This was so good. I loved the plot and characters. It was paced perfectly. I didn't wanna put it down and was on the edge of my seat! So spicy and good!

Samael was a refreshing paranormal romance with a compelling plot and emotionally layered characters. I really enjoyed the unique reaper mythology and the small-town charm of Redemption. Adrianne’s resilience and Sam’s internal struggle stood out as highlights for me.

Although the insta-love element wasn’t quite my favorite, the character development and the unexpected ending added depth and kept me engaged throughout. This story blends emotional stakes with a fast-paced plot that fans of paranormal romance will likely enjoy.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book had so much potential. The plot and the story blurb were really good and right up my alley. Unfortunately, the actual execution and playout of the story was very much lacking. It just felt a bit disappointing, every step of the way.

No real spice, despite the heat implied by the cover.
No real death and anger, despite the touch her and die rhetoric.
The characters felt shallow and I had a difficult time connecting with them.

Did the bad guy fall in love, yes? But I wanted more evil and more love.

Thanks for the early read.

Coming in under 300 pages, this is a quick read! He’s the son of death, no really he is! 🤣😂 and she is his assignment. His last chance to prove to his dad that he can do the job right. So naturally she’s about to throw a wrench in his plans. 😉

This story was a fun read. If you need a broody reaper and a cinnamon roll lavender farmer to fall in love, look no further. I enjoyed seeing these characters grow together.

As the son of Death and a reaper, Samael has lived through some things that have desensitized him to his job. His father feels like he needs to be reminded of some important values and sends him on an unexpected quest.

While on this quest he meets and is intrigued by a woman named Adrianne, who also happens to be the person he is there to ‘escort’.

The plot takes us through the interplay between them and the challenges that Samael needs to overcome. The pace was a little fast for me to truly believe in the development but the concept itself was interesting. Given a little more page space, I feel this story could better forge a connection to the reader.

I’d be curious to know how the other brothers fare.

Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.

As the offspring of Death, Samael Blackwell represents an antihero for whom one's initial disdain gradually transforms into unwavering affection. With centuries of experience as a soul reaper, he possesses an abundance of swagger, yet displays limited patience for adhering to rules. Nevertheless, upon being banished to the town of Redemption, where he is granted a final chance for rehabilitation, complexities emerge swiftly. His ultimate task involves Adrianne Sharp, a resilient and enigmatic individual who bears the scars of unresolved trauma. The fascinating twist is that she is not merely his next soul, but the soul - the one with the potential to either pierce his armor or completely annihilate him.

Sam and Adrianne's chemistry is undeniable. Their dynamic teeters on the brink of forbidden and inevitable, with the stakes feeling authentic. Each moment they share intensifies tension - both romantic and existential. The overarching question is not simply will they unite, but whether they should. This is the book's greatest strength.

4 stars. I had not read a book with a similar concept before and really enjoyed it. It gave me "Lucifer" the TV show vibes which I loved. The big bad reaper suddenly develops feelings for the FMC and I liked how the author got straight to the plot.

Loved this, the suspense was awesome. When Sam loses his empathy, his father , death, decides he needs to relearn it so he drops him into no where were he meets a beautiful women that is in trouble. Sam is a reaper and she’s his next assignment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to review

This is the start of a new series and I’m loving the unique world intro we got here!

Samael is a reaper, specifically the son of the grim reaper. He is probably a workaholic, but not in the reaper field. He seems to augment his reaper life by collecting real estate deals, playing the stock market, and appreciating women. After he plays a little too fast and loose with the rules, his dad “grounds him” by taking away his powers and sending him to a town called “Redemption” with little money or resources. It’s there that he meets Adrianne.

Adrianne is a great female lead - she’s got her own issues and baggage, yet she still stops to pick up a stranger on the side of the road in need of help. These two mange to somehow work through a few issues, begin a romance, and navigate small town gossip all in a short amount of time. I’m not gunna lie, I started the story not liking Samael one bit, but I trust this author and have never been let down before. The way he is able to protect Adrianne even when he knows he will be charged with taking her soul was something to behold. This story does involve stalking so if that’s an issue for a reader, that may be the only reason I’d say to stay away. Otherwise, buckle up because I’m sure this series will be a crazy ride!

The premise is interesting. A reaper being sent on a specific mission to learn empathy. Naturally, he falls for the woman he was sent to learn from. This is a very fast paced book in terms of relationship but the main conflict falls flat in my opinion.

Finally! Another new series of NJ Walters. It was already six months, that I had read the last of the Lone Wolf Legacy (Tempting the Black Wolf) and I was craving a new story. And boy, does she deliver!

Samael is the start of a brand new series around Death itself! Samael Blackwell is one of Death’s sons who is tasked with reaping souls. But after eons of reaping, Samael is tired of it and doing his job without compassion or any feeling at all. So Death dumps him without his powers and without his cell phone (yep, he had one of those) in a tiny town called Redemption.

Talk about irony, right? Waiting for his next assignment, while trying to survive without cash and a mobile, Samael meets Adrianne Sharp. And Samael can’t help but feel an attraction to her (because, duh, it’s a NJ Walters book).

While getting to know Adrianne better. Samael’s assignment comes through: he has to reap Adrianne’s soul. With compassion. But how to let go of the first woman in eons, who touches his heart? Per usual, NJ Walters tears your heart to pieces, before putting it back together.

Can’t wait to read about Samael’s brothers as well! Loved it. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

I gave this book 4 stars. I debated about 3. Overall, it was a good book. The story line was good but it was predictable. I feel like the majority of the book was spent knowing the outcome and just waiting for the other shoe to drop so to speak. It was a good read if just a little long. I loved the concept, the FMC and MMC. I’ll continue reading the series.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for an eArc in exchange for my review!

I am DNF'ing this, there isn't anything pulling me into the book at all, and I feel as though I am half skimming because of it. I feel as though it is an interesting concept of where we were heading, but the way it was written, it didn't seem exciting or like we were getting anywhere with her stalker. Just meh.

Samael
N.J. Walters
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Samael Blackwell is literally the son of Death and his dear old Dad is not happy with him. After centuries of reaping souls without any regard for the rules, his father sends him to a small town that is aptly named Redemption. With only five hundred dollars cash and the clothes on his back, Sam has one last chance to prove he can do his job correctly: reap with compassion, or lose everything.

It really shouldn't be that hard. Find the soul, finish the job, learn compassion, and then walk away.

Adrianne Sharpe is hiding from her past. A past that is coming back to haunt her in every way possible. She thought she'd be safe if she moved back home to Redemption. She left no trail, and no way for her stalker to find her. But he has, and that's where Sam comes in. She's his assignment.

To win back his old life, all Sam has to do is watch her die and help her through to her afterlife. It should be easy right? But what if the cost of redemption is her?

Sam was sent to end her story. But she just might rewrite his.

Wow! What an amazing start to a new series. N.J. Walters does it again. From the moment I opened this book the world around me didn't exist anymore. It was the most fabulous start to my new favorite series. As you read this book the characters loom up and come to life in front of your very eyes. I honestly didn't know what to expect. Sam ran so hot and cold I wasn't too sure about him at first. Adrianne was so cute, brave, and strong. I was rooting for them the whole way. Ms. Walters thank you for writing such an incredible book. All in all I highly recommend this book to readers everywhere.

Really enjoyed this one, and it was my first read from N J Walters. I thought the story was interesting and kept my engaged. I really like the cover.

Samael dives into a dark and emotional paranormal romance where fate, duty, and desire collide. The connection between Samael and Adrianne is immediate - very much an insta-love situation - which sets the tone for the fast-moving story. I enjoyed how their bond pushed against the rules of the world around them. The pacing keeps things engaging, though I found myself wanting more - more depth in the world building, more time with the characters, and more development in their relationship. That said, it’s an entertaining read with a compelling concept and just the right amount of darkness.

Samael is a reaper, eldest son of the Grim reaper himself. Daddy dearest believes he has lost his compassion in ushering souls to the afterlife. As punishment, Samael is sent to the small town of Redemption, North Carolina to complete a job - find the soul he's been assigned to and usher it into the afterlife with compassion. What he isn't prepared for is to fall for the girl who's soul he must reap.

At only 288 pages, I powered through and gave this a try. Unfortunately this was not for me and I did not really enjoy it.

However, if you are into 90s style, cheesy paranormal romance with instalove - this could be your next 5 star read!!!

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing me with an eARC, This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

Thank youuuuu Entangled for another thrilling read. I absolutely loved how this turned out and I can wait to read Alex’s story.

Sam’s growth was just top notch and I loved that he genuinely cared about Adrianne, even from the beginning—even though he didn’t want to admit it. The things he gave up for her just go to show love truly can change a person.