This is for sure a quirky semi-cozy fantasy romance retelling of You've Got Mail. I have some qualms with that movie, but I think they were mostly alleviated in this version. Yes, there is letter writing at the beginning as part of the romance setup and that is cute. Yes, the guy still has ALL the information (aka finds out her identity and has to keep a secret) - a trope I dislike. But, at least he isn't also the villain trying to put her family's business out of business (this is my biggest issue with the movie) - that instead is another bigger mortuary, and there's a side plot regarding that as well.

The romance is def the strong point here. There's great banter - Hart and Mercy are set up as antagonistic from the get-go (I would not say they're enemies, they just don't like each other, but often have to see each other for work). I liked the dual pov, and I did some with audio so that narration was good as well. Mercy is a strong character and I like the way she handles things especially with the inevitable conflict in the relationship. Hart is just one of those guys who needs therapy and a hug. There is definitely a grumpy-sunshine element here. Also both MC's are tall, like tall tall (I think Hart is described as being 6'9" o_o)

As someone who reads a lot of fantasy the world-building in this left a lot to be desired. Things just weren't really explained all that well and whenever they were talking about Tanria I was often a little confused. Some things I just had to accept I wasn't going to know the 'why' behind (like your appendix is the source of your soul... oooook???). I tried to just kind of glaze over those parts, but there is a point in the book where suddenly it becomes important and I was left a bit frustrated for not being able to fully comprehend. It felt a bit like the book was trying to do a few too many things: Mercy dealing with family dynamics, Hart dealing with his personal past, then the family business is failing, and on top of that the town is at stake from stuff coming over from Tanria...  so yeah this book didn't need to be so complicated and long!!!