Haunted Love: A Dark Gothic Romance Ghost Novella

by Ella Birch

THE GOTHIC GHOST ROMANCE YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!

Stella

I was running from my past.
But when I move to the old house forgotten by time on 413 Rue du Moulin, did I tangle myself in a darker web than the one I’d left behind?
The presence of the ghost isn’t in dispute. Oliver is here.
And he has my heart.
He has my soul.
The only question is… what does he plan to do with me?

Oliver

Time slipped by in a slow, dreamy haze until Stella moves in.
She reminds me of life, of love, of a warm embrace.
But Johnny’s coming to kill her.
And I’m the only thing standing between her and death.
Johnny thinks he’s battling for ownership of her fate.
He doesn’t know it yet.
Stella doesn’t either.
But she already belongs to me.

A Ghost Dark Gothic Romance

Features and Trigger A ghost novella. Paranormal romance short reads love story. Ghost and paranormal activity. Steamy and spicy, open door. Moody as old velvet. Metaphysical topics. Mention of prior domestic abuse by ex-boyfriend. PTSD trauma due to prior abuse. Two murders, both prior, none on page. Violence between ghost and ex on page. Discovery of human remains. Child homelessness. Adult language. A guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Novella, Paranormal, Dark, Gothic Romance

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

Reviews

[Soffi]

Nächstes Mal vielleicht lesen, worum es geht, bevor ich mich so solle freue, dass es nur 99 ct kostet 🙂👻

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining dark gothic romance short story book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. Characters are well written with strong chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tehmeena · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨~I received this copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.~✨

Content Warnings;
Please take note of the trigger warnings before venturing forward.

Tropes;
♡🌹 Ghost Novella
♡🌹 Paranormal Romance
♡🌹 Ghost x Human
♡🌹 Lovers Beyond Death
♡🌹 He Falls First
♡🌹 She Fights For Him
♡🌹 Touch Her & Die
♡🌹 No Cliff-Hanger
♡🌹 HEA

𝕸𝖔𝖔𝖉𝖞 𝖆𝖘 𝖔𝖑𝖉 𝖛𝖊𝖑𝖛𝖊𝖙

Oh. My. Gosh.
This book was so beautiful. I didn't think it would get to me this much. It was so well-written and I wish it didn't end so soon! The emotions that wrecked me? I'm still processing them as I write down my afterthoughts because Oliver's and Stella's love story made me emotionally connect with them, I wanted them to work out against all odds.

~"𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒂 𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕?"~

My eyes are tearing up. I am not kidding. It's killing me. And that is what I like! I love that is torture. Who wants easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy? Not me. MAKE MY HEART HURT - WHICH IS WHAT ELLA BIRCH DID. Thank you! The MMC's and FMC's chemistry was crackling!

Oliver was a sweetheart and a devil all rolled in one - such a charming, enigmatic and alluring character from the moment he was introduced. The moment Stella moved into his house he was enthralled by her. His background was very well paced as well and we got to understand why he was the ghost in the house in the first place and the plot-twists had me shocked, honestly.

~"𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍? 𝑫𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒔?"~ Fascinating questions, wouldn't you agree? Heart-wrenching, but intriguing.

When Stella encounters Oliver, she was fearful but over time they grew closer. Dealing with a stagnant life with nothing to show up for it, she had a dark past as well. And when she found a connection with the ghost in her house, who wouldn't willingly want to indulge? Especially when the ghost was a handsome man from the 1920's? Count me in.

Her background story coming to her present dragged me to the edge of my seat. I just wished she had a little bit more of a backbone? Then again, people deal with their trauma in different ways so I didn't judge her too harshly and was cheering for her in the end. The torment, the absolute misery of having to go through it all was heart-breaking.

~"𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆, 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆. 𝑵𝒐 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈."~

Without giving too much away, the spice was delicious, my emotions were all the place, the pacing was perfect and kept my interest from beginning to end, the world building is immaculate with just the right amount of detail and every character brings their own weight to the book (Zach was adorable), there was elements of suspense and mystery, and now I'm into dark gothic romances. Give me more of this please! (Also, Oliver could speak French to me anytime, too.)

Now if you're looking for a plotline with some moderate, but well-written/heart-racing spice, then this one's for you and you won't regret it. I was so grateful that I gave this a chance; it's a beautiful, dark novella. It touches your heart and soul. One of my best 2025 reads!


Out of Fives;
♡🌹 Cover: ✨✨✨✨
♡🌹 Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
♡🌹 Passion: 💋💋💋💋💋
♡🌹 Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
♡🌹 Romance: 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
♡🌹 Emotions: 💔💔💔💔💔
♡🌹 Mystery: 🔍🔍🔍🔍
♡🌹 Stella FMC: 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
♡🌹 Oliver MMC: 💙💙💙💙💙
♡🌹 Plotline: 🎲🎲🎲🎲🎲
♡🌹 Pacing: ⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳
♡🌹 Character Development: 👍👍👍👍👍
♡🌹 World Building: 🌍🌏🌍🌍🌏
♡🌹 Book Received: eARC/Kindle.
♡🌹 Pages: 138.
♡🌹 Chapters: 11 (including Epilogue).
♡🌹 Genre: Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Gothic Novella.
♡🌹 Would I recommend? YES.
♡🌹 Overall Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Morgan G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating: 3.5 to 4

This is a gothic romance novella featuring Stella as she is working to survive, hide from lurking danger, and coexist with Oliver the ghost. Since this is a shorter book, the relationship between Oliver and Stella is established, so the story follows their unlikely companionship. Oliver was protective and sweet, and I enjoyed unraveling his background as the story progressed. The book is a puzzle, slowly revealing answers as Oliver and Stella's relationship changes and grows.

The wording and writing style was different from some of the other paranormal romances I've read in the past, and there were multiple times I paused because the writing was absolutely beautiful. There was moderate spice, and I enjoyed the open ending. At times, I wanted more information about some of the terms used regarding the spirit and specific problems that were resolved relatively quickly. This is expected with a shorter novel, though.

I will be looking into more by this author and enjoyed this story thoroughly.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella Rose moved far away from her past and found herself co-habitating with a ghost. Oliver has never hurt her. In fact, he's never touched her. Stella doesn't know if he even can. Instead, he follows her around the house, giving her glimpses of his otherworldly abilities while she begs him for answers he doesn't know how to give. As Samhain grows closer and the veil between worlds grows thins, Oliver has one chance to protect Stella against her past and prove his undying love.

Spooky season came a bit early this year! Oliver is trapped in the house Stella rents, but she's trapped in the web he weaves. Their mutual undoing happens in this slow burn of paranormal gothic romance. I didn't expect so much to unfold in just 137 pages, but it was a whirlwind! Oliver's story kept getting more intense, and Stella helped him re-discover his zest for life. Their dynamic was all-consuming at first, but it took a turn for the better after Samhain. I loved how much they were willing to risk for each other and how deeply they loved for their chance at a happily ever after.

[Books and Daisies · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌙 Haunted Love: A Dark Gothic Romance Ghost Novella by Ella Birch 🔥👻

If you love your romance with a haunting twist, Haunted Love delivers a beautifully eerie and emotionally charged story. With a gothic setting dripping in atmosphere, this novella pulls you into a world where love lingers beyond the grave, and the past refuses to stay buried.

The heroine? Strong-willed yet vulnerable, drawn to a presence that both terrifies and captivates her. The hero? A tormented soul with secrets that unravel in the most chilling, heartbreaking ways. Their connection is undeniable—filled with longing, sorrow, and a passion that defies death itself.

Ella Birch masterfully weaves mystery, romance, and supernatural tension, creating a story that keeps you on edge while pulling at your heartstrings. If you’re a fan of ghostly love stories, gothic settings, and tragic, forbidden romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Oliver and Stella Rose
Genre- Gothic Romance
Sub Genre- Paranormal Romance
Length- about 137 pages
Heat- they do the things and a lot of the words describing the parts are in French.
Series? N
Safety? Y
Triggers- Memories of domestic violence, violence, rot, language in two languages, sex.
With All Respect- this book discusses Santeria.
Tropes- Magic Man, Ghost of a Chance, Lovers Beyond Death
Premise- A woman falls in love with the ghost who inhabits her home.
Mewsings
I thought this was a beautiful story. The only thing that makes me sad is that I can never read it for the first time again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark gothic romance was different than I expected but in a good way! Stella is our main FMC. She is renting an older home that no one else seems to want after fleeing an abusive ex. She works a minimum-wage job and is trying to get back on her feet. She also shares her home with a ghost named Oliver who follows her around the house. Stella slowly accepts that Oliver is her housemate, and eventually, they start having conversations. She becomes attracted to Oliver and wonders what would happen if she touched him. She loses herself in the relationship and days pass before she knows it. She is also unaware that her ex is coming for her.

This is a medium to fast-paced novella, which I appreciate although the pace at the beginning is somewhat slow. The paranormal aspect is exciting. I enjoyed the aspects of Oliver’s history and how he came to be the way he was. I also thought the “one night a year” element was magical. I am excited to read more from this author. I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Meekins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book had amazing bones. The structure of the story was hard, and I feel like the plot while interesting wasn’t well explained. The ending was forced, and one of the main issues the FMC had, was underwhelming when resolved.

The Santeria references were great, and I would have loved for them to be explored further, also to see it all tie together in a way that made sense, instead of it just being filler to the rest of the narrative.

Overall I would read this book again, and it could be an amazing story that could build into a novel or more, with more editing.

The characters were interesting as well.

[Christina Dallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, the ending still left me a bit curious as to what happened after but still a very sweet storyline. Navigating a relationship can be difficult in general, navigating a relationship with a ghost, unbelievable. The characters were well written and the storyline was sweet and touching in parts and very spicy in others.

Stella is a store clerk running from a toxic and dêadly relationship. She rents a house that she is pretty sure is haunted.

Oliver died somewhere around the year 1920 and has been stuck in the house ever since. Stella has changed things for him and a love bloomed between them.

There is so much I could say about this book, but you should read it for yourself! I gave it 4 Stars and 3.5 Spice! Haunted Love is available now!

[Mica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick read. Very different from paranormal romance books I've read before but definitely a theme I'd read again.

I will admit it took a couple chapters for me to find my footing of sorts but then I was hooked. I needed to see where this went and I'm glad I did. I liked how this ghost was no surprise to our FMC. There was no need to build up to his existence.

This book was spicy without being over the top or ridiculously cheesy and while I do love my cheesy spice I'm glad this took a more serious direction. Pick this book up!

I received this copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patricia Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Love by Ella Birch

Stella Rose came home from her cashier job, and ran into the house, locked the door, and flipped off the lights. She peeked out the window and near a big oak tree she saw Tommy, but he hid behind the big Oak tree. There was no sign of Oliver the ghost that lived in the house with her. This is a great book so full of twists and turns. I loved this story and want to read more by Ella Birch, I think this is the first time I have read any of her stories and it was so interesting, that I can not wait to read more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fun little novella with a male lead who is quite literally a ghost and would do ANYTHING for her, you’re in the right place. It took me a little while to actually start the book but when I was, I was HOOKED (devoured it in a day). The spice, romance and gothic vibe were amazing and honestly I don’t know what could be better. The one reason I docked a star was because it pretty much started with the romance with little build up. If it were a little longer and had more of a gradual start then it would have 100% been 5 stars.

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

[Glennyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dive into this fascinating dark gothic romance novella that hooks you from the very first page! The story unfolds in a thrilling blend of suspense and intrigue, keeping you on your toes as each twist is revealed. The characters are beautifully crafted, bursting with a chemistry that deepens their bonds and draws you into their emotional whirlwind. Every unexpected turn enriches the experience, making this an utterly delightful read that stays with you long after you've reached the last page. I genuinely savored every moment of this book, and the spice? Perfectly balanced with the plot, adding just the right amount of allure to this mesmerizing Novella!

[Nupur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different kind of haunted Love story that blew my mind. A ghost that lives in the house for centuries, a lost human that feels the presence of the ghost but isn't scared of him. The attraction she feels is something she didn't understand at first but soon when she talked to him it was just wonderful. The way this book was written and every details, from Ghost touch, the steam, the food and other minor and major details were just perfect. I loved it. And to have a happy ending was very sweet. All three together were so cute. It was different than any other books I have read and it was amazing. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Charlene (pageandplace) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gothic romance novella is about a woman who discovers she is not the only one living in her home. She’s not only watched from the outside by the male neighbors but from the ghost living with her.

There is something different about Oliver, compared to the glaring eyes of the neighbors. Stella has become accustomed to him and their connection grows over time.

This is a fast read, good for fans of ghost stories and unraveling the history and mystery of what once was.

Thank you to author, Ella Birch, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Sarah Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first ‘ghost romance’ read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

It was intriguing, gripping and spicy all the way through. For me it’s one of those books that, if you have to put it down to get on with life, you think about it constantly and can’t wait to pick it up again.

I thought there were so many possible twists and outcomes and I just kept thinking of all the ‘what ifs’. It definitely kept me hooked! I would have liked to have found out a bit more of Oliver’s history but the ending was definitely satisfying. Great read!

I received a copy of this book for free and this is my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had all the great vibes of Anne Rice to me. Love, sex, ghostly figure, yearning and wanting with a dark side to it.I enjoyed every page.

Stella tries to hide how she feels but neither her nor Oliver can ignore it. His yearning, obsession and need of her is just as twisted as her for him, in all the good way. The spice level is full throughout. Oliver wants love, attention and wish to be human form again but does not scare Stella but she yearns for his touch.

The ending was just what I wanted for these two. Made me feel they were where they belonged.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ELISA CAPPELLI · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un ghost romance breve, senza troppe pretese, ma che secondo me è per vari aspetti originale rispetto a molti altri romanzi del genere. La caratteristica che ho più apprezzato è l’avvicinamento fisico tra i due protagonisti e il fatto che ci siano conseguenze. Quindi il sistema magico è ben esposto e l’autrice è stata molto brava a descrivere scene steamy, con particolare attenzione alla sensorialità. Anche il finale è diverso dal solito, peccato per la brevità che non ha permesso di approfondire su diversi aspetti interessanti dei protagonisti.
Lettura comunque molto piacevole per gli amanti di storie romantiche di fantasmi.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often wonder if ghosts really exist. If so, could we talk with them, could we touch them?
This book was an absolutely AWESOME story of a woman, Stella, who moves into a house inhabited by a ghost, Oliver.
The characters have a lot of depth, and the storyline is both serious and fascinating. There is an ethereal steaminess, and romance. This is NOT a childish ghost story, it is a BEAUTIFUL,
FANTASTIC, FABULOUS Adult love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella’s running from something much worse than the ghost who’s inhabiting the house she lives in. Though Oliver still frightens her, she’s used to him, for the most part, and fears what’s outside more. Things move beyond just co-existing and hey eventually build a relationship of sorts. Oliver finally shares what happened to him and why he thinks he’s stuck there. Stella vows to help him find the missing piece that could help him move on.

A ghost story with a little mystery, a little suspense, a little violence, some romance, and a lot of spice, that will enthrall and entertain until the very last page.

This feedback will not be displayed publicly. Only the author will be able to see it.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll start off by saying, this was a very interesting read and a great concept. However, I did find that some areas were lacking. I was left with more questions than resolutions and I feel that maybe some of the writing was rushed.

I think, given more context and backstory to some of these areas, they would not have seemed irrelevant. I did enjoy the writing and the romance, but I wanted MORE!

Even given the three star review, I would like to read more from this author in the future. I did receive this book for free, I did enjoy it for the story it told.

[Courtney Cable · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of this story was there but there was simultaneously not enough detail and to much at the same time. Granted it’s a novella so it’s hard to fit a full story line in less than 200 pages but I think if more time had been spent on the characters and how they fit into the story rather than details of small things like what the house looked like, it would have been easier to follow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JustAmysBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

the characters and chemistry was perfect in this spicy little gothic romance book (Not so spicy its cheesy though)that kept me interested from start to finish, I've never read a paranormal romance style book before so this was a first for me, but I really enjoyed it from start to finish, the writer did a good job of keeping the reader interested and although it took me a while to get started once I did I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to anything else written by this author.

[Melissa Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good gothic, dark romance!
This was my first read of Ella Birch and she left me pleasantly surprised and wanting more.
Strong chemistry between characters. Great story plot that is full of twists and turns that will hold your attention from start to end. Perfect amount of romance, spice, and plot all rolled together to make a great short read. I highly recommend.



I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Samantha Millican · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by this dark gothic ghost story. Stella moves into a house that is being haunted by Oliver, who has been cursed to remain. The fear and desire she has for him leaves her conflicted. Then there’s Tommy, who has been lurking too close. This story was suspenseful, yet steamy in the right ways. I was thoroughly engaged with this tale.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Casey Newsome · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book drew me in front the beginning! I'm a lover of paranormal romance and this hit all the check marks! Stella and Oliver are just *chefs kiss*! The story line was amazing and the spicy was definitely there but it didn't overshadow the plot by any means! If you love paranormal books definitely check it out!

[Chantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stella moves to a new house, but she is not the only one who lives there. There's a ghost named Oliver who lives there too. They get to know each other and slowly fall in love.

This book is such a short and fun read. I never thought I would enjoy a romance between a girl and a ghost so much.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunted Love is a great short story. I personally love ghosts! This is the perfect book for spooky season. I felt like it was missing some details in some spots, but overall a great that hooked me for the start.

received this book for free.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachael Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked the idea of this book but it didn’t keep me as engaged as I would’ve liked. Some parts seem a little rushed while some chapters felt too long. It did give me Monster House mixed with Penpal vibes. I did enjoy the characters and watching their relationship grow as the story progressed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.