Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 (3/5 - Slow Burn with Satisfying Heat)
Plot Rating: 📚📚📚📚📚 (5/5 - Emotionally Complex and Beautifully Crafted)
Let's talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the Grim Reaper in the graveyard. If someone told you that a book about death, dying, and the bureaucratic nightmare of the afterlife would become one of the most beautiful, hilarious, and emotionally devastating love stories you'd ever experience, you'd probably think they'd been hanging out with Big D a little too long. But here we are, and "Grim" by DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden is exactly that book.
This isn't your typical paranormal romance where death is just a sexy aesthetic choice. This is a story that asks the hard questions: What does it mean to truly live when you know your time is running out? Can you fall in love with someone who's technically already dead while you're busy dying?
Spoiler alert: Yes, yes you can. And it will wreck you in the most beautiful way possible.
"Grim" is what happens when you take the concept of "till death do us part" and flip it completely on its head. It's a darkly romantic, wickedly funny, and profoundly moving exploration of life, death, and everything in between. It's the kind of book that makes you laugh through your tears and features Death himself as a character who loves Twizzlers and has what can only be described as "Big D Energy."
If you've ever wondered what the afterlife's HR department looks like or want to experience what might be the most innovative audiobook production in recent memory, then welcome to the OtherWorld. Population: You, a box of tissues, and a newfound appreciation for every moment you have left.
Plot Summary: Nine Days, One Reaper, and a Whole Lot of Feelings
Rue Chamberlain is twenty-six years old and living on borrowed time. Born with a genetic heart condition, she's always known her days were numbered, but she's determined to make every single one count. She visits elderly folks at care facilities, plays chess with her friend Seek (a ghost haunting her house), and tries to live as fully as possible.
Then one day, Rue dies. Briefly. Her heart gives out, and she crosses over to the OtherWorld, where she meets Kane Deveraux—a centuries-old Grim Reaper with a French accent, a perpetual scowl, and zero patience for rule-breakers. Kane has been collecting souls for hundreds of years with cold efficiency. Not one of them has ever touched his long-dead heart.
Until Rue.
For reasons Kane can't quite explain, he does something he's never done in three hundred years: he brings her back. Rue wasn't supposed to die yet—she had nine more days left—and Kane decides to give them back to her. But there's a catch.
Kane's decision has created a massive problem. Death (affectionately known as Big D) is furious. The Weaver Sisters—Time and Fate—are livid that someone has messed with their carefully woven tapestry. As punishment, Kane is assigned to be Rue's babysitter for her remaining nine days.
Because Rue technically died and came back, she can now see, hear, and touch spirits and reapers. This means she can see Kane, interact with him, and—much to his growing horror and fascination—she won't leave him alone. Rue is determined to make the most of her final nine days, and that includes dragging her reluctant reaper companion along for the ride.
What follows is a whirlwind of cemetery visits, reaping assignments, philosophical discussions, increasingly steamy encounters, and the slow, inevitable fall of two souls who were never supposed to connect. Kane finds himself drawn to Rue's radiant warmth, her stubborn refusal to go quietly, and her ability to make him feel something other than cold detachment.
Rue, who has spent her entire life preparing for death, suddenly finds herself wanting to live—really live—for the first time. And she wants to do it with the brooding, beautiful reaper who saved her, even though loving him might be the most impossible thing she's ever attempted.
As the nine days tick down, Kane and Rue must navigate not only their growing feelings but also the wrath of the OtherWorld's most powerful beings. Time and Fate don't take kindly to having their plans disrupted. Death has his own agenda.
The stakes escalate as Kane faces an impossible choice: follow the rules and lose Rue forever, or break them and risk losing everything. Meanwhile, Rue must decide what it means to truly live in the face of certain death, and whether a love that transcends mortality is worth fighting for.
Without spoiling the ending, "Grim" delivers an emotionally satisfying conclusion that will leave you simultaneously heartbroken and hopeful. It's a testament to the authors' skill that they can take a story about death and make it feel so vibrantly, achingly alive.
Characters: The Living, The Dead, and Everyone In Between
Rue Chamberlain is the kind of heroine who grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. She's not your typical damsel in distress or kick-ass warrior woman. She's just... real. Rue knows she's dying, has always known, and instead of letting that knowledge crush her, she's chosen to live with intention and kindness. She visits elderly people who have no one else. She befriends a ghost. She sees the beauty in small moments.
What makes Rue compelling is her complexity. She's brave but also scared. She's optimistic but not naive. When she gets her nine extra days, she doesn't waste them on a bucket list of extreme activities. Instead, she wants to experience connection, love, and the simple joy of being truly seen.
Rue's humor is sharp and self-deprecating, her compassion is genuine, and her ability to see past Kane's grumpy exterior to the wounded soul beneath is what makes their relationship so powerful. She's stubborn, reckless, and maddeningly radiant—exactly the kind of person who could make a reaper feel alive again.
Kane Deveraux is the epitome of the tortured, brooding hero, but with layers that make him so much more than a stereotype. He was a doctor during the plague years in France. When he came home early from quarantine and found his wife in bed with his brother, he killed them both and then himself. For that crime, he was sentenced to an eternity as a Grim Reaper.
Three hundred years of death have made Kane cold, detached, and rigidly adherent to the rules. He's convinced himself that he's a monster, incapable of feeling anything beyond duty and obligation.
Then Rue crashes into his afterlife like a supernova, and everything Kane thought he knew about himself starts to crumble. She makes him laugh. She makes him feel. She makes him want things he thought were forever beyond his reach. Kane's journey from cold reaper to a man willing to risk everything for love is beautifully rendered. His French accent, his dry wit, and his protective instincts combine to create a hero who is both swoon-worthy and deeply human.
Big D (Death) is an absolute scene-stealer. Imagine Death as a larger-than-life personality with a love for Twizzlers, a flair for the dramatic, and a surprisingly soft heart. He's funny, irreverent, and provides much of the book's comic relief. But he's also wise, compassionate, and ultimately fair. Big D's presence elevates the story from a simple romance to something more profound.
Time and Fate (The Weaver Sisters) are ethereal, powerful, and deliciously petty. They control the threads of destiny and don't appreciate having their work disrupted. June DeBorahae and Maxine Mitchell bring these characters to life with voices that are both honeyed and dangerous.
Asher is another reaper, Kane's colleague and occasional rival. He's charming, British, and has his own mysterious agenda. Sean Masters gives him a voice that's both smooth and sharp, and Asher's interactions with Kane provide some of the book's best banter.
Seek is a young ghost who haunts Rue's house, and he will absolutely destroy you emotionally. His relationship with Rue is one of the most touching aspects of the book. Sean Masters' performance as Seek is heartbreaking and beautiful, and the scenes between Rue and Seek will have you reaching for tissues.
Tropes: A Romance Reader's Dream Come True
Grumpy/Sunshine - Kane is brooding, cynical, and convinced he's a monster. Rue is pure sunshine: warm, optimistic, and determined to find joy even in the face of death. Their dynamic is perfection.
Forbidden Love - A living woman and a dead reaper? That's about as forbidden as it gets. The rules of the OtherWorld explicitly prohibit their relationship.
Forced Proximity - Kane is assigned to babysit Rue for nine days. They're together constantly, which means plenty of opportunities for tension, banter, and feelings to develop.
Slow Burn - This is a true slow burn romance. The attraction is there from the start, but the emotional connection develops gradually. When they finally come together, it feels earned and emotionally resonant.
Touch Her and You Die - Once Kane claims Rue as his, he becomes fiercely protective. Anyone who threatens her will face the wrath of a centuries-old reaper.
He Falls First - Kane is absolutely gone for Rue long before he's willing to admit it, even to himself.
Second Chance at Life - Rue gets nine extra days to live, and she's determined to make them count. This adds urgency and poignancy to every moment.
Paranormal Romance - Reapers, ghosts, Death himself, and the bureaucracy of the afterlife create a rich paranormal world.
Found Family - The relationships Rue has built create a sense of chosen family that's deeply moving.
Redemption Arc - Kane's journey from believing he's a monster to accepting that he's worthy of love is a powerful redemption story.
Trigger Warnings: Know Before You Go
"Grim" deals with heavy themes, and readers should be aware of the following content:
- Death and Dying - The entire book revolves around death and terminal illness
- Terminal Illness - Rue has a genetic heart condition and knows she's dying
- Grief and Loss - Multiple characters deal with grief over lost loved ones
- Murder/Suicide - Kane's backstory involves him killing his wife and brother before taking his own life (mentioned, not shown in detail)
- Parental Neglect - Rue's mother is emotionally distant
- Child Death - Seek is a child ghost (handled sensitively)
- Existential Themes - The book explores heavy philosophical questions about life, death, and mortality
These elements are handled with care and thoughtfulness, but readers sensitive to these topics should proceed with awareness.
What Works: The Magic That Makes This Book Unforgettable
The Outstanding Audiobook Production - The audiobook for "Grim" is a masterclass in audio production. Blue Nose Audio has created something truly special with a full cast, original music composed by Joe Arden and Jake Morris, environmental soundscapes, and layered dialogue that makes you feel like you're watching a movie for your ears. The subtle use of sound effects adds depth and atmosphere without overwhelming the narrative. This is what audiobooks can be when creators push the boundaries of the medium.
The Phenomenal Voice Cast - Every narrator brings their A-game:
- Andi Eloise as Rue - This performance will launch Andi's career into the stratosphere. She embodies Rue completely, capturing her humor, vulnerability, and radiant warmth. When Rue laughs, you laugh. When she cries, you cry.
- Joe Arden as Kane - Joe's French accent is flawless, and his portrayal of Kane's evolution from cold reaper to passionate lover is masterful. His voice work during the emotional climax will wreck you.
- James Cassidy as Big D - James steals every scene. His portrayal of Death is larger than life, hilarious, and surprisingly touching. His comedic timing is impeccable.
- Sean Masters as Asher and Seek - Sean's versatility is on full display. His British accent for Asher is smooth and charming, while his performance as Seek is heartbreaking. The scene in chapter 30 will leave you sobbing.
- June DeBorahae and Maxine Mitchell as Time and Fate - These two create characters that are both ethereal and terrifying. Their voices are hypnotic and bring cosmic power to every scene.
The Writing - DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden have crafted something truly special. The prose is lyrical without being purple, emotional without being manipulative, and funny without undercutting the serious themes. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the banter is top-tier, and the emotional beats land with devastating precision.
The Emotional Depth - This book will make you feel everything. It's funny and heartbreaking, light and heavy, hopeful and devastating—sometimes all in the same chapter. The exploration of what it means to live when you know you're dying is profound and moving.
The Romance - The love story between Rue and Kane is beautifully developed. It's not insta-love; it's a gradual building of connection, trust, and intimacy. Their banter is delightful, their chemistry is electric, and the slow burn pays off spectacularly.
The Humor - Despite dealing with death and dying, "Grim" is genuinely funny. Big D provides constant comic relief, and there are moments of levity that balance the heavier emotional content perfectly.
The Supporting Characters - Every character serves a purpose and feels fully realized. From Seek to Big D to the Weaver Sisters, each adds depth and richness to the story.
What Doesn't Work: Minor Quibbles in Paradise
Minor Pacing Issues - While the beginning and end are perfectly paced, there's a slight drag in the middle section. Some philosophical discussions could have been trimmed.
The Ending - Given the emotional buildup, the resolution comes together a bit quickly. While satisfying, a few more pages would have been welcome.
Rue's Mother - Rue's relationship with her mother feels somewhat underdeveloped. More scenes between them could have added depth.
The World-Building - While the concept of the OtherWorld is clever, some aspects remain vague. The rules seem to shift depending on plot needs.
The Spice Level - For readers expecting high heat, this might disappoint. The intimate scenes are well-written but relatively few and not particularly explicit. This is slow burn with moderate heat.
Not Truly "Dark" - Despite being marketed as dark romance, "Grim" isn't particularly dark. It deals with death and heavy themes, but it's ultimately hopeful and uplifting.
The Verdict: A Love Story That Transcends Death
"Grim" is a triumph. It takes a concept that could have been morbid and transforms it into something beautiful, hopeful, and life-affirming. It's a reminder that every moment matters and that love is worth fighting for.
The 5/5 rating is well-deserved. Yes, there are minor pacing issues and some world-building could be tighter, but these are small quibbles in an otherwise exceptional book. The emotional impact, character development, humor, and sheer beauty of the writing more than compensate for any weaknesses.
The spice rating of 3/5 reflects a slow burn romance with moderate heat. The intimate scenes are emotionally charged and well-written, but they're not the focus. This is about emotional connection first, physical connection second. The chemistry between Rue and Kane is undeniable.
The plot rating of 5/5 reflects a story that is emotionally complex, beautifully structured, and thematically rich. Each element builds toward a satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion.
Who Should Read This:
- Fans of paranormal romance with emotional depth
- Readers who love grumpy/sunshine dynamics
- Anyone who enjoys slow burn romances
- Fans of books that make you laugh and cry
- Audiobook lovers who want to experience cutting-edge audio production
- Anyone who needs a reminder to live fully and love deeply
Who Should Skip This:
- Readers triggered by themes of death and terminal illness
- Those looking for high heat/explicit content
- Readers who prefer fast-paced action over emotional character development
- Anyone who dislikes philosophical or existential themes
Bottom Line: "Grim" is a masterpiece of paranormal romance that will stay with you long after you've finished it. It's a book about death that makes you want to live more fully. It's a love story that transcends mortality. DJ Krimmer and Joe Arden have created something truly special, and the audiobook production by Blue Nose Audio elevates it to an entirely new level.
This is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. It's the kind of story that touches your soul and refuses to let go.
Read it. Listen to it. Experience it. Just make sure you have tissues handy. And when you're done, you'll find yourself looking at life a little differently, appreciating the small moments a little more, and maybe, just maybe, believing that love really can conquer even death itself.
As Big D himself might say: "Mayday, mayday, mayday"—this book is a distress signal for your heart, and you'll be grateful for every beautiful, devastating moment of it.
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