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Love in Galway #1
Morbidly Yours
Callum Flannelly would rather dive into an open grave than take a stranger to dinner and a movie. But he can only inherit the family undertaking business and carry on their legacy under one condition: He must marry before his 35th birthday. So it’s out of the mortuary and into the dating scene.
Lark Thompson would rather get crushed by a falling anvil than stay next to a funeral home during her stay in Galway, Ireland. The vivacious American cartoon creator and animator came here to embrace life, not be reminded of losing her husband.
When Lark learns of Callum’s dilemma and aversion to marrying out of necessity rather than love, she agrees to help the introverted mortician. Although sworn off love herself, she is optimistic that Callum can find The One and secure his inheritance.
But as the dating project progresses and their friendship grows, so does a mutual attraction. The more time she spends with serious, sarcastic Callum, the more she dreads finding him a match. And the more disastrous dates he endures, the more he dreads Lark’s imminent return to the states.
If they think it’s possible to ignore their connection, they’re dead wrong.
Lark Thompson would rather get crushed by a falling anvil than stay next to a funeral home during her stay in Galway, Ireland. The vivacious American cartoon creator and animator came here to embrace life, not be reminded of losing her husband.
When Lark learns of Callum’s dilemma and aversion to marrying out of necessity rather than love, she agrees to help the introverted mortician. Although sworn off love herself, she is optimistic that Callum can find The One and secure his inheritance.
But as the dating project progresses and their friendship grows, so does a mutual attraction. The more time she spends with serious, sarcastic Callum, the more she dreads finding him a match. And the more disastrous dates he endures, the more he dreads Lark’s imminent return to the states.
If they think it’s possible to ignore their connection, they’re dead wrong.
356 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,026 reviews
August 30, 2023
3.75 ⭐️ This was such a fun and cozy read. Truly a friends to lovers book and almost a slow burn. It had me screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY” at the half way….the tension was too high HAHAHHA
December 3, 2023
Instagram || Threads || Facebook || Amazon || TikTok
MORBIDLY YOURS is a profoundly romantic book that manages to tackle friends-to-lovers (one of the hardest tropes to do well, in my opinion), grief, death anxiety, enrichment of life, self-advocacy, and interesting and nuanced relationships, all with equal mastery.
Callum is a mortician who is going to lose his funeral home if he doesn't get married because of a stipulation in his grandfather's will. Lark, on the other hand, is a grieving widow who has come to Ireland to work as an animation director in Galway. When they meet, it's a clash of personalities at first, but they quickly end up getting to know each other better than they expected because they're neighbors.
This book was pure perfection. I'm going to overlook the cruelty of Ms. Fairbanks making me fall in love with a man who doesn't exist. I loved the way that the OW and OM ended up being delightful people who furthered the story in interesting and unexpected way. I liked how Callum wasn't traditionally masculine, and that he had a stutter. He's also demisexual and I thought that rep was handled beautifully.
I am absolutely seething with jealousy that this was a debut effort. It is so good, and I will absolutely read whatever this author puts out there next. There aren't a lot of romances that feel so real, that you can just totally lose yourself in the story because they feel like your friends, but this is one of them.
5 stars
November 27, 2023
I know I’m giving like, everything 5 stars lately but I literally do not care shut up because listen:
* The MMC talks dirty in Irish
* He has a stutter which is treated with sensitivity and respect
* The FMC is a widow who loved her husband and isn’t all “oh I thought I knew what love was but now I know that I didn’t” no fuck that you can love more than one person in your life
* The MMC is described as “hot in a Damien Rice song way” why aren’t more people described like this
* The MMC punches a workplace bully and it is very satisfying
* “Love is a living thing. It grows like wild brambles, taking over everything. Love had taken me hostage.” Like are you kidding me right now?
Anyway read this book immediately. Stop what you’re doing - this is more important.
* The MMC talks dirty in Irish
* He has a stutter which is treated with sensitivity and respect
* The FMC is a widow who loved her husband and isn’t all “oh I thought I knew what love was but now I know that I didn’t” no fuck that you can love more than one person in your life
* The MMC is described as “hot in a Damien Rice song way” why aren’t more people described like this
* The MMC punches a workplace bully and it is very satisfying
* “Love is a living thing. It grows like wild brambles, taking over everything. Love had taken me hostage.” Like are you kidding me right now?
Anyway read this book immediately. Stop what you’re doing - this is more important.
August 20, 2024
Had it not been for an invitation from the Publisher, I probably would’ve have scrolled right by this ROM COM with the cartoon cover-it didn’t appeal to me-but now I understand it and although it fits with Lark’s career- it’s a bit misleading! DON’T let it fool you-this is one SPICY 🌶️ book which leaves NOTHING to the imagination.
Callum Flannelly is an Undertaker who can only inherit the family business under one condition: He must marry before his 35th birthday. And, he only has 5 months left to find a wife. He finds dating awkward-and the APPs aren’t working for him.
Lark Thompson is a vivacious American cartoon creator and animator from Texas who came to Galway, Ireland for a fresh start away from the memories of losing her husband. Turns out her accommodations are right beside a funeral home. Not great for anyone, let alone a Widow.
When Lark learns of her neighbors dilemma, she agrees to help him. Because she has sworn off of finding love for herself, they are able to become friends-taking all of the pressure off. But, as their friendship grows-so does their mutual attraction.
Will she really be able to watch him connect with someone else? And, will he really let her return to the United Staes?
While I enjoyed some aspects of the story, such as the friendships and “found family” other aspects were a BIG MISS for me.
The bedroom door is WIDE OPEN, and if you are a reader like me, who prefers to SKIM past these scenes, you will be skimming through MOST of the entire second half of the book!! There is even an Irish/Gaeilge Pronunciation and Translation guide included in the back which will teach you the translations of all of the spicier/cruder terms used for sexual acts and our more intimate body parts. Not for me.
This will be a more satisfying read for those who prefer the door open, and for those who enjoy the humor in the book. It’s the first in the “Love in Galway”series, but it’s not a series that is a fit for me, so despite enjoying some aspects of the book-I will stop here.
TW: Death of loved ones and brief depictions of caring for those departed in a funeral home.
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!
Callum Flannelly is an Undertaker who can only inherit the family business under one condition: He must marry before his 35th birthday. And, he only has 5 months left to find a wife. He finds dating awkward-and the APPs aren’t working for him.
Lark Thompson is a vivacious American cartoon creator and animator from Texas who came to Galway, Ireland for a fresh start away from the memories of losing her husband. Turns out her accommodations are right beside a funeral home. Not great for anyone, let alone a Widow.
When Lark learns of her neighbors dilemma, she agrees to help him. Because she has sworn off of finding love for herself, they are able to become friends-taking all of the pressure off. But, as their friendship grows-so does their mutual attraction.
Will she really be able to watch him connect with someone else? And, will he really let her return to the United Staes?
While I enjoyed some aspects of the story, such as the friendships and “found family” other aspects were a BIG MISS for me.
The bedroom door is WIDE OPEN, and if you are a reader like me, who prefers to SKIM past these scenes, you will be skimming through MOST of the entire second half of the book!! There is even an Irish/Gaeilge Pronunciation and Translation guide included in the back which will teach you the translations of all of the spicier/cruder terms used for sexual acts and our more intimate body parts. Not for me.
This will be a more satisfying read for those who prefer the door open, and for those who enjoy the humor in the book. It’s the first in the “Love in Galway”series, but it’s not a series that is a fit for me, so despite enjoying some aspects of the book-I will stop here.
TW: Death of loved ones and brief depictions of caring for those departed in a funeral home.
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!
August 7, 2023
Morbidly Yours is a sweet and emotional story about a grieving mortician and animator learning to lean on each other and falling in love in the process. After her husband's death 2 years ago, Lark is ready to move on and decides a fresh start in Ireland is right for her. However, despite trying to get away from death and grief, her new neighbor, Callum, just so happens to be a mortician. When Callum's grandad passed he made it a condition that Callum must be married by his 35th birthday in order to inherit the family mortuary. When Callum and Lark become fast friends, Lark makes it her mission to get Callum married; however, that is easier said than done when she finds herself falling for him.
This is an absolutely fun and beautiful story, full of tropes including he falls first, friends with benefits, and grumpy x sunshine. Callum and Lark were so cute and healthy for each other; they fit perfectly. I am officially adding Callum to my list of book boyfriends, he is such a shy cinnamon roll, and combined with the dirty talking; I was in heaven! While grief is a major component in this story, it was done very well; I liked how it was showcased in different ways but never got too heavy. The only reason this was not a five-star read for me, is because of the third-act conflict. I did not like how it was handled; it felt very one-sided and unnecessary.
This is an absolutely fun and beautiful story, full of tropes including he falls first, friends with benefits, and grumpy x sunshine. Callum and Lark were so cute and healthy for each other; they fit perfectly. I am officially adding Callum to my list of book boyfriends, he is such a shy cinnamon roll, and combined with the dirty talking; I was in heaven! While grief is a major component in this story, it was done very well; I liked how it was showcased in different ways but never got too heavy. The only reason this was not a five-star read for me, is because of the third-act conflict. I did not like how it was handled; it felt very one-sided and unnecessary.
October 12, 2023
I DNFed this at about 50% but it's not because of the book. It's me. I need a thriller. Something slashery - and I think I'll come back to this?
The writing and the development of the romance is actually 10000% adorable and something I would normally love. I'm just having a TIME of it these days, and this isn't holding my attention the way I want it to - because I'm stressed.
HOWEVER - if it sounds good to you then I think you should read and enjoy.
The writing and the development of the romance is actually 10000% adorable and something I would normally love. I'm just having a TIME of it these days, and this isn't holding my attention the way I want it to - because I'm stressed.
HOWEVER - if it sounds good to you then I think you should read and enjoy.
December 7, 2023
How is this a debut novel. Wtf it’s so good! Unique concept, heartfelt, AND spicy?! I was genuinely blown away at how much I loved it. Honestly this was a perfect fall transition book for me!
- Neighbors
- He falls first and harder
- A nickname in a different language, but she doesn’t know what it means
- Friends with benefits
Spice:
- Neighbors
- He falls first and harder
- A nickname in a different language, but she doesn’t know what it means
- Friends with benefits
Spice:
July 6, 2024
Awww, I absolutely adored this book!! The cover alone sold me, but the story itself hooked me from the start. Lark is the sunshiney, blonde, perky American who moves to Ireland for a year to work at an animation studio. She’s running from a sad past, so when she accidentally opens her next door neighbor’s package and discovers body bags, she’s understandably worried. She did NOT sign up to live next to a serial killer, thank you very much.
Turns out, the quiet and shy Callum is an undertaker, running his family business after losing his grandfather. Which is in danger of being sold right for under him, Lark soon finds out. His greedy absentee father has discovered the clause in Grandda’s will; Callum must marry by the time he’s 35 or lose the business. He has nine months.
Lark decides to help Callum date. She’s not interested in love or marriage after hers ended so badly, but she can’t help but be attracted to Callum. And the more time they spend together, the more they fall. But Lark’s visa is coming to an end soon, and Callum’s deadline looms over them both. I won’t spoil the ending, but I completely loved Lark and Callum. They’re so sweet, perfect opposites, and I just couldn’t get enough of them. So well done!
Turns out, the quiet and shy Callum is an undertaker, running his family business after losing his grandfather. Which is in danger of being sold right for under him, Lark soon finds out. His greedy absentee father has discovered the clause in Grandda’s will; Callum must marry by the time he’s 35 or lose the business. He has nine months.
Lark decides to help Callum date. She’s not interested in love or marriage after hers ended so badly, but she can’t help but be attracted to Callum. And the more time they spend together, the more they fall. But Lark’s visa is coming to an end soon, and Callum’s deadline looms over them both. I won’t spoil the ending, but I completely loved Lark and Callum. They’re so sweet, perfect opposites, and I just couldn’t get enough of them. So well done!
October 19, 2023
Thought they would have sex in the graveyard. Imagine my disappointment.
September 18, 2024
Had such high expectations for this one, but it just fell really short for me. It started off promising, but the writing style and pacing made it really hard to connect with these characters and to stay intrigued. When I wasn’t confused, I was just kinda bored. There were a few (very few) cute moments but that was about it. 😔
August 20, 2024
3.75⭐️ || TikTok ||
This book has…
- 30+ age MMC and FMC
- found family
- MMC that is introverted & demisexual - did I also mention he’s tall, dark haired, wears glasses and dresses like he belong on Peaky Blinders? He also has a stutter (yay for disability rep!), and he falls first!
- FMC is a Dolly Parton loving, very perky, Texas raised Widow.
- excellent 🌶️🌶️ (Did I mention the Irish dirty talk?)
- friends to lovers & opposites attract
What I loved…
This book had me giggling and kicking my feet! I absolutely adored the relationship between our MMC and FMC. The concept was so very adorable and I loved our MMC. I loved seeing the stutter representation and instantly connected with our MMC bc of it. I’ve read other books with this (stutter or speech disorder) representation where it felt like the character’s stutter was added to advance the plot and not as a way to represent a community. Ivy Fairbanks however did a wonderful job representing the community and including meaningful representation in the process. I also think she handled grief well throughout the novel.
What didn’t work for me - but might work for you…
I personally did not connect with the FMC at all. I loved the interactions between our MMC and FMC but when either one of them were alone I had a hard time being interested in the plot. That said, it is possible this is a me problem, not a book problem. Those who have felt the loss of family or have better empathetic ability toward loss may find it easy to connect with the main characters.
In the end I am rounding up to 4⭐️ bc I do think this is an good book and could be a perfect book for the right individual, even if it wasn't the right book for me personally.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This book has…
- 30+ age MMC and FMC
- found family
- MMC that is introverted & demisexual - did I also mention he’s tall, dark haired, wears glasses and dresses like he belong on Peaky Blinders? He also has a stutter (yay for disability rep!), and he falls first!
- FMC is a Dolly Parton loving, very perky, Texas raised Widow.
- excellent 🌶️🌶️ (Did I mention the Irish dirty talk?)
- friends to lovers & opposites attract
What I loved…
This book had me giggling and kicking my feet! I absolutely adored the relationship between our MMC and FMC. The concept was so very adorable and I loved our MMC. I loved seeing the stutter representation and instantly connected with our MMC bc of it. I’ve read other books with this (stutter or speech disorder) representation where it felt like the character’s stutter was added to advance the plot and not as a way to represent a community. Ivy Fairbanks however did a wonderful job representing the community and including meaningful representation in the process. I also think she handled grief well throughout the novel.
What didn’t work for me - but might work for you…
I personally did not connect with the FMC at all. I loved the interactions between our MMC and FMC but when either one of them were alone I had a hard time being interested in the plot. That said, it is possible this is a me problem, not a book problem. Those who have felt the loss of family or have better empathetic ability toward loss may find it easy to connect with the main characters.
In the end I am rounding up to 4⭐️ bc I do think this is an good book and could be a perfect book for the right individual, even if it wasn't the right book for me personally.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2023
3.5
In general I really did like this book. I liked the characters, the slow burn was decently done, I thought the demisexual rep was ok. I enjoyed the morbid humor.
It was a bit of a slog to get through. The pacing was off, for me. I hated the “must get married” trope in this as it felt very unnecessary as well as the coworker drama. It had the potential of being a really great love story developing through working through grief and trauma, and learning to live and love again. Trust me, that’s enough drama for any story.
In general I really did like this book. I liked the characters, the slow burn was decently done, I thought the demisexual rep was ok. I enjoyed the morbid humor.
It was a bit of a slog to get through. The pacing was off, for me. I hated the “must get married” trope in this as it felt very unnecessary as well as the coworker drama. It had the potential of being a really great love story developing through working through grief and trauma, and learning to live and love again. Trust me, that’s enough drama for any story.
September 15, 2023
LARK AND CALLUM MY SWEETIES
Ughhhhh this was so lovely, I adore the Ireland setting too!
PLEASE heed the trigger warnings. The author isn't joking around.
Also, a book that references Studio Ghibli and the superior Avatar?? 🫶
CW: death, grief as a theme, sexual harassment, explicit sex scenes, bullying
Ughhhhh this was so lovely, I adore the Ireland setting too!
PLEASE heed the trigger warnings. The author isn't joking around.
Also, a book that references Studio Ghibli and the superior Avatar?? 🫶
CW: death, grief as a theme, sexual harassment, explicit sex scenes, bullying
August 13, 2024
This book is morbidly good! 😭 Callum and Lark had me giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. Their chemistry was on fire, the banter was hilarious, and the slow burn gave me all the butterflies. I loved that they were best friends before anything else, and the death humor had me cracking up.
Callum is the definition of a sweet, soft boy, and his inner monologue were just the best. Lark's bubbly personality made them the perfect pair, though she did go back and forth on her feelings a bit, which was frustrating at times.
Morbidly Yours was an absolute treat, balancing humor, grief, and unexpected connections. The spicy moments were seriously hot, especially the Irish dirty talk, even if I butchered it without referencing the author's note. 🤭
Overall, I had such a good time reading this debut romance. I can’t wait to see what the Ivy comes up with next!
Read this if you like:
⚰️ Friends to lovers
⚰️ Opposite attract
⚰️ Shy MMC
⚰️ Bubbly FMC
⚰️ Love after loss
🚨🚨 TW: Grief, death, car accident, ableism
Callum is the definition of a sweet, soft boy, and his inner monologue were just the best. Lark's bubbly personality made them the perfect pair, though she did go back and forth on her feelings a bit, which was frustrating at times.
Morbidly Yours was an absolute treat, balancing humor, grief, and unexpected connections. The spicy moments were seriously hot, especially the Irish dirty talk, even if I butchered it without referencing the author's note. 🤭
Overall, I had such a good time reading this debut romance. I can’t wait to see what the Ivy comes up with next!
Read this if you like:
⚰️ Friends to lovers
⚰️ Opposite attract
⚰️ Shy MMC
⚰️ Bubbly FMC
⚰️ Love after loss
🚨🚨 TW: Grief, death, car accident, ableism
September 13, 2024
This was such a cute little romance! I’m so glad I finally got it!
I absolutely adore Lark and Cal! They are some of the most adorable and loveable characters I’ve ever read about.
Basic Plot Summary:
Callum is a mortician in Ireland who has only 8 months to get married or, according to his grandpa’s will, he’ll lose the family funeral home.
The stipulation was meant to light a fire under his butt to finally settle down and start a family. However, as an introverted, a-sexual man, who also has a stutter, dating and romance does not come easy for him.
He ends up meeting his new next door neighbor, Lark. She’s a kind, outgoing, creative, and positive personality who animates movies for a living. She’s staying in Ireland briefly for a project and has no intention of ever getting married again because she’s a widow.
The story follows them as they get closer and fall in love, all while trying to find another woman for him for to marry as soon as possible.
Now, let me tell you everything I love about this book 😍
- The characters were both very unique personalities.
- They both had unique challenges that they had to overcome in order to be able to be together.
- There was a great balance between romance, spice, and plot.
- The spice was unexpectedly spicy and I devoured every second of it!! Callum dirty talking and then speaking to her in another language really did something to me.
- Hearing details about both of their careers to get a glimpse of what it would be like to be a mortician or an animator was really cool.
- The ending wrapped up in a satisfying and slightly unexpected way.
- But most of all, my favorite thing about this entire book was how Cal could only be himself with HER 😭 Lark was the first person who ever made him feel safe to be himself and you watched him completely come out of his shell (and sometimes even make an ass out of himself for her). It was so precious!! 🥹
10/10 recommend, I thought it was very well done.
Also the audio book was fantastic! I’m glad I did audio because they both have cute accents and both of the narrator’s performance were excellent.
I absolutely adore Lark and Cal! They are some of the most adorable and loveable characters I’ve ever read about.
Basic Plot Summary:
Callum is a mortician in Ireland who has only 8 months to get married or, according to his grandpa’s will, he’ll lose the family funeral home.
The stipulation was meant to light a fire under his butt to finally settle down and start a family. However, as an introverted, a-sexual man, who also has a stutter, dating and romance does not come easy for him.
He ends up meeting his new next door neighbor, Lark. She’s a kind, outgoing, creative, and positive personality who animates movies for a living. She’s staying in Ireland briefly for a project and has no intention of ever getting married again because she’s a widow.
The story follows them as they get closer and fall in love, all while trying to find another woman for him for to marry as soon as possible.
Now, let me tell you everything I love about this book 😍
- The characters were both very unique personalities.
- They both had unique challenges that they had to overcome in order to be able to be together.
- There was a great balance between romance, spice, and plot.
- The spice was unexpectedly spicy and I devoured every second of it!! Callum dirty talking and then speaking to her in another language really did something to me.
- Hearing details about both of their careers to get a glimpse of what it would be like to be a mortician or an animator was really cool.
- The ending wrapped up in a satisfying and slightly unexpected way.
- But most of all, my favorite thing about this entire book was how Cal could only be himself with HER 😭 Lark was the first person who ever made him feel safe to be himself and you watched him completely come out of his shell (and sometimes even make an ass out of himself for her). It was so precious!! 🥹
10/10 recommend, I thought it was very well done.
Also the audio book was fantastic! I’m glad I did audio because they both have cute accents and both of the narrator’s performance were excellent.
July 24, 2024
3 ⭐️ It's good! It just wasn't quite for me
I wanted to die. Conveniently, I now lived next door to a funeral parlor.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ ireland setting
✨ she's a widowed animator looking for a fresh start
✨ he's a reclusive mortician in need of a wife
✨ somber x sunshine
✨ neighbors / forced proximity
✨ "I'll help you date"
✨ slow burn
✨ opposites attract
✨ he falls first
✨ tension and longing
✨ friends with benefits
✨ asexual rep
✨ size difference
✨ 2.5/5 🌶️
✨ family drama
✨ found family
✨ 3rd act breakup
✨ HEA
✨ dual POV
✨ TW: death of loved one (spouse and grandpa/guardian)
My Thoughts:
First off, I want to say that my 3-star rating 100% has to do with my own personal taste and less to do with the quality of this book.
Objectively, this is a well-written story! There are good prose, the plot is solid, and the romance has many swoon-worthy moments. Lark is a ball of sunshine and Callum is a sweetheart cinnamon roll that should be protected at all costs. 🫶 I truly adore Cal. He's so shy and stoic at first, but once Lark brings him out of his shell, we start to see the sweet, thoughtful, charming man beyond the mortician. Their grief and loneliness draws them together, but they're able to find comfort and joy together, and see each other for who they truly are. Their beautiful friendship is easily my favorite part of the story.
So if you're reading this review and trying to decide if you should, my answer is 100%. Give it a go! It may not have been for me but I could easily see others absolutely loving it.
With that being said, here's what I didn't enjoy.
While I think Lark is so sweet and I love the joy she brings into Callum's life, I did not connect with her at all. I know everyone handles grief differently but she was so avoidant that it started to irritate me halfway through the book, especially when it was at Cal’s expense. Lark would have greatly benefitted from grief therapy right after the death of her husband. And even though it took two years and almost another heartbreak, at least she finally gets there (you find out she's in counseling during the epilogue). I am sure that there are some people who wouldn't be bothered by Lark's avoidance, and there's probably many who find her relatable, but she wasn't to me, so I didn't enjoy her journey. If I had, I could easily see this book being 4-5 stars.
PS: Since the second half of the book deals more with Lark's avoidance, I found it tedious to read. So, I skimmed a lot of non-dialogue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam/Penguin Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
"First date, first kiss, first slow dance. The falling matters, too. Not just the ever after."
_______
Clearly, he was a gentleman. And given my thoughts, I was no lady.
_______
"Know what else I like? The way you make the world more colorful. I don't think I realized how much I needed it until we met. Not just your job, you. There's so much sadness in this world, and you seem to always be spreading joy through it."
_______
"No one could make me forget about Lark, not in a million years."
_______
"Wounds heal, if you let them."
_______
I craved her light like a houseplant languishing in a dark corner.
_______
Life was too cruel and unpredictable to live timidly. Too short to live wishing you had gone for it. Deep down, I'd always known that, but she gave me the courage to finally act.
_______
When it came to Lark, want and love were one and the same.
_______
I may not be very experienced, but I'm a fast study, and Lark's pleasure was my favorite subject.
_______
"Your touch revived me from darkness. You are my pulse. You make me feel alive even when I'm surrounded by death."
_______
Lark had acted as the rainbow to my storm cloud, the lone sunbeam brightening a dreary landscape.
_______
"You're absolutely gorgeous."
"You say that after I take your glasses off?"
"I don't need them to see you."
_______
I wanted to die. Conveniently, I now lived next door to a funeral parlor.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ ireland setting
✨ she's a widowed animator looking for a fresh start
✨ he's a reclusive mortician in need of a wife
✨ somber x sunshine
✨ neighbors / forced proximity
✨ "I'll help you date"
✨ slow burn
✨ opposites attract
✨ he falls first
✨ tension and longing
✨ friends with benefits
✨ asexual rep
✨ size difference
✨ 2.5/5 🌶️
✨ family drama
✨ found family
✨ 3rd act breakup
✨ HEA
✨ dual POV
✨ TW: death of loved one (spouse and grandpa/guardian)
My Thoughts:
First off, I want to say that my 3-star rating 100% has to do with my own personal taste and less to do with the quality of this book.
Objectively, this is a well-written story! There are good prose, the plot is solid, and the romance has many swoon-worthy moments. Lark is a ball of sunshine and Callum is a sweetheart cinnamon roll that should be protected at all costs. 🫶 I truly adore Cal. He's so shy and stoic at first, but once Lark brings him out of his shell, we start to see the sweet, thoughtful, charming man beyond the mortician. Their grief and loneliness draws them together, but they're able to find comfort and joy together, and see each other for who they truly are. Their beautiful friendship is easily my favorite part of the story.
So if you're reading this review and trying to decide if you should, my answer is 100%. Give it a go! It may not have been for me but I could easily see others absolutely loving it.
With that being said, here's what I didn't enjoy.
While I think Lark is so sweet and I love the joy she brings into Callum's life, I did not connect with her at all. I know everyone handles grief differently but she was so avoidant that it started to irritate me halfway through the book, especially when it was at Cal’s expense. Lark would have greatly benefitted from grief therapy right after the death of her husband. And even though it took two years and almost another heartbreak, at least she finally gets there (you find out she's in counseling during the epilogue). I am sure that there are some people who wouldn't be bothered by Lark's avoidance, and there's probably many who find her relatable, but she wasn't to me, so I didn't enjoy her journey. If I had, I could easily see this book being 4-5 stars.
PS: Since the second half of the book deals more with Lark's avoidance, I found it tedious to read. So, I skimmed a lot of non-dialogue.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam/Penguin Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes:
"First date, first kiss, first slow dance. The falling matters, too. Not just the ever after."
_______
Clearly, he was a gentleman. And given my thoughts, I was no lady.
_______
"Know what else I like? The way you make the world more colorful. I don't think I realized how much I needed it until we met. Not just your job, you. There's so much sadness in this world, and you seem to always be spreading joy through it."
_______
"No one could make me forget about Lark, not in a million years."
_______
"Wounds heal, if you let them."
_______
I craved her light like a houseplant languishing in a dark corner.
_______
Life was too cruel and unpredictable to live timidly. Too short to live wishing you had gone for it. Deep down, I'd always known that, but she gave me the courage to finally act.
_______
When it came to Lark, want and love were one and the same.
_______
I may not be very experienced, but I'm a fast study, and Lark's pleasure was my favorite subject.
_______
"Your touch revived me from darkness. You are my pulse. You make me feel alive even when I'm surrounded by death."
_______
Lark had acted as the rainbow to my storm cloud, the lone sunbeam brightening a dreary landscape.
_______
"You're absolutely gorgeous."
"You say that after I take your glasses off?"
"I don't need them to see you."
_______
October 4, 2023
4.25⭐️ 2🌶
How cute was this omg!!! This was such a tender and feel good romance between a mortician and an animator. You get some laughs with this one and was honestly a cozy Romcom. Callum the mmc truly is the definition of green flags and was such a soft boy. I wanted to bubble wrap this man and protect him at all costs. I adored lark the fmc, she has been through so much and seeing her find happiness in her life and with someone else was so lovely!
What to expect:
Friends to lovers
Romcom
Slow burn
How cute was this omg!!! This was such a tender and feel good romance between a mortician and an animator. You get some laughs with this one and was honestly a cozy Romcom. Callum the mmc truly is the definition of green flags and was such a soft boy. I wanted to bubble wrap this man and protect him at all costs. I adored lark the fmc, she has been through so much and seeing her find happiness in her life and with someone else was so lovely!
What to expect:
Friends to lovers
Romcom
Slow burn
September 19, 2023
DNF at 29%. This was just not engaging. Most of the writing, whether it be dialogue or prose feels forced. I just couldn’t get into any rhythm.
Also I’ve never heard of Ireland being famous for being friendly?? What I know about the Irish is that they love calling you a cunt and giving absolutely devastating fashion remarks when you wear a stupid outfit.
Also I’ve never heard of Ireland being famous for being friendly?? What I know about the Irish is that they love calling you a cunt and giving absolutely devastating fashion remarks when you wear a stupid outfit.
Shelved as 'dnf'
November 3, 2023dnf. i actually haven’t picked this up in over a week and forget everything that happened so i guess it’s a sign!
the blurb sounded so interesting but i just wasn’t loving the execution. i think i got 35ish% in and it was just ... boring. like not a single thing is happening.
i also just don’t particularly care about the characters and feel no connection between them. it feels completely platonic and i’d like to live in ignorance and pretend it stays that way!
the blurb sounded so interesting but i just wasn’t loving the execution. i think i got 35ish% in and it was just ... boring. like not a single thing is happening.
i also just don’t particularly care about the characters and feel no connection between them. it feels completely platonic and i’d like to live in ignorance and pretend it stays that way!
December 8, 2023
“Be more positive!”, they said, so here we go: “Morbidly Yours” wasn’t horrible! Just very bad.
30-year-old widow Lark flees her native Texas, her embittered sister-in-law Rachel, who cyber-stalks her, to Ireland to work as an animator for a local studio. She moves into a house next to the undertaker’s, our male protagonist, Callum, who is about as interesting as a dead tree in winter.
At first, the chemistry and banter between the two was great and I looked forward to lots of fun. What followed, though, was basically this:
Lark: Callum is so wonderful but I must not fall in love with him because I practically killed my husband because we had an argument and he drove recklessly around afterwards.
Callum: Lark is so wonderful but I must not fall in love with her because I need to marry someone I don’t love to keep my business from falling into the hands of a greedy corporation.
Lark: Let’s be friends with benefits, though! (I cannot emotionally handle that but somehow everything will be ok!)
Callum: Yes! (I cannot handle it either but…)
Predictably, next came some pretty nice and sensitive intimate scenes (usually I would have written “smut” but that’s the only well-written part so the latter term felt too crude).
Both Lark and Callum know communication is key and, consequently…
»Were we just going to ignore what just happened? The words were right there, resting on my tongue like a piece of hard toffee. I swallowed them down. Better left unsaid.«
With that, the vicious circle of “I love (him/her) but must not!” goes on and on and on… Mixed among all this are workplace drama, violence, a token non-binary person, whereas morbidity on the other hand is not really part of all this. Callum is supposed to be demi-sexual and/or demi-romantic (the author herself didn’t seem to be sure) but the representation here is just plain bad.
Oh, and, of course, there’s a third-act breakup so dumb I actually face-palmed.
The writing style and use of language is at high school level and the pacing varies between racing and Valium-induced creeping along.
One star out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
30-year-old widow Lark flees her native Texas, her embittered sister-in-law Rachel, who cyber-stalks her, to Ireland to work as an animator for a local studio. She moves into a house next to the undertaker’s, our male protagonist, Callum, who is about as interesting as a dead tree in winter.
At first, the chemistry and banter between the two was great and I looked forward to lots of fun. What followed, though, was basically this:
Lark: Callum is so wonderful but I must not fall in love with him because I practically killed my husband because we had an argument and he drove recklessly around afterwards.
Callum: Lark is so wonderful but I must not fall in love with her because I need to marry someone I don’t love to keep my business from falling into the hands of a greedy corporation.
Lark: Let’s be friends with benefits, though! (I cannot emotionally handle that but somehow everything will be ok!)
Callum: Yes! (I cannot handle it either but…)
Predictably, next came some pretty nice and sensitive intimate scenes (usually I would have written “smut” but that’s the only well-written part so the latter term felt too crude).
Both Lark and Callum know communication is key and, consequently…
»Were we just going to ignore what just happened? The words were right there, resting on my tongue like a piece of hard toffee. I swallowed them down. Better left unsaid.«
With that, the vicious circle of “I love (him/her) but must not!” goes on and on and on… Mixed among all this are workplace drama, violence, a token non-binary person, whereas morbidity on the other hand is not really part of all this. Callum is supposed to be demi-sexual and/or demi-romantic (the author herself didn’t seem to be sure) but the representation here is just plain bad.
Oh, and, of course, there’s a third-act breakup so dumb I actually face-palmed.
The writing style and use of language is at high school level and the pacing varies between racing and Valium-induced creeping along.
One star out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
August 6, 2023
Mostly good
For me, this was one of those books that's just brimming with potential, and I couldn't help but be a little disappointed when it wasn't all fulfilled. A debut with a great cover and an intriguing blurb, I was excited to check this one out. I love the idea of pairing a widow with an undertaker, exploring love and death, and bringing two opposites together. I also loved that it was a neighbors to lovers situation, and that the hero is a quiet, eccentric, sweetheart of a man. It's got grumpy/sunshine vibes and a darkly funny feel, which brought a freshness to the story. But there were some inconsistent decisions by the characters that frustrated me, and the "finding a wife" storyline bogged down the romance quite a bit. So it didn't end up being exactly what I wanted, but I enjoyed the story and would definitely check out the author again.
The story follows Lark, a bubbly Texas girl who recently moved to Ireland. After the death of her husband, Lark is desperately in need of a fresh start, and the friendly Irish community is just the place for that. Things are looking good until Lark discovers a box of body bags when she's unpacking her things, and she realizes that they were meant for her neighbor... who is an undertaker. Lark moved across the globe to avoid her messy feelings about death, so the last thing she wants is to be surrounded by it now. But Lark's neighbor, Callum, fascinates her, and the two strike up a tentative friendship. When Lark learns that Callum needs to find a wife in order to keep the family business, she agrees to help him with the task. But that plan quickly goes awry as their connection grows stronger.
First things first, this book won't be for everyone. There isn't a ton of focus on Callum's job, but there are a few honest, gruesome moments describing his work. Know that going in. I liked that he was such an unusual hero - not just his job, but also that he didn't have the traditional "look" or personality. Callum is socially awkward, has a stutter, and he doesn't feel sexual attraction without a connection, which all makes his need to find a wife more complicated. I liked that his feelings for Lark grew over time, though I do feel like there was more telling than showing. It seemed like the shift towards love happened pretty quickly in the book, which is why the "finding a wife" storyline grated on me after awhile. They were clearly in love, so it left a sour taste in my mouth that Callum continued to date so late into the book (he didn't really want to), and that Lark had convinced him to go along with their "no strings" situation. I was annoyed by both characters' decisions. For that reason, I couldn't enjoy the back half as much I would've liked, but there was still a lot of good stuff going on in this one.
For me, this was one of those books that's just brimming with potential, and I couldn't help but be a little disappointed when it wasn't all fulfilled. A debut with a great cover and an intriguing blurb, I was excited to check this one out. I love the idea of pairing a widow with an undertaker, exploring love and death, and bringing two opposites together. I also loved that it was a neighbors to lovers situation, and that the hero is a quiet, eccentric, sweetheart of a man. It's got grumpy/sunshine vibes and a darkly funny feel, which brought a freshness to the story. But there were some inconsistent decisions by the characters that frustrated me, and the "finding a wife" storyline bogged down the romance quite a bit. So it didn't end up being exactly what I wanted, but I enjoyed the story and would definitely check out the author again.
The story follows Lark, a bubbly Texas girl who recently moved to Ireland. After the death of her husband, Lark is desperately in need of a fresh start, and the friendly Irish community is just the place for that. Things are looking good until Lark discovers a box of body bags when she's unpacking her things, and she realizes that they were meant for her neighbor... who is an undertaker. Lark moved across the globe to avoid her messy feelings about death, so the last thing she wants is to be surrounded by it now. But Lark's neighbor, Callum, fascinates her, and the two strike up a tentative friendship. When Lark learns that Callum needs to find a wife in order to keep the family business, she agrees to help him with the task. But that plan quickly goes awry as their connection grows stronger.
First things first, this book won't be for everyone. There isn't a ton of focus on Callum's job, but there are a few honest, gruesome moments describing his work. Know that going in. I liked that he was such an unusual hero - not just his job, but also that he didn't have the traditional "look" or personality. Callum is socially awkward, has a stutter, and he doesn't feel sexual attraction without a connection, which all makes his need to find a wife more complicated. I liked that his feelings for Lark grew over time, though I do feel like there was more telling than showing. It seemed like the shift towards love happened pretty quickly in the book, which is why the "finding a wife" storyline grated on me after awhile. They were clearly in love, so it left a sour taste in my mouth that Callum continued to date so late into the book (he didn't really want to), and that Lark had convinced him to go along with their "no strings" situation. I was annoyed by both characters' decisions. For that reason, I couldn't enjoy the back half as much I would've liked, but there was still a lot of good stuff going on in this one.
August 26, 2023
I have been gushing about this book for a week now, it’s time to try to put something down as a review.
The MMC is an Irish demisexual mortician who is a bit of a recluse and he has a slight stutter, which only makes him even more quiet. But inside…inside is the sweetest goddamn man on the face of the planet. The way he is constantly itching to care for Lark, or even catch a glimpse of her as she goes about her day 🫠
Then, there is Lark, who is temporarily in Ireland on a job assignment. She is from Texas and also a widow. She is one of these extreme bubbly extroverts who just whirls around people, creating sunshine and rainbows and she moves in next door to this quiet introspective man.
This book was so adorable. Their banter was amazing but the angst, you all know I love some heartstring tugs…there is a scene at the beach, I had to put the book down and take a little breather.
It feels like you’re going into a quirky book; he’s a mortician, she’s a widow, and there is a little of that, but it’s rare that a book envelopes me so completely like this one did. I just wanted to float around in their laughter and love forever 💕
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🫠
The MMC is an Irish demisexual mortician who is a bit of a recluse and he has a slight stutter, which only makes him even more quiet. But inside…inside is the sweetest goddamn man on the face of the planet. The way he is constantly itching to care for Lark, or even catch a glimpse of her as she goes about her day 🫠
Then, there is Lark, who is temporarily in Ireland on a job assignment. She is from Texas and also a widow. She is one of these extreme bubbly extroverts who just whirls around people, creating sunshine and rainbows and she moves in next door to this quiet introspective man.
This book was so adorable. Their banter was amazing but the angst, you all know I love some heartstring tugs…there is a scene at the beach, I had to put the book down and take a little breather.
It feels like you’re going into a quirky book; he’s a mortician, she’s a widow, and there is a little of that, but it’s rare that a book envelopes me so completely like this one did. I just wanted to float around in their laughter and love forever 💕
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🫠
October 3, 2023
this was amping up to be one of my favorite books but lark just killed me at the end (pun intended).
she moved to ireland after her husband's passing and moves right next door to... the cutest, most awkward, mortician you ever did meet. thus begins an adorable friendship and just the cutest acts in the entire world.
CAL IS A CERTIFIED ANGEL BABY. HE WAS SO PRECIOUS, SWEET, CARING, EVERYTHING. when another woman went on a date with him hoping he'd forget his crush on lark, he said NOPE NOTHING COULD MAKE ME FORGET HER.
their banter and chemistry was SO cute and there's something about when it's not he hates everyone but her but he can only be himself around her. i have no choice but to fall in love.
HOWEVERRRR. my pet peeve is when you have the sweetest, most giving, hot man at your beck and call and then the heroine effs it all up. I GET IT in this story, i do. but it was painful to read and my poor cal did not deserve that. my other pet peeve is when he's defending her and she gets mad at him for it and lark did that too. she's out, i'm in.
she moved to ireland after her husband's passing and moves right next door to... the cutest, most awkward, mortician you ever did meet. thus begins an adorable friendship and just the cutest acts in the entire world.
CAL IS A CERTIFIED ANGEL BABY. HE WAS SO PRECIOUS, SWEET, CARING, EVERYTHING. when another woman went on a date with him hoping he'd forget his crush on lark, he said NOPE NOTHING COULD MAKE ME FORGET HER.
their banter and chemistry was SO cute and there's something about when it's not he hates everyone but her but he can only be himself around her. i have no choice but to fall in love.
HOWEVERRRR. my pet peeve is when you have the sweetest, most giving, hot man at your beck and call and then the heroine effs it all up. I GET IT in this story, i do. but it was painful to read and my poor cal did not deserve that. my other pet peeve is when he's defending her and she gets mad at him for it and lark did that too. she's out, i'm in.
December 16, 2023
Apparently, undertakers and romance are a good match as this is the second one I’ve read and liked.
Morbidly yours follows the story of Lark, who moved to Ireland for a temporary job as a way to cope with her grief. She doesn’t want anything to do with death, but ends up living right beside a mortuary house and befriending Callum, the undertaker.
Callum is wonderful and everything precious we love when woman write man characters.
The romance was quite nice! Lark infuses Callum with life and joy, and he gives her the support and companionship she needed to start healing. We see their friendship blossom to love, and it is beautiful.
The sex scenes were very well written! They were sexy, tasteful, and probably some of the best I’ve read in contemporary romance. Callum stutters and this issue is treated with care.
The third act conflict was awful! I’m still suffering on behalf of Callum who is too forgiving. I still enjoyed the story as a whole though.
Definitely recommended for contemporary romance readers 🙂
Morbidly yours follows the story of Lark, who moved to Ireland for a temporary job as a way to cope with her grief. She doesn’t want anything to do with death, but ends up living right beside a mortuary house and befriending Callum, the undertaker.
Callum is wonderful and everything precious we love when woman write man characters.
The romance was quite nice! Lark infuses Callum with life and joy, and he gives her the support and companionship she needed to start healing. We see their friendship blossom to love, and it is beautiful.
The sex scenes were very well written! They were sexy, tasteful, and probably some of the best I’ve read in contemporary romance. Callum stutters and this issue is treated with care.
The third act conflict was awful! I’m still suffering on behalf of Callum who is too forgiving. I still enjoyed the story as a whole though.
Definitely recommended for contemporary romance readers 🙂
August 8, 2023
Morbidly Yours delivered a wholesome, sweet and emotional love story that will surely stay with me for a very long time. I see myself rereading this book countless of times, the characters so very likable and lovable.
Lark moves to Ireland for a fresh start after her husband passed away two yeard ago. Grieving and looking to start anew, she happens to become next-door neighbors to a mortician named Callum. Even though they're opposites (she's so bubbly and he's shy), they manage to form a long-lasting friendship. If you're a fan of strangers to best friends to lovers, this book is definitely for you!
I also really love the demisexual rep in this book. Callum is the sweetest and you'll find yourself falling in love with him easily. The friendship they build, these two, is so wonderful and you can clearly see when it goes from just friendship to BEST FRIENDS. They do everything together and Callum is himself when he's only with her. He stutters and usually that makes him more nervous and shy, plus he has social anxiety as well. So Callum is not very good with places with lots of people. But Lark is such a safe place to land for him and it's so beautiful to see them build this relationship because they're mean to be.
This book deals heavily with grief. As I mentioned before Lark's husband passed away and she feels guilty somehow. So the current theme of grief and death is all throughout this book. There's a death in the book too from a close friend.
But even though you would think this book would be more heavy and emotional because of the themes than happy and funny, it couldn't be far from the actual truth. Because there are SOOO MANY moments where you can't help but smile and laugh. I feel there are more moments where happiness and love is present in the book which makes you have the best experience while reading it. Yeah, it is emotional and angsty in some places. But Lark and Callum have the best relationship that every time they are together, their joking around will undoubtly bring a smile to your face.
I loved that every time Callum went on dates (because we has to find a wife unless he wants his inheritance to be taken away), it just felt so wrong lmao. He knew it, Lark knew it. But they loved to pretend that this relationship between them wasn't more than friends with benefits. When they met, it really felt like missing souls reuniting and finding their home.
Lark moves to Ireland for a fresh start after her husband passed away two yeard ago. Grieving and looking to start anew, she happens to become next-door neighbors to a mortician named Callum. Even though they're opposites (she's so bubbly and he's shy), they manage to form a long-lasting friendship. If you're a fan of strangers to best friends to lovers, this book is definitely for you!
I also really love the demisexual rep in this book. Callum is the sweetest and you'll find yourself falling in love with him easily. The friendship they build, these two, is so wonderful and you can clearly see when it goes from just friendship to BEST FRIENDS. They do everything together and Callum is himself when he's only with her. He stutters and usually that makes him more nervous and shy, plus he has social anxiety as well. So Callum is not very good with places with lots of people. But Lark is such a safe place to land for him and it's so beautiful to see them build this relationship because they're mean to be.
This book deals heavily with grief. As I mentioned before Lark's husband passed away and she feels guilty somehow. So the current theme of grief and death is all throughout this book. There's a death in the book too from a close friend.
But even though you would think this book would be more heavy and emotional because of the themes than happy and funny, it couldn't be far from the actual truth. Because there are SOOO MANY moments where you can't help but smile and laugh. I feel there are more moments where happiness and love is present in the book which makes you have the best experience while reading it. Yeah, it is emotional and angsty in some places. But Lark and Callum have the best relationship that every time they are together, their joking around will undoubtly bring a smile to your face.
I loved that every time Callum went on dates (because we has to find a wife unless he wants his inheritance to be taken away), it just felt so wrong lmao. He knew it, Lark knew it. But they loved to pretend that this relationship between them wasn't more than friends with benefits. When they met, it really felt like missing souls reuniting and finding their home.
September 14, 2023
Weak FMCs are not my jam, at all. Especially when one of the source's of conflict is an overdone, textbook cliché sexually harassing coworker. Gross from all sides.
This had potential. The idea behind it was promising–an animator fleeing to Ireland in her grief, moving next door to a funeral home–seemingly unique. But I found myself bored through about 50% of it, and it all was very predictable, almost overly so. I appreciated the emphasis on Callum's social anxiety and his stutter, as it felt honest to those characteristics. However the addition of his asexuality...definitely felt like poor representation and an afterthought. Lark's professional storylines were very fun for me to read through as a graphic designer, but not enough for me to get over her lack of self respect in the end.
This had potential. The idea behind it was promising–an animator fleeing to Ireland in her grief, moving next door to a funeral home–seemingly unique. But I found myself bored through about 50% of it, and it all was very predictable, almost overly so. I appreciated the emphasis on Callum's social anxiety and his stutter, as it felt honest to those characteristics. However the addition of his asexuality...definitely felt like poor representation and an afterthought. Lark's professional storylines were very fun for me to read through as a graphic designer, but not enough for me to get over her lack of self respect in the end.
June 20, 2024
I really don’t want to admit that this was an ARC because, let’s be real, anyone reading this will just assume the rating is inflated. BY THE HAND OF THE ROMANCE GODS I SWEAR IT IS NOT.
I adored this book! I love a romantic comedy that is true to the genre but also full of intelligent characters and solid research - a la Ali Hazelwood - and this is it.
Take “The Dead Romantics” and level up the funeral home info and a touch of the body prep process, but keep all the heart and virtue it takes to work in death/dying.
Take “The Love Hypothesis” and extract the wit and detail that Ali Hazelwood used to make science/academia palatable and instead apply this to animation, Irish language and lore, and mortuary science.
Take a Christina Lauren millennial female protagonist but give her the spirit of Dolly Parten.
Anyway, I highly recommend getting on this. I think Ivy Fairbanks has a long and successful career ahead of her if she wants one.
I adored this book! I love a romantic comedy that is true to the genre but also full of intelligent characters and solid research - a la Ali Hazelwood - and this is it.
Take “The Dead Romantics” and level up the funeral home info and a touch of the body prep process, but keep all the heart and virtue it takes to work in death/dying.
Take “The Love Hypothesis” and extract the wit and detail that Ali Hazelwood used to make science/academia palatable and instead apply this to animation, Irish language and lore, and mortuary science.
Take a Christina Lauren millennial female protagonist but give her the spirit of Dolly Parten.
Anyway, I highly recommend getting on this. I think Ivy Fairbanks has a long and successful career ahead of her if she wants one.
May 23, 2024
2024 reads: 136/250
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
when offered a job all the way in ireland, lark thompson, a texan, is eager to take it, sure that this is the fresh start she needs to not be constantly reminded of her late husband. unbeknownst to her, she moves in next to a funeral home, the last place she would’ve wanted to live. still, something about her new neighbor, callum flannelly, intrigues her. she learns that callum has to marry by his 35th birthday in order to keep the family business, and she’s determined to help him find love.
first of all, i LOVED these characters! lark is feeling intense grief and guilt over her husband’s death two years ago, and because of this, doesn’t want to marry ever again. i appreciated seeing her grow around her grief and find love again. as for callum, i think i need more heroes who are considered grumpy but most definitely just have social anxiety😂. as someone with social anxiety, i felt like this aspect was handled very well and accurately within this book. additionally, callum is a person who stutters. i don’t know as much as i would like to about stuttering, but from what i’ve learned in my schooling for speech-language pathology as well as what i’ve learned directly from people who stutter, this aspect also seemed to be represented well! i liked how lark made some comparisons between how callum described his stuttering and her own speech patterns (such as callum sometimes blocking, whereas lark blurted out whatever she thought).
i also really enjoyed the plot! typically when there are dilemmas such as callum’s, the hero and heroine just marry out of convenience. however, lark felt she couldn’t marry again after losing her husband, and callum wanted a marriage with someone he really loved. this led to lark playing more of a wingwoman role, though both lark and callum quickly found flaws in this arrangement.
overall, i really enjoyed this book, and i highly recommend it to adult romance readers! i’m looking forward to more from the author.
i received an advanced review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
when offered a job all the way in ireland, lark thompson, a texan, is eager to take it, sure that this is the fresh start she needs to not be constantly reminded of her late husband. unbeknownst to her, she moves in next to a funeral home, the last place she would’ve wanted to live. still, something about her new neighbor, callum flannelly, intrigues her. she learns that callum has to marry by his 35th birthday in order to keep the family business, and she’s determined to help him find love.
first of all, i LOVED these characters! lark is feeling intense grief and guilt over her husband’s death two years ago, and because of this, doesn’t want to marry ever again. i appreciated seeing her grow around her grief and find love again. as for callum, i think i need more heroes who are considered grumpy but most definitely just have social anxiety😂. as someone with social anxiety, i felt like this aspect was handled very well and accurately within this book. additionally, callum is a person who stutters. i don’t know as much as i would like to about stuttering, but from what i’ve learned in my schooling for speech-language pathology as well as what i’ve learned directly from people who stutter, this aspect also seemed to be represented well! i liked how lark made some comparisons between how callum described his stuttering and her own speech patterns (such as callum sometimes blocking, whereas lark blurted out whatever she thought).
i also really enjoyed the plot! typically when there are dilemmas such as callum’s, the hero and heroine just marry out of convenience. however, lark felt she couldn’t marry again after losing her husband, and callum wanted a marriage with someone he really loved. this led to lark playing more of a wingwoman role, though both lark and callum quickly found flaws in this arrangement.
overall, i really enjoyed this book, and i highly recommend it to adult romance readers! i’m looking forward to more from the author.
October 20, 2023
Lark was so annoying
July 26, 2024
I've read this a while ago, I don't know why the review erased itself but wtv.
I really liked the book and it was a 4,5 stars for me
I really liked the book and it was a 4,5 stars for me
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