I wanted to love this book! The premise hooked me and I was so intrigued by Garrett's job…. At first.
The story felt like it was dragging. The characters seemed so uninteresting and almost bored of each other. I quickly found myself skipping paragraphs, then pages.. then chapters.
I REALLY loved the idea, but the execution was not there for me.

To start, Lauren Evans is undoubtedly a very creative mind who can craft a story like no other. This was genuinely one of the most original concepts I've come across in some time, so I was thrilled to request this one, but I found it just okay by the end of it. First of all, the pacing felt very off. The story seemed to progress slowly but the intimacy ramped up very quickly. I also just didn't feel much genuine chemistry between Garrett and Nora. I did however really enjoy the paranormal aspect and feel that it kept me moving forward sometimes.

3 Stars (maybe even 2.5???)

This book was….ummmm….ehhhhh…hmmmm

I wanted to love this one so much, especially because it is based near a small town in Alabama that I am very familiar with. It also was so unique because it was about a casket seller and someone who works for "Death" and not in the paranormal sense, but in a Death is basically an extension of hospice kind of way.

It just fell kind of flat. I really didn't buy the romance (and honestly felt like Garrett was demeaning towards Nora). In fact, I about the quick relationship that happens during a break-up so much more.

Casket Case was a quick read and a somewhat forgettable romance, but one that ends with a HEA, so hey, can't complain too much. Would make for a good Hallmark romance.

This was a sweet, surprisingly emotional story about a small-town woman and the relationships that surround her- including her relationship with grief. It also offered a unique perspective about experience of death. I enjoyed every bit of it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

This had some clever elements, but the story felt a bit over the top for my taste. The plot got tangled up with its own quirks, which made it hard to fully connect. Still, fans of supernatural romance with a darkly comic twist might enjoy this one!

"Casket Case" by Lauren Evans is a clever and humorous mystery that hooks readers from the first page. The protagonist’s sharp wit and relatable struggles bring a refreshing perspective to the genre, making for an enjoyable and engaging read. Evans skillfully weaves suspense with moments of levity, creating a delightful balance that keeps the story moving. The quirky cast of characters adds depth and charm, ensuring that every twist feels both surprising and satisfying. Overall, this novel is a fun, fast-paced adventure that will leave you eagerly turning the pages until the very end.

This book had the oddest premise I've come across in a while, so I was intrigued to see where the author would go with it. A small-town Alabama girl (hey, that's me!) who runs her family's casket company after her parents untimely death (ok, maybe not me...) meets a man who works in logistics for Death. Yes, death. Not the death industry, death itself. It sounded promising, so I dove in.

I had two main issues with this one, the pacing and the love story between Garrett and Nora.

The pacing was so. so. slow., which was in direct contradiction to the whiplash inducing speed at which Garrett and Nora became romantically involved. They met once, and by their second encounter they're dating. Shortly thereafter they're declaring their love for each other. I get love at first sight, and fast relationships, but this was just mind-bogglingly fast. Other than Garrett being hot, I didn't see what would attract Nora to him. And his attraction to her...did he just go "oh, I work for death and she sells caskets...it's perfect! Marry me!". It was weird. Then add in a last 30% love triangle and grandpa's secret and I was left scratching my head.

This book did do a good job dealing with grief in a way that didn't beat around the bush at all. Nora's paralysis after losing her parents felt real, and nuanced. She vacillated between angry and hurt in a way that felt true (to my experience of loss at least).

Overall it was fine, but not a favorite.

Casket Case has such a unique, quirky setup: Nora, who inherits her family’s casket business, meets Garrett, a guy who (oddly enough) works for Death in logistics. With Nora trying to navigate her grief and a stalled life, it sounds like the perfect setup for a memorable romance.

But while the premise grabbed me, the story didn’t quite hit the mark. The romance between Nora and Garrett feels rushed—they go from strangers to saying “I love you” within a few dates, which didn’t give me time to believe in their connection. Nora’s small-town loneliness and Garrett’s availability felt more like conveniences than genuine reasons to fall in love, and when a love triangle pops up, it made the relationship feel even less convincing.

The writing style was also tough at times. The dialogue was pretty stiff, and both Nora and Garrett kept circling the same questions about their relationship. This slowed the pace and made the story feel repetitive, especially in third-person, which added distance instead of drawing me into their emotions.

Still, I appreciated how the book approached grief. It doesn’t try to sugarcoat loss and instead gives an honest, bittersweet look at how we deal with death.

Overall, Casket Case brings an original idea to the table, but the rushed romance, choppy writing, and flat character development made it hard for me to fully connect. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group / Ballantine for the ARC.

DNF-40%. The writing felt a little disjointed. The characters were sweet and awkward. I liked the premise and I liked that it didn’t shy away from death and grief. I don’t mind an insta-love trope but it felt like it went unexplained why they were into each other soooo quickly and I didn’t really feeeeel they were that connected. I think there was a lot of potential here but I was just hoping for something a little different. I think this book could be a fun fall read for some, just wasn’t for me!

I loathe to give bad reviews. The fact that author put their hear and soul into their stories is truly impressive to me. While I did not DNF this book it was close. I am going to sandwich my review starting and ending with good things. This is debut novel and I will defiantly keep my eye out for future books by the author. It had good bones and I really liked the premises. The reason I chose the book was the idea of a Casket dealer falling in love with someone who works for Death. Talk about a match made in Heaven. I really liked the meet cute, I found Nora's backstory of how she came to be in the Casket Store that her parent owned tragic and the perfect start to a good redemption or growing arc - You know the girls find herself in the small town doing what she has always known. I found the mysterious stranger that pop into her store looking for direction perfect - can we talk about Fate stepping in to make these two come together.
This is where the book started to drag - The dates, the getting to know each other. I really thought there was going to be theme of Garrett being at the scene of all these peoples death and Nora thinking he was a serial killler, and that had great pontental for a hilarious kind of mystery storyline. But instead we got moping of Nora while Garrett was working, weird facetimes chats with family, Nora crying, cause she doesn't know what she wants, more dating, Nora crying, Nora having dinner with her grandfather, then having dinner with her grandfather as a date with Garret, then more crying. Then I thought we were moving along and then he has to tell her what he does and boom she hates him. I didn't' really understand this conflict at all. I found the premise of a company that makes sure no one is alone when they die one of the coolest thing - What a comforting thought to those that couldn't be there when someone they loves dies. But she hated it and blamed him for causing the deaths...not sure I really understood her logic and the break up seemed poorly timed and backward.
This is also my biggest issue with this book - AUTHOR what were you thinking?? This has to be one of the cool companies I have every heard off and Garrett is all like. Whatever...I just do my job and I don't' really know how it all works...WHAT..no I need details, i need to know if there is magic, do people like Garrett have like Angel blood, I want to see this hypnosis, like what is someone falls off a cliff, does some jump with him - do they have like super powers while they are doing their job, how do you survive the car crash - I needed way more. I want way less of Nora watching TV and way more of Garrett at the company. ( I think my favorite scene of the whole book is him going into the Nursing home and being with her while she passes away)
I found the town interesting. I am a huge sucker for small town romances, and this had all the cool side characters. I love the idea that Nora was friends with all the old folks, but i felt like they kept telling her that she needs to "get out of this town". I am sorry...I want her to stay and sell caskets and marry the guy that works for Death. I didn't feel like everyone was super welcoming of her. I didn't get the cool arc of learning I really do love this small town that I kept waiting for.
This brings me to 2nd half of the book where Nora and Garret break up - ( I know we are only like halfway through this story - This is where I am introduced to my favorite character. The enemies to lovers vibes i got from Nora and the Funeral Director was great. I found myself almost routing for those two to get together. (this is where I have high hopes for this author). Her banter between these two characters was off the chart. He was such a fun a slick character and loved that they were become friends. I hated that the way that story line ended up...I would have loved to have seen him and Nora be friends - maybe work together to put the other funeral company to shame - but no he was the bad guy. Urgh. not my favorite.
Ok - so the book was too long with very made-up conflicts, I didn't' understand Nora's breaking up with Garrett over his job. I am not really sure I understood if this was supposed to be paranormal, or magical realism because there was so little about that aspect of the story but finishing this review with a positive thought that I really liked the writing. I think the banter that characters did was great, I defiantly found myself tearing up in places so this author has great potential.

This is a cozy romcom that features Death. It's a cute story about how death is actually a part of all of our lives but it's how we view death is what makes us different. I liked the story, there were some minor issues with the character development (as she didn't grow as a person at all!) I did however see this to be a great little cozy to read in those cold fall October nights.

I dnf'd this book at 55% - I was trying so hard to enjoy it but just could not get into it no matter how much I read. The idea is fantastic - there are so many pathways that could have been taken surrounding Nora working in a casket store. The town was cute and quirky, as were the residents, and Nora was upholding the family tradition - this could have made for a well rounded & put together story. Instead it seemed like a case of insta-love going wrong - the initial meet cute held promise and intrigue but then it quickly went downhill. The pacing was off, the "love" made no sense and really did not work well, and there was no character growth or anything that became apparent before I quit reading. I LOVED the realistic approach to grief and wish that it had been explored more!

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc in exchange for my honest review.

The book's unique concept revolves around a strange love story between a woman who inherits a casket business and a man who works for Death, but its pacing and underdeveloped romance detracted from my overall enjoyment. While I appreciated the realistic portrayal of grief and small-town life, the rapid progression of Nora and Garrett's relationship felt forced, especially since their initial connection lacked depth. Nora's character was difficult to connect with; her dialogue often came off as hostile, leaving me torn between wanting to comfort her and shaking her out of her gloom. Ultimately, I rated the book three stars due to its intriguing premise, despite my reservations about the romantic elements and the heroine. I remain interested in the author's future works.

DNF at 20% - I think this book needed more character depth and I needed more build up to enjoy the relationship aspect, the insta-love was off putting.

I'm actually giving this one a 4.5. I enjoyed it and it was cute, but I feel like it was pretty predictable. I anticipated what the twists would be except for one minor one. I also feel like maybe there wasn't quite enough build up to the relationship side of things and then there wasn't quite enough conflict to overcome. All that being said, I would happily read more by this author and any other books should they expand as a series.

The story was cute, but I’m not really sure it was my thing.
The characters were compelling and mostly likable, but the third person omniscient narration style threw me off a lot and made it difficult to get into the story.

It’s not a bad book or story by any means, just not quite what I was expecting when I picked it up, and I’m 90% sure it was the POV that just didn’t hit for me this time.

Solid 3 stars for being a decent story, just not quite right for me.

I received an advance copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own, and a review was not required.

I really enjoyed the premise in the first half of the book but the terrible communication where the characters went in circles and circles in the second half was a little much for me. The ending brought it back around though and was very sweet.

This is a cute romance by Lauren Evans. It is always nice to read a story where both leads are dealing with things and find a way to work through and be together rather than just one, usually the female, is dealing with something that is preventing her from giving in and falling for the love interest. The story was very interesting and parts were quite unexpected.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was almost a DNF for me. It was super drawn out and I don't know if I really enjoyed the premise behind the book. The relationship didn't feel real to me throughout most of the book. The only emotion I really felt was at the end when the grandfather was informed that he was going to die.

disappointing is all i can say. didn’t vibe with either of the characters and i thought the beginning to their relationship was odd and super rushed. the pacing just felt off. i was super excited to read it since the cover was so stinkin cute, but alas, you can’t win them all.

thank you to Netgalley and Random House for an e copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.