I'm sometimes a little hit and miss with Roan Parrish, but the plot of this sounded too sweet to pass up, and I was definitely in the mood for something sweet.

This is the story of Jamie and Edgar, and a little more, of their families, found and otherwise. The haunting is actually far more low key than you'd expect given it's such a large part of the plot. I suspect it could have been replaced with something else quite easily and it wouldn't have been much of a change of pace, because the heart of the story is very much people.

It has echoes of the Middle of Somewhere in it, Parrish's earlier book, but it somehow was much more enjoyable to me.

A lovely, cosy read.

4.5*

Ok, I’m going to start with the fact that I was completely jarred by explicit on page sex scenes in a book billed as ‘cozy’. I have absolutely no issue with them either in general or in the context of the book, but it’s totally not what I expect in cozy books or any genre.

Right, that part done, this is a lovely romance, and should be billed as such. I was left wanting (and expecting) more from the supernatural/ghost elements, which could definitely have been deeper. I’ve gone for 4 stars because it’s a well written romance, but it was a close run thing because I had high expectations of the ghost/haunting elements from the title/blurb which were never fulfilled. But it works well as a romance centred on chosen family, so it felt unfair to dock a star.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great read that had great character dynamics. I found it a really sweet story. Ghosts and haunted houses what more would you want.

The Most Unusual Haunting of Edgar Lovejoy is the story of a couple who, on paper, shouldn't work - Jamie's livelihood is all about the make believe spook factor, designing haunted houses whereas Edgar is haunted and traumatised by the ghosts he sees every time he ventures out of his house.
There is an instant connection when they meet...but will Edgar ever be able to tell Jamie their secret? Can Jamie fully open up to someone after their family have been so unaccepting of them as a transmasc person?
I enjoyed this book. It's got a great cozy autumnal feel and I loved the New Orleans setting. If you're looking for a really supernatural read for Halloween, this may not be the book for you, as the ghost element of the book is a little vague. However as a romance read, it's a really lovely and heartwarming reading experience, with great characters that you really root for.

Thanks to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to review an advanced copy of the house in exchange for an honest review.

Jamie, (a transmasc they/them), makes a living creating non- haunted houses. For them, ghosts are a business, a performance, not something real. On the other side of the coin is Edgar, (a cis he/him), who is genuinely haunted. His life has been a constant struggle to avoid the spirits that torment him. He is terrified of the apparitions he sees. Once the two get together Roan Parrish sets the stage for a thoughtful romance that's both sweet and poignant.

The romance between Jamie and Edgar unfolds both slowly and gently. It's not just about seeing ghosts and building non-haunted houses, it's about whether the anxiety ridden Edgar can trust Jamie enough to be truly vulnerable, and whether Jamie can open their minds to the possibility that someone could fall in love with them.

I must admit that I thought that the book would include a more supernatural element, given the title, however, it's more about the MCs learning to trust both themselves and one another. The story is about overcoming self-doubt, and the fear of being truly seen. Edgar's struggle with his 'haunting' represents the baggage he carries. He has let fear control his whole life. His journey to self-acceptance is genuinely moving. Jamie, through Edgar's love, accepts that they are enough, even though their family refuses to accept their transition. Despite not quite being what I expected, the romance is beautifully written and heartwarming. I enjoyed both Edgar and Jamie, they're so perfect together, and also the friends/family, (loved Poe, by the way), they surround themselves with. I found it a charming read, which I did enjoy.

Thanks to Netflix for the ARC.

I thought the premise, a young man who sees ghosts meets a Trans man whose family do not accept them, was interesting along with the cover. I wasn’t sure though but was drawn by the reviewers saying it was a warm hearted and cute book. I tend to read a few books and listen to an audiobook at the same time so thought some light relief would be nice. I didn’t expect much.
I don’t know how but the writing did pull me in and I consistently chose to read this over the other books I was reading. The characters are believable and feel like people you would want to know. They are totally adorable and not typical of my age group but when I think of my son and his friends the tone becomes more believable. There are misunderstandings, as occur in the best romantic books, but you always have the hope it will end well.
I loved the vibrant descriptions of the places the characters visit and in a way it played like a film in my head which made it a joy to read. I could imagine it being made into a film or a series.
What I found strange was although the book is base in America my mind just kept transporting it to a city in England, Nottingham for some reason, in the Uk. Maybe it’s because they had a cafe with cats in it!
I think overall my description of the book is cute, I would recommend and I would like to read more from this author. The ending felt a bit rushed and I was anticipating another twist but it left me wanting more which is never a bad thing. I would recommend the book for anyone looking for a romantic book with a twist with lovable characters that I would hope to meet again. I have marked the other books from this author as want to read, which I think says a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinions.

Ahhh this was so good!! I love Edgar and Jamie so much. I want to hug Edgar, poor dude needs hugs clearly.

This was the perfect cosy, autumn read - I would definitely recommend it. It was so tender and the characters just adore each other. I love reading books with genuine, good communication and understanding between the main characters.

Jamie is our transmasc non-binary haunter, they love their job creating haunted houses. I loved seeing Jamie slowly become more confident in themself, seeing them finally stand up to their family. Jamie is such a beautiful character, they were so gentle and understanding with Edgar.

Edgar is our haunted man - he can see ghosts, literally. He also works at a cat café! He experienced so much at a young ago and has always been haunted by ghosts, living in constant fear and anxiety. I loved watching him slowly become more comfortable and less wary of the ghosts. His relationship with Jamie is so beautiful, had me tearing up at points. They work so well together, they clearly adore each other.

this was a toss up between 3 and 4 stars. but I've read some 4 stars I enjoyed more, so I'm afraid it had to get the lower score.

I have mixed feelings about this book. overall, I enjoyed it. it's a beautiful LGBTQ+ love story between Edgar (male) and Jamie (trans/non-binary). I loved how incredibly inclusive this book was (there is some family related conflict, especially around Jamie's sexuality and how their family treat them). but for the most part this book was like a guide to the cutest, most perfect relationship you've ever seen.

Edgar and Jamie both have their problems, but somehow they resolve everything. they are the very definition of a modern couple. where they are open about their feelings, make each other feel safe and secure, try to improve the other but without making them feel like they failed for being different in the first place. it is a truly beautiful relationship that so many should aspire to.

my main issue with this book was the ghost aspect. not really a spoiler, but Edgar (and several of his family members) can see ghosts. so Edgar lives in absolute terror all the time in case he sees a ghost which sends him into a kind of panic attack.
but for almost the whole book, this wasn't really brought up. there were mentions of him seeing a creepy hand, or a ghost passing by, but not much else. he wrestles with the idea of telling Jamie about the ghosts, because obviously he doesn't want them to think he's insane and leave him.
there was a bit more of the ghost stuff towards the end... but honestly...this whole book could have been written woth the ghosts replaced with something else and been basically the same.
I kind of get the feeling the author was trying to do something different. because we have all seen countless books about the guy who was abused growing up because they were gay, or the trans kid forced to be someone they're not. this book feels like the author was like 'instead of an abuse past, let's shove some ghosts in there'.

I mean, it's not the worst idea. it does lead to some good moments within the book. but it just felt wedged in there as a different element to try and sell another romance novel.

so overall, this book was decent. as I said, ghosts felt pointless, and at times the book actually felt a bit sickly sweet with how perfect Edgar and Jamie are, but you know what? sometimes it's also nice to read about a couple who are perfect for one another, who listen, care and would do anything to make sure the other feels safe and comfortable.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this arc.

I really liked this book, it was very sweet and wholesome in it's approach to anxiety. The main characters were so caring of each other and understanding. Edgar's family had such a bond to each other that was lovely to see while also being such a contrast to Jamie's family that it was nice for Jamie to get to experience that unconditional familial love.

I also loved the cute doodles of ghosts spread throughout the book.

I would definitely recommend this one it is a sweet wholesome read with a paranormal background.

What you see is what you get, and what you get is a cozy book you'll read wrapped in a blanket next to the fire place!

Well, this was exactly what it promised to be : cosy, cute, wholesome and a little haunted.
Edgar sees ghosts and terrified of them. It makes him anxiety ridden (well, he was already anxiety ridden before, but it's different with the ghosts). Jamie is trans and nonbinary, comes from a family that doesn't support them as they should, but they managed to build a life they love.
If this story is very sweet, it isn't bland. There is a hefty dose of trauma and fears, insecurities and complicated dynamics. For Edgar it's a story about coming out of his shell of fear; for Jamie, it's pursuing the realisation of themselves. They help each other, accompanied by Edgar sister and brother. As well as cats and haunted houses.

I don't think this read will stay with me very long, it was little too cosy for me, but it was nice little respite, a nice hug and hopeful story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks UK for approving my request to read an arc of this book

I remember seeing the cover reveal for this book a while ago and being so drawn to it. I read the plot description and immediately added it to my tbr. When I saw it was available to request I did so instantly and absolutely adored reading it.
I’m always on the look out for books with trans characters and Jamie was such a wonderful character to get to know. I wholeheartedly loved reading about theirs and Edgar’s relationship and how much they supported each other through anything they faced.
Besides the romance plot, I also greatly enjoyed the sibling relationship between Edgar and his sister and younger brother.
The supernatural elements of the plot were also something that drew me to this story.
All in all I can’t recommend this book enough and if you enjoy books with healing, romance, some spice and plenty of ghosts, then look no further!