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Curtis and Reynolds #1
Gallows Humor
Listening Length 6 hours and 48 minutes
Corey Curtis is coasting. At thirty-three, she’s in the best shape of her life and has a satisfying position at Jackson City Memorial Hospital. With a good paycheck, great friends, and occasional relationships with smart, beautiful women, she couldn’t be happier. She thinks.
Dr. Thayer Reynolds, whiling away some time before the start of her Emergency Department fellowship at JCMH and intrigued by the stories she’s heard, crashes the morgue to get a look at Corey—the woman her young colleagues are whispering about.
Totally spinning from her first interactions with Thayer, Corey throws herself into the post mortem exam of a construction worker who fell to his death, which isn’t at all suspicious—until it is. With no support from her boss or the police, Corey investigates the death on her own. Making bad decisions with good intentions, she recklessly endangers her own life and Thayer’s. Even worse—she potentially dooms any chance of a real relationship with Thayer before it even gets started.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 6hrs. and 48mins.
©2019 Carolyn Elizabeth (P)2020 Tantor
Corey Curtis is coasting. At thirty-three, she’s in the best shape of her life and has a satisfying position at Jackson City Memorial Hospital. With a good paycheck, great friends, and occasional relationships with smart, beautiful women, she couldn’t be happier. She thinks.
Dr. Thayer Reynolds, whiling away some time before the start of her Emergency Department fellowship at JCMH and intrigued by the stories she’s heard, crashes the morgue to get a look at Corey—the woman her young colleagues are whispering about.
Totally spinning from her first interactions with Thayer, Corey throws herself into the post mortem exam of a construction worker who fell to his death, which isn’t at all suspicious—until it is. With no support from her boss or the police, Corey investigates the death on her own. Making bad decisions with good intentions, she recklessly endangers her own life and Thayer’s. Even worse—she potentially dooms any chance of a real relationship with Thayer before it even gets started.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 6hrs. and 48mins.
©2019 Carolyn Elizabeth (P)2020 Tantor
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 19, 2019
21 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Elizabeth
9 books168 followersCarolyn Elizabeth is an author of Sapphic stories where serious camp meets upbeat macabre. Her sarcasm and love of pop culture are sprinkled throughout her stories and she would love to publish at least one novel in every sub-genre.
Carolyn once bungee jumped in the parking lot of a bar in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. She’s been a bridesmaid five times and a bride once. She’s sailed a tall ship, spent a night in jail, gotten many tattoos, been scuba diving twice, and fired a handgun.
For fun, she used to play winter rugby 7’s in an indoor horse arena in New Hampshire. She’s been to Savannah, Georgia for Saint Patrick’s Day, and been on a medical mission to northern Argentina.
Carolyn is a mom of two rambunctious boys, living in London, Ontario and working in cancer research. She enjoys weaving elements of her colorful and diverse life experiences, including her education in pathology, into her romantic blend fiction.
Carolyn once bungee jumped in the parking lot of a bar in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. She’s been a bridesmaid five times and a bride once. She’s sailed a tall ship, spent a night in jail, gotten many tattoos, been scuba diving twice, and fired a handgun.
For fun, she used to play winter rugby 7’s in an indoor horse arena in New Hampshire. She’s been to Savannah, Georgia for Saint Patrick’s Day, and been on a medical mission to northern Argentina.
Carolyn is a mom of two rambunctious boys, living in London, Ontario and working in cancer research. She enjoys weaving elements of her colorful and diverse life experiences, including her education in pathology, into her romantic blend fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
December 28, 2019
This was a well written and enjoyable read. Once I picked the book up I didn’t want to put it down. I’m really impressed that this was a debut book, and I could see Elizabeth having a long career as a lesfic author ahead of her.
This book is an interesting mix of categories. One of the mains is a doctor, and the other works below the hospital in charge of the autopsies. Because many scenes take place in the hospital this has a bit of a medical-romance feel to it, which I really enjoyed. This book also has a small mystery to it. The mystery is interesting but it is more there to drive the relationship between the main characters. Since this book is more relationship than mystery, I think it will appeal to just about anyone. You do not need to be a mystery fan to enjoy this.
When it comes to the romance I thought it was good. It is not insta-love, but it is definitely insta-like. The chemistry is not in your face but it is there and I like the two mains as a potential couple. The characters are both really likeable, which is always important to me. You care about what is happening to them.
Besides the medical scenes, romance and mystery, this book has a little bit of excitement too. The book has a really good pace so that the story never slows down on you. The story is just really readable with good writing. The book is also set up in a way that a book 2 could definitely be in the future.
I always enjoy reading good debuts. It gets me excited to find new authors. I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I think people will enjoy this read. I hope there is a book 2 because I will be reading it. Almost forgot, I also like the oddball tittle of the book.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This book is an interesting mix of categories. One of the mains is a doctor, and the other works below the hospital in charge of the autopsies. Because many scenes take place in the hospital this has a bit of a medical-romance feel to it, which I really enjoyed. This book also has a small mystery to it. The mystery is interesting but it is more there to drive the relationship between the main characters. Since this book is more relationship than mystery, I think it will appeal to just about anyone. You do not need to be a mystery fan to enjoy this.
When it comes to the romance I thought it was good. It is not insta-love, but it is definitely insta-like. The chemistry is not in your face but it is there and I like the two mains as a potential couple. The characters are both really likeable, which is always important to me. You care about what is happening to them.
Besides the medical scenes, romance and mystery, this book has a little bit of excitement too. The book has a really good pace so that the story never slows down on you. The story is just really readable with good writing. The book is also set up in a way that a book 2 could definitely be in the future.
I always enjoy reading good debuts. It gets me excited to find new authors. I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I think people will enjoy this read. I hope there is a book 2 because I will be reading it. Almost forgot, I also like the oddball tittle of the book.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
April 13, 2022
**'Stories are thought of as memory aids and maybe moral compasses which makes storytelling one of the most powerful tool to put ideas into the world..'
Great read!
An elating first series -- nice chemistry, great supporting characters, good-pacing and is very well written. A highly recommended 1st book!
Great read!
An elating first series -- nice chemistry, great supporting characters, good-pacing and is very well written. A highly recommended 1st book!
March 12, 2019
Gallows Humor is a romance cum mystery/thriller, and the debut novel by Carolyn Elizabeth. It is written in third person, from the point of view of both protagonists, Corey (33) and Thayer (30), both working at Jackson City Memorial Hospital.
The plot is very interesting with a slightly more dominating romance than mystery part. The mystery is not very deep or demanding, and its solving is more of a catalyst for some personal and romantic drama than anything else. I am all for romantic stuff in my novels, so that ratio suited me well.
The hospital setting is well described, especially the parts in the morgue, and Corey's healing after her injuries is shown rather realistically. Poor Corey, the author put her through a lot of pain. Ouch!
With all main elements done quite well (dialogue, pacing, characterization...) this makes a very solid read for a first novel. I liked it, and will definitely check out the next book from this author.
3.75 stars
March 12, 2019
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
The plot is very interesting with a slightly more dominating romance than mystery part. The mystery is not very deep or demanding, and its solving is more of a catalyst for some personal and romantic drama than anything else. I am all for romantic stuff in my novels, so that ratio suited me well.
The hospital setting is well described, especially the parts in the morgue, and Corey's healing after her injuries is shown rather realistically. Poor Corey, the author put her through a lot of pain. Ouch!
With all main elements done quite well (dialogue, pacing, characterization...) this makes a very solid read for a first novel. I liked it, and will definitely check out the next book from this author.
3.75 stars
March 12, 2019
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
January 11, 2020
Solid debut read !
This is a mix of romantic, mystery, medical book which I kind of liked. The interesting thing about this read is I couldn’t put it down! The author kept it a very interesting read throughout which is quite strange because I’ve had some issues with the plot itself!
So I would’ve liked to see the mystery part a little bit more “mysterious” if you know what I mean :) i mean I liked the action part of it, but it was too easy to solve and there were no surprises there.
For the romance part, I would’ve liked to see more development of the feelings as opposed to “I’m falling in love with you” a couple of weeks after the MCs meet! But that’s I guess a personal preference as I’m not really into insta love ! I am all for insta chemistry or lust, but not love :)
Having said that, I liked both MCs .. I think they are very strong likable characters and I am definitely excited to read the next book!
My rating is 3.25 but I couldn’t round it up to 4 ! But as I said, very solid debut novel !
This is a mix of romantic, mystery, medical book which I kind of liked. The interesting thing about this read is I couldn’t put it down! The author kept it a very interesting read throughout which is quite strange because I’ve had some issues with the plot itself!
So I would’ve liked to see the mystery part a little bit more “mysterious” if you know what I mean :) i mean I liked the action part of it, but it was too easy to solve and there were no surprises there.
For the romance part, I would’ve liked to see more development of the feelings as opposed to “I’m falling in love with you” a couple of weeks after the MCs meet! But that’s I guess a personal preference as I’m not really into insta love ! I am all for insta chemistry or lust, but not love :)
Having said that, I liked both MCs .. I think they are very strong likable characters and I am definitely excited to read the next book!
My rating is 3.25 but I couldn’t round it up to 4 ! But as I said, very solid debut novel !
March 20, 2021
Dr. Thayer Reynolds, the new ED fellow, tags along with a batch of residents when they head down to the morgue. Not to observe the post mortem exam but to get a firsthand eyeful of the pathologist’s assistant, Corey Curtis, also known in the hospital as the Valkyrie. It’s almost a cartoonish first meet as both women most assuredly like what they see in each other and practically sneak off to drop skirt and trou, respectively.
This book should not work. Much of it is set in a morgue. There’s a lot of insta-I-think-I’m-falling-for-you talk. Also, if you’re a bit squeamish about body parts and cadavers, be warned.
And yet, this is one of the most engaging books I’ve read in awhile. The mains are warm and funny like everyone’s favorite friends, their chemistry and banter are off the charts. There’s a good, small mystery, sharp supporting characters, and plenty of humor. I dare you to not read in 1-2 sittings. I’m moving along to book 2.
4.5 stars.
This book should not work. Much of it is set in a morgue. There’s a lot of insta-I-think-I’m-falling-for-you talk. Also, if you’re a bit squeamish about body parts and cadavers, be warned.
And yet, this is one of the most engaging books I’ve read in awhile. The mains are warm and funny like everyone’s favorite friends, their chemistry and banter are off the charts. There’s a good, small mystery, sharp supporting characters, and plenty of humor. I dare you to not read in 1-2 sittings. I’m moving along to book 2.
4.5 stars.
June 24, 2020
Edit June 24th after listening to the audiobook
I loved this book when I read it last December, and when I found out Lori Prince was narrating it, it felt like Christmas again. I knew she’d be perfect for Corey Curtis’s voice. I wasn’t sure about Thayer Reynolds’ voice at first, but Prince quickly convinced me.
Gallows Humor was one of my favourite books last year so I still remembered quite a lot about it. One thing I had forgotten was how much story there still was after the mystery was solved. I really liked that, because this is very much a two-dimensional book. The mystery and the romance are interwoven, both beginning on the same day. It is, nonetheless, much easier to solve a murder than to let love in. Accepting that you’re worthy of love, that you’re capable of love, is one of the hardest things in life.
Corey Curtis is cool and sexy, unknowingly brave and steadfast. She’s also not a people person, which makes her entirely unprepared for Thayer Reynolds’ unabashed interest. The stunning doctor from an apparently wealthy family seems so out of her league that Corey forgets she’s fascinating too.
I related much better to Corey’s dilemma and to Thayer’s uncertainty this time around, maybe because I was so caught up in the story when I first discovered it that some nuances eluded me. Anyhow, while I rated this novel 4* then, this time it’s a definite 5*. And if, like me, you enjoyed the sequel, Dirt Nap, even more than this one, you’ll be as excited as I am to know that the audiobook version will be out on July 21st.
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One of my favourite things as a reader is discovering new (to me) authors. Another is when a debut novel is so good it’s hard to believe it’s a debut. I got both with this book.
Corey Curtis doesn’t fluster easily. She’s very good at her job as an Autopsy Services Coordinator at Jackson City Memorial Hospital and spends most of her free time working out and fighting at the local women MMA club. The residents at the hospital have nicknamed her the Valkyrie and it could be worse. Then she meets the new Emergency Department fellow, Thayer Reynolds, and suddenly her brain seems to act on its own. The attraction is obviously mutual and Corey can’t wait to see what will come of it. But when her report on the death of a construction worker shows it might not be as straightforward as the police think, all hell breaks loose.
Everything works: the (light) mystery, the way the budding romance keeps getting derailed, the technical aspects of Corey’s job… I liked both main characters immediately and enjoyed their interactions a lot. The secondary characters are excellent too, and I know I say that often but I’m really looking forward to seeing them all again. Gallows Humor was released last spring and I couldn’t read it at the time, but the sequel, Dirt Nap, will come out in January 2020 (soon!) and I’ll be on the lookout for that one.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book when I read it last December, and when I found out Lori Prince was narrating it, it felt like Christmas again. I knew she’d be perfect for Corey Curtis’s voice. I wasn’t sure about Thayer Reynolds’ voice at first, but Prince quickly convinced me.
Gallows Humor was one of my favourite books last year so I still remembered quite a lot about it. One thing I had forgotten was how much story there still was after the mystery was solved. I really liked that, because this is very much a two-dimensional book. The mystery and the romance are interwoven, both beginning on the same day. It is, nonetheless, much easier to solve a murder than to let love in. Accepting that you’re worthy of love, that you’re capable of love, is one of the hardest things in life.
Corey Curtis is cool and sexy, unknowingly brave and steadfast. She’s also not a people person, which makes her entirely unprepared for Thayer Reynolds’ unabashed interest. The stunning doctor from an apparently wealthy family seems so out of her league that Corey forgets she’s fascinating too.
I related much better to Corey’s dilemma and to Thayer’s uncertainty this time around, maybe because I was so caught up in the story when I first discovered it that some nuances eluded me. Anyhow, while I rated this novel 4* then, this time it’s a definite 5*. And if, like me, you enjoyed the sequel, Dirt Nap, even more than this one, you’ll be as excited as I am to know that the audiobook version will be out on July 21st.
------------------------------------------------------
One of my favourite things as a reader is discovering new (to me) authors. Another is when a debut novel is so good it’s hard to believe it’s a debut. I got both with this book.
Corey Curtis doesn’t fluster easily. She’s very good at her job as an Autopsy Services Coordinator at Jackson City Memorial Hospital and spends most of her free time working out and fighting at the local women MMA club. The residents at the hospital have nicknamed her the Valkyrie and it could be worse. Then she meets the new Emergency Department fellow, Thayer Reynolds, and suddenly her brain seems to act on its own. The attraction is obviously mutual and Corey can’t wait to see what will come of it. But when her report on the death of a construction worker shows it might not be as straightforward as the police think, all hell breaks loose.
Everything works: the (light) mystery, the way the budding romance keeps getting derailed, the technical aspects of Corey’s job… I liked both main characters immediately and enjoyed their interactions a lot. The secondary characters are excellent too, and I know I say that often but I’m really looking forward to seeing them all again. Gallows Humor was released last spring and I couldn’t read it at the time, but the sequel, Dirt Nap, will come out in January 2020 (soon!) and I’ll be on the lookout for that one.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2020
Chemistry.
Corey works in a hospital and spends her spare time in the ring. Thayer is a new doctor at the hospital Corey works in. They meet. They both want to get to know one another. The chemistry is intense.
I'm probably going to say 'Chemistry' in this review more than any other that I have written. Because besides 'Forbidden Melody' by Magnolia Robbins (which is a drastically different type of book), this is the best chemistry I have read. I LOVED these two main characters. Their dialogue and flirtation was so entertaining and satisfying.
This book wasn't only about a budding relationship between Corey and Thayer. There was a bit of a suspense and mystery built into this one. Something doesn't seem quite right about a person under Corey's 'care' in the hospital. When the police do not do anything about her inquiry, she decides to do some investigating of her own. She drags Thayer into it and all hell breaks loose.
I definitely think you all should read this one. Gallows Humor is cute, funny, suspenseful, and emotional at times.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, medical profession, MMA fighting, unsolved mysteries, lots of chemistry, and the gory details of autopsy.
Corey works in a hospital and spends her spare time in the ring. Thayer is a new doctor at the hospital Corey works in. They meet. They both want to get to know one another. The chemistry is intense.
I'm probably going to say 'Chemistry' in this review more than any other that I have written. Because besides 'Forbidden Melody' by Magnolia Robbins (which is a drastically different type of book), this is the best chemistry I have read. I LOVED these two main characters. Their dialogue and flirtation was so entertaining and satisfying.
This book wasn't only about a budding relationship between Corey and Thayer. There was a bit of a suspense and mystery built into this one. Something doesn't seem quite right about a person under Corey's 'care' in the hospital. When the police do not do anything about her inquiry, she decides to do some investigating of her own. She drags Thayer into it and all hell breaks loose.
I definitely think you all should read this one. Gallows Humor is cute, funny, suspenseful, and emotional at times.
I recommend this to those who like to read about romance, medical profession, MMA fighting, unsolved mysteries, lots of chemistry, and the gory details of autopsy.
July 2, 2019
Well this was an interesting mix of crime - mystery - romance. The odd things about this book is that it's not a classic crime/mystery novel because it's far too predictable for that but it's not a classic romance novel either. I don't know what to call this but a really good debut novel!
I wasn't Corey's biggest fan in the beginning considering she's a bit of a jerk. A lovable one but still a jerk. By the end of the book however I was firmly in her corner and am now really curious about the next mountain of trouble she will no doubt be getting herself into.
Remember in Animaniacs, whenever Yakko and Wakko would see a beautiful woman they would go Hellooo Nurse? That was my reaction every time Thayer made an appearance. Confident, funny, smart, sweet, understanding AND flirts like her life depends on it? My heart rate monitor would go haywire as well if she was my doctor.
The romance between this odd couple has a strange flow to it. It has a real feeling of insta-love in the beginning and is still slightly there by the end of the book but don't judge it to harshly for that since it's part of a series.
I do have to warn you to maybe not eat or snack on anything while reading this book, especially if you have a vivid imagination. However if you're like me and fascinated by the late Gunther von Hagens Anatomy for Beginners, you'll be fine.
Mark your calendars for January 15th ladies because that's apparently when Dirt Nap the sequel to Gallows Humor gets released!
I wasn't Corey's biggest fan in the beginning considering she's a bit of a jerk. A lovable one but still a jerk. By the end of the book however I was firmly in her corner and am now really curious about the next mountain of trouble she will no doubt be getting herself into.
Remember in Animaniacs, whenever Yakko and Wakko would see a beautiful woman they would go Hellooo Nurse? That was my reaction every time Thayer made an appearance. Confident, funny, smart, sweet, understanding AND flirts like her life depends on it? My heart rate monitor would go haywire as well if she was my doctor.
The romance between this odd couple has a strange flow to it. It has a real feeling of insta-love in the beginning and is still slightly there by the end of the book but don't judge it to harshly for that since it's part of a series.
I do have to warn you to maybe not eat or snack on anything while reading this book, especially if you have a vivid imagination. However if you're like me and fascinated by the late Gunther von Hagens Anatomy for Beginners, you'll be fine.
Mark your calendars for January 15th ladies because that's apparently when Dirt Nap the sequel to Gallows Humor gets released!
February 22, 2022
Dead bodies and mysteries.
This is the first book of the Curtis and Reynolds series. I'm not sure what took me so long to get to this series, but damn, I really love this. The premise intrigued me. Corey works at a morgue as a pathology assistant. She participates in post-mortems and there's a series of exciting events that take place after she voices her suspicions about a particular case. The post-mortem procedures are pretty descriptive so it's obvious that the author is either familiar with this line of work or has done some decent research. I was excited and hooked to the mystery as it progressed, and for this, I also need to credit the narrator, Lori Prince, who kept me entertained for over six hours.
The romance between Corey and her doctor love interest, Thayer, is even better, in my opinion. Both women are hot in their own ways and have their own fan bases. Corey is the more masculine and physically stronger of the two and Thayer turns heads with her presence... and I'm totally into her. The characters are slow to go all the way intimately because they're (Corey) so busy getting themselves into trouble but the attraction is immediate and the flirting starts very early on. I love what they have, how honest and direct they are about what they want and where they stand with each other, which is why I was a little upset when their relationship diverted for a bit at some point but I concede that it's something that eventually solidifies their relationship.
I really love Carolyn Elizabeth's writing and she's going up fast on my list of favourite authors. At this point of my review, I have already finished listening to the second book in the series and it's equally engaging.
This is the first book of the Curtis and Reynolds series. I'm not sure what took me so long to get to this series, but damn, I really love this. The premise intrigued me. Corey works at a morgue as a pathology assistant. She participates in post-mortems and there's a series of exciting events that take place after she voices her suspicions about a particular case. The post-mortem procedures are pretty descriptive so it's obvious that the author is either familiar with this line of work or has done some decent research. I was excited and hooked to the mystery as it progressed, and for this, I also need to credit the narrator, Lori Prince, who kept me entertained for over six hours.
The romance between Corey and her doctor love interest, Thayer, is even better, in my opinion. Both women are hot in their own ways and have their own fan bases. Corey is the more masculine and physically stronger of the two and Thayer turns heads with her presence... and I'm totally into her. The characters are slow to go all the way intimately because they're (Corey) so busy getting themselves into trouble but the attraction is immediate and the flirting starts very early on. I love what they have, how honest and direct they are about what they want and where they stand with each other, which is why I was a little upset when their relationship diverted for a bit at some point but I concede that it's something that eventually solidifies their relationship.
I really love Carolyn Elizabeth's writing and she's going up fast on my list of favourite authors. At this point of my review, I have already finished listening to the second book in the series and it's equally engaging.
June 12, 2020
Gallows Humor is a f/f romance with a bit of side mystery thrown in.
I came away thinking it was an okay read but I also just wanted it to end so that's not a grand recommendation from me.
A few things I liked were that the lead, Corey, worked in a morgue and that's not something I read about every day. And, for the most part, the leads and other characters communicate with each other. A bonus is that Corey and Thayer are actually affected by events and don't get over them in a day. It's a solid story that moves along.
So what was the problem? Have you ever gone to the theater and left the movie thinking you were kind of entertained but weren't emotionally invested? That was my experience with this book.
Mainly, I didn't care all that much about what the characters or their trials. Corey and Thayer were okay but I wasn't on pins and needles or getting my heartstrings tugged. The relationship is an insta-attraction, almost insta-love story between two highly attractive people so it's pretty simple in that respect. And, with a title like "Gallows Humor" I expected the book to have dark humor or any element of humor really, think Colette Moody, but that was missing.
Despite the title, the book is a pretty light read and mainly a googly-eyed, feel-good romance.
Not a bad book but not a great one for me, either. I think others will like it more than I.
I came away thinking it was an okay read but I also just wanted it to end so that's not a grand recommendation from me.
A few things I liked were that the lead, Corey, worked in a morgue and that's not something I read about every day. And, for the most part, the leads and other characters communicate with each other. A bonus is that Corey and Thayer are actually affected by events and don't get over them in a day. It's a solid story that moves along.
So what was the problem? Have you ever gone to the theater and left the movie thinking you were kind of entertained but weren't emotionally invested? That was my experience with this book.
Mainly, I didn't care all that much about what the characters or their trials. Corey and Thayer were okay but I wasn't on pins and needles or getting my heartstrings tugged. The relationship is an insta-attraction, almost insta-love story between two highly attractive people so it's pretty simple in that respect. And, with a title like "Gallows Humor" I expected the book to have dark humor or any element of humor really, think Colette Moody, but that was missing.
Despite the title, the book is a pretty light read and mainly a googly-eyed, feel-good romance.
Not a bad book but not a great one for me, either. I think others will like it more than I.
March 20, 2019
Gallows Humor is Carolyn Elizabeth's debut novel and its pretty good. This is a Romance/Mystey novel but With more romance than mystery.
The MCs Corey Curtis and Dr.Thayer Reynolds, both works at Jackson city memorial hospital, Corey is Autopsy Services Coordinator and Thayer,a doctor doing fellowship at the hospital. They met at the morgue when Thayer went to check out the Valkyrie(that's what most hospital staffs and residents referring Corey). They are attracted to each other but the relationship build slowly.
So the mystey started great with a dead construction worker and Corey being suspicious about his death. This bring Thayer close to Corey and they going on a first date to this dead guy's funeral. The mystery solved really fast.
I was hoping for a twist and turn mystery but I'm okay with the romance because its really sweet. It was really sad to see caring and sweet person like Corey going through such physical and mental pain.
Seeing the end of book I think there is going to be another installment to this book and I hope we get a better mystery next time.
The MCs Corey Curtis and Dr.Thayer Reynolds, both works at Jackson city memorial hospital, Corey is Autopsy Services Coordinator and Thayer,a doctor doing fellowship at the hospital. They met at the morgue when Thayer went to check out the Valkyrie(that's what most hospital staffs and residents referring Corey). They are attracted to each other but the relationship build slowly.
So the mystey started great with a dead construction worker and Corey being suspicious about his death. This bring Thayer close to Corey and they going on a first date to this dead guy's funeral. The mystery solved really fast.
I was hoping for a twist and turn mystery but I'm okay with the romance because its really sweet. It was really sad to see caring and sweet person like Corey going through such physical and mental pain.
Seeing the end of book I think there is going to be another installment to this book and I hope we get a better mystery next time.
January 10, 2020
I've seen so many good reviews about this book that I'decided to read it considering that the sequel is being released soon. To be honest, after reading the blurb and seeing the cover, I was expecting a murder mystery with some banter at the side. What I've found is a highly entertaining page-turner with a surprisingly significant romance plot and a number of very well-written characters. I love that both leads are realistic, flawed and their chemistry is strong but not forced. While this novel solves the main conflict, it leaves some space for further relationship development between the mains and drops a hint of what is coming in the next installment 'Dirt nap'. Luckily I was able to read it for free thanks to my Scribd subscription.
Overall, a very entertaining page-turner. 4.5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Overall, a very entertaining page-turner. 4.5 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
March 22, 2020
A read in which you have to suspend reality from the get go, but I was ok with that. MC Thayer is a new ER doc who makes her desire of MC Corey very obvious the moment she lays eyes on her. There's no game playing, she's assertive and very sure of herself. She's described as being fanciful to everyone and their dog, and throughout the book eyes never leave her, presents bought for her, babies named after her, keys to the city given to her, car crashes around her, drool pools a plenty, you get my drift.
MC Corey is a medical examiner in the morgue (liked this angle! Six Feet Under fans, anyone?) and is nicknamed "The Valkyrie" as apparently she is a Norse god of sorts. Tall and strong and butch and sweet and smart. She and Thayer sizzle and are really funny together. Some of their one liners and non-sequiters had me laughing out loud:
ex: Thayer: "Are you as wet as I am right now?"
Corey: "Come over here and find out."
Thayer: "so tell me about this funeral."
Wait....what? *lol* Not even joking.
Corey gets some shit dealt to her, and not just once. She uncovers some shady dealings with a body that arrives at the morgue and ends up walking into a hornet's nest of drama. What was interesting about this read was the pacing, as about halfway through the bad guy is caught, and the rest deals with the relationship b/w Thayer and Corey and the emotional consequences of being beaten and chemicalled (not a word but go with it) and having to re-learn to do basic functions. Patience, love, and mad respect b/w the two. 4/5.
MC Corey is a medical examiner in the morgue (liked this angle! Six Feet Under fans, anyone?) and is nicknamed "The Valkyrie" as apparently she is a Norse god of sorts. Tall and strong and butch and sweet and smart. She and Thayer sizzle and are really funny together. Some of their one liners and non-sequiters had me laughing out loud:
ex: Thayer: "Are you as wet as I am right now?"
Corey: "Come over here and find out."
Thayer: "so tell me about this funeral."
Wait....what? *lol* Not even joking.
Corey gets some shit dealt to her, and not just once. She uncovers some shady dealings with a body that arrives at the morgue and ends up walking into a hornet's nest of drama. What was interesting about this read was the pacing, as about halfway through the bad guy is caught, and the rest deals with the relationship b/w Thayer and Corey and the emotional consequences of being beaten and chemicalled (not a word but go with it) and having to re-learn to do basic functions. Patience, love, and mad respect b/w the two. 4/5.
January 9, 2020
I was really in need of a great book to read, and thankfully I found Gallows Humor by Carolyn Elizabeth. A fellow reviewer recommended this novel to me, and I am very grateful she did.
This story has it all. It is a murder mystery, a bit of action and adventure, a medical story, and most importantly for me, a beautiful workplace romance.
The main characters, Corey and Thayer are easy to connect and fall in love with. The murder mystery was fairly easy to figure out, but still had some really exciting moments that leave lasting effects for our major characters. The story itself has a good solid ending, but I am pleased to say that there is more waiting for Corey and Thayer. This book is part one in a series, and the next novel should be for sale in January 2020. I can’t wait to read more from this world and these ladies.
Gallows Humor has definitely been added to my favorites, and I believe it will be one of yours as well.
I bought this book from Bella Books, and this is my honest review.
This story has it all. It is a murder mystery, a bit of action and adventure, a medical story, and most importantly for me, a beautiful workplace romance.
The main characters, Corey and Thayer are easy to connect and fall in love with. The murder mystery was fairly easy to figure out, but still had some really exciting moments that leave lasting effects for our major characters. The story itself has a good solid ending, but I am pleased to say that there is more waiting for Corey and Thayer. This book is part one in a series, and the next novel should be for sale in January 2020. I can’t wait to read more from this world and these ladies.
Gallows Humor has definitely been added to my favorites, and I believe it will be one of yours as well.
I bought this book from Bella Books, and this is my honest review.
May 17, 2020
Second time reading this. To my wife, this time. Love this couple and their interactions.
April 1, 2019
Maybe it's because I have always been fascinated with morgues and since Ms.Elizabeth chooses it as the first place the leads meet and it is between a Doctor McSultry and a full sleeve tattoo Forensic Anthropologist + the way she sets up the meeting makes their immediate interest believable and me jumping like an excited puppy waiting to play fetch.
Then the author begins to perform tricks as great as David Blaine - the flirtings, the meet ups at the ED - Morgue - Parking Lot are swoonworthy and sexy. Their love story develops slowly but the chemistry is strong from the start and the ups and downs they face along the way are functional and add great depths to their relationship.
I also get to to meet a wonderful and hilarious bunch of side characters. I'm excited to read more about Rachel, Cin, Dana and Jules in the future books. Rachel is my most favorite - she's a bisexual, sassy, has a huge heart and her friendship with Corey is just awesome. I wonder if she really lets Corey win fair and square during their MMA match.
As for the murder mystery, a classic one and I enjoy it as well. Corey goes the extra mile to make sure no stones left unturned to bring the killer to justice and gives some closure to the victim's family.
Good job Ms.Elizabeth on the Morgue setting, looking forward to your next.
Thank you to those who read, reviewed and recommended Gallows Humor :)
Then the author begins to perform tricks as great as David Blaine - the flirtings, the meet ups at the ED - Morgue - Parking Lot are swoonworthy and sexy. Their love story develops slowly but the chemistry is strong from the start and the ups and downs they face along the way are functional and add great depths to their relationship.
I also get to to meet a wonderful and hilarious bunch of side characters. I'm excited to read more about Rachel, Cin, Dana and Jules in the future books. Rachel is my most favorite - she's a bisexual, sassy, has a huge heart and her friendship with Corey is just awesome. I wonder if she really lets Corey win fair and square during their MMA match.
As for the murder mystery, a classic one and I enjoy it as well. Corey goes the extra mile to make sure no stones left unturned to bring the killer to justice and gives some closure to the victim's family.
Good job Ms.Elizabeth on the Morgue setting, looking forward to your next.
Thank you to those who read, reviewed and recommended Gallows Humor :)
March 27, 2019
As soon as I read Carolyn Elizabeth's very creative limerick as her debut book promo plug, I knew I simply had to find out more about "Gallows Humor." And after reading an excerpt on Bella Books, my assumption was correct about Elizabeth's skill as a writer and a storyteller. What caught my attention as I breezed through the excerpt was the fact that the main protagonist, Corey, was a medical examiner - a profession that I've always been fascinated with, particularly all the medical and technical methodology involved in dissecting and examining the human anatomy, post-mortem, in order to determine cause of death. I must say, I thought of Rad's "Heart Stop," the only other lesfic book I'd read that featured an ME. But the similarity ended there. And then, there was the other main protagonist, Thayer, an ER fellow. What made her a bit different than the other romantic interests in medical romance, at least with the impression I had just by reading the excerpt, which also made me exceedingly curious about her, was how Elizabeth was alluding to the way the romance was gonna be told. So, obviously, I had to read the book! So glad I did!!
What I utterly enjoyed most about Corey's job was that it was described and depicted with scrupulous attention to detail. Elizabeth's vivid description of every technical step taken of the post-mortem, e.g. her on-site examination and in the presence of homicide detectives/coppers needing a PM done as part of the police investigation or simply to close the case, was brilliantly presented. I felt like I was watching it unfold IRL right before my eyes! It immediately reminded me of "Silent Witness"! Oh, how I love detailed methodological approaches splashed across the pages for my reading pleasure - provided that the writing style used to express them isn't dull and monotonic, obvs! It IS fiction, not academia. In essence, Elizabeth pulled it off quite effectively, I must say. I was thrilled! Morgue action! Who doesn't love it, eh? Well, I do! ;)
But I loved Thayer, ER fellow, the other main protagonist....
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
What I utterly enjoyed most about Corey's job was that it was described and depicted with scrupulous attention to detail. Elizabeth's vivid description of every technical step taken of the post-mortem, e.g. her on-site examination and in the presence of homicide detectives/coppers needing a PM done as part of the police investigation or simply to close the case, was brilliantly presented. I felt like I was watching it unfold IRL right before my eyes! It immediately reminded me of "Silent Witness"! Oh, how I love detailed methodological approaches splashed across the pages for my reading pleasure - provided that the writing style used to express them isn't dull and monotonic, obvs! It IS fiction, not academia. In essence, Elizabeth pulled it off quite effectively, I must say. I was thrilled! Morgue action! Who doesn't love it, eh? Well, I do! ;)
But I loved Thayer, ER fellow, the other main protagonist....
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
March 25, 2019
Oh yes, this was right up my alley! Corey Curtis is a forensic anthropologist working at Jackson City Memorial Hospital’s morgue. She performs autopsies and helps train residents which is when she first lays eyes on Dr. Thayer Reynolds. Thayer is starting her Emergency Department fellowship when she wonders to the morgue to check out the mysterious Curtis. The attraction is immediate, but before they can act on it, Corey finds herself in the midst of investigating the cause of death of one of her autopsies as there is not enough evidence for the police to take the case on as a homicide. Her investigation makes her and Thayer face dire events and consequences that put their lives and budding romance at risk.
The initial interactions between the main characters were funny and well written. One could feel the spark right away. Both main characters are strong women with no horrible past to keep them from acknowledging their feelings, thank you! Sometimes it seems all characters in lesfic have something to overcome or keep them from acting in a rational manner towards a new, fantastic experience. I found it refreshing, although wondered where the story would go then. However, have no fear, the author manages conflict in other wonderful ways!
This book has so many great elements. There is a first-responder feel to the story even though Corey is a morgue employee. There are definitely medical themes throughout the book, and I’ll be honest, I absolutely loved them. The author gets a chance to shine through her expertise in forensic anthropology, which is terrific as it gives instant credibility to her work. There is also some action, a gym, and let’s not forget that the characters’ connection is great too! The secondary characters are well done and in particular, I enjoyed the police officer, Collier. His banter with Corey was very entertaining and no doubt added depth to the story. On the downside, the mystery is straightforward and not meant to be the main focus of the book. This may disappoint some avid mystery readers.
This is Ms Elizabeth’s debut novel. I can’t help but be excited for her future work and hope she turns this story into a series. 4.5
The initial interactions between the main characters were funny and well written. One could feel the spark right away. Both main characters are strong women with no horrible past to keep them from acknowledging their feelings, thank you! Sometimes it seems all characters in lesfic have something to overcome or keep them from acting in a rational manner towards a new, fantastic experience. I found it refreshing, although wondered where the story would go then. However, have no fear, the author manages conflict in other wonderful ways!
This book has so many great elements. There is a first-responder feel to the story even though Corey is a morgue employee. There are definitely medical themes throughout the book, and I’ll be honest, I absolutely loved them. The author gets a chance to shine through her expertise in forensic anthropology, which is terrific as it gives instant credibility to her work. There is also some action, a gym, and let’s not forget that the characters’ connection is great too! The secondary characters are well done and in particular, I enjoyed the police officer, Collier. His banter with Corey was very entertaining and no doubt added depth to the story. On the downside, the mystery is straightforward and not meant to be the main focus of the book. This may disappoint some avid mystery readers.
This is Ms Elizabeth’s debut novel. I can’t help but be excited for her future work and hope she turns this story into a series. 4.5
March 25, 2020
I loved this read, probably because it didn’t do what I expected. Post mortem examiner, Corey Curtis, likes her job in the morgue for the most part. She could do without some of her bosses and probably her girlfriend too. She’s fit and pretty happy. New to the hospital, Dr Thayer Reynolds, hears of Corey’s reputation and wanders down to the morgue to take a peek. Their first look at each other is electric but a when a death looks not so accidental to Corey, their courting takes a back seat.
Corey and Thayer have great chemistry, both physically and verbally, making for an engaging read. Their flirting and kissing is strong enough that the story almost didn’t need any explicit content. Corey irritated me a little but she redeemed herself. I liked the realism of the injuries and that there was a probable recovery time. The murder mystery adds to an already well-paced novel.
Good read and on to the second in the series.
Corey and Thayer have great chemistry, both physically and verbally, making for an engaging read. Their flirting and kissing is strong enough that the story almost didn’t need any explicit content. Corey irritated me a little but she redeemed herself. I liked the realism of the injuries and that there was a probable recovery time. The murder mystery adds to an already well-paced novel.
Good read and on to the second in the series.
January 17, 2020
Enjoyable read. it's easy to see the author knows her way around a Y incision in the morgue. Corey Curtis, Pathologist Assistant aka Valkyrie to the young residents she trains falls head over heels for the new Emergency Dept resident Dr. Thayer Reynolds the first time their eyes meet over a cadaver. In the medical world, this screams true love. When Corey discovers a routine accident victim might be something more sinister, what begins as a romantic romp moves into danger for both of our heroines.
This is a fun, action-filled read. As I read Gallows Humor I could see echoes of thriller writer Kathy Reichs in the story line. Corey and frenemy investigating detective Jim Collier remind me of Tempe Brennan and Skinny Slidell. Corey's enthusiasm and keen desire for the truth puts her in harms way on a regular basis. This risky behaviour lends well to cementing her relationship with the nurturing side of Thayer. Unlike Reich's novels, the mystery in Gallows Humor is easy enough to solve and takes a back seat to the romance. What I loved is how well the author develops secondary characters and the world surrounding Corey and Thayer setting up for more adventures to come.
I'm hooked. Looking forward to more dead bodies, beautiful bodies and mysteries to solve in the future.
This is a fun, action-filled read. As I read Gallows Humor I could see echoes of thriller writer Kathy Reichs in the story line. Corey and frenemy investigating detective Jim Collier remind me of Tempe Brennan and Skinny Slidell. Corey's enthusiasm and keen desire for the truth puts her in harms way on a regular basis. This risky behaviour lends well to cementing her relationship with the nurturing side of Thayer. Unlike Reich's novels, the mystery in Gallows Humor is easy enough to solve and takes a back seat to the romance. What I loved is how well the author develops secondary characters and the world surrounding Corey and Thayer setting up for more adventures to come.
I'm hooked. Looking forward to more dead bodies, beautiful bodies and mysteries to solve in the future.
no-thank-you
January 5, 2022DNF at 13% for the fatphobic, distressing depiction of a colleague. I had already rolled my eyes at the bi erasure/hostility, but this is where the book went so far out of bounds I couldn't ignore it.
The colleague is introduced with the nickname Wheezer. Described as follows (cw: it's awful) - and before anyone who's read it jumps in with "but you cut out the part that shows they're just concerned about his health!", please know that I will be deleting any comments like that. This description doesn't make a spectacle of this man because of concern for his health. It does this to convey the belief that he's gross because he's fat.
"A morbidly obese man with a ruddy face and a thinning, gray comb-over shuffled into the anteroom and lowered himself into the desk chair, unleashing a groan of plastic and metal. He physically had to pick his own leg up and position it across his knee. His breath came in panting gasps as he attempted to don the shoe covers.
Thayer winced. 'Oh, my.'
'Dr. Randall Webster, forensic pathologist. It's best if you don't watch.'
[...]
Dr. Webster lumbered back toward the desk with the chart.
'He's charming.' Thayer rubbed the fingers of her right hand together. 'And really sweaty.'
'You think that now.' Corey laughed. 'Come back in a few hours.'"
The colleague is introduced with the nickname Wheezer. Described as follows (cw: it's awful) - and before anyone who's read it jumps in with "but you cut out the part that shows they're just concerned about his health!", please know that I will be deleting any comments like that. This description doesn't make a spectacle of this man because of concern for his health. It does this to convey the belief that he's gross because he's fat.
"A morbidly obese man with a ruddy face and a thinning, gray comb-over shuffled into the anteroom and lowered himself into the desk chair, unleashing a groan of plastic and metal. He physically had to pick his own leg up and position it across his knee. His breath came in panting gasps as he attempted to don the shoe covers.
Thayer winced. 'Oh, my.'
'Dr. Randall Webster, forensic pathologist. It's best if you don't watch.'
[...]
Dr. Webster lumbered back toward the desk with the chart.
'He's charming.' Thayer rubbed the fingers of her right hand together. 'And really sweaty.'
'You think that now.' Corey laughed. 'Come back in a few hours.'"
January 14, 2020
I loved this! A very promising start to a new series (I already hear part two is even better). I developed a serious character crush for the good doctor Thayer (show me a hot woman in a doctor’s coat and I’m gone).
I don’t know author Carolyn Elizabeth’s background, but she sure knows her way around the morgue. I was fascinated by all the graphic details (squeamish people beware), really cool. The mystery part was a bit thin. I connected the dots early on, but that didn’t bother me because the rest was just so entertaining. And very good chemistry as well. Corey and Thayer are a great team in every way.
Of course Corey, barely out of her last relationship, has some adjusting to do and her is a big stick in the works. But she gets her head out of her arse just in time (yay!). A smashing debut novel and I highly recommend!
f/f slow out of the gate because of reasons, but when they finally come together it’s very hot
Themes: who is this new sexy doctor, The valkyrie, the morgue, construction site, hurt comfort, if only Corey let her.
4.4 Stars
I don’t know author Carolyn Elizabeth’s background, but she sure knows her way around the morgue. I was fascinated by all the graphic details (squeamish people beware), really cool. The mystery part was a bit thin. I connected the dots early on, but that didn’t bother me because the rest was just so entertaining. And very good chemistry as well. Corey and Thayer are a great team in every way.
Of course Corey, barely out of her last relationship, has some adjusting to do and her is a big stick in the works. But she gets her head out of her arse just in time (yay!). A smashing debut novel and I highly recommend!
f/f slow out of the gate because of reasons, but when they finally come together it’s very hot
Themes: who is this new sexy doctor, The valkyrie, the morgue, construction site, hurt comfort, if only Corey let her.
4.4 Stars
January 20, 2023
**Love at first sight isn't real, ladies! Stop thinking with your vaginas**
3.5 Cute romance, a bit of mystery, and a healthy dose of sarcastic humour. I recommend giving this one a listen as Lori Prince really pulls out the comedy.
It had the makings of a 4-5 star read for me, but the mystery was a little too simplistic and the love was a little (okay, a lot!) too instant! Overall though, it was really good, I just wanted more - more intrigue and more relationship/emotional development.
3.5 Cute romance, a bit of mystery, and a healthy dose of sarcastic humour. I recommend giving this one a listen as Lori Prince really pulls out the comedy.
It had the makings of a 4-5 star read for me, but the mystery was a little too simplistic and the love was a little (okay, a lot!) too instant! Overall though, it was really good, I just wanted more - more intrigue and more relationship/emotional development.
July 4, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This book is fucking fantastic!!!!!
Honestly why haven’t i know about it before i have no idea!!
I loved both Corer and Thayer so much! Their chemistry is mind blowing 😩🤍🤍🤍
Thayer especially have my heart 🥺🥺
Anyway I don’t have time to write a full review i have to go and read the rest of the series 😭😂😂.
“Thayer whispered, “Stay with me tonight. Be near me. Let me put my head on your chest and listen to your heart and feel you breathe.”
This book is fucking fantastic!!!!!
Honestly why haven’t i know about it before i have no idea!!
I loved both Corer and Thayer so much! Their chemistry is mind blowing 😩🤍🤍🤍
Thayer especially have my heart 🥺🥺
Anyway I don’t have time to write a full review i have to go and read the rest of the series 😭😂😂.
June 20, 2025
Great start to the series!
March 2, 2022
I enjoyed this more than a little. Corey and Thayer are cute and their chemistry is awesome. I liked that neither bothered denying their attraction even as they made the choice to take things (relatively) slow. Like, both acknowledged that a relationship was likely and desirable so they took steps to give themselves a solid foundation. Only not as calculating or explicit as my laying it out here would imply.
The plot leans into their related professions so there's a lot of blood and gore on the page. Which explains the marketing even though the investigation itself isn't that large a part of the story. I mean, I wouldn't categorize this as a mystery or procedural which you might assume from the blurb. Most of the story revolves around their relationship, and not least as the final fifth of the book is after the mystery is wrapped up and deals with the fallout of events. Also, the "mystery" turned out to be really, really lame with an antagonist who was stupid and venal. So it's just as well that it isn't core to the story.
I'm not a huge fan of the fallout of events in that culmination. My discontent started with a confrontation that has Corey being really stupid for a trained fighter. I mean, you don't just stand still for a rush by an opponent twice your size. An MMA fighter in her likely weight class would know that and be ready with a pivot/redirect, particularly against an untrained opponent. But worse than that,
And the dark moment felt . . . okay fine. It made sense and fit the character. I just don't like it when one character pulls into themselves in a crisis. Loving relationships are about sacrificing for each other and that means working together to overcome obstacles. So having a character pull inside in a way that hurts the other feels like betrayal to me. To the other person, too. So I'm not a fan of this as a plotline.
I did like where we ended with the characters, though. So I'm calling this a success. Well, four stars of a success, at any rate. I really like these two together and loved seeing their relationship develop. It was so sweet.
A note about the series: I have no desire to continue the series, despite liking the characters a lot. Or, maybe because I like them a lot? It looks like subsequent stories include setbacks in their personal relationship and I hate when authors have resets like that be part of their overall arc. Every relationship has rough spots, true, but actual regressions are rare. Or they should be in healthy relationships, I think.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene, with some short semi-explicit bits putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. It was actually very well done and I loved this aspect of their relationship—including how explicit they were in building a relationship. And making Thayer such a strong top was unexpected, but completely right at the same time.
The plot leans into their related professions so there's a lot of blood and gore on the page. Which explains the marketing even though the investigation itself isn't that large a part of the story. I mean, I wouldn't categorize this as a mystery or procedural which you might assume from the blurb. Most of the story revolves around their relationship, and not least as the final fifth of the book is after the mystery is wrapped up and deals with the fallout of events. Also, the "mystery" turned out to be really, really lame with an antagonist who was stupid and venal. So it's just as well that it isn't core to the story.
I'm not a huge fan of the fallout of events in that culmination. My discontent started with a confrontation that has Corey being really stupid for a trained fighter. I mean, you don't just stand still for a rush by an opponent twice your size. An MMA fighter in her likely weight class would know that and be ready with a pivot/redirect, particularly against an untrained opponent. But worse than that,
And the dark moment felt . . . okay fine. It made sense and fit the character. I just don't like it when one character pulls into themselves in a crisis. Loving relationships are about sacrificing for each other and that means working together to overcome obstacles. So having a character pull inside in a way that hurts the other feels like betrayal to me. To the other person, too. So I'm not a fan of this as a plotline.
I did like where we ended with the characters, though. So I'm calling this a success. Well, four stars of a success, at any rate. I really like these two together and loved seeing their relationship develop. It was so sweet.
A note about the series: I have no desire to continue the series, despite liking the characters a lot. Or, maybe because I like them a lot? It looks like subsequent stories include setbacks in their personal relationship and I hate when authors have resets like that be part of their overall arc. Every relationship has rough spots, true, but actual regressions are rare. Or they should be in healthy relationships, I think.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene, with some short semi-explicit bits putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. It was actually very well done and I loved this aspect of their relationship—including how explicit they were in building a relationship. And making Thayer such a strong top was unexpected, but completely right at the same time.
February 25, 2020
4.25 stars - Ah! Well, this was great. I love mysteries so I knew I had to read this one eventually. I'm so glad I did. I absolutely fell in love with the characters. Corey and Thayer have great chemistry, and I can't wait to read the sequel. In fact I'm going to read Dirt Nap next. I rarely read books from the same series back to back, but I'm going to now. The h/c scenes were an added bonus. Also, hell yeah for another Canadian lesfic author!
"...and Agent Carter should never have been canceled, by the way."
I feel you, Rachel. I feel you.
Sorry this review is kinda all over the place, I'm having a weird week. But read this book, it's good.
"...and Agent Carter should never have been canceled, by the way."
I feel you, Rachel. I feel you.
Sorry this review is kinda all over the place, I'm having a weird week. But read this book, it's good.
September 11, 2022
3.5 stars. It feels strange not to give this a higher rating, but as far as romantic suspense/mystery goes, I know I've read better. And as far as the romance goes, I've also read better from this author, pretty recently, so it's hard not to compare. But I still enjoyed this quite a bit! It just didn't quite live up to expectations.
Corey is an analyst at the morgue; Thayer is a new doctor on staff at the hospital. When they meet, they're immediately intrigued by each other. Meanwhile, Corey has a case with some discrepancies that she can't quite shake, and starts to investigate it independently. I haven't read a lot of medical romances, and especially not those that are more on the suspense side than the contemporary side. This was a slight, and welcome, departure from my norm in that regard. I really really liked both characters. Thayer, for all that she's drop-dead gorgeous and has men and women falling over themselves for her, is such a down-to-earth and pragmatic character, and so easily likeable. And it's cool reading about a character with a job like Corey's. Her stubbornness, though a little frustrating, was definitely understandable. It felt really well-researched and immersive, especially during the medical scenes. The suspense/mystery wasn't what can be called intricate; it only gets that label from me because it's just obviously not a contemporary. There was nothing to "figure out" per se; your first guess as to who the bad guy is will probably be right. Which was a bit of a bummer to me.
The romance was good, but as wonderful as I found the chemistry between the two characters... it was just too much too soon. The two other books I've read from Elizabeth have been second chance romances. Even though that's not my favourite trope, it has the added benefit of establishing history between the characters, so if they get together very quickly in the book, it seems more natural, because they've already had some kind of relationship. This romance wasn't a second chance, but it still moved at lightning speeds, and just didn't convince me or compel me as much as I wanted.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Lori Prince, who was great as always. Since I did like the characters a lot, I might continue this series? I just hope the plots/mysteries have a little more to offer.
Content warnings:
Corey is an analyst at the morgue; Thayer is a new doctor on staff at the hospital. When they meet, they're immediately intrigued by each other. Meanwhile, Corey has a case with some discrepancies that she can't quite shake, and starts to investigate it independently. I haven't read a lot of medical romances, and especially not those that are more on the suspense side than the contemporary side. This was a slight, and welcome, departure from my norm in that regard. I really really liked both characters. Thayer, for all that she's drop-dead gorgeous and has men and women falling over themselves for her, is such a down-to-earth and pragmatic character, and so easily likeable. And it's cool reading about a character with a job like Corey's. Her stubbornness, though a little frustrating, was definitely understandable. It felt really well-researched and immersive, especially during the medical scenes. The suspense/mystery wasn't what can be called intricate; it only gets that label from me because it's just obviously not a contemporary. There was nothing to "figure out" per se; your first guess as to who the bad guy is will probably be right. Which was a bit of a bummer to me.
The romance was good, but as wonderful as I found the chemistry between the two characters... it was just too much too soon. The two other books I've read from Elizabeth have been second chance romances. Even though that's not my favourite trope, it has the added benefit of establishing history between the characters, so if they get together very quickly in the book, it seems more natural, because they've already had some kind of relationship. This romance wasn't a second chance, but it still moved at lightning speeds, and just didn't convince me or compel me as much as I wanted.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Lori Prince, who was great as always. Since I did like the characters a lot, I might continue this series? I just hope the plots/mysteries have a little more to offer.
Content warnings:
February 22, 2022
4 stars
Ok, this was really good. I was pleasantly surprised. The MCs were very nice separately and their dynamics together was mind-blowing.
I'd also like to acknowledge that this is the first book I've read that managed to be mostly happy even though it is set in the morgue half of the time.
So all in all I truly enjoyed the story, the humour was on point and the romance was lovely.
I'm very happy
Ok, this was really good. I was pleasantly surprised. The MCs were very nice separately and their dynamics together was mind-blowing.
I'd also like to acknowledge that this is the first book I've read that managed to be mostly happy even though it is set in the morgue half of the time.
So all in all I truly enjoyed the story, the humour was on point and the romance was lovely.
I'm very happy
March 28, 2019
Great debut novel. The MC's had good chemistry and a nice touch of humor. Although the mystery doesn't take first place it worked out pretty nicely. I will definitely read more of Ms Elizabeth.
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