While I thought the premise seemed promising, I was ultimately not able to get into the book. While I did finish it, there were several parts that were a slog to get through. The background story sometimes read a bit confusing.

Cozy, spooky, spicy paranormal romance! A writer is off to London to film her book to movie adaptation and she has a dislike to lovers type situation with the lead actor. I really enjoyed this book. It had lots of fun paranormal aspects with spice that was spicing and a cast of characters that made this story! It you’re looking for a cozy romance i definitely recommend giving this one a try!

It’s hard to believe that a book with witches and lesbian ghosts can be so damn relatable. Also, who doesn’t love a golden retriever Dom that’s absolutely obsessed with his sub??

This was a strong 3.5 read for me. The cover is gorgeous, the premise is enticing, and I loved the characters. There was a lot going on though, plotwise and with the characters, and it didn't all add anything to the story. I also felt like there was a lot of "telling" instead of "showing" in the writing style which was annoying. Overall this was a fun read, but not really my jam.

This is such a great follow-up to Best Hex Ever, following one of Dina's best friends. It's just as cosy, and makes for a perfect comfort read. Since Rosemary can see ghosts, there are two ghostly storylines, and those were both so heartwarming. And the romance was just really great, I loved both characters.

I loved this book. The storyline was interesting and fun but at the same time it pulled on the emotional heartstrings of the reader at just the right time. I loved that Rosemary could see ghosts and write horror novels but not because she was afraid because she found it invigorating. That theme seemed to weave throughout the novel and through the characters as they faced their own challenges. Overall, this book was reflective and heartwarming while still having the spice and fun you want.

thank you so much for the approval- i cannot wait to dive in, this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year! i will be sure to leave a review on GR/retailers to come! 💞

Love at first fright kept me intrigued through each chapter. The banter? Love. The fright? Love. Five out of five stars for my first Nadia El-Fassi read!

Love at First Fright by Nadia El-Fassi is a sweet, cozy romance with a fun paranormal twist. I loved the premise of a writer and an actor being thrown together on the set of a haunted film. It's charming and creative, and the ghostly element adds a warm, whimsical vibe rather than anything spooky or scary.

The beginning of the book was fast-paced and engaging, with likable characters and a setting that felt easy to fall into. Rosemary and Ellis had great chemistry, and the haunted film set made for such a fun backdrop. The ghosts were unexpectedly cozy and sweet, which gave the book a unique charm.

That said, once Rosemary and Ellis officially got together, the pacing noticeably slowed down. The middle of the story dragged a bit, and then the final conflict came in abruptly near the end. I found the climax confusing, especially Rosemary's reaction. The conflict itself didn’t feel very grounded or authentic, and the resolution came so quickly that it left me wanting more emotional depth or clarity.

Overall, this was a light and enjoyable read perfect for a cozy weekend. If you’re looking for a paranormal romcom with a Hallmark-movie feel and a touch of ghostly charm, this one is worth checking out!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC!

Honestly this one was a bit of a miss for me, I did not buy the romance between the 2 MCs and it all felt quite forced. Again very insta-lovey which seems to be a common theme for this author. I liked the plot but not how rushed everything felt.

*review will be posted on goodreads and fable and instagram in the week of the 8th - 14th*
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WOW! what a great book! this was my first book by Nadia and it makes me want to go read her other one IMMEDIATELY. the storyline, the character, and the setting were all written so well i felt immersed in the world in which she had written. it was easy for me to fall in love with Rosemary as fmc, and her ability to see ghosts was so captivating I could not put my book down.

Ellis was also an amazing mmc. who doesn’t love a brooding, tall, handsome, british guy who calls you love? i know i LOVE it. and i think Nadia did a great job when writing his and Rosemarys relationship, as there is an age gap of 12 years between the two, and nothing felt weird or unusual at all. it was such a good relationship and it feels like these two really found their forever person which i just adore.

there was also another storyline that hit close to home for me and i wish i could talk about it more, but as to avoid spoiling the book, you’ll just have to trust me :) if you love paranormal romance i absolutely think you should pick this one up when it comes out.

Love at First Fright releases September 16, 2025 and i just want to thank Dell Romance/Ballantine for an ARC of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I went into this book thinking it would be a cute fun romcom, with an age gap, enemies to lovers trope. Add in the fact that the FMC, Rosemary, is an author whose horror novel is being adapted into a movie and she can see ghosts and I was all in. What I got was all of that, but also so much more. Rosemary won my heart when she declared Persuasion as the best Jane Austen novel, and her interactions with the ghosts just solidified it. Her self doubt and fear of her future plans, the grief she still has over losing her mother, was all so relatable. The MMC, Ellis, has his own fear about being able to be who he truly is, and trust someone else enough to open up about himself. The way grief and fear of being open of who you are was done in a truly beautiful way. And the ghosts, oh I loved the ghosts…especially Hank and Cherry.

I did not particularly enjoy this book. I feel like the connection between the two main characters felt more lustful than romantic and I felt uninterested in their journey. I think this author has great writing potential this was just not the book for me.

The blurb had me so excited for this book and I loved the first chapter, but after that this book kinda lost me. The characters felt somewhat flat and while I enjoyed the plot I was really hoping for more of the paranormal aspect.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

pretty fun and quick read, I love an age gap romance & loved even more that she immediately hated him😂 the little spooky bits were fun to read about!

Thank you Dell & Netgalley for the ARC!

A supernatural celeb/normie romance. Sign me up a thousand times. Couldn't be happier to have spent time luxuriating in author Nadia El-Fassi's spicy romance. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Ballantine | Dell and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group & NetGalley for this ARC! I absolutely enjoyed this cozy yet spicy read.

"There is nothing like eternity to make you realize how precious time really is"

The way this book brought some closure to me that I never knew I needed. The comedy and romance had me giggling and kicking my feet. I loved the chemistry between our two main characters from the beginning!

Rosemary, a horror author from Georgia, is watching her hit novel come to life as a movie—but that's not the only supernatural element in her world. She’s been able to see ghosts since childhood, and in this paranormal romance, she navigates career growth, unexpected friendships from the other side 👻, and plenty of drama both on and off set. Adding to the chaos? The irresistibly charismatic actor cast in her film adaptation.
With her sharp wit and unwavering determination, Rosemary never backs down from a fight—but will the glitz and grind of Hollywood, and her undeniable chemistry with the lead actor, be her biggest challenge yet?
Make sure to check trigger warnings before diving in!

Love at First Fright is your spicy spooky romance for the autumn months. But it's also very comfy with charm sprinkled throughout the novel. I adored Ellis and Rosemary every step of the way and Nadia's written a pleasurable read that itches the paranormal. Also I think it's perfect timing that I decided to read this book at the beginning of Pride Month (this was just a coincidence!). There's an angle to this book that's special in how the characters grow with one another. Overall, this was a lovely read and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Thank you Ballantine/Dell for the digital arc!

I absolutely was on the edge of my seat this whole book, i couldn't wait to see what happened next! Rosemary was the way i thought all authors should be when they are writing books. The ending had me so mad then jumping for joy next.

This is cute. I loved the ghost elements and that it didn’t draw attention away from the romance. But, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, I think there was too much spice. Like, so many sex scenes that it took away from the rest of the plot. I dunno. Maybe I’m just a prude? Thanks to Dell for the ARC.