Thank you to NetGalley, Nadia El-Fassi, and Ballantine for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I adored this book. Rosemary, the FMC, felt like an ode to Ghost Whisper, one of my favorite shows. I loved how unabashedly she was. She felt like a sweeter stronger fmc. On the other hand, MMC Ellis isn’t as confident in himself. He struggles to stand up for himself with his toxic manager. A bonus to the story was the ghosts where they were filming. If you know, you know. This is not just a fluffy romance with spice. There were great discussions of sexuality with bisexual reps, intimacy preferences, and grief of a loved one and a pet. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for the ARC.

This book was fine, in all senses of the word. I felt like it had a ton of potential, but it was not quite felt out right. Rosemary was hard to pinpoint personality-wise and very self-deprecating at times. Rosemary and Ellis' romance was rushed and didn't feel like romance since it focused so much on their sub/dom matrix. I wanted more about the ghosts and who she has seen and helped. Also, the quick drops about her friend being a witch? What type of world is this? Are witches common? Can a lot of people see ghosts? Why was she not concerned about the apparition of the bread baker in Ellis' house? I have lots of questions and thoughts. I wished this had just simply had more or had been more thought out and focused a little less on their bedroom activities and more on the ghosty activities happening.

Love At First Fright by Nadia El-Fassi
This book was sort of a blind request for me after following the author on here for some time now; I saw very little info on this book and flew to netgalley to request it off vibes alone. An author feuding with the lead actor cast for her book’s adaptation? Dislike-to-lovers? She can see ghosts and they’re in a haunted English manor? I’M IN.
This was such a fun romance with such sweet paranormal elements to it. The little details of the main cast of characters added so much to them as individuals and blended so easily into how their relationships develop. The chemistry between our main duo gripped me from their first meet and that intrigue only built as time went on(and this book is Well Seasoned, if you catch my drift).
The thing I didn’t anticipate was the beautiful representation of grief in multiple forms, how it evolves over time and how we cultivate memory of our loved ones. There were some unexpected portions of this book that I genuinely welled up because quite a bit hit close to home for my own grief journeys.
All in all I’m INVESTED in this release and I sincerely hope if you’re a romance lover you consider requesting it or checking it out upon its release on September 16th!

I really enjoyed this book. The beginning was very difficult to get through, but once rosemary and Ellis got over their differences it got really good. The dynamic between them is very nice and who doesn’t love a ghost dog brining everything together. This was a very fluffy read, but also very smutty. Highly recommend for those who love smut and love a nice romantic story.

*Thank you NetGalley and Randomhouse for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review*

Unfortunately, Love at First Fright just wasn’t for me, but it could totally be someone else’s cozy ghost-loving cup of tea.

I was really into the paranormal vibes at the start (ghost dog? yes please), but about halfway through it felt like too many storylines competing for attention, without enough focus to fully land any of them.

We’ve got:
• A haunted manor with long-lost diary entries
• Lesbian Victorian (regency era?) besties fighting
• A movie being filmed
• Witches, blackmail, and Hollywood secrets
• A ghost dog that needs peace
• And an MMC who, at 41, acted like he was 90 and never let us forget it.

As someone pushing 40 myself, the constant “I’m so old” jokes were more distracting than endearing. Your 40s aren’t a death sentence, sir.

I DNF’d at 55% after realizing I was skimming more than reading. Not every book is for every reader, and that’s okay.

If you like layered paranormal plots and campy romance with a little chaos, this still might be worth a shot for you!

"Love at First Fright" by Nadia El-Fassi is a steamy, spooky-season romance with plenty of charm—and a cover that absolutely delivers. As the second book in a series, it stands well on its own, throwing readers into the whirlwind romance between a struggling horror writer and the hunky, closeted bisexual actor starring in the film adaptation of her book.

The chemistry between the leads is electric, and their initial friction—sparked by her vision of the character (pale, thin) clashing with his reality (jacked, tan)—is a fun setup. The romance itself is hot, though the emotional depth sometimes feels rushed (declarations of being "made for each other" come surprisingly early). The spice is very spicy and liberally sprinkled through the second half. The FMC is likable—flawed but rootable—with a great support system of friends, and the rep for gender and sexual diversity is refreshing.

That said, there are inconsistencies. The FMC claims she’s "not a brat" but then acts bratty; her ghost-seeing ability, while a cool premise, doesn’t heavily impact the plot beyond a sweet subplot involving Regency-era lesbian ghosts (a highlight!). The MMC’s grief over his late dog adds emotional weight, though some dialogue quirks (non-American phrasing for a supposedly U.S. character) could’ve used tighter editing.

Despite these hiccups, this is a fun, atmospheric read—perfect with a pumpkin spice latte as the leaves start to fall. If you’re here for sizzling tension, quirky paranormal touches, and a happily-ever-after, you’ll enjoy the ride.

I thought this book was a little boring. The premise of a horror writer who can see ghosts was so interesting, but the execution fell flat. I felt like this book tried to address too much and should have instead focused on one or two plot points and really delved into them.

"When would men realize that women wanted someone who looked like he could throw them on the bed, play a sport, but also say hell yes to a slice of cake?"


DNF @ 30%.

This started off well: a small Rosemary is introduced to the world of ghosts through her Nana's passing in which she makes jam with her Nana one last time.

Seeing ghosts for an adult Rosemary is just another source of inspiration for her horror bestsellers...one of which now has a movie deal and she is relocating to London for. She has a witchy and a sassy set of best friends that support her through herbs and video calls.

That's...kinda where the enchantment ended for me. Her reasons for disliking the actor portraying her main character were valid but the execution of her dislike was less than stellar in real time. Their first interaction was a misunderstanding. Their third felt entirely scripted (I don't know about you but I can see if someone is swimming underwater...also, kind of a stretch that he can hold his breath long enough for her to not only get a floaty put in and sit in it but to begin reading in the perfect spot for him to capsize her when he comes up to breathe?) to solidify her dislike.

As for him, he didn't like her before he met her but once he did it's pretty much the insta-lust variety...which wouldn't be a total problem except that there is little else he thinks about aside from her.

There is also a hint of dom/sub culture that felt a little unnaturally introduced to me...as well as other scenarios that felt manufactured to throw peeps together.

I want things to flow naturally. Very disappointed because this sounded 100% up my alley! I was promised "clashes" and "chemistry-filled feuding" and I'm just not getting it.

Major thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC.

This was an instant pick for me and it did not let me down. I really enjoyed the story and the characters! The settings were so vibrant and easy to get lost in and I was really rooting for the characters. I can't really speak to the romance cause it does nothing for me, but I don't feel like it deterred from my enjoyment of the book as a whole!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for the eARC!

Rosemary wrote a horror book that is being turned into a movie, and she helped write the script. Ellis is the main actor, and naturally sparks fly as well as banter. Liked this one overall, but would have liked to see more with the ghosts and while I wasn't offended with the sexual/homosexual aspect I did feel it came across as a bit didatic with numerous strings here and there. Didn't see the point to the story. Might just be me. Still though, would recommend.

This novel had good ideas but wasn’t executed in a way that held my interest. I found the characters flat and a slow moving plot. I think it’ll do well with other audiences but for me wasn’t my favorite.

Thank you Nadia El-Fassi for the chance to arc read your book. I devoured it. Spicy age gap is finger licking good. Maybe one of my favorite reads for the fall holiday season. I loved it.

I have so many big feelings about this book.

For one, 3 cheers for safe sane and consensual bdsm practices!!!! I love a book with Dom Sub elements that isn't... god awful and toxic.

Unfortunately, I can't say there wasn't a very late third act breakup, but honestly I understand why it was orchestrated, although I do think a bit more understanding should've occured, but we can't have everything we want, can we?

Overall, the book was phenomenal. I cried, I laughed, I finished it in less than a day. I legit got it this morning. I was so stoked, too, and I was so happy it turned out to be a good book. Amazing, really. Stellar. I hate when I'm hyped up about a book and it turns out to suck, or I ended up dnfing, etc. Not this book.

I loved Ellis. I loved Rosemary. I loved Immy and Dina, and Lyn and Jenna and Lance. I loved the diverse cast and the TWO (not one, but TWO) bisexual leads. My heart hurt so much for Ellis and I just wanted him to have his quiet life with his garden!! Spoiler but obvs not, he gets his garden, thank god. He also gets his girlfriend and their pets, and his closure with Hank. Iykyk. Sobbing. I cried so hard at that scene.

This seriously is one of my favorite books so far this year. I haven't read the authors first book, but I need to know more about Dina and Scott, so safe to say I'll be going back for it. I hope we get a book about Jenna and Lyn, or even one about Immy and Eric, and how they got together. I'd eat anything up by this author if I'm honest. They handled everything in the content warnings really well, and I just .. wow.

I'm gonna be thinking of Ellis and Rosemary often.

This was cute. But I expected nothing less from Nadia El-Fassi! This is a perfect rom com for those of use who like a little something…..extra! I will be adding this to my list of stocking stuffer books! Sure to be a crowd pleaser!

3.5 stars, rounding to 4.
This book gave me: paranormal romance, insta-lust, age gap, forced proximity, and dom/sub.
I was pleasantly surprised. Was this the best book I have ever read? No, but is it the worst? Also no. It was just okay. A nice filler and quick read to use for a palate cleanser.
I think this is a fun little Fall season read.
Rosemary is a novelist with anxiety. Her book is being made into a movie.
Ellis, our MMC, has the public image of a playboy and has a horrible manager who is blackmailing him.
Rosemary has preconceived notions about Ellis given his reputation, but as soon as the couple meet, BOOM. Instant attraction. Instant enemies, and then eventually, lovers.
The two MCs had great chemistry. They also both love the DOM/SUB dynamic in a relationship - that is all I will say about that, read it... lol.
Lots of side characters - ghosts, with subplots.
The plot was well structured, and the pace was good. Both of our MCs were well developed and felt easy to connect with for the most part.
Rosemary and the ghosts... a hot..
I laughed. I cried. This book did have me run the gamut of emotions.
The book was fun overall. I think it is a good book for everyone's Fall TBR. Again, nothing exceptional, just a good book to read during the leaves changing season!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Happy Reading!

The summary caught my attention, but this story wasn't for me. I really enjoyed Nadia El-Fassi's previous book, Best Hex Ever, but this one was definitely different and just didn't feel like a good fit for me. I am sure when it reaches the right readers, it will be highly loved. 3 stars!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the E-ARC.

This was such an entertaining read! The ghosts, the pets, the growth from the characters in finding themselves and allowing each other to be who they wanted to be. This is my first book from Nadia. Rosemary was such a fun character and her relationship with Ellis was so well done. I really liked the diversity in the characters, it all just made the book pop. I may be reading this in May, but it's going to be such a good fall read when it is released!

I loved Best He x Ever so I was really excited to read this and while the spicy was great and there were cozy moments, I had some trouble connecting to the leads and I think if possible maybe another look at the second half of the book because it gets a little burnt out.

4.5 stars! I love reading Nadia's writing. Her talent for drawing readers in and making them feel at home and part of the story is impeccable. Rosemary and Ellis's story is sweet, cozy, and powerful. Sensitive topics and situations are always handled with care. I enjoyed Rosemary as a person; her character was beautifully written. The tropes and D/S dynamic were excellent. The representation of the LGBTQIA+ community was top tier. Pawsitively obsessed with all the cats 😻! Just like in Best Hex Ever, essential life lessons are taught. Nadia's books are an incredible way to remind oneself to love oneself, how to be our own best friend, and how to support those we love. I will devour everything Nadia creates and love it with every fiber of my being!

👻 Started with Ghosts, Ended with a Whimper

I loved the premise of this one. Paranormal, age-gap, enemies to lovers with a haunted English manor? Say no more—I was in. The opening had so much promise: a sharp, snarky author clashing with a miscast Hollywood heartthrob while navigating flirty ghosts and a spooky, glamorous film set? Yes please.

And for a while, it worked.

The setup was clever, the atmosphere was fun, and I liked the way the ghost storyline wove in with Rosemary’s writing life. It felt whimsical but grounded, and I was fully expecting a cozy, spooky romcom with heat and heart.

But then the shift happened.

About halfway through, the tone changed completely—and not in a way that felt earned. The rom-com energy disappeared, and suddenly I was reading a very serious, heavy-handed, spicy romance that felt like it belonged in a different book. The dom/sub dynamic came out of nowhere and was introduced so abruptly that it threw me right out of the story. It didn’t feel like organic character development—it felt like a hard left turn into a genre I wasn’t signed up for.

The romance also stopped being fun and became, well… kind of exhausting. The chemistry felt more physical than emotional, and the characters lost the spark they had early on. Ellis especially felt flat—like a placeholder love interest who existed to admire Rosemary without actually doing much to evolve or challenge her.

Also: this is not a romcom. It’s not light, it’s not particularly funny, and the serious tone around identity and trauma would’ve worked better if the book had been marketed that way. The cute cover and blurb are wildly misleading. I went in expecting ghostly hijinks and banter—not therapy sessions, emotional power play dynamics, and a plot that lowkey forgot the ghosts even existed after a while.

By the time the third-act conflict hit, I just didn’t care anymore. It felt forced, the resolution was too easy, and the magic that had me hooked in the first few chapters was long gone.

It’s a bummer, because the bones were so good. But for me, this was a classic case of “amazing premise, shaky follow-through.”