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Melody Bittersweet #2
Kooky Spooky Love: A Melody Bittersweet Novel
An up-and-coming ghostbuster and her motley crew tackle a devilish high-wire act, aided (or more often, interrupted) by her rakish ex and the sarcastic reporter she can't seem to shake—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Spooky Love.
Maplemead Castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. When Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the main troublemaker swinging from the chandeliers. A century ago, stunning trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death in the castle's grand ballroom, and has continued to haunt it ever since. But did she really just fall, or was there something more to her demise?
Forced to work with Leo Dark, her scoundrel ex, and the infuriating, irresistible reporter Fletcher Gunn, Melody’s investigative powers are under the strain of a heart pulled in two directions. She needs her team in top form, but her best friend Marina’s cake pipeline goes AWOL, her assistant Artie’s distracted by a giant sausage roll, and the pug Lestat is scared witless by a lion. Melody has her work cut out for her.
Somewhere, hidden in the castle, is a heart-breaking secret, but what will it take to find it? And is there a chance it could set Britannia free, or is she doomed to repeat her last fateful act forever?
Maplemead Castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. When Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the main troublemaker swinging from the chandeliers. A century ago, stunning trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death in the castle's grand ballroom, and has continued to haunt it ever since. But did she really just fall, or was there something more to her demise?
Forced to work with Leo Dark, her scoundrel ex, and the infuriating, irresistible reporter Fletcher Gunn, Melody’s investigative powers are under the strain of a heart pulled in two directions. She needs her team in top form, but her best friend Marina’s cake pipeline goes AWOL, her assistant Artie’s distracted by a giant sausage roll, and the pug Lestat is scared witless by a lion. Melody has her work cut out for her.
Somewhere, hidden in the castle, is a heart-breaking secret, but what will it take to find it? And is there a chance it could set Britannia free, or is she doomed to repeat her last fateful act forever?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2025
95 people are currently reading
13885 people want to read
About the author
Josie Silver
15 books8,781 followersJosie lives in a small English town with her husband, their two sons, plus a changing cast of cats, dogs and fish. She writes full-time in a studio at the bottom of the garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
October 23, 2025
3.5 stars - think I liked the first one (Crazy Spooky Love) better - this one was just okay for me & a bit slow at times, though I appreciate the author trying new things. I really did not care for the "ghost busting" part of this👻 - too much romance (and some 🌶️) & not enough para-normal (main ghost falls in love with the living? WTAF🤷🏻♀️) It's a rather odd genre mash-up. Jury's still out as to whether I would read another of this series...
September 23, 2025
I did not realize this was a sequel and that confused me for a hot minute. I had to get my bearings before totally jumping in. That being said, this was perfectly fine to me. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it. I think the first book would have given me more context or perhaps stopped me from requesting this book.
I’m a big Josie silver fan but I think I’ll stick to her contemporary romances and leave this paranormal series to those who can better appreciate it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the advanced copy!
I’m a big Josie silver fan but I think I’ll stick to her contemporary romances and leave this paranormal series to those who can better appreciate it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the advanced copy!
September 17, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
I adore Josie Silver's writing. I read Crazy Spooky Love in 2 days so I couldn't wait to read Kooky Spooky Love. Much like the first book, Melody Bittersweet and her team, The Girls' Ghostbusting Agency are investigating a case and this one involves her ex Leo who is assisting on the case as well. Fletcher, who is her lover, is assigned by the paper to shadow melody and submit a write up on the case. All of this brings about a live triangle.
I felt as if this book for a bit of a slow start but picked right up. This book was extremely cute but I did feel like this felt a lot like the first book, but with that being said, I still read in a matter of 2 days. The teams shenanigans were a joy to read about.
This book was a perfect fall read. There's humor, mystery, and romance.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
publication date October 28,2025
I adore Josie Silver's writing. I read Crazy Spooky Love in 2 days so I couldn't wait to read Kooky Spooky Love. Much like the first book, Melody Bittersweet and her team, The Girls' Ghostbusting Agency are investigating a case and this one involves her ex Leo who is assisting on the case as well. Fletcher, who is her lover, is assigned by the paper to shadow melody and submit a write up on the case. All of this brings about a live triangle.
I felt as if this book for a bit of a slow start but picked right up. This book was extremely cute but I did feel like this felt a lot like the first book, but with that being said, I still read in a matter of 2 days. The teams shenanigans were a joy to read about.
This book was a perfect fall read. There's humor, mystery, and romance.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
publication date October 28,2025
August 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Another great cozy mystery. Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency are back with a new case. A couple bought a castle online and surprise surprise it’s haunted. They need the ghosts gone from Maplemead Castle asap. But you know they aren’t going to go easy and Melody is going to have her hands full once again. It was so cute and funny just as I hoped it would be.
Another great cozy mystery. Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency are back with a new case. A couple bought a castle online and surprise surprise it’s haunted. They need the ghosts gone from Maplemead Castle asap. But you know they aren’t going to go easy and Melody is going to have her hands full once again. It was so cute and funny just as I hoped it would be.
November 4, 2025
even though i just barely missed the deadline for the arc i’m still very grateful that i got to read this!
thank you to Netgalley, the publisher: Ballantine and of course, Josie Silver for letting me read this e-arc!!
I love these characters and I'm so happy to have been able to read the second in the series!
“I’m all for a battlefield truce. I’m prepared to lay down my arms sometimes and hold you in them instead.”
The book setting, the writing and the development was amazing!
I loved reading about Fletch's backstory and the whole rivals to lovers!
I can't wait to see what Josie Silver does for the rest of the series!! I'm so excited for the 3rd one!!!
I can't even imagine all of the adventures and ghosts we'll encounter! and I'll be there the whole way
AHH AND THE ENDING??? Fletch the man you are 🤭.
“You’re no knight.” I mutter.
“But you’re every inch the princess.” he says softly.
(5/5)⭐️🎪
thank you to Netgalley, the publisher: Ballantine and of course, Josie Silver for letting me read this e-arc!!
I love these characters and I'm so happy to have been able to read the second in the series!
“I’m all for a battlefield truce. I’m prepared to lay down my arms sometimes and hold you in them instead.”
The book setting, the writing and the development was amazing!
I loved reading about Fletch's backstory and the whole rivals to lovers!
I can't wait to see what Josie Silver does for the rest of the series!! I'm so excited for the 3rd one!!!
I can't even imagine all of the adventures and ghosts we'll encounter! and I'll be there the whole way
AHH AND THE ENDING??? Fletch the man you are 🤭.
“You’re no knight.” I mutter.
“But you’re every inch the princess.” he says softly.
(5/5)⭐️🎪
September 5, 2025
Thanks so much NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I was so thrilled to get an advanced copy of this book, having read the first book in the series. This is so amazing, and I absolutely can't wait for more. I absolutely love when the relationship is only toxic because of misunderstandings or outside issues, not because one or both of the people are horrible human beings. Melody and her whole sees ghosts, and Fletcher is convinced they are just scamming people out of money. Even though he thinks this about her and is constantly trying to discredit them, Melody and Fletcher keep ending up in bed together.
The plot and characters are so amazing. Loved it so much ❤️ and can't wait for the next book! Definitely would recommend!
I was so thrilled to get an advanced copy of this book, having read the first book in the series. This is so amazing, and I absolutely can't wait for more. I absolutely love when the relationship is only toxic because of misunderstandings or outside issues, not because one or both of the people are horrible human beings. Melody and her whole sees ghosts, and Fletcher is convinced they are just scamming people out of money. Even though he thinks this about her and is constantly trying to discredit them, Melody and Fletcher keep ending up in bed together.
The plot and characters are so amazing. Loved it so much ❤️ and can't wait for the next book! Definitely would recommend!
September 17, 2025
Accidentally read this out of order but still absolutely fell in love with Melody and her ghost-busting team. Read Crazy Spooky Love first and have a ton of fun with Melody and her team trying to clear out a cast of circus performers before the big movie production arrives. Made so much easier by being forced to team up with her ex Leo and shadowed by her definitely off-limits crush Fletcher.
October 27, 2025
This series is unlike Josie’s other writing but I had as great of a time with this as the first book in the series.
Melody is honestly the most awkward and unhinged humor and I eat it up every single time lol. The only thing I kind of struggled with was the dead/undead relationship. It was a no for me but that is likely just personal preference.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Melody is honestly the most awkward and unhinged humor and I eat it up every single time lol. The only thing I kind of struggled with was the dead/undead relationship. It was a no for me but that is likely just personal preference.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
July 11, 2025
This was such a fun, kooky read! I loved the ghostly mystery, the chaotic team energy, and omg the love triangle had me flipping pages. Melody is hilarious, the banter is gold, and I need more of this gang immediately! 🫶🏻
Expected Release Date: 10/28/2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the early access. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Expected Release Date: 10/28/2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the early access. All thoughts in this review are my own.
August 10, 2025
I was really, really excited to get approved for this ARC; I absolutely loved the first book, and fell hard for the characters.
Unfortunately, I just didn't get the same experience with the second book and really struggled to finish it.
I struggled with the characters this go round, and really didn't feel connected or interested in any of them, including the ghosts. Actually, I was far more interested in the house than anything else. 🫤
The writing was rough for me, the dialogue a little too cheesy, the constant analogies for every thought and idea, it was a lot.
I hate to knock a Josie Silver book, but I just didn't enjoy this one.
Unfortunately, I just didn't get the same experience with the second book and really struggled to finish it.
I struggled with the characters this go round, and really didn't feel connected or interested in any of them, including the ghosts. Actually, I was far more interested in the house than anything else. 🫤
The writing was rough for me, the dialogue a little too cheesy, the constant analogies for every thought and idea, it was a lot.
I hate to knock a Josie Silver book, but I just didn't enjoy this one.
October 31, 2025
How a plot can be intricate and dumb-dummy-dumb at the same time still haunts me...
Can I quote my own review on book one? Because I again had so much genuine fun.
Honestly? I loved the setting and the mystery plotline of this one even more.
The only downside for me is that I absolutely cannot focus on Josie Silver’s writing. I can’t quite explain why—since I truly enjoy it and, again, I’m invested—but somehow I kept switching to something else every two chapters.
That’s why it took me months to finish reading...
Am I sick for wanting a full-on love triangle? Maybe.
You can check out my Crazy Spooky Love review for more thoughts, ’cause they’re basically copy and paste for this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for the DRC!
⌇ ria’s romance rating scale ⌇ ݁
• plot 80/100
• writing 75/100
• characters 73/100
• giggle & feet-kick-ability 70/100
• general enjoyment 69/100
• cringe -0/-100
2/5 🌶️
total: 367
*500–451 — 6 stars
450–401 — 5 stars
400–341 — 4 stars
340–201 — 3 stars
200–101 — 2 stars
100–0 — 1 star
Can I quote my own review on book one? Because I again had so much genuine fun.
Honestly? I loved the setting and the mystery plotline of this one even more.
The only downside for me is that I absolutely cannot focus on Josie Silver’s writing. I can’t quite explain why—since I truly enjoy it and, again, I’m invested—but somehow I kept switching to something else every two chapters.
That’s why it took me months to finish reading...
Am I sick for wanting a full-on love triangle? Maybe.
You can check out my Crazy Spooky Love review for more thoughts, ’cause they’re basically copy and paste for this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for the DRC!
⌇ ria’s romance rating scale ⌇ ݁
• plot 80/100
• writing 75/100
• characters 73/100
• giggle & feet-kick-ability 70/100
• general enjoyment 69/100
• cringe -0/-100
2/5 🌶️
total: 367
*500–451 — 6 stars
450–401 — 5 stars
400–341 — 4 stars
340–201 — 3 stars
200–101 — 2 stars
100–0 — 1 star
November 6, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
I shouldn’t have continued this series. Book one I think was just right time for a silly book but now for book two I am unimpressed. The personal drama with these men just needs to stop. I am so over her romantic life that I don’t think I can continue this series. I do love the cases that they set out to solve. They have both been very interesting.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for this arc. Book is available now for purchase.
I shouldn’t have continued this series. Book one I think was just right time for a silly book but now for book two I am unimpressed. The personal drama with these men just needs to stop. I am so over her romantic life that I don’t think I can continue this series. I do love the cases that they set out to solve. They have both been very interesting.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for this arc. Book is available now for purchase.
June 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for this advanced copy!
I really enjoy this book. Still want to punch Leo. Still unsure about Fletcher. LOVE Melody, Marina, and Artie.
This time, we are in a big mansion filled with new tenants, ghost nuns, ghosts playing card games, and a dead ringleader of the circus, with two dead trapeze artists.. all caught in a messy love triangle. Did I mention a ghost lion? That's important, too.
Leo and Melody are forced to work together to figure out what happened between the ringleader and trapeze artists, and Fletcher has decided to join in on the fun and write a story about Melody! Did I also mention they're all staying together in the same place?
While I figured out early on what happened, I loved the journey to get there. You see more into relationships of Leo and Melody, and also Fletcher with Melody. Very excited to continue this series!
I do gotta ask, tho.. why does no one visit her dead grandpa that's just chilling out in their bedroom?
I really enjoy this book. Still want to punch Leo. Still unsure about Fletcher. LOVE Melody, Marina, and Artie.
This time, we are in a big mansion filled with new tenants, ghost nuns, ghosts playing card games, and a dead ringleader of the circus, with two dead trapeze artists.. all caught in a messy love triangle. Did I mention a ghost lion? That's important, too.
Leo and Melody are forced to work together to figure out what happened between the ringleader and trapeze artists, and Fletcher has decided to join in on the fun and write a story about Melody! Did I also mention they're all staying together in the same place?
While I figured out early on what happened, I loved the journey to get there. You see more into relationships of Leo and Melody, and also Fletcher with Melody. Very excited to continue this series!
I do gotta ask, tho.. why does no one visit her dead grandpa that's just chilling out in their bedroom?
September 8, 2025
tbh i don’t have too many thoughts about this book. i really enjoyed crazy spooky love (the first book in the series) so i was excited to read this one but it didn’t live up to the hype. i feel like the humor in the first book was part of why i loved it so much but this one was honestly too cringy. i just feel like i was expecting more? nonetheless it was a quick read and got me in the mood for spooky season!
thank you netgalley and ballantine for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
thank you netgalley and ballantine for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2025
Melody continues to be insufferable, this wasn't a romance but why is the title about love? I absolutely LOVE the ghost hunter plot and bonds between family and friends but it feels like a bad attempt at a slow burn when it's just dragging it out.
October 6, 2025
Edited to add: I can't stop thinking about this. But I actually think one of my favorite things about this series so far is truly how bizarre and quirky a character Melody is, but how she never once thinks to herself that, in order to have the love life she laments is absent, she has to change. Never once. She is so weird, but it never crosses her mind to be less weird. In fact, Fletch is literally obsessed with her because she's exactly who she is, full stop! I don't know, something about that is so refreshing to me. Melody isn't quirky in a quirky girl way, it's like genuinely she's such an IndividualTM and you can take it or leave it, and if I think about it hard enough, it could make me cry in gratitude to Josie Silver.
Original review: Another rollicking good time! The hijinks and hilarity with Melody Bittersweet and her motley crew continue in the second installment of this series that, frankly, I wish never ended! I could read 20 of these books, honestly. The first two have been so fun, steamy, with pockets of introspection that really hit. Melody's voice is so strong and had me snort-laughing multiple times. I am so glad Artie got his little romance subplot plotline, I quite literally punched my fist in the air when I realized that was happening and immediately texted my best friend the fantastic news. I love Marina's no-nonsense brand of advice, and I hope we get more of her in book 3 as things between Melody and Fletch seem to be heating up...? That cliffhanger was brutal, I will now attempt to be as patient as possible waiting for book 3.
Original review: Another rollicking good time! The hijinks and hilarity with Melody Bittersweet and her motley crew continue in the second installment of this series that, frankly, I wish never ended! I could read 20 of these books, honestly. The first two have been so fun, steamy, with pockets of introspection that really hit. Melody's voice is so strong and had me snort-laughing multiple times. I am so glad Artie got his little romance subplot plotline, I quite literally punched my fist in the air when I realized that was happening and immediately texted my best friend the fantastic news. I love Marina's no-nonsense brand of advice, and I hope we get more of her in book 3 as things between Melody and Fletch seem to be heating up...? That cliffhanger was brutal, I will now attempt to be as patient as possible waiting for book 3.
November 14, 2025
Book Review 📖👻🩵
thank you so much partner @dellromance @booksparks for the gifted copy! #frc2025 #practicalbookmagic
Kooky Spooky Love
by Josie Silver
About the book 👇🏽
Maplemead Castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. When Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the main troublemaker swinging from the chandeliers. A century ago, stunning trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death in the castle’s grand ballroom, and has continued to haunt it ever since. But did she really just fall, or was there something more to her demise?
Forced to work with Leo Dark, her scoundrel ex, and the infuriating, irresistible reporter Fletcher Gunn, Melody’s investigative powers are under the strain of a heart pulled in two directions. She needs her team in top form, but her best friend Marina’s cake pipeline goes AWOL, her assistant Artie’s distracted by a giant sausage roll, and the pug Lestat is scared witless by a lion. Melody has her work cut out for her.
🩵My thoughts:
Kooky Spooky Love delivered the same vibes as Crazy Spooky Love. It’s a quick read that’s all sorts of cozy and quirky. Although this too was a bit predictable, if you enjoy comfort reads, this is something that won’t bother or hinder your reading experience. With new characters and mystery, this one still entertains. I found myself laughing and even talking into the pages as I read along. You get ghosts, forced proximity, mystery, and romance… all things I personally enjoy. If you like fast reads that’s are warm and cozy, this series might just be the series for you! Kooky Spooky Love is out now.
Happy reading 📖 👻✨🩵
thank you so much partner @dellromance @booksparks for the gifted copy! #frc2025 #practicalbookmagic
Kooky Spooky Love
by Josie Silver
About the book 👇🏽
Maplemead Castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. When Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the main troublemaker swinging from the chandeliers. A century ago, stunning trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death in the castle’s grand ballroom, and has continued to haunt it ever since. But did she really just fall, or was there something more to her demise?
Forced to work with Leo Dark, her scoundrel ex, and the infuriating, irresistible reporter Fletcher Gunn, Melody’s investigative powers are under the strain of a heart pulled in two directions. She needs her team in top form, but her best friend Marina’s cake pipeline goes AWOL, her assistant Artie’s distracted by a giant sausage roll, and the pug Lestat is scared witless by a lion. Melody has her work cut out for her.
🩵My thoughts:
Kooky Spooky Love delivered the same vibes as Crazy Spooky Love. It’s a quick read that’s all sorts of cozy and quirky. Although this too was a bit predictable, if you enjoy comfort reads, this is something that won’t bother or hinder your reading experience. With new characters and mystery, this one still entertains. I found myself laughing and even talking into the pages as I read along. You get ghosts, forced proximity, mystery, and romance… all things I personally enjoy. If you like fast reads that’s are warm and cozy, this series might just be the series for you! Kooky Spooky Love is out now.
Happy reading 📖 👻✨🩵
October 15, 2025
this is book two in the melody bittersweet series. i really enjoyed the first book so i was excited for this one but it sadly didn’t live up to my expectations. i didn’t love it but also didn’t hate it. unfortunately i found myself struggling to want to continue reading it, there was a lot going on. however, i did enjoy the back and forth banter between fletcher and melody. i’d still recommend checking the series out, especially for spooky season
maplemead castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. when melody and the girls’ ghostbusting agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the main troublemaker swinging from the chandeliers. a century ago, stunning trapeze artist britannia plunged to her death in the castle's grand ballroom, and has continued to haunt it ever since. forced to work with leo, her scoundrel ex, and the infuriating reporter fletcher, melody’s investigative powers are under the strain of a heart pulled in two directions. somewhere, hidden in the castle, is a heart-breaking secret, but what will it take to find it?
tropes: love triangle, paranormal romcom/mystery, forced proximity, ghosts
👻🏰🦁🎱🎪
maplemead castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. when melody and the girls’ ghostbusting agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the main troublemaker swinging from the chandeliers. a century ago, stunning trapeze artist britannia plunged to her death in the castle's grand ballroom, and has continued to haunt it ever since. forced to work with leo, her scoundrel ex, and the infuriating reporter fletcher, melody’s investigative powers are under the strain of a heart pulled in two directions. somewhere, hidden in the castle, is a heart-breaking secret, but what will it take to find it?
tropes: love triangle, paranormal romcom/mystery, forced proximity, ghosts
👻🏰🦁🎱🎪
October 24, 2025
Thank you @booksparks and @dellromance for my gifted copies of this book!
This is the second book in the Melody Bittersweet series, and I LOVED it! While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book, well…first. It adds context that will be helpful in this one and I think it just really helped me love these characters more than I even did before!
This series has been described as Scooby Doo for adults, and that is totally accurate! I wanted more romance from the first book, and this book delivers! I’m actually obsessed with Fletch. The push and pull with him in Melody is addicting to read about, and their conflict over why they shouldn’t be together is actually very, very valid lol. But I loved their chemistry in spite of their differences!
Also, the side characters in this series are just the absolute best. I feel like now that I knew them from the first book, I could truly appreciate them more in this book. Marina, Artie, Lestat…even Leo’s storyline in this book had me in my feels for him. 🥹
I couldn’t get enough of the ghostbuster aspect of this story as well. While the mystery was a little predictable, it was also touching! This book will make your emotions go haywire, so…warning. I was actually CACKLING laughing at some parts and feeling very emotional at others.
ANYWAY. I loved this book! Josie Silver knocked it out of the park. It’s the perfect spooky season romcom with some depth, too. But, do yourself a favor and read book one first for full impact!
This is the second book in the Melody Bittersweet series, and I LOVED it! While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book, well…first. It adds context that will be helpful in this one and I think it just really helped me love these characters more than I even did before!
This series has been described as Scooby Doo for adults, and that is totally accurate! I wanted more romance from the first book, and this book delivers! I’m actually obsessed with Fletch. The push and pull with him in Melody is addicting to read about, and their conflict over why they shouldn’t be together is actually very, very valid lol. But I loved their chemistry in spite of their differences!
Also, the side characters in this series are just the absolute best. I feel like now that I knew them from the first book, I could truly appreciate them more in this book. Marina, Artie, Lestat…even Leo’s storyline in this book had me in my feels for him. 🥹
I couldn’t get enough of the ghostbuster aspect of this story as well. While the mystery was a little predictable, it was also touching! This book will make your emotions go haywire, so…warning. I was actually CACKLING laughing at some parts and feeling very emotional at others.
ANYWAY. I loved this book! Josie Silver knocked it out of the park. It’s the perfect spooky season romcom with some depth, too. But, do yourself a favor and read book one first for full impact!
November 21, 2025
Kooky Spooky Love is the second book in the Melody Bittersweet series. It is a sexy cozy mystery series featuring a woman who can see and talk to ghosts.
Melody is a fun heroine. She recently started a ghost-hunting business with her friend Marina. In this book they are hired to get rid of some ghosts from a castle.
She is again forced to work with her ex Leo. And her love interest reporter Fletcher is also in this book.
I enjoyed Melody's interactions with the ghosts. And the series is cute. But I'm not overly invested in the characters or the romance.
*This book was previously published as Mystery at Maplemead Castle (The Chapelwick Mysteries #2) by Kitty French
December 10, 2025
Misses the charm of the first book. Cringe writing and forced innuendos, which is another reminder of authors being out of touch and thinking people in their late 20’s talk like that. Melody is supposed to be ridding this castle of ghosts, but you could’ve fooled me with how disengaged the author seemed about her own plot. Oh, and DON’T TALK TO ME!!!! There were only two instances in this book where that happened…
November 12, 2025
3,5⭐️
Uma vez que este é a continuação do primeiro livro, já teve mais romance por ser o desfecho.
Gostei do mistério porque a história é muito triste e traumática. O final foi muito bonito e fofo!
No geral, é uma duologia engraçada, com fantasmas, muiiiito mistério e uma pitada de romance 🥹✌🏼
Uma vez que este é a continuação do primeiro livro, já teve mais romance por ser o desfecho.
Gostei do mistério porque a história é muito triste e traumática. O final foi muito bonito e fofo!
No geral, é uma duologia engraçada, com fantasmas, muiiiito mistério e uma pitada de romance 🥹✌🏼
October 29, 2025
These are so fun!!! I want another one!! I need Fletch and Melody to get in a real fight and then fall in love
May 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
4 1/2⭐️ rounded up
I was lucky enough to get to read the first in this series as an ARC, and immediately requested Kooky Spooky Love as soon as it became available. I adore the characters, especially Artie, he’s precious and deserves the world….the creepy Shining twins on the other hand…
Josie Silver is quickly becoming an automatic read for me, her writing is funny, snarky, and feels like the best romcom that pulls you out of a funk. Like the first book, it’s a fun read and I can’t wait for more of this series because I need more of Melody and Fletch, and of course Lestat.
4 1/2⭐️ rounded up
I was lucky enough to get to read the first in this series as an ARC, and immediately requested Kooky Spooky Love as soon as it became available. I adore the characters, especially Artie, he’s precious and deserves the world….the creepy Shining twins on the other hand…
Josie Silver is quickly becoming an automatic read for me, her writing is funny, snarky, and feels like the best romcom that pulls you out of a funk. Like the first book, it’s a fun read and I can’t wait for more of this series because I need more of Melody and Fletch, and of course Lestat.
October 28, 2025
I love this series so much!!!!! The kooky, adorable characters, the family interactions, the awesome friendships, etc. Everything about this series is so great that you can't help but fall in love with it too.
November 3, 2025
What a fun follow up! I appreciate that it was a direct follow up only a couple weeks after in the story with the same main group. I enjoyed the plot how there was levity to a sad ghost situation. (Though Bohemia was actually a creep). Stunning tension between Melody and Fletcher and I really hope there is a third book!
August 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The premise had me hooked; ghosts and romance? Absolutely, sign me up. I was looking forward to the Scooby Doo vibes, dog and all. But let’s talk about the insufferable elephant in the room: Melody.
Our main character is the walking embodiment of “I’m not like other girls.” She can see ghosts (objectively cool), but she spends most of her time talking about how much she loves sugar and sex and makes all her decisions with a Magic 8 Ball. She heard “That’s Just Me” by Demi Lovato and made it her whole personality. She wears Converse with her dress and has a full “She’s All That” moment when she puts on heels once. It’s not whimsy, it’s infantilized quirkiness through a male gaze lens. And there’s zero character development.
As for the love interests? About as steamy and tension-filled as a wet blanket. No chemistry. The banter had me blinking like I was trying to reset my brain. It gave “you have to keep drinking, like you promised”. That was me, taking deep breaths after someone said something completely whackadoodle, reminding myself to keep reading like I promised. There was a mystery thrown in there, but it got resolved so fast, and with so much exposition in the middle that I kept forgetting about it. Honestly, the best characters were the ghostly, chess-playing elderly couple, and they were barely there too.
All that said: I am not the arbiter of taste. This reminded me a lot of Lucy Score’s Riley Thorn series, so if you liked that, this might totally work for you. But for me? I’m moving on and leaving Melody (and her 8 Ball) far, far behind.
The premise had me hooked; ghosts and romance? Absolutely, sign me up. I was looking forward to the Scooby Doo vibes, dog and all. But let’s talk about the insufferable elephant in the room: Melody.
Our main character is the walking embodiment of “I’m not like other girls.” She can see ghosts (objectively cool), but she spends most of her time talking about how much she loves sugar and sex and makes all her decisions with a Magic 8 Ball. She heard “That’s Just Me” by Demi Lovato and made it her whole personality. She wears Converse with her dress and has a full “She’s All That” moment when she puts on heels once. It’s not whimsy, it’s infantilized quirkiness through a male gaze lens. And there’s zero character development.
As for the love interests? About as steamy and tension-filled as a wet blanket. No chemistry. The banter had me blinking like I was trying to reset my brain. It gave “you have to keep drinking, like you promised”. That was me, taking deep breaths after someone said something completely whackadoodle, reminding myself to keep reading like I promised. There was a mystery thrown in there, but it got resolved so fast, and with so much exposition in the middle that I kept forgetting about it. Honestly, the best characters were the ghostly, chess-playing elderly couple, and they were barely there too.
All that said: I am not the arbiter of taste. This reminded me a lot of Lucy Score’s Riley Thorn series, so if you liked that, this might totally work for you. But for me? I’m moving on and leaving Melody (and her 8 Ball) far, far behind.
September 29, 2025
This is a NetGalley Review-
I think the idea of this series is good. The execution however, was poor. I read a review that stated this book was quirky for the sake of being quirky. I wholeheartedly agree. It was not genuine or funny. The humor, to be frank, was not funny at all. It was giving early meme culture “ermerghoodd cheeseburger lolz”. It was cringey. I liked the mysteries, I liked fletch, but that was about it. It was hard to read and I was afraid I wouldn’t make the deadline, but I completed it. It has a few good moments, but they are few and far between.
I think the idea of this series is good. The execution however, was poor. I read a review that stated this book was quirky for the sake of being quirky. I wholeheartedly agree. It was not genuine or funny. The humor, to be frank, was not funny at all. It was giving early meme culture “ermerghoodd cheeseburger lolz”. It was cringey. I liked the mysteries, I liked fletch, but that was about it. It was hard to read and I was afraid I wouldn’t make the deadline, but I completed it. It has a few good moments, but they are few and far between.
October 28, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley & Ballantine for the E-ARC! So cute! Loved diving back in this world. Cute characters & loved all the paranormal vibes. New fav author alert!!
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