Random thoughts.

Ok this was FUN. Not in a super morbid way. (Only a tiny bit morbid way. 🤣) But it was also so sweet. 🥹 It was also so frustrating at times. 🙃 I guess I just have a lot of feelings with it being so fresh in my mind.

The plot concept is sooo creative and unique. I love the meet cute. 🥰

I sooooorta kinda understand the reasoning behind his thoughts, but I hated how mean he was to her. Just hard to read. I wanted her to slap him like in a black and white move. I don’t love enemy to lovers but I can appreciate when there’s an actual reasoning behind it. Dominic got on my NERVES for a bulk of it, but all men do, so. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Absolutely love an alternating pov (when it’s just a couple people).

The ending made me wanna call my mom. 🥹

"Death isn't the absence of someone. But really, death is an unwelcomed houseguest."

Spoiler Free Summary
This book really envelops the cause and effect of untreated childhood trauma. The FMC drops by a bar for a casual drink and has a one night venting sess with a bartender who looks like Jason Momoa and Roman Reigns. She ends up connected to the town more than she thinks.

Vibes
I absolutely loved how the author tied everything together. At times you can get very frustrated with the main couple and wonder where it's going. The ending made me ugly cry but it was all written so well. I really like some of the comedy relief in this book including the grocery store incident.


Super Easy and Quick Read
Spice 2/5

4.5 stars. Vada, unusual name with an even more unusual 'career', has returned home for work. She meets Dunner (real name Dominic) and they really hit it off. The chemistry is palpable and just plain fun. Unfortunately, her job is fulfilling requests for the soon to be deceased and Dominic's mom is her client. Shit gets sad and heavy but these two continue to banter and it's wonderful. Vada also has some memory issues from her youth over time things become clear. I'm trying not to give too much away. The setting is great as is the supporting cast. This made me laugh and tear up and I had the best time reading this. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

I don't think I've read another book like this one, Vada was such an interesting fmc and she really tried to not be bothered by other people's perceptions of her even though she was kind of embarrassed easily and soft inside.I loved watching Dom try to hate Vada and struggle the entire time.

I liked the haunting aspect and how falling inlove didn't change the fact that she wanted to continue helping people. The mystery was also really good and I was actually surprised by the outcome.

Spice wise this was about a one out of five 🌶 while there was some light spice if you go to this one wanting it you will be disappointed. This book is about more than the romance so that kind of stuff took a bit of a back seat.

This was alot of fun and while it had some laughs it talks about the grief of losing a parent and what it does to a person. It's also about discovering yourself after that loss and how it feels to remember someone you love. It's a really beautiful story and definitely worth checking out!

3.4/5

This delightful romance is a blend of drama, absurdity, comedy, and surprising lightheartedness, despite touching on heavy topics like the loss of loved ones.

Although the title may seem a bit dark, this novel is a perfect beach read. The story centers on Vada, the FMC, as she renovates a beach house for her deceased client, who also haunts her. While funerals set a somber tone, the narrative is brightened by summer festivals, farmers’ markets, and seagulls in a cozy small town where everyone knows each other.

I recommend this book to readers seeking a relaxing, popcorn-flick-style rom-com novel. Some parts are cheesy (like the memory-loss trope), but they’re entertaining. Certain dialogues made me cringe, yet I enjoyed the book overall.

Yes, there’s a ghost in the story, but it’s “Casper” level friendly, acting more like a fairy godmother/cupid/spirit guide than a scary spirit. The short chapters make it a breeze to read, and one chapter even has just two lines!

The story alternates between Vada and Dominic’s POV, offering a clear picture of their thoughts. However, I wasn’t too fond of Dominic; I don't hate him, but I guess he is just not my type...in romance novels. His flirtatious, bully-like behavior felt immature and, at times, a walking red flag. Their banter ranged from “okay” to “annoying,” missing the mark for me.

Overall, this is an easy summer read. It may not be particularly memorable, but it’s enjoyable. I think Vada’s unique job as a mourner, fulfilling her clients’ death wishes, was far more compelling than her love story.

Thank you, NetGalley and Caitlin Moss, for providing this ARC. All opinions are my own, and I’ve shared this review on Goodreads.

This was a fun fall read just in time for Halloween! I finished it pretty quickly, so overall I would say it's worth the time, though I think it could be cleaned up in the middle act with some of Dominic's behavior towards Vada.

Strengths

I loved the female main character's unique, fun personality and job. It's amazing to see unusual job representation, and she doubles down and defends her profession often. We love a woman who runs her own business, even when that business is death adjacent. It reminds me of all of the times I've had to defend my positions as "real" work, making Vada relatable.

<spoiler>I also loved the banter between Annabelle's ghost and Vada. I thought it was refreshing and funny. </spoiler>

Weaknesses

At first, I was super into Dominic and Vada's interactions. I understand how things can get tense in a situation like this, but a lot of what Dominic did was flat out bullying and verbally/emotionally abusive. Grief makes many people do strange things, but based on other hints in the hook, he's just like that. It put a damper on his character for me since he's so well done in the first few chapters.

“We had a good run, didn’t we? A good life.”
I nod. “It wasn’t long enough.”
“It never is.”

BRB, crying.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first book by Caitlin and I absolutely loved it! I laughed, cried, and rooted for all characters all the way through.

The story follows Vada, a professional mourner who first crosses paths with Dominic at his bar and soon takes on a unique job from his late mother, Annabelle. Despite her initial doubts, Vada agrees to fulfill Annabelle’s unusual last wishes: attend her funeral, renovate her beach house, throw a celebration of life, and track down a mysterious “it.”

Nine months later, with Annabelle gone, Vada returns to town to carry out the plan. What she doesn’t expect is Dominic’s hostile reaction. He’s not just upset to see her again—he outright hates her and is determined to make her life miserable and push her out. But Vada can’t leave, because Annabelle’s ghost is now haunting her and insists the deal must be honored.

5 stars I loooooved it.

I loved this book so much! 🥹

Vada (FMC) & Domonic (MMC) have amazing banter, some insanely compatible chemistry, even when they go through their enemies-to-loves faze, you can tell it is still there. Dominic gives off 'touch her and d*e' throughout the whole time they are enemies, and it is delicious!

I loved the paranormal/ghost twist in this, it was so wholesome and sweet. I did spend the end of the book in tears, which is a good sign, it means this book has me in my feelings!

A big thank you to Caitlin Moss & NetGalley for the gifted copy 💕

I loved this entire story. It's so unique and interesting. The characters are very well thought out and everything they go through is written so seamlessly. The book is beyond sweet, even when the MCs are fighting. You can really feel everyone's emotions and understand where they are both coming from.

I enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the story. It provided the perfect amount of comedic relief within the more emotional parts. Overall the story is the perfect definition of a "feel good romance."

This was my first book by Caitlin Moss and I am looking forward to reading more from her. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for sending me the ARC.

I'll start off by saying this was a good book and it was an enjoyable, engaging read. I do have a couple of small complaints but overall I liked it. My first complaint, and it's definitely my own fault for not reading the synopsis close enough, but I'm not a huge fan of books with a ghost/spirit as a character. Annabelle being part of the bigger story was somewhat of a drag for me but if you don't mind ghosts as characters, then this will not bother you. My second main complaint was that the "enemies" to lovers lasted a bit too long for me. Dominic spent so much time hating on Vada that I started to get sick of it after a while and then he does a complete 180 in record time. That didn't sit well with me. And to say "enemies" is a bit strong and I would say more dislike than anything.

Finally, this book is marketed as dark romantic comedy and I feel that is a bit of a misnomer in a sense. When books are marketed as dark, my mind goes in another direction and this book struck me as a rom com with death, mourning and grieving being a prominent part of the story and that doesn't mean dark to me. Although the definition of dark comedy (style of comedy that makes light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo, particularly subjects that are normally considered serious or painful to discuss i.e. death) does fit this book, when I'm thinking of dark fiction I don't always think of books like this. So please, take my opinions with a grain of salt!

Anyway, like I said, I did enjoy this book and it was a fun little read.

Thank you NetGalley and the author, Caitlin Moss for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was BRILLIANT!! Like everything Caitlin writes. It was a very fun and entertaining read. It was quirky, a very original storyline, captivating and quite thought provoking. It’s a romantic comedy-slightly on the dark (humor) side. I loved this book SO much. Definitely will be telling everyone to read it.

4.5/5
I had to figure out how to create a NetGalley account when Caitlin announced she’d be sending out ARCs. I started reading her work back in 2023, and she’s been one of my favorite discoveries ever since. Whenever I get the chance, I always mention how much I adore her writing style.

Now, about the story: I had never read a book like this before. The premise is super original and fun. I didn’t give it 5 stars because there were moments when I wasn’t a fan of Dominic’s behavior (even though, deep down, I understand why he reacted that way). Still, I absolutely loved Vada, their relationship, and the other characters.

When I saw the number of chapters, I was a little surprised, but it reads super quickly and is a total joy. Definitely 100% recommended.

Just like Taylor Swift has a song for every situation, Caitlin has a book for every season of the year.

<b>this book was a masterpiece
<i></u>Loud Out Loud funny, embrace your weirdness ♥️</b></i></u>

if you love rom-com with paranormal elements, this book is definitely for you. I don't think I've ever read this type of book, and im so happy I got the opportunity to read this. I will definitely be buying a copy when it comes out in September.

im sad that it's over it was sooo good. You have laughter, banter, hope, love, sadness, and anger. You feel all the emotions in this book. Pick this book up, and you will not be disappointed. <B>TRUST ME</B>

Thank you, Netgalley, Caitlin Moss, for providing me an Ebook ARC Copy of this masterpiece 🫶🏼 in exchange for my honest review.
mark <b><u>SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2025</U></B> and grab your copy of Mourner For Hire.

I know I choose the rating but it’s firmly in the middle for me; some aspects were SO GOOD-FIVE STAR, and some were just meh…

This story centers around a woman named Vada whose profession is a professional mourner… but not just any mourner, she specifically follows last wish requests from those departing in whatever fashion they want: drama, crying, a friend, anything (within reason) and she stumbles into her (long lost) home town. Of COURSE there’s a very hot, tattooed, golden boy bartender… and I will not be divulging any further for plot purposes. I really enjoyed both characters and their development over the book! Also, loved watching them fall in love.

That being said…

There were several moments of the book that I felt could be edited out, or rewritten as they didn’t move the storyline forward or provide any additional depth for the characters. The spice was kind of lacking, and at a few points I honestly was wondering if the two MCs were genuinely interested in each other…

A VERY solid three star read and thanks to NetGalley and the author, Caitlin Moss for the ARC!!

What a unique concept! I fell in love with Vada and her ability to preserve through all she’s been dealt in life. She found a way to cope, and then even stronger, she found a way to reimagine and reevaluate her coping skills when they were no longer serving her. The lovers to enemies to lovers was fantastic and believable. The humor and the grief were all expertly intertwined.

Mourner for hire is a fresh and interesting take on the enemies to lovers genre.
Vada Daughtry promises she’ll attend your funeral. For a fee, she’ll add a little mystery, right a wrong, or help you achieve a little mischief from beyond the grave. On the commute back from her latest job, she pulls over at a bar and stumbles into an almost-but-not-quite encounter with Dunner, the owner of the bar. Somethings are not meant to be…or are they? Because a year later, Vada turns up at the latest funeral, only to find out Dunner is the son of the deceased. Perhaps fate has intervened, except this time, he hates her and is determined to make her life hell.

I liked the originality of this plot. You can’t beat an enemies to lovers story and Mourner for Hire delivers exactly what it promises, plus all the charm of a small town romance and a mystery to unravel too. You’re guaranteed short, snappy chapters from the dual narratives, witty banter and a moderate amount of spice too. There’s a really good balance with the element of magical realism. It’s strange to say I wanted more funerals in the romance read, I know. However, the quirky professional mourner element is what made me request the book, and I couldn’t have done with more witty vignettes from Vada’s time at funerals.
Nevertheless, you’ll root for these characters and you’ll be satisfied by the ending.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Vada, a mourner for hire, gets a new client from the town where Vada lived until a tragic accident at eight uprooted her. While fulfilling her obligations, Vada finds a nemesis in her client’s sexy son.

I adore a good enemies-to-lovers romance and MOURNER FOR HIRE delivered. Both Vada and Dominic have solid character arcs. Their attraction to each other sizzles and the town and its residents (including ghostly Annabelle) are super fun.

Vada’s sad backstory, dark sense of humor, and her desire to help her clients rest in peace made her a fabulous heroine. Dominic’s baggage fueled the conflict.

I’m hoping that the author makes this a series with Vada’s best friend as the heroine of the next installment.

For me this book was a 4.5 star read, rounded up to 5.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to the author for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley.

I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this book! It is a small town romance surrounding Dominic and Vada who come together in his bar and are then reunited in a very unusual way. Vada is a mourner for hire, however, there is so much more to the job title than you would expect. She really does fulfill people’s last wishes.

This book is all things family, ghosts and finding yourself and was a very wholesome read.

I enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters and the side characters added so much to the story, making you really route for them all the whole way through.

Thank you to Caitlin Moss and Net galley for the eARC.

One of my favourites to read. From the first chapter to the end, it got me hooked, i read the book in one setting. Vada and Dominic made me cried.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Haunting, Lyrical, and Fiercely Original

Mourner For Fire by Caitlin Moss is a beautifully written and emotionally intense debut that lingers long after the final page. Moss crafts a world that feels both mythic and intimate, blending grief, resilience, and transformation into a narrative that’s as poetic as it is powerful.

The prose is stunning—lyrical without being overdone—and the atmosphere is rich with mood and tension. The main character’s journey through loss and identity is handled with nuance and emotional depth, and the story has a quiet, simmering intensity that builds in a deeply satisfying way.

My only reason for holding back a fifth star is the pacing in the middle—it slows a bit, and there were moments where I wished for a little more momentum or clarity in the world-building. But overall, this is a bold and evocative book that marks Caitlin Moss as a writer to watch.

Highly recommended for readers who love character-driven speculative fiction with poetic language and emotional weight.