Love at a Funeral

by Shay Dawn

Never let your man keep you from finding the love of your life...

Always a sucker for love, Mona has been chasing an impossible high for most of her adult life. She finally thinks she’s found the one in her boyfriend Malik, a handsome, successful real estate agent who checks off every box on her list. When tragedy strikes in the form of a fatal car accident, her world comes crashing down, leaving her completely devastated. At her lowest point, she’s dealt another major blow, leaving her to wonder if anything they had was even real.

The answer to her question comes in the form of Malik’s brother, arch nemesis, and polar opposite Tahmir. As the dust settles, he is the one to put her back together, healing parts of her that she never knew were broken and igniting passions that she never knew possible.

Tahmir knows he is ready to settle down, but he also knows that it will take one hell of a woman for him to commit. When he sits next to the gorgeous redhead at his estranged brother’s funeral, he instantly feels the connection between them. After finding out she was his brother's mistress, he thinks the spark will fade away, but it only grows hotter. Now he’s faced with the dilemma— should he make a move on his brother’s girl or walk away?

For him, the choice is easy. For her… not so much. Will their steamy fling last forever, or will secrets and outside forces send their love to an early demise?

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Ebooks

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS IS HOW YOU POP OUT WITH A DEBUT. I definitely can't wait to see what the author comes out with next because if this is any indication of how her future works will be written .. she has a forever reader out of me.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I was intrigued by the title alone! Because who finding love at a funeral? But nothing could have prepared me for this emotional ride with these complex characters. Needless to say, I absolutely loved every minute of it.

Shay Dawn blended the perfect amount of spice, drama and so effortlessly touched on heavier subjects so as mental health and childhood trauma. These were some very easy to love main characters, and the dislikable ones don’t matter because this was Mona & Tah’s world! Tahmir is officially a new book bae of mine, and I can absolutely see this author continuing this story if she chooses to.

One thing this book had was some trifling parents on both sides lol… they infuriated me to no end but I felt Mona & Tah would definitely get their lick back somehow! If you’re looking for love, laughter, jaw drops, spice and more.. This is the one!

[Melise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good the only thing that kept it from the 5 was the passive FMC who didn’t boss up til the end and the third act breakup I Hate themmm bad. Like nothing pisses me off more than a situation being blown out of proportion and the whole thing was just that. Like sorry I let the funeral slap slide but you coming to my job to piss me off??? IKYFL the author does have me intrigued to see who was in the room but I’m betting it’s Talia and G idk I feel like they’d do the corny Brothers BFF trope and I’d like to see lmaoo. Super cute couple with HEA but getting there was a bit annoying.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel had me hooked from the very first page. I genuinely enjoyed it from start to finish. I had a whole lot of fun while reading this. The love story unfolded in the most unexpected and chaotic way, but somehow, it all came together beautifully. A huge congratulations to the author on her first novel. She did a fantastic job. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it!

[Mizz Jay Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love at a Funeral had me hooked from the first chapter and emotionally invested all the way to the last page. Mona is vulnerable and real in a way that makes you want to both hug her and shake her. Watching her world fall apart after Malik’s death, then slowly rebuild in the most unexpected way, was everything.

Now let’s talk about Tahmir. Baby. The tension between him and Mona was thick from their very first moment together at that funeral, and it only got better from there. Their chemistry felt natural, intense, and earned. It was not just about attraction. You could feel how they saw each other, challenged each other, and filled in the emotional gaps neither of them even knew they had. The character development on both sides was so well done that their connection made complete sense, even with all the messy history in between.

And yes, the spice was absolutely a 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book gave romance, drama, healing, and heat all in one. If you love messy love stories with depth and fire, this one is a must read.

[C.M. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

When I say this book had me in a chokehold, I mean it. I
was laughing, fanning myself, side-eyeing folks, and even tearing up at a few parts. Shay Dawn really came out swinging with this debut and gave me everything I want in a romance.

Mona and Tahmir’s connection was so messy but so magnetic that I couldn’t look away. The tension, the drama, the heat — peak. Every time they were on the page together it was fireworks, and I was grinning like a fool just waiting to see what would happen next.

The friends and family had me hollering too. Amaya came through like a real one, Portia, June, and Laila kept the laughs going, and Malik… let’s just say he had me ready to throw hands. The mix of humor, heart, and chaos made this feel like more than just a love story.

I need book two in my hands immediately after that ending

This was such a strong debut. I’m so glad I got to read it early, and I highly recommend it if you want a book that’ll keep you entertained from start to finish. Shay Dawn really did that.

[Kenna McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when your boyfriend passes away… but he’s not really your boyfriend? 😳

Mona and Tahmir’s story was refreshingly unique. Both characters come from deeply traumatic childhoods, yet they manage to speak life and positivity into each other in such a beautiful, genuine way. Their bond felt real, raw, and unshakable—except, of course, for Portia. But Mo figured her out quickly, and I loved how that played out.

One of my favorite aspects was how they both handled their toxic families. It was satisfying to see characters set boundaries and protect their peace. And yes—the spice was definitely on point! 🌶️🔥 Mo and Tah had serious chemistry, and those scenes did not disappoint.

I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC read and am so grateful for the opportunity. Thank you so much, Shay Dawn! 💜

[Selena Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine attending the funeral of a man you love, and you realize that everything was a lie! Then there's this really handsome stranger that won't let you sit in that grief and humiliation alone, he's vying to be in your space-- and he *may* be brothers with that terrible dead man you loved. Now hear me out!

Love at a Funeral is messy, emotional, funny and HOT! Our main characters had so many things working against their "forbidden" relationship like family dynamics, insecurities and opinions from friends. Tah and Mona's story was so good that I read this within a few days.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC. All thoughts are my own!

[Jasmine VanDross · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve seen my TikTok video you know I loved this book from the synopsis. I was like “Ohhhh this my kinda messy” Shay baby, this being your debut book means it’s only up from here. This book had the perfect amount of drama and spice. The way Tahmir wasn’t playing about Sweets, I was swooning. I loved that it touched on the subject of black male mental health because in our community, I’ve seen a lot of men suffer in silence. I can’t wait for the next book because I smell an enemies to lovers in the works off that ending 😉

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book, the only thing that made me upset was the fact that there was a 3rd act break up. I could have done without it. I mean Tah could have just come clean instead of lashing out at her cause he was mad. the blow up was def his fault and he didn't even make it better. But also, she was just not the most evolved in thinking. I think it would have been better had she been a stronger fmc but outside of those things. I def enjoyed the storyline. Loved her bestie Amaya and def need to see what is up with her story. Also, I need to see what is going on with her other girl and Jamison...cause we all know Trent ain't shit. Porcha deserved that slap and Tah parents deserved that blow up. I swear the parents weren't shit in this story. but I cannot wait for more .

[Kayybereading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the love of your life is your dead ni99a brother! Just imagine being with someone for 6 months and getting on social media and seeing RIP next to his name! Well no wonder he wasn’t texting back huh? lol After investigating you find out about the funeral and show up and during the eulogy you find out he was a “loving husband”! HUSBAND????? After the Wife you didn’t even know about slaps you you run outta there and leave your stuff behind and that FINE man that was sitting next you chases after you to give you your things ! Y’all spend the whole day together and you have the time of your life with his brother! You’re feeling things you shouldn’t be feeling because it’s wrong right ? Or is it? Hmmmmmm!

SHAYYYYYY come to the front! For this to be your debut novel i couldn’t tell baby I had a mf time!!!! From beginning to end i was locked in! I loved Mona and Tahmir journey so much! She was such a lover girl and just wanted her person! He was slightly unhinged but such a sweetheart for her! Just a slightly troubled man that wanted to be loved like he deserved ! Loved it and i can’t wait to read more of your work in the future! You did that! I laughed so much and even got emotional on some parts! Tah definitely pulled at my heart strings i just wanted to hug him! And that ending ? MA’AM BOOK 2 please and thank you!

[Jaleesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great time

The way this book started off was WILD but it immediately grabbed me. That first day Mo and Tah spent together was so perfect, I didn’t want that to end. Getting to watch them fall in love was such a treat. The inner thoughts were hilarious. Tahmir is top-notch book bae material. The way he created a safe space where Mona could receive the unconditional love she deserved really had my heart smiling. Mona reaffirming Tahmir and allowing him to just be was what he needed. I will say I wanted Portia and all the parents yo get what they deserved but other than that I loved everything about this debut. Now who got caught at the end of the book…..I have a feeling I know but Shay ain’t give us no hints for real and that’s kinda rude if I’m being honest!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHAAYYYYYYYY!! GIRL COME TO THE FRONT OF THE CLASS BECAUSE THIS BOOK WAS GOODT TO ME! When I tell you I was cracking up, shook, swooning, and even crying all over this book?! Love at a Funeral had me in a chokehold. I’m so thankful for the early access.

Reading Mona and Tahmir’s forbidden-ish love unfold was beautiful and messy in the best way. At first I was like, “hold on now, this is wild, how y’all even end up together?” Tahmir not you dating your dead brothers ex oop. But the more I read, the more I was cheering like, “Yesssss, y’all NEED to be together!” Tahmir treats Mona so right, and Mona is exactly the peace and love he needs.

I also loved the friends and family who really showed up for them… but whew chile, I wanted to jump in the book a couple of times and fight because some of that family STRAIGHT BAN 😂 Still, I ate this book up the same way they were eating each other up because babyyyy they were HUNCHING!

This was such a good read, and I’m already looking forward to more of your work. Im locked in! You got a reader for life outta me.

Get your kindles ready this read releases October 1,2025

[OnceUponAStorybook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun!

I loved how Mona didn’t let finding out the man she thought she knew was married didn’t stop her from getting with his brother. Because as you should! And that trifling man was dead even more reason to move on !

I loved how Tahmir didn’t play when it came to Mona, he constantly reassured her and he just played no games when it came to him admitting what he wants.

I loved how Mona allowed Tahmir in despite her earlier misgivings. Also loved when Mona stood up to her bitch ass daddy because how you care more about your new wife and her kids than you do me?!?! Makes no damn sense 🙃

The spice scenes also had me like this 😱 That man was turning her every which way but loose and I loved every second of it.

Now the reason this wasn’t a complete 5 stars was because I didn’t like how Mona was trying to be respectful of that married dead man she was involved with by not getting with his brother. Like why would you respect that man, he didn’t respect his wife when he was cheating on her with you and you probably would’ve never found out he was married if he didn’t die, like girl 🙄 And I found the third act break up stupid and just pointless.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somebody called Tahmir Mr. “Anytime any place” and if that wasn’t the truth. He was insatiable when it came to his “Sweets” and would NOT stay up off that lady lol. But I loved how obsessed they both were with each other. Tahmir was a great MMC. The attentive, patient, validating not afraid to spend a bag kind of MMC. Even when he messed up, he was humble enough to fix it. And Mona was a decent FMC. She just wanted to love and be loved and I appreciated that she, despite her hesitations, allowed Tahmir to love on her. This book had so much great banter & they had amazing chemistry. There were characters that you loved & some that you just want to meet outside in a dark alley. The story had really good pacing. It was funny, relatable in some respects, not full of drama but had a sprinkle of it to keep you on your toes. I absolutely loved the friend group and I hope we’re getting like 4 more books at least out of them.

[TheReaderVert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet love, humorous lines and raunchy good sex story about two people meeting at a funeral and falling in love. The love moves quick. When Tah see's what he wants he really goes after it and despite the scandalous way they started, once Mona realizes what she got she leans in. The lines really were giggle out loud or snort out loud-able. The characters were well drawn and ultimately it was just a smooth low angst romance about these two kids being in love with one another and having lots of hot sex in lots of places. Sit back enjoy the ride, these crazy kids will have you smiling and and "ahhh" at how cute they are.

[LaKeisha W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this ARC.

Whew, Shay Dawn really brought the drama with Love at a Funeral! This wasn’t just a love story, it was messy, scandalous, and addictive from start to finish.


What I loved most is how realistic this is. You could feel the pain, the anger, the confusion, but also the pull of a love that defied expectations. It’s messy, it’s bold, it’s emotional and yet somehow it works.

If you love your romance with a side of scandal and a whole lot of spice, this book will not disappoint.

[EricaLenise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, listen 😂 my girl Mo was down bad behind her “boyfriend” Malik — who up and dies suddenly, only for her to find out at the fune' that she was the side chic. Whew. But her fine booty savior came in the form of his little brother, Tah 😩.
Now, was she wrong for double-dipping in the same gene pool? Absolutely not! Not when the package is wrapped like Tah, baby. The way Shay flipped heartbreak into a sweet and surprisingly funny love story? Chef’s kiss. 💋
This one felt like a twist on a rom-com — it had heart, top-tier banter, and a whole lotta charm. My only gripe is that it could’ve wrapped up a little sooner, but even then, I was grinning the whole time.
4.5⭐️ because Shay Dawn really did that. New-to-me author, but definitely not the last time I’m reading her. 👏🏾

[KiKi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
I enjoyed the writing style and the way all the character’s personalities were captured within the dialogue. The banter between the friends of Tah and Mo along with their families was all so real. I like how Tah and Mo both impacted each other and seeing their growth throughout the story.
June and Em were hilarious. I feel like we’ll get a spin off with them and I’m ready for it because I need the backstory on why they hate each other so much 🥲😅

[CiCi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I wanted from a debut novel!
I think this was a perfect blend of story & spice.
Mona & Tahmir kinda carried me thru it lol but the thing I loved that while there was a lot of conflict it wasn’t between the couple themselves….well until that third act 🙄 lol

Tahmir has made it to the book boyfriends of the year list. He is mister make it happen. Mister any time any place. Mister anything for his sweets. It’s really the standard

I also adored Mona. Miss just wanna be loved. My heart really broke for her because she deserved so much better than the raggedy ass folks in her life. However it was refreshing to see her HEA be more than just her love story.

For me what carried the story was the banter/humor. It just made it all so relatable and undeniably black!! There was such nuance in handling sensitive/tough topics with a bit of funnies. That will always work for me.

Andddd the spice 😮‍💨
Real grown folks business.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did, but it pulled me all the way in. The storyline sounds crazy, but the way everything unfolds? It just makes sense.
Mo’s journey had me rooting for her the entire time. She’s been through enough, and she truly deserved something real. The emotions, the chemistry, the way the connection builds it all felt so natural and honest.
It’s one of those books that surprises you in the best way. Definitely worth the read.

[Morgan Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! A funny rom-com that isn’t afraid to dive into grief and familial dysfunction. Heartfelt, awkward, and unexpectedly tender — the perfect mix of humor and healing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Courtney Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Tahmir was the true definition of “if he wanted to, he would”. He made his intentions clear and known. I love the fact that both of them had bad examples of what love was, but they still were able to find it and then share it with each other. I read this on Kindle, but I definitely ordered the physical copy today! GREAT READ!!! I recommend reading it for yourself. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Shameka Erby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mona and Taj

[Shanquelle]

DNF at about 50 percent. It turned into just smut. Smut smut smut. I like smith nah, don’t get me wrong but smut with no story is just silly. Nothing and I mean literally nothing was happening. Could have been such a great book too as the beginning and the plot was awesome but everything that happened at the funeral (which really was the story) happened like in chapter 2 and after that I got nothing!!!!

[India · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF: Started off good but went no where

The story starts off with a bang, then it pivots to love bombing and proceeds to be a day to day lovey lovey cutesy fuck fest. I get it, the main characters cant get enough of each other but this should've been wrapped up in may be four chapters.

[Kierra Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Good!

Love at a Funeral was so good. I’ll be honest — some of the actions at the beginning had me this close to DNFing, but I pushed through, and I’m so glad I did. The love Tahmir showed Mona from the very beginning was everything. Like the old saying goes, a man will make time for what’s important to him — and Tahmir proved that 110%, even after meeting Mona under the unfortunate circumstances of his brother’s funeral, where Mona also learns a shocking secret about her relationship with Malik, Tahmir’s brother.

I loved that both Mona and Tahmir stood firm and advocated for themselves while dealing with their messy family dynamics. Their friend group was amazing, too — supportive, honest, and always pushing them to be their best. The side characters truly elevated the story, and I would love more books exploring their lives.

Overall, it was such a satisfying, emotional, grown romance. Perfectly done.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the preface talking about the fuckery in our world. I knew two things then 1. I loved this author and 2. I was undoubtedly going to love this book. The only thing disappointing was that this was the only book by Shay Dawn that I could read! As soon as I finished I was like yep I need more of her stuff. I read this book in less than a day because it was so damn good. The kind of writing that makes you feel the love and not just tell you “it’s there, trust me”. If you need an ARC reader for whatever you’re working on now, I’m your girl!

[Keisha Renny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this didn’t live up to the hype. For starters, the lack of commas, whew. Example: I’m so tired, Tah. <—- the comma before the name was missing so many times and it was aggravating my spirit.

Secondly, the conflict wasn’t needed. It was a dumb addition to the plot.

Lastly, I knew this book was going to be filled with smut but the cemetery scene was a little too much for me.

[Clairminza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly smut, insta attraction, wished the conflicts were better integrated. It ruined the flow most times for me.