Did I expect something slightly different? Yes. Did I get something just as good? Also yes!

I thought this book is going to be a romance between a guy who sees ghosts and someone with the opposite personality who creates haunted houses. That’s about it.
Instead, “The (most unusual) haunting of Edgar Lovejoy” gave me the most comforting, cozy, loving and surprisingly spicy few hours of reading of this month and I can’t complain because I had a blast!

Because this is not just a story about someone who sees ghosts. It’s a story about someone who is quite literally and figuratively haunted by them. Edgar lives in constant fear, is unsure of himself and limits his life to whatever he can just so he can avoid spending time anywhere where the ghosts may be. I mean, this dude is absolutely terrified! On top of that his family is a mess and chaos incarcerate. At least, he works in a cat cafe so that’s cute.

And then he meets Jamie. Someone who has their own demons although they try as they might to be themselves in a world where their own family treat them like a problematic tick they just kinda have to be around but only on their own terms and without any regards to how Jamie feels. I mean, they’re not exactly subtle about not being supportive of Jamie’s career or their non-binary sexuality or literally anything else this poor soul does in their life. And their dicks about it too. But Jamie does have a stronger personality and they’re not (ish) afraid to stand up for what they believe in and what they worked so hard for.

This is why Edgar and Jamie’s relationship is like honey for the soul. They’re so perfect for each other! Sliiiightly too perfect in my opinion which kind of put me off at first but I understood quickly that that’s what these two needed. Jamie is open to understanding and taking Edgar the way he his and Edgar can give Jamie something Jamie desperately craves: acceptance, love and found family. Edgar is a walking ball of anxiety but he’s also a cutie patootie with so much love to give and the way he shows it to Jamie through their normal conversations but also in smexy scenes was just so glorious!

As I said, there’s a surprising amount of hot scenes between these two but they’re not cringy and they just emanate warmth, body positivity and healthy sexual exploration. I actually loved reading them! And I loved seeing how much more confidence Edgar had in these scenes.

I also absolutely adore the rest of the cast of characters ( except Jamie’s family, they’re pricks). Edgar’s family, his siblings Allie and Poe (yes, naming your kids after Edgar Allan Poe is one hell of an idea) are chaotic but in a good way. They are not perfect, they have their struggles and life messiness to deal with but the support they show to each other throughout this book is just so beautiful to watch. Even though it takes them a while to actually open up to each other and be honest with each other. I love the lore of their family and the fact that they all have some powers. It’s all so cool and I’d honestly love to read a book just about these three.

Jamie’s friends shine slightly less bright in this book I won’t lie and I expected even more details about Jamie’s haunted house making career. I think if the author gave it a bit more development I’d give this book 5⭐️ because haunted houses are such cool concepts (even though I hate them, Im scared of them and won’t ever step foot in one).

Anyway, to conclude: this is not just a romance. This is a book about acceptance, overcoming your fears and insecurities, standing up to your bullies and people you’d hope be on your side. It’s a super comforting read, perfect spooky book for autumn and a damn good ghost story. I genuinely loved the descriptions of the ghosts Edgar saw and kinda wish there were more of them but I wouldn’t want to completely terrorize my boy just to get that😅

I had a damn good time reading this book and I think ya’ll should read it asap.

ALSO HAVE I MENTIONED THE PLOT IS SET IN NEW ORLEANS?! I mean…. I hope I convinced yo

What an absolutely swoonworthy love story. I’m honestly a little speechless at how much I adored this book. From the very first page, I was completely sucked into Edger’s world — like, *take my life and replace it with his*, please.

Between the cozy cat café, the dreamy vintage store, and being a haunt designer (!!!), I’m not even going to pretend I’m not wildly jealous of the job lineup.

The emotional highs and lows? They *wrecked* me (in the best way). And that ending? Yeah... I’m still recovering, but with a full heart.

A perfect mix of cozy, creepy, and romantic with just the right dash of spice. Honestly, just read it. You’ll thank me later.

🐈🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛👻👻👻😱😱😱🌶🌶🥰🥰

3.5 stars

This is a very lovely, gentle queer romance. It's cute and funny, and it hit me in the feels more than a lot of romances do. Jamie and Edgar's tenderness with each other felt so genuine that it made me emotional. They both get a chance to grow because of the relationship, and I think this did a decent job of making this not about saving or fixing someone else through love, but how the relationship inspires them to deal with their shit, for themselves and for the sake of the other person.

This is very much a contemporary romance first and foremost, which is not a genre I typically read. I was hoping for a lot more from the supernatural fantasy side of things, and I feel like the ghosts could have been put to better use. There's also not much of an overarching plot outside the relationship. Jamie and Edgar each have pretty solid character arcs, and there's a lot of stuff going on over the course of the story, but I would have preferred more of a throughline in terms of plot. The sibling relationships are a real highlight, but they're one of just so many things going on that they don't get the focus they deserve.

Edgar's anxiety is a huge focus of the plot, which makes for a tough read at times, especially when he can't get out of his own way enough to communicate. I thought this was handled overall pretty well, and it was nice to see him make progress in managing it.

The sex scenes are so good! I loved the light power exchange and Edgar figuring out and learning to articulate what he wants. I love love love seeing queer sex depicted as more than just hetero sex with the serial numbers filed off. There's so much scope for playfulness and creativity and I thought that came across really well here.

Overall, a super cute read, but definitely more for the romance fans than the fantasy fans.

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy by Roan Parrish was the cozy paranormal romance I didn’t know I needed in my life. Perfect to snuggle up with a warm drink and enjoy are the darkening nights. The writing and tone of the novel is almost like a warm hug. The characters are so lovable and likable you instantly get invested. The amount of paranormal is just right to give a few goosebumps but nothing too much. It’s believable fun and enjoyable and I will definitely be getting a physical copy. If you love cozy romance this is a must read.
As always thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

I was ready for fake haunted houses and real haunting ghosts, but this was primarily a queer contemporary romance packed with so much other stuff that the paranormal elements came short in comparison. The couple was very sweet and all the characters were great in general, but some things just rubbed me the wrong way and I'm overall pretty conflicted about this book.

The book follows the romance between Edgar and Jamie who couldn't be more different from one another. Jamie is a designer of haunted houses and they generally like to express themselves in any way possible while Edgar is very shy and anxious and literally haunted. They meet and become a couple very quickly, and then the story is about them navigating their lives together. I genuinely liked the characters, but I would have preferred a slower burn. The book is very fast paced in my opinion and especially the beginning felt very dense. Like, in the first 5% of the book we meet both main characters and learn about their respective family situation and about all of their problems, and there's also a vampire-themed burlesque dance and a ghost encounter AND the initial meeting of the two also happens. It was a lot. It didn't exactly get better as the book went on, but I got used to how full this book felt at all times. The book really dives into the family dynamics of both Edgar and Jamie for instance, and that's why there is a birth and a wedding in this book about two people who just met each other. It's a shame that the author didn't really find a balance there, because the sibling relationships are a big strength of this book in my opinion. I also really appreciate the anxiety representation. Edgar made himself very small due to his ghost-seeing ability to the point where he just never goes out or socializes if not necessary. He's scared every day and doesn't dare to live a normal life, and there were quotes about his anxiety that I felt in my soul. But I am pretty unhappy with the way his anxiety was handled as the book went on. Edgar blossoms because of Jamie and that sure is nice, but from the way his condition was described he needed professional help and not only the power of love or the real-talk-with-a-ghost crap that this book presented. I'm sure it's not intentionally written like that, but that's the impression I got and it was a pity that it wasn't handled with more care. The book isn't as fun and silly as cover and title may suggest, so there definitely was room to address the topic of mental health in a more distinct way. Jamie's struggle with identity and being perceived by others were handled better in my opinion, but also not in a super satisfying way. Which is realistic, probably. Not at all realistic, nor convincing, was the whole supernatural part of this book. I feel like the ghosts were not utilized in any meaningful way and I'm really wondering why they were part of this book at all. Sure, they are the reason for Edgar's anxiety, but that could have been literally anything else too. I kinda wish that the paranormal part had been cut completely, because I just can't see its purpose. Well, that's not true. The purpose is that I picked this book up for the supernatural elements, because I would just never read a romance by itself. So I think it's clear where my disappointment is coming from. I would totally recommend this book as a queer spicy romance with great characters though, and I'm sure that other readers wouldn't stumble over the same things that I did. 3.5 stars.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks UK for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book.

Everything was just PERFECT. Well written, well plotted. The relationship between Edgar and Jamie is just amazing, the way it grows and the way they are here for each other, until the last chapter. This is a romance book, so expect an HEA (no 3rd arc breakup YAY!) and real romance, with first dates.

Jamie's family...well...no spoiler from me here, read the book and find out. I felt sorry for the character because it also felt very real, and it saddens me.

Overall, the story is entertaining, and the book is great. A Perfect read for the upcoming spooky season.

Pick it up if you like:
- A diverse cast of characters
- Complex and real relationships
- Romance (open-door)
- New Orleans settings (this was so cool)
- Ghosts and trauma (it goes hand in hand)

I'm curious about Edgar's siblings. Will Poe get his own book? There is definitely a vibe there.

A sweet cosy queer romance, with a supernatural undercurrent. I genuinely felt for the protagonists with their unique challenges (!), and it was a pleasure to take this journey with them.

3.5/5 stars

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy is a queer cosy paranormal romance set in New Orleans. Jamie Wendon-Dale is an outgoing transmasc nonbinary haunted house designer and performs at a queer burlesque show. Edgar Lovejoy is an introverted gay man who can see ghosts that torment him. Their attraction may be instantaneous but can they building a relationship when their outlooks are opposite?

This book is not really a romance. It’s sort of slice of life (more so than cozy) that just so happens to follow two people who become a couple. Jaime and Edgar’s romance was pretty set from the start, and it never really felt like the main driving point of the plot. They just had to each deal with their own issues while building a relationship with each other. Jaime must deal with their family who still seeks to reshape and redefine their trans-ness. Edgar meanwhile must finally confront his fear of his ability so he can redefine what it means for his life going forward. There is spice in this book for those looking for that and it was more involved than expected.

I thought the dialogue was kind of rough, and I actually had to look up the author to see if this was their first book (it’s not). But it was either I eventually got used to it or it wasn’t really that much of an issue as I found it initially. And it was really just the dialogue and not the rest of the writing. Everything did just felt very “lite”, like it barely scratched the surface of everything it throws into the story. From the Edgar’s ghost abilities to Jaime’s misgendering from their family to Edgar’s complicated family dynamics, it only touches each lightly with mostly platitudes and soft resolutions.

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy is a queer slice-of-life paranormal romance that could have used more depth.

*Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablance/UK for the eARC via NetGalley

This book is cosy queer romance with a ghostly twist. It’s tender, spooky, and full of heart, like a warm blanket with a few bumps in the night.

Thank you to Netgalley & Source Books for an e-arc of this book! All opinions will be my own.

This book is a wonderful celebration of queer joy, love, found family and finding yourself. Edgar (He/Him) and Jamie (They/Them) had instant chemistry and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed throughout the book.
The plot focuses a lot on Edgar's anxiety around seeing ghosts and how debilitating this has become for him, so much so that he rarely leaves the house unless it is got work. His character development was realistic, as his anxiety did not go away when he was in a relationship, but rather that he learnt new coping mechanisms.

Jamie was a supportive partner and their job as a 'Haunter' (someone who creates haunted houses) was so cool. Jamie is working through a toxic family dynamic where their family misgenders them and tries to patronises them, which can be hard to read, but also the author dealt with this well.

Also, I love Edgar's family! I won't give spoilers, but I enjoyed their roles in the plot.
Something that I would have liked more of was backstory for the Lovejoy's mother and what happened to them as teenagers during this time.
Another thing I would have liked was more ghosts on the page, as their occurrences were rare, as well as learning why the Lovejoys could actually see them.

Overall, a great story with diverse representation and an exploration of romantic and platonic love.

This is joy in book form and the perfect book to settle down with in the fall. The cosy vibes are extremely strong, secured tight with the introduction of the cat cafe. (Yes I'm obsessed with the names Edgar gave the cats.)

There is mental health and LGBTQIA rep all throughout this book. The way anxiety & fear is both written about and handled by the characters is really sweet. If you've ever suffered with anxiety, you'll see a part of yourself in the MC. Every part of this book was enjoyable to read and well written. I'm a little bit obsessed with Edgar and I hope this isn't the last we read of him!

This was a wonderful and heartwarming read!

I finished this in just a few days, and couldn't wait to dive back in.
Normally my books revolve around the main romance, but in this book the characters got together early. This was actually awesome because it showed an incredibly healthy and supportive relationship, with the main plot being about facing unsupportive family members and past traumas you have been pushing down.
The relationship was so well written; the two characters helped each other when needed, and offered support even when not directly asked. It was refreshing not having an infuriating third act breakup or a silly fight or issue stirred just for some plot.

I loved the found family and getting to see two lovely souls find themselves surrounded by love, especially as two QUEER young people. It was also heartwarming that because it was from two POV's you got to see how each of them saw the other one. Also the s*x scenes were HOT! And I didn't expect the strap-on rep! I think it's the first time I've read it and it came across so normalised, which was awesome.

The actual ghosts were more horrible than I was expecting, the descriptions were gross, to my delight! I wish we got more answers about why they see ghosts or why the ghosts seek the family out, but I guess part of the point was that not even the family themselves knew. Like real life hauntings, everyone has their own theories. This made it feel realistic also. I really wish I could rock up to a hang out with the characters from this book, they are wonderful.

Firstly, Thank you to Sourcebooks UK, the author and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for a review.

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy by Roan Parrish was an absolutely great read which I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a queer love story of Edgar and Jamie, who have a connection that is a slow burn but shows that opposites do attract.

Edgar’s family is portrayed as loving but messy. It highlights real things that are relatable, for example, a sister who faces single motherhood. Edgar’s character is a sweetheart and you feel his vulnerability from the beginning. He works part-time in a cat cafe but aside from that he doesn't really have much of a life.

Edgar lives with the supernatural since a childhood tragedy, whereas Jamie designs haunted houses for a living and doesn’t actually believe in ghosts. The hauntings are more metaphors than actual horror; the echoes of fear and grief.

At the same time, Jamie also has to navigate complicated family dynamics as a transmasc non-binary individual. So this also showed a vulnerability to Jamie which is why the love story between him and Edgar really works.

This book wouldn’t usually be my go to but I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to read it. I would definitely recommend it and it will be a great autumn read.

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy is so cute, earnest, and cosy that I was grinning for much of the story. Edgar and Jamie feel like two halves of the same character, and their romance has that nostalgic, good-corny energy that reminded me of reading queer fanfiction as a teenager. Its a rare moment where I’m reminded of the hype around seasonal romance reads—where can I find more cosy and spooky trans romances like this?

The ghostly haunting plot (unfortunately) sometimes takes a backseat to the romance, and parts of the story lean on cheesy or shallow beats—but honestly, that was part of the fun. Edgar’s family stood out as particularly engaging side characters, while Jamie’s family subplot sometimes felt like it only existed to push forward their big moments. The balance between spooky atmosphere and romance isn’t always consistent, but the overall charm wins out.

It’s fun, spooky-lite, and left me feeling warm and nostalgic. I’m very glad I can experience a genderqueer hallmark-esque novel.

Thank you Sourcebooks and Netgalley for sharing The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy ARC with me!

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy is a tender, cozy gem that wraps eerie charm around a deeply human story. Edgar, burdened by spectral visitors since a childhood tragedy, lives in quiet tension with the supernatural. Jamie, non-binary and delightfully grounded, designs haunted houses for a living but doesn’t believe in actual ghosts. Their worlds shouldn’t mesh - but they do, beautifully.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans, the book leans more whimsical than terrifying. The hauntings serve less as horror and more as metaphor - echoes of grief, fear, and the weight of memory. What unfolds is not a ghost-hunting thriller, but a gentle, emotionally rich romance that blossoms with trust, care, and mutual healing.

The supporting cast is just as vivid: Edgar’s family is messy, loving, and fully realized. A brother returns after years away, a sister faces single motherhood with grit and grace, and even the side characters feel like real people with lives beyond the page.

Jamie and Edgar’s connection is slow-burn and sincere, with spicy scenes that are respectful, affirming, and full of tenderness. I loved how gender was never an 'issue', it was just the truth. It was so wonderful. The author’s language is thoughtful, especially around Jamie’s identity, and the romance never feels forced or formulaic. Best of all, it dodges the dreaded third-act breakup trope, opting instead for growth and emotional honesty.

If you’re craving a queer love story with ghostly ambiance, rich family dynamics, and a whole lot of heart, Edgar Lovejoy is the perfect read for a chilly evening. It’s not about being scared - it’s about being seen.

What it is that's said about opposite's attracting? Edgar is a sweetheart - he works part-time in a cat cafe but aside from that doesn't really have much of a life. He's a reclusive, deeply scared, tortured guy. Why? He sees ghosts - literally - and usually not of the friendly seeming kind. And then he meets Jamie; a stunning burlesque performer, who to Edgar's horror genuinely designs haunted houses for a living. Jamie seems like they have life all figured out but has a deeply problematic relationship with their family and a cynicism for dating. These two find one another, and everything starts to change for both of them. Together they learn and grow, becoming the missing pieces of one another's lives.

This is a gorgeous book, I loved it from beginning to end. It is poignant, tragic, beautiful and romantic - with a more than a little erotic in there too. It looks at love, fear, redemption and respect in equal measure and as a result what could so easily (in the hands of a different author) have been a cheesy horror, a bad twist on dating, or a diatribe on LGBTQ+ rights...isn't. This isn't a book I would usually have picked up, but I am so glad I did; because to miss out would have been a crying shame.

Thank you to Sourcebooks UK, the author and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy by Roan Parrish is an absolute delight from start to finish—a charming, heartfelt queer love story wrapped in a cozy, slightly spooky package.

Edgar and Jamie’s romance completely stole my heart. Edgar, with all his quiet quirks and insecurities, blossoms so beautifully through Jamie’s warmth and encouragement. Watching Jamie—an utterly magnetic burlesque performer and haunted house designer—draw Edgar out of his shell and help him face his fears was tender, joyful, and deeply moving.

At the same time, Jamie’s navigation of complicated family dynamics as a transmasc non-binary individual added layers of realism and vulnerability that made the love story shine even brighter.

This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, and smiling constantly. It’s the kind of romance that feels magical while also being deeply human.

The supporting characters were wonderful, too—Poe and Allie in particular added so much life, fun, and heart to the story.
I devoured this book in just two days because I simply couldn’t put it down.

Roan Parrish has crafted a story that is loving, cozy, affirming, and brimming with queer joy. A perfect comfort read, and one I’ll be recommending to everyone.

*4.5 stars

Edgar is haunted by ghosts, like the rest of his family, however for him, they’re terrifying apparitions following a childhood tragedy. Jamie works as a scarer for a haunted house, is non-binary, and dealing with an upcoming family wedding. They’re an unlikely pair but there’s something undeniable between them.

This was such an adorable read, I honestly couldn’t put it down. I was expecting it to lean a little heavier on the spooky aspect but I didn’t mind when it was lighter and focused more on the supportive relationships, not just between the two leads but Edgar’s family as well (One brother is recently returned after he left home as a teenager and one sister, pregnant and ready to pop while newly single).

It’s cozy, low stakes, and just so incredibly woven with family connections and reciprocal relationships as Jamie and Edgar fall in love and grow together. The spicy scenes are respectful in every aspect from Jamie’s preferences to the language the author uses and they’re so tender and in love throughout. I was bracing myself for a third act breakup as per the typical playbook which thankfully never happens.

Every character is well-developed, from the recipients of Edgar’s deliveries to their friends to the family members. Perfect spooky holiday read.

Easy to read with an interesting idea. The characters are semi-believable; they need a bit more depth. The writing is accessible, although it does get repetitive and very step-by-step.
The story is good if you want a queer contemporary romance.
2,75

This book was such a cozy surprise. It’s got ghosts, New Orleans atmosphere, and a sweet queer romance at the center. Jamie designs haunted houses for a living but doesn’t believe in actual hauntings, while Edgar has been followed by ghosts his whole life. Watching their worlds collide was charming, funny, and sometimes really moving.

The story isn’t scary so much as a little eerie, and I liked that balance and It felt magical rather than heavy. What really stood out to me was how the haunting worked as both a spooky detail and a metaphor for the way fear and doubt can take over someone’s life. Jamie and Edgar’s relationship grows gently, with trust and care, and it left me feeling warm and hopeful by the end.

If you’re in the mood for a queer romance with a bit of ghostly atmosphere but a lot of heart, this one’s worth picking up.