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A Last Responders Romance #2
Undertaking Love
Bethany West swapped her highly lucrative modeling career for her dream job as a mortician when she partnered at Smythe & Co. Mortuary.
In those seven months, she expected to blow the roof off the Victorian-era relic with her eco-friendly innovations and death positive attitude. But during that time, she’s only managed to piss off her embittered business partner, George Smythe, a man dead set on maintaining the status quo and driving Bethany out of his namesake business.
Bethany’s sick and tired of his antiquated ways, but it’s even worse pretending she doesn’t have feelings for the grump who’s so rigid, he probably has embalming fluid in his veins. If she could somehow convince him to stop torturing himself about his past, she’s pretty sure George could love her right back.
When the pair travel together to a mortuary conference in New Orleans—competing against each other in dueling embalming demonstrations—Bethany can finally exhume what’s really buried beneath George’s ice-cold contempt for the living. Little by little, he lets her dig, slowly starting to see the value of her business model. He’s also recognizing his own intense and dangerous attraction to his blonde bombshell business partner.
Bethany learns the truth behind George’s trauma, and it’s more disheartening and mundane than she suspected. Unless George opens up and leans on her—at the risk of succumbing to their cremation-level attraction, he’ll jeopardize both the business and their hearts by refusing the true partnership they both need.
***BE WARNED: This book contains graphic depictions of the dead and graphic depictions of sex (not necessarily at the same time).
In those seven months, she expected to blow the roof off the Victorian-era relic with her eco-friendly innovations and death positive attitude. But during that time, she’s only managed to piss off her embittered business partner, George Smythe, a man dead set on maintaining the status quo and driving Bethany out of his namesake business.
Bethany’s sick and tired of his antiquated ways, but it’s even worse pretending she doesn’t have feelings for the grump who’s so rigid, he probably has embalming fluid in his veins. If she could somehow convince him to stop torturing himself about his past, she’s pretty sure George could love her right back.
When the pair travel together to a mortuary conference in New Orleans—competing against each other in dueling embalming demonstrations—Bethany can finally exhume what’s really buried beneath George’s ice-cold contempt for the living. Little by little, he lets her dig, slowly starting to see the value of her business model. He’s also recognizing his own intense and dangerous attraction to his blonde bombshell business partner.
Bethany learns the truth behind George’s trauma, and it’s more disheartening and mundane than she suspected. Unless George opens up and leans on her—at the risk of succumbing to their cremation-level attraction, he’ll jeopardize both the business and their hearts by refusing the true partnership they both need.
***BE WARNED: This book contains graphic depictions of the dead and graphic depictions of sex (not necessarily at the same time).
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
83 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Megan Montgomery
5 books150 followersMegan Montgomery is a multi-award winning author of steamy, smart, character-driven romance.
Her debut novel, WELL...THAT WAS AWKWARD, described as "a big, juicy bite of Chesapeake Bay culture," was inspired by her homesickness for southern Maryland. She now lives among the cornfields of Illinois with her family--but don't ever mistake her for a Midwesterner. A goth at heart since age 12, she loves the color black, Mozart's Requiem, and the history of death and burial rites.
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her volunteering at the library or the medicinal herb garden, or cackling over a cauldron during a full moon.
Her books have received the B.R.A.G. Medallion, Best Indie Book Award for romance, the Indie Reader Discovery Award for chick lit, the Rudy Award for contemporary romance, and were finalists in the Page Turner Book and Screenplay Awards, but she's most thrilled when she makes personal connections with readers.
Her debut novel, WELL...THAT WAS AWKWARD, described as "a big, juicy bite of Chesapeake Bay culture," was inspired by her homesickness for southern Maryland. She now lives among the cornfields of Illinois with her family--but don't ever mistake her for a Midwesterner. A goth at heart since age 12, she loves the color black, Mozart's Requiem, and the history of death and burial rites.
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her volunteering at the library or the medicinal herb garden, or cackling over a cauldron during a full moon.
Her books have received the B.R.A.G. Medallion, Best Indie Book Award for romance, the Indie Reader Discovery Award for chick lit, the Rudy Award for contemporary romance, and were finalists in the Page Turner Book and Screenplay Awards, but she's most thrilled when she makes personal connections with readers.
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June 25, 2023Liked the idea of this series way more than I liked reading the actual books. I didn't want to condemn the whole series just for the awful trope in the first book. I wanted to like the romance books about death care workers, damnit.
January 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "If you're anything like me, roses are for funerals, but I had to give you flowers at least once in our lives. Feel free to snip the heads off, Morticia. I know you prefer the thorns, anyway." After not being able to read and get into a book properly for like month. This book has completely flipped a switch in me. I adored it. I couldn't put down. I have already started reading it again.
Bethany and George may both work for Smythe and Co. Mortuary, however, they are stark rivals and enemies. After Bethany left her job as a model to focus on a career in mortuary, she met George, a man stuck in the old ways as a mortician. The two bicker over embalming fluids, their personality clashes, and how much George is paying Bethany's daughter to clean the coffins. However, despite George's reserved nature, there is no denying the chemistry between the two. However, with an ex-wife lingering in the back of minds, Bethany's career as a model, and them trying to buy each other out of the business, will their love have the opportunity in an establishment surrounded by goodbyes.
My oh my. This book was absolutely everything that I dreamed it would be. The characters for sure, made this book. Bethany previously worked as a model on OnlyFans, and was an incredibly empowering character. She was hard-working and determined in her work. She was also so caring, as both a mother, and a business parter. George was such a tortured character from the offset. Immediately seeming broodish. However, the more you see into the anxiety and his past you understand why he is the way he is. I loved how the two complemented each other. One of the best relationships was George and Bethany's daughter. So sweet! This book also has the perfect amount of steamier scenes and they really fit the characters personalities so perfectly. It was really well done I could not stop reading!
I've never read a book set in a funeral home, however, as someone who has always had an inkling towards that manner of work. The balance between the work and their personal relationships was incredible in this book. I cannot wait to read more from the author I cannot recommend it enough! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you booksirens for the arc!
(Side note I just re-read this book and it was as incredible as it was the first time around!)
Bethany and George may both work for Smythe and Co. Mortuary, however, they are stark rivals and enemies. After Bethany left her job as a model to focus on a career in mortuary, she met George, a man stuck in the old ways as a mortician. The two bicker over embalming fluids, their personality clashes, and how much George is paying Bethany's daughter to clean the coffins. However, despite George's reserved nature, there is no denying the chemistry between the two. However, with an ex-wife lingering in the back of minds, Bethany's career as a model, and them trying to buy each other out of the business, will their love have the opportunity in an establishment surrounded by goodbyes.
My oh my. This book was absolutely everything that I dreamed it would be. The characters for sure, made this book. Bethany previously worked as a model on OnlyFans, and was an incredibly empowering character. She was hard-working and determined in her work. She was also so caring, as both a mother, and a business parter. George was such a tortured character from the offset. Immediately seeming broodish. However, the more you see into the anxiety and his past you understand why he is the way he is. I loved how the two complemented each other. One of the best relationships was George and Bethany's daughter. So sweet! This book also has the perfect amount of steamier scenes and they really fit the characters personalities so perfectly. It was really well done I could not stop reading!
I've never read a book set in a funeral home, however, as someone who has always had an inkling towards that manner of work. The balance between the work and their personal relationships was incredible in this book. I cannot wait to read more from the author I cannot recommend it enough! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you booksirens for the arc!
(Side note I just re-read this book and it was as incredible as it was the first time around!)
April 14, 2023
I absolutely adored this book! This book had me in its ropes from the first page, and I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down, and now that I’ve finished it, all I want is more of George and Bethany. I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers romance. The chemistry between them was well written, and their dialogue was organic, which made the spice in this book all the more spicy. And this book was Carolina-Reaper-pepper-level spicy. I loved it! I couldn’t get enough. I’ve already added this author’s other books to my TBR list and I’m very excited to see what she’ll crank out in the future!!
~Taylor💜
~Taylor💜
June 18, 2024
This book cracked me open, tore me apart, and put me back together again.
I almost wish I had read this series in proper order but I’m glad I didn’t because knowing about everyone’s ending made it easier to stomach the tears and heartbreak.
I almost wish I had read this series in proper order but I’m glad I didn’t because knowing about everyone’s ending made it easier to stomach the tears and heartbreak.
May 5, 2023
This book was not to die for…
Puns aside, I did like the concept and the first few chapters of interesting details about the lives and work of morticians, especially since I don’t often read about that line of work especially in romance novels. However this book quickly lost my interest when characters began to flip flop from one extreme and contradicting personality to another. Also— four days is not enough time to develop a romance when there has been no prior inclination of anything from anyone until literally the third day. I understand the idea of chemistry but this just feels like bad chemicals were mixed together.
Overall, I did like the general idea of the book but several aspects felt out of pocket and unnecessary to the storyline, which could have been developed a bit better across more time. It just sorta made me want to formalde-hide the book far away from myself 💀
Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher, and author for sending me a free ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Puns aside, I did like the concept and the first few chapters of interesting details about the lives and work of morticians, especially since I don’t often read about that line of work especially in romance novels. However this book quickly lost my interest when characters began to flip flop from one extreme and contradicting personality to another. Also— four days is not enough time to develop a romance when there has been no prior inclination of anything from anyone until literally the third day. I understand the idea of chemistry but this just feels like bad chemicals were mixed together.
Overall, I did like the general idea of the book but several aspects felt out of pocket and unnecessary to the storyline, which could have been developed a bit better across more time. It just sorta made me want to formalde-hide the book far away from myself 💀
Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher, and author for sending me a free ARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 19, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot: Bethany West, a former model, and George Smythe, a forever mortician, work together and are business partners in the funeral home, previously owned by his family. They started working together two years ago, and till this moment their relationship has been strictly business. George is a grump and Bethany thinks he hates her. But one trip to New Orleans to attend a conference changes everything between them.
It was the first time I read about the mortuary business, embalming, and the like processes. And it was a great first experience.
What I liked:
1. the unusual setting. It is not every day that I read about mortuary workers and the way they do business. So it was fascinating and unputdownable.
2. the amount and quality of the research the author has done. All the processes' descriptions were comprehensive and detailed and that made the book even more interesting to read. It is always great to learn something new, and this book was full of original information.
3. the dual POV. It is a different reading experience to read about events from both characters. And particularly in this story, I loved how the author wrote not only the love story but also indicated the turning point for both Bethany and George, the moment when their attitude to each other changed and they realized their feelings.
4. the love story. It is a haters-to-lovers trope, and I loved how the author wrote the build-up of the relationship. It developed gradually, tension grew up slowly but surely, and everything happened at the right moment between the characters. Also, the adult scenes were super hot, and the chemistry between the characters was undeniable and tangible.
5. chapter 41. My favorite scene here was the conversation between George and his brother Gus. It was so hilarious I literally laughed out loud and didn't even care about people being around.
6. the writing. It is smooth, flows easily, full of humor, and gripping, so it is a pleasure to read the story.
7. the characters. All the characters are well-written, especially the main ones - they are distinct, likable, and unique. I really grew to like Bethany and George. George's mother did not appear a lot, but she surely evoked emotions. The supportive characters are also nice and everyone plays a role in the story.
Content warnings: death, sex, and profanity.
Overall opinion: Great story! I loved this book! The writing, the characters, the story - I enjoyed everything and was sad when the book ended. The narration is gripping, entertaining, sexy, and humorous. All this made it a great reading experience and I would definitely like to read more by the author!
The plot: Bethany West, a former model, and George Smythe, a forever mortician, work together and are business partners in the funeral home, previously owned by his family. They started working together two years ago, and till this moment their relationship has been strictly business. George is a grump and Bethany thinks he hates her. But one trip to New Orleans to attend a conference changes everything between them.
It was the first time I read about the mortuary business, embalming, and the like processes. And it was a great first experience.
What I liked:
1. the unusual setting. It is not every day that I read about mortuary workers and the way they do business. So it was fascinating and unputdownable.
2. the amount and quality of the research the author has done. All the processes' descriptions were comprehensive and detailed and that made the book even more interesting to read. It is always great to learn something new, and this book was full of original information.
3. the dual POV. It is a different reading experience to read about events from both characters. And particularly in this story, I loved how the author wrote not only the love story but also indicated the turning point for both Bethany and George, the moment when their attitude to each other changed and they realized their feelings.
4. the love story. It is a haters-to-lovers trope, and I loved how the author wrote the build-up of the relationship. It developed gradually, tension grew up slowly but surely, and everything happened at the right moment between the characters. Also, the adult scenes were super hot, and the chemistry between the characters was undeniable and tangible.
5. chapter 41. My favorite scene here was the conversation between George and his brother Gus. It was so hilarious I literally laughed out loud and didn't even care about people being around.
6. the writing. It is smooth, flows easily, full of humor, and gripping, so it is a pleasure to read the story.
7. the characters. All the characters are well-written, especially the main ones - they are distinct, likable, and unique. I really grew to like Bethany and George. George's mother did not appear a lot, but she surely evoked emotions. The supportive characters are also nice and everyone plays a role in the story.
Content warnings: death, sex, and profanity.
Overall opinion: Great story! I loved this book! The writing, the characters, the story - I enjoyed everything and was sad when the book ended. The narration is gripping, entertaining, sexy, and humorous. All this made it a great reading experience and I would definitely like to read more by the author!
May 23, 2023
Megan Montgomery writes in such a way that is so fresh, unique, and embalmed with such emotion, that I was engaged and fascinated from first page to the last!
Undertaking Love is the story of Bethany and George. Bethany is famous model who has pivoted to her dream career of funeral directing. She's bought out half of Smythe & Sons mortuary services from her best friend's father. Now Smythe & Co., Bethany butts heads against George Smythe, who's owns the other half of the mortuary service that has been in the family since the mid-1800s.
Bethany is empathetic, creative, and adventurous, and wants to bring deathcare into the future with the rest of society, focusing on extensive care for the grieving and more environmentally-friendly and green alternatives to embalming and burial. George is tightly controlled, battling compassion fatigue and career burnout, and old-fashioned. You can see how this might lead to some bickering...
What ensues is a touching story about compassion fatigue in servicing a grieving community, career burnout, and losing oneself in the pursuit of your work for others. Sometimes it was frustrating to watch George make so many mistakes and fight against Bethany or the betterment of his work or himself, but Megan Montgomery has a fantastic way of letting her characters organically show you why they are who they are on the page. We learn that George is struggling hard, but he cares immensely too, but lacks many of the proper techniques to protect himself.
Another thing Megan Montgomery does so well is inject her story with words that create an intense sense of the characters and the environment. Similes and metaphors that call to deathcare services and the gruesome things funeral directors see every day. Sometimes it's dark and gritty, and sometimes it's funny, but it creates a very strong sense of the space these characters inhabit.
Undertaking Love is the second book in The Last Responders, but is a totally fine standalone. You will walk away from Undertaking Love not being able to wait to read Morgue to Love though!! I know I can't wait to read Soula and Decca's stories!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Undertaking Love is the story of Bethany and George. Bethany is famous model who has pivoted to her dream career of funeral directing. She's bought out half of Smythe & Sons mortuary services from her best friend's father. Now Smythe & Co., Bethany butts heads against George Smythe, who's owns the other half of the mortuary service that has been in the family since the mid-1800s.
Bethany is empathetic, creative, and adventurous, and wants to bring deathcare into the future with the rest of society, focusing on extensive care for the grieving and more environmentally-friendly and green alternatives to embalming and burial. George is tightly controlled, battling compassion fatigue and career burnout, and old-fashioned. You can see how this might lead to some bickering...
What ensues is a touching story about compassion fatigue in servicing a grieving community, career burnout, and losing oneself in the pursuit of your work for others. Sometimes it was frustrating to watch George make so many mistakes and fight against Bethany or the betterment of his work or himself, but Megan Montgomery has a fantastic way of letting her characters organically show you why they are who they are on the page. We learn that George is struggling hard, but he cares immensely too, but lacks many of the proper techniques to protect himself.
Another thing Megan Montgomery does so well is inject her story with words that create an intense sense of the characters and the environment. Similes and metaphors that call to deathcare services and the gruesome things funeral directors see every day. Sometimes it's dark and gritty, and sometimes it's funny, but it creates a very strong sense of the space these characters inhabit.
Undertaking Love is the second book in The Last Responders, but is a totally fine standalone. You will walk away from Undertaking Love not being able to wait to read Morgue to Love though!! I know I can't wait to read Soula and Decca's stories!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early release copy of ‘Undertaking Love’ out on April 25th!
This one had such an interesting premise to it but it was just okay. It was pretty boring for most of the story, until about the halfway point when things slightly picked up.
The story follows Bethany and George who work together in a funeral home where they embalm people, set up funeral services, and pick up dead bodies. The funeral home has been in George’s family for years but now both he and Bethany, who is unrelated to the family biologically, each own half. They have been working together for 13 (I believe) years and have never gotten along, a classic enemies to lovers vibe.
While I understand George has some past relationship trauma he has to still work through 11 years later, but it just seems like a really long time for two people to finally realize they like one another and decide to give it a shot. Their pasts were only brought up occasionally so there really wasn’t too much of a backstory on this on Bethany’s end, and some on George’s.
I liked Bethany and George together but not so much independently. I thought they had great chemistry, and the author did a good job portraying that. However, there were so many other side plots and characters and story lines going on, that it took away from the story itself. Especially the one focused on Bethany’s “other job.” I did find the information interesting in regards to how they embalm people and the process surrounding that. I haven’t seen a romance that included that aspect so that was unique.
This is the second installment in a companion series, which I didn’t know until I started this book, but you can definitely read them out of order. I don’t think it spoiled too much of the first book just based off what I read. The first installment follows George’s sister Soula, who is a medical examiner.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early release copy of ‘Undertaking Love’ out on April 25th!
This one had such an interesting premise to it but it was just okay. It was pretty boring for most of the story, until about the halfway point when things slightly picked up.
The story follows Bethany and George who work together in a funeral home where they embalm people, set up funeral services, and pick up dead bodies. The funeral home has been in George’s family for years but now both he and Bethany, who is unrelated to the family biologically, each own half. They have been working together for 13 (I believe) years and have never gotten along, a classic enemies to lovers vibe.
While I understand George has some past relationship trauma he has to still work through 11 years later, but it just seems like a really long time for two people to finally realize they like one another and decide to give it a shot. Their pasts were only brought up occasionally so there really wasn’t too much of a backstory on this on Bethany’s end, and some on George’s.
I liked Bethany and George together but not so much independently. I thought they had great chemistry, and the author did a good job portraying that. However, there were so many other side plots and characters and story lines going on, that it took away from the story itself. Especially the one focused on Bethany’s “other job.” I did find the information interesting in regards to how they embalm people and the process surrounding that. I haven’t seen a romance that included that aspect so that was unique.
This is the second installment in a companion series, which I didn’t know until I started this book, but you can definitely read them out of order. I don’t think it spoiled too much of the first book just based off what I read. The first installment follows George’s sister Soula, who is a medical examiner.
November 16, 2024
L'ambientazione nel mondo delle onoranze funebri e la promessa di enemies-to-lovers sono stati gli elementi che mi hanno attirata, e nonostante il trope come al solito sia stato utilizzato alla leggera l'ambientazione e i protagonisti hanno bilanciato il tutto.
Ci sono state cose che mi hanno convinta poco (tipo la parte iniziale era un po' una sequenza di scene giustapposte, oppure il protagonista maschile che si scopre Dom dal nulla, quando la vecchia copertina e il suo stesso comportamento mi dicevano il contrario... ma sarò io, che devo dire???), ma sono state accantonate dalla parte finale che è stata emotivamente difficile in senso OTTIMO.
Di solito mi lamento dei third act break-up inseriti a caso, qua per assurdo c'è una third act reunion (neologismo random) perché ci sono circa 5-6 capitoli in cui il protagonista maschile sparisce e fa la sua crescita personale da sé, promptata però dal rendersi conto dei propri sentimenti per la protagonista.
Scelta molto coraggiosa e complessa da gestire che ho apprezzato moltissimo pov tecnico, e che è stata davvero importante per la risoluzione positiva del romance.
Perciò sì, lettura interessante che non ha una quinta stella solo perché comunque è stato un apprezzamento cerebrale e non di pancia 👌
P.S.: la protagonista con una bellezza "costruita" e non naturale è davvero una boccata d'aria fresca ♥️
Ci sono state cose che mi hanno convinta poco (tipo la parte iniziale era un po' una sequenza di scene giustapposte, oppure il protagonista maschile che si scopre Dom dal nulla, quando la vecchia copertina e il suo stesso comportamento mi dicevano il contrario... ma sarò io, che devo dire???), ma sono state accantonate dalla parte finale che è stata emotivamente difficile in senso OTTIMO.
Di solito mi lamento dei third act break-up inseriti a caso, qua per assurdo c'è una third act reunion (neologismo random) perché ci sono circa 5-6 capitoli in cui il protagonista maschile sparisce e fa la sua crescita personale da sé, promptata però dal rendersi conto dei propri sentimenti per la protagonista.
Scelta molto coraggiosa e complessa da gestire che ho apprezzato moltissimo pov tecnico, e che è stata davvero importante per la risoluzione positiva del romance.
Perciò sì, lettura interessante che non ha una quinta stella solo perché comunque è stato un apprezzamento cerebrale e non di pancia 👌
P.S.: la protagonista con una bellezza "costruita" e non naturale è davvero una boccata d'aria fresca ♥️
April 14, 2023
This book was a wonderful and dirty read. The heat level of the two MC's is a 10.
Again in this book you will learn all you need to know about the life of a mortician/funeral director. You will read about some really disgusting scenes and things you probably would have rather stayed oblivious to. But although it is gross it is very interesting and intriguing.
Our main characters in this book really have that whole love hate relationship down. They constantly bicker and fight. George is on the verge of a total breakdown and Bethany is sure to follow. Overworked and at each others throats constantly, one of them is bound to break. But when they realize that the whole reason behind it is some unresolved feelings of love, things seem as if they might get better. But then the whole thing comes crashing down in one failed swoop.
This book has some truly deep emotions throughout. It is heart breaking yet romantic in a odd sort of way. It is a book that is not for the squeamish and should not be read lightly. Our characters travel an extremely bumpy road full of hurt and pain.
Overall it is a very interesting, yet very strange love story. The characters are unusual and very challenging. With all that said the book is a page turner and you learn a few things about what it is like to be drowning in yourself and not even know it is happening until it is too late. You will definitely shed a tear or two, hell you may even scream at the characters a bit, but you will walk away with an air of satisfaction in the end.
Again in this book you will learn all you need to know about the life of a mortician/funeral director. You will read about some really disgusting scenes and things you probably would have rather stayed oblivious to. But although it is gross it is very interesting and intriguing.
Our main characters in this book really have that whole love hate relationship down. They constantly bicker and fight. George is on the verge of a total breakdown and Bethany is sure to follow. Overworked and at each others throats constantly, one of them is bound to break. But when they realize that the whole reason behind it is some unresolved feelings of love, things seem as if they might get better. But then the whole thing comes crashing down in one failed swoop.
This book has some truly deep emotions throughout. It is heart breaking yet romantic in a odd sort of way. It is a book that is not for the squeamish and should not be read lightly. Our characters travel an extremely bumpy road full of hurt and pain.
Overall it is a very interesting, yet very strange love story. The characters are unusual and very challenging. With all that said the book is a page turner and you learn a few things about what it is like to be drowning in yourself and not even know it is happening until it is too late. You will definitely shed a tear or two, hell you may even scream at the characters a bit, but you will walk away with an air of satisfaction in the end.
July 26, 2025
Solid 4-4.5 ✨ The main reason it's not a 5-star read is because I was completely frustrated with how George chose to "heal himself." This is such a slowww burn. The character development definitely pays off. I became attached to George's dad, Jim, too. Only possible thru excellent writing 🥺🖤
April 21, 2023
I was seriously disappointed with this book. The two main characters were both overly ridiculous; it felt like we spent 3/4 of the book discussing Bethany's physical attributes and what she did for work. I was beyond annoyed with the amount of time given to that topic, especially in relation to the amount of time we were given information about Bethany and George's relationship - and yet we are somehow supposed to believe that they are madly in love with each other? I'm not buying it. It was also disappointing to be led to believe that instead of a collar, George was going to propose to Bethany...and instead he gave her her eco-friendly graveyard. Don't get me wrong - I see how it ties into the story, and I guess it could be considered romantic - but that's not what I'm expecting when he tells her he has something that will serve to bind them together as much as a collar would.
Another sticking point with me is believing that George would tell Bethany he loves her, can't do this anymore, and then just dip - all on stage. That he would be gone for over 6 weeks, and his family wouldn't get police involved to try to find him and do a welfare check? Again, not buying it. I also think when he came back it wasn't fair of him to assume Bethany would welcome him with open and ready arms - but it was equally unfair for Bethany to not even give him the chance to explain himself.
The premise of this story was so cute - I don't think I've ever read a story based around two main characters who work at the same mortuary, and then throw in enemies to lovers? Super cute...only it wasn't. I came really close to DNF this book, but I have this thing where I just can't bring myself to do that. Oh well.
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I'm sorry it wasn't more positive!
Another sticking point with me is believing that George would tell Bethany he loves her, can't do this anymore, and then just dip - all on stage. That he would be gone for over 6 weeks, and his family wouldn't get police involved to try to find him and do a welfare check? Again, not buying it. I also think when he came back it wasn't fair of him to assume Bethany would welcome him with open and ready arms - but it was equally unfair for Bethany to not even give him the chance to explain himself.
The premise of this story was so cute - I don't think I've ever read a story based around two main characters who work at the same mortuary, and then throw in enemies to lovers? Super cute...only it wasn't. I came really close to DNF this book, but I have this thing where I just can't bring myself to do that. Oh well.
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I'm sorry it wasn't more positive!
May 16, 2023
UNDERTAKING LOVE is bk 2 in Megan Montgomery’s Last Responders Romance series.
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 Stars. 4 Stars for the technical and funeral business aspect, 2 stars relating to certain personality traits for the FMC in this particular business.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= OVERALL, THIS WAS OKAY; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Bethany West, 30, is an aging centerfold model repositioning herself into a funeral director/embalmer career. After completing school and a few years in the funeral business, Bethany uses her savings from her successful modeling career to finance a controlling interest in a family owned funeral business.
George Smythe began working in his family’s funeral business in his teens and took over most responsibilities before he turned 20. In the past 11yrs since, while surviving a difficult divorce, George has steadily been approaching burnout, both in his career and his personal life while continuously giving 100%+ to the job. At 31yrs, George is very surprised when a lovely, vivacious and focused woman suddenly buys into his family’s business, leaving him with just 49%. He is left shocked, feeling like his career has derailed and no one to share his frustrations.
Comments ~
1) UNDERTAKING LOVE is book 2 in Megan Montgomery’s Last Responders Romance series. Although secondary characters appear from previous books, UL can be read as a Standalone novel. It has its own MCs, setting, conflicts and HEA - and No Cliffhangers.
2) I have mixed feelings about UNDERTAKING LOVE. I follow several blogs, podcasts and Utube channels written and hosted by actual funeral directors, embalmers and morticians (because certain aspects of their jobs fascinate me). Reading a story based in the funeral industry sounded interesting and was the reason I purchased UNDERTAKING LOVE. The technical and emotional aspect of UL seemed quite accurate - similar information to what I have gained from my other sources.
2) But I couldn’t believe that Bethany’s work history matched what a successful small town Funeral Director’s recent work history might be. The personality the author gave Bethany’s character was projected as being vivacious, outgoing, positive, caring. And this was fine; but believing any small town funeral business would willingly accept a known Celebrity Porn Star (her own words) as the co-owner, funeral arranger, funeral director in such a conservatively based market, just - “No.” Asking me to believe this aspect, was not possible. (I could see such a character as a successful embalmer but not the “marketing face” of the firm. By public demand, the funeral home business, according to the podcasters and Utube posters, is incredibly conservative).
3) I found George’s character, the MMC, and the struggles he faced believable. His personality and traits were very much in line with who I believe comprise the funeral business industry - hard-working, caring, sacrificing, diligent, focused, isolated, compassionate, excellent listeners with a high rate of burnout and divorce unless self-caring steps are being taken regularly. (Statistics show funeral home owners have the same stress levels as law enforcement, paramedics, clergy, etc).
4) There was an element of BDSM in UL. I don’t have issues with that sexual choice, as long as it’s consensual which this was, and I guess Montgomery thought it suited Bethany’s personality. The BDSM element just seemed out of place to me in this book. (I haven’t read much by Montgomery so I really don’t know her writing. But maybe kink romance is part of her style. Not sure).
5) Overall, I very much enjoyed the science and behind the scenes look at a funeral home business as captured in UNDERTAKING LOVE - the effort and care taken in embalming and reconstruction work, the emotional side of client meetings, the downstairs drain issue that was portrayed, and the truth regarding the burnout rate in the funeral industry, the later which isn’t readily known. I can readily imagine someone acting as George did while under the continual stress. My main reservations in UL were regarding the Bethany character (her Porn Star Celeb status in this particular industry, the BDSM element and I thought the the scenes with the photo shoots were odd. Maybe these were supposed to be funny? Not sure).
*READER CAUTION ~ not recommended to YA readers or those who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used rather frequently.
*VIOLENCE - Mild Consensual BDSM between the MCs. Fairly brief mention and comments.
*SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Steamy and detailed scenes occur a number of times.
OTHER - a secondary character is involved in occult beliefs & practices.
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 Stars. 4 Stars for the technical and funeral business aspect, 2 stars relating to certain personality traits for the FMC in this particular business.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= OVERALL, THIS WAS OKAY; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Bethany West, 30, is an aging centerfold model repositioning herself into a funeral director/embalmer career. After completing school and a few years in the funeral business, Bethany uses her savings from her successful modeling career to finance a controlling interest in a family owned funeral business.
George Smythe began working in his family’s funeral business in his teens and took over most responsibilities before he turned 20. In the past 11yrs since, while surviving a difficult divorce, George has steadily been approaching burnout, both in his career and his personal life while continuously giving 100%+ to the job. At 31yrs, George is very surprised when a lovely, vivacious and focused woman suddenly buys into his family’s business, leaving him with just 49%. He is left shocked, feeling like his career has derailed and no one to share his frustrations.
Comments ~
1) UNDERTAKING LOVE is book 2 in Megan Montgomery’s Last Responders Romance series. Although secondary characters appear from previous books, UL can be read as a Standalone novel. It has its own MCs, setting, conflicts and HEA - and No Cliffhangers.
2) I have mixed feelings about UNDERTAKING LOVE. I follow several blogs, podcasts and Utube channels written and hosted by actual funeral directors, embalmers and morticians (because certain aspects of their jobs fascinate me). Reading a story based in the funeral industry sounded interesting and was the reason I purchased UNDERTAKING LOVE. The technical and emotional aspect of UL seemed quite accurate - similar information to what I have gained from my other sources.
2) But I couldn’t believe that Bethany’s work history matched what a successful small town Funeral Director’s recent work history might be. The personality the author gave Bethany’s character was projected as being vivacious, outgoing, positive, caring. And this was fine; but believing any small town funeral business would willingly accept a known Celebrity Porn Star (her own words) as the co-owner, funeral arranger, funeral director in such a conservatively based market, just - “No.” Asking me to believe this aspect, was not possible. (I could see such a character as a successful embalmer but not the “marketing face” of the firm. By public demand, the funeral home business, according to the podcasters and Utube posters, is incredibly conservative).
3) I found George’s character, the MMC, and the struggles he faced believable. His personality and traits were very much in line with who I believe comprise the funeral business industry - hard-working, caring, sacrificing, diligent, focused, isolated, compassionate, excellent listeners with a high rate of burnout and divorce unless self-caring steps are being taken regularly. (Statistics show funeral home owners have the same stress levels as law enforcement, paramedics, clergy, etc).
4) There was an element of BDSM in UL. I don’t have issues with that sexual choice, as long as it’s consensual which this was, and I guess Montgomery thought it suited Bethany’s personality. The BDSM element just seemed out of place to me in this book. (I haven’t read much by Montgomery so I really don’t know her writing. But maybe kink romance is part of her style. Not sure).
5) Overall, I very much enjoyed the science and behind the scenes look at a funeral home business as captured in UNDERTAKING LOVE - the effort and care taken in embalming and reconstruction work, the emotional side of client meetings, the downstairs drain issue that was portrayed, and the truth regarding the burnout rate in the funeral industry, the later which isn’t readily known. I can readily imagine someone acting as George did while under the continual stress. My main reservations in UL were regarding the Bethany character (her Porn Star Celeb status in this particular industry, the BDSM element and I thought the the scenes with the photo shoots were odd. Maybe these were supposed to be funny? Not sure).
*READER CAUTION ~ not recommended to YA readers or those who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used rather frequently.
*VIOLENCE - Mild Consensual BDSM between the MCs. Fairly brief mention and comments.
*SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Steamy and detailed scenes occur a number of times.
OTHER - a secondary character is involved in occult beliefs & practices.
May 6, 2023
Holy cow! This story grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I loved the refreshing idea of a romance between an uptight, burned-out funeral director and a friendly and outgoing new funeral director who is a soon-to-be former nude model. Not to mention the things I learned about green burials and something called compassion fatigue is beyond fascinating and enlightening.
Bethany West is a single mom, nude model, business partner, and passionate advocate for green burials. She worked hard to become a mortician and though the circumstances of obtaining co-ownership of a family mortuary that wasn't hers was questionable in some eyes, she really cared about her profession. Unfortunately, one of her enemies is the co-owner of the Smythe & Co. Mortuary, George Smythe. As much as she loves new ideas and making needed changes, George is set in his ways, he prefers old school and he is angry she is his business partner. Bethany is in love with George and her mission is to loosen George up and get him to admit his attraction to her, but was her plan too much for a man who is not ready to forgive himself for his past mistakes?
Vulnerable men get me every time. George seems so in control on the outside, but he's extremely vulnerable and lost on the inside. My heart broke for him as he struggled with his attraction to Bethany while thinking he didn't deserve her. In addition, he has a lot of responsibility for his family business which is 24/7 phone calls to pick up bodies, prepping the bodies, and dealing with family grief and confusion every day. It's enough to make anyone collapse from the stress. I had recently heard of compassion fatigue while talking to a colleague and it is very real.
Bethany is a sexy siren and she is a fantastic mom. Her compassion and natural kindness to everyone around her are lovely. Watching Bethany seduce George at the conference in New Orleans and show him what he is missing beyond his job is heartwarming. She discovers his love for music, for dancing, and for singing. She sees the carefree man who laughs, teases, and finally gives in to his passion for Bethany which is so hot. But George is overwhelmed and confused which leads to a change in their dynamics and Bethany is put in a position to take charge of the mortuary and run it the way she wants. Her strength and determination shine through and with help from her friends and support from those who doubted her, she endures. All misunderstandings are eventually cleared up ending with George's surprising and unusual gift to Bethany and a happily ever after.
This book has wonderful characters. Bethany's metaphysical friend, Decca is full of hilarious and delightful advice for Bethany's non-existent sex life. Bethany's talented daughter, Sofia is smart and has a great relationship with both her mother and George. George's dad, Jim, made me cry with his heartfelt advice to Bethany when she needed it most. George's mom is unlikable as she fights Bethany tooth and nail at first, but she does apologize later admitting that Bethany is good for George and the business. George's brother Gus is a character that I can't wait to read more about. He is a reformed bad boy who is part of the reason for George's breakup of his marriage and who is going to Greek Orthodox theology school but is apparently attracted to a woman with different beliefs.
I can't recommend this book enough. The story is so refreshing and brings out some deep and very real emotions. The character development is superb and the location of New Orleans for a mortuary conference is fantastic. Another captivating series to add to my collection. Give this book a try. It won't disappoint.
Thank you to Ms. Montgomery for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Bethany West is a single mom, nude model, business partner, and passionate advocate for green burials. She worked hard to become a mortician and though the circumstances of obtaining co-ownership of a family mortuary that wasn't hers was questionable in some eyes, she really cared about her profession. Unfortunately, one of her enemies is the co-owner of the Smythe & Co. Mortuary, George Smythe. As much as she loves new ideas and making needed changes, George is set in his ways, he prefers old school and he is angry she is his business partner. Bethany is in love with George and her mission is to loosen George up and get him to admit his attraction to her, but was her plan too much for a man who is not ready to forgive himself for his past mistakes?
Vulnerable men get me every time. George seems so in control on the outside, but he's extremely vulnerable and lost on the inside. My heart broke for him as he struggled with his attraction to Bethany while thinking he didn't deserve her. In addition, he has a lot of responsibility for his family business which is 24/7 phone calls to pick up bodies, prepping the bodies, and dealing with family grief and confusion every day. It's enough to make anyone collapse from the stress. I had recently heard of compassion fatigue while talking to a colleague and it is very real.
Bethany is a sexy siren and she is a fantastic mom. Her compassion and natural kindness to everyone around her are lovely. Watching Bethany seduce George at the conference in New Orleans and show him what he is missing beyond his job is heartwarming. She discovers his love for music, for dancing, and for singing. She sees the carefree man who laughs, teases, and finally gives in to his passion for Bethany which is so hot. But George is overwhelmed and confused which leads to a change in their dynamics and Bethany is put in a position to take charge of the mortuary and run it the way she wants. Her strength and determination shine through and with help from her friends and support from those who doubted her, she endures. All misunderstandings are eventually cleared up ending with George's surprising and unusual gift to Bethany and a happily ever after.
This book has wonderful characters. Bethany's metaphysical friend, Decca is full of hilarious and delightful advice for Bethany's non-existent sex life. Bethany's talented daughter, Sofia is smart and has a great relationship with both her mother and George. George's dad, Jim, made me cry with his heartfelt advice to Bethany when she needed it most. George's mom is unlikable as she fights Bethany tooth and nail at first, but she does apologize later admitting that Bethany is good for George and the business. George's brother Gus is a character that I can't wait to read more about. He is a reformed bad boy who is part of the reason for George's breakup of his marriage and who is going to Greek Orthodox theology school but is apparently attracted to a woman with different beliefs.
I can't recommend this book enough. The story is so refreshing and brings out some deep and very real emotions. The character development is superb and the location of New Orleans for a mortuary conference is fantastic. Another captivating series to add to my collection. Give this book a try. It won't disappoint.
Thank you to Ms. Montgomery for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
June 27, 2023
The decedents that filter through Smythe & Co. aren't the only ones with their features wired shut. Cue George Smythe, your new favorite grump (okay, and mine).
Grab your trocar and let's plunge in.
This book is a triumph in Romancelandia for its wonderful portrayal of and intimate focus on male mental health. At first, our Hero refuses to acknowledge he's burned out--he even pokes fun at the pop psychology absurdity of such a notion--and this is a great IRL parallel to the way (most) men have been raised; to take whatever is thrown at them. Show no sign of weakness, etc.
He has laser beam eyes for our leading lady, Bethany, and while he would love for the reader to believe it's solely as a result of her buying a 51% share of his birthright (the family business), it's clear what's actually going on here. To George, Bethany is a leaky faucet whose drip constantly echoes through his head. And, *raging* perfectionist that he is, he cannot take it. Though she may be a drop, he treats her as if she's a flood; some catastrophe that keeps daily operations at the funeral home from running properly. His unaddressed mental fatigue leaves him unable to connect the dots: he may just feel something--besides blind hatred--for his business partner.
The societal impact of the stigma surrounding male mental health is demonstrated through Bethany's character as well. She makes several remarks that he's on the verge of burnout. However, when the burnout finally hits, she views it as abandonment. True, she didn't know where he was going. True, she didn't know when (or if) he'd be back.
Even upon George's return, and once he explains himself, she still unleashes her ire and expresses her perceived feelings of abandonment. Perhaps she'd expected them to return from New Orleans together and handle his burnout "like a man." Perhaps she thought they would've found a solution for his exhaustion together. Bethany's feelings and reactions are both perfectly valid, I am highlighting them here because it illustrates the double standard our society has when it comes to emotional vulnerability & psychological well-being. She didn't fully understand why George *had* to get away. Bethany had no idea just how deep that exhaustion ran for him. Eventually, she comes around and does get it and everything is all roses ... or ya know, just the thorny stems.
If you've read any of Megan Montgomery's work, then you know she is an incredibly competent writer, but her ability to layer this impossible sense of reality and humanization was amplified tenfold in this particular novel. Though it is her characters' journeys spilled across the pages, her pulse beats between every line.
Grab your trocar and let's plunge in.
This book is a triumph in Romancelandia for its wonderful portrayal of and intimate focus on male mental health. At first, our Hero refuses to acknowledge he's burned out--he even pokes fun at the pop psychology absurdity of such a notion--and this is a great IRL parallel to the way (most) men have been raised; to take whatever is thrown at them. Show no sign of weakness, etc.
He has laser beam eyes for our leading lady, Bethany, and while he would love for the reader to believe it's solely as a result of her buying a 51% share of his birthright (the family business), it's clear what's actually going on here. To George, Bethany is a leaky faucet whose drip constantly echoes through his head. And, *raging* perfectionist that he is, he cannot take it. Though she may be a drop, he treats her as if she's a flood; some catastrophe that keeps daily operations at the funeral home from running properly. His unaddressed mental fatigue leaves him unable to connect the dots: he may just feel something--besides blind hatred--for his business partner.
The societal impact of the stigma surrounding male mental health is demonstrated through Bethany's character as well. She makes several remarks that he's on the verge of burnout. However, when the burnout finally hits, she views it as abandonment. True, she didn't know where he was going. True, she didn't know when (or if) he'd be back.
Even upon George's return, and once he explains himself, she still unleashes her ire and expresses her perceived feelings of abandonment. Perhaps she'd expected them to return from New Orleans together and handle his burnout "like a man." Perhaps she thought they would've found a solution for his exhaustion together. Bethany's feelings and reactions are both perfectly valid, I am highlighting them here because it illustrates the double standard our society has when it comes to emotional vulnerability & psychological well-being. She didn't fully understand why George *had* to get away. Bethany had no idea just how deep that exhaustion ran for him. Eventually, she comes around and does get it and everything is all roses ... or ya know, just the thorny stems.
If you've read any of Megan Montgomery's work, then you know she is an incredibly competent writer, but her ability to layer this impossible sense of reality and humanization was amplified tenfold in this particular novel. Though it is her characters' journeys spilled across the pages, her pulse beats between every line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
Undertaking Love
George and Bethany
Enemies to Lovers
I wanted to love this series. It was a unique take on the romance genre. End of life caretakers are not my first thought when searching for a romance. But it’s not quite meeting what I was hoping for.
To be fair, it’s not a bad book, it’s definitely different, there is a connection between the main characters, it just wasn’t what I wanted in a romance.
Bethany. Single mom to a 12 year old daughter. Has had a very lucrative career as a pin-up/“porn” (her word) model. She’s recently bought controlling interest in a family run mortuary business. Excited to bring in all kinds of new ideas and techniques for green, eco friendly funerals.
George. Eldest of the three Smythe children. Has been groomed, trained and educated to be the next generation of morticians/funeral directors. He’s very set in his ways. Unwilling to listen or entertain any new ideas. Extremely hurt that his father sold his birthright out from under him.
The last thing either of them want is to spend four days in each other’s company at a funeral director’s convention in Louisiana. A little time away, some friendly competition, jazz music and photo shoots, what could go wrong?
This was not what I was expecting. The graphic content didn’t bother me, the mild bdsm, while not my favorite thing, didn’t bother me. What I struggled with were both main characters. They just didn’t make any sense to me. They were not likable.
George is a cold, stiff, stuffed shirt. A workaholic with zero personality. He secretly lusted after Bethany, wanted her, but when his thoughts ventured down that road, he took it out on her. Being rude, snide and just horrible. He wore grey suits and a scowl. No outward emotions.
Bethany was a blonde bombshell used to having men fall at her feet. When that doesn’t work with George, she flirts and teases him. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a woman having a very successful nude modeling career, retiring so she could pursue her “dream job”, of being a mortician. She was so focused on changing things she never stopped to actually talk to George. She just got angry at him for saying no.
This was probably the longest short story I’ve ever read. They go from hating each other, to saying I love yous in four days. Only to have George finally have a life changing epiphany and leave for six weeks. I just didn’t get it.
Again, not a bad book, I just didn’t care much for the characters. It’s obvious the author has done a ton of research on the subject matter. (I’m really hoping that competition was embellished or completely made up. Eww)
Dual points of view. No cheating. HEA
George and Bethany
Enemies to Lovers
I wanted to love this series. It was a unique take on the romance genre. End of life caretakers are not my first thought when searching for a romance. But it’s not quite meeting what I was hoping for.
To be fair, it’s not a bad book, it’s definitely different, there is a connection between the main characters, it just wasn’t what I wanted in a romance.
Bethany. Single mom to a 12 year old daughter. Has had a very lucrative career as a pin-up/“porn” (her word) model. She’s recently bought controlling interest in a family run mortuary business. Excited to bring in all kinds of new ideas and techniques for green, eco friendly funerals.
George. Eldest of the three Smythe children. Has been groomed, trained and educated to be the next generation of morticians/funeral directors. He’s very set in his ways. Unwilling to listen or entertain any new ideas. Extremely hurt that his father sold his birthright out from under him.
The last thing either of them want is to spend four days in each other’s company at a funeral director’s convention in Louisiana. A little time away, some friendly competition, jazz music and photo shoots, what could go wrong?
This was not what I was expecting. The graphic content didn’t bother me, the mild bdsm, while not my favorite thing, didn’t bother me. What I struggled with were both main characters. They just didn’t make any sense to me. They were not likable.
George is a cold, stiff, stuffed shirt. A workaholic with zero personality. He secretly lusted after Bethany, wanted her, but when his thoughts ventured down that road, he took it out on her. Being rude, snide and just horrible. He wore grey suits and a scowl. No outward emotions.
Bethany was a blonde bombshell used to having men fall at her feet. When that doesn’t work with George, she flirts and teases him. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a woman having a very successful nude modeling career, retiring so she could pursue her “dream job”, of being a mortician. She was so focused on changing things she never stopped to actually talk to George. She just got angry at him for saying no.
This was probably the longest short story I’ve ever read. They go from hating each other, to saying I love yous in four days. Only to have George finally have a life changing epiphany and leave for six weeks. I just didn’t get it.
Again, not a bad book, I just didn’t care much for the characters. It’s obvious the author has done a ton of research on the subject matter. (I’m really hoping that competition was embellished or completely made up. Eww)
Dual points of view. No cheating. HEA
July 9, 2024
C H A R A C T E R S
- Bethany West
- George Smythe
T R O P E S
- opposites attract
- forced proximity/work trip
- workplace rivals to lovers
- emotionally-constipated hero
- single mom
- found family
- pining heroine
- starchy hero
T H O U G H T S
Former model Bethany West left her glamorous career to become a mortician and partnered with starchy George Smythe at his family’s funeral home. Bethany’s modern ideas clash with George’s old-fashioned ways, creating tension and an unspoken attraction between them. At a work conference in New Orleans, forced proximity leads them to confront their feelings and George’s painful past. Together, they must decide if they can blend their approaches to business and open their hearts to one another.
This was wonderful, you guys. Megan Montgomery does such an amazing job at writing relatable, fleshed out characters and bringing them to life. This book was definitely a heavier and more angsty read than the first, but those are two of my favorite things. I live for the angst. Bethany and George’s chemistry and tension were so well-written, and I was dying for them to finally get together. I’ve mentioned this before, but I typically don’t enjoy books with BDSM themes. It’s just a personal thing—I often find it awkward, and it can pull me out of the story. BUT the way the author handled those aspects in this book was perfect. George doesn’t even really know that he’s a dom, so he goes on a whole journey of self-discovery thanks to Bethany’s deep understanding of him. I appreciated how the story didn’t magically resolve George’s aversions to touch or his need for control. It was handled so beautifully, in my opinion.
I deducted a star initially because I was so very upset with George at one point in the book, though I understood his reasons. There was great grovel, which made up for it. On second thought, I’m bumping it back up to 5 stars from 4. I think enough time has passed. 😅
Anyway, I plan to read The Bones of Love this month after putting it off. I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters yet. This is the series of books my heart has been searching for.
𝘉𝘖𝘕𝘜𝘚:
- 𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘷
- 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺/𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘵
- 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺
- 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰
- Bethany West
- George Smythe
T R O P E S
- opposites attract
- forced proximity/work trip
- workplace rivals to lovers
- emotionally-constipated hero
- single mom
- found family
- pining heroine
- starchy hero
T H O U G H T S
Former model Bethany West left her glamorous career to become a mortician and partnered with starchy George Smythe at his family’s funeral home. Bethany’s modern ideas clash with George’s old-fashioned ways, creating tension and an unspoken attraction between them. At a work conference in New Orleans, forced proximity leads them to confront their feelings and George’s painful past. Together, they must decide if they can blend their approaches to business and open their hearts to one another.
This was wonderful, you guys. Megan Montgomery does such an amazing job at writing relatable, fleshed out characters and bringing them to life. This book was definitely a heavier and more angsty read than the first, but those are two of my favorite things. I live for the angst. Bethany and George’s chemistry and tension were so well-written, and I was dying for them to finally get together. I’ve mentioned this before, but I typically don’t enjoy books with BDSM themes. It’s just a personal thing—I often find it awkward, and it can pull me out of the story. BUT the way the author handled those aspects in this book was perfect. George doesn’t even really know that he’s a dom, so he goes on a whole journey of self-discovery thanks to Bethany’s deep understanding of him. I appreciated how the story didn’t magically resolve George’s aversions to touch or his need for control. It was handled so beautifully, in my opinion.
I deducted a star initially because I was so very upset with George at one point in the book, though I understood his reasons. There was great grovel, which made up for it. On second thought, I’m bumping it back up to 5 stars from 4. I think enough time has passed. 😅
Anyway, I plan to read The Bones of Love this month after putting it off. I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters yet. This is the series of books my heart has been searching for.
𝘉𝘖𝘕𝘜𝘚:
- 𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘷
- 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺/𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘵
- 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺
- 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰
July 15, 2023
Bethany West is one of the besties of Soula, the heroine in Morgue to Love. Bethany is a voluptuous blonde, who dresses to accentuate her striking good looks. Bethany is also an undertaker, who bought 51% of the Smythe Mortuary using money she's made from posing in tasteful "girlie pics" for many years. She needed the modeling jobs to support her daughter, who is now a precocious pre-teen. Bethany is living with her daughter in the carriage house next to the mortuary--where Soula lived before she met Waylon in the first book. The only fly in Bethany's plan is George Smythe--Soula's brother, and the other half-owner of the mortuary. He's totally conservative, buttoned-down at all times, and against all the more innovative ideas that Bethany wants to introduce to their business. Also, she's totally hot for the tight-lipped scoundrel!
George has been working in the family business his entire life. He's always in control of himself, and never does anything spontaneous. His first marriage to a daughter of a competing mortuary, was planned because she'd understand his 24/7 commitment. But when the marriage broke up disastrously, he swore off relationships of any kind--except for with his parents, with whom he still lives, and his sister and brother. Bethany has introduced chaos into his life, with her different ideas and her young daughter, whom his parents adore. And the worst part is that he can't even admit to himself how attracted he is to her!
It's hard to find words to describe how much I LOVE this book! It has everything I read a romance for--interesting characters who grow and change over the course of the story--sexual tension so thick you can't even cut it with a knife--and keeping you on the edge in-between steamy hot scenes, to enable your final, orgasmic joy, when the lovers finally get to admit their undying commitment to each other! The supporting characters are interesting and help to keep the story moving along, but the main focus is the love that grows between the two leads. Bethany and George both suffer so much in pursuit of their HEA, that I read long into the nights, after I should have been in bed, because I needed to see them happy. Now I can't wait for the third book!
George has been working in the family business his entire life. He's always in control of himself, and never does anything spontaneous. His first marriage to a daughter of a competing mortuary, was planned because she'd understand his 24/7 commitment. But when the marriage broke up disastrously, he swore off relationships of any kind--except for with his parents, with whom he still lives, and his sister and brother. Bethany has introduced chaos into his life, with her different ideas and her young daughter, whom his parents adore. And the worst part is that he can't even admit to himself how attracted he is to her!
It's hard to find words to describe how much I LOVE this book! It has everything I read a romance for--interesting characters who grow and change over the course of the story--sexual tension so thick you can't even cut it with a knife--and keeping you on the edge in-between steamy hot scenes, to enable your final, orgasmic joy, when the lovers finally get to admit their undying commitment to each other! The supporting characters are interesting and help to keep the story moving along, but the main focus is the love that grows between the two leads. Bethany and George both suffer so much in pursuit of their HEA, that I read long into the nights, after I should have been in bed, because I needed to see them happy. Now I can't wait for the third book!
April 25, 2023
***Things discussed in this review may be a little spoiler-y (in a out of context, abstract way), if thats a word. I'm making it a word. Please read at your own risk.***
I'm not going to summarize the book, as that can literally be read in a bunch of other reviews and in the synopsis on goodreads and all the major retailers. I'm just going to get into how I feel after reading it.
The setting of the book was just fabulous. New Orleans for a Mortuary Conference, why yes please. I thought it was perfect. It set the neatest spooky jazz vibe. 🎷 🎺 ⚰️
I've been looking forward to Bethany and George's story since reading the first of the series, and I was not disappointed. I really wanted to get into George's head, especially since he's definitely the most grumpy character in the family. And he's been through a lot which makes him the ultimate funeral director workaholic. That being said, GEORGEEEEEE! WHYYYYYYY??? Like I get the death-care burnout for sure (I work in it myself, albeit for the veterinary realm), but bro you needed to communicate with yo girl. Don't give her the most amazing experience of her life and then deuce out without letting her know why. Not that the situation I'm speaking about abstractly made the story any less good, I actually liked it because I could actually see a person like George do that in real life. His personality reminds me of men in the midwest who don't know what feelings are until they bite them right in the butthole. Which made things more real for me. I was definitely little suspish when it looked like they were going to go for the gold on their happy ending and there was still more book left. lol. I really enjoyed the ride though. And they eventually get there, but there will be ANGST!
Let's talk about Bethany, because she was just the tits. Literally and figuratively. Lol! I loved her character. I loved how sex positive she was but also a total mom figure. Her whole plan to get George to fall for her at the mortuary conference was just absolutely adorable. Her hope was contagious and I was cheering her on the entire time. She's so strong and capable and George totally doesn't deserve her at some points, but he figures his stuff out eventually and they are adorbs together.
But what about the spicy? Well my friends, it's a slow burn at first with an explosive happy fun time experience. Think: industrial warehouse, a giant hook, shibari. It's going to take a minute to get there but it is so worth itttttt.👌💋
I am hoping there will be a 3rd in the series because I am totally emotionally involved with these characters now.
I'm not going to summarize the book, as that can literally be read in a bunch of other reviews and in the synopsis on goodreads and all the major retailers. I'm just going to get into how I feel after reading it.
The setting of the book was just fabulous. New Orleans for a Mortuary Conference, why yes please. I thought it was perfect. It set the neatest spooky jazz vibe. 🎷 🎺 ⚰️
I've been looking forward to Bethany and George's story since reading the first of the series, and I was not disappointed. I really wanted to get into George's head, especially since he's definitely the most grumpy character in the family. And he's been through a lot which makes him the ultimate funeral director workaholic. That being said, GEORGEEEEEE! WHYYYYYYY??? Like I get the death-care burnout for sure (I work in it myself, albeit for the veterinary realm), but bro you needed to communicate with yo girl. Don't give her the most amazing experience of her life and then deuce out without letting her know why. Not that the situation I'm speaking about abstractly made the story any less good, I actually liked it because I could actually see a person like George do that in real life. His personality reminds me of men in the midwest who don't know what feelings are until they bite them right in the butthole. Which made things more real for me. I was definitely little suspish when it looked like they were going to go for the gold on their happy ending and there was still more book left. lol. I really enjoyed the ride though. And they eventually get there, but there will be ANGST!
Let's talk about Bethany, because she was just the tits. Literally and figuratively. Lol! I loved her character. I loved how sex positive she was but also a total mom figure. Her whole plan to get George to fall for her at the mortuary conference was just absolutely adorable. Her hope was contagious and I was cheering her on the entire time. She's so strong and capable and George totally doesn't deserve her at some points, but he figures his stuff out eventually and they are adorbs together.
But what about the spicy? Well my friends, it's a slow burn at first with an explosive happy fun time experience. Think: industrial warehouse, a giant hook, shibari. It's going to take a minute to get there but it is so worth itttttt.👌💋
I am hoping there will be a 3rd in the series because I am totally emotionally involved with these characters now.
May 5, 2023
I'm a funeral director and embalmer, and while I'm a prolific reader, romance isn't usually my jam. I picked up this one out of professional curiosity.
It was a win for me!
This was WAY more than a morbid twist on a plot-less vehicle to rush two characters into bed. The plot had actual substance. I enjoyed the storyline and characters even more than I did with the first book (Morgue To Love), probably because I identified with the work they did. The author really did her homework and fact checked the funeral details. Getting those wrong would have ruined it for me.
I particularly like how she portrayed the death care professionals. Many of us are hardworking and dedicated perfectionists, but we do it at the expense of our own health and mental wellness. Burnout is REAL. Compassion fatigue is REAL. Wearing cheap suits to funeral director conventions as a young apprentice... also very REAL. I got called out there. Anyways, it feels good to be seen. I hope people will take away some new information about the realities of funeral service.
There are some graphic descriptions of funeral procedures (accurate though!), which might not be suitable for squeamish readers. But then, why would you pick up a book about embalmers in the first place??? There are a couple of embellishments for the sake of a fun story, otherwise it's pretty true to life. Kind of like Six Feet Under: accurate funeral stuff plus some engineered HBO drama and romance to make it spicy.
Speaking of spicy...
This book is*not* vanilla, in case you're comparing it with book one. The hot and bother-y parts are indeed hot and bother-y. The steamy scenes did not read awkwardly, even for a non-romance-reader like myself. It was very steamy and not cringe-y. I didn't feel like the main thread and the romance thread were lopsided. It was balanced.
Tl;dr, I recommend this book to readers who enjoy spicy romances with a unique cast of characters, unusual setting, and a dash of blood, guts, and humor.
It was a win for me!
This was WAY more than a morbid twist on a plot-less vehicle to rush two characters into bed. The plot had actual substance. I enjoyed the storyline and characters even more than I did with the first book (Morgue To Love), probably because I identified with the work they did. The author really did her homework and fact checked the funeral details. Getting those wrong would have ruined it for me.
I particularly like how she portrayed the death care professionals. Many of us are hardworking and dedicated perfectionists, but we do it at the expense of our own health and mental wellness. Burnout is REAL. Compassion fatigue is REAL. Wearing cheap suits to funeral director conventions as a young apprentice... also very REAL. I got called out there. Anyways, it feels good to be seen. I hope people will take away some new information about the realities of funeral service.
There are some graphic descriptions of funeral procedures (accurate though!), which might not be suitable for squeamish readers. But then, why would you pick up a book about embalmers in the first place??? There are a couple of embellishments for the sake of a fun story, otherwise it's pretty true to life. Kind of like Six Feet Under: accurate funeral stuff plus some engineered HBO drama and romance to make it spicy.
Speaking of spicy...
This book is*not* vanilla, in case you're comparing it with book one. The hot and bother-y parts are indeed hot and bother-y. The steamy scenes did not read awkwardly, even for a non-romance-reader like myself. It was very steamy and not cringe-y. I didn't feel like the main thread and the romance thread were lopsided. It was balanced.
Tl;dr, I recommend this book to readers who enjoy spicy romances with a unique cast of characters, unusual setting, and a dash of blood, guts, and humor.
April 16, 2023
So I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book when I requested it through Netgalley. There was a warning in the description reading: This book contains graphic depictions of the dead and deathcare procedures, kink, and career burnout.
The plotline, while sound, tells the tale of pseudo-porn/model Bethany West and her new career as part owner of a funeral home. She owns 51 percent of the business to her co-owner George. For him, it’s the family business and he’s resentful that Bethany has swooped in and taken (almost) charge.
So the setup is for an enemies-to-lovers romance. And for the most part that is the focus of the story. Hot to trot Bethany finds herself in love with George, and despite not wanting to be, he finds himself in love with Bethany. It was a long, wordy road to get them together, which they finally are in about the middle of the book.
The rest of the book is peppered with in-depth details of embalming, body reconstruction, and even naked photo shoots with Bethany as the star.
I Have to admit I was confused a few times about lifestyle choices, and even the mild kink depicted in the story. George is so unlikable from the beginning and I found I never really “got him” for the rest of the story. Bethany is too much. Of everything. Too much personality, too much sexual freedom, just too much. These two were as opposite as people could be and yet, still found their way together.
While the story was very wordy in some parts and I had to slug through them, overall the story was sound, the romance realistic, and the kink very tame.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me a read. 4 stars.
The plotline, while sound, tells the tale of pseudo-porn/model Bethany West and her new career as part owner of a funeral home. She owns 51 percent of the business to her co-owner George. For him, it’s the family business and he’s resentful that Bethany has swooped in and taken (almost) charge.
So the setup is for an enemies-to-lovers romance. And for the most part that is the focus of the story. Hot to trot Bethany finds herself in love with George, and despite not wanting to be, he finds himself in love with Bethany. It was a long, wordy road to get them together, which they finally are in about the middle of the book.
The rest of the book is peppered with in-depth details of embalming, body reconstruction, and even naked photo shoots with Bethany as the star.
I Have to admit I was confused a few times about lifestyle choices, and even the mild kink depicted in the story. George is so unlikable from the beginning and I found I never really “got him” for the rest of the story. Bethany is too much. Of everything. Too much personality, too much sexual freedom, just too much. These two were as opposite as people could be and yet, still found their way together.
While the story was very wordy in some parts and I had to slug through them, overall the story was sound, the romance realistic, and the kink very tame.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me a read. 4 stars.
May 4, 2023
Thank you to both NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing early access.
"Undertaking Love" by Megan Montgomery is an alluring and engaging romance novel that transports the reader to the vibrant and magical city of New Orleans. Montgomery's writing style is so captivating and vivid that you can almost hear the sound of jazz music in the background. The plot is genuine and touching, with palpable chemistry between the two lead characters, Eve and Adam.
However, while Eve is a complex and nuanced character that some readers may find unlikable, the portrayal of the male lead, Adam, is a bit more challenging. He is aloof, cold and sometimes difficult to connect with, which may frustrate some readers. Nonetheless, the dynamic between the two characters and their journey to overcome their differences and find love is heartwarming and genuine.
While some readers may find the character development a bit lacking in depth and complexity, the writing is still delightful and the book is a pleasure to read. It is a well-written and captivating romance novel that will leave you feeling warm and content.
Overall, "Undertaking Love" is a charming and easy-to-read book that will take you on a journey of love and discovery in the mesmerizing city of New Orleans. It may not be the most thought-provoking or complex book out there, but it is still a satisfying and uplifting read that will appeal to fans of the romance genre. If you're looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet with its enchanting plot and vivid descriptions, then "Undertaking Love" is definitely worth a shot.
"Undertaking Love" by Megan Montgomery is an alluring and engaging romance novel that transports the reader to the vibrant and magical city of New Orleans. Montgomery's writing style is so captivating and vivid that you can almost hear the sound of jazz music in the background. The plot is genuine and touching, with palpable chemistry between the two lead characters, Eve and Adam.
However, while Eve is a complex and nuanced character that some readers may find unlikable, the portrayal of the male lead, Adam, is a bit more challenging. He is aloof, cold and sometimes difficult to connect with, which may frustrate some readers. Nonetheless, the dynamic between the two characters and their journey to overcome their differences and find love is heartwarming and genuine.
While some readers may find the character development a bit lacking in depth and complexity, the writing is still delightful and the book is a pleasure to read. It is a well-written and captivating romance novel that will leave you feeling warm and content.
Overall, "Undertaking Love" is a charming and easy-to-read book that will take you on a journey of love and discovery in the mesmerizing city of New Orleans. It may not be the most thought-provoking or complex book out there, but it is still a satisfying and uplifting read that will appeal to fans of the romance genre. If you're looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet with its enchanting plot and vivid descriptions, then "Undertaking Love" is definitely worth a shot.
April 25, 2023
Undertaking love est le second roman de la série Last responders romance.
Ce que j'aime dans cette série, c'est qu'on met à l'honneur ceux qui travaillent pour les pompes funèbres, funérarium. C'est original. Car voilà un avocat, un homme d'affaire, ça saoule parfois.
Donc c'est pour ça que je suis attachée à cette série.
Dans ce second tome, il s'agit de Bethany, mère de famille d'une jeune fille qui a du élever sa fille toute seule. Le père est absent, ses parents l'ont reniés, car être enceinte à l'université voilà, inadmissible! Du coup elle a du s'en sortir toute seule, elle a fait des photos de mannequinat, elle n'a jamais eu honte d'elle et de son corps.
Et face à elle, il y a Gregory, il fait un peu coincé, froid et disatnt, mais c'est un masque. Il cache sa véritable personnalité, il a besoin de lâcher prise.
Tous les deux ont une manière différente de voir leur travail, de voir le travail de pompe funèbre. Bethany a plein d'idée, et lui il reste traditionnaliste. C'est une romance ennemies to lovers. Elle veut qu'il se dévoile, qu'il se libère de son passé. Mais est-il prêt à sauter à pied joint dans cette relation.
Quant à la description glamour de Bethany cela ne m'a pas choqué, pourquoi car malheureusement le physique fait la personne et je pense que l'auteure a voulu nous montrer que son physique était un jugement de par d'autres personnes. Elle est fière de ce qu'elle est, de ce qu'elle a fait pour vivre. Et oui elle n'est pas qu'un physique
Ce que j'aime dans cette série, c'est qu'on met à l'honneur ceux qui travaillent pour les pompes funèbres, funérarium. C'est original. Car voilà un avocat, un homme d'affaire, ça saoule parfois.
Donc c'est pour ça que je suis attachée à cette série.
Dans ce second tome, il s'agit de Bethany, mère de famille d'une jeune fille qui a du élever sa fille toute seule. Le père est absent, ses parents l'ont reniés, car être enceinte à l'université voilà, inadmissible! Du coup elle a du s'en sortir toute seule, elle a fait des photos de mannequinat, elle n'a jamais eu honte d'elle et de son corps.
Et face à elle, il y a Gregory, il fait un peu coincé, froid et disatnt, mais c'est un masque. Il cache sa véritable personnalité, il a besoin de lâcher prise.
Tous les deux ont une manière différente de voir leur travail, de voir le travail de pompe funèbre. Bethany a plein d'idée, et lui il reste traditionnaliste. C'est une romance ennemies to lovers. Elle veut qu'il se dévoile, qu'il se libère de son passé. Mais est-il prêt à sauter à pied joint dans cette relation.
Quant à la description glamour de Bethany cela ne m'a pas choqué, pourquoi car malheureusement le physique fait la personne et je pense que l'auteure a voulu nous montrer que son physique était un jugement de par d'autres personnes. Elle est fière de ce qu'elle est, de ce qu'elle a fait pour vivre. Et oui elle n'est pas qu'un physique
April 22, 2023
I’m a bit on the fence with this book as I can’t help but feel a little cheated. After reading the opening chapters, Undertaking Love sounded like it was going to be a romcom. I mean Bethany, a surgically enhanced, glamour model becomes an undertaker buying into the Smythe Mortuary and sets her sights on her reluctant business partner George Smythe, a man so stiff and uptight you’d think he’d been pickled in embalming fluid so I was expecting a a lot of dark humour content. Instead I got something a lot more angsty as Bethany’s actions ultimately force George to take a long hard look at his life prodding him into some sort of midlife crisis.
I really didn’t connect with the characters. Bethany was a bit of a steamroller and one dimensional. A lot was made of her physical attributes and this seemed to be repeated throughout the book reinforcing her other more glamorous job. As for George, I didn’t feel that I got to know anymore about him than I already knew from the first book. The story seemed to be centred around Bethany rather than the development of her relationship with George. Although speaking of the story I now know more about the embalming process and the preparation of bodies than I ever wanted or needed to!
I really didn’t connect with the characters. Bethany was a bit of a steamroller and one dimensional. A lot was made of her physical attributes and this seemed to be repeated throughout the book reinforcing her other more glamorous job. As for George, I didn’t feel that I got to know anymore about him than I already knew from the first book. The story seemed to be centred around Bethany rather than the development of her relationship with George. Although speaking of the story I now know more about the embalming process and the preparation of bodies than I ever wanted or needed to!
May 2, 2023
This is not your typical enemies to lovers romance, for one the profession of the main characters is not something we see in romance often. It's only my third romance where they in the funerary business. The author has added some very well researched details about the work that undertakers do and the emotional toll it takes on them.
This is also a very s*x positive book, where the heroine is involved in explicit modelling and the story is not about the perception people have of her second career at all.
The conflict between the main characters, especially George's personal growth is lovely to read about, I didn't expect the book to deal with such serious topics. But it fulfills all that you need for a romance, especially if you like higher levels of spice in the story, without being repetitive. It explores what it's like for average people to explore kinks and dip their toes into it gingerly.
I'm very curious about how next book, with Gus and Decca as well! My only problem is that the writing gets overly detailed at times, the descriptions and inner thoughts of thr characters could be reduced to keep the reader more engaged.
This is also a very s*x positive book, where the heroine is involved in explicit modelling and the story is not about the perception people have of her second career at all.
The conflict between the main characters, especially George's personal growth is lovely to read about, I didn't expect the book to deal with such serious topics. But it fulfills all that you need for a romance, especially if you like higher levels of spice in the story, without being repetitive. It explores what it's like for average people to explore kinks and dip their toes into it gingerly.
I'm very curious about how next book, with Gus and Decca as well! My only problem is that the writing gets overly detailed at times, the descriptions and inner thoughts of thr characters could be reduced to keep the reader more engaged.
August 18, 2023
Book Review: ⚰️Undertaking Love by Megan Montgomery⚰️
Bethany West, pinup model turned funeral director, buys into more than half of the Smythe Family funeral home much to the dismay of George Smythe. He’s set in his ways as to how things are done despite Bethany’s efforts to gear things to a more eco friendly way of embalming and cremating bodies. With an upcoming business trip to New Orleans, Bethany is dead set on getting George to drop his serious, grumpy demeanor and give into her female wiles. I should probably mention here that Bethany is head over heels for George. Will a trip to NOLA break down his barrier?
I absolutely loved this book. It’s part of a series but can be read as a standalone. It’s got a ton of mortuary science related references in it which I enjoyed. I’ve always wanted to be either a coroner or funeral director, but alas, never did either. It’s a slow burn romance for sure. There were times I wanted to grab George and shake him. But, without spoiling it, it’s a very happily ever after.
Bethany West, pinup model turned funeral director, buys into more than half of the Smythe Family funeral home much to the dismay of George Smythe. He’s set in his ways as to how things are done despite Bethany’s efforts to gear things to a more eco friendly way of embalming and cremating bodies. With an upcoming business trip to New Orleans, Bethany is dead set on getting George to drop his serious, grumpy demeanor and give into her female wiles. I should probably mention here that Bethany is head over heels for George. Will a trip to NOLA break down his barrier?
I absolutely loved this book. It’s part of a series but can be read as a standalone. It’s got a ton of mortuary science related references in it which I enjoyed. I’ve always wanted to be either a coroner or funeral director, but alas, never did either. It’s a slow burn romance for sure. There were times I wanted to grab George and shake him. But, without spoiling it, it’s a very happily ever after.
January 20, 2025
💀 Undertaking Love by @meganmontgomerywrites 5⭐️ book 2 in The Last Responders series, with the ever angsty, tense AF, uptight George and the ball of sunshine, smarty pants, blonde bombshell Bethany 🫶🏼 man I love a good enemies to lovers and damn George had me convinced he hated Bethany, but we all know hating someone is a really good cover for the reality where you want someone so incredibly bad that you’d never allow it. I loved that Bethany knew what she wanted and was willing to put herself out there to get it, and when George finally gave in to her it was so worth the wait. I loved that she helped George explore his Dom side, because it totally fit him and I love a good Dom/sub love story 😽 even though it was sad at times, I do feel like this shed an important light on throwing yourself into work to avoid feeling anything and inevitably burning yourself out, so I’m really glad George was able to work through that to be the man Bethany deserved 💗 of course Gus and Decca’s story is up next and I’m 👀👀👀👀 excited 🥸
October 17, 2023
I initially started this book before finding it was the second in a series. I paused where I was and went back. After all, a series about love for last responders? Sounds great.
Undertaking Love was more enjoyable, but overall, still a miss for me. It has a stronger start with characters that seemed to make sense and interactions that felt right for two people trapped in a death business partnership. A conference where they’re together and finally start breaking down barriers? Fantastic. Everything from there went downhill.
Somehow, there is too much information without actually moving the story along. The BDSM aspect of the relationship has a multitude of issues I’ll leave alone. It felt like it was added as an afterthought and parts felt like it was from the script of Secretary. I could go on in-depth, but I think that’s for a different platform.
I wanted to enjoy this and only hope we see more interest in the lives of last responders.
Undertaking Love was more enjoyable, but overall, still a miss for me. It has a stronger start with characters that seemed to make sense and interactions that felt right for two people trapped in a death business partnership. A conference where they’re together and finally start breaking down barriers? Fantastic. Everything from there went downhill.
Somehow, there is too much information without actually moving the story along. The BDSM aspect of the relationship has a multitude of issues I’ll leave alone. It felt like it was added as an afterthought and parts felt like it was from the script of Secretary. I could go on in-depth, but I think that’s for a different platform.
I wanted to enjoy this and only hope we see more interest in the lives of last responders.
June 6, 2023
Last responders. A unique group of people that face challenges not many of us can understand. This book helped me to grasp the utter mental exhaustion that can take place.
George and Bethany are funeral directors. Enemies based on misunderstandings. But as they learn more about themselves, they also appreciate more about each other. Full of witty banter, grumpy x sunshine energy, and spicy scenes. I found myself rooting for the whole funeral home! Not to mention, I am also a single mom with a 13 year old just like Bethany! I love being able to personally connect like that.
Thank you NetGalley, Advancing Wolf, and author Megan Montgomery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. "Undertaking Love" was published April 25, 2023!
George and Bethany are funeral directors. Enemies based on misunderstandings. But as they learn more about themselves, they also appreciate more about each other. Full of witty banter, grumpy x sunshine energy, and spicy scenes. I found myself rooting for the whole funeral home! Not to mention, I am also a single mom with a 13 year old just like Bethany! I love being able to personally connect like that.
Thank you NetGalley, Advancing Wolf, and author Megan Montgomery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. "Undertaking Love" was published April 25, 2023!
May 23, 2023
I enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers book, and if the author introduces two characters who own a funeral home, all the better. I’ve been looking for this type of romance for a while, so I was pretty excited when I read the blurb.
And since you’ve read the blurb, I’ll get straight to the review. First, I love the author’s voice. The novel is told in first POV, and those pages belonged to Bethany West and George Smythe. The writing is true to character, and smooth, with great descriptions and lots of internal musings. Each sentence flowed easily into the next. The dialogue was the same, very realistic.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-9CH
And since you’ve read the blurb, I’ll get straight to the review. First, I love the author’s voice. The novel is told in first POV, and those pages belonged to Bethany West and George Smythe. The writing is true to character, and smooth, with great descriptions and lots of internal musings. Each sentence flowed easily into the next. The dialogue was the same, very realistic.
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