This didn’t hit the same as Taddeo’s others for me (loooooved Animal) but it’s still incredibly well-written with her signature brand and I enjoyed it. I had to go thru twice to make sure I wasn’t missing something I feel like there’s a lot here that could go unappreciated but overall I think I “get” it I just didn’t love it like expected. I still will always read anything she puts out and I’m glad I read it, just will more enthusiastically endorse her other reads.

A collection of short stories focused on mostly middle-aged women. The title story is excellent and is precisely what I expect from Taddeo – decisive writing, an incredibly compelling, strong main character, and a brilliant twist. But the remaining eight stories didn’t match the pace set by Ghost Lover, and a couple were noticeably weak. There’s little redemption or hope in any of these stories – that’s not a requirement for me but a whole book of women making poor choices left me flat.

2.5/5

I received my copy of Ghost Lover from the publisher, Avid Reader Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This one was a DNF for me. I absolutely loved Three Women by this author, and was hoping to fall just as in love with this one. But it just didn’t catch my attention the same way. I might pick this up again but for now, just wasn’t the book for me.

There is a reason why I love Taddeo's writing. GHOST LOVER is the third book I have read by the author and cannot get enough of her candid storytelling. These nine stories are brilliantly crafted are a downright addictive read.

LOVED! Such a beautiful collection of raw, honest womanhood. While not every story will relate to every reader, they all contain bits and pieces of the feminine experience that will have every woman nodding their head in understanding. Lisa Taddeo is really a genius.

Engaging and expertly crafted. A recommended purchase for collections where linked story collections are popular.

I DNFed Ghost Lover around halfway through. I don’t think the writing or the book itself was the problem. I found it to be quite readable but the style and stories just wasn’t for me. I would definitely give Lisa Taddeo a second chance in the future, though!

I love how bold this writing is. Unafraid, brutal, visceral, let’s it all gang out. Each story captures a woman, warts and all, with all her deepest, darkest thoughts. Love this author….. really, really great.

This book wasn’t for me, although there were some good one-liners. I couldn’t relate to the self-hating women in the book.

My second read from this Author and I really enjoyed this book. A compilation of nine short stories that were all interesting. I didn't quite know what to expect with a title like Ghost Lover, but all the stories were interesting in different ways.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avid Reader Press and the Author, Lisa Taddeo for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. It hooked me and kept me turning pages until I was done. Finished it in two days! The character development was strong, and the premise was unique enough that it didn't feel like anything else I've read.

What can I say about this collection besides it takes all the things I love about Taddeo’s writing and shoves them into surprisingly satisfying vignettes of damaged women? It’s what she does best - flawed, dangerous, and often disturbing women in unexpected situations or contexts. Often grotesque, always beautifully written. Taddeo hasn’t disappointed me yet.

Loved this short story collection. Each story bound to the others so succinctly. I loved the concept and thought the writing was exemplary.

As a big fan of Lisa Taddeo's work, I was thrilled to receive a copy of Ghost Lover. This collection of short stories is incredibly thought provoking, though it won't be without its fair criticisms. It's raw, the women are not always likable, and there's a strain of fatphobia that laces throughout. Whatever the reader's feelings on these areas, it will make you feel.

Many thanks to the author, publish, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

As with short story collections, there are some hits and there are some misses. A couple misses in a row compelled me to DNF this book, though. I just don't find myself reaching to read another story from this collection at all.

This is a hot girl short story book about dating apps that had Taddeos amazing unique voice. Thanks to Avid Reader Press for the arc for my honest review.

Some stories were interesting but not enough intrigue for me to recommend unfortunately. I did enjoy her previous novel so will look out for what she does next.

I love Lisa Taddeo — Animal and Three Women do a great job of characterizing the honest and the unlikeable — but why is this so gleefully fatphobic? We get that your characters are vapid on purpose without every story having the same hateful elements. There's a pattern there. Ugh. Made me not want to read the next from the author.

Thank you Net Galley for providing me with an Arc for Ghost Lover by Lisa Taddeo. These stories just weren't intriguing or page turning to me. I really wanted to not finish, but I wanted to make sure I respected the time, energy, and thought Ms. Taddeo painstakingly put into this work.. I'm certain there are many folks out there that this book will appeal to. Thank you again for this ARC.

Ghost Lover is a collection of unique and fascinating stories with an edge. I didn't always like the harsh style, but Taddeo's stories were very interesting. I especially liked the title story and had no idea where it would go. Her characters are flawed, unfiltered, and not necessarily likeable, but they are always interesting. Definitely recommend if you're looking for something to read in quick bursts with an edge.

Thank you Avid Reader Press and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.