Less romance than the mystery of the haunting. I wanted to shake the main characters several times when they were completely oblivious to what was happening.

2.75 stars

It took me a while to get around to this one, I know. I loved the author's other series so I had high hopes for this one, but I think that ghosts just...aren't for me. It took me around 60% of the book to really become interested, and I'm not sure that I really believed that the main characters were that deeply in love that quickly. I don't know. It was fine and I'll read the second book in the series anyway.

A budding romance between the new owner of a house alleged to be haunted and the ghost tour operator who gives tours of her house. So delightful, and perfect for the not-so-spooky season.

I loved this book. I super liked that we weren't trying to get rid of all the ghosts. Most ghost books end up with all the ghosts leaving or getting banished. Sarah was my favorite character. This book was super unique and I can't wait to go to Boneyard Key again.

I have enjoyed Jen DeLuca's renn faire series so I was very excited about this new series. Cassie moves to a small coastal Florida town to get away from her city life that is not working for her anymore. She did not expect to move to a town full of ghosts. Nick has lived in Boneyard Key his whole life and owns the coffee shop that Cassie goes to every day to get work done because her computer just won't stay charged in her new house no matter what she does. Nick knows all about the ghosts in town and has learned to love them as part of Boneyard Key but Cassie doesn't know if she's entirely comfortable with a completely haunted town. They feel an attraction but can they get past the supernatural surroundings making things weird?

I loved watching this plot play out. I found all the characters to be full of life (regardless of whether they were living or dead!) and the sense of what Boneyard Key looked and felt like very clear. I would definitely read more in this series in the future.

| loved this book and Iloved the spooky vibes it was perfect for this time of year. I also loved how it was at in a small town in Florida known for being haunted. I liked all the little names of the shops in town like the I scream Ice cream shop. I also loved Nick and Sarah's chemistry along with their banter. I also loved that there were actually ghosts in the book like Elmer who lived with Nick and Sarah who lived with Cassie. It was also so cute how Nick owned a coffee shop called Hallow grounds. Cassie moved here after a rough patch in her life but is surprised to find out she has a ghost in her house Sarah. I loved how Cassie connected with Sarah and talked to her through magnets in her fridge. I also enjoyed the small town vibes In this book and really enjoyed the mystery revolving Sarah. Overall this was such a fun book!!!

This one was so fun and unique and I loved each of the characters (including the ghosts) .. can't wait from more in this cozy haunted town!

Jen DeLuca is one of my favorite romance authors and she didn't disappoint with this book! This is a perfect read for the spooky season when you want a light-hearted palate cleanser between darker faire. Her characters are wonderful and engaging, and I can't wait to return to this setting for future books in the series!

Small-town romance meets haunted house makes me wonder why Hallmark doesn’t make Halloween movies that are sweet and spooky romcoms like this. I loved it!!

This was one of the most surprising reads of the year for me in how much I loved it. Love a quarter-life crisis when the main character just buys a house to flip and is then so lost with what to do. Add in a charming barista who wants to help but doesn’t want to be Too Much? Everything is there for me to love it.

And love it I did. I’m serious. When are we going to get Halloween romcoms instead of Christmas ones? I love this trend in romance right now. Can’t wait for the next one in this series!

This was such a lovely, cute, slightly spooky read, and I thought it was just a really fun time. I have been a fan of Jen DeLuca since I picked up Well Met for the first time. I grabbed that because it was a Ren Faire romance and I thought that was a fun concept. Now, after four of those books, I’m willing to pick up anything DeLuca wants to release. And come on, a spooky tourist town that is ACTUALLY haunted and what sounds like a cute romance that also involves delving into local history? Yeah, I was so excited to dive into this. I even pre-ordered it.

So of course I was thrilled when I was approved for a copy through NetGalley. I think I was actually approved for it in the summer, but then I waited so I could read it when the weather started to shift a bit. Sometimes you just need to have the right atmosphere and vibes to read something.

I absolutely loved Nick (and his ghostly roommate), and having Cassie move to town and shake things up for him was really fun…as was watching his roommate pester him about asking the new girl out. I loved all the side characters too, and definitely felt the potential for more books set in the town following a couple other possible couples (and yes, I already know that we’re getting more Boneyard Key books, which I am also extremely happy and excited for).

I felt Cassie’s frustration when it came to the woes around her new home. It does come with a few quirks, and trying to figure out the best way to operate in the home did make for a fun challenge for a bit. This is especially true as Cassie starts learning more about the history of Boneyard Key and specifically her house.

As romances go, the story was pretty much as expected (with a couple fun little ghost twists to the typical character A meets character B, they catch feelings/go on dates, something happens that makes them doubt/rethink/separate, characters work past those issues and end up together, happy for now/ever basic plot). I wouldn’t say that it was predictable in a way that would be dull; it was that easy predictability that comforts you. It’s one of the nice things about romance books, because it is part of the genre expectation that even if the relationship goes through a bumpy road, in the end there will be a HEA/HFN guarantee.

Anyway, I loved this book. I will probably end up reading it again next year in anticipation of book two, and I continue to be quite happy with everything I’ve read from Jen DeLuca. I’m looking forward to seeing what other books she writes—especially since I’m hearing we might be getting another Ren Faire romance, which is amazing.

If you're looking to get spooky season started early, I highly recommend checking out Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca. This absolutely delightful small-town romance is fantastic! The town itself feels like a side character, adding so much charm and personality, not just because it’s haunted.

This book was such a fun read, and the mystery had me hooked from the start. DeLuca masterfully combines romance and intrigue, keeping you guessing while also making you swoon. The atmosphere she creates is perfect for a cozy, slightly spooky read, and the quirky town residents add even more depth to the story.

Cassie and Nick are absolutely adorable, and their romance makes this book even better. Cassie’s determination and Nick’s endearing personality make them a perfect match. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching their relationship develop amidst the town's ghostly happenings is a treat.

If you’re a fan of small-town romances with a touch of mystery and a dash of the supernatural, Haunted Ever After is a must-read. Jen DeLuca has crafted a story that’s both heartwarming and spine-tingling, perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. Happy reading! 📚🎃👻

I literally hugged this when I finished, and haven’t stopped thinking about it.. not to mention I had to download the song Jen mentioned in the author’s note at the end, because where have I been?!

I just loved the small coastal town vibes, the ghostly/paranormal feels that were more Casper than creepy, the historic storyline, and the sweet romance.

I paired the book with audio and found myself in my happiest place while reading, and loved both formats!

*many thanks to Berkley romance, PRH audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

Thank you to Berkeley for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to enjoy this one more! The premise was intriguing, and I appreciated the paranormal themes explored throughout the book. In the end this book just wasn’t for me. I think what really through me off was the fact that it took place in the summer rather than fall, so I didn’t get the vibes.

**Book Review: *Haunted Ever After* by Jen DeLuca**

Jen DeLuca’s *Haunted Ever After* is a delightful blend of cozy romance, small-town charm, and just the right touch of ghostly intrigue. Set in the quirky coastal town of Boneyard Key — where the residents fully embrace their haunted reputation to keep tourism alive — this story captures both the magic of falling in love and the unsettling thrill of sharing your home with a less-than-quiet spirit.

Cassie Rutherford is an incredibly relatable heroine. Her reaction to the "everyone's getting married and having kids" stage of life feels authentic (who hasn't daydreamed about a fresh start somewhere new?) Her decision to leave Orlando for a fixer-upper cottage in Boneyard Key brings both freedom and unexpected complications. The house may be historic, but its odd quirks (mysteriously malfunctioning outlets and fridge poetry that seems to rewrite itself) quickly hint that Cassie has inherited more than just a bit of old Florida charm.

Nick Royer, the grumpy yet endearing coffee shop owner, is a perfect romantic counterpart. His reluctant softness (hidden behind dark roast blends and sly banana bread offerings) adds depth to his character. Watching Cassie and Nick grow closer, whether through ghost tours full of local lore or late-night research into her haunted home’s past, feels natural and sweet. Their romance is a slow burn, filled with moments that are both heartwarming and lightly humorous, perfectly balancing the supernatural undercurrents of the story.

DeLuca’s writing paints Boneyard Key in vivid detail; the salt-tinged air, the historic streets, and the playful embrace of ghost tourism all make the town feel alive (and maybe a little undead). The supernatural elements never overpower the plot but instead add an extra layer of charm, reinforcing themes of community, history, and belonging.

*Haunted Ever After* is a fun, cozy read with endearing characters, a captivating setting, and a romance that will make you believe in both love and a few friendly ghosts.

Received a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.

I recognized the author’s name but had not read one of her works yet. This is also the first in her new series. Now that I’ve read this one, I’m definitely willing to read her other stuff.

This has the vibe of those Hallmark movies except it is not Christmas and there is no snow. However, there are ghosts in the town and the townspeople are very much aware of it. This was an interesting storyline with a little spice to keep it interesting. Got a little sad towards the end. But I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for this series.

A romance with a side of haunting!

Cassie Rutherford has left her home in Orlando and moved to Boneyard Key, a coastal town in Florida known for its ghost folklore. She scored a great deal on the historic Hawkins House—one thing the realtor conveniently forgot to mention? It’s haunted!

Cassie doesn’t believe in ghosts, but strange things keep happening—like her laptop refusing to stay charged. With no choice but to head to the nearest coffee shop, Hallowed Grounds, she finds herself frequenting the place. At first, she’s not too fond of the barista, Nick Royer, but the more they interact, the happier she is to see him. There’s just one little problem—Nick believes in ghosts… and he might be right after all!

Having enjoyed the Well Met series by Jen DeLuca, I couldn’t pass up Boneyard Key, and it didn’t disappoint. The town was picturesque, and both the main and secondary characters brought plenty of charm. A delightful romance with just the right touch of paranormal intrigue!

I can't wait to read the next one in this series!

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca!

I had to DNF this one. From the start, I just couldn’t connect it with the characters or the writing. The cover is gorgeous though.

I was so excited for this but something was just off for me. Maybe the pacing? The balance of town-plot to the romance? I made it halfway through the book and was amazed there was still another half left.

The twist was really predictable and with the poorly balanced romance/ghosts plot, I found myself slogging through it.

Haunted Ever After was such a fun read! I enjoyed it from start to finish, Loved the charismatic characters, living and deceased. The chemistry between the main characters was great. I cried, sighed and swooned. I live in FL so I could retate to so many references and stores, like Publix.

I'd highly recommend it. Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.