I really wanted to like this book and I did at some points but not consistently. The characters jumped way too quickly into strong feeling after a short time. And I couldn’t relate to the MFC. Her emotions and feelings had me questioning if the missed something. It was an interesting and intriguing concept but fell flat for me.

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 There is a huge casket supply warehouse right off the highway by our house, located right next to an amusement park with the high thrilling rides. It’s one of the simple yet amusing things that always puts a smile on my face and reminds me that life is too short to not laugh through the ups and downs. They say the only things you can count on are taxes and death, and Nora’s life running the family casket business is predictable, just the way she likes it. She has experienced a lot of loss and Lauren Evans explores death and grief in a unique and relatable manner throughout this book. When a handsome stranger comes into her life, Nora is faced with life and death beyond her preferred predictability. Casket Case is an adorably eccentric romantic comedy that tackles some pretty tough issues in a fun, totally different, delightfully light and existentialist way.


Review is on Goodreads and will be posted on instagram closer to publication date and on Amazon when published!

this plot had so much potential but was not executed well. Noras anxiety annoyed me throughout the book.
the idea of working with death gave me Belladonna vibes and i LOVE that book.
the romance felt rushed and insincere, and then another love interest pops up towards the end...i just didn't get it.
It was also a lot darker for a book that is marketed and a rom com.
2.5 stars

An interesting concept on death and dying, this book is billed as a romantic comedy, but it is anything but. The writing is overly wordy with cheesy phrasing, and the female love interest, Nora, spends 90% of the book creating unnecessary drama with her love interest, Garett, who appears to have zero chemistry. Many characters are introduced at the beginning without making it clear who they are, and it is difficult to understand their importance, especially in an opening scene. It turns out only one, her grandpa, has a significant role. Also, we have an entire scene from the coffee shop owner's POV and nothing else from that character. Church is mentioned multiple times, but Nora doesn’t actually seem to be religious. I have no problem with religion in romance and know there is a market, but the sex shaming is unnecessary, and it would have been nice to have the character discuss her faith, especially given the main subject of this book was death, to add depth rather than all these vague references to God and prayers.

The writing is just too descriptive, with nonsense details that don’t add to the narrative. This is an advanced copy, but it felt rough and needed more editing. I wish details were flushed out, the structure less clunky, and the conversations clunky with too many side characters. Everything was wordy. For example, instead of saying they went to the park, it says they put on their shoes. They open the door. They stepped outside. I feel like all of these things are implied. This is how half the action in the book proceeds.

The Conversations are awkward and do not flow. Their breakup felt destined to happen from the start, and then there was that strange situation with another man, and then they were back together. It just did not work for me. I did not buy their relationship. Then there is forced drama and what should be an everyday domestic situation. They are both either immature or horrible at communicating. Their breakup felt destined to happen from the start, and then there was that strange situation with another man, and then they were back together. It just did not work for me. I did not buy their relationship. There is no chemistry because she makes everything an argument then they are in love? Her insecurities are exhausting as a reader. She Needs grief counseling and appears overly depressed, which missed the opportunity to deal with her mental health. Also, The alcohol use felt excessive, and even as someone who has a healthy relationship with alcohol, I was uncomfortable.

His job is cool. The author explains it well, making it a unique concept that is the highlight of the book. I am glad the epilogue brought things full circle.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend this book. I am actually not going to post it on my social media because it feels cruel, but this is the first book I have felt strongly enough to avoid posting on anything but GoodReads.

"Casket Case" presents an intriguing premise with Nora, who inherits her family's casket business after the sudden loss of her parents. The exploration of grief is a compelling aspect, especially as Nora navigates her emotions while forging a new relationship with Garrett, who works for Death.

While the story captures the challenges of moving on from loss, it struggles with pacing and character development. The rapid progression of Nora and Garrett's relationship feels unrealistic, particularly with declarations of love occurring early on. This "insta-love" detracts from the depth of their connection, making it hard to root for them when conflict arises due to Garrett's job.

The slowdown in pace during the later chapters, focusing on Nora’s internal struggles, feels drawn out. A deeper exploration of the chemistry between Nora and Garrett could have enhanced the narrative, as well as a more nuanced portrayal of their attraction.

Despite these flaws, the book presents an interesting take on grief and relationships within a unique setting. It could benefit from more "show, don't tell" moments to better convey the characters' feelings and motivations. Overall, while the premise is strong, deeper character exploration and pacing adjustments could elevate the story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book took me by surprise in the best way. I didn’t know totally what to expect just based on the premise but I loved Nora, Garrett, and the rest of rabbittown by the end.

This book follows Nora who has lost her parents and is now back in her small hometown as the new owner of her parents casket company. She meets and falls in love with Garrett who she discovers works for death.

The premise of death being a corporation that functions like any other company was such an interesting take and I didn’t know what direction it was going to go but I love how it all worked out. Casket Case doesn’t try and explain death or the afterlife but it focuses on the people.

I was crying at multiple points in this story because you grow to care for these characters so much. The second half of the book really picks up and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what happens next.

I also really loved the small town aspect and realizing how dreams and priorities change and that it’s okay to want different things. Nora’s struggle with this felt super similar to my own life so I really related to that!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to any and everyone. Such a unique and fresh perspective while still having a really beautiful love story.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Casket Case by Lauren Evans.

The plot and the concept behind this book really made me want to read and enjoy. However, the writing is just not good. No one talks about themselves the way the characters in this book do.

the idea of someone working for Death is an interesting idea but it just didn't work in this book.

This may be my favorite romance of the year and I've read Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry and Ashley Poston. I found the love story endearing and the characters realistic and likeable. I imagined Garrett as Gabe Lewis from The Office and Nora as Nikki Blonsky from Hairspray. I could not put this early release down and I ended with tears streaming down my face. Once this book is released I will be telling everyone I know to pickup a copy!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This blurb reeled me in so fast! I am fascinated by funeral homes and mortician jobs, so I was excited to read this. It got a bit muddled and hard to follow at times.

The last year of Nora's life has been challenging; she lost her parents and has inherited a business that she never wanted to run but can't seem to let go of. She has hit a wall, stuck in small Rabbitttown, running a casket company and sleeping in her childhood home. Her life isn't moving forward, and while everyone tells her she can sell and move, she just can't. Then, one day, Garrett walks into her shop asking for directions, and something clicks. The two begin dating, and it gets hot and heavy fast. Before Nora knows what has happened, she is in love. There is only one problem. Nora has had enough death in her life, and Garrett just so happens to work for death. Will this revelation tear them apart, or can Nora come to realize that death really is just a part of life?

It's a sweet romance with just a touch of supernatural. I went in expecting it to be a much more grim reaper/death, but I found a sweet romance about learning to overcome grief and finding happiness in what you never thought you wanted but needed all along. This is the story of two people learning about life, love, and how to care for each other, all while realizing that life is fleeting. Nora is relatable; you can feel her uncertainty and sadness over losing her parents. That desire to move on with life but afraid of letting go because it means the ones you love are truly gone. On the other hand, Garrett shows us that death doesn't have to be scary; he does what he does so no one ever has to be alone. I loved the sweetness that he approached his job with and his strong desire to help others made me fall in love with the character.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC copy of this novel; however, the above thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nora’s grandfather founded the Rabbittown Casket Company, that now at the death of her parents, belongs to her. Nora also inherited her parents’ house where she lives, however, she hasn’t kept up the yard or the inside. She is 30 years old and regularly has dinner with her grandfather and spends time with him when she can. She did have a serious boyfriend; however, she’s having trouble getting past the unexpected death of her parents, he got tired of spending their time together in a cometary, and eventually found someone else.
Garrett Bishop is looking for a specific address in Rabbittown and his GPS took him to the Casket Company, so he got out of the car and went inside to ask how to find the address he was looking for. Nora directed him to the Pearl Café right next door. Garrett comes by again the next day and asks Nora out on a date, which she accepts.
Garrett and Nora become quite serious and spend a lot of time together. Nora isn’t exactly sure what Garrett does for his job, other than he’s in logistics. He drives a silver Mercedes, and is always dressed very nice, but rather vague about what his specific job is. Nora knows that the fastest way to get any news is at the Pearl Café or the First Baptist Church.
Unexpectedly there are several deaths in their small town. All very normal situations, such as a heart attack, or a car accident, however, what is strange is that Garrett has been seen in the vicinity of each death.
This book started out to be a rather intriguing romantic story, but as I got more into it, there were many moving parts, yet the story moved rather slowly and sometimes it was confusing. There was a bit too much death and grief.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

Nora had left her small-town home in Alabama and had no plans on returning, but when tragedy strikes, she has no option but to return. She has to take over her family's casket business and can't decide what to do with it or is ready to make any decisions. Cue the cute, well-dressed stranger who enters her shop looking for directions. Nora is smitten with Garrett. He is sweet and kind and everything she was looking for, but soon she starts to see that since people in her small town have begun dying, Garrett is seen at the scene of each death. Nora discovers that Garrett is a "logistics coordinator" for Death. Nora struggles to reconcile Garrett's loving nature with the reality of his profession.

The novel's writing is engaging and blends humor and romance with darker elements. Nora's romantic journey is anxiety-ridden, with the common concerns that we all feel at the beginning of a relationship, making Nora and the romance plot relatable for the readers. At the same time, Nora is reeling from the loss of her parents and creates somber and heartwarming moments as she recollects memories with them. The grieving process and the human response to death are vital in the storyline. Nora is complicated, but her strength does shine. I enjoyed the story's clever plot and endearing characters, making it a memorable read.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine, and Dell.

Sadly, this book was not for me. I hate giving a low starred review for arcs, especially for debut novels but this one just didn’t click with me because I think it’s just not my kind of romance book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fast paced romance books and likes the idea of a little supernatural or even religious elements thrown in.

I think overall flow and lack of chemistry between the main characters is what did it. However, I will say that if the first line that was used for chapter 2 was used for chapter 1, or to open the book, it would have instantly drawn me in. I read it and went ooo, tell me more. What are we getting into?

Most of the dialogue and the overall book felt like someone was talking to me rather than telling me a story or me being immersed in one. I don’t think I explained that very well but thats the best way I can think of it.

I was about maybe 25% of the way through and I still wasn’t invested. I feel like we barely knew anything about Garrett, and I get it, he’s keeping secrets but I felt zero connection and I started to actually find him really annoying by halfway through. I wish we got to know him more and he had more of a story, a struggle we truly saw to see him grow as a person or truly support Nora in some way. He carries his grief with him, like Nora, but his seemed more unresolved and he should probably go to therapy. Also, the chapters where we went back in time to explain or give us an inkling into what Garrett does and a little backstory really disrupted the flow for me.

I think the flow of the story of them rushing into things but also saying let’s take this slow was confusing. I sat there thinking that they’ve only known each other for what seems like days we’re already to the “I love you” stage making it feel disingenuous. How did they get there so quickly when it seemed liked they also didn’t have chemistry with each other? I can understand having someone help you get out of a dark slump on the Nora side of things but it all felt too rushed. I was happy she felt like she could things again or had the drive to go out.

After Nora finds out about what Garrett does for a living, I can understand her freaking out and being confused. Hell, I would be too since love isn’t always enough. But, her going to Johnny to get over him seemed like an ok move even if he annoyed me too and seemed like a bad guy. I’m glad Nora discovered the truth and figured out what she wanted.

To me, the twist in the epilogue doesn’t make sense either and felt like it was something fun to throw in to try to trip up readers.


I received an eARC from Random House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story follows Nora, a casket store worker, and Garrett, who works for death. I found the premise intriguing, especially after reading books like The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, and Rules for Ghosting, and I think this book does cover the grief (of Rules for Ghosting) and some of the romance of UoHaM in ways that are interesting but where I had trouble was in the writing style. I found the writing to be a bit stiff making it difficult to see the relationship forming between Nora and Garrett. The writing also left something to be desired as characters, locations, and events didn't feel fleshed out, making it difficult to parse the ways characters grew through the story. I do think there are some fun ideas here, but would really like to see some stronger writing to support those ideas.

HOW CUTEEEEE. i ate this up. i can’t wait to reread closer to spooky season but although it was summertime i couldn’t help myself. it was serving vibes the entire time and the romance was positively to die for (haha). can’t wait to read her next book!!

Casket Case is such an interesting book. It's morbid but also has a cute love story. It has paranormal elements while also feeling very grounded and real. There is no sugarcoating in this. This book can be sad especially if you have lost a loved one recently so be warned.

I think I was intrigued most by the concept/plot. It sounded so different and I couldn't wait to read it. The author is very creative and I think she set up an intriguing small town.

I wish the romance was developed more. It seemed very rushed. I think the characters needed more instant chemistry in order to make the love at first sight believable.

Perhaps would be a good read for summerween.

Man I wish I had a better things to say about this book. I truly TRULY love the concept of this book. A girl owns a casket/funeral business and the man works for DEATH?!?! I mean c'mon that's incredible but man is this rough to get through.
First, they fall and they fall hard after like a date and a half???? Like thinking about saying 'I love you' by date 3??? I'm not even a slow burn girlie I'm like let's get tooooo it but there was not one single ounce, moment, second of pining or yearning... None at all. Also the weird like 60% of the way through triangle??? Felt so forced howevere the second man does have a brilliantly funny line, on their way to a conference they're talking about the talks and two of the talks are titled, "Embalming: Thriving Beyond Surviving" and "Cremation for Dummies" This made me actually laugh aloud.

The premise and concept of this was incredible and had SUCH potential but wow the writing was rough, the overall story was so slow it never takes me almost 10 days to get through a book but I just kept putting it down. Nora's anxious attachment was NOT it for me.

Rounding up to 2 stars mainly for Johnny's banter.

This is certainly not a rom-com as billed.

There's rom, but no com. Please don't think this is a lighthearted tale.

Let's do a pro and con list like Nora, the main character of this story, likes to do:

PROS
The premise of the book is interesting. It was a fascinating take on death, dying, and those left behind.

Nora grows as a character. I was really worried that she wouldn't. Finally, in approximately the last 15% of the book, it happened. I guess that's a pro.

I'm hard pressed to come up with another pro. I didn't hate the book. It's just not what I feel like it was marketed as so I feel a bit duped. This book, in my opinion, was more like literary fiction with a large helping of a romantic subplot.

CONS
What I assume should have been bantering seemed more like bickering between the main characters. Many times it made me cranky with both Garrett and Nora in their encounters. There was nearly always something about the way he replied to her. I can't put my finger on it. It felt like he was almost being condescending to her and when she'd check him on it, he'd backtrack with some compliment or declaration of love. I hated that and it made *me* want to fight Garrett. I doubt that's what the author was striving for. I much preferred Nora's interactions with Johnny. They felt less clipped and more natural. Garrett and Nora's dialogue felt Hemingway-esque in its sharp brevity.

For an insta-love premise, not much time was spent in describing how the characters looked. Garrett was tall and a snappy dresser, Nora was kind of a slob. I think they both had brown eyes, but I'd be hard pressed to tell you what color their hair was. Insta-love starts with insta-lust. While this book was not a romance I'd consider "spicy" (and that's fine) I do feel like more detail work in the beginning as to tge characters traits and what they found attractive about each other would have made the insta-love more believable.

Overall, it's not a bad book. Just not a rom-com.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.

Death (inc) comes to Rabbittown, Alabama.

Following the sudden death of her parents, Nora moves back to her hometown to run the family casket business. She seems rather stuck in her new life and every day is the same. Until a handsome stranger stops by and asks for directions. Nora can’t help falling for Garrett and the feelings are mutual. Only Garrett has a bit of a secret - he may not be the grim reaper, but he works for Death.

I really wish I liked this one more than I did. The premise sounded so great! I didn’t really like either main character and while instalove doesn’t always bother me, it really did here. It was just SO fast and we didn’t really get to know either character, so I didn’t buy that they really knew one another either. Garrett was also a huge snob more than once and that really put me off.

I will say that I loved the small town setting and all of the side characters in Nora’s life. There’s also a “twist” involving another Death employee that I thought was fun. While this one didn’t work for me I’ll definitely give this author another chance in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for a review copy.

This book has all the components of a typical romance novel but with a (refreshing) twist. The more I read, the more I related to Nora - there was something very comforting with seeing how her story / understanding progressed. The setting, characters, and plot combined to make this a very cozy read!