. Gemma can see ghosts but once she engages with them everyone else can also see them. When she kisses a stranger in a club she discovers that he is a ghost and has been sent to help her so they have to pretend to be in a relationship. I was a fan of The Mediator series when I was younger so the premise of this book sounded really interesting but sadly this really didn't work for me.

I really did not enjoy this book. For me, there were a lot of things that needed more explanation as a lot of things didn't make sense. The romance in this book was also not very enjoyable. I didn't feel connected to either of the characters and I didn't feel engaged with their romance. Unfortunately, this didn't work for me and I would not recommend it.

This book was fairly hard to get in to to start with however I feel this was down to my head space at the start. Once I had gotten out of that head space I flew through this book unable to put it down. I loved the twist ending. I would definitely reread this book over and over

I think maybe I just don't like romances involving ghosts? This is the second one I've tried recently that didn't click with me (Dead Romantics is the other one. Absolutely don't see what everyone else does there!) and ghosts are the common denominator. I didn't really feel the chemistry and I have unanswered questions. I'm very grateful to have been invited to read it, I just wish the love could have been required!

This book was a fun wee romance and was really atmospheric. I really felt the bustling city vibes
There were sort of three different themes in this book which I enjoyed to differing degrees
I found it hard to like any of the characters which made it tricky to really root for the romance on any level other than just me wanting romance to happen. The romance happened extremely fast but it was spicy. So that was fun!
The secret twin storyline was interesting but honestly, why not send an email rather than take up stalking?
The paranormal aspect was my favourite! I wanted more of this part of the story. Where did he come from? What was the deal with the parallel existences? That ending? I wanted to see what happened with the mirror
This book was fine, I gave it 2 stars but this is like a 2.5 stars. I just felt I wanted more
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Gemma can see ghosts and her job is to help them move on. A strange concept that I found difficult to get my head around. When one comes on the scene destined to help her she is taken aback. A bit strange and not really to my taste.

I really enjoyed this light-hearted and funny book. It’s an easy read and I got through it quickly. A new author for me and I was very impressed with this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is a romance with a paranormal twist you'll soon see
Because when Gemma Daniels turned eighteen
She had a unique gift, unlike you and me
For her ghosts became something to be seen!

This doesn't normally cause problems in her life
Until an encounter at her best friends hen party night
One that will cause her strife!
For, in front of her pals, she kisses him in a bar - what a fright!

Somehow all her friends can also see him now
She can't explain it - and nor can he
But he's handsome, hot and attractive - wow!
What'll happen next I couldn't wait to see.

With challenges, rules and more besides,
These two have much to do, it seems
How can she fall in love with someone who has already died?
Is this a nightmare or the stuff of dreams?

If you're looking for a fun read
With plenty of family drama as well
This could be the book you need
I really enjoyed it, hope you can tell!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

This was ADORABLE!!! The characters and their relationship had me in my FEELS and I loved every second of it!

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. One More Chapter for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘A Ghost in Shining Armour’ by acclaimed South African romance author Therese Beharrie.

Gemma Daniels has a unique gift: since she turned eighteen she has been able to see ghosts and helps them settle their unfinished business so that they can move on. While out with her friends on a hen night, she takes part in a ‘kiss a stranger’ game.

However, it turns out that the cutie she kisses, Levi Walker, is a phantom. The rules apparently state that if Gemma acknowledges a ghost in front of others, then they take on material form. Oops, a kiss definitely counts.

It turns out that Levi isn’t just a random ghost. Before he died Levi had lived for his sister. Now he is being given a second chance at life by helping Gemma to reunite with her own long-lost twin sister, Gaia Anders. If he succeeds he will be returned to his former life with no memory of Gemma. Yet his presence in Gemma’s life is raising questions and so they pretend that they are a real life couple. No further details to avoid spoilers.

While this novel works fine as a standalone romance, Therese Beharrie’s 2021 novel, ‘And They Lived Happily Ever After’ featured romance writer Gaia Anders as its protagonist and the story of the twin’s separation featured.

Despite this being a sparkly fake dating romance with a paranormal twist, some of the novel’s themes are more serious. However, the author does open with a note about possible triggers.

I found this a pleasant read though I stumbled a bit over the idea of a ghost becoming physical though it did allow for them to get frisky and oh my did they.

I remain curious about Gaia’s story and so plan to read ‘And They Lived Happily Ever After’.

Great characters, very well written and a real pleasure to read. 4 stars from me.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

Gemma can see ghosts, ever since she turned 18. She likes helping them finish their unfinished business.

One day she impulsively kisses one and he becomes visible to everyone. To explain his presence, they pretend to date. He needs to help her, in order to have a second chance at life, and in end, he is left with an impossible choice.

I was very excited to read the story, but it fell flat for me. Maybe because the pace is very slow or because I didn't like Gemma all that much.

Well, this was certainly different!

Gemma Daniels can see ghosts! It started on the day of her 18th birthday & it continued until Levi came into her life!

Loved the dynamic of the story. Loved Gemma & her journey of self discovery. Loved her & Levi's friendship, yes I loved the book!

A great read, enjoy!

Gemma has been able to see ghosts since she turned 18. At a bachelorette party, she's dared to kiss a man. When she kisses Levi, a new ghost sent to help her, he becomes visible to everyone else. In order to explain his presence, they decide to fake date. As they grow closer, they must find a way to stay together.

I didn't realise this was a series before I started reading. However, I didn't feel like I was missing storyline. It's definitely a quirky and occasionally uneven read, intertwining multiversal ghosts, but the author somehow managed to navigate several heavy topics with a mix of levity and emotional depth. I liked Gemma, and her reaction to the ghosts was sometimes hilarious. I really liked Levi, and loved him most at his most discombobulated. Like him, occasionally I wasn't sure exactly what was going on, particularly when ghosts just appeared randomly, but for the most part I enjoyed Gemma and Levi's story. I love forced proximity, and fake dating and it's done okay here. Their banter and chemistry felt authentic though it never actually sizzles. I thought the moral dilemma, as well as the themes of adoption, premature responsibility, grief, and self-love added weight to what could otherwise have ended up quite a light storyline. That said, I wish we'd learned more about Levi's universe, and I still can't decide how I feel about his decision. Still, I would like to read more from this author.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥
Emotional Rating: 🙈😍🤔😬😂💓😢😒💓

*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*

It was my first book in the series and by the author.
When Gemma turns 18, she “gets” the ability to see ghosts and when she’s dared to kiss Levi, he somehow becomes a real human for everyone.
The story was interesting, with characters that you can either love or hate. I was a bit confused at the beginning but soon o got a grip of what is going on and I went on with the unbelievable plot.
Somehow this was my second ghost romance this month and it looks like it’s becoming a trend.
Gemma and Levi have chemistry but what struck me was their undeniable love towards their siblings and families.
It’s emotional and sweet, a book that many readers will enjoy it.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley

A quirky modern love story. I thought the plot flowed well and the pace was good. I fun read when you are needing a little escape. Thank you #netgalley

A Ghost in Shining Armour by Therese Beharrie

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Once haunted…

Gemma Daniels has never been quite the “down to earth” woman her adoptive parents raised her to be. She even has a unique gift: she can see ghosts—and she likes helping them settle their unfinished business. But the hotter-than-hot stranger she impulsively kisses on a bet is not only a phantom, he's determined to help her. And the only way Gemma can explain his presence is to pretend they’re a real-life couple…

Twice shy…

Levi Walker lived—and died—to save his sister. Now he’s got a second chance at life if he assists Gemma in reuniting with her own long-lost sibling… and then never sees Gemma again. But as he starts to enjoy her irrepressible personality, he’s finding it hard to abide by any rules at all…

Third time’s the unforgettable charm…

Gemma is thrilled to be getting to know her sister, but it causes a family rift she may not be able to heal. On top of that, she’s falling for a ghost with a dilemma. For Levi must decide what loyalty—and living—is truly all about. To fix their mistakes, Gemma and Levi must risk being real with themselves—and each other—if they’re ever to claim true love…

My Opinion

This was an interesting book - this is the first book I have read by Therese Beharrie so I wasn't sure what to expect. Gemma is a caring woman who just so happens to be able to see ghosts. A fast-paced, addictive read with a sweet paranormal romance.

Rating 4/5

I found it difficult to get into this book and the style of writing was not for me. I tried to enjoy the plot but found it quite confusing and unfortunately, although I don't like to do this, I gave up at 30%

This book was too confusing with the timelines, multi-universe and descriptions of ghosts vs phantoms. I think had the writing been better it would have made it more understandable but because the writing could do with some work the plot was all over the place. I thought we were getting a Just like heaven vibe but seemed more like doctor strange and the multiverse tbh. I didn't feel engaged but just confused reading it so had to dnf after a couple of chapters.

A really great paranormal romance that addresses some serious issues. It was cute, funny, sexy and thought provoking. Yes it was a tad predictable but I feel like most romances are. I loved the chemistry between Levi and Gemma. Really enjoyable.

Unfortunately I had to DNF at 22% - this just wasn’t gripping my attention at all. The characters weren’t interesting and the plot just seemed a bit nonsensical. A quarter of the way in and we had no actual idea of what was going on. Such a shame for such a good premise