Cover Image: The Dead Romantics

The Dead Romantics

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Member Reviews

The Dead Romantics was such a unique romance! It was fun and whimsical.

Books that set out to be different can sometimes be too much, but I didn’t feel the way about The Dead Romantics. It was such a cute story, and though it was a romance, as the book points out, love comes in many forms. I loved the Day family. Their quirkiness was so enjoyable. Florence, the female main character, is a bit of a black sheep. Though, as usual with families, she doesn’t actually see herself the way others do. Benji was also a treat, He was very much the Mr. Darcy type, and I adored him.

This book had some great twists and turns, some I saw coming and others that surprised me. As I mentioned, this was more than just a love story between a man and a woman—it was a love story about family and finding faith in yourself. There were just so many heartwarming parts of this!

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I just loved this story. It’s a wonderful mix of romance, grief, ghosts of the past, and ghosts of the present.

Florence is a ghost writer for an extremely popular romance author, and very few people know. When a new editor arrives to meet with Florence, they don’t start off on the best foot. After a terrible meeting, and then a terrible night at the bar, she finds out her father has passed away and heads home. Where she finds a ghost, but it’s not the ghost of her dad…

The story explores letting go and the difficulty in doing so. There’s learning to let go of bad relationships, shitty boyfriends, past reputations, and slights that have festered for too long. I really appreciated the depth that this concept went into.

The romance was so sweet too. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it, but I liked it! I really appreciated the development of a relationship when physical touch cannot be a part of it.

I would recommend this for readers that enjoy romance stories and non-spooky ghosts!

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This is such a sweet story! I hugged it when I was done reading. The characters were so cute and the story was unique. I liked the story about a writer and an editor set in the publishing world. It was a bit predictable, but in a sweet romance story, that is to be expected!

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I loved this book. No seriously.
I laughed, I cried, I rose and fell with the tides of emotions and the way they’re all tied up with life and death.
I adored Ben. Unsurprising, for me at least. That heart of gold under a stern exterior? I mean honestly. It’s like he was made for me.
The deadpan jokes that took me by surprise, almost dad like in their sincerity.
This was just a win for me. As much as spooky isn’t in my usual wheelhouse, there’s just something about a ghostly romance that suckers me in every time.

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Florence Day is a ghostwriter for the one of the most popular romance authors around. After a tough breakup, her writer's block is threatening to ruin her creative mojo and next book's deadline. Her editor refuses to extend the deadline and Florence is panicked.
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To complicate matters, she receives a sad phone call from her family, she returns to her hometown to deal with a lot of "unfinished business". Florence's family owns a funeral home and since childhood, Florence has connected to ghosts.
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Don't want to give too much away, but, I really enjoyed this audio and loved Florence! Once I got over the fantastical element of this story and enjoyed it for what it is, it was really fun ( I know that sounds bizarre since it's a book surround by the idea of grief and ghosts)
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If you're an audio fan, this one is definitely for you!

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3.5 stars, but I rounded up, because it was hard to put down.

This was a sweet and quirky romance novel, perfect for fans of Book Lovers, Meet In The Margins, & other bookish romances — with a ghostly twist. I had fun reading this book, and enjoyed the places it took me, and the way it ended… but I do feel it was missing a little something. I wish the secondary characters had been given the chance to develop into something more than one-dimensional ideas of people, and I wish Ben had had more personality than just being super hot.

Overall this was a fast and fun read, and I enjoyed it.

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.5⭐️/5

You know, despite being titled The Dead Romantics, I didn’t expect the love interest to be a ghost. This book gave me everything I wanted: small town, handsome main male, a disaster ghostwriting main female, banter with sibling. Yet. Yes, yet. I wasn’t sold.

This book was heavy. Another thing I wasn’t ready for was the main plot device being the father’s death. Every page. You never move beyond it because every. Single. Page it’s mentioned. I’m a sap when it comes to the mortality of my family, but this family…..I didn’t really feel or see the close bonds I was told about after the patriarch of the family died. The mom’s response to her husbands death was also a bit out of character in my opinion.

Ben seemed flat to me. She didn’t get along with him, then she’s kissing him in a back alley, and then she’s annoyed because his ghost is following her….next thing you know, “I love you don’t go.” -_- I didn’t feel the pining the love the angst. I just didn’t feel.

This is marketed as adult romance but it has the flowery prose of an old 1900s classic or even older. I love the classics but this was no pride and prejudice. Lastly, the twist. I saw the twist coming from the first time we met benji.

Oh wait. One more. Heather. Her redemption was sooooooooo flip of a switch. Regina George mean girl one night and she gets a talking to from Florence and the next morning “omg I’m so sorry I am a horrible person”

Enough complaints. The idea behind this was fun. Neat. Family has a funeral home, daughter can see ghosts, the ghostwriter bit, romance is dead. I liked the bed and breakfast. Dana was an interesting character (minus the fact that the author used the wrong pronouns for their own character at one point.), I wanted more backstory on Rose, I wished Benji could have gone and haunted Lee or sabotaged his release of his book.

As for spice 🌶 one lowly pepper. My friend. You had options here that could have been worthy of many peppers…as Florence would say, you watched the opportunity sail by you like a ship.

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Review will be posted on 8/3/22

Florence Day used to be a romantic, after all, she is a ghostwriter for a well known romance author. The latest book she is writing is dragging though; she is feeling entirely uninspired after the breakup with her boyfriend. Perhaps true love doesn't exist and happily-ever-afters aren't for everyone? Now she is late for her deadline and her editor, Ben, isn't having it. Then Florence receives a phone call that rocks her world. Her father has unexpectedly died and she must return home. Of course Florence drops everything to be home with her family and they ironically own the town's funeral parlor. You see, Florence has always been able to see and communicate with ghosts, an ability passed on from her father. She is hoping to connect with him, but instead, up pops her editor, Ben. He has shockingly died the day after she met with him. Ghosts have unfinished business; what could Ben's possibly be? Now Florence has to deal with her father's last wishes and Ben following her around, sometimes to the most unfortunate of places, such as the shower. While home, Florence deals with her grief as well as with the hometown that she left long ago, all while getting to know Ben better. What blossoms between them is so much more than friends- they have a true connection, but what's the point? He is dead and it's heartbreaking. Ashley Poston's adult debut, The Dead Romantics, is such a fun take on the usual paranormal romance; I adored it!

Florence is someone I liked right from the beginning of The Dead Romantics. I truly felt for her when her father died, because you could really tell that she had a close relationship with him. When she returns home, readers get to know her family much better, including her eccentric sister, Alice, and I really enjoyed the other Day family members as well. I think Poston portrays dealing with the ups and downs of death accurately, but she does so in a manner that it doesn't make it too dark and depressing. The death of her father is counterbalanced by her relationship with Ben. Although he is a ghost, it felt like so much more.

Ben is a delight of a character in The Dead Romantics. I enjoyed his relationship with Florence and how it evolved. I appreciated their love of books and all the nods to publishing within the novel. There were some real laugh-out-loud moments between them and moments that truly tugged on my heartstrings. It really made long for Ben and Florence to have a real chance at love, but how could they if he is dead? As time progresses, readers will wonder what Ben's unfinished business is and what he wants from Florence. Slowly, Poston connects the dots and I absolutely adored the mystery and the subtle plot twists.

Also, Poston did a fabulous job of bringing a sleepy southern town to life. I loved all of her descriptions of the nighttime sounds, the graveyard, her memories of growing up down south, the big funeral home, the wildflowers, and even the nosy townspeople. It was definitely reminiscent of Stars Hollow.

If you like a good paranormal romance, look no further. The Dead Romantics was surprisingly good and I loved being lost in Florence's world. The Dead Romantics would make for a great vacation read!

So, are you a fan of paranormal romance? Have you read The Dead Romantics? Is it on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

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This book is about a ghost writer who also just so happens to be able to see ghosts. In this story you see Florence come into herself and also rediscover the things she likes most about herself through some beyond the grave nudges from her dad. Ultimately this book came down to being about family and the ties that connect you. This book made me laugh out loud, get a little sentimental at some of the sad moments, and giddy at the moments between her and the love interest! I thought Poston did a good job of reminding us that even through death there can be joy and happy memories.

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I adore this book. Grief hurts me so much and this book really did a number on me. I loved Florence and Ben and i cried like a baby at many parts throughout. I can't wait for others to be emotionally wrecked by this book.

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I had the pleasure of reading an eARC from @berkleyromance and absolutely loved it.

The Dead Romantics is different from anything I’ve read lately - it’s a beautiful and original contemporary romance about a millennial ghost romance writer who hits a writer’s block following a bad breakup and now believes love is dead.

The main character also sees ghosts - including her handsome editor, who appears to her as a ghost in her hometown after she travels there to bury her father. The big question is…why is he there?

Even though the book’s main theme is death and evolves around the passing of a loved one - I wouldn’t describe this book as sad or depressing. I’d rather describe it as a moving and hopeful read about the human condition. It’s about learning how to leave our ghosts behind and live life to the fullest. It’s about how the loved ones we lose never really leave us.

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I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved that it was a twist on a typical romance novel.
It tackles grief, bullying, family dynamics, and overall growing up.
The main character is a relatable stressed out, burnt out older sibling who doesn't seem to fit in until she opens up and finds that she does.
The supporting characters keep you invested in the story and make you want to know more about them- it would be so easy to write a book about one of the siblings and I would definitely read it! There was LGBT representation in this book with M/M, F/F, and non-binary couples and they were all written flawlessly without making it awkward, forced, or their main personality trait which is always refreshing to read. Her Dad was one of my favorite characters- I love that he was such a ray of light in a profession that is often seen as dark.

The whole time I was reading this book I couldn't stop thinking about Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas which had a lot of similar themes. It's one of my favorite books and I'm so happy to have found a book that was similar enough with more adult themes- because let's be real we want at least a little bit of spice with our romance!

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I loved this book so much, and I'm so mad at myself for taking so long to read it. (I also received a physical ARC of this book after I requested the E-ARC. )
Its truly unique and if you are a fan of Emily Henry you'll love this book, as their writing styles are similar and Ashley will have you laughing out loud. It's a must read.

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This was my first book I’ve read by Ashley Poston and now I want to go read all her books! I loved this book! It has romance with good banter, dark humor, ghosts, and life lessons. I was hooked from the start and I appreciated that this romance has its own unique flair! I laughed, I cried, and this book left my heart and soul in a better place than before. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a romance with slightly dark underlying tones and learning to get through life and love when our world is turned upside down by losing a loved one. Please read trigger warnings as I think it would be hard to read it you’ve had a recent familial death. I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Guys. This book. Ben & Florence. My heart. I love it so much I don’t even know where to begin. This book features a perfect mixture of paranormal (ghosts, spirits) and romantic (a little bit of enemies to lovers) elements, all of which will leave you wanting more.

Florence is a ghostwriter for a famous romance author and Ben is her new editor…for about two days. What people don’t know about Florence is that she can see ghosts and helps them fulfill their last wishes. Then one day, she sees Ben…as a ghost. And that’s where the story gets profound and interesting.

What I appreciate most about this book is that the characters talk about death, funerals, spirits, and afterlife openly. I’m glad to see that these kinds of subjects are no longer a taboo in modern world, and that we can all deal with them in such a light-hearted way by celebrating “Happy Death Days” like we do on birthdays.

What’s more, not only does Ben and Florence’s story make me rethink about the priorities in life, but they make me cry both happy and sad tears. (Especially THAT plot twist in the end.) Seriously, this book is an amazing summer read and y’all should go pick it up!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Fun fact: When I first learnt about the word “ghostwriter,” I thought it meant someone who wrote ghost stories. Kinda fitting in the case for this book, though.

***Thanks to Penguin Random House International Sales for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

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From the first paragraph, I knew this book would be a good one. I immersed myself into the book from the first chapter and I cannot say enough good things about this book! Honestly amazing! The writing is incredible and the plot is just one to die for. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. My favorite part would have to be the character development throughout the book. Character development is something I look forward to and this book did not disappoint.

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This was one of those books that fills you with contentment and a sense of well being, even in the sad parts. It was sweet, funny and wonderfully quirky. I really loved the uniqueness of all of the characters. The main character was witty and sarcastic, making me laugh more than once. The romantic storyline was fantastic and I basically loved the book. If you read romance I highly recommend it.

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This was an amazing book! One of the best I've read this year, hands down. Florence Day is struggling. As a ghostwriter for a famous romance author, she's authored a bestseller or two- she just can't tell anyone. What's more, after a gut-wrenching breakup she no longer believes in romance- and has the worst case of writer's block of her life, all with a deadline looming. To top it off her new editor is incredibly attractive...but also kind of a jerk. When Florence's life is turned completely upside down by a tragedy which finds her back in the hometown she swore she'd never set foot in again, family and friends old, new, and ghostly combine to help her heal and find a new way forward. With a diverse and quirky cast of characters, "The Dead Romantics" delivers a heartfelt, engaging read that's a love story not just between two people, but also between family members and the complicated relationship we often have with the place we call home.

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Yes! This book was so good! I’m not a big Romance fan but this one won me over. I loved the characters and the cheeky way the story was told. This one was delightful and you all should go get it now.

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Honestly, this was not what I had expected when I picked up this book, I thought it was a book about a romance novelist who did not believe in love anymore yes, but did I expect there to be ghosts and her falling in love with him. Halfway thru the book I was able to predict that he was in a coma and that they would end up together. While I know that a lot of people loved this book, it was not something that I enjoyed reading unfortunately

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