No because here's the thing......... why did I blubber like an absolute baby while reading this!!!!!!!!!! Sibling loss storylines I actually can't handle, I'm being so serious. But I loved Cass and Vince and their dynamic and VINCE UGHHH he was there for her through it all I loved him! The writing was beautiful and I will be recommending this!

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did but at the same time I didn't realise it would be as serious as it was. Not the actual tone of the book was serious but there is real conversation about death and loss. I also quite liked the writing.

This was a much more serious conversation about loss and how it marks everyone than I expected. The one thing I had a problem with was that Cassie self -sabotaged a little too often before a reasonable happy ending was reached. The style of ending tries to push the book into another category, but the conflicting emotions try to move it into a different category.

The best part of the book was the writing itself. The breezy tone of the narrative voice belies the grief and poignancy of the underlying trauma. Although we continue to see how each small thing can set people off, true determination is required to get everyone to a place where they can feel stable.

Cassie is stuck in a rut and when she’s trying to figure things out, her brother dies suddenly. The author’s notes give her own experiences with such grief. In the midst of trying to keep herself upright, both physically and emotionally, she starts to have feelings for someone whose entire life revolves around death and its repercussions.

I found the romance to be believable, the blog posts to be emotional, but I just wish it was a little bit shorter. As mentioned earlier, it was hard to keep reading about our protagonists struggles.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

This book totally caught me off guard—in the best way. Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations is a quirky mix of humor and heart, full of those messy, cringe-but-relatable moments that come with grief, love, and everything in between.
The characters are imperfect, making them more real and believable, the dialogue had me laughing out loud more than once. There’s a nice balance between the emotional weight of the story and the light, witty writing. It’s not all fluff—there are some deeper themes about connection, loss, and figuring your stuff out that stuck to me!

Overall, it’s a feel-good, awkward-in-the-best-way kind of read that I’d totally recommend to anyone who likes their romance with a side of chaos and honesty.

This is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful story of love, loss, and healing that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Cassie’s emotional journey, catalyzed by the sudden death of her brother, leads her to reconnect with Vince Mancini, her brother’s best friend and a steady presence in her life. Vince, now a funeral director, steps in as both a support system and an emotional anchor, making Cassie confront old wounds and unresolved feelings. Their evolving relationship is a delicate dance of vulnerability and rediscovery, capturing the tension between grief and the possibility of new beginnings. The book poignantly explores how love can bloom in the aftermath of tragedy, with a cast of characters you’ll root for, even as they navigate the complexities of healing. The perfect read for those who appreciate tender romances with deep emotional stakes.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Not going to lie I didn't think a rom com set around a funeral with a funeral director as the hero could be funny. I was wrong this one hilarious and just what I needed.

Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations by Sophie Andrews is a tender, heartfelt exploration of grief, healing, and unexpected second chances. When the narrator’s brother suddenly dies, she is forced to confront her own emotional turmoil. Enter Vince Mancini, the funeral director and her brother’s childhood friend, who becomes an unexpected source of comfort. As they navigate shared memories and a budding connection, Vince challenges her to heal from the heartache she’s buried. Andrews skillfully blends humor and vulnerability, making this a touching story about love finding its way amidst loss and emotional pain. A poignant and uplifting read for anyone who believes in the power of unexpected reunions.

Did this book totally wreck me?
Yes,
Did I cry?
Also yes,
Was it hopeful and beautifully thought-out and reflected so much on how's one's grief and the loss of a loved one could or can be digested and 'outlived'?
Yes.

I don't really know what to say about this one. If you're subscribed to Sophie's newsletter you'd know that she prefaced the story telling us about this being a romance. With all that, she also mentioned, that the topics are hard to read. Grief, the loss of someone, learning the new reality of your life and trying and hoping to make someone who's not here anymore proud are things everyone goes through, But loss and loss have definitive differences.

I hope if you pick this one up, you'll learn a thing or two about love - not just the romantic kind, but the kind you feel terrified to lose. And if you did lose it once or twice - maybe this story could bring solace and reflection.

I've read a few books about sibling loss but this one really made me feel all the feelings! It was funny but also heart-wrenching and was such a fast read. Do not take the subject lightly and look up warnings if needed!

While I did enjoy this book overall, the blurb had me expecting something different than it was. I was expecting more of a romance, while this turned out to be much more of an emotional story than I was prepared for. It was well written, and I would recommend to others.

I really enjoyed this one! It felt real and genuine, it tugged at the heartstrings and really resonated in a -something is sat on my chest, and its veyry heavy- kind of way. It was simply put - an emotional rollercoaster.
The book starts out slow and a bit melancholic, following our MC through the death of her brother, and touching upon how the death of a sibling is never really mentioned or guided up on as much as the death of a parent, child, partner or friend - and how the grief of a sibling never quite fits into these categories or isnt quote captured. The book was real, raw, emotional and an honest story. It had me sobbing one minute then laughing the next. I loved Cassie. She was such a phenomenal character. I don't know why I went in expecting a cute romcom but this was a story focused heavily on Cassie’s healing journey and self discovery after the loss of her brother, with the romance as a sub-plot - and in hindsight this was the perfect way to do it, because this is a story about love - but not romantic love, instead a story of loving yourself, and allowing yourself to be loved.

This book had me on a roller coaster that I didn’t expect. It’s a beautiful story about grief. It was told in a raw and beautiful way and be able to find love in an unexpected way. Cass try to keep the family together as everything around them is crumbling. Cass as always has a crush on her brother’s friend Vince. He was there on the darkest days and sees her for who she is broken and all. All and all this was a heartfelt, bittersweet, story of love and how to handle grief. This was the first book that I have read by this author, I’m going to be going and checking to see what other books are out to read.

After the sudden death of her brother, Cassandra is left grappling with immense grief and the strain it places on her family. Enter Vince Mancini, her late brother’s best friend and the funeral director who steps in as her steady support system. As Cassandra navigates the unpredictable waves of mourning, Vince’s patience and presence stir old feelings, even as her heart feels too broken to mend. But loss, love, and healing collide in a deeply emotional journey that challenges both of them to confront their vulnerabilities.

This book is a spicy read, so be warned if you prefer closed-door romances. What I appreciated most was how it handled grief—there’s no romanticizing the process here. Some days are better, and others knock you flat, which was authentically portrayed throughout the story. Vince, oh Vince! His patience and support were admirable, even when he had to step back and let Cassandra face her own truths, which was so well-timed. The family dynamics added another layer of depth, especially the tension with Cassandra’s father—grief hits everyone differently, but his behavior was so frustrating. Thankfully, her mother’s journey offered a more hopeful arc. Overall, this was an emotional, raw, and heartfelt read with a satisfying balance of spice and depth.

Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC. #LoveataFuneralandOtherAwkwardConversations #NetGalley

Sophie Andrews’ Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations is an emotional and thought-provoking novel that delicately balances themes of grief, self-discovery, and healing, with moments of light humor and tenderness. While it may not fit neatly into the “romantic comedy” category its title might suggest, it offers a poignant exploration of love in its many forms, particularly self-love and the love that helps us move forward after loss.

The story centers on Cassandra (Cassie), who is reeling from the death of her brother, which compounds an already tumultuous life. Andrews’ portrayal of grief is raw and real, offering an honest depiction of how loss can shatter a person’s sense of self and challenge their relationships with others. Cassie’s journey is not just about mourning her brother but also about rediscovering her own strength, and this personal growth makes her a deeply relatable character, though her bitterness and frustration may alienate some readers.

Vince, a morgue director and friend of Cassie’s late brother, provides a unique and unexpected love interest. Their relationship develops slowly and organically, serving as a soothing counterpoint to Cassie’s emotional turbulence. While romance enthusiasts might find the love story understated, it is a meaningful part of Cassie’s healing process. Vince’s compassion and steadiness help Cassie begin to rebuild her life, making their connection feel authentic, if not central to the plot.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to evoke a range of emotions. One moment, you may be holding back tears, and the next, you’re laughing at the absurdity of certain situations or Cassie’s sharp observations. The pacing, however, may be a hurdle for some readers. The story begins slowly, and while this mirrors Cassie’s own stagnant emotional state, it may test the patience of those looking for a faster-moving plot.

On the downside, Cassie’s negativity about those around her can be draining, and some of the dialogue and relationships feel a bit contrived. While these flaws might pull certain readers out of the story, others may appreciate them as reflective of the messiness of grief and the imperfections of human connection.

Overall, Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations is a bittersweet, heartfelt story about love, loss, and finding a way forward. It is best approached with an open mind and realistic expectations: this is not a breezy rom-com but a deeply emotional narrative with sprinkles of romance and humor. For those who enjoy stories about personal growth and resilience in the face of tragedy, this book is well worth the read.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This book started with a huge tragedy and then it gentled out into a lovely story. Quite unexpected but much loved.

4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you for netgalley and the publisher for accepting my request for this book.
Unfortunatley i didn't finish this book because after reading the first three chapters i felt like this one wasn't going to be what i wanted at the moment, especially because i thought it would have been more rom-com cheesy. so my rating is the average for this book expressed here on netgalley because I also feel like I didn't really give it a chance.

When my brother suddenly passes away, shattering my family, I’m left to pick up the pieces.

Then Vince Mancini knocks on my door. My brother’s best friend from high school—and the boy I loved—is a funeral director, and he promises to answer whenever I call.

With his steadfast nature and warm smile, he becomes the anchor in the storm, willing to hold me up as everything falls at my feet. He sees through all my bluster, and it’s easy to remember why I’d hung on his every word when I was younger.

Now, he thinks he can fix me, even though there’s a lump of clay where my heart used to be.

Which makes the fluttering in my chest all the more disconcerting. And this hurt? It’s too much too soon.

I really enjoyed this story from start to finish. Cannot wait to read more from the author.

I thought this book was amazing and it really had me hooked. The author's unique approach allowed the writing to be very captivating. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a new read.

"Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations" was such a pleasant surprise for me. It was a tale of grief and how a sudden loss can shatter a family and change the course of lives forever.

Through the grief, Cassie (FMC) deals with turmoil, a terrible job, a potential new love with an old crush, and so much uncertainty. I found myself fully invested in her journey.

I am eager to read more from Sophie Andrews.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC. I can't wait to tell my friends about this one.