My Ghostly Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Ghostly by Kate Serzenta is a quirky paranormal romantic comedy that pairs a scandal-ridden lawyer with a chatty Victorian ghost. Gabriel Vane, a high-powered attorney, is forced to hide out in a sleepy small town after a workplace affair earns him a six-month suspension. He rents a rundown Victorian house—and discovers it’s haunted by Ida Huxley, a ghost who’s been alone for over a century. Gabriel is the first to see and speak with Ida, and he agrees to help her complete a mysterious contract so she can pass peacefully into the afterlife. But as their unlikely partnership grows, so does their bond. When a new magical loophole could return Ida to the land of the living, everything gets more complicated, and riskier, as sparks fly and they must race against time to grab a second chance at love—or lose each other forever. The book blends romantic comedy, paranormal antics, and a charming small-town setting with found family, banter, and hope.
Why I Love This Book
I love the warmth and heart in this story. Ghost romance can be a tough sell, but Gabriel and Ida absolutely won me over. Their banter is smart, funny, and gave me genuine laughs. Ida is delightfully odd—her longing for connection after so long in isolation is instantly endearing. Gabriel’s growth from grumpy, burnt-out lawyer to someone rediscovering joy and meaning is believable and sweet. I enjoyed how the story didn’t rush to romance but built a genuine friendship first, making the eventual shift feel earned. The small-town cast—colorful neighbors, gossipy locals—adds a cozy layer without feeling cliché. The storytelling is warm, whimsical, and quietly empowering. While the plot is a bit predictable, the fun is in the details. I appreciated the low-angst but still-emotional journey, the gentle handling of mental health, and the way the book balanced flirting, humor, and hope. By the end, I wanted to see these characters on screen—and I was just happy to settle in for a feel-good, ghostly ride.
Who Will Like This Book
If you’re after a light, heartwarming romance with paranormal charm and witty banter, this is a great pick. Fans of romantic comedies, ghost romances, or upbeat small-town stories will enjoy the snappy dialogue and comforting “found family” vibes. If you like cozy books with humor, gentle character growth, and a touch of magical realism, you’ll be happy with this one. There’s a mental health subplot (OCD and anxiety), but it’s handled with care. There’s some mild romantic tension—mostly emotional, a little physical—but nothing explicit. It’s a sweet, quick, charming read: perfect for fans of stories like The Dead Romantics or anyone wanting a comfort blanket book.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Scandal/adultery themes, mild language, some discussion of anxiety and OCD, and a few bittersweet moments regarding loss and longing.
Tagged As
paranormal romance, romantic comedy, ghost romance, small town, found family, grumpy/sunshine, witty banter, dual pov, light angst, cozy, contemporary romance, slow burn, redemption, emotional healing, quirky heroine, mental health, OCD rep, magical realism, open-door romance, heartwarming, feel-good, friends to lovers, standalone, clean romance
Steam Level
The romance stays sweet, with plenty of longing, near-kisses, and emotional tension, but no explicit sexual content. Any sensual scenes are open-door only in a playful, ghostly way—and the final “payoff” is closed-door. Perfect for readers who want warmth, flirty fun, and happily ever afters without graphic scenes.
