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adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexism, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An enjoyable read with a new take on the afterlife and what it means to be alive. Lily is a strong lead and the rest of cast keep the story moving. The romance between Lily and Bel is a slow-burn to start before the spice ramps up.
There are some funny moments, heart-felt moments and of course sad moments. There is a lot of talk about death, trauma and abuse throughout. Some chapters do read like a therapist's notebook and were a little bit of a slog to get through.
Overall, a fun read and loved the afterlife concept.
There are some funny moments, heart-felt moments and of course sad moments. There is a lot of talk about death, trauma and abuse throughout. Some chapters do read like a therapist's notebook and were a little bit of a slog to get through.
Overall, a fun read and loved the afterlife concept.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Religious bigotry
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book suffered from Main Character Syndrome. Somehow, everything always worked out, and the main character was always the most popular, beautiful, and lusted-after girl in the whole Universe. I understand that this book is an opportunity for the author to create an idealized world, but it was a little too convenient how things worked out. It felt like I was reading a fanfiction a lot of the time. Everything was really trope-y and predictable. Also, I did not like the war aspect. It was so lazy and not fleshed out. It felt like a plot device to create tension rather than an actual conflict. Lastly, her being turned into a deity at the end to stay in Hell was so dumb and too convenient. I was left going “Of course” because why wouldn’t it work out for her when everything else in the book did?
Despite my criticisms, I did like the representations of healthy relationships and communication between partners and parents/guardians and children. That was a highlight of this book that improved my rating.
Despite my criticisms, I did like the representations of healthy relationships and communication between partners and parents/guardians and children. That was a highlight of this book that improved my rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Infertility, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, War
Moderate: Mental illness, Self harm, Blood
Minor: Vomit, Alcohol
Characters have consensual sex throughout the book in detail. There are moments where two characters relive a memory from their childhood regarding sexual assault, self-harming, and rape. A character fights in a war and kills an entire population of a species, including children. A character is diagnosed with and dies of cancer at the beginning of the book before entering the afterlife. Characters consume moderate amounts of alcohol in social settings in some scenes. A character gags and almost vomits but does not actually puke. However, this scene can be triggering for those with emetophobia.
This book made me cry multiple times. Highly recommend.
(Please check trigger warnings before reading coz it got heavy several times)
(Please check trigger warnings before reading coz it got heavy several times)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book suffered horribly for its lack of editing. It could have been more effective at half its length and often read more like a slice of life fanfic. Difficult themes were often addressed with a very didactic tone that didn’t feel at all organic to the stories or the characters. Having said that, the central friends to lovers trope was compelling with an excellent slow burn! The narrators were fabulous and there were many times I didn’t want to stop listening. I didn’t love the ending which was disappointing after such a lengthy book. Overall a fun listen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, War
Moderate: Infertility, Grief
Minor: Miscarriage
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can't remember the last time a book made me feel the way this book made me feel. I have been bawling my eyes out in some scenes and laughing so hard at some other scenes. I like the way you see how Lilys character develops and how she forgive herself.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Terminal illness, Abandonment
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love this book. I just finished and I'm already thinking about rereading. I love the characters and the story. It was amazing to see emotional maturity and healthy relationships. So powerful that in a romance novel, the relationship isn't the core conflict to be resolved. No miscommunication tropes or "will they won't they" dynamics. Just unconditional love and open communication. Absolutely worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, War
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Sexual assault, Car accident
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Wow, where do I even start.
The characters were amazing, they are so lovable and kind. Main character is a badass with a heart of gold. Love interest is a demon badass himbo so lovable I want to squeeze him in a giant bear hug.
The story was fascinating, the plot and the world were intricate but easy to understand and the way the author deals with religious trauma was well done.
I’m really happy I was able to read this, it was such a warm hug and I really want book two.
I took .5 stars cuz it was soooooo long and the last part was mostly sex. I also wish the author would’ve done more with Bel’s chapters specially in the war. Other than that I hope everyone that reads this loves it and has a good time. I definitely did 😁
The characters were amazing, they are so lovable and kind. Main character is a badass with a heart of gold. Love interest is a demon badass himbo so lovable I want to squeeze him in a giant bear hug.
The story was fascinating, the plot and the world were intricate but easy to understand and the way the author deals with religious trauma was well done.
I’m really happy I was able to read this, it was such a warm hug and I really want book two.
I took .5 stars cuz it was soooooo long and the last part was mostly sex. I also wish the author would’ve done more with Bel’s chapters specially in the war. Other than that I hope everyone that reads this loves it and has a good time. I definitely did 😁
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Homophobia, Religious bigotry
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As a fan of the Jaysea Lynn's (@sea.ya.later) Hell's Bells series on TikTok, I was ecstatic to hear that she was writing a prequel novel. I was blown away by the depth and care to which she wrote these characters. The relationships between Lily, Bel, Sharkie, Luci, and all of the others feel grounded in reality even if she is talking about a 7 foot tall purple demon or a sentient Hobbit-hole.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Gore, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, Pregnancy, Gaslighting
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
My Summary: Lily has been to the Afterlife many times before, since she's reincarnated after her other lives. But this time, she decides to hang out in Paradise for a while. As she explores the Afterlife, she wanders into Hell and realizes that they could use some help with their customer service area. Lily worked in customer service for most of her adult life, and when she realizes she could create a Hellp Desk (pun intended) where she could tell people what she really thought, she jumps at the opportunity. It's unusual for a human soul to want to help the demons who work in Hell, but Lily finds easy camaraderie amongst these demons who have a tough exterior but are really softies underneath. She especially is interested in Beleth--a strikingly sexy demon general who is nerdy, witty, and kind. The two quickly form a close connection and find that their friendship could turn into something more.
My Thoughts: For Whom the Belle Tolls is a sweet and cozy fantasy romance featuring a tough FMC who truly cares about everyone and wants to help in any way she can. Her work in creating and manning the Hellp Desk has made a huge difference in the demons' lives, and she has made herself widely loved amongst all of Hell and even across the Afterlife. Though Lily is healing from her own religious trauma, she finds herself caring for a young soul lovingly named Sharkie who needs the love and care only a true guardian can give. Their relationship is one of my favorites because though Lily isn't perfect, she figures out and gives Sharkie exactly what she needs, which is mostly attention, love, and understanding.
The standout relationship in this novel is the romantic love between the demon Beleth (aka Bel) and Lily. The pair take their time getting to know each other as friends before they even start a romantic relationship. And, once they finally confess their true feelings for each other, they take it slow physically, ensuring that they're both fully ready for that aspect of their relationship, which imho made the payoff even sweeter. Both Bel and Lily seek to fully understand one another and show each other that they see their true selves. Their communication is unmatched, and I can only hope to have a relationship as open and honest as theirs.
Definitely check content warnings before reading this one, but if you're looking for a cozy story full of wit, heart, friendship, and love, I highly recommend picking up For Whom the Belle Tolls.
My Summary: Lily has been to the Afterlife many times before, since she's reincarnated after her other lives. But this time, she decides to hang out in Paradise for a while. As she explores the Afterlife, she wanders into Hell and realizes that they could use some help with their customer service area. Lily worked in customer service for most of her adult life, and when she realizes she could create a Hellp Desk (pun intended) where she could tell people what she really thought, she jumps at the opportunity. It's unusual for a human soul to want to help the demons who work in Hell, but Lily finds easy camaraderie amongst these demons who have a tough exterior but are really softies underneath. She especially is interested in Beleth--a strikingly sexy demon general who is nerdy, witty, and kind. The two quickly form a close connection and find that their friendship could turn into something more.
My Thoughts: For Whom the Belle Tolls is a sweet and cozy fantasy romance featuring a tough FMC who truly cares about everyone and wants to help in any way she can. Her work in creating and manning the Hellp Desk has made a huge difference in the demons' lives, and she has made herself widely loved amongst all of Hell and even across the Afterlife. Though Lily is healing from her own religious trauma, she finds herself caring for a young soul lovingly named Sharkie who needs the love and care only a true guardian can give. Their relationship is one of my favorites because though Lily isn't perfect, she figures out and gives Sharkie exactly what she needs, which is mostly attention, love, and understanding.
The standout relationship in this novel is the romantic love between the demon Beleth (aka Bel) and Lily. The pair take their time getting to know each other as friends before they even start a romantic relationship. And, once they finally confess their true feelings for each other, they take it slow physically, ensuring that they're both fully ready for that aspect of their relationship, which imho made the payoff even sweeter. Both Bel and Lily seek to fully understand one another and show each other that they see their true selves. Their communication is unmatched, and I can only hope to have a relationship as open and honest as theirs.
Definitely check content warnings before reading this one, but if you're looking for a cozy story full of wit, heart, friendship, and love, I highly recommend picking up For Whom the Belle Tolls.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, War
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Sexual assault
Minor: Child death, Self harm, Suicide attempt