What I Liked:
The Setting—I have yet to visit the PNW in my life and yet I feel like I was made for it. I loved this setting so much. I loved the small town aspect and all the animals. It was so charming.

The Banter—I think the banter is the best part of this book. It was next level good. I found myself smirking and snorting and could hear the characters’ voices so clearly in my head. I look forward to more in this universe!

The Chemistry—Ohhhh I sure did love the chemistry between these characters. Fisher and Sage were adorable and I really loved their connection.

What Didn’t Work:
First Act Pacing—It took me a little bit to get into this book. I think the first act was a little slow but I’m glad I stuck through it because the end had me in a puddle.

Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Content Warnings:
death of a parent/sibling, grief, fire/fire accident

This book has been on my wishlist for the last year and when i saw it on NetGalley, I had to read it.
this book was such a fun but emotional story about a mortician and animator, who are going through their own struggles, leaning on each other and falling in love.
I was hooked from the start and i will be recommending this book to everyone.

Morbidly Yours stood out to me immediately because it had a meet-cute story like none I've read before. The premise of a young widow still raw with grief and scarred from the death of her husband beginning to fall in love with an undertaker whose career revolves around dealing with grief and death really stood out to me.

The fact that Lark Thompson is everything that Callum Flannelly is not - outgoing and determined to live life in full colour, while he is shy and prefers to keep to himself - really cemented that opposites attract. Not only did each character teach the other to take certain risks and "live a little", but they complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses. There was also a fair amount of spice in this book, and I loved all the jokes and puns that the two exchanged. The friendships that were grown during the story were also equally as important to each character's development, and I hope that book two (yes, I'd like a book two to see where their story goes!) will show more of these.

The author did give a warning about grief and loss for this book, and I feel this should be taken into account if you're going to read this book. While I do understand the topic of death was handled delicately and that the main character was an undertaker, I do think some of the details given were perhaps a little too graphic for my liking.

To me Morbidly Yours stands out in the crowd of romantic comedy books, it's a sweet love story with two interesting main characters that will have you giggling and swooning at the same time.

Thanks so much to Transworld publishing, NetGalley and Ivy Fairbanks for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own!

This book has such an interesting premise and I love how Callum’s and Lark’s jobs (as a mortician and animator) played a central role in the book. The second half was much stronger, and once the story started to unravel, it was hard to put down.

The slow start was a little boring but once we saw the way the characters interact, it was enough to keep you engaged. I loved the underlying subplot, and especially the role that ‘Houdini’ played. There were also so many sweet moments between the couple, and I felt like the sensitive topics were handled well and appropriately!

I would recommend!

Morbidly Yours is the sizzling debut for this author. We get to meet Lark and Callum, two opposite sides of the coin in who get flung together unexpectedly. Lark is determined to help Callum with his dilemma; he must secure a bride by his 35th birthday or lose his family undertakers business. Lark is dealing with her own personal grief and doesn’t want a new relationship, but she’s happy to help Callum out.
I loved the slow burn in this book, and the journeys that our characters take together.
Pacing was a bit off at times, and some elements felt under explored. Overall an enjoyable read.

This was a cute romance. I liked the setting and the backdrop of characters, but struggled to connect with the main relationship. Callum and Lark were an okay pair, but I really didn’t feel their chemistry. I also felt their character development was lacking a little, the pacing felt off and a little choppy. I just wish there was more, more oomph behind the couple and their individual characters.

This was such a cute story. A widow from Texas moves to Ireland for a new job and ends up living next door to a funeral home. That description alone made me want to read the book and I wasn’t disappointed.
It was really refreshing to have the love interest not be the typical confident, cocky guy we always see. Callum has a stutter, social anxiety and gets embarrassed really easily. Seeing the friendship develop between them was great and then the mutual pining of course. Definitely one I’ll read again.

The intriguing title had me hooked from the start, despite the slow burn, I found the book to be an enjoyable, fluffy read. Callum and Lark's relationship is adorable and mutually fulfilling. It's a nice read with delightful tropes and banter, highly recommended.
The story of healing and love is heartwarming, with Callum's Irish charm adding some heat. Highly recommended!

I received an ARC copy of this book for free from netgalley and I’m writing this review voluntarily based on my own opinion.

I know they say never judge a book by its cover but... I always do 🫣 don't shame me for it.
And boy am I glad I do because the gorgeous cover and awesome title lured me in and now I've just enjoyed the romance book of the summer. And gained the most Sweetest Cinnamon Roll Book Boyfriend to boot. It's Grumpy × Sunshine Goodness at it's best!

Callum Flannelly faces an ultimatum: marry before his 35th birthday to inherit the family undertaking business. The dating game is his worst nightmare and each date is so disastrous, he's losing hope.
His new neighbour Lark Thompson, an American cartoonist seeking a fresh start in Galway, has agreed to help find his perfect match.
As they work together, their friendship deepens, but so does their mutual attraction.
What happens when you start falling for the wrong person? You Bury those feelings!

Morbidly Yours is the debut novel of Ivy Fairbanks and it is flawless, a perfect blend of sweet, serious and spicy. Hell anyone that can make Rigor Mortis Romantic should be crowned a Romance Queen.
They handle themes of grief, guilt and growth with such authenticity that you'd expect they were writing from experience. The complexity of the characters and their relationships are treated with equal care and its that realness in the authors voice that makes this such a wonderful read.

The characters are To Die For 😜 I challenge anyone to try to not fall in love with these two, you will fail.
Lark, a bubbly, larger than life, cowboy boot wearing, Dolly Parton loving American (she's the sunshine, if you hadn't guessed) moves next door to Callum, a quiet and slightly reclusive mortician, with dead pan humour and a delicious Irish brogue (our gorgeous grump) and you can imagine the shenanigans that ensue as their friendship blooms into something more.

Thank you to The PublisherRandom House UK, Transworld Publishers | Penguin & NetGalley for an eARC

MORBIDLY YOURS is an incredibly romantic book that skillfully delves into the tricky territory of friends-to-lovers—a trope that's notoriously hard to pull off. It expertly navigates themes of grief, existential dread, personal growth, self-assertion, and complex relationships with finesse.

Callum, a mortician facing the risk of losing his funeral home due to a peculiar clause in his grandfather's will, crosses paths with Lark, a recent widow seeking solace in Ireland while pursuing a career as an animation director in Galway. Their initial encounter sparks a clash of personalities, but as neighbors, they unexpectedly discover profound connections as they get to know each other better.

This book was simply flawless. Despite the author's unfair trickery in making me fall for a fictional character, I couldn't help but admire how secondary characters, including the so-called 'other woman' and 'other man', enriched the narrative in surprising and delightful ways. Callum's portrayal as a non-traditionally masculine, stuttering, and demisexual character was handled with grace and authenticity.

I'm absolutely green with envy that this remarkable work is the author's debut. It's so captivating and genuine that you can't help but lose yourself in the story, feeling like these characters are your own friends. I eagerly anticipate whatever the author releases next; this level of storytelling deserves nothing less than five stars.

'Grá mo chroí. Mo chuisle mo chroí.''

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publishers for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

From the very moment I laid eyes on its cover, I was captivated. The blurb only intensified my curiosity, making it clear that this book was an absolute necessity in my life. How did I never stumble upon this hidden gem before?

Callum has captured my heart as one of the most endearing characters I've encountered. In Larks' eyes, his vulnerability is not a flaw, but rather a source of strength and allure that has completely captivated me. I admire his unwavering patience and steadfastness in helping Larks overcome her trauma. His adorable stutter that stayed continuous throughout the writing which I absolutely appreciate from the author. It felt utterly real. But, I just loved how much of a softie Callum is considering his field of work. He truly is the grim reaper you wouldn't mind finding at your doorstep. Without a doubt, he is one of the most well-rounded characters I've come across, filled with passion and an irresistible charm that I simply adore!

Larks' character, particularly her background in the animation industry, resonated deeply with me. Having studied animation for three years and aspiring to break into the industry, I found every reference in Larks' point of view incredibly relatable. From the portrayal of toxic work environments and film festivals to the inclusion of various animation movie references, it truly transported me back to my days of creating short films.

What truly captivated me about Larks' perspective was her refusal to rush into moving on or letting go. This aspect, once again, showcased the author's understanding and appreciation for the complexities of real life. I adored Larks' sense of humor and how effortlessly she connected with Callum, while also being mindful of his anxiety and ensuring his comfort.

Overall, Larks' character and her experiences felt authentic and genuine. It was a joy to immerse myself in her world and witness her journey unfold.

This story has truly captured my heart. It is a delightful read, brimming with enchanting romance that will make you squeal with joy. The vulnerable moments in the story will tug at your heartstrings, leaving you yearning to embrace the characters in a warm hug. The small town setting is so captivating that you will find yourself completely immersed in its charm. Without a doubt, this is one of the best books I have read this year, and it has earned a special place in my heart. 💚✨️

Title: Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks

Release Date: August, 22nd, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Callum Flannelly faces an unusual ultimatum: marry before his 35th birthday to inherit the family undertaking business. Reluctantly entering the dating scene, he meets Lark Thompson, an American cartoonist seeking a fresh start in Galway, Ireland. Despite her own reservations about love,
Lark agrees to help Callum find a match. As they work together, their friendship deepens, but so does their mutual attraction.

With each disastrous date, they grow closer, but also more anxious about their growing feelings. Ignoring their connection proves impossible, setting the stage for a romantic and comedic journey.

Ivy skilfully brings attention to the importance of grief and healing. Filled with familiar tropes such as 'he falls first,' 'friends with benefits,' and 'grumpy x sunshine,' the story is charming and heartwarming.

Callum and Lark's relationship is portrayed as adorable and mutually fulfilling, fitting together effortlessly.

Such an adorable read! I absolutely loved the tropes and banter in this book. Highly recommend picking it up!


Thank you to The PublisherRandom House UK, Transworld Publishers | Penguin, The Author Ivy Fairbanks & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks
Rating: 3.5/5

Callum Flannelly would sooner plunge into an open grave than endure the awkwardness of a dinner and movie with a stranger. Yet, his fate intertwines with the family's undertaking business legacy, hanging on a single condition: marriage before his 35th birthday. With reluctance, he steps out of the mortuary and into the perplexing world of dating.

On the other side of the spectrum is Lark Thompson, whose disdain for funeral homes in Galway, Ireland, rivals that of a character dodging anvils in a cartoon. A vibrant American cartoon creator and animator, she seeks to embrace life after the loss of her husband, avoiding reminders of sorrow.

When Lark discovers Callum's predicament and his reluctance to enter into a loveless marriage, she offers her assistance to the introverted mortician. Despite her own aversion to love, she sees potential for Callum to find genuine connection and secure his inheritance.

Yet, as their matchmaking venture progresses and their bond deepens, a mutual attraction begins to stir. With each passing day, Lark finds herself dreading the prospect of finding a match for the serious, yet sarcastic Callum. Meanwhile, Callum's dread intensifies as he realises the inevitable departure of Lark back to the United States, a separation he finds increasingly difficult to contemplate.

Getting through it felt like trudging through mud. The pacing just didn't click with me. That whole “have to get married or else” plot line felt forced and unnecessary, as did the coworker drama. There was so much potential for a beautiful love story centred around the healing from grief and trauma, and rediscovering the joy of living and loving again, however this did not happen.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Penguin, and the author, Ivy Banks , for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

this may be the best romance novel i’ve ever read. callum and lark have my entire heart. i am obsessed with them.

Slow burn I just wanted them to get together alresdy ,it was a enjoyable fluffy read and is read it again. Overall I loved the concept because it just shows there is love out there after loss.

So excited for this grumpy sunshine romance. Absolutely cannot wait to yo share more on this! I apologize I’m dealing with some very serious health issues at the moment, but looking forward to sharing my full thoughts and review,

I was lucky enough to read this book in 2023 when it was first published and it was such a fun read.

Firstly, that title? Had me too curious and *dying* to read the book immediately (yes this was a terrible joke and I don’t care).

But that story was so good. Lark finding healing and love again, Callum opening up even if it’s clearly so difficult for him at first, the both of them helping each other get better and move forward with their lives, and doing it together. It’s the most lovely story, with lots and lots of tension, and Callum talking dirty in Irish to Lark is really really hot.