Look, I like this book a (not) normal amount, my only real problem is that in the description this is sales as a romcom: it’s not. There is no happy ending here, so how this is a romcom? I really like the ending, to be honest, it’s the only possible ending, it’s so full of emotion and bittersweet, but it’s not an happy ending, so please don’t call it a romcom.
However. I’m a little obsessed by this book. It’s so great. It reminds me of Evelyn Hugo and it’s a huge compliment coming from me: Evelyn Hugo is my favorite book ever. I love the premesis (he’s a writer who struggles after an extraordinary debut, Roger is a gay actor in the closet that… is dead. I love it so much. I think I will reread it soon enough.

Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet is a delightful and sweet novel about mortality, grief, isolation, and coming out. Adam and Roland, while different in so many ways, share an understanding of certain types of loneliness specific to gay men. Roland is lonely because he never felt comfortable coming out while in the spotlight. Adam is lonely because he feels he doesn't fit in within his community. As Roland gradually shares his life story with Adam, their closeness increases and they can help one another heal.

With this release, Samantha Allen has proved her distinct ability to write deeply entertaining paranormal stories with a ton of heart. Like Patricia Wants to Cuddle, Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet is full of just as many silly moments as cultural criticism. Both novels demonstrate Allen's grasp on the nuanced humanity behind the public figures we think we know and love.

Suppose the literal "ghost" in "ghostwriter" is the person whose book the ghostwriter is writing -- okay! Roland Rogers, superstar actor and hot heartthrob, has died in an avalanche, but his ghost is hanging around his awful Malibu mansion and doesn't want to leave this world with his ex-self still in the closet. Fortunately, his ghostly self is able to manipulate electronics, and so much can be done remotely!

For example, Roland can hire Adam Gallagher, writer of a best-selling memoir about being excommunicated from the LDS for being queer, to ghost his autobiography. Also fortunately, he can talk to Adam through the various speakers in the aforementioned awful mansion. Perhaps even more fortunately, he somehow connects with Adam's physical experiences, so when Adam eats or drinks or has an orgasm, Roland goes into ecstasies. And they fall in love.

You might wonder how that works out for them. The ending is bittersweet; I wouldn't normally spoil it even to that extent, but the ad copy calls this a rom-com. No. Although it is sometimes funny, and there is a love story, a rom-com it is not.

Does it succeed on its own terms? Almost. The comedic aspects, starting with the premise and going on to the hideous Chihuly chandelier in Roland's foyer, never quite mesh with the realistically painful ones -- Adam's anxiety over his identity and worth as a writer; his lingering unease about his sexuality and his body; the loss of his family, who stopped speaking to him when he came out; his money worries; Roland's loneliness in life; the traumatic experience that made him decide to remain closeted once and for all; the hints of violent abuse by his father. Why some books successfully integrate hilarity with great pain and others don't is a mystery, and readers other than I may differ about how well this one works.

I might have said 3.5 stars and rounded up except for the character of Zoya, Roland's longtime beard and friend, the only person he confided in before Adam. She's so unpleasant a person and her reasons for her behavior are so ... grasping? transactional? shallowly ambitious? that although she and Adam finally arrive at a truce, I was left wondering why she had to exist at all, or at least why she's characterized as she is.

Mind you, I did mostly enjoy myself, and I think many other readers will too, even if the story taken as a whole is shaky. Thanks to NetGalley and Zando for the ARC.

In Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet, Samantha Allen masterfully blends supernatural whimsy with heartfelt storytelling. Adam Gallagher’s journey, ghostwriting for an actual ghost, unfolds with a unique mix of humor and emotional depth that keeps readers hooked. This novel not only entertains but also touches on themes of self-discovery and authenticity, making it a standout read.

I am such a Samantha Allen fan. Weird queer fiction with humor and heart is always a hit for me. I loved the ex-mo talking points and the fleshing out of faith and being gay.

I want to start this review by saying I love this author and I’ve given everything else by her 5 stars, from her nonfiction to Patricia Wants to Cuddle. But this one didn’t work for me as well. I found the plot a little boring with some really weird elements (the strange food eating scenes especially). The best parts of this book were the two characters talking about their life experiences and comparing two very different lives. I would have liked this a lot more if it hadn’t been a romance and focused more just on their friendship because the love story felt very instant and forced to me.

Please let Samantha Allen write as many books as she wants. After reading Patricia Wants to Cuddle, I knew I had to keep her upcoming titles on my radar and I am so glad that I was able to read an advanced copy of this. If you like what is classified as “weird girl litfic” then you should definitely check this one out.

Such a sweet, heartfelt book! I was not expecting to shed tears at the end. I am not typically interested in reading paranormal books, but this had the perfect touch of paranormal without being cheesy or ridiculous. Nothing is more fun than a gay ghost whose body is still yet to be found, working with a ghost writer (ha!) to work on a memoir before he moves on to the afterlife. This is definitely something I will recommend to someone wanting a fast-paced, lighthearted read.

If I had one critique, I felt like there were too many pop culture references, but that is me being particular.

Adam's an author whose debut book, a memoir about his coming out as a young gay Mormon, was a huge success. However, he has struggled to recapture that same level of acclaim.

When his agent offers him a big book deal to ghostwrite a celebrity memoir, Adam eagerly agrees, hoping it will jumpstart his career. The deal includes a big check and the opportunity to meet mega-famous action star Roland Rogers, as well as stay in his Malibu mansion.

However, strange things happen as soon as he arrives for the job, like the fact that Roland only communicates with Adam through electronic devices. Adam soon discovers that Roland has recently died and his spirit desperately wants to tell his real-life story before his body is found. Roland, who played a heterosexual heartthrob on the big screen was actually gay and in the closet his whole life, wants the world to know his truth. As Adam helps him write his life story, they fall in love despite Roland being a ghost.

This unconventional novel about reputation, success, identity, and living authentically will appeal to readers looking for a unique take on a love story.

So, a couple things here– I’ve realized recently I’m not as interested in coming out narratives during this time of my life. I think it’s mostly because of the stage I’m at. I think this one has the energy of Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but it takes itself far less seriously.
The second thing, which I’ve mentioned before, is that I find myself still sensitive to post-mormon stories, mostly because even though I’ve been out of the church for about three years, I haven’t been outside of the church community until a few months ago. I'm still reeling, and I wanted to preface this because I think I will reread this book again in a year or so.
In this case, when I started this book, I was hesitant. Extremely hesitant. I’m delighted to say I enjoyed myself, because even though this book deals with tough topics, it’s also fun and funny a lot of the time. Ghosts and hijinks really help with hesitance!
I think this novel is important in that it exists. It’s clear Samantha is building from her time growing up as a transwoman in the Mormon church, and often will have her main character monologue about his experiences and frustrations. It seems as though these monologues could be really cathartic and powerful for some people, especially in the Under the Umbrella community, which I review for.
This was not my favorite book, mostly due to the fact that I think sometimes, despite it being fun, its tonal shifts between fun and heavy were very stark, instead of moving effortlessly between. This being said, I recommend it wholeheartedly for the IndieNext list.

A gut punch of a good time. Samantha Allen deals with heavy issues such as growing up religious or remaining closeted for an entire adult life, but does it in a fun, fantastical, spooky way that will have you stuck to your seat, eating up every word.

Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet is Samantha Allen's latest cross-genre fiction featuring pseudoscientific beings. Roland Rogers is an aging celebrity who invites Adam Gallagher to his Malibu home to ghost write his memoir. Adam arrives and finds that Roland is a literal ghost. The pair must finish the memoir before Roland's body is found, giving them just a month together. Their journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and connection together goes to great depths. And I found myself getting emotional reading the book. Samantha Allen infuses her signature oddball sensibility and humor throughout Roland and Adam's book just like in her first novel, Patricia Wants to Cuddle. I already am dreaming of the next cryptid or creature Allen will write about that will have me laughing and crying.

Content Warnings: Homophobia, Assault, Existentialism, Religious Trauma (Mormon)

I liked the premise of Allen’s book immediately; the idea of a ghost needing a ghost writer is exactly the weirdly fun supernatural idea I love. Reading the book, I also liked Roland and Adam a lot overall and how they grew to better understand themselves through their interactions with each other. I also thought the commentary on Queer memoirs and Queer stories in general was excellently done; maybe more philosophical and writers-writing-about-writing than most would enjoy, but completely fitting to the context of this book.

However, this book list me when the romance element was introduced because, as an aro ace, I hate that intimate relationships seemingly MUST include romance and/or sexual desire/acts in order to be seen as intimate. The method of sharing via food was a perfect vehicle to have a means of shared, sensuous experience that wasn’t sexual based, and yet, it went the sexual route. Likewise, they could have a great intellectual and emotional relationship without it being romantic, but it went the romance route. Others may not care about that as much as I do, but it did bug me. I also disliked the sudden “drama” at the end because the solution (e.g., delay the book) was obvious from the very beginning.

Overall, I think many will still like this fun, but thoughtful read despite these personal dislikes from me.

"Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet" is a refreshingly unique blend of supernatural elements and heartfelt storytelling, offering readers a memorable and emotionally rich experience.

When Adam Gallagher, a struggling ex-Mormon writer, is hired to ghostwrite the memoir of Hollywood star Roland Rogers, he doesn’t expect his client to be a literal ghost, or more accurately an invisible floating orb speaking through various devices through this home. Roland, a closeted A-list actor, chose Adam specifically because of the deeply personal nature of Adam’s previous writing. Adam’s candid memoir about his own experiences resonated with Roland, demonstrating how the power of one person’s story can profoundly impact another.

The novel shines in its character development and the evolving relationship between Adam and Roland. Adam, who has faced his own share of personal and professional challenges, finds himself unexpectedly connected to Roland. Their interactions, filled with both tension and tenderness, uncover layers of vulnerability and strength in both men.

While reading the book, I found myself contemplating various possibilities for how the story might unfold. I was thrown a bit by how it actually ended, but was still pleased with the resolution. The story deftly balances humor and seriousness, drawing readers into a world where a ghost can guide a living man toward redemption and self-acceptance.

There were a few plot threads within the characters’ unconventional budding relationship that didn’t quite follow through to the end in a way that might have made the conclusion even more compelling. Despite this, the bond between Adam and Roland remains deeply moving, showcasing how their shared journey transforms them both. The ending, a beautiful leap of faith, leaves a lasting impression of love, acceptance, and the power of storytelling.

Samantha Allen’s narrative style is engaging and original, making “Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet” a standout read. The novel’s blend of supernatural intrigue and emotional depth makes it a truly special story that resonates long after the final page.

Thank you Zando, NetGalley, & Samantha Allen for this eARC.

I hate paranormal books.

Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet was one of my favorite reads of the year.

Samantha Allen has such a unique talent for infusing tenderness and humor into objectively strange situations. In this case, ghostwriter Adam Gallagher pairing up to write a memoir with... an actual ghost. The ghost of the *hottest* man in Hollywood, that is!

With a month to finish the memoir before they anticipate Roland's body being discovered and -- officially -- being pronounced dead, Adam and Roland battle the metaphysical, the electrical, and each other in a race to the finish... a race neither really wants to end.

Incredibly touching, Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet was such a deeply heartfelt novel about settling into your truth -- and living it through to the end. Thank you, Zando, for the advanced copy of this absolutely brilliant sophomore novel from Samantha Allen.

It seems I've had a theme in the last books I've reviewed ARC's for, as they all deal with the dead in some way or another, very interesting! I wonder if it's something that's just a popular theme right now, or if I was subconsciously pulled to them when I was requesting them! I've definitely had a liking for books with the theme for a longer time, though never in a horror/creepy type genre :P

That theme continues in this book! While it does of course deal with a deceased main character, it's far from depressing or creepy/horror-y. I really enjoyed reading it, and I loved how it dealt with the, how do you say it nicely, trouble you run into when in a romcom one character is alive, and the other is an incorporeal ghost.
It also dealt with more serious issues well, and I would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you Netgalley and Zando for providing me with an ARC!

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

After seeing that Samantha Allen had a new novel out following Patricia Wants to Cuddle, I knew two things: I wanted to read it, and to buckle up for a wild ride.

Former bestselling memoirist Adam is still chasing that high after repeated failures.

A-list leading man Roland wants to come out and leave behind a meaningful and nuanced legacy rather than be known only as a dumb action star.

Both know that language has power. The author, a former Mormon, had been ruled by the language of the church and now channels language to try and tell stories that make a positive impact on audiences. Because of this Adam is hired to ghostwrite for Roland only to discover just how literal that job will become as Roland is now a ghost.

Despite their many differences, both Adam and Roland have been pigeonholed by audiences and filled with artistic regrets. Both are unsatisfied with how their lives turned out. Through the process of writing Roland’s memoirs and coming out story, they find a connection and more.

While outlandish, this book is relatable, humorous, and loveable. It is a great read and a reminder that it is never too late to reframe, step out of your comfort zone, and take control of your story. I totally recommend it.

Thank you to Zando for the Net Galley ARC.
#RolandRogersIsntDeadYet #NetGalley.

Last year I read Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen and LOVED it. Naturally when I saw RR on NetGalley I had to request. Then it sat in my kindle for a few months. I felt like I needed to be in the right mood to savour this you know… how wrong was I, I shouldn’t have deprived myself of the joy of reading this book for so long!

Adam Gallagher is an author struggling to write a book to match the popularity of his debut. Roland Rogers was a Hollywood heartthrob and tied to a franchise of action movies that made him a household name. He also appears to be dead and decides that now is the time to hire a ghost writer for a tell all memoir where he will come out to the public once and for all. But the time is ticking, once they find his body, his time is up.

I really can’t emphasise how much I loved this. Allen will have you sobbing over a gay ghost and the next page will have you chuckling to yourself. The pop culture references are aplenty but not in a cringy way and the topics of identity and love are explored in a very deep way which I did not expect.

I will absolutely be reading everything this author writes, I know it’s not for everyone but it’s definitely one for me!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

I absolutely loved Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet. It is one of the rare books that I read within one day. Roland is such a complex character and one of the freshest takes on ghosts that I have seen in a while. Adam is such a unique character. By the end of the novel you find that you know the characters. I highly recommend for a fresh take on a traditional rom-com storyline.

"Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet" is my first Samantha Allen book, despite having "Patricia Wants a Cuddle" on my shelf waiting for me to notice it. Unfortunately, it didn't do much to make me want to reach for that book. This one read like a more navel-gazy TJ Klune, complete with a predictable romance and a lot - a LOT - of internal monologuing by our two POVs. It's a quick read, and it's not without its charms, but never once did I really feel all that intrigued by what was happening on the page. Add a few plot holes and a lack of side characters - no, this is pretty much the Roland and Adam show - and the whole thing felt oddly claustrophobic, yet shallow. Just not my thing, and honestly the writing style turned me off.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

This is the second Samantha Allen novel I’ve read and it’s just as delightfully odd yet touching as the first (Patricia Wants to Cuddle). This is a story about a ghost writer who is summoned to a home inhabited by the ghost of an a-list actor who wants to write his autobiography before his body is discovered. It was more emotional than I thought it would be while also managing to stay sharply witty and engaging. Really enjoyable read!