I recently finished The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston, and I have to say, it was an engaging mix of humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural. As someone who enjoys contemporary romance with a quirky twist, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of a ghostwriter who ends up encountering a ghost—her editor, no less! After reading the description, I couldn’t resist picking it up.
Florence Day is a disillusioned millennial ghostwriter for a renowned romance author, and after a heartbreaking breakup, she has lost her faith in love. When her father passes away, she must return to her hometown—one she’s tried to leave behind. This is where things get complicated: she discovers her handsome editor Ben is now a ghost standing on the doorstep of her family’s funeral home. The premise was distinct, to say the least, and Poston’s writing does a fantastic job of weaving together humor and poignant moments.
One standout aspect of the book is Florence’s character development. She is relatable, witty, and grappling with universal themes—grief, love, and self-acceptance. As Jeeves Reads Romance pointed out, the balance between the bleakness of death and the hope of new beginnings is beautifully executed. I found myself rooting for Florence as she navigated her complicated emotions while contending with her new ghostly coworker—a premise I had initially thought might lean heavily into the ludicrous but was instead grounded in genuine emotion.
Many readers have also noted how much they enjoyed the playful banter between Florence and Ben. Their chemistry is palpable, making the “will-they-won’t-they” suspense enjoyable. I must admit that I, too, wanted even more of the romantic tension, longing for additional moments that showcased their budding relationship. This aligns with the critique from some readers, like Chelle Saints, who felt the story expertly bridged romance and women’s fiction, while still yearning for deeper romantic escapades.
However, the story isn’t without its drawbacks. A few moments felt slightly predictable, particularly the plot points surrounding Florence’s realizations about love and loss. Additionally, some readers found Florence’s cynicism a touch overplayed, as expressed by Jovanna Segovia. While I appreciated her journey towards self-discovery, I did find myself occasionally wanting her to be less of a “weird girl” who speaks to ghosts in public, especially when it wasn’t addressed by other characters around her.
On a positive note, the pacing of the book kept me engaged. It can be a challenge sometimes when novels explore darker themes, but The Dead Romantics managed to strike the right balance. The humor was refreshingly woven into the narrative without feeling forced, making it an enjoyable read even for those heavier moments.
The book’s emotional undertones resonate deeply, helping readers process topics like grief and life’s unpredictability. As a delightful bonus, the small-town setting of Mairmont and its eccentric characters—especially Florence’s colorful family—reminded me of the charm of cozy towns in romantic comedies. As kirstyes notes, the humor and pop culture references Poston uses enrich the storyline and provide engaging levity.
In short, The Dead Romantics exceeded my expectations on many fronts. It provided an engaging mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth. While I craved a bit more focus on the romantic aspect and found a few predictabilities, the richly developed characters and thoughtful exploration of grief and love made up for it. If you’re looking for a warm, witty, and layered story—especially with a unique ghostly twist—this is a highly enjoyable read.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt romance that grapples with the complexities of life and death. It’s not just a story about ghosts; it’s a tale of self-discovery, healing, and the importance of cherishing love in all its forms. Overall, I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars!