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The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare
I’m a professional mourner. Caskets, drag queens and dirty old men are all in a day's work. But I'm no stranger to loss and that’s what makes me good at my job.
Something is missing though and that something goes by the name of Ahren Finnegan.
When faced with the idea of losing one more person from my life, I pushed him away, my one true love.
Now he’s back and this time I don’t think he’s going to take no for an answer.
Something is missing though and that something goes by the name of Ahren Finnegan.
When faced with the idea of losing one more person from my life, I pushed him away, my one true love.
Now he’s back and this time I don’t think he’s going to take no for an answer.
250 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2014
4 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Hartnett
8 books350 followersJulie is a southern California native, a fan of a really good story (preferably a romance with a happily ever after), really good pie (preferably pumpkin)and copious amounts of coffee (preferably Folgers).
She has always enjoyed writing and at one time thought she might be a singer/songwriter. The 'writer' part is that one that stuck.
Julie is obsessed with Pi...the equation and the food. She's allergic to cats, cantaloupe and hates mushrooms. So if you ever want to give her a gift, those are out for sure.
She currently lives with her romance hero husband and two boys in Melbourne, Australia.
She has always enjoyed writing and at one time thought she might be a singer/songwriter. The 'writer' part is that one that stuck.
Julie is obsessed with Pi...the equation and the food. She's allergic to cats, cantaloupe and hates mushrooms. So if you ever want to give her a gift, those are out for sure.
She currently lives with her romance hero husband and two boys in Melbourne, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
May 25, 2015
4 morbidly fascinating stars
Genevieve Clare has lost too much too soon, now facing the world alone. While she may have friends to surround herself with it isn't the same as having family, knowing unconditionally that they will love you forever and always. Her savior came in the form of her childhood crush, Ahren, he knows what it is like to loose the ones you hold dearest and it is him that saves her and frightens her into wanting more.
Genevieve's chosen profession allows her to ensure that no one should even be alone; either in death, loss or grief. She's never moved on, she's been going from one loss to another, finding a kinship with those who are on their way to meet their maker and those that are left behind. She's seen it all and not a request to out there, varying her packages to suit whatever needs her clients have: Dancing On Your Grave, Motherfucker, Knock If You’re Still Breathing, also known as the Shake N Bake, The Merry Widow, The Banshee, The Wailer, Pretty In Black, and Your Girl Friday. But when Ahren comes back demanding more of her, she has to find it in herself to let go of her fear of loving and losing him.
Genevieve Clare is definitely that something different, made for those who can find humor and love in anything. This book fed on my morbid fascination, having loved the Adam's family growing up this was a sure in like from me. There was sadness and humor and the underlying feeling of hope. I understood where she was coming from and respected her choices but at the same time even I knew it was a matter of time before it all blew up. Having to watch those who made a home for themselves in your heart pass is never easy. Luckily for her she had Ahren, her silent pillar of strength, to hold her when she needed it most, supporting her in every way. This was different, enjoyable and even had some steam, recommended for those who can handle some morbid with their sultry.
Death is the devil you know. The better you live, the more you piss him off, and he just hates that.
Genevieve Clare has lost too much too soon, now facing the world alone. While she may have friends to surround herself with it isn't the same as having family, knowing unconditionally that they will love you forever and always. Her savior came in the form of her childhood crush, Ahren, he knows what it is like to loose the ones you hold dearest and it is him that saves her and frightens her into wanting more.
I’d never been afraid of death, I embraced death in my own strange way. I made it my life’s work.
Genevieve's chosen profession allows her to ensure that no one should even be alone; either in death, loss or grief. She's never moved on, she's been going from one loss to another, finding a kinship with those who are on their way to meet their maker and those that are left behind. She's seen it all and not a request to out there, varying her packages to suit whatever needs her clients have: Dancing On Your Grave, Motherfucker, Knock If You’re Still Breathing, also known as the Shake N Bake, The Merry Widow, The Banshee, The Wailer, Pretty In Black, and Your Girl Friday. But when Ahren comes back demanding more of her, she has to find it in herself to let go of her fear of loving and losing him.
“I don’t want to live without you, Gen. It’s the same as being dead.”
Genevieve Clare is definitely that something different, made for those who can find humor and love in anything. This book fed on my morbid fascination, having loved the Adam's family growing up this was a sure in like from me. There was sadness and humor and the underlying feeling of hope. I understood where she was coming from and respected her choices but at the same time even I knew it was a matter of time before it all blew up. Having to watch those who made a home for themselves in your heart pass is never easy. Luckily for her she had Ahren, her silent pillar of strength, to hold her when she needed it most, supporting her in every way. This was different, enjoyable and even had some steam, recommended for those who can handle some morbid with their sultry.
December 21, 2014
"I’d never been afraid of death, and, after my family died and the man I loved almost had, I embraced death in my own strange way. I made it my life’s work, I guess."
After Gen’s parents and grandma died during car accident, she got an idea - to set up a business as a professional mourner. She has always been a little "dark", so why not helping and comforting people who have no one else and don’t want to feel alone in their grief? Why not plan their own funerals to their liking? If only she could keep her emotions out of way...
Unconventional and unique, this story screamed "Read me, Lucia!". So obviously, I had to pick it up. I admit, the premise is quite morbid, but it worked. Together with captivating writing and emotional storyline, I really liked this book a lot. Plus I was surprised how much I laughed while reading this novel. It was all Gen’s "fault". She was funny and fascinating character. Moreover, this book has the best side characters! They made this story truly special.
And the best part of this story? Beautiful small-town romance between Genevieve and Ahren, her 4 years older childhood friend, teenage crush and love of her life. I adore friends-to-lovers kind of stories, especially when they take place in a span of years (as was the case of this novel). But after losing everyone she loved, will Gen be able to put her heart on the line ever again?
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
February 22, 2017
Humorously morbid...or...morbidly humorous??
I loved this story, but I find it hard to describe why and how. We have a woman who was devastated by the death of her family and to cope she decides to be a professional mourner. There is a lot of death in this book and it deals with it in a very refreshing way. Some of it was really sad and brought a tear to my eye but in others it was just a see ya later, catch up with you soon feeling. I was actually laughing at a few of the funerals and the requests people make.
Our main characters have both dealt with deaths that changed their lives. This story describes how they survived and what they did to keep on going.
This is also a love story that spans 30 years. I loved both Gen and Ahren together and it hurt that they ended up spending so much time apart. Surprisingly, this was a very steamy read. I just wasn't expecting it, afterall this book is mainly about death.
Loved all the additional characters that made this story so brilliant. This is definitely going to be listed as one of my favourite little gems for 2015. It made me feel so much - love, sadness, sympathy and humour.
J.B. Hartnett you should be very proud of yourself for creating such an interesting and original story. Will definitely be keeping an eye out for more.
This review and more can be found at http://edgyreviews.com/
I loved this story, but I find it hard to describe why and how. We have a woman who was devastated by the death of her family and to cope she decides to be a professional mourner. There is a lot of death in this book and it deals with it in a very refreshing way. Some of it was really sad and brought a tear to my eye but in others it was just a see ya later, catch up with you soon feeling. I was actually laughing at a few of the funerals and the requests people make.
Our main characters have both dealt with deaths that changed their lives. This story describes how they survived and what they did to keep on going.
This is also a love story that spans 30 years. I loved both Gen and Ahren together and it hurt that they ended up spending so much time apart. Surprisingly, this was a very steamy read. I just wasn't expecting it, afterall this book is mainly about death.
Loved all the additional characters that made this story so brilliant. This is definitely going to be listed as one of my favourite little gems for 2015. It made me feel so much - love, sadness, sympathy and humour.
J.B. Hartnett you should be very proud of yourself for creating such an interesting and original story. Will definitely be keeping an eye out for more.
This review and more can be found at http://edgyreviews.com/
May 14, 2015
3.75-4 morbid stars
You could definitely call this an unusual book. I was always a bit partial to the morbid and macabre in life and this seemed to fit right in. I was never goth or emo but boy did I want to be Morticia Adams when I grew up. I felt like the author and Genevieve were my kindred souls with the same somewhat dark sense of humor.
For some reason there are 2 different editions of this book and both have slightly different blurbs and covers.
Blurb 1:
My name is Genevieve Clare, professional mourner, destined to spend my days donning a black suit and throwing myself on top of caskets for money. Sometimes I mixed it up and threw myself on top of a willing warm body instead. Finding the right warm body though, that was a different story.
Blurb 2:
I’m a professional mourner. Caskets, drag queens and dirty old men are all in a day's work. But I'm no stranger to loss and that’s what makes me good at my job.
Something is missing though and that something goes by the name of Ahren Finnegan. When faced with the idea of losing one more person from my life, I pushed him away, my one true love.Now he’s back and this time I don’t think he’s going to take no for an answer.
Both blurbs are quite intriguing and I couldn't wait to dig in. I expected liberal dark humor with ghoulish undertones and a heroine in true Morticia style reveling in the death surrounding her profession. What I got was a sweet, dark, sorrowful book about second chances and the fear of the other shoe dropping any minute like the sword of Damocles. It wasn't all doom and gloom, thankfully it had some dark and not so dark humor as well as passion which intercepted the tragedies in it.
Chad Healy,[..] local law enforcement, and hot guy had just seen me and Ahren in the throes of ecstasy, where I was pretty sure I’d said something along the lines of, “Your cock feels enormous,” and “Keep fucking me until the sun comes up tomorrow, baby.”
"[...]Bryce looked her in the eyes and said, “Ah, you’ll find someone better. Tears should only be wasted on an asshole if you have hemorrhoids.”
Genevieve was more of a pin-up style than Morticia. Must admit I was disappointed a bit by that but I loved her style anyway. After the death of her family she decides to become a professional mourner in order to support people that grieve alone and/or people that have no one to grieve their passing. She wears the same funeral outfit her grandmother left her with some new additions to every funeral. I found that somewhat unhealthy but then again that was the point of the story. How to cope with loss.
I loved how "dark" Genevieve was (you would be too if you grew up in a house with a cemetery) but I loved it more because Ahren seemed to share her darkness.
“When the cemetery flooded after that big storm when you were, what, ten?” I was actually eleven. “You were right there, with big eyes, checking out the bones floating around, asking if you could keep one.” [...]
“I’m good with details like that. But I remembered because I wanted a bone, too. My dad said it was disrespectful. I didn't get it then, but I get it now, of course.”
“There’s a permanent exhibit, down in The City at the photography museum…and they have all these post-mortem pictures. Turn of the century, I think, something like that. Pictures of kids with their dead baby brother. We should go.”
I moved from his embrace and looked down at him. “I’ve always wanted one of those pictures! They’re called Memento Mori”
But amidst all the tragedies and pain these two souls went through, they learned how to come together and cope with their pain and fear and to enjoy life. It might not have been the Adams Family I was expecting but it was nevertheless a touching book that I truly enjoyed.
You could definitely call this an unusual book. I was always a bit partial to the morbid and macabre in life and this seemed to fit right in. I was never goth or emo but boy did I want to be Morticia Adams when I grew up. I felt like the author and Genevieve were my kindred souls with the same somewhat dark sense of humor.
For some reason there are 2 different editions of this book and both have slightly different blurbs and covers.
Blurb 1:
My name is Genevieve Clare, professional mourner, destined to spend my days donning a black suit and throwing myself on top of caskets for money. Sometimes I mixed it up and threw myself on top of a willing warm body instead. Finding the right warm body though, that was a different story.
Blurb 2:
I’m a professional mourner. Caskets, drag queens and dirty old men are all in a day's work. But I'm no stranger to loss and that’s what makes me good at my job.
Something is missing though and that something goes by the name of Ahren Finnegan. When faced with the idea of losing one more person from my life, I pushed him away, my one true love.Now he’s back and this time I don’t think he’s going to take no for an answer.
Both blurbs are quite intriguing and I couldn't wait to dig in. I expected liberal dark humor with ghoulish undertones and a heroine in true Morticia style reveling in the death surrounding her profession. What I got was a sweet, dark, sorrowful book about second chances and the fear of the other shoe dropping any minute like the sword of Damocles. It wasn't all doom and gloom, thankfully it had some dark and not so dark humor as well as passion which intercepted the tragedies in it.
Chad Healy,[..] local law enforcement, and hot guy had just seen me and Ahren in the throes of ecstasy, where I was pretty sure I’d said something along the lines of, “Your cock feels enormous,” and “Keep fucking me until the sun comes up tomorrow, baby.”
"[...]Bryce looked her in the eyes and said, “Ah, you’ll find someone better. Tears should only be wasted on an asshole if you have hemorrhoids.”
Genevieve was more of a pin-up style than Morticia. Must admit I was disappointed a bit by that but I loved her style anyway. After the death of her family she decides to become a professional mourner in order to support people that grieve alone and/or people that have no one to grieve their passing. She wears the same funeral outfit her grandmother left her with some new additions to every funeral. I found that somewhat unhealthy but then again that was the point of the story. How to cope with loss.
I loved how "dark" Genevieve was (you would be too if you grew up in a house with a cemetery) but I loved it more because Ahren seemed to share her darkness.
“When the cemetery flooded after that big storm when you were, what, ten?” I was actually eleven. “You were right there, with big eyes, checking out the bones floating around, asking if you could keep one.” [...]
“I’m good with details like that. But I remembered because I wanted a bone, too. My dad said it was disrespectful. I didn't get it then, but I get it now, of course.”
“There’s a permanent exhibit, down in The City at the photography museum…and they have all these post-mortem pictures. Turn of the century, I think, something like that. Pictures of kids with their dead baby brother. We should go.”
I moved from his embrace and looked down at him. “I’ve always wanted one of those pictures! They’re called Memento Mori”
But amidst all the tragedies and pain these two souls went through, they learned how to come together and cope with their pain and fear and to enjoy life. It might not have been the Adams Family I was expecting but it was nevertheless a touching book that I truly enjoyed.
January 4, 2022
4 to 4 1/2 stars
There is a solitude in grief that very few people can comprehend, unless they, too, have experienced it. Ahren understood all too well what that felt like, so, as he sat there and held Gen in in his arms, the warm autumn breeze picking up as the night wore on, he realized, for the first time ever, that solitude had been extinguished.
Glad I took this rather unique journey with Gen, Ahren, and their whole crew.
(Both the living and the dead. And nope, this isn't PNR.)
It was sometimes sad. Heartbreaking.
Often funny. And most definitely naughty in places.
With many wise and/or moving moments.
"I'm scared," I whispered and put the fork down.
"Yeah, I know ya are. We're all gonna die, Cookie. Death is the devil you know. The better you live, the more you piss him off, and he just hates that. Right now, you're lettin' him get his way."
***
"Sometimes, people want help. They f*ck up their lives just enough they're forced to get it. Sometimes, people don't want help. They f*ck up their lives so much, you can't help even if you wanted to. He created different demons, so he wouldn't have to face the one that haunted him since that day."
And lots of sex. In various locations.
Romantic and touching too.
"Little pieces," I whispered.
"Sorry?" he asked against my hair.
"Just when I think I can't love you more, you give me another piece to add to my heart."
If you're looking for something a bit different, you may want to give this a try...
There is a solitude in grief that very few people can comprehend, unless they, too, have experienced it. Ahren understood all too well what that felt like, so, as he sat there and held Gen in in his arms, the warm autumn breeze picking up as the night wore on, he realized, for the first time ever, that solitude had been extinguished.
Glad I took this rather unique journey with Gen, Ahren, and their whole crew.
(Both the living and the dead. And nope, this isn't PNR.)
It was sometimes sad. Heartbreaking.
Often funny. And most definitely naughty in places.
With many wise and/or moving moments.
"I'm scared," I whispered and put the fork down.
"Yeah, I know ya are. We're all gonna die, Cookie. Death is the devil you know. The better you live, the more you piss him off, and he just hates that. Right now, you're lettin' him get his way."
***
"Sometimes, people want help. They f*ck up their lives just enough they're forced to get it. Sometimes, people don't want help. They f*ck up their lives so much, you can't help even if you wanted to. He created different demons, so he wouldn't have to face the one that haunted him since that day."
And lots of sex. In various locations.
Romantic and touching too.
"Little pieces," I whispered.
"Sorry?" he asked against my hair.
"Just when I think I can't love you more, you give me another piece to add to my heart."
If you're looking for something a bit different, you may want to give this a try...
March 3, 2017
This was a combination of heartbreak, sadness, hope, love, sweetness and sex with a handful of quirky.
October 5, 2014
Not at all what I was expecting in a read, but I really liked it! Quirky, different, endearing, heavy, lovely, and kinda sexy in the right places.
Genevieve stole my heart: the little girl who grew up next to a graveyard and loved the boy who was four years older. She suffers great loss and is unsure if what she feels is normal or just part of this quirk to her nature that others think is a bit off. It’s an amalgam. I have never read anything like this before.
To be completely honest, some of the storytelling could use a bit of a shave. The retelling of information doesn’t need to happen as much as it did. But with the overall feel of this book and the sweetness that is Gen and Ahren, I can overlook it.
There are lessons to be learned here and a firm message that no matter how you grieve or how you handle death, everyone does it differently. It’s a wonderful story filled with laughter and a bit of heat (winkyface) that makes The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare a great read.
*ARC provided by author/TRSOR promotions
Genevieve stole my heart: the little girl who grew up next to a graveyard and loved the boy who was four years older. She suffers great loss and is unsure if what she feels is normal or just part of this quirk to her nature that others think is a bit off. It’s an amalgam. I have never read anything like this before.
To be completely honest, some of the storytelling could use a bit of a shave. The retelling of information doesn’t need to happen as much as it did. But with the overall feel of this book and the sweetness that is Gen and Ahren, I can overlook it.
There are lessons to be learned here and a firm message that no matter how you grieve or how you handle death, everyone does it differently. It’s a wonderful story filled with laughter and a bit of heat (winkyface) that makes The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare a great read.
*ARC provided by author/TRSOR promotions
March 8, 2015
3.5 - 4 GLITTERY GRIM IN A TOTALLY GOOD WAY STARS!!
Talk about something a bit different, this book wasn't what I was expecting at all. The h and her obsession with death and cemeteries was interesting and a bit concerning, but entertaining none the less. But the H shocked the hell out of me, he was a dirty buggar in the best possible way though. It made me cry and it made me smile, always a plus in my book, the only negative I had was it gor a bit repetitive in some places especially regarding the h and H's past and the ritual drinking, but apart from that it was a good read.
Talk about something a bit different, this book wasn't what I was expecting at all. The h and her obsession with death and cemeteries was interesting and a bit concerning, but entertaining none the less. But the H shocked the hell out of me, he was a dirty buggar in the best possible way though. It made me cry and it made me smile, always a plus in my book, the only negative I had was it gor a bit repetitive in some places especially regarding the h and H's past and the ritual drinking, but apart from that it was a good read.
November 7, 2014
★★★★★★
6 Morbid and (very) Sultry Stars
ARC received for an honest review
Review also posted on Mara's Bookshelf
Genevieve and Ahren...
I found my new J.B. Hartnett favorite. This is so, so, so good!
*****FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED*****
6 Morbid and (very) Sultry Stars
ARC received for an honest review
When I first learned the title of what J.B. Hartnett was working on, I believe my exact words were: "You had me at morbid and sultry". Given, there was no synopsis or teasers yet, just the title was enough for me to look forward to reading it.
From the title and book cover and maybe even from the blurb, one would think this is going to be a dark, depressing and intriguing read. Dark and depressing? Not really. But I did picture a gloomy or mostly cloudy setting like maybe the ones in Twilight or a little like The Vampire Diaries. That's about how dark and depressing this book go. Now, intriguing? Hell, yes! How often do we stumble upon a heroine who is a professional mourner? Right? Right? That alone is interesting enough. But add to that the curiosity for how and what the story will be like -- is this a sweet love story disguising in a dark cover? or a tragic love story? or better yet, a thrilling erotic story? and we get a unique, staggering story of life, loss, and love.
The main characters, Ahren Finnegan and Genevieve Clare grew up together, became friends, got attracted to each other yet nothing serious happened between them.
When Gen's family died, Ahren was there for her. Feelings started resurfacing and the easy friendship that they both had from years ago turned into something more. More deeper than attraction. More than platonic friendship. Something more meaningful. Even though all of this happened within the first few chapters, I felt full and connected. Like I've read their entire history already. How did you do that, Julie?
Genevieve and Ahren grew up in the graveyard environment. Gen and her family live beside a graveyard and Ahren's dad do some landscaping job in the graveyard for Gen's dad. (I cannot imagine living beside the cemetery. Creepy! But I like how the author made it seem not creepy and more "cool" to live beside one. Especially since Gen spends a lot of her time with her now dead family.)
So when they were young, they got to hang out together and be friends. Fast forwards years later to Gen's family's deaths, it's like they just picked up where they left off. It was comfortable, easy, romantic and at the same time sexually explosive between the two of them. Just when I thought my emotions are intact, J.B. Hartnett turns the story around and I would be left crying, another flip of the pages and I was laughing out loud like a crazy person, and then the next thing I know I'm squirming in my seat and fanning myself because the scenes I'm reading are hot as all get out! I'm giving you all fair warning, get ready to be amazed with how very well-written this book is!
Don't be deceived with the cover or the title of this book either, I promise you, you will be surprised at what you will read inside and the outstanding storytelling of J.B. Hartnett. The author did a great job with the "years later" style, I love those kind but I appreciate that she didn't drag on too much on it, she stayed on track with the plot/theme and still did not lose the spark and the chemistry between the two characters. Sometimes, authors get side-tracked when they insert years have passed in the story and either they lose the theme with too much romance or the romance feels rushed. But with TMaSToGC, the author meant it to be about a professional mourner and she didn't lose that even after the love, the heartbreak and then the finding love again. It still played a huge role in the story. And I enjoyed that! I got to see the life of a professional mourner, I'd say this was pretty educational, too! ;)
J.B. Hartnett sure know how to write funny and sexy scenes and mesh them together without feeling awkward. I was captivated right from the first word until the end where I was left deep sighing with happiness. The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare is a solid, unique, and impressive story to devour!
Stars: 6 stars
POV: Dual POV. First person (Gen) / Third person (Ahren)
Recommended to: Everyone who is looking for something new to feed their thirst for romance.
Series: No.
Extra Comment: Although this is not all sad, I did cry at several parts so I suggest tissues also.
6 Morbid and (very) Sultry Stars
ARC received for an honest review
Review also posted on Mara's Bookshelf
Genevieve and Ahren...
I found my new J.B. Hartnett favorite. This is so, so, so good!
*****FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED*****
6 Morbid and (very) Sultry Stars
ARC received for an honest review
When I first learned the title of what J.B. Hartnett was working on, I believe my exact words were: "You had me at morbid and sultry". Given, there was no synopsis or teasers yet, just the title was enough for me to look forward to reading it.
From the title and book cover and maybe even from the blurb, one would think this is going to be a dark, depressing and intriguing read. Dark and depressing? Not really. But I did picture a gloomy or mostly cloudy setting like maybe the ones in Twilight or a little like The Vampire Diaries. That's about how dark and depressing this book go. Now, intriguing? Hell, yes! How often do we stumble upon a heroine who is a professional mourner? Right? Right? That alone is interesting enough. But add to that the curiosity for how and what the story will be like -- is this a sweet love story disguising in a dark cover? or a tragic love story? or better yet, a thrilling erotic story? and we get a unique, staggering story of life, loss, and love.
The main characters, Ahren Finnegan and Genevieve Clare grew up together, became friends, got attracted to each other yet nothing serious happened between them.
When Gen's family died, Ahren was there for her. Feelings started resurfacing and the easy friendship that they both had from years ago turned into something more. More deeper than attraction. More than platonic friendship. Something more meaningful. Even though all of this happened within the first few chapters, I felt full and connected. Like I've read their entire history already. How did you do that, Julie?
Genevieve and Ahren grew up in the graveyard environment. Gen and her family live beside a graveyard and Ahren's dad do some landscaping job in the graveyard for Gen's dad. (I cannot imagine living beside the cemetery. Creepy! But I like how the author made it seem not creepy and more "cool" to live beside one. Especially since Gen spends a lot of her time with her now dead family.)
So when they were young, they got to hang out together and be friends. Fast forwards years later to Gen's family's deaths, it's like they just picked up where they left off. It was comfortable, easy, romantic and at the same time sexually explosive between the two of them. Just when I thought my emotions are intact, J.B. Hartnett turns the story around and I would be left crying, another flip of the pages and I was laughing out loud like a crazy person, and then the next thing I know I'm squirming in my seat and fanning myself because the scenes I'm reading are hot as all get out! I'm giving you all fair warning, get ready to be amazed with how very well-written this book is!
Don't be deceived with the cover or the title of this book either, I promise you, you will be surprised at what you will read inside and the outstanding storytelling of J.B. Hartnett. The author did a great job with the "years later" style, I love those kind but I appreciate that she didn't drag on too much on it, she stayed on track with the plot/theme and still did not lose the spark and the chemistry between the two characters. Sometimes, authors get side-tracked when they insert years have passed in the story and either they lose the theme with too much romance or the romance feels rushed. But with TMaSToGC, the author meant it to be about a professional mourner and she didn't lose that even after the love, the heartbreak and then the finding love again. It still played a huge role in the story. And I enjoyed that! I got to see the life of a professional mourner, I'd say this was pretty educational, too! ;)
J.B. Hartnett sure know how to write funny and sexy scenes and mesh them together without feeling awkward. I was captivated right from the first word until the end where I was left deep sighing with happiness. The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare is a solid, unique, and impressive story to devour!
Stars: 6 stars
POV: Dual POV. First person (Gen) / Third person (Ahren)
Recommended to: Everyone who is looking for something new to feed their thirst for romance.
Series: No.
Extra Comment: Although this is not all sad, I did cry at several parts so I suggest tissues also.
November 22, 2014
“I'm scared," I whispered and put the fork down.
"Yeah, I know ya are. We're all gonna die, Cookie. Death is the devil you know. The better you live, the more you piss him off, and he just hates that. Right now, you're lettin' him get his way.”
Genevieve Clare loses her parents and grandma in an accident . The love of her life and her childhood crush Ahren Finnegan becomes her solace at the time of need only to meet with an accident three months later , losing his dad in an accident . Gen decides there is no point in loving someone if death is the deciding factor in life . If death has the capability to bring grief and loss in ones life then what's the point of loving someone . So she decides to set Ahren free . Fast forward 10 years later , Ahren decides he has had enough of Gen and her antics and breezes back into her life and there my friend is where the morbid and sultry tale of Genevieve Clare begins !
I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story . Gen is hilarious . True she finds fascination in all things morbid , but she's crazy like that . Loved and respected , she is a genuine sweetheart who hides a lot of her emotions in her heart . She is a professional mourner , so she has a many services she offers to the people requiring her services and many of them are downright weird ..
“So,” I said with a pen in my hand as I went over everything they’d filled out. “You want The Banshee and the Dancing on your Grave, Motherfucker.”
Wait till you find out what more she has to offer .
Ahren Finnegan ...
Oh man , such a sweetheart . Lord , bless his heart ! That man is dayum fine !
“I’ll call you later. I have to do some work today, too.” He kissed my cheek, which was chaste compared to what his wandering hand was doing. “You make sure that Bryce knows that this…” He caught me completely off guard when he grabbed my crotch firmly, making me gasp and soaking my clean panties all at once. “…belongs to me. ‘K?”
I closed my eyes, wondering if I’d get arrested if I smothered him with my vagina in the middle of Brewster’s Bakery. “God, yes, okay.”
A fine combination of humor , steam and heart felt moments , The Morbid and Sultry tale of Genevieve Clare is the story of a man teaching a woman that to fall in love is okay even if the end destination is marked by death and of a woman with a heart of gold who finds peace and joy in the most oddest of ways ...
"Yeah, I know ya are. We're all gonna die, Cookie. Death is the devil you know. The better you live, the more you piss him off, and he just hates that. Right now, you're lettin' him get his way.”
Genevieve Clare loses her parents and grandma in an accident . The love of her life and her childhood crush Ahren Finnegan becomes her solace at the time of need only to meet with an accident three months later , losing his dad in an accident . Gen decides there is no point in loving someone if death is the deciding factor in life . If death has the capability to bring grief and loss in ones life then what's the point of loving someone . So she decides to set Ahren free . Fast forward 10 years later , Ahren decides he has had enough of Gen and her antics and breezes back into her life and there my friend is where the morbid and sultry tale of Genevieve Clare begins !
I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story . Gen is hilarious . True she finds fascination in all things morbid , but she's crazy like that . Loved and respected , she is a genuine sweetheart who hides a lot of her emotions in her heart . She is a professional mourner , so she has a many services she offers to the people requiring her services and many of them are downright weird ..
“So,” I said with a pen in my hand as I went over everything they’d filled out. “You want The Banshee and the Dancing on your Grave, Motherfucker.”
Wait till you find out what more she has to offer .
Ahren Finnegan ...
Oh man , such a sweetheart . Lord , bless his heart ! That man is dayum fine !
“I’ll call you later. I have to do some work today, too.” He kissed my cheek, which was chaste compared to what his wandering hand was doing. “You make sure that Bryce knows that this…” He caught me completely off guard when he grabbed my crotch firmly, making me gasp and soaking my clean panties all at once. “…belongs to me. ‘K?”
I closed my eyes, wondering if I’d get arrested if I smothered him with my vagina in the middle of Brewster’s Bakery. “God, yes, okay.”
A fine combination of humor , steam and heart felt moments , The Morbid and Sultry tale of Genevieve Clare is the story of a man teaching a woman that to fall in love is okay even if the end destination is marked by death and of a woman with a heart of gold who finds peace and joy in the most oddest of ways ...
March 6, 2015
4 1/4 Stars!!
This book was so unique in my opinion. It was so morbid, but I absolutely loved it. We all have to deal with death at some point. It was also very heartbreaking and sweet and beautiful.
I really got where Genevieve was coming from. I loved her character. She was sweet and sad, but trying to make it though. Ahren, I loved his character too. He was a sweet filthy boy. They both went though so much. I'm happy for them both. Happy reading!!
This book was so unique in my opinion. It was so morbid, but I absolutely loved it. We all have to deal with death at some point. It was also very heartbreaking and sweet and beautiful.
I really got where Genevieve was coming from. I loved her character. She was sweet and sad, but trying to make it though. Ahren, I loved his character too. He was a sweet filthy boy. They both went though so much. I'm happy for them both. Happy reading!!
February 5, 2015
This book took me a few days to finish. Not the author or book's fault. It was due to my schedule lately. I also wanted to take my time reading all the "details". I JUST LOVE BEING IN THE MIDDLE OF A GOOD BOOK!
The book starts off with Gen's parents and Gran's funeral. This is on page 1.
Genevieve's family's home is next to a cemetery. From the time she is very young, Gen is exposed to funerals. She had very loving parents and Grandma. The story unfolds as Gen- in her early 20s is dealing with going on after her own family dies suddenly. Gen has known Ahren since they were children. She's a few years younger, so when they meet again as adults, they fall in love. I loved Gen, she is not odd, but she is quirky in a sweet, kind way. I loved Ahren, he is 100% in love with Gen.
Gen becomes a professional mourner. Her clients are either the one about to pass: ie "the oldies" or the loved ones that need help with the funeral and affairs that lead up to it and follow the funeral. Gen is very good at this. She is very compassionate. Gen and Ahren have had losses. They each have a dread fear that someone will HAPPEN and any time. This holds them back from having their life together. Maybe they aren't good for each other since they've lost so much.
There are many supporting characters Gen meets as clients and becomes friends with some of them. Again this is all part of the circle of life as Gen helps people with moving on and letting go.
I LOVE J.B.'s writing. This is not a quick read. I enjoyed all of it. Gen and Ahren's life is not so simple. I had to be patient. They did spend a long time on their relationship. This book didn't just peak at 80% & then the H & h magically say 'OK, I'm in'!.
Life - and death was going on while they had to deal with their fears. I was concerned too about if/when "The other shoe would drop".
I'm not saying anymore about that. Let's just say that I didn't throw my kindle at the end! The ending was moment of nail biting & I had to stay up to find out what happened.
5 BIG STARS FROM ME. I will definitely be rereading this - but I might have to block out more time-which would be my pleasure!
Thank you to JLC for the recco!!!!!!!!! ^_~
The book starts off with Gen's parents and Gran's funeral. This is on page 1.
Genevieve's family's home is next to a cemetery. From the time she is very young, Gen is exposed to funerals. She had very loving parents and Grandma. The story unfolds as Gen- in her early 20s is dealing with going on after her own family dies suddenly. Gen has known Ahren since they were children. She's a few years younger, so when they meet again as adults, they fall in love. I loved Gen, she is not odd, but she is quirky in a sweet, kind way. I loved Ahren, he is 100% in love with Gen.
Gen becomes a professional mourner. Her clients are either the one about to pass: ie "the oldies" or the loved ones that need help with the funeral and affairs that lead up to it and follow the funeral. Gen is very good at this. She is very compassionate. Gen and Ahren have had losses. They each have a dread fear that someone will HAPPEN and any time. This holds them back from having their life together. Maybe they aren't good for each other since they've lost so much.
There are many supporting characters Gen meets as clients and becomes friends with some of them. Again this is all part of the circle of life as Gen helps people with moving on and letting go.
I LOVE J.B.'s writing. This is not a quick read. I enjoyed all of it. Gen and Ahren's life is not so simple. I had to be patient. They did spend a long time on their relationship. This book didn't just peak at 80% & then the H & h magically say 'OK, I'm in'!.
Life - and death was going on while they had to deal with their fears. I was concerned too about if/when "The other shoe would drop".
I'm not saying anymore about that. Let's just say that I didn't throw my kindle at the end! The ending was moment of nail biting & I had to stay up to find out what happened.
5 BIG STARS FROM ME. I will definitely be rereading this - but I might have to block out more time-which would be my pleasure!
Thank you to JLC for the recco!!!!!!!!! ^_~
January 29, 2015
Sweet, tragic, sad, funny, sentimental but without being sappy or maudlin, and joyful. This book is unique.
The main characters have real issues and have to work to overcome them. but it's necessary and part of the characters' growth. And there are wonderful, developed supporting characters. And the heroine has a life and internal angst that is not all about the hero. Such a refreshing change from contemporary books.
I'll never approach funerals and mortuaries the same way.
The main characters have real issues and have to work to overcome them. but it's necessary and part of the characters' growth. And there are wonderful, developed supporting characters. And the heroine has a life and internal angst that is not all about the hero. Such a refreshing change from contemporary books.
I'll never approach funerals and mortuaries the same way.
February 23, 2016
Real rating: 2.5
Ugh,I thought that this would be much better.The characters,except Gen,were kind of 2-dimensional,there wasn't much about them or their past.Ahren was great but I still don't understand why the hell did he waited so long to .There's nothing morbid about Gen's stories,to be honest.There's a lot of unnecessary sex scenes and not enough cool stories about Gen's job.Also,I was kind of bugged by the way Ahren spoke...it just didn't seemed natural.I think that the story would be absolutely morbid if .
Overall,disappointing.
Favourite quote:
The two men examined Ahren.
"I think you can never have too many hot guys at your funeral. It makes a statement. That statement being, "And adored by hot fuckable men the world over"."
Ugh,I thought that this would be much better.The characters,except Gen,were kind of 2-dimensional,there wasn't much about them or their past.Ahren was great but I still don't understand why the hell did he waited so long to .There's nothing morbid about Gen's stories,to be honest.There's a lot of unnecessary sex scenes and not enough cool stories about Gen's job.Also,I was kind of bugged by the way Ahren spoke...it just didn't seemed natural.I think that the story would be absolutely morbid if .
Overall,disappointing.
Favourite quote:
The two men examined Ahren.
"I think you can never have too many hot guys at your funeral. It makes a statement. That statement being, "And adored by hot fuckable men the world over"."
September 28, 2014
Clever, warm and funny are the first words that come to mind when describing this book :)
I thought the idea behind this novel was brilliant - imaginative and unique. This is not your typical romance - in all the right ways!
This is the story of love and loss, sprinkled with humor and insight. The characters are real, complex, and loveable. (I absolutely LOVE Ahren!)
My favorite part of this book was the romance. So, for all or you romantics out there - you won't be disappointed!
I wish I could rate this book ten stars! It's one of my favorite reads this year.
I thought the idea behind this novel was brilliant - imaginative and unique. This is not your typical romance - in all the right ways!
This is the story of love and loss, sprinkled with humor and insight. The characters are real, complex, and loveable. (I absolutely LOVE Ahren!)
My favorite part of this book was the romance. So, for all or you romantics out there - you won't be disappointed!
I wish I could rate this book ten stars! It's one of my favorite reads this year.
March 11, 2015
5 Morbid Stars for Gen and Ahren. Something different from my MC romance to Billionaire CEO tie me up romance ;D
“You remember,” he said, squeezing my hand and whispered, “I chose the right girl.”
“It’ll be called, ‘I took precautions to protect my wife so I could fuck her hard on our honeymoon and nothing bad would happen.’ For instance, if the ceiling falls or a freak tornado rips through the Russian River area of Northern California.”
“You remember,” he said, squeezing my hand and whispered, “I chose the right girl.”
“It’ll be called, ‘I took precautions to protect my wife so I could fuck her hard on our honeymoon and nothing bad would happen.’ For instance, if the ceiling falls or a freak tornado rips through the Russian River area of Northern California.”
June 10, 2015
A hilarious and inspiring book. Though it's sometomes dark it teaches you that you have only one life which will definitely shit on you. But no matter what you should live to the full without fears and doubts. Loved it greatly!!!
February 19, 2015
2.5 stars
When Genevieve Clare loses everyone dear to her in a tragic accident, an idea is born to help those who need support when it comes to dealing with death. So begins her career as a professional mourner, providing an array of services, some more interesting than others. She has one best friend, Rocky, and Ahren, the boy she's secretly loved for years. At her time of need, Ahren returns home to provide support, and to tell her that he's been in love with her for years. As they begin their new relationship, Genevieve is plagued with thoughts that fate will step in and take Ahren away from her, which almost does happen. Knowing that she could never handle losing Ahren if he were to die, she breaks his heart and tells him to leave for good. Fast forward ten years, Ahren returns to reclaim what he should've fought for in the first place - Genevieve.
Genevieve is an interesting character. When it comes to death, nothing phases her. Why should it when she grew up next to a cemetery and has always been fascinated with death. The author does a great job giving the reader an in-depth look at the heroine. That being said, I didn't find the same for Ahren. There's no mention of any close friends, what he did in the big city, or really why he came back home after five years where he lived twenty minutes away from Genevieve, but never once contacting her. For two people supposedly so in love, it's hard to understand why Ahren never once knocked on her door, instead opting to live just minutes away from her. I mean not even once? But no matter, they get back together. Did you think they wouldn't?
While it's a good story, it's a story that just dragged on needlessly. Everything that I've outlined? That all takes place even before you hit the 40% mark. There are more funerals, visits with the elderly, assisting mourners, and a lot of cake to be eaten. (She's never without a cake). And Ahren and Genevieve have sex, lots and lots of sex that becomes lots and lots boring. The pages are filled with them having sex, none of it very erotic in my opinion. Personally, the author should've finished the novel by the 50% mark. I was so bored with so much of it. I'm surprised I actually finished it.
There's one thing I have to mention and that's to do with money. Why so many authors have their protagonists strike it rich after they lose their parents is beyond me. They don't have to work but they do. They give to charity, give to friends, can buy whatever they want because their money just sits in a bank collecting interest. It's a theme I've come across on many occasions and in my opinion, very unrealistic at times, not to mention tiring.
Read it, don't read it, I'll leave that up to you. Just because I didn't think much of it doesn't mean you will too.
When Genevieve Clare loses everyone dear to her in a tragic accident, an idea is born to help those who need support when it comes to dealing with death. So begins her career as a professional mourner, providing an array of services, some more interesting than others. She has one best friend, Rocky, and Ahren, the boy she's secretly loved for years. At her time of need, Ahren returns home to provide support, and to tell her that he's been in love with her for years. As they begin their new relationship, Genevieve is plagued with thoughts that fate will step in and take Ahren away from her, which almost does happen. Knowing that she could never handle losing Ahren if he were to die, she breaks his heart and tells him to leave for good. Fast forward ten years, Ahren returns to reclaim what he should've fought for in the first place - Genevieve.
Genevieve is an interesting character. When it comes to death, nothing phases her. Why should it when she grew up next to a cemetery and has always been fascinated with death. The author does a great job giving the reader an in-depth look at the heroine. That being said, I didn't find the same for Ahren. There's no mention of any close friends, what he did in the big city, or really why he came back home after five years where he lived twenty minutes away from Genevieve, but never once contacting her. For two people supposedly so in love, it's hard to understand why Ahren never once knocked on her door, instead opting to live just minutes away from her. I mean not even once? But no matter, they get back together. Did you think they wouldn't?
While it's a good story, it's a story that just dragged on needlessly. Everything that I've outlined? That all takes place even before you hit the 40% mark. There are more funerals, visits with the elderly, assisting mourners, and a lot of cake to be eaten. (She's never without a cake). And Ahren and Genevieve have sex, lots and lots of sex that becomes lots and lots boring. The pages are filled with them having sex, none of it very erotic in my opinion. Personally, the author should've finished the novel by the 50% mark. I was so bored with so much of it. I'm surprised I actually finished it.
There's one thing I have to mention and that's to do with money. Why so many authors have their protagonists strike it rich after they lose their parents is beyond me. They don't have to work but they do. They give to charity, give to friends, can buy whatever they want because their money just sits in a bank collecting interest. It's a theme I've come across on many occasions and in my opinion, very unrealistic at times, not to mention tiring.
Read it, don't read it, I'll leave that up to you. Just because I didn't think much of it doesn't mean you will too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2014
I read the title and thought , Oh I’m not sure but rest assured I have absolutely castigated myself now because my reticence was completely unwarranted, The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve
Clare by JB Hartnett was not only uniquely different, it swept through my hands like a breath of fresh air and was everything that I hadn’t been expecting.
So don’t let that dark cover fool you because hiding inside is the most endearing tale of love and loss, told with humour and sensitivity and just a smudging of sauce!
There are enough plot twists and turns to keep you alert and there are a few moments when you will, scroll back and re-read just to make sure you got it right in the first place.
Genevieve is an easy character to like, a little on the kooky side, her job is one that I found completely enchanting, her ability to empathise and take on some of the pain and suffering of her clients is quite astonishing. Her resolve that grief is something she can share and diffuse is simple yet effective, she gives to others the realisation that no matter what with her in their corner, they are not alone. This I thought was characterisation of the highest order because it allowed us to see gen in all her glory. Gen herself was touched by sorrow in a big way but she refused to be decimated by it, her experience has made her the woman she is today.
But Gen has a secret, one that she has carried with her for many years, one that she doesn’t feel able to fulfil, she has a secret crush, one she has harboured for years…. Ahren.
Unrequited love always tugs at the heartstrings but in this case her feelings were reciprocated, it is just a shame that neither of them knew.
Ahren stole the show for me because he was an absolute diamond – it was impossible not to love the man. He was so cocky and charismatic, his sexy sweet demeanour was just adorable.
I was unsure as to how they would find their way together, especially taking into account the grief that is befalls the pair of them but the author gently treads her way on the right side of delicate, to tastefully deliver this pair a romance that is worthy of them.
Loss is not something that can be belittled and JB Hartnett strikes and blow for the good guy here, Gen and Ahren are two genuinely good souls who not only deserve to be happy together but are earning their wings together.
Looking for something different, not angst ridden and angry them this is your book, it is delightfully different and it was a pleasure to have read it.
Clare by JB Hartnett was not only uniquely different, it swept through my hands like a breath of fresh air and was everything that I hadn’t been expecting.
So don’t let that dark cover fool you because hiding inside is the most endearing tale of love and loss, told with humour and sensitivity and just a smudging of sauce!
There are enough plot twists and turns to keep you alert and there are a few moments when you will, scroll back and re-read just to make sure you got it right in the first place.
Genevieve is an easy character to like, a little on the kooky side, her job is one that I found completely enchanting, her ability to empathise and take on some of the pain and suffering of her clients is quite astonishing. Her resolve that grief is something she can share and diffuse is simple yet effective, she gives to others the realisation that no matter what with her in their corner, they are not alone. This I thought was characterisation of the highest order because it allowed us to see gen in all her glory. Gen herself was touched by sorrow in a big way but she refused to be decimated by it, her experience has made her the woman she is today.
But Gen has a secret, one that she has carried with her for many years, one that she doesn’t feel able to fulfil, she has a secret crush, one she has harboured for years…. Ahren.
Unrequited love always tugs at the heartstrings but in this case her feelings were reciprocated, it is just a shame that neither of them knew.
Ahren stole the show for me because he was an absolute diamond – it was impossible not to love the man. He was so cocky and charismatic, his sexy sweet demeanour was just adorable.
I was unsure as to how they would find their way together, especially taking into account the grief that is befalls the pair of them but the author gently treads her way on the right side of delicate, to tastefully deliver this pair a romance that is worthy of them.
Loss is not something that can be belittled and JB Hartnett strikes and blow for the good guy here, Gen and Ahren are two genuinely good souls who not only deserve to be happy together but are earning their wings together.
Looking for something different, not angst ridden and angry them this is your book, it is delightfully different and it was a pleasure to have read it.
December 1, 2014
Four stars: A quirky book that explores the morbid.
Genevieve Clare is no stranger to tragedy. On one horrible, tragic day, she loses her parents and her grandmother. Somehow she gets through the funeral. That night, she is surprised by the return of her longtime friend and childhood crush, Ahren Finnegan. Quickly, Ahren helps ease the hurt, but soon, Gen learns that she isn't able to love wholeheartedly as she constantly fears loss. Ahren packs his bags and leaves, and Gen starts a new business. She becomes a professional mourner. A lady who can be hired to attend funerals for those who need extra support, or drama, or to have their corpse shaken to make sure they are dead. Whatever you need, Gen will be there in her black dress, stockings, heels and pillbox hat with veil. After ten years, Gen has a successful business, but is she really living?
What I Liked:
*This was fun, quirky and unique little read. I was completely entertained by the whole concept of being a professional mourner. What and interesting idea. I loved the various funerals Gen attends and learning the reasons why she is hired. Some of them are odd, others entertaining and a few heart tugging. I loved the everything the professional mourner, and I only wished that there was more on it. The titles for the services Genevieve performs such as Shake and Bake (she opens the casket and shakes the corpse to make sure the client is truly dead) are hilarious.
*I loved the new and endearing friendships that Gen formed with two aging clients who hired her for her mourning services when they pass. One is a hilarious, dirty old man who likes girly magazines and big boobs. Bryce made me laugh. He was cute and funny, yet wise and sweet when it mattered. The other was an old gal named Deliah who also imparts some sage advice. I enjoyed each and every meeting with these two, especially since the get togethers involved cake.
*Speaking of cake, I had a hearty hunkering for cake after reading this one. I thought it was great that Gen had an appreciation for good, sweet treats, and that she took cake to her clients.
*Genevieve is a complicated character whom I enjoyed getting to know. She suffers a severe trauma early on in her life, and it takes her years to learn to love, live and feel again. She has some huge obstacles to overcome, and it takes time, but I loved seeing the person she became. I especially liked that she was a good listener and that she helped make a difference in other's lives, like the jilted lady who works at the elderly home where Bryce lives. Gen makes a big difference in her life. Loved that.
*The romance is one built on years of friendship, that evolves from a childhood crush. It is rich and complicated, and full of stumbles. Yet, when it works it is wonderful. Sizzling hot chemistry and all that. I always enjoy a romance that blossoms from life long friendships.
And The Not So Much:
*While I overall liked the romance, I felt that toward the end, the sex scenes were thrown in and they got to be too much. After several, I got the heat and passion and all that, and I didn't need a bunch of reminders. Some of the sex scenes are full of love, and emotion, others are nothing more than going at it, and they do it in some interesting places. I just got tired of the sex and started skimming them by the end. I wanted more of the funerals and less sex.
*The other issue I had was it got a little repetitive. The romance struggles as both parties suffer with their concerns over loss. Just when it feels like things are on track, it falters again over the same issue. It got old.
*As I mentioned, I loved everything about Gen being a professional mourner and I enjoyed the funerals and some of the antics Gen performs at the request of those who hire her. I truly wanted more of this portion of the story, and I got a bit bored toward the end when Gen cuts back on funerals and the book focuses on the romance.
*This book is told with two view points. Gen and Ahren. Ahren's portions were smaller and in the first person while Gen is the main voice and her parts are in first person. I am not a fan of the switching from first to third person, and I wish that both narrations were done via first person.
The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare was an interesting, quirky and morbid little read that explores the many angles of death and loss. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concept of a professional mourner. It was definitely different. I also appreciated the character growth and the endearing friendships that are founded throughout. If you are on the hunt for something unique grab this one.
I purchased a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Genevieve Clare is no stranger to tragedy. On one horrible, tragic day, she loses her parents and her grandmother. Somehow she gets through the funeral. That night, she is surprised by the return of her longtime friend and childhood crush, Ahren Finnegan. Quickly, Ahren helps ease the hurt, but soon, Gen learns that she isn't able to love wholeheartedly as she constantly fears loss. Ahren packs his bags and leaves, and Gen starts a new business. She becomes a professional mourner. A lady who can be hired to attend funerals for those who need extra support, or drama, or to have their corpse shaken to make sure they are dead. Whatever you need, Gen will be there in her black dress, stockings, heels and pillbox hat with veil. After ten years, Gen has a successful business, but is she really living?
What I Liked:
*This was fun, quirky and unique little read. I was completely entertained by the whole concept of being a professional mourner. What and interesting idea. I loved the various funerals Gen attends and learning the reasons why she is hired. Some of them are odd, others entertaining and a few heart tugging. I loved the everything the professional mourner, and I only wished that there was more on it. The titles for the services Genevieve performs such as Shake and Bake (she opens the casket and shakes the corpse to make sure the client is truly dead) are hilarious.
*I loved the new and endearing friendships that Gen formed with two aging clients who hired her for her mourning services when they pass. One is a hilarious, dirty old man who likes girly magazines and big boobs. Bryce made me laugh. He was cute and funny, yet wise and sweet when it mattered. The other was an old gal named Deliah who also imparts some sage advice. I enjoyed each and every meeting with these two, especially since the get togethers involved cake.
*Speaking of cake, I had a hearty hunkering for cake after reading this one. I thought it was great that Gen had an appreciation for good, sweet treats, and that she took cake to her clients.
*Genevieve is a complicated character whom I enjoyed getting to know. She suffers a severe trauma early on in her life, and it takes her years to learn to love, live and feel again. She has some huge obstacles to overcome, and it takes time, but I loved seeing the person she became. I especially liked that she was a good listener and that she helped make a difference in other's lives, like the jilted lady who works at the elderly home where Bryce lives. Gen makes a big difference in her life. Loved that.
*The romance is one built on years of friendship, that evolves from a childhood crush. It is rich and complicated, and full of stumbles. Yet, when it works it is wonderful. Sizzling hot chemistry and all that. I always enjoy a romance that blossoms from life long friendships.
And The Not So Much:
*While I overall liked the romance, I felt that toward the end, the sex scenes were thrown in and they got to be too much. After several, I got the heat and passion and all that, and I didn't need a bunch of reminders. Some of the sex scenes are full of love, and emotion, others are nothing more than going at it, and they do it in some interesting places. I just got tired of the sex and started skimming them by the end. I wanted more of the funerals and less sex.
*The other issue I had was it got a little repetitive. The romance struggles as both parties suffer with their concerns over loss. Just when it feels like things are on track, it falters again over the same issue. It got old.
*As I mentioned, I loved everything about Gen being a professional mourner and I enjoyed the funerals and some of the antics Gen performs at the request of those who hire her. I truly wanted more of this portion of the story, and I got a bit bored toward the end when Gen cuts back on funerals and the book focuses on the romance.
*This book is told with two view points. Gen and Ahren. Ahren's portions were smaller and in the first person while Gen is the main voice and her parts are in first person. I am not a fan of the switching from first to third person, and I wish that both narrations were done via first person.
The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare was an interesting, quirky and morbid little read that explores the many angles of death and loss. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concept of a professional mourner. It was definitely different. I also appreciated the character growth and the endearing friendships that are founded throughout. If you are on the hunt for something unique grab this one.
I purchased a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
November 3, 2014
This book is so weird and so cool. I had a ball reading it. It brought to mind all kinds of off beat, really loved things like A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket books, Ellen Page, Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder movies, the Addams Family. You get what I mean right? It's odd and lovable. It's so very different from most main stream reads right now. Inside it has lots of cake, friends, funerals, laughs, deep moments, some tear-ish moments, silliness, randomness, sexiness. I wouldn't consider this to be a life-changing book, but reading it put a pep in my step. It certainly made my day and week more pleasant.
Genevieve and Ahren are the main couple. They are both so easy to love. Gen and Ahren grow up together around a graveyard, and both are a bit more into the darker aspects of life than your average person. They are
grim
Actually everyone in this book is great. I don't recall anything that significantly bothered me about the characters or what happens in the story. Everything about it has a small town/we're all friends here aspect to it. There are lots of people that just tell it like is.
Do yourself a favor and read this mood-elevating, lovely book right away.
4.25 stars
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
Genevieve and Ahren are the main couple. They are both so easy to love. Gen and Ahren grow up together around a graveyard, and both are a bit more into the darker aspects of life than your average person. They are
grim
Was he nuts? Of course I wanted to go into a dark cabin in the woods with him.funny
When Ahren walked into a room, I wanted to smother him with my vagina.sweet & sexy
He took my left hand and held it to his chest, his heart beating wildly as he lifted my fourth finger and slipped the engagement ring on. His hand slowly closed around mine as he began to move inside me.
Actually everyone in this book is great. I don't recall anything that significantly bothered me about the characters or what happens in the story. Everything about it has a small town/we're all friends here aspect to it. There are lots of people that just tell it like is.
"Ah, you'll find someone better. Tears should only be wasted on an asshole if you have hemorrhoids."
Do yourself a favor and read this mood-elevating, lovely book right away.
4.25 stars
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
November 6, 2014
The synopsis for this book leaves a lot to the imagination, and I had no idea what to really expect going in to it. My assumption was that it was going to be dark and morbid and twisted and - dare I say it? Involve some necrophilia!
But no. It wasn't any of those things. OK, perhaps it was a little morbid in places, but in a light and humorous way. I'm not going to expand on the plot. I honestly feel that this story is best read going in as blind as you can.
What I got out of reading The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare was this:
A truly unique and original story line.
A story line that totally captivated me and had me engrossed the whole way through.
A heroine and hero that were both so vivid and realistic that I dreamt about them! Honest! Genevieve and Ahren were in my dreams!
A bunch of extremely lovable characters - and there was a whole bunch of them! But each and every one played a crucial role in the story.
Some very romantic and extremely HOT lovin' ;)
A story that had me smiling, and laughing, and crying.
And the most important thing:
It made me feel. Not only did I feel empathy and compassion for the characters, I also experienced a variety of emotions while reading this book. There's nothing better than a story where you connect to the characters so easily and deeply that you experience every single one of their emotions with them.
I absolutely love J.B. Hartnett's writing style. With each book of her's that I have read, she has had me completely invested in the world that she has created with her words.
If you are in the mood for a book that is romantic and has an original storyline that will make you FEEL, then make sure that you read The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare. I can't recommend it highly enough! You won't be disappointed.
I received an ARC as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.
But no. It wasn't any of those things. OK, perhaps it was a little morbid in places, but in a light and humorous way. I'm not going to expand on the plot. I honestly feel that this story is best read going in as blind as you can.
What I got out of reading The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare was this:
A truly unique and original story line.
A story line that totally captivated me and had me engrossed the whole way through.
A heroine and hero that were both so vivid and realistic that I dreamt about them! Honest! Genevieve and Ahren were in my dreams!
A bunch of extremely lovable characters - and there was a whole bunch of them! But each and every one played a crucial role in the story.
Some very romantic and extremely HOT lovin' ;)
A story that had me smiling, and laughing, and crying.
And the most important thing:
It made me feel. Not only did I feel empathy and compassion for the characters, I also experienced a variety of emotions while reading this book. There's nothing better than a story where you connect to the characters so easily and deeply that you experience every single one of their emotions with them.
I absolutely love J.B. Hartnett's writing style. With each book of her's that I have read, she has had me completely invested in the world that she has created with her words.
If you are in the mood for a book that is romantic and has an original storyline that will make you FEEL, then make sure that you read The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare. I can't recommend it highly enough! You won't be disappointed.
I received an ARC as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2014
You know that warm feeling that you get when you’ve finished a book that, in your opinion, ticks all the boxes? That’s what I felt when I finished reading The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve
Clare.
That’s not to say that I didn’t experience a myriad of emotions while I was reading this book, because I did. There were quite a few moments when I got very teary, but there were also times that I had a quiet chuckle to myself. Quiet, because I wasn’t always alone while I was reading and I didn’t want to be locked away. There were times that I sighed because I was swept away in the many feel-good moments and there were even a few OMG! moments.
Now you can see why I enjoyed this book so much. I love a book that takes me on a roller coaster of emotions and even though I could never imagine myself doing Gen’s job, I still felt an affinity with the Genevieve Clare. Maybe, it’s because I could see a very good friend in this character. But Gen wasn’t the only character I fell in love with. I want an Ahren in my life (HUGE SIGH) and I want to be friends with Rocky!
I gave The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare 5 stars or in the words of Gen and Rocky “five f**king stars”.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
Clare.
That’s not to say that I didn’t experience a myriad of emotions while I was reading this book, because I did. There were quite a few moments when I got very teary, but there were also times that I had a quiet chuckle to myself. Quiet, because I wasn’t always alone while I was reading and I didn’t want to be locked away. There were times that I sighed because I was swept away in the many feel-good moments and there were even a few OMG! moments.
Now you can see why I enjoyed this book so much. I love a book that takes me on a roller coaster of emotions and even though I could never imagine myself doing Gen’s job, I still felt an affinity with the Genevieve Clare. Maybe, it’s because I could see a very good friend in this character. But Gen wasn’t the only character I fell in love with. I want an Ahren in my life (HUGE SIGH) and I want to be friends with Rocky!
I gave The Morbid and Sultry Tales of Genevieve Clare 5 stars or in the words of Gen and Rocky “five f**king stars”.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
December 30, 2014
4.5 stars
this book took me by suprise, a wonderful suprise. it's got a great balance of quirky and heartfelt. don't judge based on the cover or it's title as it's so much more than a book about a woman grieving. it's a gorgeous love story that is imaginative, uplifting, emotional, funny and really quite sexy.
i enjoyed this book so much. there is a bunch of seriously awesome side characters and even a few funny throwbacks for gilmore girls fans.
i went in not really knowing much at all and i think that was best as it stands completely on it's own with all the other books i have read lately. it's a unique little gem and if you enjoy a passionate love story, a second chance romance or just quirky characters then chances are you will really like this book.
this book took me by suprise, a wonderful suprise. it's got a great balance of quirky and heartfelt. don't judge based on the cover or it's title as it's so much more than a book about a woman grieving. it's a gorgeous love story that is imaginative, uplifting, emotional, funny and really quite sexy.
i enjoyed this book so much. there is a bunch of seriously awesome side characters and even a few funny throwbacks for gilmore girls fans.
i went in not really knowing much at all and i think that was best as it stands completely on it's own with all the other books i have read lately. it's a unique little gem and if you enjoy a passionate love story, a second chance romance or just quirky characters then chances are you will really like this book.
November 1, 2014
You know that the best part of this book was? It was UNIQUE.
I've read many, many, MANY romance stories, and I can say with great conviction that there is a general pattern that most stories follow. Main character one meets main character two, they fall for each other around 30% in, spend the rest of the story falling deeper in love until 70% in (no joke, 70%), some major drama happens. The drama gets resolved, and the book wraps up.
This story is nothing like that. What a breath of fresh air! Well, fresh in the characters-surrounded-by-death kind of sense.
Four and a half yeah-this-book-was-adorable stars.
I've read many, many, MANY romance stories, and I can say with great conviction that there is a general pattern that most stories follow. Main character one meets main character two, they fall for each other around 30% in, spend the rest of the story falling deeper in love until 70% in (no joke, 70%), some major drama happens. The drama gets resolved, and the book wraps up.
This story is nothing like that. What a breath of fresh air! Well, fresh in the characters-surrounded-by-death kind of sense.
Four and a half yeah-this-book-was-adorable stars.
October 28, 2014
4.25 stars
This has got to be the quirkiest, strangest and most tender hearted love story I have ever read... J.B. Hartnett... You are something special!
This story is about Genevieve and Ahren... And their love... Their insurmountable loss, and allowing themselves to drown in that love again... Live that love with their very real fear of losing that love....
I really don't want to give any of the details away.. It is that strange and beautiful... If you like different... You will love this!
This has got to be the quirkiest, strangest and most tender hearted love story I have ever read... J.B. Hartnett... You are something special!
This story is about Genevieve and Ahren... And their love... Their insurmountable loss, and allowing themselves to drown in that love again... Live that love with their very real fear of losing that love....
I really don't want to give any of the details away.. It is that strange and beautiful... If you like different... You will love this!
November 5, 2014
I so love blog tours when I come across an author I've never heard of and love her book. It makes me want to go see what other books she has out which I'll be doing after writing this review.
I felt the author pulled me through so many emotions while reading this book. She did a great job with this story. Slightly on the dark side I found this book also funny and sad. There is also the air of morbidness running through it.
This is a really brilliant story with a fantastic unique storyline. The synopsis doesn't do this book the justice it deserves.
Take a chance. 1-click. I loved it.
I felt the author pulled me through so many emotions while reading this book. She did a great job with this story. Slightly on the dark side I found this book also funny and sad. There is also the air of morbidness running through it.
This is a really brilliant story with a fantastic unique storyline. The synopsis doesn't do this book the justice it deserves.
Take a chance. 1-click. I loved it.
March 8, 2015
3.5 stars
November 3, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Death is such a taboo subject when, in fact, it really should not be. Now, do not go into this book thinking that that is everything this story is about: no, this is a love story that makes you feel everything. The love story between Genevieve Clare and Ahren Finnegan is sweet, funny, life affirming, and uplifting. Add to that some great, dry wit delivered by some of the secondary characters, a bit of steaminess, and overall “feel-good-vibes”, and I am positive that you will come to love, maybe even adore, this book as much as I do.
As always, I will not give away any spoilers of the story, but what makes it so much more important than usual is the fact that this is such a different romance novel from what we see on the market these days, and I honestly believe that it will ruin the reading pleasure for you if I reveal too much of it.
Genevieve – Gen – has suffered great loss at a very young age: losing both her parents and grandmother in a horrific way. Needless to say, she is filled with sorrow, but she does not know how to work through it in a “normal” way. She has been in love with Ahren Finnegan since she was a little girl, and even though he admits to feeling the same way about her, fate decides to step in and tear these lovers apart. It does not happen in an overly dramatic way, but, again, I refuse to give any spoilers; suffice it to say, years will pass until Gen and Ahren meet again, and, this time, decide to take a leap of faith in order to find happiness together.
”All the men in my life had been compared, unbeknownst to them, to Ahren Finnegan. They never stood a chance.” (Genevieve)
Gen is a quirky, sweet, and caring person; to say that her line of work is different would be an understatement: I honestly do not know if there exists professional mourners in this day and age, but I kind of hope so. You see, the services Gen offer her clients are compassionate, selfless, and absolutely amazing. Are they eccentric? Yes, absolutely. But is this really such a bad thing? To some, yes – to others, not so much.
As for Ahren: well, he is such a wonderful person. I love him! In some aspects, he is just as scared as Gen, but I love his stubbornness, his humour, and his alpha tendencies (especially in the bedroom *wink*). He understands Gen like no other person does, and he knows how to handle her when she feels afraid and want to bolt. Furthermore, he understands why she has chosen the profession she has, and that means everything.
‘”I wanted to be your first, Gen. All those years, I knew I could say anything, tell you anything, and you would’ve thought it was cool or asked me more, and we would talk. I missed you. I missed talking to you. Not the little girl you; I missed you.”’ (Ahren)
I would also like to add that Ahren is not insecure about opening up the can of worms, and you just have to love a man who does not shy away from disagreeing with his woman – because that, my dear readers, is not an easy task!
‘“No going back,” he said firmly. “I mean it, Gen. It’s you and me, now. Not our pasts. Now. If you ask me to leave, I will not go. Do you understand?”’ (Ahren)
As I said in the beginning of my review: death is not something you want to dwell on – and I do not think that you should, of course – but neither is it a subject to ignore at the same time. It just is . It is a fact of life, plain and simple. But what I feel that Miss Hartnett wants to tell us by writing this story is that one should make the most of one’s life; that it is more than acceptable to be different; and, last, that love is all that matters in the end. True love, in any shape or form, is everything. And that brings me hope.
‘I felt his smile against my own. “What if something happens to me?” I asked. He held my face in his hands and said, “Then you wait for me to join you, baby. I won’t be far behind.”’ (Genevieve & Ahren)
So: yes, I recommend this rather different, but endearing, romance novel: the storyline is unusual; Gen and Ahren are lovely, believable, and genuine characters; Miss Hartnett’s storytelling skills are so unique, and you can really feel that she cares deeply for every single person she introduces us to in her book; finally, the cast of secondary characters in this novel is so much fun! Yes, even when you find yourself bawling your eyes out – and yes, that I did – you will end up smiling because of something a certain person said in a previous chapter.
This has become one of my favourite books this year, so please take a chance, dear reader, and buy it!
Death is such a taboo subject when, in fact, it really should not be. Now, do not go into this book thinking that that is everything this story is about: no, this is a love story that makes you feel everything. The love story between Genevieve Clare and Ahren Finnegan is sweet, funny, life affirming, and uplifting. Add to that some great, dry wit delivered by some of the secondary characters, a bit of steaminess, and overall “feel-good-vibes”, and I am positive that you will come to love, maybe even adore, this book as much as I do.
As always, I will not give away any spoilers of the story, but what makes it so much more important than usual is the fact that this is such a different romance novel from what we see on the market these days, and I honestly believe that it will ruin the reading pleasure for you if I reveal too much of it.
Genevieve – Gen – has suffered great loss at a very young age: losing both her parents and grandmother in a horrific way. Needless to say, she is filled with sorrow, but she does not know how to work through it in a “normal” way. She has been in love with Ahren Finnegan since she was a little girl, and even though he admits to feeling the same way about her, fate decides to step in and tear these lovers apart. It does not happen in an overly dramatic way, but, again, I refuse to give any spoilers; suffice it to say, years will pass until Gen and Ahren meet again, and, this time, decide to take a leap of faith in order to find happiness together.
”All the men in my life had been compared, unbeknownst to them, to Ahren Finnegan. They never stood a chance.” (Genevieve)
Gen is a quirky, sweet, and caring person; to say that her line of work is different would be an understatement: I honestly do not know if there exists professional mourners in this day and age, but I kind of hope so. You see, the services Gen offer her clients are compassionate, selfless, and absolutely amazing. Are they eccentric? Yes, absolutely. But is this really such a bad thing? To some, yes – to others, not so much.
As for Ahren: well, he is such a wonderful person. I love him! In some aspects, he is just as scared as Gen, but I love his stubbornness, his humour, and his alpha tendencies (especially in the bedroom *wink*). He understands Gen like no other person does, and he knows how to handle her when she feels afraid and want to bolt. Furthermore, he understands why she has chosen the profession she has, and that means everything.
‘”I wanted to be your first, Gen. All those years, I knew I could say anything, tell you anything, and you would’ve thought it was cool or asked me more, and we would talk. I missed you. I missed talking to you. Not the little girl you; I missed you.”’ (Ahren)
I would also like to add that Ahren is not insecure about opening up the can of worms, and you just have to love a man who does not shy away from disagreeing with his woman – because that, my dear readers, is not an easy task!
‘“No going back,” he said firmly. “I mean it, Gen. It’s you and me, now. Not our pasts. Now. If you ask me to leave, I will not go. Do you understand?”’ (Ahren)
As I said in the beginning of my review: death is not something you want to dwell on – and I do not think that you should, of course – but neither is it a subject to ignore at the same time. It just is . It is a fact of life, plain and simple. But what I feel that Miss Hartnett wants to tell us by writing this story is that one should make the most of one’s life; that it is more than acceptable to be different; and, last, that love is all that matters in the end. True love, in any shape or form, is everything. And that brings me hope.
‘I felt his smile against my own. “What if something happens to me?” I asked. He held my face in his hands and said, “Then you wait for me to join you, baby. I won’t be far behind.”’ (Genevieve & Ahren)
So: yes, I recommend this rather different, but endearing, romance novel: the storyline is unusual; Gen and Ahren are lovely, believable, and genuine characters; Miss Hartnett’s storytelling skills are so unique, and you can really feel that she cares deeply for every single person she introduces us to in her book; finally, the cast of secondary characters in this novel is so much fun! Yes, even when you find yourself bawling your eyes out – and yes, that I did – you will end up smiling because of something a certain person said in a previous chapter.
This has become one of my favourite books this year, so please take a chance, dear reader, and buy it!
December 9, 2014
4 VERY INTRIGUING STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a very pleasant and unexpected surprise this book was. Sure, it was morbid and sultry, that was expected, but it was also deep and romantic, funny and quirky, frustrating, somber and emotional, gut-wrenching, lovely and sexy. There were so many layers to this book. So many underlying emotions, thoughts and messages that as a whole made this book very endearing.
Genevive (or Gen) was a very unique character. She had everything taken from her at such an important time in her life. But she was so strong, giving, caring and thoughtful. She was constantly dealing with the fear of great loss in her life but she still managed to be herself as she moved on and even though that affected her greatly she found it within herself to comfort others in their time of need. A truly great character and heroine.
This book was very witty and playful throughout so it didn't always feel too heavy, and I just loved that. The author knew exactly where to raise my spirit and not let me stay down too long. Between entertaining banter and interactions I really got to know the characters and the story that was so passionately put before me. The secondary characters really added a special element to my reading experience and enjoyment and definitely added to this story immensely.
What truly captivating and beautiful writing. The story really flowed and even though it wasn't a very long book I still feel like I really was able to grasp so much. I could feel the love between Gen and Ahren. I felt as if I was on this journey with them.
This story was about 85% told from Gen's first person POV but sprinkled throughout we got Ahren's POV. That was a really nice touch. I enjoyed it and being able to see things from his perspective, however when it was in Ahren's POV it was told in third person. That switch from first person to third person kind of threw me at times but I could also see why it was done that way.
I can't wait to read more from this author!!
Side note: While reading this book a family member passed away. That may or may not have affected my perception of this book and my review.
What a very pleasant and unexpected surprise this book was. Sure, it was morbid and sultry, that was expected, but it was also deep and romantic, funny and quirky, frustrating, somber and emotional, gut-wrenching, lovely and sexy. There were so many layers to this book. So many underlying emotions, thoughts and messages that as a whole made this book very endearing.
Genevive (or Gen) was a very unique character. She had everything taken from her at such an important time in her life. But she was so strong, giving, caring and thoughtful. She was constantly dealing with the fear of great loss in her life but she still managed to be herself as she moved on and even though that affected her greatly she found it within herself to comfort others in their time of need. A truly great character and heroine.
Was he nuts? Of course I wanted to go into a dark cabin in the woods with him.
This book was very witty and playful throughout so it didn't always feel too heavy, and I just loved that. The author knew exactly where to raise my spirit and not let me stay down too long. Between entertaining banter and interactions I really got to know the characters and the story that was so passionately put before me. The secondary characters really added a special element to my reading experience and enjoyment and definitely added to this story immensely.
"I'll share your smile, your laughter, your generosity, and your friendship, but I won't share your body, and I won't share your heart."
What truly captivating and beautiful writing. The story really flowed and even though it wasn't a very long book I still feel like I really was able to grasp so much. I could feel the love between Gen and Ahren. I felt as if I was on this journey with them.
This story was about 85% told from Gen's first person POV but sprinkled throughout we got Ahren's POV. That was a really nice touch. I enjoyed it and being able to see things from his perspective, however when it was in Ahren's POV it was told in third person. That switch from first person to third person kind of threw me at times but I could also see why it was done that way.
I can't wait to read more from this author!!
Side note: While reading this book a family member passed away. That may or may not have affected my perception of this book and my review.
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