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Ghosts I Have Loved

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Isa Morales is the best death-channeler that her island of Verdeira has seen in decades. Fresh out of the Academy, she is poised to be employed by one of the island's most powerful men to uncover their enemies' secrets and dazzle their allies with dangerous séances. The only thorn in her side is Felix de Paz, a rival determined to ruin her reputation and claim the top spot for himself.

Two decades ago, Verdeira was engulfed in chaos, leading to the rise of a theocracy that tightly controls all magic on the island. Enter Xavier Delgado, the mastermind behind the revolution—responsible for countless deaths, including that of Isa's brother. When Delgado walks into their school and hires both Isa and Felix for a high-stakes mission, Isa is torn. It's an offer she can't refuse, even as she longs for vengeance.

As Isa and Felix navigate their complex feelings and hidden agendas, they form a perilous alliance to bring Delgado down once and for all. But in a world where the dead speak and secrets are currency, can they trust each other enough to survive?

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2024

30 people are currently reading
419 people want to read

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L.B. Black

15 books80 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Tarrah.
61 reviews
December 1, 2024
The world-building in this novel is incredible! The author has created a really interesting universe with very clearly defined rules that really immerse you in the story.

The characters are all really interesting as well.

Can't wait to read the next one!



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kassyreadsalot.
1,126 reviews56 followers
December 19, 2024
Title: Ghosts I Have Loved

Author: L.B. Black

Synopsis: Isa Morales is the best death-channeler that her island of Verdeira has seen in decades. Fresh out of the Academy, she is poised to be employed by one of the island's most powerful men to uncover their enemies' secrets and dazzle their allies with dangerous séances. The only thorn in her side is Felix de Paz, a rival determined to ruin her reputation and claim the top spot for himself.

Two decades ago, Verdeira was engulfed in chaos, leading to the rise of a theocracy that tightly controls all magic on the island. Enter Xavier Delgado, the mastermind behind the revolution—responsible for countless deaths, including that of Isa's brother. When Delgado walks into their school and hires both Isa and Felix for a high-stakes mission, Isa is torn. It's an offer she can't refuse, even as she longs for vengeance.

As Isa and Felix navigate their complex feelings and hidden agendas, they form a perilous alliance to bring Delgado down once and for all. But in a world where the dead speak and secrets are currency, can they trust each other enough to survive?

Review: This book took me on such a wild ride! The world building was fantastic and sucked me in right from the start! I loved the two main characters Isa and Felix! Isa is very ambitious and is so skilled at what she does! Meanwhile Felix is willing to do anything for those he cares about! There was never a dull moment and I didn’t want to put this book down! However I desperately need the sequel now!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
191 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2025
This book is breathtaking in so many ways I don't even know where to start.

I absolutely adored the writing in this book. It perpetually gives off vibes that feel like a cold shiver down your spine on a humid night, or rain lashing at the windows whilst a candle flickers in a blacked out room, or holding your breath right before taking a leap. Each paragraph is layered with a sort of anticipation for something and an otherworldly spookiness that I couldn't get enough of. Plus there is a raw human element to the writing and characters as well--laughing awkwardly when undressing together for the first time, noticing small things like smudged mascara or hair frizzing in the humidity, or even the small, mundane task of making coffee. It is just gorgeous and I found myself savouring every word like a delicious dessert.

The world itself is really unique: another reviewer said it gives off 1920s or 1930s Havana vibes and they are absolutely correct. I loved the mix of lush jungles and dance halls and palm trees mixed with the hushed reverence for illegal death magic. It was so different from any other fantasy (or would this be more urban fantasy/paranormal?) book that I've read in a long time and I loved every second of it.

Then there's the characters...

“Thank you for saving my life, by the way.”
“I did it exclusively so I could gloat about it after, but that didn’t work out. Does that mean I’m developing a moral compass?”
“Why would you imply such a horrible thing?”

I was hooked immediately on the academic rivals-to-lovers thread (and that cliffhanger!!) but having both the FMC and MMC mention taking men and women to their beds in the past? Be still my bi/pan heart. Bi4Bi! I was feral. Add in Isa (FMC) being just insanely smart and sassy (without being a bitch) and Felix (MMC) being a lithe nerd with glasses who spends all of his insane inheritance on books... my God. I think I'm in love with them both. The fact they were both morally grey, the witty banter between them, the way they were both infuriated and infatuated with each other at the same time but in so much denial about it, the rivalry to begrudging partners to a team... Swoon. SWOON.

Add in the political and religious intrigue and the cover art (THE COVER ART), this book is nothing short of a 5-star read. Give it a go even if it's not your usual cup of tea. I promise you will be so very pleasantly surprised. I cannot wait for the second book and I may have immediately bought a physical trophy copy for my bookshelves as well before I was even half-way through. One of the best books I have read this year. Incredible.
Profile Image for Moonburst.
435 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2024
Years ago, the worship of the dead was standard for the inhabitants of the island of Verdeira. However,l a violent religious uprising took control of the island, making the worship of the Eternal Pilgrim and the use of spirits illegal. Isadora Morales is an amazingly talented Seancera, a practitioner able to revive the spirits of the dead with the use of bones and other personal tokens of the deceased. Her practice is only somewhat tolerated by the powers that be, as the ruling regime wants to be able to use Seanceros to find out the secrets of their enemies. The presumptive new High Minister, Xavier Delgado, hires Isa and her greatest rival, Felix de Paz, to work for his campaign. Both Isa and Felix have their reasons for averting Delgado’s bid for power, but can they work together without being discovered?

L.B. Black has created a fully realized world with a unique religion and magical forces. The overwhelming threat of the current theocracy creates a subtle growing tension throughout the book. Her characterization is extremely engaging as Isa is ambitious and skilled, and she’s willing to do what it takes to survive and thrive. Similarly, Felix is ambitious and guileful, with a desire to protect those he cares about above all. The two make for a dynamic team, but the forces they are up against are almost overwhelming. Ghosts I Have Loved is a bewitching tale of ambition, revenge, power, and betrayal that I couldn’t put down.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,857 reviews177 followers
December 5, 2024
This book has been on my wishlist ever since I discovered it, probably while mindlessly browsing through Amazon. I was therefore insanely happy that I discovered the book on BookSirens and that I could grab a review copy.

Most of the fantasy I read is based on European myths and folklore. However, Latin American folklore and myths has an amazing vibe that I love every time I stumble upon it. I did need a little while to really understand what was happening and how things worked, but I did enjoy the atmosphere and the tension.

All the tension. Because there is a lot going on in this book. Not only are the two heroes of the story fighting to be the best death-channeler of their generation, there is also a lot of romantic tension between them and then there is a lot of political tension. Sometimes it's hard to follow who stands where and who is fighting on what side, but I like how the book keeps us constantly on our toes that way.

Just like I loved loved loved the finale of the book. I saw the end of the book nearing and I was really curious what kind of ending we're gonna get. If you hate cliffhangers this book might not be for you, but I loved the cliffhanger and I can't wait to continue the series. There are a lot of questions I need answered and there are still a lot of mysteries to unravel!
Profile Image for Leah.
53 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2025
Ghost I Have Loved - where do I even begin? I first was introduced to the book by the author’s teasers on threads & I have never been more grateful to the threads algorithm than now because without it I most likely wouldn’t have been introduced to Isa and Felix.

It’s been a little bit since I’ve read a dark academia, witchy, paranormal, book and every time I do I fall more in love with the genre and wonder why it’s been so long. I did struggle a bit at the beginning with language and terms and trying to keep things straight but once I was fully immersed in the world it was more straightforward.

“Do you know the only thing more dangerous than putting your trust in someone else? Hope.”

The twists, the turns, the treks through a jungle all to be turned right back around again and not know which way is up. L.B. Black has a way of keeping you on your toes throughout the entire book. The ending - isn’t fair. You can’t drop that big of a cliffhanger and make us dangle waiting. 😭 I’m willing to give up a kneecap or barter with the Collector for the final book in this duology.

4.75 ⭐️ out of 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,902 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2024
I found the profession of Isa Morales and Felix de Paz very intriguing, the struggle for power in a political environment where everyone seems guilty and everything that happens is in doubt. Isa's impetuosity and Felix's studious calm gave me a lot to think about. Their personalities are very different, but if there was one thing they had in common it was the constant evaluation of their performances and the struggle with their feelings. Although the end of this first book was full of intrigue, mystery, magic, secrets, distrust, betrayals and many dead people surprised me, it didn't seem completely strange to me. Isa's reasoning caught my attention, which sometimes didn't help her at all. I like how these stories involve me with the conflicts and make me consider the alternatives that the characters have. I'm eagerly waiting to see how the author is going to handle the new twist in Isa and Felix's situation.
Profile Image for merlin513.
378 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2024
Every time I pick up a book by L.B. Black I know that I’m in for a treat and ‘Ghosts I Have Loved’ was all that and more. Isa Morales and Felix De Paz may now be my favorite of her many wonderful characters!

While set on a fictional island I very much got 1920’s and 30’s Havana vibes. And the practice (religion?) of sombriente has delicious notes of Mexico’s Day of the Dead practices and Haiti’s vodun. Delicious stuff indeed.

Like her ‘Our Lady of Fire’ series what is presented may not be the full truth. Black may be white and what presents as good may be only a facade for a true evil.

Isa needs to remember this heading into, (what I’m sure will be a thrilling), finale to the battle between the Basilica and the Peregrines for the fate of Isa, Felix, the Seanceros and their island home.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tami.
212 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2024
So twisty! Still not sure who the good guy is. Poor Isa, she got mixed up in politics and isn't sure who to trust.

The story starts out with two students in a school for whatseems like voodoo. They learn how to safely channel dead spirits. But this practice is not really politically approved of at the time, as the island on which they live is now run by a Basilica and the government. The name running for High Minister had been an accolite in the church that practiced the other faith but turned on his fellow brethren for politics. Isa and Felix are the students who want to bring this man and his regime down, but at what cost, and how?

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gwen Brophy.
237 reviews
June 15, 2025
Really enjoyed this! A very unique magic system, and a world that is based off of the real one, but just ever so slightly askew. I really loved the FMC and MMC, and their dynamic together, where they start out as rivals and then realize that they actually work together very well....privately and publicly.

Felix is a secret cinnamon roll (despite his job and his reputation as a murderer,) all squishy and emotional inside, and I smiled every time he admitted something to Isa that he wasn't ready to admit. And with his simple presence, he snuck through the walls/mask Isa wore to get through her days. They were just perfect together.

Really can't wait for book 2! The blurb at the end of the book said "early 2025" but I couldn't find any more specific dates. I'm hoping for SOON!
295 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2025
Sadly, I think this book wasn't for me.

I loved the idea and I was falling in love with the characters, but it just felt like the story was taking too long to get to the point and I lost interest in it.

I really loved the speaking to the dead magic in this book, and how it was done was well-crafted and interesting and the dynamic between the characters and potential conflict for job opportunities was also good.

Also, the fact that magic is so woven into this book that people are actually hired for this type of magic made it feel more real.

I just think the writing and pacing wasn't for me and I wish I had enjoyed it more.

I also really enjoyed the heist part, where they broke into a place to get a bone they needed to do the summoning, was great. I love a good heist.
Profile Image for Sinda.
62 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up

---

I truly do not understand why this book has so few reviews! I may update this after I finish the 2nd in the duology, but for now, I'll say:
1. unique magic system
2. well-blended world building (mix of fantasy, alt-history, and modern times)
3. opinionated and deep FMC and MMC - their voices are distinguishable from each other and their motivations are clear.
4. the plot was well developed - you can tell the author understood she wanted to write a duology and picked a great spot to end the first book.
5. the pacing was superb. it never flew too fast to keep up and it was never so slow I had to push through. very solid throughout.

I'm super excited and am jumping right into the 2nd book!
Profile Image for Adrianna Heaney-velu.
1,079 reviews13 followers
November 14, 2024
“Ghosts I Have Loved,” by L. B. Black

This book was pretty good. It was filled to the brim with political intrigue and mystery. I loved the spooky atmospheric vibe with the seanceros and talking to the dead and hunting down bones, very unique. The characters were solid and the perfect rivals to lover’s trope. The plot was so good, and I adored how it was Latino inspired culture/setting. The cover was also so good, it was the reason I chose to read the book initially. I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait for more books in the series. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Urban
-Academy
-Rivals To Lovers
-Political Intrigue
-Latino

Thank you for the ARC, Booksirens.
Profile Image for Readineer.
228 reviews
March 4, 2025
The novel had everything in it, which I normally like. A very interesting setting, academic rivals to lovers, a good writing style, and it was a 4⭐️ read for me.

We follow Isa and Felix, two death-channellers who are trying to get a corrupt politician down. The story is taking place on an island somewhere in South America. They can talk to dead people and manifest the ghosts in a corporal way.
The idea behind this book was very interesting!

Nevertheless, the story started strong and then felt somehow slow. It wasn’t a page turner for me. I didn’t really care about the stakes and the politics. Which is a pity, the book has a great potential!
Profile Image for B Brings the Books.
73 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2025
Four stars.

This was a fun read that wasn't a typical fantasy/romantasy novel.

I really enjoyed the death magic, the unique lore, and the lush setting that evokes Cuban vibes. Isa and Felix have a great rivals-to-lovers arc, Delgado is an excellent villain, and the rest of the characters (from the Collector to the Espectros) are a vibe all their own.

While this was overall an enjoyable read, it was a bit too into insta-love territory for my taste, and it was a clunky read in spots, which made it harder to get through than I had hoped for.

That being said, I will still likely be reading the next book.
Profile Image for Jenny Losey.
109 reviews
April 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! A unique magic system, political upheaval/intrigue, rivals to lovers, and a cliffhanger ending.

The setting made me think of Cuba shortly after their revolution in the late 1950’s/early 1960’s. The magic system dealt with channeling spirits of the dead through bones or other artifacts, any other sort of magic had been outlawed on the island and even death magic was taboo after the government changes nearly 20 years prior.

I enjoyed Isa and Felix’s relationship development as they’re forced to both work for the same powerful politician- a politician they both have reasons to hate.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,941 reviews116 followers
January 29, 2025
Set on the island of Verdeira we meet Isa a death-channeler, the best her island has seen in a long time. Felix is her competition and determined to knock her off the top spot and claim it for himself. Both are incredible characters who have their secrets and agendas and they must find a way to work together to take down new High Minister, Xavier Delgado. The world building is incredible and so descriptive, the storyline, well once you jump on this ride you don’t wanna get off as it’s exciting and unique and full of magic, power, betrayal and revenge and it held me on the edge of my seat.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
31 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2025
Channeling ghosts. Heists. Religious infighting. Spice. Twists. Intense longing.
Ghosts I Have Loved has it all.

I loved the intense world building in this novel and how familiar, yet distant, the island of Verdeira was. Isa and Felix are wonderfully flawed MCs that really have a hell of a moral compass (or lack thereof). Their romance is shy and sweet (until it’s not ifyouknowwhatimean) 😏.

The pace is slow to start as we get to know our characters and the world but really builds up in the last 1/3 to set up the sequel — which I’m starting immediately.
Profile Image for Michelle Stewart.
537 reviews15 followers
November 14, 2024
I found it a bit hard to get into. The characters were hard to care about and it took almost the whole book before I was getting into the story.

The plot was convoluted and I felt like we were going in circles.

I did enjoy the interactions between Isa and Felix once they were on their own and once things started to clear up a little it was enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
321 reviews9 followers
December 7, 2024
The standards have been set high. I love the world building as usual from this author. Her characters are very relatable and at least for me are easy to picture. This one was more adult then some of her other books but totally in character throughout. I will be keeping an eye out for the next one. I did not see the plot twists and turns coming at all. I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review.
Profile Image for Nicole Caratas.
48 reviews17 followers
July 30, 2025
Holy moly I loved this book. It reminded me a bit of Divine Rivals but with more politics, more ghosts, more spice. The characters are amazing I loved the two main characters so much. The world and the conflict is well done and I am so intrigued by the magic system. I didn’t see the plot twists coming and I love that basically everyone is morally grey to some extent. I just loved it so much I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2!!
Profile Image for Jackie.
151 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2025
It is a hauntingly beautiful tale. L.B. Black's imagination always thrills me. This novel is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance and political thrillers. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, it offers a fresh perspective on the genre. I'm left longing to know what will happen next hoping the wait won't be too long.
Profile Image for Bridgett Miller.
180 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2024
Glad I got an ARC of this one as I loved her devil series so much!!! The beginning seemed to drag a little and I was hoping for more info on their location along with a bit more world building Once I hit about 70 percent the book really picked up and I didn’t see that ending coming at all.
3 reviews
February 18, 2025
maravillosa!

I loved everything about this book. The cliffhanger is very real, but that just means I’ll have to read book two as soon as it’s out!
Profile Image for Amanda.
Author 13 books37 followers
April 6, 2025
I did not see that coming

I picked up this book because of a "ship style pitch" and was not disappointed. Also, definitely didn't see that ending coming. Can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Mandy Lambert.
Author 3 books14 followers
September 5, 2025
Really excellent and unique world-building + the kind of characters you care about immediately. I can't wait for Book 2!
Profile Image for Katie Lundquist.
48 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2024
Dramione vibes 100%! If you, like me, wish Draco Malfoy could channel the dead with Hermione, our dreams have become reality! Immersive, detailed, and absolutely riveting. One of my best reads of the year! I’m blown away at the patient and intentional progression of the romance, and the way the author made me see, hear, and live their stories. I’ve already recommended it to my friends, because I NEED someone to talk about it with! I’m gonna be reading all her other books. The magic was so cool I wish I could death channel too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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