Firstly, thank you to Netgalley for this arc, even if it has taken me months to finally get round to it. Honestly the main reason for that is the opening chapters just did not entice me, but after I pushed through them, I was in.

The depictions of the MFC's OCD was incredibly well done and realistic - I always enjoy a realistic minority/disability rep in fantasy books and this one was very enlightening.

I actually really liked the two main characters, though the rest felt a little flimsy or predictable, but they played their parts well through the book.

The twist was very predictable and I think we all saw it coming from the start, though it was not unwelcome. It worked well with the overall story and I thought the ending and reveals were very satisfying.

Thanks again for the arc!

I don't even know where to begin..

I absolutely loved this story, the breathtaking way Smith has captured intrusive thoughts, as though it were entirely a separate being housed inside yourself, I feel that and I can unfortunately relate to the fact it feels there's a sinister voice in my head that doesn't let up.
The whole world she has created in this intoxicating book, was beautifully dark and totally binge worthy. I could honestly eat up any further works she produces in this world. something about the sheer identifiable themes, devils and sexy ghosts? Well.. that makes me want to go enter myself into a devils competition.
The things that scare me are usually, mostly, in my head, to find that shared darkness bared for the world to devour, is haunting and beautiful, honestly it struck me deep in the heart.

I was praying to any divine being, that this would have a happy ending, my mind kept telling me not so, in fact daring me to finish and suffer eternally.

At least I beat that one? that makes it at least one score in my mind.

was absolutely thrilled, yet got smacked by the ending of this book. it felt so unfinished and yet so good to finally be over.

The spice in this book was 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

The abrupt shift from dragons in my last read, to how I can only surmise as, reading a horny for ghost book, was so stilting I almost choked on my saliva when I learned Blackwell's a very very dirty ghost.

Honestly I absolutely loved this book, all the death and maiming and sexy ghosts aside, would I read it again? absofuckinglutely.

I know how it ends now and that only makes me eager to relive that wholly consuming, heart wrenching, twisty tale of finding the one you love no matter what. Eager for another emotional bruising at the hands of Smiths words.

I was especially touched at the notes from the author, I feel you Kaylie, I have felt all this too, I'm a warrior because I don't let my demons win.
if I can turn my experience into something even a fraction as good as this, then maybe there's a light at the end of my tunnel.

So thank you for writing this book and thank you for reminding me that these thoughts don't make me a monster and it's okay to choose your own path in life, and of course it's okay to not be okay, getting help doesn't make you weak, it makes us strong.

I thoroughly recommend this for all the spicy ladies out there.. always wanting to find a new note of something other, something more, more, more.

5 big fat stars. 🥴

Phantasma is a gorgeous cornicopia of intrigue, storyline and smouldering dynamics. An overly opulent summary of my overall opinion perhaps, but this book deserves the accolade. It is mesmerising and absolutely luscious. Unique, fresh and a delight to read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Second Sky/Forever and the author Kaylie Smith for this wonderful ARC. my review is left voluntarily and all opinons are my own

Intriguing and deadly secrets will unfold to keep you on your toes! ❤️‍🔥

Thank you to Kaylie Smith and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

♥️ Paranormal Romantasy
💀 Hounted house
♥️ Deadly competition/trials
💀 Secrets and Betrayal
♥️ Forbidden romance
💀 Forced proximity
♥️ Necromancer MMC with OCD
💀 Morally grey and Phantom MMC
♥️ Cinnamon roll only for her
💀 Touch her and 💀


Unfortunately the trials and competition bored me, which is quite normal for me. I also expected it to be more gothic paranormal so found it to be a bit too whimsical (which I also aren’t a fan of) was a bit of a let down. I didn’t like that part of Caraval either. I liked the MC, but didn’t enjoy the other characters as much as I hoped for.

Now to what was good! Exploration of the afterlife and the complexities with family relationships was really well written and one of my faves from this. The magic and worldbuilding was also very intriguing, although I would not have e minded a bit more. The romance was good and I liked their tension very much ever thought it wasn’t fire. The same can not be said for the plot twists that I absolutely gasped at, I did see some of them, but not everything and they was very fun!

FAVOURITE 5 ⭐ THIS YEAR

I am so devastated to have finished this book because I absolutely want MORE ❤️🖤

I bloody loved it! It had me completely obsessed from the very first chapter.

It's a dark gothic Romantasy set within a haunted mansion in the spooky town of New Orleans. You fight for your life in a series of deadly games and trials based around the 9 circles of hell that are wickedly evil and transform your worst fears and anxieties into reality.

It's full of horror, suspense, mystery and outrageously witty, sexy paranormal beings. I should not be so attracted to ghosts and phantoms but I 100% am!!!

As a lover of all things supernatural I found this to be so addictive and I am definitely getting in line for everything Kaylie Smith writes in the future. I am already on the countdown for Enchantras release next April 💜💀

Phantasma weaves a spellbinding tapestry of shadows and secrets, where every twist of the maze whispers a haunting melody of danger and desire. Ophelia’s desperate quest to rescue her sister plunges her into a world where beauty masks peril, and every alluring corridor hides a nightmare waiting to unfold. It’s a dance between light and darkness, courage and doubt, pulling readers into a realm where trust is fragile and the heart must brave the icy grip of the unknown. 🌙✨

The mansion itself feels alive—its twisting hallways and opulent ballrooms breathe with secrets, shifting like shadows in the night. Each challenge is a test not only of strength but of spirit, echoing the silent battles we all face within ourselves—fears that threaten to drown us and hopes that refuse to fade. The monsters that lurk are more than mere creatures; they symbolize our inner demons, making Ophelia’s journey deeply personal and universally resonant. 🌑👹

Enter Blackwell, a stranger cloaked in charm and danger—his dark allure pulling at her with promises of guidance and a price that cuts deep. His words are like a whispered spell, tempting yet treacherous, forcing Ophelia to confront the blurred line between trust and suspicion. Their connection simmers with a dangerous heat, a fragile ember threatening to ignite everything she holds dear. His bargain—ten years of her life—becomes a haunting question: how much are we willing to sacrifice for hope, for love, for salvation? 🔥💔

This story gracefully intertwines suspense, romance, and gothic elegance, crafting a poetic reflection on the cost of wishes and the shadows that lie within us all. It lingers like a beautiful nightmare, reminding us that sometimes the greatest monsters are not outside but within, lurking in the dark corners of our hearts. ✨🌹

If you yearn for a dark fairy tale filled with poetic beauty, intense emotion, and a touch of mystic allure, Phantasma will stay with you long after the last page turns. A mesmerizing journey into the perilous and intoxicating dance between danger and desire—truly a must-read for dreamers who believe in the magic and peril of love. 💖🔮

One of my favorite reads of the year so far, hands down. I loved every single moment of the story and immediately ordered Enchantra after finishing the last page of Phantasma. Genevieve and Ophelia's relationship truly baffled me at first with how distant they were even while living in the same house, but the relationship began to make a lot of sense as the story unfolded. Ophelia who at first didnt seem like an fmc I would like turned out to be so brave and the whole Blackwell situation and how it ended was something I never could've seen coming. Chef's kiss for anyone that enjoys romance with gothic elements.

This romantasy novel transports you to a richly imagined world bursting with magic and wonder. The characters are vivid and unforgettable, each with their own unique journey that pulls you in. The plot weaves together adventure, mystery, and heart in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. A beautifully crafted story that will enchant fans of the genre from start to finish.

Phantasma
Kaylie Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Phantasma follows Ophelia Grimm, whose sister has mysteriously disappeared. To save her, Ophelia enters the dangerous game of Phantasma, where she faces nine perilous challenges. The prize for the winner is a single wish, but there can only be one victor, and every contestant is determined to survive at all costs. The game is hosted in a haunted mansion filled with demons, apparitions, and shifting dangers, where new monsters are born daily. Along the way, Ophelia meets the charismatic and charming phantom, Blackwell, who offers his help in guiding her through the challenges—at the cost of ten years of her life. Although she knows she shouldn’t trust him, an intense attraction blossoms, threatening not only her survival in the competition but also her heart.

Phantasma sucked me in from start to finish! This book is the perfect blend of dark romantasy with a gothic twist- combined with the seductive romance and vivid horror this book really had it all! The plot was absolutely riveting- I loved how creative each of the games inspired by sins were and reading them was always so tense! There was also another plot line in between the games which kept things interesting- even outside of the game stakes were high and there were horrors around every corner. Also, don’t even get me started on the romance aspect of this book! The relationship between Ophelia and Blackwell was just EVERYTHING- there was banter, tension and some of the best spice and tension I’ve read in forever! I loved them both individually as characters- particularly Ophelia. I thought her OCD rep was written wonderfully into the story in a way that added to the horror. Overall, Phantasma was an enthralling read from start to finish- I can’t recommend it enough!

I wish I could say this writing style gripped me, but sadly it didn’t.

I feel bad when a writing style is what doesn’t hook me, because in the end I think that falls on the reader and our individual tastes. Sadly, this was a DNF for me.

This Book ATE!!!! In my romantasy era!!! This one kept me on my toes. The Phantom, the different levels. I just couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to enter this world again in Enchantra.

Thank you to Forever and netgalley for an arc.

blackwell blackwell blackwell. that's it; that's the review!

PS - it’s always the sister venturing off to do something questionable and the FMC has to go save her and the entire plot revolves around a selfish sister who’s not in the story but is very annoying! but Genevieve you do deserve rights after all.

Blackwell may be the Shadow Daddy of my dreams. This book was so much fun!

Phantasma was the perfect blend of suspense and romance. The author didn’t sacrifice one for the other, which I don’t imagine is easy to do, Ophelia has been kept in the dark about so many things in her life, but she was never a meek character by any means. She really does come into her own and grow as a character all throughout the levels of Phantasma. With every twist and new reveal, she adapts quickly and without difficulty. It really made her stand out as a main character and she was easy to root for throughout the challenges.

The romance between Ophelia and Blackwell was *chef’s kiss* perfection. Their connection is immediate, even before they meet, and once the full story is revealed it all circles back and makes sense.

Also, shoutout to Poe. My forever favorite character.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for a review copy.

Gothic Desire, Grief, and the Kind of Love That Burns Through Bone

The FMC is grief incarnate—lonely, angry, unraveling. She isn’t looking for a savior. She’s looking for meaning in the aftermath of everything she’s lost. And she finds it—not in safety—but in the dark. In the forbidden. In the arms of someone (or something) she was warned against.

The love interest is mystery wrapped in mourning. The kind of man who doesn’t say much but when he does, it wrecks you. He doesn’t ask for trust—he commands it. Their connection isn’t sweet. It’s sacrificial. It says: If I burn, you burn with me. And you’ll say yes. Every damn time.

Then there’s the setting—practically a character on its own. The crumbling manor. The halls that echo with memory. The veil between the worlds so thin, you breathe in the dead with every step. You don’t read Phantasma. You wander through it, lost in its shadows, aching to be found.

So here’s the truth:

If you want structure, predictability, or happily ever afters wrapped in sunlight—walk away.
But if you crave stories that bite, that moan with emotion, that drape you in velvet only to pierce you with glass—then Phantasma is your altar.

I seriously don’t know what took me so long to start this book. I devoured it in no time. Fantasy usually isn’t my thing, but this completely pulled me in. Like… am I actually a romantasy girl now?? Because wow.

Ophelia Grim completely owns my heart. She’s sharp, hilarious, and unapologetically herself. Her sarcasm? Top-tier. I was legit cracking up every few pages. Experiencing the story through her perspective made everything hit harder, every joke, every heartbreak, every moment. She’s fierce, layered, and impossible not to root for. I felt everything with her like I was right there.

Blackwell completely swept me off my feet. He’s got that perfect mix of confidence and charm, always saying just the right thing with a smirk that could melt anyone. He’s witty, a little cocky, but in the best possible way. Every time he spoke, I found myself grinning like a fool. He’s the kind of guy you can’t help but notice, and honestly, I’m here for it. Kaylie Smith really knew what she was doing with him he’s definitely my new fictional crush.

Ophie and Vivi? Heartfelt doesn’t even begin to cover it. Two sisters, one always expected to be more, the other quietly fading into the background. Despite everything, their bond was unshakeable, and watching it unfold was emotional in the best way. Their moments together had me tearing up. I loved their dynamic so much, it was raw, real, and so beautifully complicated.

The trials were incredible! I love it when challenges actually feel like they have consequences, and these definitely did. The true or false trial? Yeah, that’s going to haunt me for a while. I can’t even begin to imagine the fear those characters were feeling. I would’ve been a mess. The stakes were so high, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!

If you haven’t read this yet, stop what you’re doing and add it to your TBR! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Thank you so much to @secondskybooks, @readforeverpub, and @netgalley for the copy of this eARC!

#phantasma #wickedgames #kayliesmith #romantasy #darkfantasy #spicybooks #darkromance #bookstagrammer

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. Phantasma was exceptional. As a reader of fantasy, witches are my least favourite. But with the first chapter I was hooked. The darkness did not bother me. I almost finished the book in a day..
The writing was so to the point, no info dumps, no dragging. The world building and characters were excellent. This is a professional writing and I enjoyed immensely.
Thank you!

Omg where to start with this book!
I absolutely adored this book, from the whole premise of the sentient house and the romance.
I definitely will be recommending this to everyone I know!

5 stars from me!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

👻 Phantasma 👻
By: Kaylie Smith

Pages: 368
Rating: 5️⃣.0️⃣
Book Goal 2025: 40/130

✨Could you have a relationship with a ghost if we lived in a world where that wasn’t weird?✨

WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THIS BOOK?! Yall… I had an arc copy sitting on my kindle since.. forever ago!

I just kept putting it off because she’s a little thick and sometimes I have to be in a romantasy mood! Then everyone kept raving about how much they love it… so now I have finally read it and the second one is already out. Thankfully… because PHANTASMA HAS ME IN BOOK HANGOVER. Like if I was a young single woman and I lived in this world… Blackwell could get it.

Why was every single character in this book amazing? Even if I freaking hated them… they just FIT in the story. Kaylie smith writes relatable characters and a spicy 🌶️🥵 book with PLOT.

She’s going to be an autobuy for me after this one. 😍

This was so delightful that I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. Kaylie Smith does such a good job of balancing the intrigue of a deadly game with the excitement of the MCs falling in love. I'm forever a fan now. I can't wait to read Enchantra.

Thanks to Forever and Netgalley for my ARC.

Such an amazingly well crafted and interesting book. Definitely Smith’s best so far. Ophelia felt so genuine as a character, and her connection with Blackwell was was captivating. The entire book had me on edge trying to guess what was going on and how things were going to pan out. Can’t wait to read the sequel.