Cover Image: Haunted Ever After

Haunted Ever After

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Member Reviews

Cassie moves to coastal Florida town Boneyard Key. With the help of the local coffee shop owner, Nick, she figures out there’s more to the ghost rumors of her new digs than she may have bargained for.
Can Cassie handle a little more than ghost stories?
This was a fun book! I enjoyed all of the characters, Cassie and Nick were both easy to root for.
I’ve read Jen DeLuca’s renaissance fair books and I was excited to get this ARC. I hope we get to meet other characters in Boneyard Key in upcoming novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC of Haunted Ever After in exchange for an honest review.

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Our main character, Cassie Rutherford, finds herself in the center of facing a major life change when her landlord decides to sell her apartment. With limited financial resources, she takes a leap and purchases a home in a charming coastal town in Florida, unaware of its ominous past. Leaving behind her urban life, where friends are settling down, Cassie embraces the unknown.

However, this new town lacks familiar conveniences like Starbucks. Yet, that's the least of her concerns. The historic Hawkins house she buys may be haunted by the vengeful spirit of its former owner's wife. Despite her doubts, Cassie encounters strange events, from faulty electrical outlets to eerie incidents. Seeking comfort at the local coffee shop, she meets Nick, the brooding yet charming owner, who makes the perfect hazelnut ice latte and serves delectable banana bread.

When Cassie receives a paranormal message one evening, she turns to Nick for help. Now, Cassie must make a decision: flee the town and abandon any chance of a relationship with Nick or embrace the peculiar life in this ghostly community.

It's worth noting that the romance takes a backseat in this story, and it was a veeeery slow burn which don't usually work for me, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book. Even though not as much as I wanted to, and that's my only complaint for this book because otherwise with its supernatural elements and engaging storytelling, this novel is a delightful journey that I recommend!

This was such a cozy read that I had fun getting into. I see that it would such a great read for the Halloween season! It's worth noting that the romance takes a backseat in this story, but that didn't stop me from enjoying every moment of it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending the arc!

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I'm so glad that I was approved to receive an early copy of Haunted Ever After by Jen Deluca. Thank you to Berkley Books at Penguin Random House and NetGalley. I am a fan of her Well Met series and was excited to read her newest book! This book was very cute from punny ghost themed names for the businesses around the town to the relationships between the characters. Though it did touch on tougher subjects like spousal abuse, infertility, and death. I am typically an audio reader and find it difficult sometimes to stick with a physical/ebook version of a book but this one kept me interested and wanting to come back for more! I finished it in six days which is great. I liked how the epilogue honored the characters in the story and didn't follow the typical romance novel epilogue tropes, I did find that it was predictable with a specific plot point that took them very long (the back end half of the book) to get to having the characters realize it, but it was laid out early on. There was also one issue that was left without discussing which I thought would have been good to cover regarding the main characters legacy which seemed important to him but wasn't discussed regarding how he felt about not having biological children with the female protagonist to carry on the legacy he cared very much about. Anyway. Great book I give it a 4 out of 5 and I believe this would be a great book to pick up around Autumn/fall time.

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An interesting storyline and a clever plot twist kept me reading this book. I hope there are more books coming set in Boneyard Key. While this wasn’t my favorite Jen DeLuca book, the character development was spot on.

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✨ 4.5 spooky, adorable stars! ✨

A small ghost town (it’s literally haunted) isn’t what Cassie anticipated when she made the jump from city life to the cozy beach town of Boneyard Key. After a few unexplained experiences, and after talking with the cute coffee barista and the locals, Cassie realizes the whole haunted town and ghost tours aren’t just a schtick for the tourists but it’s something the residents embrace. She isn’t sure she’s ready to live in a haunted beach cottage but, when the previous owner’s ghost begins communicating with Cassie, she can’t help but to get a little emotionally connected as she uncovers secrets of the past. She slowly begins to enjoy Nick (the cute barista)’s company (and delicious hazelnut lattes), and she begins to learn more and more about the charm of this small beach town, as well as it’s residents.

Will Cassie brave it out and become a local to this sweet town? More than anything will she find what she’s been missing…friendship and love?

This was such a cute read and so different! It was cozy, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters - especially the ghosts. Nick and Cassie are adorable and I loved seeing their friendship progress into so much more as they find common ground on helping the town’s history and a few ghosts who stayed behind.

This book is so heartfelt and explores life as you get older, and the changes that take place within friendships and family. Although sometimes we grow apart from those that once meant so much to us, we need to open ourselves up to what’s to come because you never know when you may find love, and caring friends along the way as you venture in to a new part of your life journey.

If you enjoy rom-coms, a cozy little mystery with some supernatural elements, you’ll enjoy Haunted Ever After!

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This was a very fun read and I expected no less from Jen DeLuca! I love the characters we met-including the house- and I want to see more from Boneyard Key!

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Sweet and just quirky enough, Jen DeLuca’s HAUNTED EVER AFTER is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves a fan of friendly ghosts and small-town romance—or the perfect blend of both.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

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Haunted Ever After is the perfect novel for a Florida girl like me!! I loved the way Jen Deluca created the perfect kitschy touristy town of Boneyard Key. I was delighted to learn about the haunted town along side Cassie as she goes on a ghost tour with the grumpy coffee shop owner. But when he shares all about how the past owner of the coffee shop won’t stop texting him with overbearing feedback, oh and also died around the year 2000, Cassie isn’t sure she is up for all this town has in store. This is a really sweet love story with a touch of mystery and some fun paranormal flair!

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4.25/5

Feedback not included in review on social sites:
The formatting of the text messages wasn’t consistent throughout the book and that got a little confusing, I would have liked for that to be more consistent.

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I was very happy to get this ARC!

I was really not sure how I felt about this book before reading it. A haunted town, real ghosts, and a romance sound like a recipe for a cheesy novel. However, I enjoyed Jen DeLuca's Well Met series so much I was determined to give this book a chance.

I'm glad I did because I enjoyed this book very much.

The characters are very likable and the setting is really unique- a small coastal town in Florida full of friendly ghosts! The FMC moves here for a new start and ends up purchasing a haunted home without realizing all of the ghost stuff the town is obsessed with is actually for real. The MMC is a lifelong resident and coffee shop owner with an unusual room mate.

Don't crack this one open looking for some profound mystery or big drama- you won't find it. The stakes aren't particularly high in this book which I liked given the potential for heavy themes that so typically revolve around stories about ghosts. But I'd consider this one to be cozy. A pleasant, easy read with a cute romance!

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I was given the utmost honor of receiving an advanced readers copy of this courtesy of Berkley Publishing Group and NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
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I fell in love with Jen Deluca's writing back in 2019 when her debut Ren Faire series first released and ever since then, if her name us attached, I pre-order any new, upcoming releases as quickly as possible.
"Haunted Ever After" was absolutely no exception to the excellence I expected from this author. It was quirky, sexy, mesmerizing, and just downright delightful. When ghosts of residents decide to stick around Boneyard Key, it only makes sense that it becomes the "Most Haunted Small Town in Florida" and Cassie's new home is no exception. Given the name "Hawkins House," based on the old widow, Mean Mrs. Hawkins, you know you're in for a Spooky good time.
Any fans of CBS's "Ghosts" will absolutely love this rom-com.

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Set in a haunted Florida coastal town, this charming paranormal romance was an absolute delight and the perfect comfort read.

This is a slow burn as Cassie and Nick find their way. I really appreciated Cassie's experiences and her finding community in this quirky small town.

I've read all of Jen DeLuca's Wet Met series and cannot wait to read more!

Rating: 5/5 stars

Open Door / spicy towards the end

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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[4.5/5 ★] Cassie moves to a tourist town known for its "paranormal occurrences," thinking it's all nonsense until strange things start happening in her new home. Luckily, she'll have the help of the handsome town barista while investigating the true story of her house previous owner.

I loved everything about it; the story premise is captivating on its own, the main characters are charming, and the chemistry is definitely there. The secondary characters are equally enjoyable, not just filler—they contribute to the story nicely. The plot of ghosts being part of the town and Claire trying to adapt to it while learning more about the woman living in her house appealed to me a lot; everything unfolded in a captivating fast-paced way.

I adored Cassie; initially, she felt very lonely as she realized she no longer fit in with her group of friends, which is HORRIBLE. I felt so much for her while reading. Plus, Sarah's story and relationship with Cassie was beautiful executed.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jen DeLuca and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this amazing book in advance in exchange for an honest review 💌

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4/5 ⭐️

Looking for a cozy comfort read with a spooky twist to crack open on a rainy day? Haunted Ever After is the book for you.

This was such a fun read! It takes place in Boneyard Key, Florida— a fictional town stepped in lore where spirits are just as likely to walk around town as the people. The amount of detail poured into making you picture this town is just perfect. I was completely immersed in the story and you can tell how much love the author poured into creating it.

Cassie and Nick reminded me of Lorelei Gilmore and Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls. If you like that grumpy sunshine trope with relatable protagonists, you’ll adore these two.

I also loved the ghostly companions and the mystery revolving around the Hawkins House. It was heartwarming to see these characters want to bring justice to the past residents and make sure their true story is told for future generations to appreciate.

Also, can we take a minute to talk about the cover? What a beautiful cover for a beautifully written book. (And I’m in complete agreement with Cassie, you can’t beat a Publix sub lol!)

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, the author, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my unbiased opinion and is given with free will.

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Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and Jen DeLuca for an early copy of Haunted Ever After.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the story, but I am happy to report back that I enjoyed it so much. I love a good small town romance and sure enough, I like small town romances with ghosts. Who knew that this would bring out sad and happy tears in the span of a few minutes? I love all the characters and the relationships that they have with each other. Cassie really found the best when moving to Boneyard Key, Florida.

While I love Cassie and Nick, I was more intrigued by Sarah and Elmer. I would love (maybe) a novella about them to go even more in depth about their lives.

I can’t wait until this officially publishes so I can add the physical copy to my book shelf.

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Thank You NetGalley, Jen Deluca, and Berkley Publishing for granting me access to an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Haunted Ever After is a cozy story mixed with a little bit of spooky and heartwarming romance perfect for the fall season. Not to mention this cover is absolutely beautiful and grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I devoured this little gem and can’t wait to reread it around fall.

This story takes place in Boneyard Key, a small town in Florida known for its tourism and ghostly reputation. Cassie, our FMC, recently purchased a home in this small town with hopes of starting a new life, finding out later that her home is much more than the eye can see. After Cassie keeps having electrical issues she finds herself at a local cafe called Hallowed Grounds, where she meets Nick, our MMC. Nick, a man determined to maintain his family legacy, not only inherits some of Hallowed Grounds original recipes but also the very vocal and hilarious opinions of the cafes previous owner. As Nick helps Cassie learn about the history of the small town and all of the special residents a slow burn romance begins to form. However, will the history of Boneyard Key become too much for Cassie and will their relationship withstand it?

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📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Did Cassie make the biggest mistake of her life leaving the city she knows for a coastal town coined as the Most Haunted Small Town in Florida? While she prefers her life to be in control and coordinated, chaos seems to envelop her since she moved into the infamous haunted Hawkins house. Ghosts in a cute little Florida town and romance, yes please! All of the shops and businesses having ghost names, where are the directions to visit this adorably haunted town?!! Haunted Ever After is such a fun read, even for skeptics because the ghosts in this town just might be really good at matchmaking! Just go ahead and clear your plans for August 13th because you will not want to put this one down!

4.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review is on Goodreads and will be posted to Instagram well before publication!

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This ghost-tinged romance novel was delightful from start to finish.

First of all, I loved that this book was set in costal Florida. As a Florida native, I've spent a lot of vacations on the coast, and I could envision Boneyard Key vividly.

Experiencing the relationship of Cassie and Nick going from native v. tourist to romance was lovely, and I was rooting for them. I also really enjoyed how local history and research played into this novel.

I suppose you could call this cozy paranormal romance, and I'm here for it. I hope we'll see more of Boneyard Key sometime.

The only thing I was disappointed in was that we never got to visit Cemetery Island. I really wanted Cassie to see it in person, because I'm a cemetery enthusiast.

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This is such a fun read! If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with a twist, this is the book for you!
In this book, Cassie moves into a new house in a new town, only to find that her house, like a lot of the town, is haunted. She gets to know Nick, the at first standoffish owner of the local coffee shop. Sparks fly, and Nick has to try to convince her that not only are ghosts real, but that she can learn to live with them.
I loved the twist of the haunted town, where local residents are used to living with ghosts, while the tourists think it’s just a gimmick. It added an extra layer of complexity to Cassie’s dilemma of if she made a mistake moving to a town hours away from everything she knows. I like how the ghosts were an actual part of the plot and not just a hook for the reader. It gave this book a unique twist.
I also really liked the characters in this book. I felt that they were all solidly written and I felt an instant connection to Cassie and Nick. The ghosts were also very intriguing although I would have loved even more content with some of them.
Overall, this was a great book to read and I’m looking forward to Jen DeLuca’s next book! I would love one featuring one of the different townspeople.

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How absolutely precious was this romantic paranormal comedy, oh my goodness. Jen DeLuca has gained such a wonderful fanbase for her ren faire novels, and I don't think anyone will be disappointed by this departure. Boneyard Key immediately came alive (well...you know what I mean) and I fell for these characters hard. The ghosts and the way they interact with the locals was so fun and heartwarming (I got choked up at the end), and I loved how Cassie and Nick clicked immediately. Their relationship is sweet, progresses quickly but naturally. They barrel towards an easy but still satisfying HEA, as all the obstacles are less about their relationship and personalities and more about how the ghosts push them together and apart, which I found to be a little unexpected. I also loved the use of local history and local archives to dig deeper into the lore! I can't wait to come back to Florida with Jen DeLuca sometime- maybe for Sophie and Theo?! :)

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Thank you to NetGalley, Jen DeLuca and Berkley Publishing for a digital arc of Haunted Ever After in exchange for an honest review.

After reading & LOVING the Well Met series by Jen, I was so excited to see this new book coming out with a paranormal theme!

This story centers around Cassie who has just purchased & moved into a cottage in Boneyard Key, Florida. Boneyard Key is a “ghostly” now that plays up to its name to bring in tourism. However, not all of it is a marketing ploy. Cassie’s cottage seems to be haunted as things she cannot explain begin to happen. Soon, Cassie & Nick (owner of the local coffee shop) spark up a friendship and then begin to investigate what is being the haunting of Cassie’s cottage. But, before long, real feelings develop between the two leaving each of them scared of the relationship for their own, different reasons.

I loved that this book was different from what I know of DeLuca’s previous stories. This one was pure perfection for me! I absolutely loved all of the characters. Nick & Cassie’s chemistry was great! This was an adorable & charming story that I want to re-read ASAP! This is one of those books perfect for curling up on a rainy day and reading as it is so cozy. I hope to see more of this type of genre from Jen!

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5) – I will highly recommend this on my IG!

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