A widow trying make a new life and write an interior design book escaping an abusive husband finds out the house she has purchased to fulfill her dreams is haunted. The only way forward is to allow the pesky, nerdy, and sexy inventor who's been begging her to investigate the phenomenon into her life, and perhaps into her heart.

Delightfully swoon worthy and full of tender moments, this is a gothic-lite romance perfect for the Fall spooky season. I was absolutely thrilled when I discovered this is also quite steamy. I've never read such an absolutely sexy scene where a lover knows to stop and re-check in for consent (CW panic attacks). My heart grew five times.

Also, I adored Sam, his family, and their messiness and their heart, and how much love they immediately gave to Alva. She's so lonely and so deserving of love and it was truly beautiful to see.

The overall mystery with the ghosts was so inconsequential to me personally because the romance was just that good.

CW: domestic violence, threats of violence, gas-lighting (none of these by the hero), atmospheric scariness, panic attacks, sex (consensual)

Re-read in 2020 and I bumped up my 4-Star review to a full 5 because I just love this darn book so much. Sam is such an amazing romance hero, he just sparkles on the page, and oh, I'm so glad my dear Alva is wrapped up in her perfect HEA with him.

This also remains the best example of a love interest stopping sex as soon as they notice their partner dissociating. What fantastic example of consent and care, and I urge everyone to read this for it.