There was the potential for this to be a really heavy read, but the way the author knitted in the ghostly romance gave moments of levity and a yearning that I absolutely adored.

Florence Day is a failure. Or she views herself as such, anyway.

She's had numerous failed relationships. She's failed to make a name for herself after moving to New York ten years ago. She's failing to write the next book for the famous author she ghostwrites for. Florence is stuck and the new editor isn't helping. While Florence wants to write a romance without a happy ending, he's adamant it must have one.

On an already difficult day, Florence learns her father has just passed, pulling her back to the small town she hasn't returned to since leaving. She was always known as the girl that lived in the funeral home and saw ghosts. Then that same editor, Benji Andor, turns up on the doorstep less than enjoying his 'post-living experience'.

There's no finished manuscript, a funeral to prepare for, a grieving family and a charming ghost following her around. Of course, Florence is convinced that romance is dead.

'There is no happy ending, there’s just… happily living. As best you can.' (85%)

This is light-hearted, recognising its moments of ridiculousness: Florence is captivated by his chiselled jaw but she reprimands herself for it. She tries to flirt whilst she's crying because she reckons it will stop him from crying. A dog is the town's mayor. Throughout, there are delightfully-terrible puns and regular gallows humour. It's funny, silly and a great time.

The novel also plays with the ghost format in an interesting manner. It sometimes lacks gravitas but it's cleverly used towards the end, giving a neat, cyclical nature to a many-stranded story.

A third of the way in, it was clear that the author has previously written YA novels and that this was an adult debut, in more ways than just the repeated mentions of high school. The raw grit that can be expected from an adult novel dealing with the topic of death wasn't present in this book. This does make some sense, as justified by the Day's daily proximity to death as morticians and running a funeral parlour, however, the speed of their recovery from grief was alarming. Florence has some poignant internal deliberations on the matter, but, for the most part, they all had somewhat blase reactions. The relationship of the parents is stressed and used to emphasise Florence's feelings of failure in romance but the mother doesn't seem overly concerned about losing her husband of thirty-five years; like in her chirpy determination to conduct two other funerals (29%).

Certainly, some people would respond in this manner, yet this is fiction (hence ghosts) so it feels that everything else should be hyper-realistic for the fantasy element to be respected. The ghosts are fun and the whole book is written in this style but it felt like it was off-balance because of this tone.

If you introduce into a story an element like character death, it has the purpose of raising the stakes; of offering an emotional connection for the reader and a real-world understanding. As such, yes, it makes perfect sense to deliver the story in a jovial manner, one that finds the fun in death (puts the fun in funeral!) and plays with the concept by adding ghosts for a ghost-writer. It can be fun without having to have anything more.

However, by not taking the serious topics seriously, as a reader, one feels less inclined to care. Therefore, Florence doubting her self-worth and achievements feels irritating rather than eliciting a degree of sympathy. Her defeatist nature (she's twenty-eight; this is not necessary) has a sudden reversal like the audience is supposed to learn something profound from her, which is jarring to her usual tone:

'I tried love. It didn't work. The end.' (44%)

Making an audience simultaneously laugh and cry is a huge undertaking, one this book doesn't quite achieve. If you can make an audience care about the tiny things, everything else falls into place.

Further on the topic of grit, the book features many sweet and poignant moments. Frequently there are striking phrases used to sum up human emotion:

'No one.
I tried to not flinch away from the thought, but it stayed with me. Because loneliness was the kind of ghost that haunted you long after you were dead. It stood over your plot in the cemetery where a lone name sat carved in marble. It sat with your urn. It was the wind that carried your ashes when no one claimed your body.' (46%)

Other times, these opportunities are glossed over. For example, there's a heartfelt mention of Florence's book from Ben (39%) that she rather ignores so isn't progressed until (much) later. Also, the fixation on kissing is repetitive and adds to the young/YA tone.

The book is fun (an easy word to repeat about it) but it lacks some grounding.

Cute, hilariously far-fetched, pretty well written, if perhaps slightly too long - the protagonist's constant reiterations of her belief that "love is dead" became a bit monotonous after a while. Overall, though, thoroughly enjoyed this. A page-turner and an ideal beach read.

Florence meets Benji when he becomes her new editor. Both of them are keeping secrets, and when she has to return home for her father's funeral, he unfortunately discovers one of hers - that she can see ghosts and that now includes him.
The more time they spend together the more they fall, so what will happen when he disappears from her life completely.

Loved this book and its quirky characters.

I. Am. OBSESSED. I can’t cope with the fact that I have finished this book.

I adored this book. The writing style is brilliant and witty and heartfelt. The characters are 3-dimensional and loveable. The plot is fantastic, with well balanced themes of romance, coming of self, romance, trauma and the supernatural. It’s about living and what it means to live and what it means to love.

I adored this book and can’t wait for more from Poston!!

A well written book with a supernatural twist. There was a lot of love in this book, amongst the the grief and the loss. I loved Florence and Ben and the journey they went on together. Beautiful chemistry. I loved Florence coming to terms with her grief, her gift and finding her way back to happy living. An eclectic and lovely mix of supporting characters made the story richer and more fulfilling. A story that was funny, sad, a little heartbreaking in parts but uplifting, engaging , romantic and lovely. (5 ⭐️)

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

3.5 ⭐️

A ghost writer of romance novels can also see and speak to ghosts (lots of punny potential, as you can see), and when visiting her family home (a funeral parlour) is visited by the ghost of her new editor. I loved the concept - it's kind of like a more contemporary version of Ghost. It also gives a specific kind of small town, American vibe - like a slightly more spooky version of Gilmore Girls or Schitt's Creek - which I see a lot of in contemporary romance. It's not necessarily my thing (maybe I don't relate, being Scottish and from a city), but the book is really good at creating a sense of place.

It also adds to an increasing number of romance novels that are very ~meta~ these days and talk about the publishing industry. It works well here, and it was a nice touch getting to see the names of real authors and books mentioned throughout, like little literary Easter eggs.

As for the plot itself, I think I would have preferred a bit more of the romance and a bit less of the family/grief aspect. Although there was some lovely writing about grief (the MC's dad dies very early in the book, so not a spoiler), I just didn’t expect that from a book with ‘romantics’ in the title and an illustrated cover.

I’m also apparently the opposite of a prude (brazen? unabashed??) and find myself liking books without much sex less and less these days. The heroine is supposed to be a writer of smut and romance but we get like 2 very mild sexy scenes in my book (no pun intended). Which is fine if that’s what you like, but it almost felt a bit YA for me in bits, and lil old moi prefers a bit more spice.

All in I thought it was an enjoyable read. It's a well-constructed, well-written book, with a few laughs and some wholesome family elements, but maybe not for when you fancy something a bit more steamy.

Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the ARC.

Florence Day is a writer, a ghostwriter and also she sees ghosts. The problem is that she ghostwrites for a famous romance author and she doesn't believe in love anymore since her ex stomped all over her heart and cannot write romance to save her life. She tries to pitch an unhappy ending to her new (and hot) editor, Ben, but he won't budge. And she doesn't get an extension either. Defeated on all front, a family emergency rushes her back home when she has to handle her past... And that's where she finds Ben, knocking on the door of her family's funeral home... and he's a ghost.

Look... this was amazing. I cannot even begin to express how much I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I stressed, and everything in between. I was absolutely enthralled from beginning to end and did not want to stop reading. Ever. I just had the best time ever the entire time I was reading this (except when I was stressing the fuck out but hey) I love the characters, the relationships between the characters, the evolution of the relationships, just all of it. Simply put, this was a treat.
I also loved the settings, both of them and the family dynamics. I also looooved the main character, I loved being in her head and going through things alongside her.
I could expend but honestly, I think you got the gist of things by now. I loved this and I could not recommend it more.

I absolutely adored this book and get the hype so much. I honestly didn't think a book centered around death and loss could make me feel so many emotions but it did.

One of my favourite romcoms is Just Like Heaven and it totally gave me them vibes.

I absolutely love Florence and her character growth / development, her relationship with her family (good and bad) and the story of her and Ben. Ben is also an absolute sweetheart.

This book made me laugh, cry and just got me all up in my feels making it the perfect read.

The writing and flow of the narrative is easy to follow and enjoy. Highly recommend!

There's so much to love in this story as it's a rom com, there's romance, but there's also the satire of the publishing world and of NY world of artists.
I loved all the different aspects, there's plenty of humour, interesting remarks, a sweet story, and a relatable and original MC.
I strongly recommend it as it's highly entertaining and well written.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Dead Romantics is the first paranormal romance that I have read so I was a little apprehensive when I first started this book, but I ended up binge reading it and finishing it within a day ! I loved all the puns, anything to do with death doesn't really phase me so I found them absolutely Hilarious. She also name dropped lots of current authors I really 
Loved because you know, authors supporting other authors is absolutely wonderful.  
 
I Absolutely enjoyed getting to know all the little quirks with Florence's family and how warm and loving they are. The relationship and how it was built between Florence and Ben was unique and also very sweet. I did feel a bit uncomfortable at one point (the day of the funeral) but as this was my first paranormal romance book, so i have to give myself some slack. It's so hard to write this review and not give so much away, it was really enjoyable and couldn’t put it down !

If you loved the film 'Just Like Heaven' starring Reece Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo then stop and read this review. What about fans of 'Book Lovers' by Emily Henry, stop here, too. And, if, like me, you loved The Mediator series by Meg Cabot, STOP!
If yes to any of the above you will LOVE 'The Dead Romantics'. Like Suze, this has the same elements of a girl/woman being able to talk to the dead in an otherwise 'normal' contemporary world. I've always wanted something similar to The Mediator, but for adults, and Ashley delivered with this book.
The relationship between the MCs reminded me of Charlie and Nora, both from the book world, both struggling with issues of grief and heartbreak. Don't come for me but I love Florence and Benji, our MCs, so much more!!
A single POV story, like Mediator, there was so much for Florence to work through that for someone who prefers Dual POV (me), I actually really didn't mind!!
Florence, FMC, solved a murder at 13 with the help of a ghost. An ability she shares with her Father and no one else. Initially, she lives in NYC, a ghostwriter for a famous romance author, she meets Benji (my Charlie/Jesse mix), her new editor. They get off to a shaky start after he refuses an extension on the newest book. Shortly after, Florence's life falls apart, she must return to the small town she grew up in, and the funeral home that her family owns. Here, we meet a cast of amazing and diverse characters who I LOVED. I could write so much about all of them, but I won't have the space or time, just know the author has built a beautiful community. The inclusivity is so good, it flows right into the story and doesn't feel like the author is overly trying, it was good to read, kudos!
When Benji appears to Florence as a ghost right after she returns home you have so many questions. How can this be a HEA? Trust me, it is. The concept reminded me of the Just Like Heaven premise, but the plot this author had done was so much better. The twists were FAB, when her Dad's list comes together it's so beautiful and the LETTER!!!
Honestly, you need to read this if you love anything that I compared it to, because it will find a special place in your heart just as they did. So different from anything i've read in the romance or paranormal romance genres.
The descriptions of dealing with grief were so real, relatable and heart rendering.
The slow burn was perfect with the situation and the romance and STEAM were gorgeous. I went through every emotion; laughed, smiled, cried, fumes. Lee getting his comeuppance, I whooped, he was a snake of an ex.
This is an adult book, which i'd give a 2 spice rating, I would have loved more spice but with the story you'll see why this wasn't possibly, the quality is a 5 though, as well as the romance. Chest aches, this book will stick with me forever, can't wait to read more by this author.
Highly recommend.

I saw ghosts + romance in the synopsis and RAN to request an advance copy (I was raised on The Mediator series by Meg Cabot ok, this is where I thrive). 'The Dead Romantics' was my first Ashely Poston read and most certainly will not be my last - in fact I took a quick break in between writing this review to buy the 'Once Upon a Con' book series and I have no regrets - as well as being Poston's first foray in to adult fiction, and I'll be steadily praying, hoping, wishing that it won't be her last!

'The Dead Romantics' follows Florence Day, a 28 year-old NYC transplant and ghostwriter for famous romance novelist Ann Nichols, who has a somewhat severe case of writer's block on account of the fact that she believes love is dead. Oh, and Florence can communicates to ghosts, so that's cool.
When her new, hot editor refuses to give Florence an extension, what ensues is a series of unfortunate events: her father with whom she shared her gift suddenly passes, she is left with no choice but to return to the family funeral home the small-town in south carolina, to the very townspeople who drove her out of home in the first place a decade ago. And the kicker? Once home she opens to the door to the new, hot editor who is very much not alive.

Ugh this book surprised me, but in the BEST way. I loved everything about it from Poston's writing and pacing, to the some-what morbid humour; from Florence's eccentric family members (including her father, who wormed his way into my heart despite how briefly he was on the page) and their (extremely) relatable family dynamic to the sweet love that is found and the moments shared between human and ghost.

I adored the commentary on love, family, and self-discovery but also on the more heavier topics; death, grief and forgiveness which were all handled and balanced so beautifully by Poston. Particularly this quote:

"Grief was the exact opposite. It was full and heavy and drowning because it wasn’t the absence of everything you lost - it was a combination of it all, your love, your happiness, your bittersweet, wound tight like a knotted ball of yarn."

*Cut to me frantically highlighting this passage, rereading it repeatedly and texting my friends just before midnight that I can't stop crying*. Frankly I wouldn't have it any other way.

'The Dead Romantics' is a quirky, charming and unique supernatural romance with emotional beats that truly tug at the heartstrings, filled to the brim with witty banter and endearing characters. A story that, despite the serious topics will leave you happy and practically overflowing with hope. And the ending? Swoon.

I cannot wait to reread this one.

Sidenote: I think my new favourite genre of books is contemporary stories about book lovers/authors or set in the publishing industry and I truly love that for me.

Florence is a ghostwriter who literally sees ghosts. Suffering from writers block, she can't finish her latest novel because she no longer believes in the kind of happy ending that her romance manuscript needs. Tragedy forces her back to her small hometown at just the right time, where she is joined by an unexpected ghost who makes her wonder whether she's been wrong about love ...

This is a really lovely book, although deals with grief and loss in a way that feels very heavy at times. The characters are brilliantly fleshed out and the hint of fantasy makes for a gripping read. Unfortunately, the romance let it down a little - I didn't feel that the main couple had much chemistry and their relationship seemed rushed. However, others may feel differently!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Dead Romantics is an enjoyable read, oftentimes laugh-out-loud funny, and cry in to your pillow emotional.

I enjoyed the premise of this book, yet in part apprehensive as the idea of Florence - the main character - falling in love with a ghost did not suggest the happiest ending where they drift off in to the sunset together, but rather I thought 'oh dear, they're going to make me love them and then they can't be together'. But Poston balanced the whole 'fall in love with a ghost' and 'Gabby wants a happy romantic ending' well. I did see that last plot twist coming because I picked up on those *hints* and I was happy to see that I was right.

The reason why this is only 3 stars is because I think I respected a lot more out of this book - a lot more chemistry, a lot more emotion, a lot more romance. Instead it feels like a lot of things were just drifted over, which is disappointing because there was a lot of depth to be had. Even her grieving her father was reflective and at times emotional, but not as much as I expected. To me, Poston struggled to balance the romance, the grief, and Florence's personal struggles with love/writing/heartbreaking as a collective and as individual themes.

But overall, I did enjoy this book, but sadly it is nothing memorable to me.

Thank you to HQ for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5

The Dead Romantics is one of those books that you can just... relax when reading. It's charming and wholesome, totally feel-good and has a great sense of humour. There's excellent banter between our main character, Florence (who can see ghosts), and our love interest, Benji (who is a ghost). This book is really hopeful, delving into grief and loss, and how death doesn't have to mean the end of the person you loved, as well as career struggles, life struggles, love struggles... all of it treated in a really hopeful manner, which I appreciated so much!

You've got an excellent cast of side characters filling up this little town where everyone knows everyone's business, a charming inn, a quest to fulfil some very random requests for a funeral, and so much more. Florence is the only person who can see ghosts in this town, and she was run out a while ago for solving a murder when she was 12 - with the help of a ghost. Now, this backstory keeps being brought up again and again, and one thing that I felt was missing was a flashback/explanation as to how she actually solved this murder. We see her meeting the ghost, and we see a couple of comments back to who the murderer was and everything, but no flashbacks to her actually solving it. I just think for something that kept being brought up, we missed out on it.

This was my first Ashley Poston book, and I believe it's her first adult romance - I've got to say, I will definitely be reading her YA books and looking forward to more adult romance from her!

I was totally charmed by this book which felt like a real celebration of the whole romance genre. I will admit that I was a bit nervous going in because a romance novel about falling in love with a ghost surely has a good chance of being one of those sad/bittersweet endings that I am NOT LOOKING FOR at the moment!

I think Poston is well aware of that and so very early on she gives the reader hope the book will end the way it does - that’s not to say I was disappointed that I guessed the ‘twist’ - quite the opposite - it was more that I felt like the book respects romance reading, and why these books are so necessary right now, and so the twist wasn’t really supposed to be a big surprise at all. I loved it, and thought it was sweet and moving and allowed for some gorgeous romantic scenes while still letting the reader feel safe.

I loved the chemistry between Florence and Ben (any man who quotes the Princess Bride and shows off his forearms is a winner) and the supernatural twist. I loved Florence’s family and her return to her small home town. I felt like I wanted to spend more time there - to hear more of Florence’s back story and the arrival of ghosts in her life, and I would have loved a few more scenes between the two main characters as well, just to really cement their romance.

A really richly imagined, enjoyable and touching comfort read that I know I will return to.

I enjoyed this one! I thought the premise was unique and the characters were easy to root for. I also didn't expect this book to make me sad, but it definitely delves into grief and death in a way that made me reflect on things.

Florence Day is a romance ghostwriter who doesn't believe in romance anymore... and she can see ghosts. Her devastating breakup and the betrayal of the man she loved ruined her life, and now it might just ruin her career.

Forced to confront a multitude of decisions, Florence moves back to Mairmont, her home town, to the beloved chaos of her family's funeral home, Day's Gone. During her stay, she must reckon with the choices she's made, her future, and the family she left behind ten years ago. Oh, and the ghost of her gorgeous new editor turning up on her doorstep.

Poston's latest novel is a heartwarming tale of family, true love, and trust. Her characters are fabulous and each one is distinctly unique. The story is well-paced and I wished it hadn't ended, I could read Florence's story forever. I have to say, the ending is one you won't want to miss.

Thank you to Ashley Poston, HQ Stories and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.