First of all, thank you so much to Emily Jane Montgomery for an ARC copy of No One Dies From Love. You truly had me at sapphic and sirens.
“I tried to put distance between us then. But it became impossible to stay away from you.” That line alone sums up the emotional core of this story perfectly.
The novel follows Griffin, now 35, returning to her small hometown to help care for her father. She’s determined to keep her head down, get through this chapter quietly, and absolutely not reopen any old wounds. Naturally, that plan falls apart the moment Avery Summers re enters her life. Avery is just as magnetic, just as impossible to ignore… and maybe a little more dangerous than Griffin remembers. As their connection rekindles, strange, almost supernatural events begin to occur whenever Griffin gets too close, forcing her to confront the possibility that loving Avery might come at a cost.
This is a single POV story from Griffin’s perspective (third person). The setting has classic small town vibes full of nostalgia and that “everyone knows everyone (or knows someone who does)” energy. It adds a lovely layer of warmth and familiarity that really sets up the atmosphere for this second chance romance.
At its heart, this is a romance first story. It leans much more cutesy, sweet, caring and emotional than spicy. The attraction between Griffin and Avery is instant, but their relationship develops more slowly through shared time and some genuinely sweet dates masked as friendly outings. That said… Avery’s hot and cold behaviour does drag the pacing a little in the middle. I get why it’s there (and it's also eventually explained), but I did spend a good chunk of the book wanting to shake Griffin and go, “Please. Connect the dots. You are so close.” Love truly is blinding, apparently.
Now, I would be doing this review a disservice if I didn’t give a special shout out to the hot tub scene. The way the water vibrates around Griffin (and, well, everything that follows) was intriguing in a way I did not expect and am absolutely not mad about. It’s the only truly spicy scene in the book, and while it’s relatively mild in description, it definitely leaves an impression. I'll be adding sirens to my special interest list...
Beyond the romance, there are some lovely character dynamics here. Griffin’s relationship with her sister feels wonderfully genuine, as does her relationship with her father with the added shared bond as a family over the death of Griffin's mother. The humour sprinkled throughout the book also adds a nice touch, keeping things from ever feeling too heavy.
That said, not every element felt fully realised. Some side characters added depth and richness to the story, while others introduced questions that never quite got answered. For example, Elijah’s ability to grow out of season plants and flowers is clearly magical, but it’s never explored or explained, which left me a bit puzzled. Especially since Griffin focused on it so often.
The final act does bring in some twists that pulled me back in (especially after the slower middle) but I did feel the ending was somewhat rushed compared to the build up. The same goes for the major art event the story spends so long preparing for; it didn’t quite land with the level of detail or impact I was expecting.
Overall, No One Dies From Love is a heartfelt, atmospheric sapphic romance with a touch of the supernatural, strong emotional bonds, and a relationship that’s easy to root for. While there are some pacing issues and unanswered questions, there’s also a lot to enjoy and I’m definitely glad I took the journey.
If you’re some queer folks wanting to get murdered by a sapphic love story then I know just the book for you. This year’s hottest romance is “No One Dies From Love." Author Emily Jane Montgomery is here and has gone wild.
Don’t be fooled by the charming cover, this book IS charming. And it has everything:
Sirens Witty banter Midwestern towns Fated mates with a twist Spicy hot tub shenanigans Yearning for days Descriptions of beverages that will cause an intense desire to go out and spend $20 for one drink at a cocktail bar or specialty cafe Fight Club Twilight The Princess Bride Purely platonic cuddling Whiffs of pole dancing Accidental and intentional near death experiences Forget about touching grass. I need to touch the sea. I need to go in the water.
Overall a very clever, fun, fast read with a great emotional payoff. Thank you dearly for the opportunity to read this. I’ve already devoured it several times.
When Griffin and Avery team up to put on an inclusive student art exhibit for the town, old crushes and kisses 'bob' to the surface. Some very STEAMY hot tubbing quickly sparks a flame that even a wave couldn't quench. Sorry, it's a siren book. I have to do the puns.
The push and pull between Griffin and Avery isn't established as mere misunderstandings. Instead, it is the harsh reality of two people who want to build a life together but may not be able to--and only one knows the answer as to why (and it's all Griffin's POV so you have to wait to find out!)
Seriously, this is a read I finished in two sittings, which is so rare for me these days. The characterization is fantastic. The supporting characters are hilarious and I really hope Avery's friends get their own books! Mallory is amazing.
Thank you to the author Emily Jane Montgomery for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for the book No One Dies From Love.
The book is a return to hometown, small town, sapphic romance with plenty of angst and a little mystery thrown in. Griffin has return to her hometown to help out her family and has an amazing idea for an art project. While sharing this idea with friends an old flame from her childhood, Avery, comes to the rescue with an offer to help. As they spend time together sparks fly as the tension between them grows. Avery has a secret though that causes some angst between the two. If you like return to hometown sapphic romance novels with a little surprise twist this book is for you.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for my review.
This was a cute sapphic romance. I enjoyed the fantasy aspects of the books and I thought the characters were funny and relatable.
I did struggle with some parts of the book as it seemed to reference Jacksonville, IL with frequency and specificity. I haven't been there so it felt like there were inside jokes that I didn't understand.
The only other thing I took me out of the book at was the (maybe unintentional) twilight reference "there are two things I know to be true..."
Overall I thought this was cute, and I enjoy seeing more queer stories in the fantasy space. I would read another book by this author, and would love to read more about Avery's friends!
This magical romcom has been a buoy for my spirit to cling to in a challenging time of my life.
No One Dies From Love is a yearning, high-stakes romantic comedy about the bizarre (and sometimes dangerous) things we do for love.
In a small town so charming it feels like a character itself, a chaotic librarian named Griffin and a shy art teacher named Avery set out to create something truly special for their community, only to find themselves navigating the tidal force of their chemistry.
I really love Griffin's relationship with her sister, her bonkers scheming, and her love of hot tubs. I also really enjoy Avery's sharp wit, deep reverence of water, and sense of style. The side characters add to the comedic feel yet everyone in this story feels *real*.
If you're looking for a funny, cozy read with a magical twist and chest-achey yearning, give this a read.
Well, this was a whimsical little read wrapped up in a tiny, pink iridescent seashell. Emily Jane Montgomery really brings her characters to life in her writing, giving her readers heartfelt emotion, witty banter, and potent voice entwined throughout. I loved the fantasy aspect of this book and found myself wanting more of it- not to mention a hot, specialty coffee. 4 stars because romance is not my typical or preferred genre, and because I wanted this book to be longer so I could dive (pun intended) into the fantasy! I highly recommend Montgomery's other romantasy, Hell Burns Between Us. It has all the great trinkets of this novella plus more fantasy!
This book was a fun read from start to finish. The characters and banter create a fun 90s rom-com vibe with a surprise paranormal twist. The relationship between the main characters, Avery and Griffen, is joyful and fun to read but what also stands out about this book are the other lovely written relationships. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Griffen and her sister as well as the more complex relationship with her father. The unexpected setting of an American Midwest city makes the book even more enjoyable and interesting to read.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC opportunity!
This was such a cute, cozy read that I absolutely devoured. I couldn't seem to put it down! Watching Griffin and Avery's relationship develop was one of my favorite parts, and their witty banter had me smiling from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and would happily recommend it to readers looking for a cozy romance with plenty of comedic relief.
A gripping, magical love story that deftly balances heartfelt emotion with imaginative yet grounded world building. Griffin and Avery’s chemistry sizzles on page, not to mention the witty banter and a beautifully paced transition from project partners to lovers. Add in some siren magic? *chef’s kiss*
A masterpiece of paranormal fun, small town charm, and a sweet (and sexy!) romance. Hoping to read more in this world!
What a fun little read! This is the perfect romantic/comedy story perfect for the beach or travel day or really just any ol day. I loved the genuine feeling of home the author wove into the descriptions of the small town and how the story was relatable with modern day dating/building friendships with a little bit of whimsy magical sprinkles on top.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fun, it’s a pretty cute and cozy paranormal romance. Siren X Human is not as, common and so underrated! I also really enjoyed the subtle hints of twilight vibes in the story (well one little part was obvious in a funny way). I actually wished the book was longer it was such a fun read.
having a really hard time getting into this one :( Loved the commissioned art, but I think I misunderstood the mermaid/paranormal element? It starts with just two art teachers discussing a project to raise funds for their schools. Think I'm about 50 pages in.
I will not rate it at this time as I will try and come back to it. Maybe it's not the season to read this one for me :)
I had a great time reading this one. Charming and cute and hit me in the feels a couple of times. I think it could have been longer though. I would have liked the initial attraction to be teased out a little more. But overall I really liked it.
Adorable. Charming. Witty. Loved this quick read as an in-between palate cleanser. The characters are wonderfully likable, the story is fun and quirky, and the setting is especially magical in its own way. I look forward to my next Emily Jane read!
Small town charm, quirky romance, with just the right amount of fantasy woven right into the story. This book pulls you in quickly, and is hard to put down once you start it.
This book is equal parts sexy, funny, magical, and touching. At first I found myself cringing at Griffin’s approach to navigating her crush, then falling for Avery through her eyes made it make sense. It is serious in moments that matter while being hilarious and at times tongue in cheek in others. The steamy moments are sweet and HOT without being too explicit. Great, quick read with lots of layers!