This was such a fun rom-com. Quiet, nerdy MMC falls hard for the bubbly quirky FMC. I loved that this story was different than a lot of other romance books I’ve read.

5 STARS!!

I loved every single thing about "Morbidly Yours" by Ivy Fairbanks! It's full of dark humor, self-exploration, witty banter, delicious spice, excellent descriptions of Ireland, and a wonderful commentary on life, death, and grief. Many people may be turned off by how unusual Callum's job is, but I was LIVING for it. It's so unique and interesting. I adored Lark and Callum both as individuals and as a couple. They could not be more polar opposites, but their differences make them work together. Their interactions and banter are so effortless, and you cannot help but fall in love with their friendship. Callum's demisexuality presents some wonderful representation that is handled with tenderness and care. Lark being a widow is never treated as a shocking "gotcha" moment. It forms who she is at her core. She loved her husband fiercely, despite their issues, which something I, sadly, cannot say I have seen across all romance novels I have read. Many books shove the first, dead spouse into the garbage when the protagonist meets a new romantic interest who *~changes their perspective on love.~* I *HATE* THIS. You *can* find love again after death and heartbreak, and this book provides a stunning example of how this is can be handled wonderfully. This is a slow-burning romance story, which left me wanting more and on the edge of my seat waiting for the moment when their coupling would come to fruition. I rooted for Lark and Callum so, so hard! The spice....oooooh yeah. A secret dirty talker and *in Irish*?!! SWOON!!! I laughed, I cried, and I learned a lot about what it takes to be a mortician (really good research done on the part of Fairbanks). I usually don't love the friends-to-lovers trope, but Fairbanks makes it work so well here. An absolute must read, in my opinion. I cannot wait for more from Ivy Fairbanks!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ivy Fairbanks, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

This book goes above and beyond with its love of Irish. It’s not just set there with beloved Irish characters and landscapes, but we get the language as well! And it has some key and pivotal moments that enhance the story.

I love our two main characters. Almost enemies to friends to lovers. Unlikely pairings given sexuality, past traumas, their own personalities. Throw in a marriage of convenience and you’ve got yourself a tale! I love the unconventional hero — is “faults” and eccentricities. He is so lovable and then we have our main gal who is written as the gal who everyone would love, but she has her own “flaws.” It’s all so relatable and their relationship in the ways it is both easy and hard felt so real.

And the triggers of loss of a loved one were handled with such care that they didn’t bother me as much as some.

Would definitely recommend. Will probably read again.

I’ve heard such good things about this book and I’ve been meaning to read it all year! I finally got the chance (plus October was the perfect month!) and I’m so happy I did. The character development is fantastic. I adore Lark and Callum! 🩷 I loved how you expect it to kinda turn out like every other “marriage of convenience” type story line but it really doesn’t. It’s super cute and entertaining. Callum is so sweet and I loved how Lark really found her backbone through out the story.
Also, loveddd that it wasn’t just spice spice spice. Yet when there was a spicy scene it was perfect.

I’d give it a 4.5 if goodreads allowed half ratings.I

4.5 stars. A lovely story in which a shy undertaker and a grieving artist help each other learn to take a chance on love. I wish we could really see Lark’s animations. I’m okay without the visuals for Callum’s job, though.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Plot: Lark moves to Ireland after her husband's death and discovers she accidentally moved in next door to a funeral parlor. (She's very American in her desire to pretend death doesn't exist. Or at least, she's very relatable to me in that regard.) Lark's new neighbor, Callum is demisexual (!!!!) and a mortician. He also has a stutter, if that's representation you're looking for. Anyway, Lark and Callum manage to become friends and Lark winds up helping Callum find dates because he has to get married or he'll lose the family business (the funeral parlor). Only one problem, Callum would much rather be spending his time with Lark, who is not ready for another relationship (and in fact, swears she'll never be in another one).

What I Loved: First, Callum being demisexual was so wonderful. I loved that. The representation was great. Aside from that, I really loved this whole book and the further away from it I am, the more I think I loved it, which says a lot. The humor, the connections between not only Callum and Lark, but both main characters with various side characters, the depictions of grief, and the very end of the book all sang to my soul. The only quibble I had with this book is that Lark's new job in Ireland comes complete with a completely entitled jerk and there was a whole storyline with that. I could have done without that part.

Who I Would Recommend this book to?: Pick this one up when you want a soft angsty book. Bonus points if you want to travel to Ireland without having to contemplate the travesty that is beans and toast. (I'm still not over it.)

Morbidly Yours
Ivy Fairbanks
Available now!
My rating: 🦄🦄🦄🦄

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy to review. All opinions are my own.

What happens when you cross a super serious, shy undertaker with a stutter to a super spunky, creative, recently widowed Texan? A funny, witty romance novel with lovable characters.
I enjoyed this spicy, Irish romcom. It was unusual and funny and clever. I'm not sure it would be a book everyone would enjoy, but I liked it! Who knew undertakers made good book boyfriends? 😉

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with the chance to read an early copy of Morbidly Yours. I really enjoyed this story of two complicated characters working through their past and issues to build a friendship that quickly blossomed into love. The Galway setting was really charming, as were the secondary characters and I hope to visit this locale again! I would definitely recommend this one to readers of contemporary romance - it was a 4 star read for me!

"Morbidly Yours" by Ivy Fairbanks is a captivating exploration of love, grief, and the complexities of human connection. The story revolves around a protagonist grappling with loss while navigating her passion for the macabre. Fairbanks masterfully blends dark humor with poignant moments, creating a narrative that is both quirky and deeply emotional. Callum and Lark are totally loveable and flawed characters that I was delighted to know more about!

This was a decent friend to lovers romance with a slow burn that didn't drive me too crazy. I enjoyed the emotional side to the story and the sensitivity around some of the MMCs struggles. I think they were well written and will open the door to discussion around certain things people deal with. That being said, this is a spicy romance. Don't be fooled by the cute cartoon cover or thrown off by the occupations of the characters. It's worth a read.

Animator Lark has decided to move on from Texas and her husband’s death by taking a job in Ireland. When a package is incorrectly delivered Lark ends up meeting her neighbor Callum, who happens to be the town undertaker. Callum helps Lark learn about Ireland as she adjusts to her new job and country. There’s an attraction between the two, but Lark has no interest in marrying again and Callum has a set amount of time to find a wife and marry before the family undertaking business is taken away from him. Callum goes on many dates but always ends up spending time with Lark. When a full time animator position comes open will Lark decide to stay in Ireland with Callum or will she head back to Texas? Will Callum be able to find a way to keep the undertaking business in the family?

This romance was unexpected in the best way! Callum was not the typical creepy undertaker, just awkward. And Lark is a fierce woman who knows her worth. Both characters are vulnerable and work their their issues together. Of course the Irish setting was the cherry on top! Such a fun romance!

Well this was just adorable. Spicy, (for me at least) but adorable.
Vibrant meets melancholy.
Lark, a widow from America moves to Galway for a job creating animated movie. Finds a package of body bags in her rented house. Confused she takes them across the street to her neighbor in the “Bed and Breakfast”. Nope it’s a mortuary. Cue Callum, introvert who has rarely been accepted for who he is.
⚰️snarky banter
⚰️hilarious language/culture barrier
⚰️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚰️all stages of grief
⚰️hopefully first in a series 🤞🏻
⚰️somebody gets punched in a pub
This might be the first rom/com I've read where I didn't get mad at the two main characters for not telling each other they loved one another earlier. I could completely understand how their sudden, deep friendship made them want the other to be happy.
Anxiously awaiting the next in the series!! I'm guessing it will be about the lawyer and cousin!

I loved Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks so much. I appreciated having a main character who provided a personal view of living as a person who stutters. This book was heartfelt, and it discussed some heavy topics. It also gave me some spooky season vibes, which I'm always here for! I highly recommend this book!

Read this book if you like:
-Galway, Ireland setting
-He falls first
-Friends with benefits
-Friends to lovers
-Irish dirty talk
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Shy cinnamon roll
-Grief rep
-A person who stutters rep
-Demisexuality rep

Awkward and introverted undertaker Callum just wants to be left alone with his family business. Unfortunately, in order to inherit the business, he must marry before he turns 35. Extroverted and bubbly Lark has taken a new job in Ireland to escape her tragic past and learn to live again. The two collide and become unlikely friends and Lark agrees to help Callum find a wife. As things progress, their attraction for one another grows but can they ignore it?

This book was so cute and fun! I enjoyed it from start to finish. Lark is such a charismatic character and Callum reminds me of myself so much. Their polar opposite personalities make for a dynamite attraction and chemistry. This slow burn romance had me rooting so hard for them to give in to their feelings for one another!! Set in the stunning backdrop of Ireland and including dirty irish talk, this is a fun, fall, romantic read for sure.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Ivy Fairbanks and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions in my review are honest, voluntary and my own.

Enjoyable story. Cover would entice a younger reader, but mid story it changes into a lusty sex fest for all the remaining chapters. Not a prude but it changed the whole story for me.
Story shows opposites do attract. Lark struggles with guilt over her ex-husbands death and starting a new career .with a begrudging teammate. A mistaken pkg delivery meets her up with new neighbor, and the fierworks begin.

I really liked they initial story. I got into it very quickly. The middle part did slow it down some. The main focus of this story is the romance and a big factor of it is miscommunication. That part was frustrating. The FMC did have a small side story about her work experience that we did see that had some justice in the end- justice that took her tooth and nail to win unfortunately. I like the pet mouse a lot, along with the mouse's debut at the funeral- top notch. Overall not a bad romance, just a little long considering the plot. some spice- not great, but more than closed door.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okay okay okay. I need everyone to read this book so I have people to talk about it with because WOW

This book was so moving and beautiful. I know it’s a romance, but honestly, the self growth and the trauma and the grief made this story so incredible.

I loved seeing Callum go from nearly silent, scared, socially awkward, and not willing to put himself out there into an amazing man who would move mountains for the people he cared about. I loved his relationship with Deirdre, how he wanted to protect her and her job and would do whatever it took to not only keep the business in the family, but to keep those who worked with him in their jobs as well.

Lark was so sweet and bubbly and even though she was going through such a major loss, she didn’t let that stop her from living her life. Did it stop her from admitting certain things and keep her from being truly happy for a while? Of course. But she got there. Her growth as not only a widow but in her career and in her own person was so great to read.

I felt like it could have been a little shorter, but that’s my only qualm with the book, really! I loved the side characters, the plot, the friends to lovers, everything!!!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ivy for the ARC of this book 🫶🏻

Okay I’ll admit I have never read a romance book involving an Irish mortician falling in love with a Southern sweet Texas gal, but the combo was so ridiculously good! Morbidly Yours is a page turner debut novel by Ivy Fairbanks. Her story is one melded with unique characters, beautiful Irish territory background, and some marriage for convenience drama. It also feels like Dexter and P.S I love You wrapped in there.

Both main characters, Lark and Callum are COMPLETE opposites. Lark is a bubbly, charming creative animator who relocates to Ireland after the death of her husband. Her shy neighbor, Callam is a quiet mortician, who prides in alone time both in and outside the office. What could bring these two characters together besides the close proximity of their houses? The looming threat that Callam can lose his family mortuary business if he doesn’t get hitched before his 35th birthday. Oooph that sucks!
Lark sees the bat signal for Callam’s distress and decides to swoop in and utilize her fixing abilities that not all of us on this green Earth possess. (You know who you are out there and I am jealous of your fix- it mentality when I just want to wallow in distress.) I digress…
One of my favorite tropes in this story is friends to lovers and Fairbanks did a seamless job weaving this trope in her story. There is a real slow burn in each page as the two realize how hard it is to deny their feelings for each other.
Morbidly Yours is a story about letting go of your past and forgiving yourself in order to move forward and find happiness. I cannot wait for the next book in Fairbanks series.Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the chance to read and review this book.

I LOVED this witty and heartwarming romance. Do not let the title fool you, there is nothing dark or morbid about this book! Lark moves to Ireland after the death of her husband looking for a fresh start; she moves next door to Callum, the owner of a funeral home. Cue jokes about hearses and death. But there is so much more to both of these characters, their depth was one of my favorite parts of the book and Fairbanks' writing. While either/both of these characters could have easily become caricatures they are both so real and their lives are so relatable. There were moments of tenderness, love, grief, frustration...you name it. Lark and Callum have a true friends to lovers romance and it was a pleasure to read. I loved their love story and I think you will too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

This is a 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. Callum is an undertaker, running his family business after losing his grandfather and he must marry by the time he’s 35 or lose the business.