Death's Lover: First Encounter

Reviewed by Anelynde Smit for Readers' Favorite

Death’s Lover: First Encounter by Scarlett Reed is a book for anyone interested in period pieces. Playing out in colonial-era America, we have Avaline Adams who is about to marry Viscount Charles Harmsworth, but who does not appear too keen. This is a marriage of convenience for him, and one of status and love for her. However, a tall dark stranger would soon change everything she knew. Niklaus Davenport shows up out of nowhere to attend the wedding in the guise of being the Viscount's nephew. Little does anyone know that he is Death in disguise. Avaline is torn between her two male suitors, one using her for his own gain and the other a welcome distraction from her loveless marriage. One night Niklaus has to save Avaline and break character, so she discovers who discovers what he is - the Angel of Death. What will she do with this information? How will this change how she sees Niklaus and what will happen to her marriage? It’s a real page-turner for anyone who loves Jane Austen's style of books.

Death’s Lover by Scarlett Reed had me turning pages almost faster than I could read them. The story was so inviting and had a touch of spice between the Viscount and his pseudo-nephew Niklaus. I loved how the Angel of Death was experiencing things for the first time. His description of how he ate food, how he breathed, how he felt after drinking too much alcohol. I enjoyed this short novel, which was a lot of fun to read and very sensitive in the lovemaking department. So many books draw you in with the promise of an erotic storyline, but in this case, it was well rendered. If this series is to be continued, I cannot wait for the next installment. The story was so detailed, especially the clothes, you could easily tell the era. It was so ably described that I found myself seeing red dresses and pearls. A must-read for anyone who enjoys this genre.

Teresa Syms

Death’s Lover, First Encounter by Scarlett Reed is a well-written historical romance. Colonial Virginia is the setting for this beautiful, yet violent story. On the way to her fiancé’s home just days before their wedding, Avaline encounters Niklaus who normally is an Angel of Death. Today, Niklaus enters the world as a human being. He wants to experience everything humans do to have and show more compassion for them while he helps them when they are dying. Niklaus helps the human soul move on once the body dies. But today, he presents himself to Mr. Romani, the tailor, and once he is clothed, he introduces himself as his nephew to Viscount Harmsworth. Truly they are not related, but in order for the ploy to work, Niklaus must ingratiate himself as the Davenport nephew. What he does not expect to happen is to fall in love with Avaline. He saves her from death, protects her as much as possible from the violence of her husband Viscount Harmsworth, all the while trying to show her that slavery is wrong. This is an epic love story that cannot have a happy and contented ending: he is an Angel of Death, and only here for a fleeting time, and she is a Viscountess, married to another man. How can this story end?

Scarlett Reed has penned a beautiful love story. Death’s Lover, First Encounter gives the reader a vision of what life must have been like for a Viscountess during the era. Scarlett Reed gives the reader a wonderful insight into the workings of a plantation house, the owners, and the slaves. The reader will visualize the tall, handsome form of Niklaus as he walks around in his fine clothing made by Mr. Romani, his friend. One can almost smell the tobacco burning from their cigars as the men drink, smoke, and play cards, in which Charles loses not only his money but Avaline’s dowry. Charles uses his slaves and his wife the same way. He has no value for anyone except his nephew, Niklaus. I was transported into colonial Virginia to experience the love and compassion between Avaline and Niklaus. My heart broke with what transpires throughout the book and especially at the end. But, life must go on, and we all must find our place in it, depending on which side of the veil you are on. You will love reading this book. I highly recommend it. Characterization was exceptional, the setting was well established, and drama was around every corner. Well done!