driving me nuts, she is obsessed with sex, I guess she feels if she wants someone sexually, it must be loved. I mean, there isn't a page where she isn't thinking about it.

When trying to get two people together the best thing she uses to convince the guy is that the girl is a freak sexually.

Fine think about it, but can we please get on with the story,the reason I got this book in the first, death and the gift the heroine has that she is not using and the consequence etc.

I'll have to get back to this later.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patience, patience to get through.......

This book had a great deal of potential to be a much better book. In many areas there was too much redundancy. The heroine's constant inability to control her mouth became tiring and a bit nerve racking. The constant bickering back and forth between her and her close friend was tiring and very uninteresting made worse by the fact that it went arguments went on too long and they were always about the same things. If you survive to the end the author does a fair job of pulling some of the plot together but still leaves way too many loose ends.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casse NaRome has written a wonderful tale that flows beautifully and is steaming hot!

Read full review in the 2014 August issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Kim Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really getting into the habit of staying up way too late to read books. I mean, I tell myself I am going to read for 10 minutes before I go to bed. Next thing I know, it is almost 1am and my butt has to get up in 4 hours for work. It’s all for the love of a book right? Right. So, meet the newest read that has almost made me oversleep! Death Knows My Name, by Casse NaRome. Now, I must say, I have read books about Angels, a whole lot of them, but this one had a spark about it, a different spin, and it makes it all worth it. My heart instantly connected with Mayne, that girl has been through so much. How could you handle everyone around you dying? I certainly would think that I have the death touch or be plagued for life. Mayne’s character is built tough, to hold back with most people, for fear of losing them, but then she gets this idea that someone is stalking her, and she is right. In comes Eric and he manages to unravel her like a silk thread.

Eric is everything that a woman would ever want in a man. He possesses such a passion that is bound to leave you entranced and enthralled with him, but Eric is different. He isn’t of our world. Even more of a mouth dropper, he is Death!

Somehow Mayne is able to overlook the fact that Eric has a really tough job, and they start to have a mutual attraction for each other. This is, of course, is where all things get complicated in any relationship. Can Mayne be able to be with someone who kills, and kills people that she might know? Can Eric be able to be with a human and not suffer any consequence?

I highly recommend reading this awesome book. It is filled with great emotions, great chemistry, and great one liner’s that made me laugh out loud.

[C.D. Hersh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casse Narome has written a quick paced woman’s story about discovery. Mayne, the heroine is a troubled and broken woman just trying to survive from day to day. She has lost too many loved ones and close friends and thinks she is the cause. That is until death materialized from the shadows in the form of a deeply sexy man and introduced himself as Eric. From then on Mayne is in constant conflict with her attraction to Eric and her fear of cheating on her dead fiancé. Ultimately Mayne finds her way and even makes things better for her type who are caught in the war between Heaven and sheol. Oh yes she does find love with Eric as well.

First, I must state I’m not a fan of first person stories, just too much inner thoughts and this book has a bunch in detail. Mayne is constantly swinging from being sure of herself to doubting everything. Some may like to read this type of book but I’m not a fan. There are also certain parts that are, in my opinion, really farfetched fantasy. You have to really suspend belief and go with the writer. However, because this story was so well written, with some great images portrayed, that I could overlook my personal preferences against 1st person.

The passages of dialogue really flowed by and the secondary characters each had their own voice and part to add to Mayne’s journey. This certainly overcame the problems I had with this book to give it four stars. I often mention that a book should be given to the significant male in your life to read, but in this case keep this book to yourself. Think of it like a box of chocolates that you hoard for yourself. :-)

[Tammy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when everyone you have ever loved has been taken from you and you feel like you are the one to blame? You lock the door to your heart and you throw away the key. The rest of the world is kept at arms length so you can't hurt anyone and they can't hurt you or that's how Mayne thought. Mayne is a girl who holds nothing back she is a tell all type of girl as she figures she has nothing more to lose. Then Eric walks in and all bets are off all Mayne knows is that she needs him but doesn't understand why. Will she risk the chance of opening up that door again? Will she risk her heart for what she knows she wants?
Death Knows My Name is one romance that will have your head spinning. I for one am glad I chose to read this book it isn't your grandma's romance that's for sure. It is one book that had me full of emotion and not sure what side I was cheering for. I loved the fact that there is a little bit of action in there just enough that makes you want to throw a punch or two yourself. I can tell you that this book is worth a read and that Casse Narome is a talented writer I would highly recommend any book she writes!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different book. I don't think I have read anything close to being like it. I mean I have read books with angels and demons but this was a whole new level of angels (good and bad) and celestial beings. It was well written and the story pulled you in and wouldn't let you go.

Mayne St Leclair had so much tragedy and loss in her life she closed off to people. She was cursed and she didn't want anyone else hurt because of her. She just wants to know why she loses so many people she cares about and since she can't the only thing to do is not care.

Ectain "Eric" Edeck is the sexy badass looking stalker of Mayne. He is the one causing all of Mayne's pain but the attraction he feels to her and she feels for him is undeniable. Can you be in love with a stalker? Can Mayne get past the hurt?

If you are looking for a different type of paranormal romance then this is definitely it.

[Myra Espino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story! Gah! One of the reasons that intrigued me on this book was the blurb. It’s interesting and I was curious on the story.

What I think about it: The story was great and the characters are cool. I was easily get attached to the characters and I was easily got carried away on the story. Its concept was great, it’s easy to relate with and it’s easy to understand. The characters’ personalities are really interesting and the character that really made me curious was Death. I never thought that the character like him would be sweet at the same time a badass! The flow of the story was really great and you cannot get easily bored.

This book is really a great read! The author really made a great job in doing this book fantastic and I am looking forward reading the books of Ms. Casse.


~Ms. ME28

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3 stars for me. This book had me a bit torn I loved the concept and the characters were well written but I felt too much time was spent focusing on the religious aspect of the story. The long discussions of the whether it is morally right to task the memory keepers with this job was a bit excessive. I get that the author had to lay the groundwork for the series but I wanted to read more about Eric and Mayne. What about Devon? What's his story? Beside the one outburst we really don't know much about his feelings. Perhaps the author will focus on him in the next book. While I did enjoy this book it didn't leave me anxious to read the next.

[Stephanie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved oh strong Mayne was and how she risked everything to save her niece and future keepers. I love how Eric stood by Maynes side no matter the outcome of Maynes mission.. and Devon I want to know his story and I want to know what happened to V to cause him to turn.. I look forward to more books in this series

[Kyra Dunst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet spin on Death, his duties, and the war between Heaven and Hell. Eric, or Death, is a fierce protector when he loses his heart to Mayne. Mayne is fierce in her own way, but she has been broken by so much loss in her life. I liked Valiance, even though he was such a brat to Mayne, he definitely has redeeming qualities. I would read more from this author and recommend her to others.

[Alicia Michaels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy story with likeable characters. Especially Eric, he was yummy. The first person POV often made it difficult to follow the story, mainly because you only get Mayne's version of events and she spends a lot of the book confused about a lot of things. LOL! But it's worth the read and the unraveling of the plot by the end. Lots of complex characters, humor, and did I mention the hot sex?

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few books about reapers and death before this, but this was a unique take on it. Looking forward to a sequel.

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out great. Mayne is a funny and relatable heroin who has a big heart and a sassy attitude. But things get a bit confusing after Eric, Death, is introduced. The storyline progressed so slowly it was hard to remember what the plot was. Mayne's role as a memory keeper didn't really make much sense, nor was it explained in any great length. The concept was a bit benign, since it was just about memories of everyone you've come into contact with that has died. There was no real importance of it in the grand scheme of things. Everyone remembers people who die!! Eric's role as Death was confusing as well, since literally billions of people die each day at any given point on this earth. And if he had to escort them all to their place in the afterlife, he would be a rather busy boy with no time to entertain anything let alone falling in love. And the plot had no real direction with any clear goal, but to me it fell apart like a milk soaked cookie. I had to me hope for this one because the beginning was promising, but I was not thrilled.