Last Thursday’s storm rolled through Colorado Springs while I was revising a manuscript for a client, rain drumming so loudly on the roof that even the cat gave up prowling for dropped crumbs. As the power flickered and thunder got the dog barking, I found myself grateful for a cozy glance at my latest to-be-read stack. That night, wrapped in a blanket (and clutching my favorite mug—yes, the one with the dancing ghosts), I started Haunted Ever After. There’s something oddly comforting about reading a paranormal romance when lightning’s flashing outside. It makes all those haunted hallways and secrets just a little more real. Having the wind howl outside only added to the shivers—and not just from the weather.
Plot Summary
Haunted Ever After by J.L. Harlow follows Eliza Harper, a spirited school librarian, as she inherits a decaying Victorian mansion on the fringes of a small mountain town. The inheritance comes with surprises: creaky staircases, cryptic journals, and—for better or worse—a resident ghost named Theo. Eliza, determined to restore the house and unravel its history, soon senses she’s not alone. Theo, equal parts brooding and charming (for a ghost), holds secrets bound tightly to the manor’s past. As peculiar happenings and whispered warnings escalate, Eliza and Theo’s connection deepens, even as danger creeps closer. This is the first in a new “Afterlife Encounters” series, blending romantic suspense and a dash of gothic flair.
Why I Love This Book
I love that Haunted Ever After balances spookiness with warmth. There’s genuine chemistry between Eliza and Theo, but it never feels rushed. The dialogue sparkles with dry humor, which I always appreciate, especially in scenes where Eliza’s skepticism bumps up against Theo’s ghostly stubbornness. The gloomy old house is its own character, making every scene feel atmospheric and vivid. As someone who organizes her bookshelf by color, I was oddly thrilled by Eliza’s methodical approach to restoring the mansion—a little order in the middle of chaos. The story made me care about both the living and the not-so-living, which is a rare trick. And despite the chills, I found myself smiling more often than not.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy paranormal romance, haunted house mysteries, or quirky heroines who don’t scare easily, you’ll likely love this story. It’s perfect for fans of slow-burn romance, ghostly banter, and stories with a cozy but slightly eerie vibe. The book leans more toward sweet than steamy, but writerly wit and heart keep the pages turning.
⚠️ Trigger warning: grief, mentions of past death, mild peril, emotional loss, supernatural themes.
Tagged As
paranormal romance, haunted house, cozy gothic, slow burn, ghost hero, librarian heroine, mountain town, emotional healing, found family, light suspense, first in series, witty banter, gentle romance, Afterlife Encounters series, sweet romance, spooky vibes
Steam Level
The romance is light and mostly sweet, with hints of longing and a gentle build. There’s emotional intimacy and chemistry, but little explicit content—perfect if you want heart-flutters without blushes.
