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How (Not) To Raise The Dead: A Paranormal Dark Romcom
Eden only wanted one thing—to see her dead boyfriend again.
But when her summoning spell misfired, she didn’t get closure.
She got Malachi—a demon with horns, fangs, a bad attitude, and the emotional maturity of a bored arsonist.
He wasn’t supposed to cross the veil, definitely wasn’t supposed to barge into her apartment, and absolutely wasn’t supposed to enjoy the frantic little mortal who panics when he breathes near her.
As Eden’s grief cracks open and Malachi learns what it means to feel, the line between summoner and summoned begins to blur.
And when Hell finally decides it wants its missing demon back, they’ll both have to decide how far they’re willing to go to stay together.
____________________________________
Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers.
Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book.
18+ Mature Content. Not suitable for younger readers.
But when her summoning spell misfired, she didn’t get closure.
She got Malachi—a demon with horns, fangs, a bad attitude, and the emotional maturity of a bored arsonist.
He wasn’t supposed to cross the veil, definitely wasn’t supposed to barge into her apartment, and absolutely wasn’t supposed to enjoy the frantic little mortal who panics when he breathes near her.
As Eden’s grief cracks open and Malachi learns what it means to feel, the line between summoner and summoned begins to blur.
And when Hell finally decides it wants its missing demon back, they’ll both have to decide how far they’re willing to go to stay together.
____________________________________
Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers.
Please check the content warning at the beginning of the book.
18+ Mature Content. Not suitable for younger readers.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
368 people are currently reading
1816 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Chadwick
4 books268 followersRachael Chadwick is a UK based author who writes dark romance, because real-life men have given her enough emotional damage—and it’s never as sexy as it is in the books. When she’s not dreaming up morally confused love interests that actually deserve redemption, she’s wrangling her two sons, ruling over a tiny army of cats, and abandoning yet another hobby. She firmly believes red flags are only attractive in fiction and that those ink on paper happily-ever-afters are sweeter when they come with a little suffering first.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
April 6, 2026
6 stars!!! oh my i absolutely devoured this book😭this book had me actually laughing out loud, like wheezing and snorting which happens very rarely! i was hooked from chapter one, malachi is a diva, he’s sassy and hilarious and comes out with the most outrageous things, he’s also one of my new favorite book boyfriends👀🖤this book is addictive and one i will absolutely be reading again in the near future, also it was spicy! and the slice was🌶️🌶️love this book so much!!! had such a fun reading experience, easily one of my favourite reads of the year🥹
February 19, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice
I laughed so hard I was crying at times. I was trying so hard not to pee myself with some of the banter. Malachi's mouth should have come with a warning because I felt like I spent my time rolling about with tears of laughter streaming down my face as he sassed and threw sarcasm around like it was a weapon to wield.
The book's storyline was on the darker side. There was a well thought out story that left you thinking about grief and coping, and then they threw in a total curveball at the end that had me shocked.
The details and the way hell was portrayed were so smart and totally great to see. I really loved the whole working of it. The story was the main focus, but there was hot spice that just made the book all the more fun to read. For me, the main thing I loved most had to be the total hilarity of Malachi. I did really like Eden, but for me Malachi was the win.
I would say that after the halfway mark, the book really picked up speed and started to fill out with much more action and drama, and I really loved it. I would have loved to see more of the aftermath, but that is me being greedy.
Overall, a dark, spicy, and super fun read.
https://bestbooks89.blogspot.com/2026...
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice
I laughed so hard I was crying at times. I was trying so hard not to pee myself with some of the banter. Malachi's mouth should have come with a warning because I felt like I spent my time rolling about with tears of laughter streaming down my face as he sassed and threw sarcasm around like it was a weapon to wield.
The book's storyline was on the darker side. There was a well thought out story that left you thinking about grief and coping, and then they threw in a total curveball at the end that had me shocked.
The details and the way hell was portrayed were so smart and totally great to see. I really loved the whole working of it. The story was the main focus, but there was hot spice that just made the book all the more fun to read. For me, the main thing I loved most had to be the total hilarity of Malachi. I did really like Eden, but for me Malachi was the win.
I would say that after the halfway mark, the book really picked up speed and started to fill out with much more action and drama, and I really loved it. I would have loved to see more of the aftermath, but that is me being greedy.
Overall, a dark, spicy, and super fun read.
https://bestbooks89.blogspot.com/2026...
March 11, 2026
oh my this was sooo gooddddd
this is about a girl trying to summon her dead boyfriend, but instead summons a HOT DEMON.
this is about a girl trying to summon her dead boyfriend, but instead summons a HOT DEMON.
March 11, 2026
“I cross a literal dimension for you, and you’re just a domestic gerbil with a library card.”
😂😂😂
“She is a feast in a land of famine, and I am starving.”
“You are shattered, little summoner. Your foundations are cracked, your mortal body fails you, and you wear clothes with cartoon animals on them. But a ruin is still a building, Eden. You don't discard a fortress just because the walls were breached. You hunker down in the rubble and defend what’s left. You survived a monster. You dragged yourself out of a metal coffin.”
I couldn’t pick just one. This book took me through every emotion and that’s rare.
Often times I find paranormal/demon books to be mostly the same. This one though was different. A fun spin. The entire first 30-40% is mostly funny. Picture Castiel and the alien from Home were a very tall very built very pierced MMC there ya go for the demon.
Throw in a little MIB references and just overall humor it was great.
The FMC is grieving it is she? That’s all I will say. Once the book starts to delve deeper in the plot it really takes you on a journey. And the MCs go through it to be together.
The story is beautifully done. It isn’t insta-love but it also isn’t a slow burn. It feels natural. The humor felt right. The spice was 🥵. Especially the scene in Hell. 🥵🥵🥵
Also let’s clap for the unsung heroes House Beast and Chain Chewer. 😅
😂😂😂
“She is a feast in a land of famine, and I am starving.”
“You are shattered, little summoner. Your foundations are cracked, your mortal body fails you, and you wear clothes with cartoon animals on them. But a ruin is still a building, Eden. You don't discard a fortress just because the walls were breached. You hunker down in the rubble and defend what’s left. You survived a monster. You dragged yourself out of a metal coffin.”
I couldn’t pick just one. This book took me through every emotion and that’s rare.
Often times I find paranormal/demon books to be mostly the same. This one though was different. A fun spin. The entire first 30-40% is mostly funny. Picture Castiel and the alien from Home were a very tall very built very pierced MMC there ya go for the demon.
Throw in a little MIB references and just overall humor it was great.
The FMC is grieving it is she? That’s all I will say. Once the book starts to delve deeper in the plot it really takes you on a journey. And the MCs go through it to be together.
The story is beautifully done. It isn’t insta-love but it also isn’t a slow burn. It feels natural. The humor felt right. The spice was 🥵. Especially the scene in Hell. 🥵🥵🥵
Also let’s clap for the unsung heroes House Beast and Chain Chewer. 😅
February 20, 2026
Another absolute banger from Racheal, oh I loved this! You can’t go wrong with a demon romance <3
February 28, 2026
This was just kinda meh. Don’t get me wrong, there were parts that had me laughing, but it just lacked depth. I love the overall premise of the plot but I think it needs refining in places and a little more depth in others. I feel like it just wasn’t fully realised.
The first few chapters reminded me of For Whom The Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn.
As per usual, my favourite characters ended up being the little side characters. Chain Chewer, Vesper and Litha were all great little additions.
There were a lot of grammatical errors, words missing and words being used incorrectly or in the wrong context which I found a bit hard to overlook at times.
Also, I could have done without the word ‘gushing’ being used 😂😂
The first few chapters reminded me of For Whom The Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn.
As per usual, my favourite characters ended up being the little side characters. Chain Chewer, Vesper and Litha were all great little additions.
There were a lot of grammatical errors, words missing and words being used incorrectly or in the wrong context which I found a bit hard to overlook at times.
Also, I could have done without the word ‘gushing’ being used 😂😂
February 25, 2026
It was promising but got boring pretty soon when Eden's only personality trait was being sad and crying. Malachi and the worldbuilding was interesting enough, but I didn't feel the chemistry between them.
April 21, 2026
I had so much fun reading this book 😩 laughed my ass off! highly recommend if you are in a reading slump.
March 19, 2026
From the very first page, this book completely captivated me. I was instantly drawn into the story, as if the world around me disappeared the moment I started reading. The writing is immersive and compelling, making it impossible to put the book down. Every chapter offered something new to enjoy. I genuinely savored every moment of the journey. Highly recommended!
March 17, 2026
Life is quite literally hell 🌋
Held down by depression Eden, believes she can summon her d3ad boyfriend back using a cheap kit she ordered. What she didn’t expect was the complete opposite, as a demon appears in her apartment. Their lives change as neither of them are able to be apart without falling ill. Malachi left hell without authorisation and other lower level demons are sent to return him, his plan ‘to return together in order to hide in plain sight’, as you can guess is not as easy as he sells it to Eden…
“𝙷𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚛. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚢? 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚡𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚎.”
Totally, couldn’t put this book down, it pulled me through the veil page upon page of their story. His banal humour eventually rubbing off on Eden, made me scoff quite a lot, at the serious parts he even made jokes. It’s well written with effective visuals which helps you to feel the emotions both Eden and Malachi go through. The spice is not on every page thus meaning you can enjoy the plot and all its ups and downs. I absolutely loved Chain Chewer’s devotion and Vesper’s aloofness 🤣
Held down by depression Eden, believes she can summon her d3ad boyfriend back using a cheap kit she ordered. What she didn’t expect was the complete opposite, as a demon appears in her apartment. Their lives change as neither of them are able to be apart without falling ill. Malachi left hell without authorisation and other lower level demons are sent to return him, his plan ‘to return together in order to hide in plain sight’, as you can guess is not as easy as he sells it to Eden…
“𝙷𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚛. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚢? 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚡𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚎.”
Totally, couldn’t put this book down, it pulled me through the veil page upon page of their story. His banal humour eventually rubbing off on Eden, made me scoff quite a lot, at the serious parts he even made jokes. It’s well written with effective visuals which helps you to feel the emotions both Eden and Malachi go through. The spice is not on every page thus meaning you can enjoy the plot and all its ups and downs. I absolutely loved Chain Chewer’s devotion and Vesper’s aloofness 🤣
February 20, 2026
So I really wanted to love this book.
I think the premise is very fun and has some strong potential for character development. This very fun premise and the fact that i found the book to be relatively short is the only reason I finished it.
This is the first book I ever read that made me stop and question whether parts of it were rewritten by ChatGPT. Especially in Malachi’s chapters. I haven’t read the authors other books so I’m not sure if it was their writing style but I found it very jarring at times.
The characters were fine if a bit underdeveloped in my opinion. I didn’t really buy them falling in love, it just happens a little bit out of nowhere.
I enjoyed the story but not the writing so I don’t think I’ll be returning for the sequel.
I think the premise is very fun and has some strong potential for character development. This very fun premise and the fact that i found the book to be relatively short is the only reason I finished it.
This is the first book I ever read that made me stop and question whether parts of it were rewritten by ChatGPT. Especially in Malachi’s chapters. I haven’t read the authors other books so I’m not sure if it was their writing style but I found it very jarring at times.
The characters were fine if a bit underdeveloped in my opinion. I didn’t really buy them falling in love, it just happens a little bit out of nowhere.
I enjoyed the story but not the writing so I don’t think I’ll be returning for the sequel.
February 23, 2026
I really don’t like DNFing books, but I got to 52% and god it was so boring. Malachi was literally just chilling while Eden was having a constant, never ending panic attack. Though him being pissy about not getting laid was an ick. Eden had the personality of a wet sponge, and mixing grief and depression with comedy does not work if the girl has no sense of humour
March 13, 2026
3.5 (rounded down) I enjoyed this book. Did not expect the dead bf of being abusive. Cool idea for how hell is organized
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2026
Are you a massive simp for Astarion? (BG3 girlies, assemble). Then let me introduce you to Malachi.
How (Not) To Raise The Dead was a fun, easy little read. It had small snippets of Rachael's characteristic dark elements, but was mostly a romantic comedy.
Let's break down the reasons for my rating:
Writing
Rachel's writing style is very digestible and descriptive. However, it sometimes went a little bit too heavy on the jokes. Obviously, a RomCom is meant to be funny, but some sections seemed slightly try-hard and forced rather than effortlessly amusing. Characters were making quip after quip when that just wouldn't happen in real life, and made conversations become unnatural.
There were some small issues with continuity. In one case, a character was across the room and in the next moment, they were right next to the other person. I also found certain actions to be overused, such as tilting people's heads up to meet their eyes or whispering in their ears.
I also want to point out that there were a bunch of American spellings throughout, even though the author is English, so I would recommend a more stringent spell checker.
Characters
Malachi is our MMC, and he is a sassy bitch. He's extremely Astarion coded with a hint of Raphael (my BG3 girlies know). However, his character arc (if you can call it that) was not properly fleshed out. He turned from a complete asshole with no tact to a doting, caring man with seemingly no development to cause this shift, apart from a bit of hanky-panky. This massive 180 in temperament left me confused and unfufilled, as no legwork was done to get him from point A to B.
He also gave me the ick during a particular scene where he was turned down for sex. I get consent isn’t a huge thing for a demon that tortures and kills without batting an eye, but it does make him not very likeable as a love interest for the reader, especially when he’s romancing a grieving girl. He was very petty and guilt-trippy about the rejection, and didn't mesh with how sweet the author wrote him in the later chapters.
Eden is our FMC, and unfortunately, didn’t seem to have a personality outside of her mental health. Writing this, I'm really struggling to think of even one interesting thing about her. I think she direly needed more substance and fleshing out of who she was. She also hissed at Malachi so many times I almost mistook her for a snake.
Their Relationship
Malachi and Eden's relationship is all smut and no substance. While I loved aspects of their banter, I couldn't buy into them as a serious couple. I could get behind them wanting to shag each other, even though that too came out of nowhere, but the random shift into lovey-dovey nonsense with no build-up behind it? That I couldn't buy into.
While we're on the topic of sex... some of the choices were downright strange. Considering Eden was a grieving, depressed woman who hadn't had sex since the passing of her partner, getting frisky in a building site and on a balcony are odd choices which feel more fan service rather than fitting with the plot. Also, Malachi talked a big game for someone who dicked down in a very generic way with very basic dirty talk. I was expecting a bit more from him, ngl.
However, even though he was a fucking nuisance with mediocre dick game and had no tact about Eden's grief, I feel like he was good for her in a weird way (sex guilt tripping notwithstanding), forcing her to stop marinating in her own sadness and get outside more. In real life, these two wouldn't last a second. Good thing they're in a book, I guess.
Random thoughts with no context (IYKYK)
That is not a demon, it’s a granny
A smile so good it gives you a boner
Oh, so THAT'S why she let Malachi get away with so much shit
A piece of cloth damp with spit would not cleanse you of bacteria
Is now really the time for a shag??
Would I read again? Probably not
Would I recommend it? Depending on the recomendee - maybe
My star rating: ★★★
Note: I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
My unhinged book rating system:
★★★★★+ fucking fantastic, give me ten more like it. Bury me with it. First thing I'd save if my house was on fire.
★★★★★ sheeesh this shit was good. Would definitely buy a special edition of it for my trophy shelf and rant about it to my book bestie.
★★★★ a fun read. Not necessarily the best thing to ever grace this good earth, but would check out other works from this author.
★★★ this was not my cup of tea (or glass of wine) but it had some redeemable qualities that made me keep reading.
★★ well… that was definitely a thing. This book was just not it for me. Most likely forced myself to finish while crying on the inside.
★ what the ever loving fuck were my eye balls just forced to perceive? DNF’d and metaphorically chucked out the window.
Disclaimer: Writing a book is an incredible feat and I admire anyone who has managed it. This is just my personal opinion - take it or toss it as you see fit.
How (Not) To Raise The Dead was a fun, easy little read. It had small snippets of Rachael's characteristic dark elements, but was mostly a romantic comedy.
Let's break down the reasons for my rating:
Writing
Rachel's writing style is very digestible and descriptive. However, it sometimes went a little bit too heavy on the jokes. Obviously, a RomCom is meant to be funny, but some sections seemed slightly try-hard and forced rather than effortlessly amusing. Characters were making quip after quip when that just wouldn't happen in real life, and made conversations become unnatural.
There were some small issues with continuity. In one case, a character was across the room and in the next moment, they were right next to the other person. I also found certain actions to be overused, such as tilting people's heads up to meet their eyes or whispering in their ears.
I also want to point out that there were a bunch of American spellings throughout, even though the author is English, so I would recommend a more stringent spell checker.
Characters
Malachi is our MMC, and he is a sassy bitch. He's extremely Astarion coded with a hint of Raphael (my BG3 girlies know). However, his character arc (if you can call it that) was not properly fleshed out. He turned from a complete asshole with no tact to a doting, caring man with seemingly no development to cause this shift, apart from a bit of hanky-panky. This massive 180 in temperament left me confused and unfufilled, as no legwork was done to get him from point A to B.
He also gave me the ick during a particular scene where he was turned down for sex. I get consent isn’t a huge thing for a demon that tortures and kills without batting an eye, but it does make him not very likeable as a love interest for the reader, especially when he’s romancing a grieving girl. He was very petty and guilt-trippy about the rejection, and didn't mesh with how sweet the author wrote him in the later chapters.
Eden is our FMC, and unfortunately, didn’t seem to have a personality outside of her mental health. Writing this, I'm really struggling to think of even one interesting thing about her. I think she direly needed more substance and fleshing out of who she was. She also hissed at Malachi so many times I almost mistook her for a snake.
Their Relationship
Malachi and Eden's relationship is all smut and no substance. While I loved aspects of their banter, I couldn't buy into them as a serious couple. I could get behind them wanting to shag each other, even though that too came out of nowhere, but the random shift into lovey-dovey nonsense with no build-up behind it? That I couldn't buy into.
While we're on the topic of sex... some of the choices were downright strange. Considering Eden was a grieving, depressed woman who hadn't had sex since the passing of her partner, getting frisky in a building site and on a balcony are odd choices which feel more fan service rather than fitting with the plot. Also, Malachi talked a big game for someone who dicked down in a very generic way with very basic dirty talk. I was expecting a bit more from him, ngl.
However, even though he was a fucking nuisance with mediocre dick game and had no tact about Eden's grief, I feel like he was good for her in a weird way (sex guilt tripping notwithstanding), forcing her to stop marinating in her own sadness and get outside more. In real life, these two wouldn't last a second. Good thing they're in a book, I guess.
Random thoughts with no context (IYKYK)
That is not a demon, it’s a granny
A smile so good it gives you a boner
Oh, so THAT'S why she let Malachi get away with so much shit
A piece of cloth damp with spit would not cleanse you of bacteria
Is now really the time for a shag??
Would I read again? Probably not
Would I recommend it? Depending on the recomendee - maybe
My star rating: ★★★
Note: I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
My unhinged book rating system:
★★★★★+ fucking fantastic, give me ten more like it. Bury me with it. First thing I'd save if my house was on fire.
★★★★★ sheeesh this shit was good. Would definitely buy a special edition of it for my trophy shelf and rant about it to my book bestie.
★★★★ a fun read. Not necessarily the best thing to ever grace this good earth, but would check out other works from this author.
★★★ this was not my cup of tea (or glass of wine) but it had some redeemable qualities that made me keep reading.
★★ well… that was definitely a thing. This book was just not it for me. Most likely forced myself to finish while crying on the inside.
★ what the ever loving fuck were my eye balls just forced to perceive? DNF’d and metaphorically chucked out the window.
Disclaimer: Writing a book is an incredible feat and I admire anyone who has managed it. This is just my personal opinion - take it or toss it as you see fit.
April 18, 2026
A lot of semi-hidden plot twists, loved it!
February 18, 2026
Rachael what have you done?
I don’t even read paranormal books as a rule but because you’re an auto-buy author it was always going to happen and I’m so glad to say that it surpassed every single expectation…
The world building was amazing, I fear I now know what Hell looks and smells like.
The romance story was fantastic, there was a gradual transition from WTF to F’ing Veil they’re shagging.
The plot around the bind was fantastic, as was Eden’s backstory.
10/10/10… I think I love you Rachael and I’d like to be your friend. If you’re ever in my neck of the woods I would like to buy you a pint.
Highlights ⚠️ SPOILERS (also there’s lots more than normal because I found Malachi fucking hilarious!… the dry humour killed me)
Truth is, Hell’s less inferno and torment and more paperwork and passive-aggressive memos.
“Oi!” I roar through the wails. “Keep it down! Some of us are trying to file reports up here! Have some bloody decorum!”
“I couldn’t give two fucks in a lake of fire,” he scoffs. “Life is an avalanche of disappointments, and I’ve been at the bottom of the pile for a long time. So settle in, you’ve got a brand-new best friend. Lucky you. I’m excellent company. A little murdery, sure, but delightful once you stop gasping for air like a trout on land.”
“Don’t pass out,” a low growl warns. “Oh, you dramatic little—”
“Unbelievable.” He turns and saunters into the living room. “I cross a literal dimension for you, and you’re just a domestic gerbil with a library card.”
“Really, Eden? This was the pinnacle of your desire? I’ve seen more attractive features on a potato.”
“Interesting. Yet it appears to be the primary pastime of your civilization—digital voyeurism. You throw seasoning at my face like a medieval peasant, yet you cannot bear to look at the mechanics of your own biology? How else am I supposed to seduce you if I cannot do research?”
“Oh, we’re doing bad Latin now? You’ve gone from a summoning ritual to pantry-based witchcraft. Stunning progress, Eden. Truly. What’s next? Flour? Paprika? Are you going to dry-rub me back to Hell?”
“Did you just try to baptize me?” he asks. “That’s the second time you’ve drenched me in twenty-four hours. At this point, Eden, we’re bordering on a kink.”
“The next time an irritant like that boy upsets you, it would be beneficial for you to simply pick up a brick and apply it to their skull.”
“Research, baby girl,” he says, flipping a page. “I have questions, actually. For instance: why does this protagonist refer to his cock as ‘velvet wrapped steel’? That sounds structurally unsound. Is it a medical condition? Should I be concerned for him?”
“You have a distinct aroma of stale fear and clinical failure. It’s offensive to my constitution.”
“Go. Scrape the grime off your mortal coil. I’ll be waiting here, trying to reclaim my sense of smell.”
“Not so brave and oily now, are you, you Vermin-Class cunt?”
Apparently, a ‘scrub’ is a male of low standing attempting to court females from the passenger side of his best friend's ride. At least, that’s what the women on the screen are singing about.
first, you will consume nutrients. I cannot have you fainting in the street; it draws unnecessary attention.”
“I’m not made of money, Malachi!” “Correct,” I say, smirking. “You are comprised of flesh, calcium, and poor decision-making skills. Very well done on your biology lessons there, baby girl.
“He didn't answer. You know why? Because he’s dead. And the dead are famously relaxed about their wardrobe.”
“Another beast! Give me the blue one. And be quick about it, boy, before the frost takes us all.”
“Now, we shall eat dough.”
“Your necrotic tissue is too green,” I inform him, releasing his face with a look of utter disdain. “You look like a cucumber, not a corpse. Do better.”
“If you’re going to be traumatized, it should at least be anatomically correct. Come along.”
“Now, walk. Before I decide to start eating the clowns.”
Not a demon. Abort. Abort immediately. This is just a grandmother.
Am I doing it wrong? I can always go back to the porn if you prefer. I recall the plumber’s dialogue being significantly more concise.”
Mortal cocks are so strange.
“My deepest apologies, baby girl! I’ll stop arguing with the desperate female who clearly has no self-respect! Carry on with your weeping!”
“You are a brave feline specimen. Congratulations.”
I’ve spent my existence watching souls break, but I never thought I’d be the one struggling to keep mine in one piece. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥹🥹🥹🥹
“Do you see that ball of arrogance? That is not a threat. That is a diplomatic asset.
“Jesus Christ.” “No, I’m Malachi,”
“You... you met the Devil?” “Yes,” he says casually, adjusting his collar. “She was a delight. We hit it off immediately.
He’s an embarrassment. I’m buying him two bags.
I don’t even read paranormal books as a rule but because you’re an auto-buy author it was always going to happen and I’m so glad to say that it surpassed every single expectation…
The world building was amazing, I fear I now know what Hell looks and smells like.
The romance story was fantastic, there was a gradual transition from WTF to F’ing Veil they’re shagging.
The plot around the bind was fantastic, as was Eden’s backstory.
10/10/10… I think I love you Rachael and I’d like to be your friend. If you’re ever in my neck of the woods I would like to buy you a pint.
Highlights ⚠️ SPOILERS (also there’s lots more than normal because I found Malachi fucking hilarious!… the dry humour killed me)
Truth is, Hell’s less inferno and torment and more paperwork and passive-aggressive memos.
“Oi!” I roar through the wails. “Keep it down! Some of us are trying to file reports up here! Have some bloody decorum!”
“I couldn’t give two fucks in a lake of fire,” he scoffs. “Life is an avalanche of disappointments, and I’ve been at the bottom of the pile for a long time. So settle in, you’ve got a brand-new best friend. Lucky you. I’m excellent company. A little murdery, sure, but delightful once you stop gasping for air like a trout on land.”
“Don’t pass out,” a low growl warns. “Oh, you dramatic little—”
“Unbelievable.” He turns and saunters into the living room. “I cross a literal dimension for you, and you’re just a domestic gerbil with a library card.”
“Really, Eden? This was the pinnacle of your desire? I’ve seen more attractive features on a potato.”
“Interesting. Yet it appears to be the primary pastime of your civilization—digital voyeurism. You throw seasoning at my face like a medieval peasant, yet you cannot bear to look at the mechanics of your own biology? How else am I supposed to seduce you if I cannot do research?”
“Oh, we’re doing bad Latin now? You’ve gone from a summoning ritual to pantry-based witchcraft. Stunning progress, Eden. Truly. What’s next? Flour? Paprika? Are you going to dry-rub me back to Hell?”
“Did you just try to baptize me?” he asks. “That’s the second time you’ve drenched me in twenty-four hours. At this point, Eden, we’re bordering on a kink.”
“The next time an irritant like that boy upsets you, it would be beneficial for you to simply pick up a brick and apply it to their skull.”
“Research, baby girl,” he says, flipping a page. “I have questions, actually. For instance: why does this protagonist refer to his cock as ‘velvet wrapped steel’? That sounds structurally unsound. Is it a medical condition? Should I be concerned for him?”
“You have a distinct aroma of stale fear and clinical failure. It’s offensive to my constitution.”
“Go. Scrape the grime off your mortal coil. I’ll be waiting here, trying to reclaim my sense of smell.”
“Not so brave and oily now, are you, you Vermin-Class cunt?”
Apparently, a ‘scrub’ is a male of low standing attempting to court females from the passenger side of his best friend's ride. At least, that’s what the women on the screen are singing about.
first, you will consume nutrients. I cannot have you fainting in the street; it draws unnecessary attention.”
“I’m not made of money, Malachi!” “Correct,” I say, smirking. “You are comprised of flesh, calcium, and poor decision-making skills. Very well done on your biology lessons there, baby girl.
“He didn't answer. You know why? Because he’s dead. And the dead are famously relaxed about their wardrobe.”
“Another beast! Give me the blue one. And be quick about it, boy, before the frost takes us all.”
“Now, we shall eat dough.”
“Your necrotic tissue is too green,” I inform him, releasing his face with a look of utter disdain. “You look like a cucumber, not a corpse. Do better.”
“If you’re going to be traumatized, it should at least be anatomically correct. Come along.”
“Now, walk. Before I decide to start eating the clowns.”
Not a demon. Abort. Abort immediately. This is just a grandmother.
Am I doing it wrong? I can always go back to the porn if you prefer. I recall the plumber’s dialogue being significantly more concise.”
Mortal cocks are so strange.
“My deepest apologies, baby girl! I’ll stop arguing with the desperate female who clearly has no self-respect! Carry on with your weeping!”
“You are a brave feline specimen. Congratulations.”
I’ve spent my existence watching souls break, but I never thought I’d be the one struggling to keep mine in one piece. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥹🥹🥹🥹
“Do you see that ball of arrogance? That is not a threat. That is a diplomatic asset.
“Jesus Christ.” “No, I’m Malachi,”
“You... you met the Devil?” “Yes,” he says casually, adjusting his collar. “She was a delight. We hit it off immediately.
He’s an embarrassment. I’m buying him two bags.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
This book got me out of the reading slump, so thank you Rachael, Malachi and Eden! 🖤
Not gonna lie, I was hooked by page 2.
First we meet Eden, grieving the loss of her boyfriend Matthew, who –not gonna lie again– I liked, based on how she was remembering him and describing him to me. But then when the plot twist hit later in the book, I was like 'Damn girl, good riddance!'
In chapter two we meet Malachi. Bored, sarcastic, silver skinned 6'4" demon working as an administrator in hell.
Eden buys this cheap ritual kit, adamant to summon the ghost of her dead boyfriend, reciting a poem and "accidentally" summons Malachi instead.
They find out they can't really be apart, not gonna spoil why, so she's "forced" to "suffer" Malachi's charm. To be honest, I'd swap my place with her. Malachi is so funny in his distinguished gentleman's way. When he spoke, he sounded like Edward Cullen on antidepressants (in a good way) 🤣. I loved his lines so much!
He falls first and hard, addressing Eden as HIS little summoner, and I absolutely adored the way he treated her.
We are also introduced to Eden's sister Piper, who I personally wanted to slap multiple times, because she just comes off as a massive pushover. Annoying, it has to be my way kind of person, not respecting Eden's boundaries. I mean yeah, I get that she wanted to help, but still..
Anyway
Shit hits the fan, and Malachi's boss is not happy with him being in a mortal realm at all. They go to Hell, where they find out WHY they can't be apart, and Eden has to face her past and trauma to resolve "the issue".
She's thrown back to Earth while Malachi remains back in Hell, and he fights hard to get back to her, but fails. Or does he? 😏
I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out 🤭
This book is fast paced, slow burn (which I didn't even notice as there's stuff constantly happening) and hilarious.
It was giving me a Lights Out meets Her Soul To Take vibe.
I definitely recommend reading it! 🔥🖤
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🤣🤣🤣
P.S. I think there might be a book two (about Piper) since it ended the way it did 👀
Not gonna lie, I was hooked by page 2.
First we meet Eden, grieving the loss of her boyfriend Matthew, who –not gonna lie again– I liked, based on how she was remembering him and describing him to me. But then when the plot twist hit later in the book, I was like 'Damn girl, good riddance!'
In chapter two we meet Malachi. Bored, sarcastic, silver skinned 6'4" demon working as an administrator in hell.
Eden buys this cheap ritual kit, adamant to summon the ghost of her dead boyfriend, reciting a poem and "accidentally" summons Malachi instead.
They find out they can't really be apart, not gonna spoil why, so she's "forced" to "suffer" Malachi's charm. To be honest, I'd swap my place with her. Malachi is so funny in his distinguished gentleman's way. When he spoke, he sounded like Edward Cullen on antidepressants (in a good way) 🤣. I loved his lines so much!
He falls first and hard, addressing Eden as HIS little summoner, and I absolutely adored the way he treated her.
We are also introduced to Eden's sister Piper, who I personally wanted to slap multiple times, because she just comes off as a massive pushover. Annoying, it has to be my way kind of person, not respecting Eden's boundaries. I mean yeah, I get that she wanted to help, but still..
Anyway
Shit hits the fan, and Malachi's boss is not happy with him being in a mortal realm at all. They go to Hell, where they find out WHY they can't be apart, and Eden has to face her past and trauma to resolve "the issue".
She's thrown back to Earth while Malachi remains back in Hell, and he fights hard to get back to her, but fails. Or does he? 😏
I guess you'll just have to read the book to find out 🤭
This book is fast paced, slow burn (which I didn't even notice as there's stuff constantly happening) and hilarious.
It was giving me a Lights Out meets Her Soul To Take vibe.
I definitely recommend reading it! 🔥🖤
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🤣🤣🤣
P.S. I think there might be a book two (about Piper) since it ended the way it did 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
Malachi owns my entire heart. The horns, the fangs, the catastrophic attitude... absolute perfection. He’s grumpy, arrogant, wildly inappropriate at times… and somehow completely irresistible. His voice jumps off the page, and every scene he’s in just sparkles with energy, and the slow, unraveling of who he is underneath all that swagger. The emotional growth? So good.
Eden broke my heart in the best way. Her grief felt raw and real, and watching her navigate that pain while being thrown into something wildly unexpected made her such a compelling main character. I loved how strong she was while still being messy and human. (I hoped she'd get to administer some torture......)
The banter? ELITE. The back-and-forth between Mal and Eden is sharp, funny, and full of tension. The kind where you’re grinning one second and fanning yourself the next. Their dynamic carries the story in the best way chaotic demon meets grieving mortal, and neither of them are prepared for what happens next.
This book is spicy and funny in exactly the right balance. The heat builds naturally alongside the emotional connection, which makes it hit even harder. It never felt like spice just for the sake of spice it felt earned, and that made it so much better.
And the house beasts? Obsessed. They added so much personality and charm to the story and made the world feel alive.
Speaking of the world, the atmosphere was incredible. The contrast between the ordinary and the supernatural was vivid and immersive without ever feeling overwhelming. I could picture everything so clearly.
There was a moment near the end where I got nervous (in that “please don’t hurt me” kind of way), but it wrapped up beautifully while still leaving that delicious thread of possibility for what might come next. If this turns into a series, I am absolutely seated and 100% invested in this world and these characters.
This book was emotional, funny, dark, romantic, spicy, and chaotic in the best way. I’m obsessed.
Thank you so much, Rachael Chadwick, for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of this amazing story.
Eden broke my heart in the best way. Her grief felt raw and real, and watching her navigate that pain while being thrown into something wildly unexpected made her such a compelling main character. I loved how strong she was while still being messy and human. (I hoped she'd get to administer some torture......)
The banter? ELITE. The back-and-forth between Mal and Eden is sharp, funny, and full of tension. The kind where you’re grinning one second and fanning yourself the next. Their dynamic carries the story in the best way chaotic demon meets grieving mortal, and neither of them are prepared for what happens next.
This book is spicy and funny in exactly the right balance. The heat builds naturally alongside the emotional connection, which makes it hit even harder. It never felt like spice just for the sake of spice it felt earned, and that made it so much better.
And the house beasts? Obsessed. They added so much personality and charm to the story and made the world feel alive.
Speaking of the world, the atmosphere was incredible. The contrast between the ordinary and the supernatural was vivid and immersive without ever feeling overwhelming. I could picture everything so clearly.
There was a moment near the end where I got nervous (in that “please don’t hurt me” kind of way), but it wrapped up beautifully while still leaving that delicious thread of possibility for what might come next. If this turns into a series, I am absolutely seated and 100% invested in this world and these characters.
This book was emotional, funny, dark, romantic, spicy, and chaotic in the best way. I’m obsessed.
Thank you so much, Rachael Chadwick, for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of this amazing story.
April 8, 2026
Malachi is lovable chaos. He is bored in hell. He is tired of the endless paperwork of being a Torture Administrator and is searching for some excitement. While walking through the Forbidden Zone, he sees something interesting. A woman performing a ritual and briefly opening the veil between Hell and the human realm. Against all the rules, Malachi decides to take his chance to explore the human world and escape the endless paperwork.
Eden is filled with grief and guilt. She lives alone in her apartment after her boyfriend died a year ago. She can't stand the silence and the loneliness anymore. In desperation, she decides to try and summon her dead boyfriend with a ritual she purchased online. She got way more than she bargained for when Malachi, the over six foot silver demon with horns and a love for chaos, shows up in her apartment instead of her dead boyfriend.
Malachi has no patience for Eden's grief or her boring life, and Eden suddenly wants the silence back if it means a demon from hell is no longer taking over her apartment. Hell also wants Malachi back, but somehow, the magic has bonded him and Eden together. They physically can not be too far away from each other without severe pain. This means Eden is now dragged into his world or demons and hell, and Malachi is now responsible for keeping a fragile human alive and in one piece as he tries to clean up the mess his chaos caused.
Eden is filled with grief and guilt. She lives alone in her apartment after her boyfriend died a year ago. She can't stand the silence and the loneliness anymore. In desperation, she decides to try and summon her dead boyfriend with a ritual she purchased online. She got way more than she bargained for when Malachi, the over six foot silver demon with horns and a love for chaos, shows up in her apartment instead of her dead boyfriend.
Malachi has no patience for Eden's grief or her boring life, and Eden suddenly wants the silence back if it means a demon from hell is no longer taking over her apartment. Hell also wants Malachi back, but somehow, the magic has bonded him and Eden together. They physically can not be too far away from each other without severe pain. This means Eden is now dragged into his world or demons and hell, and Malachi is now responsible for keeping a fragile human alive and in one piece as he tries to clean up the mess his chaos caused.
March 6, 2026
3.5 rounded up!
This was such an interesting read. I was hooked from the start, and think this was such a refreshing take on the whole “summon a demon” story! Malachi made me laugh quite a few times, and I thought the writing was unexpectedly and refreshingly interesting. I also started to really like the corporatization of Hell, despite not being the biggest fan of it at first. That was such an interesting take!
However, the sex scenes were very copy/paste, like they could have belonged to any monster or paranormal romance book. I didn’t think the FMC and MMC had as much chemistry together as they should have had, imo. I thought that this was a very interesting paranormal romance overall, and I’d be interested in reading more from this author!
TW for past domestic violence (former partner), and gore (especially during the scene with a car wreck. That was such an odd surprise and kinda pulled me out of the book in a bad way)
This was such an interesting read. I was hooked from the start, and think this was such a refreshing take on the whole “summon a demon” story! Malachi made me laugh quite a few times, and I thought the writing was unexpectedly and refreshingly interesting. I also started to really like the corporatization of Hell, despite not being the biggest fan of it at first. That was such an interesting take!
However, the sex scenes were very copy/paste, like they could have belonged to any monster or paranormal romance book. I didn’t think the FMC and MMC had as much chemistry together as they should have had, imo. I thought that this was a very interesting paranormal romance overall, and I’d be interested in reading more from this author!
TW for past domestic violence (former partner), and gore (especially during the scene with a car wreck. That was such an odd surprise and kinda pulled me out of the book in a bad way)
March 25, 2026
Yes yes yes million times yes 🙌🏻🤌🏻👏🏻
This was a masterpiece for us dark paranormal romcom girlies and I ate every single bit of it up like vespa and her new diet 🤣
The plot, the characters, the humour THE IMAGINATION THE AUTHOR HAS UGH YES 10/10 ILL TAKE 100 MORE PLEASE
Eden I love you girlie, honestly your response to everything that happened very relatable very me coded 🤣and yes queen you get your closure and revenge 🤌🏻
Malachi THE DEMON THAT YOU ARE 😍😍🖤Had me cackling every single time you spoke, loved trashy human TV ..fuck yeah, calls the cat house beast ..oh we love it, takes romance tips from smut books ..smart demon😌🤣
this book was just so much fun honestly I loved it all and based on that ending I'm assuming there is more books/spin offs to come 👀 I will be not so patiently waiting for those I assure you😌🙌🏻🤌🏻👑
This was a masterpiece for us dark paranormal romcom girlies and I ate every single bit of it up like vespa and her new diet 🤣
The plot, the characters, the humour THE IMAGINATION THE AUTHOR HAS UGH YES 10/10 ILL TAKE 100 MORE PLEASE
Eden I love you girlie, honestly your response to everything that happened very relatable very me coded 🤣and yes queen you get your closure and revenge 🤌🏻
Malachi THE DEMON THAT YOU ARE 😍😍🖤Had me cackling every single time you spoke, loved trashy human TV ..fuck yeah, calls the cat house beast ..oh we love it, takes romance tips from smut books ..smart demon😌🤣
this book was just so much fun honestly I loved it all and based on that ending I'm assuming there is more books/spin offs to come 👀 I will be not so patiently waiting for those I assure you😌🙌🏻🤌🏻👑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2026
4.1/5
I love this writer and I’ve devour everything she writes. This one was a SLIGHT miss for me.
I felt the back story of the FMC was a bit off and I didn’t understand where her “grief” was coming from. Plus the MMC turned into a different person during the climax of the story… then turned back to normal.. also we skipped over the part where she was supposed to get her memory wiped…
BUT still loved it, still funny, will continue to read everything she publishes.
I love this writer and I’ve devour everything she writes. This one was a SLIGHT miss for me.
I felt the back story of the FMC was a bit off and I didn’t understand where her “grief” was coming from. Plus the MMC turned into a different person during the climax of the story… then turned back to normal.. also we skipped over the part where she was supposed to get her memory wiped…
BUT still loved it, still funny, will continue to read everything she publishes.
February 19, 2026
I'm in love
This book made me scream, cackle like a witch, and clutch my damn pearls. The conclusion? Unexpected and I liked it. The plot explanation? Mildly anticipated but I had like 20 different theories going. Highly recommend this one and I look forward to the future book(s) which may come in the series!
This book made me scream, cackle like a witch, and clutch my damn pearls. The conclusion? Unexpected and I liked it. The plot explanation? Mildly anticipated but I had like 20 different theories going. Highly recommend this one and I look forward to the future book(s) which may come in the series!
March 5, 2026
I knew racheal would get me out of a reading slump !!!
love love loved and devoured this ❤️🔥
author is quickly becoming one of my favourites 😈
love love loved and devoured this ❤️🔥
author is quickly becoming one of my favourites 😈
March 11, 2026
Not bad, I just was expecting something more
March 24, 2026
I picked this up on a whim and did not expect it to be SO GOOD!
Such an easy read. An all round good time.
Such an easy read. An all round good time.
March 29, 2026
absolutely loved. hilarious, emotional and such a fun read - everything i want and need
March 31, 2026
Malachi is the biggest menace and I love him for it
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again Rachael has absolutely smashed it!! I absolutely adore her writing style, the banter and wit is hilarious, the spice is top tier and not cringe and the characters are sassy and loveable (especially the pets 🤣). Was lucky enough to get this as an ARC but cannot wait to have my shelf trophy when it's released 🖤 Definately an auto-buy author for me now
April 4, 2026
Did you just try to baptize me?” he asks. “That’s the second time you’ve drenched me in twenty-four hours. At this point, Eden, we’re bordering on a kink.”
🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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