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leahjanespeare's review against another edition
4.0
Ahh! So excited for a new book by Jen Deluca! I was nervous about the change in genre from ren faires to haunted seaside towns but heck yeah does she deliver! It was just the right balance of small-town mysteries and swoony moments. I really got a solid feel for Boneyard Key and all of its quirky residents...both alive and dead.
emmasushila's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
theequeendee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
A fun supernatural romance slice of life fiction. I love the involvement of ghosts in a small Florida town. I love the dynamic between Cassie (a city girl that moved into the small haunted town) and Nick (the owner of the local cafe). At times, it felt like the plot drifted into Nick and Cassie being together but other than that, I enjoyed it!
readerkat8's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another hit from Jen DeLuca, who brought us the wonderful world centering around a Renaissance Fair in Well Met and its sequels.
Haunted Ever After focuses around Boneyard Key, FL, and its well deserved reputation as the most haunted town in FL. New-to-towner Cassie Rutherford is sure it's a case of the town leaning into its ghostly notoriety to capitalize on the non-Disney / beach tourist dollars. But with the help of initially grumpy café owner Nick and a very special ghost who lives in her newly purchased ocean-front cottage , she discovers that there is truth to the underlying reputation. But will this discovery it be too much for her and drive her from Boneyard Key and a burdgeoning attraction to the formerly grumpy café owner?
This book was a delight and, as has been DeLuca's hallmark, full of well-rounded and likeable characters. About my only "complaint" is that I wish it were longer - not because there was anything lacking from the story or build-up, but because I enjoyed inhabiting this world and would have liked to have done so for longer. (So...not really a complaint after all.)
There was a thread of cozy mystery to the story as Cassie first had to discover why her house was sabotaging her laptop (draining her battery any time she plugged it in), and then further look into the history of the houseand its ghostly inhabitant and uncover that the stories that live on are often not the true story. (Cheers to the bit of "Eff the patriarchy!" that rings through the quest for the truth!!)
There were so many charming bits to this book, but my favorites were the café ghost, Elmer, and his "antagonistic" relationship with Nick, and Cassie continually professing her love for "Pub subs" - which, living near a Publix myself (though not in FL), I am a huge fan of.
I whole-heartedly recommend this book to pretty much anyone, especially folks who love their romances with a little bit of the after-life!
Thank you to Jen DeLuca, Berkley Publishing Group, and Netgalley for allowing me to read in advance of publication for a fair review. I will definitely be picking this one up after publication - it's too good not to revisit!
Haunted Ever After focuses around Boneyard Key, FL, and its well deserved reputation as the most haunted town in FL. New-to-towner Cassie Rutherford is sure it's a case of the town leaning into its ghostly notoriety to capitalize on the non-Disney / beach tourist dollars. But with the help of initially grumpy café owner Nick and
This book was a delight and, as has been DeLuca's hallmark, full of well-rounded and likeable characters. About my only "complaint" is that I wish it were longer - not because there was anything lacking from the story or build-up, but because I enjoyed inhabiting this world and would have liked to have done so for longer. (So...not really a complaint after all.)
There was a thread of cozy mystery to the story as Cassie first had to discover why her house was sabotaging her laptop (draining her battery any time she plugged it in), and then further look into the history of the house
There were so many charming bits to this book, but my favorites were the café ghost, Elmer, and his "antagonistic" relationship with Nick, and Cassie continually professing her love for "Pub subs" - which, living near a Publix myself (though not in FL), I am a huge fan of.
I whole-heartedly recommend this book to pretty much anyone, especially folks who love their romances with a little bit of the after-life!
Thank you to Jen DeLuca, Berkley Publishing Group, and Netgalley for allowing me to read in advance of publication for a fair review. I will definitely be picking this one up after publication - it's too good not to revisit!
gammys_reads's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
FANTABULOUS!!! Thank you NetGalley, Jen DeLuca and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
What an enchanting blend of spooky, hilarious, and heartwarming romance unfolding in a haunted, charming Florida coastal town!! The title instantly grabbed my attention, and when I saw the adorable cover coupled with the captivating synopsis, I knew I had to read this book! As someone who was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and currently resides in a small town with no stoplights, renowned for its ghost tours and nestled near the Gulf, I couldn't resist the allure of diving into this promising tale. Receiving this ARC filled me with immense excitement and elevated my expectations for this exceptionall story to unprecedented levels!! "Haunted Ever After" offers a refreshing change from the usual romance novels with its slow burn narrative. The gradual development of the romantic relationship between the protagonists adds depth, as they each navigate personal challenges before finding their way to each other. While the romance may simmer slowly, the story compensates with delightful ghostly humor, quaint coffee shop, historical ghost tours, endearing bookshop, found family (one of my favorite tropes), and the picturesque backdrop of Florida's stunning sunsets. I completely adored this book!! It had me grinning, cackling, swooning. and shedding a few tears all while tugging at my heartstrings!! 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Boneyard Key, a small coastal town in Florida, thrives on its ghostly reputation, drawing tourists seeking thrills beyond the Orlando theme parks. Nick Royer, proprietor of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, not only embraces the town's spectral allure but also shares his space with a friendly ghost, grateful for the natural air-conditioning.
Meanwhile, Cassie Rutherford, feeling the pressure of her friends settled lives, impulsively purchases a historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Despite encountering odd occurrences like her laptop's refusal to charge and magnetic poetry spelling out eerie messages, Cassie finds herself drawn to the town's rich history.
As Cassie and Nick embark on ghost tours and delve into the secrets of her haunted cottage, their connection deepens. Yet, Cassie wrestles with doubts about her newfound homeownership, while Nick fears pushing her away with his growing feelings.
Amidst ghostly tales and hidden histories, their budding romance unfolds, blending the magic of the supernatural with the warmth of newfound love.
In summary, this book beautifully illustrates the importance of embracing new chapters in life and letting go of what no longer brings happiness. This is my first read by Jen DeLuca, and I'm eargerly anticipating delving into more of her works. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and believe it deserves all the stars!! 💫💫💫💫💫
What an enchanting blend of spooky, hilarious, and heartwarming romance unfolding in a haunted, charming Florida coastal town!! The title instantly grabbed my attention, and when I saw the adorable cover coupled with the captivating synopsis, I knew I had to read this book! As someone who was born and raised in Orlando, Florida and currently resides in a small town with no stoplights, renowned for its ghost tours and nestled near the Gulf, I couldn't resist the allure of diving into this promising tale. Receiving this ARC filled me with immense excitement and elevated my expectations for this exceptionall story to unprecedented levels!! "Haunted Ever After" offers a refreshing change from the usual romance novels with its slow burn narrative. The gradual development of the romantic relationship between the protagonists adds depth, as they each navigate personal challenges before finding their way to each other. While the romance may simmer slowly, the story compensates with delightful ghostly humor, quaint coffee shop, historical ghost tours, endearing bookshop, found family (one of my favorite tropes), and the picturesque backdrop of Florida's stunning sunsets. I completely adored this book!! It had me grinning, cackling, swooning. and shedding a few tears all while tugging at my heartstrings!! 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Boneyard Key, a small coastal town in Florida, thrives on its ghostly reputation, drawing tourists seeking thrills beyond the Orlando theme parks. Nick Royer, proprietor of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, not only embraces the town's spectral allure but also shares his space with a friendly ghost, grateful for the natural air-conditioning.
Meanwhile, Cassie Rutherford, feeling the pressure of her friends settled lives, impulsively purchases a historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Despite encountering odd occurrences like her laptop's refusal to charge and magnetic poetry spelling out eerie messages, Cassie finds herself drawn to the town's rich history.
As Cassie and Nick embark on ghost tours and delve into the secrets of her haunted cottage, their connection deepens. Yet, Cassie wrestles with doubts about her newfound homeownership, while Nick fears pushing her away with his growing feelings.
Amidst ghostly tales and hidden histories, their budding romance unfolds, blending the magic of the supernatural with the warmth of newfound love.
In summary, this book beautifully illustrates the importance of embracing new chapters in life and letting go of what no longer brings happiness. This is my first read by Jen DeLuca, and I'm eargerly anticipating delving into more of her works. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and believe it deserves all the stars!! 💫💫💫💫💫
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
Really wanted to like this one more! I found the premise to be very fun, and I liked the paranormal themes explored in the book. The humor wasn’t for me, and I found romance a bit lacing.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
readwithjenna08's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you NetGalley, Jen DeLuca, and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this eARC! The book comes out August 13.
Jen DeLuca has done it again! Stepping away from the Ren Fair world, and into the world of the paranormal, I was all in from the beginning. And I loved it!
Cassie Rutherford needed a change from her life in Orlando. All her friends are married and having babies and she felt lonely. She bought a house in a small Florida town called Boneyard Key. A haunted town that thrives on ghost tours and ghostly puns and merch.
She keeps having issues with her eclectic and charging her laptop so she goes down to the local cafe. This is where she meets Nick Royer, the grumpy cafe owner who talks to the previous tenant/owner of his apartment and cafe.
I loved Nick and Cassie’s story. But I was so intrigued by Elmer and Sarah. I wish we got more backstory on them both. Or a novella about them. I would love to read that!
Thank you again!
Jen DeLuca has done it again! Stepping away from the Ren Fair world, and into the world of the paranormal, I was all in from the beginning. And I loved it!
Cassie Rutherford needed a change from her life in Orlando. All her friends are married and having babies and she felt lonely. She bought a house in a small Florida town called Boneyard Key. A haunted town that thrives on ghost tours and ghostly puns and merch.
She keeps having issues with her eclectic and charging her laptop so she goes down to the local cafe. This is where she meets Nick Royer, the grumpy cafe owner who talks to the previous tenant/owner of his apartment and cafe.
I loved Nick and Cassie’s story. But I was so intrigued by Elmer and Sarah. I wish we got more backstory on them both. Or a novella about them. I would love to read that!
Thank you again!
reading_with_sydney's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thenaptimewriter's review against another edition
3.0
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca, out 08/13. I wanted to love this one but sadly, it didn’t really work for me. The hero & heroine have a cute dynamic that starts off on the wrong bad impression foot and the heroine’s thoughts on feeling left out & uncertain about where she is in her friend group and her life in general feel real. But aspects of the plot feel ludicrous to me & I couldn’t always understand the reasons underpinning some details. So in the end, I liked this one but didn’t love it. 3 ⭐️. (Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.)
booksjenrecs's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25