The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
4 Stars
The Book At A Glance
Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the biggest romance authors in the industry, but after a brutal breakup, she’s stopped believing in love. When her handsome new editor refuses to extend her deadline, Florence thinks her career is over—until a family tragedy forces her back to the small town she’s avoided for a decade. There, she’s shocked to find a ghost waiting at her family’s funeral home: her editor, as charming and frustrating as ever… and very much dead. As Florence navigates grief, family, and unfinished business, she begins to wonder if love stories might not be over for her after all.
Bookish Thoughts
I’m an absolute sucker for fall reads and anything with a ghostly twist, so the idea of a main character who can actually communicate with ghosts had me hooked right away. Add in a small-town romance wrapped in cozy Halloween vibes, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
Read this if you’re in the mood for a heartwarming fall romance with a hint of the supernatural—full of ghost-whisperer energy, small-town charm, and just the right touch of spooky sweetness.
Book Review
Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the top romance authors in the industry—but there’s just one problem: she doesn’t believe in love or happy endings anymore. On top of that, Florence has a unique gift—she can see and communicate with ghosts. When a family tragedy forces her back to the small town that once drove her away, she’s confronted with more than just old wounds.
To her shock, she discovers her new (and very handsome) editor has become a ghost, and she’s the only one who can help him make sense of his unfinished business. Between honoring her father’s unconventional funeral wishes, clashing with her siblings, and reconnecting with her roots, Florence begins to realize that maybe—just maybe—love isn’t as dead as she thought.
A ghost whisperer, a funeral home, a cemetery, and a romance all wrapped into one—that’s my idea of the perfect fall Halloween read. I absolutely loved the theme and vibe of this novel. Watching Florence navigate the lifelong teasing about her gift—and eventually learning to embrace it—was such a meaningful part of her story. I especially enjoyed her encounters with different ghosts and the way she handled each situation. On top of that, the support she received from her family was so touching.
One element that really stood out to me was her father’s eccentric funeral wishes. As Florence ran around fulfilling them, I found myself wishing she could have seen his ghost one last time. By the time the actual funeral happened, I was in tears. Florence’s father was such a vital part of her life—and the life of the town—that his send-off felt both emotional and unforgettable.
That said, as much as I love a good ghost story, I did struggle a little with the romance. Florence falling in love with a ghost was hard for me to fully wrap my head around. Still, there were plenty of sweet and tender moments between her and Benji, and I found myself rooting for their relationship. In fact, I often pretended he was human just so I could fully enjoy their story. And I have to admit, I loved how their romance ultimately concluded.
Another highlight for me was the funeral home itself. I adored how it was woven into the family’s daily life, and seeing the siblings each play a role in the business was such a nice touch. The little glimpses of their childhood memories inside the funeral home made the story even more special. I also loved the small-town setting—how the entire community came together to support the Day family and give Florence’s father the perfect send-off. It made me wish I could step right into this town, walk through the funeral home, and be part of the warmth and love that radiated from its people.
“Love is a celebration,’ ” I read, my voice wobbling, “ ‘of life and death. It stays with you. It lingers, my darlings, long after I’m gone. Listen for me when the wind rushes through the trees. I love you.”
Ashley Poston
If You Loved This, Try
A literary pairing similar to this novel is The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood, a paranormal romance where the heroine dies but returns to life, trying to earn a kiss from her true love to stay alive. If you loved The Dead Romantics, you’ll get similar vibes from both books—paranormal romance, heartfelt connections, and thoughtful explorations of the afterlife. Perfect reads for cozy fall nights.
Ashley Poston is a New York Times bestselling author known for writing heartfelt, cozy, and emotionally resonant stories that blend romance with magical realism. Her novels often explore themes of love, grief, second chances, and finding yourself at the right moment, all wrapped in charming settings and warm, hopeful storytelling that feels both comforting and deeply moving. Her other books written by this author include Sounds Like Love, A Novel Love Story, The Seven-Year Slip, and many more.
Shelf To Table
Classic Waffles: A fluffy buttermilk pancake topped with warm maple syrup and a pat of melting butter—perfectly golden, soft on the inside, and bursting with classic comfort. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries for an extra touch of sweetness.
What is a book you loved that you believe more people should read? What did you love most about it?
For me, it isn’t a single book but a series: the Autopsy of a Fairytale series. This fairytale retelling romance-suspense series is rich with mystery, emotional depth, and swoony romance. What I love most is the strong, layered plot and the way it blends familiar fairytale elements with darker twists and compelling character arcs. It’s the kind of series that keeps you guessing while still delivering heartfelt moments, and it deserves far more attention than it gets.
Throughout the novel, Florence struggles with trying to find the perfect ending. If you could write your own happily ever after, how would it go?
I think a happily ever after looks different depending on where someone is in life. For some, it might mean marrying the love of their life; for others, landing a dream job, graduating from school, or finally finding their purpose. Sometimes, a happy ending isn’t about romance at all—it’s about healing, growth, or reuniting with lost loved ones. To me, the perfect ending is one that brings peace, fulfillment, and a sense of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
“Buying books always made me feel better, even if I never read them.”
Ashley Poston