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The Last One to Let You Down
Thomas Hill is a lonely embalmer who's in some big trouble – his ex-boyfriend has been forcing him to illegally sell dangerous chemicals with no signs of stopping, and Tom doesn't know what to do. His situation gets even more complicated when Cypress Holmes, a smoking hot local florist, walks in on Tom making a deal. Cypress agrees to keep quiet, but his silence comes at a price.
Dinner and watching movies together is a strange price to pay, but Tom loves spending time with Cypress. As they grow closer and feelings begin to blossom, they discover that Tom's ex-boyfriend might be into more than just drugs – he might also be a murderer.
Author’s Note: This book includes intense sexual scenes, rough spankings, and depictions of death and embalming as they relate to the funeral industry. If this material offends or may upset you, please don’t read this book.
Dinner and watching movies together is a strange price to pay, but Tom loves spending time with Cypress. As they grow closer and feelings begin to blossom, they discover that Tom's ex-boyfriend might be into more than just drugs – he might also be a murderer.
Author’s Note: This book includes intense sexual scenes, rough spankings, and depictions of death and embalming as they relate to the funeral industry. If this material offends or may upset you, please don’t read this book.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2020
62 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 2, 2020
A new story by K.L. Hiers featuring a very unlikely couple: an embalmer and a florist who discover they have more in common than they thought. Told from a single POV this book is moderately suspenseful, very steamy with new to me kinks that the author got very creative with and the world of mortuary science and all that entails.
One never wonders what happens behind the closed doors of any funeral home. Well I need to wonder no more. The author shows everyday lives of the funeral home employees where our MC Tom works and does his art. I quite liked Tom. He is such a compassionate and loyal person. The care he takes with all his clients, the tender way he works is absolutely amazing. I loved the whole embalming process explained in detail - not in gross but very sensitive way. I now have more respect for funeral home workers - the stomach, the nerve and the strength they have to have as well as empathy to perform day in and day out one of the most intimate services. It was well done.
The relationship between Cypress (I love that name) and Tom starts so ambiguously and heats up pretty fast. Do not get me wrong, there is no insta love here but a healthy respect for kink, $%x in general and two men unashamedly enjoying their bodies and fantastic chemistry they have between them.
Cypress is such a positive character. They way he sees and gives Tom exactly what he needs physically and emotionally, how he anticipates everything makes him not only a good Dom but a decent human being. There is no shortage of emotional turmoil between them - Tom's insecurities, discovery of new dynamics and self acceptance as well as ability to trust another man so much with his body, his soul and his heart.
The culprit of the story is both known and unknown, and the author leads the story to a good plausible conclusion. Some of the characters are absolutely marvelous and simply hilarious. Some situations made me sad with grief while others made me snort with laughter - there was such a wide range of emotions the same characters caused in the course of the book. I enjoyed both the highs and the lows. The book was steadily paced and ended on a sort of open note - HFN with both Cypress and Tom happy at where they were in their budding relationship. I liked body positivity and the way author wrote some scenes between her men - not only seeking physical gratification but also helping to cope emotionally and lifting each other spiritually. Plus the author tried to show the kink community in positive light and take away the stigma that normally follows it. I enjoyed that very much. If you like pure steam with a side of suspense and a host of likable characters, this is definitely for you. I give it 5+ stars! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
One never wonders what happens behind the closed doors of any funeral home. Well I need to wonder no more. The author shows everyday lives of the funeral home employees where our MC Tom works and does his art. I quite liked Tom. He is such a compassionate and loyal person. The care he takes with all his clients, the tender way he works is absolutely amazing. I loved the whole embalming process explained in detail - not in gross but very sensitive way. I now have more respect for funeral home workers - the stomach, the nerve and the strength they have to have as well as empathy to perform day in and day out one of the most intimate services. It was well done.
The relationship between Cypress (I love that name) and Tom starts so ambiguously and heats up pretty fast. Do not get me wrong, there is no insta love here but a healthy respect for kink, $%x in general and two men unashamedly enjoying their bodies and fantastic chemistry they have between them.
Cypress is such a positive character. They way he sees and gives Tom exactly what he needs physically and emotionally, how he anticipates everything makes him not only a good Dom but a decent human being. There is no shortage of emotional turmoil between them - Tom's insecurities, discovery of new dynamics and self acceptance as well as ability to trust another man so much with his body, his soul and his heart.
The culprit of the story is both known and unknown, and the author leads the story to a good plausible conclusion. Some of the characters are absolutely marvelous and simply hilarious. Some situations made me sad with grief while others made me snort with laughter - there was such a wide range of emotions the same characters caused in the course of the book. I enjoyed both the highs and the lows. The book was steadily paced and ended on a sort of open note - HFN with both Cypress and Tom happy at where they were in their budding relationship. I liked body positivity and the way author wrote some scenes between her men - not only seeking physical gratification but also helping to cope emotionally and lifting each other spiritually. Plus the author tried to show the kink community in positive light and take away the stigma that normally follows it. I enjoyed that very much. If you like pure steam with a side of suspense and a host of likable characters, this is definitely for you. I give it 5+ stars! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
November 11, 2020
Did I enjoy this story? Immensely!
Was there a good plot? Fuck yeah, extraordinary! Ever got very detailed background information about a funeral company, here is your chance! Never knew there was so much work behind the curtains. The plot has a crime, blackmail and some angst involved. But the main was about the forty-one-year-old Cypress and the thirty-five your old Tom.
Where both men perfect? Not by a chance, but maybe they just were. I love me some excellent Dom and sweet innocent inexperienced sub!
How were they? Cypress, the florist and Dom in this story, was one beautiful big strong dark-skinned bear who was focused on everything he did, especially on Tom. Sweet, dedicated Tom, was the sub and embalmer in this story, a small, soft, white guy who hadn’t a high self-esteem. Thank goodness for Cypress who used his mouth not only on Tom but also to express how beautiful he found his good boy.
Were the BDSM scenes hot? Oh my goodness yes, they were extremely intense and varied.
Were there things I missed? Even though with everything they did I knew they were very fond of each other I would have loved more romance and maybe even a confession with words.
But that’s me :)
Was it well written and with compassion? Definitely!
Was it captivating? Duh, very!
Was it well developed? Again, very!
Overall an excellently written, very enjoyable and appealing narrative!
Was there a good plot? Fuck yeah, extraordinary! Ever got very detailed background information about a funeral company, here is your chance! Never knew there was so much work behind the curtains. The plot has a crime, blackmail and some angst involved. But the main was about the forty-one-year-old Cypress and the thirty-five your old Tom.
Where both men perfect? Not by a chance, but maybe they just were. I love me some excellent Dom and sweet innocent inexperienced sub!
How were they? Cypress, the florist and Dom in this story, was one beautiful big strong dark-skinned bear who was focused on everything he did, especially on Tom. Sweet, dedicated Tom, was the sub and embalmer in this story, a small, soft, white guy who hadn’t a high self-esteem. Thank goodness for Cypress who used his mouth not only on Tom but also to express how beautiful he found his good boy.
Were the BDSM scenes hot? Oh my goodness yes, they were extremely intense and varied.
Were there things I missed? Even though with everything they did I knew they were very fond of each other I would have loved more romance and maybe even a confession with words.
But that’s me :)
Was it well written and with compassion? Definitely!
Was it captivating? Duh, very!
Was it well developed? Again, very!
Overall an excellently written, very enjoyable and appealing narrative!
January 10, 2021
Well, the start was a little bumpy , but overall, I had so much fun with this one. A sweet and unconventional romance with well fleshed out, diverse characters, kinky sex, and a murder mystery in a funeral home — what's not to like?
Tom started out as a bit of a pushover (else he wouldn’t have ended up in such a sticky situation), but as his character developed, I quickly warmed up to him. He was definitely an unusual choice for a MC, both when it came to his shy disposition and his outward appearance. I hate ‘perfect’ people in my books, so this was a big plus.
Cypress was this hot older guy that Tom’d been awkwardly crushing on for some time (HFG — Hot Flower Guy, Tom, really? Are you twelve? 😂), who actually wasn’t as unattainable as Tom made him seem, and who turned out to be a considerate, experienced Dom — exactly what Tom needed to come out of his mousy shell.
The relationship development was on point here, and I liked that it included more than just incredibly well-written sex scenes (is there anything hotter than someone discovering their kinks for the first time?). Their deepening feelings for one another were obvious. Cypress might have been a little too bossy sometimes, but it was all for Tom’s good, so I didn’t mind.
There’s a LOT of dead bodies in there, as Tom is an embalmer who loves his job and goes into a lot of detail, so if that squicks you out, better take a pass. Personally, I loved reading about the embalming process, and the funeral business in general.
Some parts were unexpectedly funny, like the little man-eating dog, Mister Doodles, and the hairdresser, Miss Edie. The writing was really good, too, though there were some minor editing mistakes — a couple of typos and one very confusing double (or triple?) negative — but all in all, it was very enjoyable. 👍
Tom started out as a bit of a pushover (else he wouldn’t have ended up in such a sticky situation), but as his character developed, I quickly warmed up to him. He was definitely an unusual choice for a MC, both when it came to his shy disposition and his outward appearance. I hate ‘perfect’ people in my books, so this was a big plus.
Cypress was this hot older guy that Tom’d been awkwardly crushing on for some time (HFG — Hot Flower Guy, Tom, really? Are you twelve? 😂), who actually wasn’t as unattainable as Tom made him seem, and who turned out to be a considerate, experienced Dom — exactly what Tom needed to come out of his mousy shell.
The relationship development was on point here, and I liked that it included more than just incredibly well-written sex scenes (is there anything hotter than someone discovering their kinks for the first time?). Their deepening feelings for one another were obvious. Cypress might have been a little too bossy sometimes, but it was all for Tom’s good, so I didn’t mind.
There’s a LOT of dead bodies in there, as Tom is an embalmer who loves his job and goes into a lot of detail, so if that squicks you out, better take a pass. Personally, I loved reading about the embalming process, and the funeral business in general.
Some parts were unexpectedly funny, like the little man-eating dog, Mister Doodles, and the hairdresser, Miss Edie. The writing was really good, too, though there were some minor editing mistakes — a couple of typos and one very confusing double (or triple?) negative — but all in all, it was very enjoyable. 👍
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December 24, 2020A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
The Last One to Let You Down caught my eye immediately, as a romance set in a funeral home is a rare thing indeed. So before I go too far, let me start there. Tom is an embalmer and this story goes into detail on his job preparing the bodies for viewings, funerals, etc. Based on the author’s bio, Hiers works in the funeral industry herself, and there is an authenticity to this aspect of the story that really shines through. If you are sensitive to issues surrounding death or squeamish about bodily fluids, etc, this may not be the book for you, as there is a lot of detail here. Personally, I found the scenes of Tom preparing the bodies and the inner workings of the funeral home business to be really interesting. In addition to preparing the bodies, we also see how they handle calls, work with families, etc. So the setting here really plays a major role and the detail contributes nicely to the story. At times, I did feel things went a little too far into the minutia in terms of logistics about what body was moved where when, or multiple scenes that seemed to cover similar tasks. But overall, I think the detail Hiers provides enhances the story, as well as helps to develop Tom’s character.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
The Last One to Let You Down caught my eye immediately, as a romance set in a funeral home is a rare thing indeed. So before I go too far, let me start there. Tom is an embalmer and this story goes into detail on his job preparing the bodies for viewings, funerals, etc. Based on the author’s bio, Hiers works in the funeral industry herself, and there is an authenticity to this aspect of the story that really shines through. If you are sensitive to issues surrounding death or squeamish about bodily fluids, etc, this may not be the book for you, as there is a lot of detail here. Personally, I found the scenes of Tom preparing the bodies and the inner workings of the funeral home business to be really interesting. In addition to preparing the bodies, we also see how they handle calls, work with families, etc. So the setting here really plays a major role and the detail contributes nicely to the story. At times, I did feel things went a little too far into the minutia in terms of logistics about what body was moved where when, or multiple scenes that seemed to cover similar tasks. But overall, I think the detail Hiers provides enhances the story, as well as helps to develop Tom’s character.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 14, 2023
3.5 stars
Kinky embalming mystery? Why the hell not.
CW: Medical procedure/gore (detailed embalming), death (off-page but mentioned often)
Representation: Chubby MC with a gap-toothed smile; black MC.
Sexual content: Explicit
Kink: Yes
Quite an interesting read. Probably like many people, I didn't know anything about embalming or the funeral industry, and the fact that the author worked in this industry prior to being a full-time writer really shows. Sometimes a bit too much. I enjoyed the details of the preparation, make-up, styling, etc, that goes into preparing a body to be shown to the family, but it was a bit overkill. If you're squeamish, this may not work for you, it's not gore-y per se but it's pretty detailed.
The romance was sweet but felt a bit rushed, I wasn't entirely convinced the emotional connection was there.
It was somewhat overshadowed by all the sex, which starts straightaway at 12%. But don't get me wrong, it's well-written, hot, and an enjoyable kink exploration. I appreciated that we get to see Tom use his safeword, even though he panics a bit and doesn't fully explain what's going on, it's nice to have that represented.
There are some sweet moments though. I loved the affirmations that Cypress had Tom saying to himself. Tom was really struggling with his self-worth, and lacking the courage to stand up for himself, and Cypress was there to support him all the way. I appreciated Cypress' part in helping Tom managing his anxiety, but especially how Tom also works on helping himself.
There was a lull in the middle where I was quite concerned that the mystery wouldn't be resolved in a satisfactory way. I didn't need to be worried because the climax was great, but I got a bit bored there.
My favourite character was Miss Edie, the hairdresser/potential-bank-robbery-getaway-driver/murderer. She was hilarious.
My second-favourite character was Mister Doodles, the man-eating dog. It was a pretty funny book, actually.
Overall, I enjoyed this; it was an easy, low-angst read and I'll check out the author's other books!
Kinky embalming mystery? Why the hell not.
CW: Medical procedure/gore (detailed embalming), death (off-page but mentioned often)
Representation: Chubby MC with a gap-toothed smile; black MC.
Sexual content: Explicit
Kink: Yes
Quite an interesting read. Probably like many people, I didn't know anything about embalming or the funeral industry, and the fact that the author worked in this industry prior to being a full-time writer really shows. Sometimes a bit too much. I enjoyed the details of the preparation, make-up, styling, etc, that goes into preparing a body to be shown to the family, but it was a bit overkill. If you're squeamish, this may not work for you, it's not gore-y per se but it's pretty detailed.
The romance was sweet but felt a bit rushed, I wasn't entirely convinced the emotional connection was there.
It was somewhat overshadowed by all the sex, which starts straightaway at 12%. But don't get me wrong, it's well-written, hot, and an enjoyable kink exploration. I appreciated that we get to see Tom use his safeword, even though he panics a bit and doesn't fully explain what's going on, it's nice to have that represented.
There are some sweet moments though. I loved the affirmations that Cypress had Tom saying to himself. Tom was really struggling with his self-worth, and lacking the courage to stand up for himself, and Cypress was there to support him all the way. I appreciated Cypress' part in helping Tom managing his anxiety, but especially how Tom also works on helping himself.
There was a lull in the middle where I was quite concerned that the mystery wouldn't be resolved in a satisfactory way. I didn't need to be worried because the climax was great, but I got a bit bored there.
My favourite character was Miss Edie, the hairdresser/potential-bank-robbery-getaway-driver/murderer. She was hilarious.
Edie was watching over [redacted], praying loudly, “And Lord, please forgive this young boy, and may he use his head as more than a container for his teeth. May he see the wrongfulness of his ways and not talk nasty to ladies like some cheap little punk.”
My second-favourite character was Mister Doodles, the man-eating dog. It was a pretty funny book, actually.
Overall, I enjoyed this; it was an easy, low-angst read and I'll check out the author's other books!
November 12, 2020
Interesting! I’m a science geek, so I found the descriptions of the methods used in the funeral industry fascinating. It puts the whole thing in a different light. You know things like this are done on one level but never think about them.
The murder mystery was also quite good. I didn’t start to figure it out until the author was ready for me to. I loved Mr. Crosby, he’s the best!
The relationship between Tom and Cypress started out with a bang, for sure. I loved hot Tom was so eager to explore new things. Cypress was so patient with him. Even the man-eating dog was fun.
Well written, fun, and educational, too! I enjoyed it.
The murder mystery was also quite good. I didn’t start to figure it out until the author was ready for me to. I loved Mr. Crosby, he’s the best!
The relationship between Tom and Cypress started out with a bang, for sure. I loved hot Tom was so eager to explore new things. Cypress was so patient with him. Even the man-eating dog was fun.
Well written, fun, and educational, too! I enjoyed it.
November 13, 2020
The book we didn’t know we needed.
Who knew that a book about an undertaker and a florist could be so good? Tom is an undertaker who is so emotionally overwhelmed that he is letting everyone in his life walk all over him. He can’t say no to anyone and that eventually lands him in a whole heap of trouble. Selling chemicals to unknown people? Probably not the best use of Tom’s skills. Enter Cypress, or HFG-Hot Flower Guy. Cypress is a tall drink of hot chocolate that Tom just wants to gulp down. Cypress is commanding and sexy, everything Tom wants but doesn’t think he can have.
There may be just the BAREST trace of dub-con going on in the beginning, but Tom never does anything he doesn’t actually want to do. Ultimately, even when Tom doesn’t realize it, he just wants to be under Cypress’ submission. And boy do we get some of that. Cypress is so darn sexy throughout this book and I kept wanting to read his POV just to get inside his sexy head.
This book gave us action, suspense, sexiness and all the feels from Tom’s POV. Tom is excellent at what he does for the deceased and his loving care jumps off the page at you. These aren’t just dead people to him, they are human beings who deserve kindness and respect, even in death. This book gave us a unique peek behind the curtain of a funeral home and it was fascinating. Don’t let the trigger warning at the beginning scare you off; this book was written with care and delicacy. It’s definitely worth tip-toeing outside of your comfort zone if you are squeamish about death.
Who knew that a book about an undertaker and a florist could be so good? Tom is an undertaker who is so emotionally overwhelmed that he is letting everyone in his life walk all over him. He can’t say no to anyone and that eventually lands him in a whole heap of trouble. Selling chemicals to unknown people? Probably not the best use of Tom’s skills. Enter Cypress, or HFG-Hot Flower Guy. Cypress is a tall drink of hot chocolate that Tom just wants to gulp down. Cypress is commanding and sexy, everything Tom wants but doesn’t think he can have.
There may be just the BAREST trace of dub-con going on in the beginning, but Tom never does anything he doesn’t actually want to do. Ultimately, even when Tom doesn’t realize it, he just wants to be under Cypress’ submission. And boy do we get some of that. Cypress is so darn sexy throughout this book and I kept wanting to read his POV just to get inside his sexy head.
This book gave us action, suspense, sexiness and all the feels from Tom’s POV. Tom is excellent at what he does for the deceased and his loving care jumps off the page at you. These aren’t just dead people to him, they are human beings who deserve kindness and respect, even in death. This book gave us a unique peek behind the curtain of a funeral home and it was fascinating. Don’t let the trigger warning at the beginning scare you off; this book was written with care and delicacy. It’s definitely worth tip-toeing outside of your comfort zone if you are squeamish about death.
June 21, 2022
4.8 stars
November 14, 2020
Sadly, but I had to DNF (43%) this book. I wanted to love this book so much, but this time I couldn't.
It was interesting but I think less embalming scene would be better. It wasn't really important for the story, and I just wanted some romance or some action, but the only thing I got is embalming after embalming.
The characters weren't for me either, they were flat and so slow on the romance.
I thought I wait for the first sex scene, but it was anything but enjoyable. The dom scene wasn't real at all and it was disappointng for me, so after that I knew this isn't for me.
I'm sad because I thought this would be a really great story, but not for me.
I got an ARC copy and this was my honest review.
It was interesting but I think less embalming scene would be better. It wasn't really important for the story, and I just wanted some romance or some action, but the only thing I got is embalming after embalming.
The characters weren't for me either, they were flat and so slow on the romance.
I thought I wait for the first sex scene, but it was anything but enjoyable. The dom scene wasn't real at all and it was disappointng for me, so after that I knew this isn't for me.
I'm sad because I thought this would be a really great story, but not for me.
I got an ARC copy and this was my honest review.
November 13, 2020
Thomas Hill is the Embalmer at a funeral home. He is excellent at his job and always goes that extra mile both for the customers and his friends. But he is sinking deeper and deeper into trouble. Things comes to a head when he is caught taking money for embalming fluid, by Cypress Holmes aka HFG (hot flower guy).
Tom Tries to explain that someone is blackmailing him into making the deals and that the money is not for himself.
Cypress soon gauges the situation and Toms downfall, and worryingly where it will lead. But agrees to keep quiet for now if Tom is his good boy.
What follows is a suspenseful chain of events that get deeper and deeper. Luckily for Tom they both connect both by nature and sexually. The question is can Tom be Cypress’s good boy?
Tom is intrigued and turned on by Cypress’s domination but is shocked when he hears someone screaming whilst they are being whipped at a BDSM party.
Now who would have thought a book about an Embalmer and a domineering Florist could be such a good read.
Well let me tell you, that this story is so well written, and the plot is well woven and if I am honest it is fascinating to read about what happens behind the scenes in a funeral home.
Some may think it will be a morbid story. That is where the author’s writing skills come in. There is of course sad moments, and Tom is often deeply affected by his work. But there are some really fun moments, Including a pet Chicken in a hearse.
I really liked the dedication Tom strives for in his work, which can not be an easy task at the best of times. But with being blackmailed by his EX who happens to be one of his boss’s sons, then a chain of burglaries linked to the funeral home, and even a murder case.
Cypress’s intervention in Toms life is much appreciated by Tom. He takes charge and helps Tom unravel the mess he has gotten himself into. Tom finds the BDSM scenes help him calm down and deal with the stresses from his work and the current situation he is in.
The suspense starts quickly and builds and builds right until the very end. I just could not work out who was the mastermind behind the crimes until the very end.
The connection between Tom and Cypress is strong as well as hot sexually, each is exactly what the other needs in their lives. I like the way neither character is perfect and they both make mistakes that causes bumps in their journey.
The story is strong, nicely paces and well written. I believe it is K.L. Heirs best work so far and is great suspenseful, romantic thriller.
Tom Tries to explain that someone is blackmailing him into making the deals and that the money is not for himself.
Cypress soon gauges the situation and Toms downfall, and worryingly where it will lead. But agrees to keep quiet for now if Tom is his good boy.
What follows is a suspenseful chain of events that get deeper and deeper. Luckily for Tom they both connect both by nature and sexually. The question is can Tom be Cypress’s good boy?
Tom is intrigued and turned on by Cypress’s domination but is shocked when he hears someone screaming whilst they are being whipped at a BDSM party.
Now who would have thought a book about an Embalmer and a domineering Florist could be such a good read.
Well let me tell you, that this story is so well written, and the plot is well woven and if I am honest it is fascinating to read about what happens behind the scenes in a funeral home.
Some may think it will be a morbid story. That is where the author’s writing skills come in. There is of course sad moments, and Tom is often deeply affected by his work. But there are some really fun moments, Including a pet Chicken in a hearse.
I really liked the dedication Tom strives for in his work, which can not be an easy task at the best of times. But with being blackmailed by his EX who happens to be one of his boss’s sons, then a chain of burglaries linked to the funeral home, and even a murder case.
Cypress’s intervention in Toms life is much appreciated by Tom. He takes charge and helps Tom unravel the mess he has gotten himself into. Tom finds the BDSM scenes help him calm down and deal with the stresses from his work and the current situation he is in.
The suspense starts quickly and builds and builds right until the very end. I just could not work out who was the mastermind behind the crimes until the very end.
The connection between Tom and Cypress is strong as well as hot sexually, each is exactly what the other needs in their lives. I like the way neither character is perfect and they both make mistakes that causes bumps in their journey.
The story is strong, nicely paces and well written. I believe it is K.L. Heirs best work so far and is great suspenseful, romantic thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
I cannot even say how much I love this book. There aren't words! Hiers is hands down my favorite author and this is one of my favourites she's done. A fascinating and unique story about an Undertaker and a sexy dom florist. I am so intrigued by the process and the way it's written perfectly mixes the science and medical side with the emotional toll the job can take on you. (A job that doesn't get any where near the recognition that it deserves.) You can feel the love and respect Tom has for the dead and the passion that the author feels for what she does.
It's got action, crimes, feels and some smoking hot scenes that I'm still not over. It's such a fresh and unique story that I simply can't get enough of. There's always gangsters, doctors, vampires or cute boys at coffee stands, but this is the first M/M book I've ever found about a mortician and I am definitely hoping we'll see Cypress and Tom again.
It's got action, crimes, feels and some smoking hot scenes that I'm still not over. It's such a fresh and unique story that I simply can't get enough of. There's always gangsters, doctors, vampires or cute boys at coffee stands, but this is the first M/M book I've ever found about a mortician and I am definitely hoping we'll see Cypress and Tom again.
November 14, 2020
I got absolutely enthralled with Tom and Cypress and the wonderful world of morticians. Shy and sweet is Tom but underneath hides a tiger which Cypress the florist hopes to coax out. The very first meeting between these two sets the tone for the whole book which is filled with some very hot and sizzling action, light bdsm and a puzzling crime to solve. I enjoyed Miss Edie who did hair at the funeral directors, she was a hoot and a half. The story was told with such reverence and compassion for the profession you could tell they did their homework on the subject, nothing was half done or glossed over. It really highlights the hidden side of what happens after you pass and how much hard work and love go into making you presentable for your loved ones. Cypress gave off all kind of daddy vibes but very patient and loving, willing to listen and learn from Tom, even giving him a surprise or two at work.
November 14, 2020
Every book I've read by this author had something singular about it. In The Last One to Let You Down, it's Tom's profession. I admit I'd expected to be at least a bit bothered by the technicalities of a funeral home, but I found the subject treated with sensitivity, mostly thanks to Tom's gentleness and care.
From the moment Cypress imposed his presence and conditions in Tom's life, the story became addictive and captivating. I couldn't put it down because I didn't want to miss anything that happened between them. Their relationship was brimming with tension, initially, and it grew full of intense passion and love... and kinky hotness, which was a big part of their unique dynamic. Every conversation, every kiss and touch felt so realistic and vivid that I felt part of their story.
Once again, K.L. Hiers delivered an emotional, intense, heartwarming and powerful story. Loved it!
From the moment Cypress imposed his presence and conditions in Tom's life, the story became addictive and captivating. I couldn't put it down because I didn't want to miss anything that happened between them. Their relationship was brimming with tension, initially, and it grew full of intense passion and love... and kinky hotness, which was a big part of their unique dynamic. Every conversation, every kiss and touch felt so realistic and vivid that I felt part of their story.
Once again, K.L. Hiers delivered an emotional, intense, heartwarming and powerful story. Loved it!
November 15, 2020
Sweet undertaker tale
Firstly, this is all in Tom's POV and there are lots of hawt sexy times. One of the best parts of this story is that throughout the development of Tom and Cypress' relationship, any and all conflicts and misunderstandings that came up were resolved quickly - often within a chapter or two with open communication. Props to K. L. Hiers for not using extended relationship drama to fill out the story or let it be bogged down by it. The side mystery, however, could have been resolved just a few chapters earlier...the anticipation was worse than edging lol! The ending with regards to the relationship feels very HFN, so hopefully there will be more of Tom and Cypress coming soon! 4.5 stars rounded up. :-)
Firstly, this is all in Tom's POV and there are lots of hawt sexy times. One of the best parts of this story is that throughout the development of Tom and Cypress' relationship, any and all conflicts and misunderstandings that came up were resolved quickly - often within a chapter or two with open communication. Props to K. L. Hiers for not using extended relationship drama to fill out the story or let it be bogged down by it. The side mystery, however, could have been resolved just a few chapters earlier...the anticipation was worse than edging lol! The ending with regards to the relationship feels very HFN, so hopefully there will be more of Tom and Cypress coming soon! 4.5 stars rounded up. :-)
November 30, 2020
Fabulous discovery. I was in the mood for something different and damn, did I get it. Wonderful story in a unique setting. There were a few parts I skipped, great detail about the funeral business. Tom and Cypress are a great yin/yang couple. Chemistry off the charts and while getting a great story and relationship development. I would have liked a bit more insight into these two as individuals, but it didn’t detract at all. Well written and highly recommended. Not if you are squeamish or have funeral and related triggers.
June 6, 2021
DNF @ 14%.
Blackmailing someone into having sex is rape.
Blackmailing someone into having sex is rape.
November 16, 2020
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Angie – ☆☆☆
I really struggled to get through this book. It was so slow and honestly, really boring. I wanted to be a mortician when I was younger, so the embalming didn't bother me. It was the abundance of it. It didn't really enhance the story either. I liked Thomas and Cypress, but I wasn't connecting or invested in them. This one missed the mark for me.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
November 30, 2020
No dialogue differentiation meant everyone sounded exactly the same (they could have all been identical people playing different roles which meant I never felt any of the characters were more than puppets) and the beginning is extremely infodumpy: the dictionary definition of rigor mortis shows some solid research (reading further it’s obviously the author’s wheelhouse - sometimes this isn’t a good thing if you can’t focus on the actual story!), but this sort of info wasn’t integrated well unfortunately.
Love the premise, turned away by the execution and every character saying ‘fuckin’’ - among other things - in exactly the same way.
Love the premise, turned away by the execution and every character saying ‘fuckin’’ - among other things - in exactly the same way.
November 14, 2020
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I really struggled to get through this book. It was so slow and honestly really boring. I wanted to be a mortician when I was younger so the embalming didn't bother me. It was the abundance of it. It didn't really enhance the story either. I liked Thomas and Cypress but I wasn't connecting or invested in them. This one missed the mark for me.
I really struggled to get through this book. It was so slow and honestly really boring. I wanted to be a mortician when I was younger so the embalming didn't bother me. It was the abundance of it. It didn't really enhance the story either. I liked Thomas and Cypress but I wasn't connecting or invested in them. This one missed the mark for me.
June 26, 2021
I love books, especially romance books, that explore atypical professions. And this book dives deep into the duties of Tom, a funeral director. Although most of the time the descriptions of the embalming scenes came off like a technical guide rather than contributing to the story. I liked how supportive Cypress was of Tom - all those affirmations were great. The way this book explores some of the lesser found kinks (here in GR) like CBT and sounding was interesting.
February 8, 2022
Not bad...
It was a good thing I love Caitlin Doughty and have seen all of her youtube videos cause that knowledge helped a lot in this book. There was a lot of detailed information about embalming and making the dead presentable.
I did not feel the love between these MCS, but the sex scenes were great.
I thought the whole mystery and resolution the least interesting parts of the story.
It was a good thing I love Caitlin Doughty and have seen all of her youtube videos cause that knowledge helped a lot in this book. There was a lot of detailed information about embalming and making the dead presentable.
I did not feel the love between these MCS, but the sex scenes were great.
I thought the whole mystery and resolution the least interesting parts of the story.
November 13, 2020
It took a few chapters to get into the story (the plot needed some setting up before taking off) but I really got into the book once I understood who all the characters in the story were and what some of their motivations were. And I really liked Thomas. He seemed very resigned to his lot in life, living to work rather than working to live. He seemed to spend most of his time and energy on his work and couldn’t seem to say no anytime a coworker or his boss asked him for a favor. At least, until he met Cypress. We don’t really get to know Cypress well since the POV was always from Thomas’ POV but I honestly loved the exchanges between them, especially when Cypress insisted that Thomas start saying no to people and find things in life that give him pleasure rather than let life go by. The interactions between Thomas and Cypress were hot and I loved that Cypress was able to give him what he needed emotionally as well as physically. The information on the process of embalming the deceased was detailed but were necessary as it helped move the plot. And honestly, as a nurse, I found the process fascinating. I would definitely like to see some of these characters again in future books and, if not with these characters, than at least another book set in a funeral home.
June 16, 2025
This was a really funny story, I really liked the side characters and the surprisingly funny things that were happening inside of a funeral home. I thought Tom and Cypress were really good characters and I liked the evolution of their relationship. It did drag on a bit for me on figuring out what was going on with the murder. It just didn't seem to fit in the story for me. Also, I can appreciate all of the embalming knowledge, but it got a little textbook for me in certain parts. Other than that, they MLs had a great relationship, I liked the spicy scenes, and the way that Cypress took care of Tom after their scenes. Lol, what did he order for the chicken at the drive thru?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
I enjoyed the first half or so but then it kind of got boring and I found myself skimming large chunks of it.
The embalming knowledge in the book seems very solid. It's kind of presented in an infodumpy way, though, not always well integrated into the story. "Here, dear colleague, let me tell you all about my job" is a bit awkward...
I've got mixed feelings about the relationship part of the book. On the one hand I can see why Tom and Cypress hit it off and what they see in each other. But somehow they both feel bland. I can't really say what's missing but something is. And their relationship goes way too fast for my taste. Diving into BDSM when you've barely known your new parter for about two weeks? Hmm.
The sexy times felt repetitive to me, like the MCs just had to work their way through a kink list top to bottom, with the almost-obligatory inclusion of the sub safewording and then feeling ashamed about it. Despite all the kinks, their encounters somehow all felt the same, so the sex scenes felt routine rather than hot.
I was quite bothered by Cypress' pushy handling of introducing Tom to BDSM. He kept pushing on Tom to be more confident, "you're a tiger!" and all that, and I can see how Tom needed that in some ways. But doing that at Tom's first BDSM event, and plying him with enough alcohol to have him wobbling on his feet, and then pushing him to do stuff, was not OK with me. And the book just let this go without a word, as if this was perfectly OK and normal.
Bonus points for older characters (35 and 41).
Points deducted for the stereotypically bad-guy ex-boyfriend.
The embalming knowledge in the book seems very solid. It's kind of presented in an infodumpy way, though, not always well integrated into the story. "Here, dear colleague, let me tell you all about my job" is a bit awkward...
I've got mixed feelings about the relationship part of the book. On the one hand I can see why Tom and Cypress hit it off and what they see in each other. But somehow they both feel bland. I can't really say what's missing but something is. And their relationship goes way too fast for my taste. Diving into BDSM when you've barely known your new parter for about two weeks? Hmm.
The sexy times felt repetitive to me, like the MCs just had to work their way through a kink list top to bottom, with the almost-obligatory inclusion of the sub safewording and then feeling ashamed about it. Despite all the kinks, their encounters somehow all felt the same, so the sex scenes felt routine rather than hot.
I was quite bothered by Cypress' pushy handling of introducing Tom to BDSM. He kept pushing on Tom to be more confident, "you're a tiger!" and all that, and I can see how Tom needed that in some ways. But doing that at Tom's first BDSM event, and plying him with enough alcohol to have him wobbling on his feet, and then pushing him to do stuff, was not OK with me. And the book just let this go without a word, as if this was perfectly OK and normal.
Bonus points for older characters (35 and 41).
Points deducted for the stereotypically bad-guy ex-boyfriend.
June 23, 2022
This was a unique, interesting story about an embalmer and a florist. Tom is incredibly passionate about his job which makes it hard for him to say no. Not to mention his crazy coworker/exboyfriend stressing him out all the time. Hot flower guy Cypress finally gets to speak with the cute embalmer on one of his deliveries. Later that evening Cypress overhears Tom doing something illegal. Tom is desperate to keep Cypress from talking to the police so they enter a blackmail relationship. This story was a whirlwind: blackmail, BDSM, burglaries, murder, and a crazy man-eating dog. But there was also so much heart and humor as Tom and Cypress get to know each other better. I loved Edie! And I definitely have a greater appreciation for the funeral industry.
February 23, 2021
Hm. I think I liked this book a lot more in theory than in practice. I loved every individual thing the author did with it - the unique setting, the interracial pairing, the BDSM newbie, the well-developed side characters, and on and on and on, I just... didn't actually enjoy the way it all came together much? I skimmed soooooo much of the text, bigger and bigger chunks of it the further I got into the book, but I'll chock my lackluster response up to "it's not you, it's me," because I can't really pinpoint why I wasn't into it (and I LOVED the previous book I'd read by this author). So... 🤷♀️
April 14, 2022
This book is unusual and charming at the same time. The author really brings to bear her expertise in the funeral and embalming business and the book is full of all sorts of fun facts. Thomas is an overworked, overstressed embalmer who has been lured into participating in some possible illegal activities. He also has a crush on Cypress, a florist who frequently comes to the funeral home. This story has a good mix of mystery, danger, intrigue, humor, kinky play, and a very passionate romance.
January 24, 2023
Gave this a 3 stars rating because I DNF'd less than 20% in. I'm pretty sure it's a 'me' thing, so don't base your choice to read it on me ;)
The concept was very intriguing, I enjoyed learning about embalming and the funeral business but something about the pace of the relationship and the character development wasn't working for me today. I just couldn't connect with the writing. Can't account for the tension/mystery since I did not even get to it. I might want to try other books by the author and see how it goes !
The concept was very intriguing, I enjoyed learning about embalming and the funeral business but something about the pace of the relationship and the character development wasn't working for me today. I just couldn't connect with the writing. Can't account for the tension/mystery since I did not even get to it. I might want to try other books by the author and see how it goes !
May 17, 2021
I picked this book up because I’ve read several of the author’s other books and I enjoyed it so much! I was intrigued by the whole mortician/embalmer side of the story and I loved learning about it. The author herself is an embalmer and that only lent more to the story. The romance was cute and the mystery was interesting. I figured out the whodunnit before the end but I still enjoyed the read. K.L. Hiers is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me.
June 15, 2023
embalming made interesting!
Whoa! I gotta say this was definitely not like your average bdsm romance novel. I actually learned a lot about the main characters work. There is also mystery and danger and some super hot scenes! I am super glad I read this and would love to read more with this couple.
Whoa! I gotta say this was definitely not like your average bdsm romance novel. I actually learned a lot about the main characters work. There is also mystery and danger and some super hot scenes! I am super glad I read this and would love to read more with this couple.
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