Thank you so much to Penguin Group Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC of this book! These are my honest thoughts.

OKAY WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?

This Ivy Fairbanks debut has been on my radar since it was indie published, but sadly sat on the backburner of my tbr for too long.

This book was so full of heart and had characters that I absolutely adored. It was funny and lighthearted, but with some seriously heavier tones, reminiscent of real life problems that we all face every day.

Callum WINS as a dreamy book boyfriend. He's demisexual, but he falls HARD for Lark from nearly the moment she bulldozes her way into his life. Lark is this vibrant character who is caring around so much grief related to her marriage and the passing of her husband. It takes this quiet man who consistently shows up for her in order for her to have a break through.

I loved all the of the parts of this book, but here are some of my favorites:
- Lark being so passionate about her job in illustration and production
- Callum loving his family's legacy so much he's willing to go on uncomfortable dates in order to keep it, and in doing so, for the first time in his life, falling for someone for real
- The side characters, from Lark's coworkers to Callum's business associates, elderly friends, friends you meet at the pub, family, etc.
- The tension... Callum's aware of his feelings first, and that pining is... gah. so good.
- The contrast. Lark is sunshine and brightness and Callum is monochrome gray, but together, they balance.

Overall, a really cute read that gets a 4.5-star rating from me.

Adding that the audio was FUN and that both narrators were amazing... Lark's character maintains that Texas-southern accent and charm, and Callum is AN IRISH HUNK? yes pls!

I am over the moon for this cover! I had no idea what to expect going into Morbidly Yours and was delighted by this grumpy sunshine romance. I love the marriage of convenience trope so much, especially when an author does such a good job making it believable in a modern setting. This was a bit on the steamy side for me, but overall I enjoyed it a lot!

ARC Review ~ Morbidly Yours~

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I adored the idea of this book since I first saw it being promoted on TikTok and it didn’t disappoint. It is such a cute strangers to friends to lovers story. The book really explores the growth in both characters as their friendship grows. I loved watching the MFC handle and come to terms with her grief and how it was affecting her relationships and her own view of herself and it was fun to watch the MMC open up to someone his complete opposite and gain more confidence in himself. The conclusion to the story was so well done and left me absolutely satisfied!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC!

This book is written so well, and has you feeling what the characters are feeling. Heartbreak, new feelings, hope and it shows you that there is a second chance at love. Absolutely loved this one! Can’t wait to read more.

This was a surprise favorite! Reading the summary made me question how good this book could really be. But holy cow, did it end up being the sweetest! It was the perfect friends to lovers plot. For once, both characters were equally likeable. I think it was because Fairbanks made them both more mid-30s, so they are more mature and have had some life experience. I totally related to Lark in the sense that she was confident and sure of herself in some ways, but insecure in areas with her job and relationships. Callum was to die for (pun intended)! It just ended up being such an unexpected plot full of friendship and communication and self growth. The cover makes it look like it will be cheesy. Fairbanks was able to give it a sense of realness and I very much look forward to her future books!

Fate has a fascinating way of weaving lives together. For Callum and Lark, destiny has crafted a unique plan for them to discover love amid the chaos. Morbibly Yours is an enchanting friends-to-lovers journey set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland. Callum and Lark are complete opposites, and at times, their romance feels strained, perhaps by a mere lack of communication born from stubbornness. Their characters strive for depth, yet when given the opportunity to grow, they often find it stifled by the competing tug of romance.

Covered in the Fated Mates "I Read Dead People" epsiode on death in romance.

Fated Mates is the most listened to romance podcast, routinely ranking in the top 20 book podcasts on Apple Podcasts.

Never thought I’d read a book that discusses mortuary science but here we are.

I liked Morbidly Yours a lot. I loved the journey that took place for Callum and Lark to realize that sometimes love is worth the risk. Callum and Lark are great characters. And most of the side characters are a good time and add to the story. And I loved the setting of Ireland. At times reading this made me want to book a trip.

Reasons you might want to grab this one:
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Friends to lovers
-He falls first
-Debut Author

⚠️Trigger Warnings:
-It does discuss mortuary science in details a couple of times. If you’re squeamish you might want to skip.
-It’s heavy on grief
-Death from cancer is a brief plot point

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Putnam for a copy of Morbidly Yours in exchange of an honest review.

this was cute! the humor was fun in a dorky way. a few complaints: i felt the relationship with maeve wasn’t delved into deep enough for a later plot point to really make sense and have the emotional impact that i think was intended. and reading the phrase “juicy warmth” almost made me throw my kindle across the room 😭 and this was a personal problem, but callum’s description was too similar to someone i know in real life and i just couldn’t disconnect that connection to properly enjoy the book LMAO. but overall, i did enjoy it!

This was a sweet little romance with some unexpected depth - not what I necessarily would have expected from the cover, great though it is. The characters and their struggles felt real, and the pacing of their romantic development was very well done.

In "Morbidly Yours," Ivy Fairbanks delves into the intricate dance between grief and new beginnings through the lives of two contrasting characters: Callum Flannelly, a painfully shy heir to a family undertaking business, and Lark Thompson, a free-spirited Texan animator seeking refuge in Galway, Ireland. Their unlikely alliance, born out of Callum’s desperate need to marry before his 35th birthday, unfolds against the backdrop of a funeral home, serving as both a literal and metaphorical space where death and life intersect. Fairbanks skillfully navigates the complexities of human emotion as the characters confront their pasts while forging a connection that surprises them both. Callum embodies the quintessential introvert, burdened by the weight of familial expectations and personal insecurities. His reluctance to engage with strangers mirrors his fear of vulnerability, making the prospect of dating a daunting task. The pressure to find love before his looming deadline adds a layer of urgency to his plight, pushing him to seek help from Lark. Meanwhile, Lark's journey is rooted in her struggle with loss; having relocated to escape the haunting memories of her late husband, she finds herself confronted with the very essence of grief as she lives next to a funeral home. This intricate setup allows Fairbanks to explore the theme of healing through unexpected relationships, suggesting that even in the darkest of spaces, new connections can foster hope and renewal. As the narrative unfolds, Lark’s determination to help Callum find "The One" serves as a catalyst for her own emotional healing. Initially guarded and wary of love, Lark begins to unravel as she spends more time with Callum. Their interactions, filled with witty banter and genuine moments of understanding, challenge her resolve to stay detached. Fairbanks beautifully illustrates how companionship can illuminate the shadows of grief, as Lark discovers that laughter and joy can coexist with sorrow. Likewise, Callum’s gradual transformation from a solitary figure to someone who embraces the vibrancy Lark brings into his life demonstrates the power of connection in overcoming personal barriers. The chemistry between Callum and Lark is palpable, and Fairbanks expertly crafts their relationship as a dance of push and pull. Both characters are initially resistant to acknowledging their growing feelings, caught in the web of their respective fears. However, as they navigate the murky waters of their past traumas, the bond they share deepens. The author encapsulates the notion that love can be both terrifying and exhilarating, highlighting the importance of taking risks, especially when faced with the prospect of losing something profound. Callum’s transformation from a man burdened by obligation to one willing to fight for a future with Lark exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit. Ultimately, "Morbidly Yours" is a poignant exploration of how love can blossom in the most unexpected places. Fairbanks deftly weaves together themes of grief, healing, and the complexity of human connections, reminding readers that life is a tapestry woven with both joy and sorrow. The conclusion leaves readers with a sense of hope, portraying the idea that even in the face of life's uncertainties, the heart’s capacity to love can lead to new beginnings. As Callum and Lark confront their fears and embrace their connection, the story serves as a testament to the resilience of love in the face of adversity—a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever experienced the duality of love and loss.

Very cute at first and then very spicy! I had to keep stopping because it was that good. It was a little frustrating at times with some of the characters behaviors but not too bad. It also took me a little while to get a feel for Callum he was hard to bring to life iny mind for some reason, but I really liked that he wasn't the stereotypical super brawny celt. By the way did I mention it was spicy? Ha

I absolutely adored this book. I loved the writing and the story. This was my first time ever reading a book by this author, but it won’t be the last. The writing flowed nice and the pacing was just right and kept me entertained.

Cute, typical. love story. I loved the grumpy/sunshine trope, and the Irish accent was delicious.
Loved the male narrator of the audiobook.

this is cute. i enjoyed the setting and i love cal. i thought he was adorable. i will say that my two big problems were one. the not communicating between the two characters (they kept being like the other doesn’t like me like that and it’s how do you know you haven’t asked!) and two. the storyline involving lark’s grief just didn’t feel that fleshed out

This book was fine. I had a hard time getting into it but I was able to finish it. Overall a fine romance

A fun spicy book! Definitely a good fall read. Around Halloween given the subject context. The characters had good chemistry, and I love dual point of view!

*Morbidly Yours* by Ivy Fairbanks follows Lark Thompson, a bubbly Texan animator who moves to Galway, Ireland, to escape her grief after the death of her husband. There, she befriends Callum Flannelly, a shy, stuttering mortician who faces the pressure of marrying before he turns 35 or losing his family’s funeral home. As Lark helps Callum navigate the challenges of his unusual predicament, their unlikely friendship deepens into a heartfelt and slow-burn romance, offering both characters a chance at healing and second chances despite their painful pasts.

This cozy yet spicy romance will be perfect for readers that love the friends-to-lovers trope, and the Irish setting is pure escapist fun.

l found this book to be cute and cozy. Cal is preshhhh! I found the slow burn to be a good one. The tropes this one has in it were enjoyable. Cal and Lark are very cute together in my head lol

4.25⭐, 2.5🌶️

I really liked this book! The possibility of it being a Marriage of Convenience romance had me concerned, but it turned out to be more friends (with Benefits) to Lovers and I just though Callum and Lark's relationship were so cute. I loved both of them having issues that were mended together (even though it was difficult to relate to Lark's grief).

The audiobook was hard in the beginning with the Irish and Texan accents for the two narrators, but they both grew on me and I generally enjoyed this book in all.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.