4/5 ⭐️

Looking for a cozy comfort read with a spooky twist to crack open on a rainy day? Haunted Ever After is the book for you.

This was such a fun read! It takes place in Boneyard Key, Florida— a fictional town stepped in lore where spirits are just as likely to walk around town as the people. The amount of detail poured into making you picture this town is just perfect. I was completely immersed in the story and you can tell how much love the author poured into creating it.

Cassie and Nick reminded me of Lorelei Gilmore and Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls. If you like that grumpy sunshine trope with relatable protagonists, you’ll adore these two.

I also loved the ghostly companions and the mystery revolving around the Hawkins House. It was heartwarming to see these characters want to bring justice to the past residents and make sure their true story is told for future generations to appreciate.

Also, can we take a minute to talk about the cover? What a beautiful cover for a beautifully written book. (And I’m in complete agreement with Cassie, you can’t beat a Publix sub lol!)

Thank you to the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, the author, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my unbiased opinion and is given with free will.

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and Jen DeLuca for an early copy of Haunted Ever After.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the story, but I am happy to report back that I enjoyed it so much. I love a good small town romance and sure enough, I like small town romances with ghosts. Who knew that this would bring out sad and happy tears in the span of a few minutes? I love all the characters and the relationships that they have with each other. Cassie really found the best when moving to Boneyard Key, Florida.

While I love Cassie and Nick, I was more intrigued by Sarah and Elmer. I would love (maybe) a novella about them to go even more in depth about their lives.

I can’t wait until this officially publishes so I can add the physical copy to my book shelf.

Thank You NetGalley, Jen Deluca, and Berkley Publishing for granting me access to an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Haunted Ever After is a cozy story mixed with a little bit of spooky and heartwarming romance perfect for the fall season. Not to mention this cover is absolutely beautiful and grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I devoured this little gem and can’t wait to reread it around fall.

This story takes place in Boneyard Key, a small town in Florida known for its tourism and ghostly reputation. Cassie, our FMC, recently purchased a home in this small town with hopes of starting a new life, finding out later that her home is much more than the eye can see. After Cassie keeps having electrical issues she finds herself at a local cafe called Hallowed Grounds, where she meets Nick, our MMC. Nick, a man determined to maintain his family legacy, not only inherits some of Hallowed Grounds original recipes but also the very vocal and hilarious opinions of the cafes previous owner. As Nick helps Cassie learn about the history of the small town and all of the special residents a slow burn romance begins to form. However, will the history of Boneyard Key become too much for Cassie and will their relationship withstand it?

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Did Cassie make the biggest mistake of her life leaving the city she knows for a coastal town coined as the Most Haunted Small Town in Florida? While she prefers her life to be in control and coordinated, chaos seems to envelop her since she moved into the infamous haunted Hawkins house. Ghosts in a cute little Florida town and romance, yes please! All of the shops and businesses having ghost names, where are the directions to visit this adorably haunted town?!! Haunted Ever After is such a fun read, even for skeptics because the ghosts in this town just might be really good at matchmaking! Just go ahead and clear your plans for August 13th because you will not want to put this one down!

4.5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review is on Goodreads and will be posted to Instagram well before publication!

This ghost-tinged romance novel was delightful from start to finish.

First of all, I loved that this book was set in costal Florida. As a Florida native, I've spent a lot of vacations on the coast, and I could envision Boneyard Key vividly.

Experiencing the relationship of Cassie and Nick going from native v. tourist to romance was lovely, and I was rooting for them. I also really enjoyed how local history and research played into this novel.

I suppose you could call this cozy paranormal romance, and I'm here for it. I hope we'll see more of Boneyard Key sometime.

The only thing I was disappointed in was that we never got to visit Cemetery Island. I really wanted Cassie to see it in person, because I'm a cemetery enthusiast.

This is such a fun read! If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with a twist, this is the book for you!
In this book, Cassie moves into a new house in a new town, only to find that her house, like a lot of the town, is haunted. She gets to know Nick, the at first standoffish owner of the local coffee shop. Sparks fly, and Nick has to try to convince her that not only are ghosts real, but that she can learn to live with them.
I loved the twist of the haunted town, where local residents are used to living with ghosts, while the tourists think it’s just a gimmick. It added an extra layer of complexity to Cassie’s dilemma of if she made a mistake moving to a town hours away from everything she knows. I like how the ghosts were an actual part of the plot and not just a hook for the reader. It gave this book a unique twist.
I also really liked the characters in this book. I felt that they were all solidly written and I felt an instant connection to Cassie and Nick. The ghosts were also very intriguing although I would have loved even more content with some of them.
Overall, this was a great book to read and I’m looking forward to Jen DeLuca’s next book! I would love one featuring one of the different townspeople.

How absolutely precious was this romantic paranormal comedy, oh my goodness. Jen DeLuca has gained such a wonderful fanbase for her ren faire novels, and I don't think anyone will be disappointed by this departure. Boneyard Key immediately came alive (well...you know what I mean) and I fell for these characters hard. The ghosts and the way they interact with the locals was so fun and heartwarming (I got choked up at the end), and I loved how Cassie and Nick clicked immediately. Their relationship is sweet, progresses quickly but naturally. They barrel towards an easy but still satisfying HEA, as all the obstacles are less about their relationship and personalities and more about how the ghosts push them together and apart, which I found to be a little unexpected. I also loved the use of local history and local archives to dig deeper into the lore! I can't wait to come back to Florida with Jen DeLuca sometime- maybe for Sophie and Theo?! :)

Thank you to NetGalley, Jen DeLuca and Berkley Publishing for a digital arc of Haunted Ever After in exchange for an honest review.

After reading & LOVING the Well Met series by Jen, I was so excited to see this new book coming out with a paranormal theme!

This story centers around Cassie who has just purchased & moved into a cottage in Boneyard Key, Florida. Boneyard Key is a “ghostly” now that plays up to its name to bring in tourism. However, not all of it is a marketing ploy. Cassie’s cottage seems to be haunted as things she cannot explain begin to happen. Soon, Cassie & Nick (owner of the local coffee shop) spark up a friendship and then begin to investigate what is being the haunting of Cassie’s cottage. But, before long, real feelings develop between the two leaving each of them scared of the relationship for their own, different reasons.

I loved that this book was different from what I know of DeLuca’s previous stories. This one was pure perfection for me! I absolutely loved all of the characters. Nick & Cassie’s chemistry was great! This was an adorable & charming story that I want to re-read ASAP! This is one of those books perfect for curling up on a rainy day and reading as it is so cozy. I hope to see more of this type of genre from Jen!

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5) – I will highly recommend this on my IG!

Cassie moves from her hometown to Boneyard Key, Florida. She wanted to buy a house and was priced out of housing in Orlando. She doesn't have people in Boneyard Key, but her friends back home have all gotten married and started families, leaving her behind. She's thrilled to find a cute old house right on the ocean.

Imagine her surprise when she finds out many places in Boneyard Key are actually haunted. Gets spicy only at the very end.

There is nothing like this out today. Incredibly unique, and real. I fell in love with this little town and all of these characters. One to watch, this is an instant hit.

If there's one thing DeLuca knows how to do, it's give us a small-town cast of characters that feel like my best friends and I want to read a novel focusing on each and every one of them. I really hope Boneyard Key gets the Willow Creek treatment and we get to spend more time in this haunted Floridian town because I can't get enough. The ghostly aspect is so enchanting and they mystery behind it all kept me hooked from the get-go. Honestly this would still be a 5-star read for me sans the romance, which is amazing. The store name ghost puns alone would keep me going if nothing else clicked, but everything really did click for me here. I'm a simple girl with simple needs, and between Nick & Cassie dancing around each other, a town filled with loveable characters, and a handful of ghostly notions, I couldn't ask for anything more.

While I enjoyed Haunted Ever After, I don't have any big feelings about it. It was fun and I think folks will enjoy it. The plot is strong. DeLuca did a good job of mixing the contemporary with the paranormal. As the asks for high heat/spice in romance increase, I will note for readers that this is on the tamer side of things. Due to some ghost shenanigans, the sexy shenanigans are limited. (Seriously, they don't even make out until about 75% and the first sex scenes is 90% through) I think as long as readers go in with that in mind, they won't be disappointed. Overall really fun and I definitely recommend it!

This was not your typical love story. Iit takes a fun twist on a hhost gown. Characters were fun. There was a lot of depth to the story while keeping it light hearted. So fun.

Set in fictional Boneyard Key where ghosts are part of everyday life. Cassie moves to town and I to a, unbeknownst to her, notoriously haunted house. Fortunately she meets a handsome local coffee shop owner who has a lot of experience communing the ghosts. Deluca built a fun ghost world where the majority of ghosts are well-meaning, quirky former locals. In order to have peace in her new house, Cassie must figure out the real history or her house. Hoping this will be a new series by Jen Deluxa!

Jen DeLuca returns with a twist! Stepping away from the Renaissance Fair realm, she now invites her readers on an exciting journey into the realm of paranormal romance, blending sweetness with sentimentality. As long as her trademark sarcastic humor and compelling characters remain, I'm all in!

Enter a haunted town in Florida, renowned for its ghost tours and eerie locales where tourists seek a thrill. Little do they know, the locals aren't merely cashing in on spooky tales – there might just be some genuine paranormal encounters waiting for them!

Our protagonist, Cassie Rutherford, finds herself at the heart of the story. A native of Orlando, she faces the upheaval of her life when her landlord decides to sell her apartment. With limited funds, she ventures into buying a house in a quaint Florida coastal town, unaware of its dark history. Leaving behind her city life, where friends are settling into domestic bliss, Cassie embraces the change.

But this new town lacks familiar comforts like Starbucks and Publix. However, that's the least of her worries. The historic Hawkins house she purchases might be haunted by the vengeful spirit of its previous owner's wife. Despite her skepticism, Cassie experiences strange occurrences, from malfunctioning plugs to eerie encounters. Seeking solace at the local coffee shop, she meets Nick, the brooding yet charming owner, who brews the perfect hazelnut ice latte and serves up delicious banana bread.

As their encounters grow, Nick reveals his connection to the town's spirits, adding another layer of mystery. When Cassie receives a paranormal message one night, she turns to Nick for assistance.

Now, Cassie must decide whether to flee the town and leave behind any chance of romance with Nick or embrace the unusual life in this ghostly community. Meanwhile, Nick fears losing another woman while trying not to scare Cassie away.

Will they find their happily-ever-after amidst the supernatural chaos? With its paranormal twist and captivating execution, this book is a delightful ride that I highly recommend!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this engaging book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Berkley and Jen DeLuca for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This book was so different than I had anticipated going into it. But one thing is for certain… Jen DeLuca KNOWS how to write a comfort book for me. I cannot wait til my preorder of this book comes in so I can reread it during Spooky Season👻

I will say that this isn’t a romance first book. The romance is FOR SURE the sub plot in this story. This was a slow SLOW burn where the majority of the book, the main characters aren’t even a semi established couple. However, I still loved it. And that comes for someone that typically has to read a book that is romance first for me to even get through it. The whole concept was just fascinating to read about, it really made me wish that is was October already lol, and the little town captivated me from the first chapter to the point I kinda wanted to go visit as a tourist myself🤧🫶🏼

And that ending 🥲 Elmer has my whole heart!!

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca is a delightful and charming romance novel set in a small coastal town in Florida. The story follows the unlikely relationship between Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, and Cassie Rutherford. In this town, the residents have embraced the ghostly history of their town and have turned it into a tourist attraction. Nick, who also happens to have a spectral roommate, fully embraces this aspect of the town as it helps keep the local economy afloat. On the other hand, Cassie has recently left Orlando in search of a quieter life, and she finds it in Boneyard Key. However, she soon discovers that her new home has some unusual quirks, including a haunting presence.
The chemistry between Nick and Cassie is evident from their first meeting. Nick takes Cassie on a ghost tour, sharing insider town gossip, and they spend nights researching the former owners of Cassie's cottage. As they get to know each other better, their connection deepens, but both of them have their reservations and fears about their budding relationship. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is the setting. The small coastal town of Boneyard Key is a character in itself, with its colorful history and unique charm. The characters in this book are well-developed and relatable. Cassie is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to take on new challenges. Her relationship with Nick is heartwarming and realistic, and it's enjoyable to see them navigate through their fears and insecurities to find love.
This book was engaging and an easy read making it a perfect book for a cozy and relaxing read. The plot is well-paced, with a perfect balance of romance, humor, and mystery. The ghostly elements add a touch of whimsy to the story, making it even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance with a touch of mystery and the supernatural.

I was crying like a baby by the end of it. I wanted nothing more than to climb into this book and absorb all the warmth that it was offering. This book was a magical, and a surreal experience. The characters in this story are everything.

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!! 💫💫💫💫💫

Talk about a slow burn! I really did like this a lot, even though it was a very slow burn. Either way, I would recommend it!