Haunt Your Heart Out follows Lex, a small town bookstore manager who has a history of spinning ghost stories for her YouTube channel. She meets James, a filmmaker who is investigating the hauntings she covered in her teenage years.

This is a fun, lighthearted read with low stakes and great writing. I was expecting a more paranormal storyline, but I really enjoyed it nevertheless!

Thank you to Amber Roberts for the advanced copy!

DNF'd at approximately 46%.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own.

From close to the beginning of Haunt Your Heart Out by Amber Roberts, I had a bit of trouble catching my footing. The relationship between the leads Alex & James moves very quickly and I'm used to more warm-up. That could have been fine, though, because I enjoyed their flirtatious dynamic and James is a charming rogue that has glittering eyes and a chin dimple (hearts!!).

But with that being said, I decided to DNF at around 46% because I just couldn't get past the deception plot of it all. I can get with a morally gray protagonist who's out there causing some trouble, but I have trouble getting with a supposedly just imperfect contemporary romance protagonist whose motivations for lying are not strong and who comes across as selfish, insufficiently self-aware, and someone who I couldn't ultimately root for in her romantic journey. In other words, I felt like the characterization of the female protagonist either wasn't dark enough or went too far for me to root for in a standard contemporary story. I just didn't feel it.

YMMV and there is some charm here. Hopefully I'm an outlier!

Haunt Your Heart Out delivered on the ghost/supernatural front and on the adorable cover! But it really didn’t land for me.

I didn’t feel hardly any chemistry between the MCs. Maybe because the pacing was so slow? Or maybe because there’s long swaths of pages where nothing is happening to progress the storyline? Either way, I was a bit bored and didn’t buy into the relationship enough to finish the book, sadly.

Review to come…

I really love the cover ❤️
The description is very intriguing.
This is a new author to me.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.

This book just missed the mark for me. The premise was quite interesting but failed in the delivery. I found both main characters to be quite bland, and they didn't really have any chemistry with each other. Their decisions just didn't make a lot of sense throughout the book, which kept throwing me out of the story, especially at the end.

The pace was too slow. There were several chapters where it felt like next to nothing was happening. I feel like we could have benefited from time spent either developing the main characters' relationship or focusing on the documentary.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Haunt Your Heart Out" by Amber Roberts was a delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed, though I can't help but think that it would have been even better if I had read it around Halloween.
The book perfectly captures the essence of the holiday seasons of Halloween and Christmas, set against the charming backdrop of a small town in. Vermont.

The protagonist, Lex, is a character many readers will find relatable. Down on her luck in love and often finding solace in books, Lex's story is one of resilience and self-discovery. Her past as a YouTuber, creating videos of "haunted happenings" with her best friend, Nat, adds a unique twist to her character. The nostalgia of her channel, which provided her with a sense of community during a difficult time with her less-than-stellar parents, adds depth to her backstory.

Lex's current life revolves around her Grandfather's old house, which she inherited after his passing, and her job at the local bookstore, Dog-Eared. Her passion for the bookstore and her frustration at its stagnant state under the ownership of Charles is palpable. It's easy to root for Lex as she dreams of improving the bookstore and making it more of a vibrant part of the community.

Enter James, a member of a film crew in town to document the local ghost stories. His initial interaction with Lex is anything but smooth - he stops by the bookstore just to use the bathroom, a common annoyance for Lex. Despite the rocky start, James becomes an important part of Lex's life, bringing with him his own set of struggles and a search for belonging that mirrors Lex's own.

Roberts does a fantastic job of weaving complex topics such as Lex's anxiety and abandonment issues into the narrative. These aspects of her character make her incredibly relatable and add a layer of authenticity to the story. James' journey, marked by his struggles with familial relationships and a quest to find a place that feels like home, complements Lex's storyline beautifully.

The side characters, including Jordan and her children, add warmth and depth to the story and even Lex's parents managed to get on my good side by the end. Roberts did a fantastic job of fleshing them out, so that they felt like more than just background noise.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its representation of mental health issues and these issues are handled with care and sensitivity, making the story richer and more inclusive. It is mentioned that the characters are both LGBTQ+, but in all honesty, this wasn't fleshed out enough to be anything more than a brief mention for both main characters.

The small-town romance and spooky vibes create a perfect blend of charm and intrigue, making it a perfect read for fans of both genres.

In conclusion, "Haunt Your Heart Out" is a heartwarming and engaging read that tackles important themes with grace and authenticity. Lex's journey of self-discovery and healing I'd both inspiring and relatable. I would say this book was 3.5 stars for me.

If you're looking for a book that combines the cosy feel of a small-town romance with a touch of the supernatural, this is the one for you. Just maybe save it for the Halloween season for maximum effect!

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read the book in exchange for my honest review.

Big thanks to Alcove Press and Netgalley for allowing me early access to this title in return for an honest review.

This book was really the perfect read for me. It covers two of my favourite holidays, Halloween and Christmas.

Set in a sleepy Vermont town, we meet Lex, a local book seller who has had no luck with love and is much happier with a night in curled up with her books that galivanting around. As a youth, Lex had a youtube channel where she explored the towns hauntings with her best friend, but since dropping out of college, she's been focusing on staying afloat, fixing up her old house, and keeping the bookstore cum cafe alive and thriving. Enter James, an out of towner who stops by the bookstore to use the bathroom, like so many others, and then keeps coming back. He is in town working on a documentary about the towns hauntings, and working at stealing the heart of a certain local bookseller.

This book was incredibly sweet. It tackles a lot of difficult topics. Lex has debilitating anxiety and it is one of the focuses of the book. She also has confidence issues which take center stage. She is a really relatable character in so many ways. James is sweet and kind, but also very lost in the world, and doesn't really know what he wants to do. Their blossoming partnership is sweet and supportive, and bears a lot of the hallmarks that I look for in my personal life. The few steamy scenes were excellent and left me wanting more

Overall, I loved this book. It was everything that I needed and wanted. I look forward to reading from this author again in the future.

very cute romance, easy to read and a book that i was unable to put down. loved the storyline and character development, truly a book that i will recommend for my bookstore to purchase.

DNF at 20%! I’m sad because I love the cover. This just isn’t what I’m looking for in a romance. Too insta love, not enough tension and I need a slow burn. The characters are together by 20% and It’s sort of like, what’s the point of the rest of the book? I got the ick :(

I stopped reading this at 100 pages. For me the pace was just too slow and felt like nothing was happening for a long bit. I also did not understand the romance between the two characters- they just didn't fit for me. I did really like both characters and the main element of the plot with the supernatural/ghost hunting aspect and how the two were connected by it.

Opposites attract in this spirited, small town romance between a homebody bookseller and an adventurous filmmaker. Though they fall for each other while hunting ghosts, there's more spice than spooks to be found in these pages. As their love story progresses, Lex and James must also contend with a shared desire to lay down roots and define happiness on their own terms, as they struggle to find balance between the expectations of their families and the dreams they have for themselves. A perfect autumnal read, Roberts' cozy romance is a ghoulishly good time!

Thank you Alcove Press and Amber Roberts for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

Tropes:
- small town
- spooky vibes
- Mental Health Rep
- LGBTQ+

I found this book to be so adorable! I think I would have preferred reading this during fall or winter season but I still loved it. The characters were very loveable. I couldn't be more happier that Lex owns a bookstore and with that came all the cozy vibes. Lex made some rules in order to protect herself but she breaks the rules when a beautiful stranger changes her life. I loved Lex and James, their chemistry is so great and very sweet. I also loved the frienship between Lex and Nat, I thought that was a really nice touch. The parts that included the family tension and anxiety were very well written, It can be hard to read these specific passage but I appreciate how Roberts wrote about these topics in a more gentle manner. I loved the character development. Lex really followed her dreams despite suffering with anxiety and depression and that's just one more reason to love her.

If you enjoy a cute romance with spooky vibes and love christmas as well, this one is for you. I totally recommend.

Haunt Your Heart Out is a modern romance novel that blends themes of love, humor, and the paranormal. Taking place in a charming Vermont town, the narrative follows Lex McCall, a bookstore owner who unexpectedly becomes entangled in a ghost-hunting escapade with the charismatic James, a crew member of a documentary team exploring the town's supernatural tales. As the story unfolds, the complexity deepens as Lex's clandestine role in perpetuating these ghost stories jeopardizes not only her developing relationship with James but also her dreams of owning the bookstore.

Lex McCall is a character that many individuals can relate to, as her fears and aspirations strike a chord with those who have experienced the fear of being abandoned. Through a skillfully constructed character arc, Lex evolves from a hesitant local to a bold individual who is willing to embrace risks for love and pursue her dreams. James, the charming ghost hunter, goes beyond being a mere romantic interest; he serves as a catalyst for Lex's personal growth, playing a crucial role in driving the narrative forward.

Amber Roberts' writing is characterized by its engaging and witty nature, embodying a narrative style that effectively conveys the spirit of a small-town romance. Through thoughtfully selected words and phrases, the author infuses a cozy charm into the story, resulting in an enjoyable reading experience. The book's overall effect is one of warmth and entertainment, ultimately leaving readers feeling satisfied.

The novel examines themes of love, belonging, and the fear of change through the literary techniques of irony and humor employed by Roberts. These elements add complexity to what might otherwise be considered a lighthearted romance. The overarching message conveyed is that embracing change can result in unforeseen and rewarding consequences.

The book maintains a consistent pace, incorporating enough unexpected developments to captivate readers without overwhelming them. The layout is clear and uncomplicated, facilitating comprehension. The ease of reading is enhanced by Roberts' concise and lucid writing approach, guaranteeing a seamless reading journey.

"Haunt Your Heart Out" is an engaging novel that goes beyond romance to explore complex themes of the human experience within the context of a small-town love story. The book is praised for its well-crafted plot, realistic characters, and the author's skillful blend of humor and emotional depth.

I would suggest "Haunt Your Heart Out" to individuals seeking a modern romance novel with a unique twist. Fans of "Gilmore Girls" and those who appreciate romantic stories with depth will find this book especially engaging. It is an ideal choice for a relaxing evening at home, offering a delightful and haunting experience for readers.

Amber Roberts' "Haunt Your Heart Out" is a charming contribution to the contemporary romance genre, blending humor, emotional depth, and a touch of the supernatural. The novel's engaging storyline and endearing characters are certain to leave a lasting impact on readers well beyond the final pages.

#HauntYourHeartOut #NetGalley

Haunt Your Heart Out is the perfect read for OG YouTube fans and hallmark holiday movie lovers. Balancing spooky ghost vibes with cozy small town Christmas, this book also had some hidden depths, a surprise from the sweet, fun, spooky romance I was expecting.
Complicated family dynamics and the pressures of unmet expectations are a big theme and something our hero and heroine bond over, including the difficulties of advocating for yourself when facing constant parental disappointment. I could relate to Lex and her desire for comfort and certainty over a big adventurous life. Working in a used bookstore in a wintery Vermont tourist town sounds so dreamy! I also adored reading about Lex’s eclectic collection of annotated books and how it made her feel close to her grandfather.
Plus, you can never go wrong with an adorable canine side character, especially with the name Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

This book was a did not finish for me. I tried and tried and tried - got 100 pages in and just had to stop. it was confusing, not well=written, and frankly, boring. I didn't feel like anything about the plot was authentic. It seemed to just borrow from Ashley Poston. It's as if AI was asked to write an Ashley Poston-esque novel with ghost stories. You know when you ask AI to make an image and it gives you people with 7 fingers on a hand? This novel seemed to suffer in the same way - there were parts there but they didn't fit. Nothing came together smoothly and the pacing was just all over the place. The romance had zero chemistry. This book was a definite no.

Solid 3.5. This was a unique and adorable premise for a book! I really liked the FMC. She was smart and funny! I appreciated the mental health representation that we got in this book. The love story was sweet.

I wish the MMC was a bit more flushed out. He seamed a bit flat for me. There was the occasional thought like “wow, where did that come from”. Like with the personal “filming” scene (if you read it you know what I am talking about) that came out of nowhere. It just felt like it was out of character for the FMC.

Overall I enjoyed it! It’s a cute quick read great for the Halloween to Christmas season.

Lex is our resident bookseller, who happens to run a vlog all about ghosts. James is part of a ghost hunting documentary crew that comes into town, with all the charm and charisma to sweep Lex off her feet. What’s gonna happen when it comes to light that Lex has been making up the ghost stories?

This was a cute novel involving ghost hunting, a small town, roots, family, and finding your way amongst it all. The chemistry between Lex and James was good, the uniqueness of the story hasn’t been done, which kept me intrigued.

I would recommend this for fall reading; definitely gets you in the spirit!

Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for this ARC; all opinions are my own.

Haunt Your Heart Out is a delightful blend of romance and humor. Set in a charming Vermont town, the novel follows Lex McCall, a devoted bookseller with a knack for crafting ghostly tales. Lex's quiet life is turned upside down when James, a dashing ghost hunter, arrives with a documentary crew to investigate the town’s “hauntings”—stories Lex fabricated for her old vlog.
The chemistry between Lex and James is palpable from the start, their interactions sparking both laughter and tension. Lex’s initial attempts to sabotage James’s research to protect her secret and secure her dream of owning the bookstore create a fun, engaging premise. As the two spend more time together, Lex’s walls begin to crumble, revealing her vulnerability and deepening her feelings for James.
The author skillfully balances the steamy romance with lighthearted moments and the occasional ghostly scare. The small-town setting, reminiscent of Gilmore Girls, adds to the novel’s charm, making it an enchanting escape.
While the plot occasionally feels predictable, the characters’ growth and the witty dialogue keep the story fresh and enjoyable. Haunt Your Heart Out is a read that will leave you smiling, proving that sometimes, love is the most unexpected—and delightful—haunting of all.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is a heartwarming story that blends the spirit of Halloween and Christmas, offering the best of both worlds. The story follows Lex, who resides in a small town far from her family. Battling anxieties since her teenage years, she has learned to tame them over time. She has crafted a life she wouldn't trade for anything: residing in the memory-laden house inherited from her grandfather, despite its financial strain, and working in a bookstore where her love for literature finds solace, though she's frustrated by the owner's resistance to her improvement ideas. Throughout it all, she knows she can always rely on her best friend, Natalie. However, Lex's stable world is thrown into disarray when James enters the picture.

I particularly enjoyed the banter between the two protagonists; Lex exhibits wit and rhetorical flair, while James comes across as mature and caring. I also appreciated the subplot with the ghost stories, showing off Lex and Natalie's fearless streak, and the cozy vibe of the Hallmark-style small town.

What slightly threw me off was the pacing, which felt a bit sluggish at times, and the lack of communication between the characters towards the end, which seemed unnatural compared to their earlier direct exchanges. Nevertheless, reading this book remains a cozy delight for fans of small-town romance.

Thanks NetGalley, Amber Roberts, and Alcove Press for providing an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was SO cute!
Such a cozy-spooky-christmasy all in one?

Lex and James seems to be opposites where Lex is content to stay in her “bubble” James is a paranormal filmmaker and it was amazing watching these two interact around each other!
It’s got the cozy romance vibes with spooky AND christmasy vibes such a fun read, there was a 3rd act breakup kinda but it didn’t bother me as much as normal, overall it was such a fun read!

I loved reading this mainly because age wise the MCs were more relatable