The Ghost Slept Over

by Marshall Thornton

When failed actor Cal Parsons travels to rural New York to claim the estate of his famous and estranged ex-partner he discovers something he wasn’t expecting…the ghost of his ex! And, worse, his ex invites Cal to join him for all eternity. Now. As Cal attempts to rid himself of the ghost by any means he begins to fall for the attractive attorney representing the estate. Will Cal be able to begin a new relationship or will he be seduced into the ever after?“A highly entertaining tale of the ex who wouldn’t leave, with a hilarious cast of characters you won’t soon forget.” Eden Winters, author of Diversion.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Humor, Ghosts, LGBT

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2014

About the author

Three-time Lambda Award-winning author, Marshall Thornton is best known for the Boystown and Pinx Video mystery series. Other novels include the erotic comedy The Perils of Praline, or the Amorous Adventures of a Southern Gentleman in Hollywood, Desert Run and Full Release. Marshall has an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA, where he received the Carl David Memorial Fellowship and was recognized in the Samuel Goldwyn Writing awards.

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Reviews

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Hearts

Hi. *waves*

It’s me in my corner. Again. In my box of shame.

Full disclosure. I’m not one who usually likes ghost stories, but the chance at listening to an audio, and a Marshall Thornton one at that, I was hopeful this would change my mind. It didn’t.

Basically this is about Cal, a non-working actor scraping by but just barely. Luck is on his side when he confoundingly inherits the estate of his very rich ex whom he hasn’t seen in 15 years. As Cal arrives in the small town where his inheritance is located, he just quickly wants to liquidate things and move on. However, his dead ex Mac, won’t let him do so easily, and Cal unknowingly gets pulled into an extended stay due to the machinations of the town’s theatre group who's desperate to gain some extensive funding from him. In and amongst these happenings, Cal finds himself getting more and more romantically entangled with lawyer Dewey, who is only too happy to help him navigate and manage his new assets.

So….. I apparently am not the target audience for such, and apparently my sense of humor was not turned on either. The reason why I often scoff at ghosts is because I tire of shenanigans where the MC is trying to look sane while fending off a jealous, malicious, annoying spirit who just won’t let sleeping dogs lie. The farcical moments of everyone not being able to see said ghost, except the one person it’s “haunting”, can be a bit much. However, many many readers thought this funny and quirky so don’t mind me in my corner. I just found the greedy townsfolk bent on getting Cal’s money and the selfish reasons for why Cal’s ex wanted him so badly, overpowered the romance brewing between Cal and Dewey, and it was quite frustrating.

You can’t win ‘em all right?

Narrated by Jason Frazier, I liken him to a more subdued Joel Leslie which may work for some and not for others. However, his very distinctive cadence and rhythm took some getting used to, and I never quite warmed up to him, despite his enthusiastic interpretation and great voice distinction.

I so wanted to like this hard. I won’t say never to another ghost story, but I think for now, I’ll just stick to Thornton’s mysteries instead.

Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review

[LenaRibka · Rating 4 out of 5]

BR with Sofia and Rosa


HILARIOUS!!!


What a crazy and amusing ride!

What a witty and sweet romantic comedy!

What do we have:

A failed actor Cal Parsons, who performes his one-man show in queer coffee shops across California for fifty bucks per week, who lives in his own truck and dreams about a big career in New York, becomes suddenly and totally unexpected for himself the only heir of his ex-partner's estate.

An attractive country lawyer Dewitt Morgan, who was the attorney of McCormack Williams, the ex of Cal Parsons, for 7 years, who represents his estate and who almost gives up the hope to meet MISTER RIGHT.

A moody ghost, who wants to be loved.

The Bernyard Players, a community theater, that wants to survive through a sudden absence of financial support.

Add to all that the dry humour of Marshall Thornton, his amazing writing skills, changing POVs from the first person a là Marshall Thornton- he is a genius of the first person's POV and here you have it double!- and you'll have an entertaining quirky sweet story that I'd like to become a movie!

Epilogue:
I fell asleep yesterday with my kindle in my hands, and I swear, I was giggling in my dreams...

Highly recommended!

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wish this book would be bought by Hollywood and turned into a romantic comedy. But, since the movie-going market refuses to like gay romances, it seems unlikely. Sigh.

Marshall Thornton is best known to me for the "Boystown" books; his gritty and authentic detective series set in early 1980s Chicago featuring gay ex-cop Nick Nowack. "The Ghost Slept Over" is a departure, and a truly delightful one.

A comic romance about a struggling LA actor who inherits a fortune from a long-ago ex, it is also the sort of small-town farce that reminds me of the Christopher Guest film "Waiting for Guffman" and the classic film by Noel Coward, "Blithe Spirit." There is really nothing in this book that is entirely new for this genre, which is why Marshall's deft comic writing skills are so important. He is a funny writer, and left me chuckling all the way through the narrative. The main characters, Cal and Dewey (the actor and his small-town lawyer) are by no means deep psychological portraits; but we learn more than enough about them to understand who they are, and to feel like they're friends. Indeed, Cal at first seems shallow and opportunistic - but that feeling gradually gives way to something more sympathetic as we learn how he got to where he is.

It's also important that the main characters in the book are all gay and all out in the context of small-town America. Dewey tosses out the line "there are more homophobes than homos" in his town, as he ponders the difficulty presented by dating for gay men in quaint, isolated Marlboro. And yet, he lives his life openly and without any hesitation or shame. He has found happiness away from a big gay population center. He's likable and admirable. As gay as he was, Noel Coward was all about amusing his straight audiences with innuendo and sly asides. None of his plays ever confronted actual gay men living gay lives (yeah, yeah, it was the time, I know, I know). For me, that makes this book important.

So I want everyone who likes this book to make good use of their extensive Hollywood industry connections. Let's see if we can get it made into a film before Matt Bomer gets too old to play Cal, or Russell Tovey too old to play Dewey. Hey, I can always dream.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**

I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. I had read The Perils of Praline by this author about a year ago and I was a little put off by the main character. Though the humor missed the mark for me in that one, I was anxious to see what else this author had up his sleeve. And apparently he had this goody up there.

This story started off a bit slow. I wasn't exactly sure where the plot was taking me and I found Cal to be too self-involved for my taste. However, as the story progressed I was blown away at how funny it became. Once the ghost started factoring into the story, it really took off. The timing, the pacing... it all became spot on. I grew to love these quirky, flawed characters. Cal especially did a 180 for me. I loved him best of all and his interactions with Mac were my favorite parts of the story. All in all, the plot was interesting and, though it is confusing to explain to someone else, it came together easily and effortlessly.

My one complaint is the romance. I loved Dewey and Cal together but I didn't feel a magnetic connection. They were so amusing as a pair, but as two people in love? Eh.

I still really enjoyed this book and it was an easy decision to round up to 4 stars. Very nicely done, Marshall Thornton.

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

8-22-18
ebook is currently on SALE for .99cents on Amazon US & UK only, until August 29th.
https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Slept-Ov...

3-7-18 review
A complimentary audio was provided in exchange for an honest review.

OMG, this book was AWESOME!!!! Seriously, if you like to laugh - this is the book to read/listen to (hint - the audio was amazingly wonderful and if you can, choose that option. ;) ). I found myself laughing - out loud!!!! - soooo many times. :D

Mac is a ghost, but that doesn't stop him from being a self-centered dramaqueen, lol. The reason he is a ghost isn't particularly relevant to the story, just know it wasn't foul play. He has left his entire estate to his ex, Cal, who is a broke (lives in his truck) "actor." Dewey is Mac's lawyer and has contacted Cal to iniherit the estate. Now that I've set the scene, let the fun begin!!

Mac - for whatever reason - hasn't moved on to wherever spirits go next. So, he decides to harass Cal and as the blurb says, tries to convince him to kill himself so they can be together forever. Ahh, the comedy. Mac is just a hoot!!! Yes is a selfish a-hole, but he's so, so, hmm, so selfish and crap, I don't know the word for what he is but I loved him!!! And Cal is adorable!! I loved to watch them interact with each other and the ghostbusting was just so gooooood!! I can't express to you how much I loved the haunting and ghostbusting. No there weren't any proton packs, but it was close. ;)

And Dewey, he is so cute and a little flustered around Cal, but part (if not most) of that is due to the fact that the Red Barn Players (local theatre group) is in need of Cal's money so they can finish their latest production. Dewey had kind of been put in charge of getting Cal to donate money and it leads to some interesting interactions, lol. :)

The narration - Award Winning. This was just so great. The voices for each character were so unique and done so well, I couldn't wait to get back to this audio. The realtor Cal hired to sell Mac's house - I just looooooooved her!!! She had the funniest voice and her reactions to the "haunting" are to - die - for!!

Please, oh pleeeeease tell me there is going to be a sequel. I MUST have more of Mac and Cal and Dewey and the whole gang.

I give this 5 big stars and 10 for the narration. ;)

[Eli Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Marshall Thornton, but it wont' be my last. As you would expect from a man with Marshall's background--long time novelist, screenplay writer and playwright--it is extremely well written. It's also very funny. The situation itself is funny and the witty dialogue is spot on.

I enjoyed this small peek into a world Thornton must know well--the ghost of a recently deceased NY playwright with an ego that can surpass even death, and the poor actor whom he dumped years earlier. The amateur play the local theater was putting on, which also featured an heir and a ghost, mirrored the main plot nicely and provided more opportunity for hilarity.

In a genre where there are so many new writers just developing their skills, it's lovely to see a old pro lay it down with such ease. Thank you, Marshall.

[Rosa, really · Rating 4 out of 5]

BR with Lena & Sofia! Thanks, girls!


It's official. Marshall Thornton has his romantic comedy claws into me as well as his detective claws.

He's sucked me in like a...like a...sucky thing. A thing that sucks.

Clearly I suck at metaphors.

Not only does he write the best noirish detective novels I've read recently (this is where I mention Boystown for the 457th time - am I being too subtle?- read them), but he shows a talent for a light romantic comedy that I wasn't expecting from the author of the previously gratuitously mentioned series.

Ghost, with its rapid fire, dialogue reminds me of a romantic comedy from the 40s. For instance, Cal is a struggling actor best known for his starring role in Lust/Anger/Joy, an erotic underground hit. He frequently attracts men who want to reenact their favorite scenes with him, especially one where he’s, quite literally, biting a pillow:

I stared at the pillow for a moment, then said to Todd, “This doesn’t feel like it’s about me.”
He looked confused. “Does it need to be?”
“Yeah, it does.” I said, handing back the pillow. “When you hit forty you’ll understand.”
“I thought you said you were thirty-seven.”
“I was never good at math.”

Also great is Cal’s conversation with his agent’s (Shirl) assistant:

“So, Denise, how do I get Shirl interested in my show?”
“I don’t think you can.”
“But it’s about movie stars and sex. Everybody loves movie stars and sex.”
“Not if they’re dead. Shirl hates dead people.”
“But…it’s historical.”
“History is nothing but dead people. History doesn’t sell.”

I definitely get the idea that such conversations come from Thornton’s life as a writer (of fiction & screenplays). It also sounds just so enjoyably Hollywood.

I liked the slow building romance between Cal & the lawyer Dewey. Their first scenes together were awkward in a way that you don’t see too often in romance novels. Usually it’s the “cute” awkward, like babbling about how many times you’ve seen Twilight. I love that kind of awkward but Thornton does a more realistic, but still humorous, awkwardness. Cal & Dewey frequently seem to be talking at cross purposes, annoying & almost offending each other. In this scene Dewey makes the mistake of thinking Cal’s straight.

“Oh, well, totally misread that. I had you all married to some little blonde who liked to cook Paula Deen recipes and…you know […] I suppose you can take that as a compliment,” [Dewey] said.
“[…] Why would I take that as a compliment?”
“I mean, a lot of guys would, do. Haven’t you ever dated online….No fats or femmes. Please be straight-acting.”
“I find that kind of thing offensive.” [….]
“Okay. So…do you have a boyfriend?
“Yes. He’s a little blond who likes to cook Paula Deen recipes.”

This scene is so funny & uncomfortable that it reminds me of about 384 conversations I’ve had with members of the opposite sex.

I cannot write this review without mentioning Mac, Cal’s famous ex and the ghost of the title. While reading I thought what Mac needed was a good ghostbusting (my suggestion is Victor from the PsyCop series) & a therapist. But Mac is beyond the help of any therapist. He’s funny, pompous & an ego maniac who’s convinced of his own genius and his irreplaceability in Cal’s life. My favorite scene with him is when he dumps Cal fifteen years before the novel begins.

“…[Y]ou can’t do that.”
“Why can’t I do that?” He asked. [Mac’s] voice was annoying reasonable.
“Because…we’re in love.”
“Yeah,” he said, frowning a little. “That’s the thing. I’m not in love with you anymore.”
[….]
“So you just fell out of love with me. Like you fall out of a tree?”
“That’s funny. I may steal that.”

The only fault I found in this novel is the first person POVs switching each chapter between Cal & Dewey. I loved getting both their perspectives, but I found it a little jarring. It took me a few seconds to realize who was doing the narrating and that brought me out of the novel. I like it best when authors title (is that the right word?) each chapter with the narrator’s name. (Though I did love the way Thornton titled his chapters: Group Sex for Beginners & Back from the Dead, Again.)

This is delightful novel from a fantastic writer. I highly recommend it as a refresher course between angst-ridden novels. (Such as the series I mentioned above, but won’t again for fear of being thought super, super annoying.)

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the story, and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for the audio

Very funny! A clever and creative tale of ex's, ghosts, romance, and getting rich quick.

Honestly, I think a solid 80% of my enjoyment of The Ghost Who Slept Over was due to Jason Frazier's fantastic performance. He's got wonderful voices for the characters, and his comedic timing is simply flawless. It's worth a listen just to hear him perform this book.

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3
Audio Book: Jason Frazier 4.5 Great as always Stars
Book Cover: 3

Why did I get this audio? Because I like Jason Frazier. And you know what? He didn’t disappoint.

I swear, Mac’s voice... LOL. Of course I like the rest as well but I think Mac’s voice made me smile a whole damn lot. He sounded like a spoiled “child” at times. Typically self centred hot shot with an ego problem. Not even his own death couldn’t hold him down.

I enjoyed the story. It made me smile. Not the biggest ever fan of dear Cal Parsons, but I didn’t dislike him either. It was entertaining. I’m glad I did the audio version though.

[Chris, the Dalek King · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Yes, the show must go on, but it’s also important to survive until the curtain calls”

Cal Parsons has a lot of things to say about the renowned playwright McCormack Williams, and none of them are ‘god bless.’ Which is to be expected, after all, since Mac went and dumped his ass hours before removing himself to New York, to be all famous and shit. And then there was that whole kerfuffle with the play that Mac wrote, concerning one Hal Perkins (like no one was going to figure that one out), and his attempts to sabotage his brilliant playwright lover. So it is a bit of a shock to find out that dearly-departed (*snort*) Mac (who hasn’t deigned to speak/write/or generally acknowledge Cal’s existence since the whole moving out fiasco) has left him everything in his rather extensive estate. And while Cal might have loathed the man, he is not going to pass up the chance to finally move out of his current home (a ten-year-old Ford Ranger Extended Cab) and into something with a bit more leg room. And maybe a bed.

There is just one little problem: Mac hasn’t exactly moved on to his eternal reward (probably ‘cause the afterlife finds him annoying as Cal does). And if Cal had issues with Mac when he was alive…well let’s just say that being dead hasn’t improved him any (except maybe his looks). Especially when Mac seems determined to have Cal join him in the great hereafter.

First of all: I truly and absolutely love the cover of this book. It is just so cute. And adorable. And fun. A great fit for the story.

The beginning of this story was a bit of a slow build, and it took me a while to warm up to Cal. But after a few chapters he became one of my favorite parts of this book. I love how he handles Mac, and even if he does have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to his acting (or at least, to his ability to pull off off-Broadway productions), he never lets life, or those around him pull him down. Yes, life never seems to work out the way he expects, or wants, but he keeps trying, and that is something that I greatly admire.

I was also a big fan of Mac. Well, ok, not a fan of Mac, per say (because the guy was a bit of a stalker/douche), but some of the funniest parts of this book happen when Mac is in the picture. Usually causing mayhem of one type or another. The funeral scene was just great (though I do wish we found out what Mac was saying during it) and the opening night of the play was fun to watch, if a bit dangerous for all involved. I did find his antics in the…um…bedroom bordering on a little rape-y, though. And not entirely sure if I am comfortable with how easily Cal just let the whole thing go, ‘cause it crossed all sorts of lines.

Dewey was perhaps my least favorite of the three, mostly because he came across as a bit lawyer-y (probably due to the fact that he is, in fact, a lawyer). He does loosen up a bit over the course of the story though, so that helps a lot. I guess it is more like it took a while for him to grow on me, but he did…eventually. He and Cal were great together, and when not having to deal with ghostly interruptions, the romance was quite nice.

The tempo of the book was a bit floundering at times. The beginning was a tad slow, and at random points in the book it tends to drag. Mostly when Mac is out of the picture and it is just Cal and Dewey dealing with their emotional stuff. I’m also unsure if I care for how the ending sort-of just puttered out. I like the twist, and I have to say I didn’t see it coming, but it seemed like Mac gave in way too easily. The dude had been trying to convince (/kill) Cal for a large portion of the book, so I am unsure why he just decided to go.

Still, this book was a lot fun, and I really enjoyed Mac’s ghostly antics (if not his ghostly person). And I am really glad that Cal came to his senses. The secondary characters were very well written, and I liked the parallels between the play being put on and the ghostly plotline of the story. I would love to see a sequel to this story, to find out how everything does progress with everyone (there was an epilogue, so there is a chance I’m not going to get this, but I kinda want Mac to come back and wreak a little more havoc on Cal and Dewey, just for the fun of it).

This was a review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy Read with Lena and Rosa

This was funny, light and poignant at the same time. It's a clever little story which plays about with the characters and the 'play' that they are doing.

Being my first Thornton apart from Boystown, I immediately noticed the different style he used and am happy about his versatility. The writing put me in a place where I could visualize the whole story and whilst reading I kept imagining that I was watching a film (probably it's the screenwriter in Thornton).

The story is told through two POV's Cal's and Dewey's and I found it great in that we see a character as he thinks he is then we see the same character as seen through the eyes on another. This play of perceptions I find very interesting. I think a good job was done with the representation of the characters, not only the main ones but all the others as well, Mac, the Barnyard players, etc. Cal's inner dialogue made me his fan and the repartee between him and Mac brought many a smile to my face.

Although the story is told in a light vein, Thornton still goes deep into the characters and shows us what makes them tick especially Cal where you see the loneliness covered by the outer veneer, even Mac's egotisical story gives food for thought.

I would recommend this to any one who wants a light, funny read but with a little bite as well.

[Eugenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun! 3.8 Stars!!!!
This Marshall Thornton comedy was a delight! What proved most interesting for me was Cal’s character—our struggling actor. He interested me because I both liked and disliked him equally. He’s not a good person, nor a bad one, just someone looking out for himself. He changed over the course of the book, and that growth worked.

Dewey, our small town lawyer and Cal’s love interest, is a solid unassuming character. I liked him, but I didn’t get to know him. In the audiobook his voice and Cal’s voice were very difficult to distinguish from each other which proved frustrating.

Mac, the ghost and Cal’s ex was hilarious and OTT. He was definitely a narcissist and got a little scary near the end of the book. His voice was awesome and one of the best characters in the book.

There was a fun ensemble of characters all trying to put on a show and save the Red Barn Theatre in Upstate New York.

I do wish I would have felt more heat between the live MCs. All in all, a fun, fun audiobook to listen to!

[Deeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can sum this book up in one word FUN.

A very enjoyable funny read with a cast of characters that perform wonderfully.

I did find the beginning a little slow, Cal was not the kind of guy I warmed to straight away, but once Mac entered the scene things picked up.

The romance is muted but still enjoyable.

The main focus on the ghost parts were what really made this book for me. I can easily see me re reading this when I need a shot of fun.

[Laxmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been eyeing this book for some time after FEMME became one of my favorite audiobooks. This was a romantic comedy with a side of paranormal. I love Marshall Thornton's dry, yet subltle humor for me he has a way of easing so many funny lines in. It is "paranormal" but not your typical OTT story, it being a comedy the Ghost is one of the best parts. I enjoy his writing so much, as well as the narration was fantastic.

[♣ Irish Smurfétté ♣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get both Cal’s and Dewey’s points of view, alternating with each chapter. Dual first person POV’s, at that. Not an easy thing to, not just to pull off but, make it feel right. By the end of chapter two, I already felt like I had a handle on who these guys are while, at the same time, not having a clue where this would all end up. I mean, there’s a ghost (Mac) and he’s not exactly on the shy and quiet side of things. Nor is he very knowledgeable about how to be a ghost. Then again, he doesn’t seem to care, either. He just wants, well, Cal. Dewey just might have something to say about that, as does Cal.

Thornton knows these guys so well and relays it with confidence, which then translates to humor of the giggling, guffawing and snorting varieties. It also lends itself to warmth and heart reflected in all of the characters, despite everyone’s flaws. This is another thing Thornton does so well: placing very ordinary, in a relatable sense, people in circumstances that more than border on the abnormal, constantly threatening to – oh hell, who am I kidding? The line is definitely crossed. In this case, it’s the paranormal that breeds disbelief, confusion, heart and humor.

The dialogue, the dialogue, the dialogue! Thornton knows how to write conversations that work. In many a story, when dialogue goes on for a couple of pages or more without any identifiers – names, facial expressions, emotional context – it’s easy to lose track of who the heck is saying what. Not here, not with Cal and Dewey. Not ever when Mac is involved.

Cal starts off, with Mac following…

”You dumped me!”

“I don’t see why we have to dwell on that, it’s in the past and we’re together now.”

“We’re not together. You’re dead.”

“I’ll grant you it’s a mixed marriage of sorts.”

This is one of many highlights I made while reading this fantastic book.

The fabulously entertaining dialogue is between all of the characters, actually. Some of my favorite scenes, where I laughed the most, were the ones that involved all of the theater group members. The whole ankle discussion? I just snorted again.

The attraction between Cal and Dewey isn’t instant but it smolders once it begins. Absolutely delicious. In some moments, they both behaved and felt like teenagers, whether sneaking a snog or just feeling a bit giddy from the excitement and enjoyment they’re feeling.

One of the biggest components of this story is heart. How much, or not so much, some people have, and show. All of the different ways it can be expressed. It goes hand in hand so lovely and lovingly with the humor and self-awareness both Cal and Dewey possess.

His kisses felt like the ocean, waves that ebbed and flowed, sometimes crashing against me, other times tender and tickling.

Yep, mature people behaving awkwardly, bravely, stupidly and, ultimately, honestly.

And the epilogue! I’m not sure it could have been done any other way.

I commend you, Sir Marshall Thornton, you write the people I know, and I love it. May we please have some more, especially of Cal and Dewey? I feel there’s a goldmine in that small town just waiting to be dug out, examined and enjoyed.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Rock and a Hard Place.

Struggling actor Cal Parson's one man show about the sex life of Rock Hudson (a fictional biography that Cal simply made up himself) is the only thing that is ensuring his 'working actor' status, as opposed to being completely unemployed and homeless.

Being famous for an independent movie that his gay fans often mistake for porn doesn't exactly help his career either.

So when Cal gets a phone call from a small town lawyer informing him that he inherited the estate of a famous playwright (aka his ex-boyfriend Mac who cruelly dumped him 15 years ago) Cal is exhilarated.

Traveling to the sleepy winter town of Marlboro in his LA jeans and T-shirt outfit, Cal gets to know Mac's lawyer Dewey who shows him the multi-million dollar estate and tells him about Mac's life.

Unbeknownst to Cal, though, Mac had also supported a small theatre group and the actors are surprised that he left them absolutely no money to keep their local theatre running. So they ask Dewey to convince the new heir that the 'Barnyard Players' deserve a part of Mac's inheritance.

But Cal acts distracted and weird whenever Dewey tries to raise the subject, because Cal sees something that other people don't: The specter of a dead man lurking around, trying to influence Cal to give him in death what he didn't get in life....



This story was partly spectacular, funny and simply unique - and partly it left me wondering, as two key questions were not answered:

Why did Mac leave Cal all his money?
And why does Mac want Cal so badly 15 years after their break-up?

You'd think that by the end all this gets explained, but the explanation was not really helpful at all. Mac thought that Cal was only a mediocre actor and didn't want his name to be tarnished by being associated with Cal?! Seriously?!? That's why he dumped him?

So why does he want him back now to spend eternity with him?!?

Also, the most disturbing thing that I believe was not dealt with in an appropriate fashion was the fact that the ghost tried to kill some people in the course of this story.

I mean, that's not rom-com material, that's horrific....

What I liked best about this book is clearly the relationship between Dewey and Cal. Dewey is a perfectly laid back country lawyer who represents a huge contrast to the LA actor Cal, and yet they work out well.

Also, because Dewey did not know Cal's previous work and approached him as simply Cal, not as the hot guy who had sex with numerous men on screen (and who should be willing to re-enact these scenes with any gay man he meets).

Funny enough, though, I need to point out that Cal is a real actor and his famous sex movie was in fact a movie with staged sex scenes, not an actual porno. But most of his fans don't make that distinction.

All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot, but it did leave a few things unanswered - and the answers we did get were not really satisfying in the end.

Still, a very unique story that I can recommend very much.

3.5 Stars!

[Ken W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm 🤔 this wasn’t exactly what I expected but I think overall it was better than I expected! It was cute and funny… low heat, moderate romance. Entertaining cast of secondary characters which always helps. I think I’ll rate this a 4.25 rounded down to 4! Highly recommended!

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Review:
This was a humorous, silly story about a man who inherits his ex's fortune but has to deal with said ex, who is now a ghost, trying to get him to join him in the afterlife. I chuckled a few times. There was a cute romance. It's a light book, despite some trigger/content warnings I'll mention below. The audiobook narration by Jason Frazier was kind of dramatic and borderline cartoony, but I did appreciate that he performed rather than merely reading. Overall, this didn't leave a big impression on me, but it was nice for a quick, light listen.

Trigger/Content Warnings: The word "crazy" is used a lot. Casual mentions of suicide. A list of ways to commit suicide when Mac is trying to convince Cal to join him in death. Mentions of someone dying of cancer.

*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2020 // Format: Audiobook*

Recommended For:
Anyone who likes silly, light m/m romance books with a touch of supernatural shenanigans.

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[Aeren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Llevaba con esto empezado varias semanas, de hecho antes de mi anual puesta al día con los fics que voy acumulando y lo cierto es que aunque la historia no está mal, no me ha gustado nada el modo en que está contada, no voy a darle dos porque no creo que las merezca, pero si puntuase el nivel de entretenimiento sería aún menos. :(

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute story! Great description of Cal at the beginning, and I love where he is by the end -- a better place both emotionally and artistically!

['Nathan Burgoine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal, an actor just shy of being of quality enough to make a go of it, is doing his best with his one-man show (though his best isn't enough to stop living out of his truck) so when he gets a call from a lawyer and it's something to do with his ex, he's not exactly over-the-moon. But it turns out his ex has died, and he left Cal everything.

Selling his truck, Cal meets with the lawyer, who is quite handsome, and learns that everything is actually quite a lot. Given that the two broke up on very bad terms, and Cal hadn't spoken with his ex in years, it seems too good to be true, but he's not in a position to argue with something lucky. He'll liquidate everything, and try and launch his acting career for good.

Unfortunately, his ex has different plans—as does the lawyer—and things get complicated.

Did I mention the ex is a ghost now? A selfish, manipulative, and very determined ghost who wants Cal to join him in the afterlife forever because... well, that gets complicated, too.

I listened to this book on my way to and from Hawai'i, on some very long (and often delayed) plane flights, and it was the perfect escape. As always, Jason Frazier's performance was above-and-beyond, and his characterization of voice had me wishing I could reach into my phone and strangle the ghost (seriously, the dripping contempt and haughty arrogance was so pitch-perfect).

This was fun, and amusing despite a few darker topics and turns. Happily recommended.

[Irina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was absolutely delightful!

A romantic comedy featuring one gorgeous quasi-famous actor



one jack-of-all-legal-trades attorney



and one very persistent malevolent ghost..



There's something to be said about breaking away from all the drama, and spending a quality time with a light and funny read. It lifts your spirits and instantly improves your mood.

The Ghost Slept Over is full of laughter. Some parts are outrageously hilarious, some downright crazy. It has a bit of sweet and a touch of sad, but in the end it leaves a reader warm, happy and recharged.

I don't know how it's possible, but I'm even more in love with Marshall Thornton's writing than before. His wicked sense of humor, though subtle in the Boystown series, is on full display here.

I'm so glad to have discovered this wonderful author. It's always such a pleasure to read his books. And if you appreciate a first class writing, I can't recommend him high enough.

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
This is one of those books one starts reading, blinks and they are almost past the half of the story and it is 3 A.M. At least, that's what happened to me.
It starts slower than I expected. Not a bad thing in itself, just different compared to the rest of it. The moment the ghost appears, the fun begins. The things Mac does or says are funny even when you are annoyed.

Basically, this is a comedy of errors, so there is that unavoidable moment when the truth comes out. What is uncommon is that particular situation lasted only a few pages or so. The author didn't drag it as long as he could as most would. There is very little sex in this book. That works very well since the romance between Cal and Dewey is not the focus of the story.

I am glad this is the first book I've read written by this author. It is light, it is fun and the writing is wonderful. I loved both the subtle and the graveyard humour (the scene with the ashes is really funny - 'Let me just stir that up.').

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story - 4 stars
Main Characters - 4 stars
Ghost - 3 stars
This would have been a 5 star read if the ghost wasn't just annoying as hell. I loved everything else about the book... and I truly get that the ghost was exactly as the author intended. It is just that for me the ghost caused me to take breaks from reading the book that I did not want to take. Cal and Dewey (God I hate that name... I kept waiting for him to quack or start explaining the Dewey decimal System) were truly awesome and I loved every second they were together. One good aspect of the ghost that would not go away or shut up was that OMG did I ever have sympathy for Cal. Over all this was a really great and at times quite humorous read and I definitely need to read more by this author.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give The Ghost Slept Over 3.5 highly amused stars. It made me laugh out loud quite a few times, which is always good. The only thing that took away from my enjoyment just a tad was that all the characters were pretty much assholes. Well, except for Dewey, he was nice.

The moral of this story? Gay men can be super catty. I knew this already, but it was still a fun way to spend an afternoon.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do if you’re a homeless aging actor and suddenly you find out that your exlover (who dumped you 15 years ago) has died and left you three million dollars? The only problem is he comes back as a ghost and won’t leave you alone.

This is my second book by Marshall Thornton. I bought this as an audiobook and saved it to read on my vacation. It was delightful and funny. It’s a great book if you’re looking for a fun ghost story without much angst.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you sometimes come across a book where you think something along the lines of "not really sure it's my cup of tea but I'll give it a go anyway?" Well this was one of those examples for me. Given the choice I usually go for lots of angst and drama and don't mind shedding a tear or two over a story. Humour is therefore not usually at the top of my list. However I am so glad I read this book - it was fabulous!

Cal is an actor who suddenly inherits the estate of an ex-lover he hasn't seen in years. The call from Mac's attorney came out of the blue but is opportune for Cal who could do with a financial boost. Dewey is the country lawyer who is also involved with the Barnyard Players, a theatre group that was supported by his now dead client, Mac. When Cal arrives in town, so begins an amusing story as he begins to fall for Dewey while the ghost of Mac is determined to win Cal back.

I loved the characters and loved the whole premise of the book. It's chock full of the most amusing lines as no-one can see Mac and they start to think Cal is not quite right.

Cal suddenly squeaked and said, "Goddammit." For the first time, it crossed my mind that he might have a case of Tourette's. It would explain a few things.

And the conversation between Cal and Mac is hilarious..

"I can probably go anywhere I want to. I think I'm haunting you, not the house."
"New York? You can go to New York City?"
"If you go to New York, I can go to New York. Are you suggesting a romantic getaway?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm hoping that when I got to New York you won't be able to follow me."

I am definitely going to check out more books from this author and I have definitely learned my lesson and think I might just check out some other humourous stories too!

4.5 stars

The author provided a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

For m/m romance reviews and more check out Because Two Men Are Better Than One!

[Jane (PS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and easy to listen to!

Narrated by Jason Frazier - 4.5 stars. Plenty of character differentiation.

[Sucajo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun. It really cheered me up :D

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun romcom from Thornton. Up until recently I’d only read Thornton’s mysteries, mostly the cozy ones, Pinx and the Henry Milch books, which are excellent, but what do you know, he’s damn good at the old romantic comedy as well.

This one pairs up a struggling 40 year old actor, and his ex’s lawyer. While I enjoyed it quite a bit, it isn’t quite on the level of Femme or Sentenced to Christmas. I think that’s down to the characters. I couldn’t really relate to Cal. Dewitt, for all that I don’t have a bad word to say about him, I never really felt I knew. And finally Mac, like, huh? I never understood his motives. He’s not entirely unbelievable, but his behavior felt more as if it was based on what would be entertaining for the reader than any coherent internal motives.

But Thornton’s good enough that I can enjoy his books even when I do struggle with the central characters, see again Henry Milch, and so despite my issues with the characters in this one, it was still a worthwhile read.