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Ghosted #1
Hjemsøgt i hjertet
Juleånden Nolan Callahan, har planer om at tilbringe højtiden med at hjemsøge de dårlige mennesker, som han plejer. Hurtigt ind, hurtigt ud og så ellers tilbage til sin formålsløse tilværelse som et spøgelse, der venter på efterlivet. Men da han står overfor Harriet York, den sødeste opgave, han nogensinde har haft, opdager han pludselig, at han ønsker sig en fremtid.
Harriet York aner ikke, hvorfor hun bliver hjemsøgt. Hun er et godt menneske – eller i det mindste prøver hun at være det. Som den menneske behager hun er, gør hun altid, hvad der forventes af hende. Men da Harriet og Nolan begynder at undersøge hendes fortid, opdager de, at der er tråde, der binder dem sammen. Juleaften nærmer sig med hastige skridt, men vil de finde nøglen til deres fremtid i hinandens fortid?
Harriet York aner ikke, hvorfor hun bliver hjemsøgt. Hun er et godt menneske – eller i det mindste prøver hun at være det. Som den menneske behager hun er, gør hun altid, hvad der forventes af hende. Men da Harriet og Nolan begynder at undersøge hendes fortid, opdager de, at der er tråde, der binder dem sammen. Juleaften nærmer sig med hastige skridt, men vil de finde nøglen til deres fremtid i hinandens fortid?
366 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2025
26278 people are currently reading
129014 people want to read
About the author
B.K. Borison
11 books15.1k followersNew York Times, Sunday Times, and USA Today Bestselling author B.K. Borison is the author of cozy, contemporary romances featuring emotionally vulnerable characters and swoon-worthy settings. When she’s not daydreaming about fictional characters doing fictional things, she’s at home with her family, more than likely buying books she doesn’t have room for.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 11,471 reviews
September 21, 2025
oh b. k. borison, i adore you. this was perfect. my muppet christmas carol heart is so happy. the CATS???? and the COZINESS?? and the DOWN BAD MMC?? i feel like she looked into my brain and plucked out everything i love and put it into a book. top 3 of the year EASY
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December 1, 2025I laughed, I cried, I f cking loved this book. IT WAS PERFECT.
And now I suddenly have a craving for a peppermint tea, a candy cane, and a fisherman in flannel.
And now I suddenly have a craving for a peppermint tea, a candy cane, and a fisherman in flannel.
December 15, 2025
I’m proudly announcing my top romance pick for 2025! I’m so certain nothing will surpass this one!
I’ve always adored B.K. Borison’s romcoms, but her fresh take on the Ghosted series with this magnificent paranormal romance is something truly special. I loved every part of it! The grumpy-meets-sunshine trope was perfectly executed, the main characters were absolutely delightful, and I even considered knitting scarves for them! They’re sweeter than fig jam, lemon drops, and blueberry Danish combined!
This is the kind of book that makes you want to shout your love from the rooftops!
The story follows Harriet York, who inherits her Aunt Mathilda’s antique shop. She may see herself as a people-pleaser, but in reality, she’s the kindest soul—always putting others first, even when her loved ones criticize her for not standing up for herself. In her mid-twenties, with curly hair, a love for colorful fashion, a sweet tooth, and a home filled with Christmas cheer, she’s basically the anti-Scrooge!
But one night, as she sips on stale peppermint tea, she discovers an unexpected visitor in her home—Nolan, a ruggedly charming Irish sailor in his mid-twenties. He introduces himself as the Ghost of Christmas Past, claiming he’s haunting her for the wrongs she’s committed. His mission? To take her on a journey through her past so she can face her mistakes, after which he’ll disappear forever.
But two things Nolan doesn’t anticipate:
Harriet is genuinely one of the sweetest, most selfless people ever—far from the Scrooge he expected to redeem.
The more time they spend together, the less ghostly Nolan feels. His magic starts to wane, and for the first time, he begins to feel something real.
If Harriet isn’t the Scrooge he was meant to haunt, why was he sent to her? And how can he possibly walk away when he’s falling so hard for her?
Overall: THIS BOOK IS CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE FOR MY SOUL!
I can’t even put into words how much I adored it! It may be early in the year, but I already know this will be my favorite romance of 2025. I genuinely can’t imagine loving another book as much as this one!
⭐ 10 stars, easily! ⭐
A massive thank you to B.K. Borison for writing such an incredible book—I cannot wait for the next installment in the Ghosted series!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I’ve always adored B.K. Borison’s romcoms, but her fresh take on the Ghosted series with this magnificent paranormal romance is something truly special. I loved every part of it! The grumpy-meets-sunshine trope was perfectly executed, the main characters were absolutely delightful, and I even considered knitting scarves for them! They’re sweeter than fig jam, lemon drops, and blueberry Danish combined!
This is the kind of book that makes you want to shout your love from the rooftops!
The story follows Harriet York, who inherits her Aunt Mathilda’s antique shop. She may see herself as a people-pleaser, but in reality, she’s the kindest soul—always putting others first, even when her loved ones criticize her for not standing up for herself. In her mid-twenties, with curly hair, a love for colorful fashion, a sweet tooth, and a home filled with Christmas cheer, she’s basically the anti-Scrooge!
But one night, as she sips on stale peppermint tea, she discovers an unexpected visitor in her home—Nolan, a ruggedly charming Irish sailor in his mid-twenties. He introduces himself as the Ghost of Christmas Past, claiming he’s haunting her for the wrongs she’s committed. His mission? To take her on a journey through her past so she can face her mistakes, after which he’ll disappear forever.
But two things Nolan doesn’t anticipate:
Harriet is genuinely one of the sweetest, most selfless people ever—far from the Scrooge he expected to redeem.
The more time they spend together, the less ghostly Nolan feels. His magic starts to wane, and for the first time, he begins to feel something real.
If Harriet isn’t the Scrooge he was meant to haunt, why was he sent to her? And how can he possibly walk away when he’s falling so hard for her?
Overall: THIS BOOK IS CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE FOR MY SOUL!
I can’t even put into words how much I adored it! It may be early in the year, but I already know this will be my favorite romance of 2025. I genuinely can’t imagine loving another book as much as this one!
⭐ 10 stars, easily! ⭐
A massive thank you to B.K. Borison for writing such an incredible book—I cannot wait for the next installment in the Ghosted series!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
November 5, 2025
oh so sweet
October 3, 2025
OMG THIS WAS SO SO BEAUTIFUL🥹🥹🥹 im surprised at how much I enjoyed it and how emotional it was. B.K Borison did her big one with this book fr🙂↕️
Nolan & Harriet belong to me🫂
rtc
┆ ⤿ 👻 ༝ pre-read:
IT’S TIMEEEE!!!!
finally going to start this after months of putting it off, one of my most anticipated reads🤸🏻♀️ I really hope it doesn’t disappoint me like most of B.K Borison’s books🤞🏻
Nolan & Harriet belong to me🫂
rtc
┆ ⤿ 👻 ༝ pre-read:
IT’S TIMEEEE!!!!
finally going to start this after months of putting it off, one of my most anticipated reads🤸🏻♀️ I really hope it doesn’t disappoint me like most of B.K Borison’s books🤞🏻
January 22, 2025
You don’t even understand.
and if you're into official things like blurbs, this is mine:
"Good Spirits is holiday romance perfection, with BK Borison's trademark mix of witty banter, a cozy setting that feels like being wrapped up in the warmest blanket, and a love story that makes you want to scream into a pillow, all of it topped with a bow of pure, undiluted magic. Borison is a gift to romance readers, and fully in a league of her own."
and if you're into official things like blurbs, this is mine:
"Good Spirits is holiday romance perfection, with BK Borison's trademark mix of witty banter, a cozy setting that feels like being wrapped up in the warmest blanket, and a love story that makes you want to scream into a pillow, all of it topped with a bow of pure, undiluted magic. Borison is a gift to romance readers, and fully in a league of her own."
November 29, 2025
★★★★
🧸➳ Okay, I have to admit something before I dive into this review: this is the coziest romance I have ever read. I've never encountered a book that gave me such persistent butterflies. Even after finishing the last page, they're still fluttering in my stomach, living there completely rent-free as the entire story has taken up permanent residence in my mind.
It's a ghost-hunting tale where a woman is being haunted, but it's overflowing with the most fluffy, romantic, and cozy vibes you could ever ask for—and then some! This is the magic of this book: it takes what should be a spooky premise and transforms it into something utterly warm and captivating. The 'haunting' feels more like a tender courtship, making it a perfect blend of otherworldly mystery and heart-melting romance. If you're looking for a book that is unique and will leave you with a lasting sense of warmth, you have to pick this up.
💌➳ On the first day of December, the universe gave Harriet York a ghost. But for me, the real magic was Harriet herself. I genuinely liked her—a 27-year-old woman who was both understanding and resilient, yet constantly trying to mold herself into what everyone else expected her to be. I know how exhausting it is to live up to society's standards, but the most draining pressure of all comes from family. And in Harriet's case, that weight was embodied by her mother.
⚓➳ And then there's her ghost—a lonely spirit I utterly adored. Nolan Callahan is the quintessential solitary man, whose love for books knitting and company of cats is irresistibly cute. The tragedy is that he was a fisherman in life, in an existence full of sensation, and his death meant losing everything that makes life feel real: dreams, feelings, tastes. This made his haunting not scary, but deeply sorrowful and beautiful.
💫➳ The love dynamic between them is so palpable it literally made me yearn! 😭 They developed their emotions by traveling to the past, a experience that felt like a beautiful, hazy dream drenched in winter vibes. I felt every electric touch, every brash and deep kiss, and I absolutely cherished every single hug. The urge to fall in love after reading this book is overwhelming! >>>333
That single line holds the entire, breathtaking power of this love story. This book left me in such a state that while writing this review, the only thing in my head were the lyrics from Arctic Monkeys' 'I Wanna Be Yours':
If you like your coffee hot / Let me be your coffee pot... / Secrets I have held in my heart / Are harder to hide than I thought... / I just wanna be yours.
•||||၊၊||၊|။|||▶︎|||၊၊||၊|။|||| •
✒️➳B.K. Borison's writing is the heart of this book's magic—it's incredibly cozy and vibrates with feeling. My entire reading experience was emotionally immersive; she has a gift for describing emotions in a way that makes everything feel alive and resonant. For me, this is a solid four-star read. While I adored the journey, the ending felt a touch predictable, and I wished for a bit more from Harriet's sister's subplot. Her moment of vulnerability seemed to exist primarily to move the plot forward, and I was left expecting a deeper resolution for her character. Despite this, the emotional rollercoaster was one I'd happily ride again.
“She feels … familiar. Like the edge of a memory I can’t quite grasp. Or an … impression, almost. A song I’ve heard before.”
“I know. But something feels off about this one.”
“Even if going unnoticed breaks your heart.”
“You’ll be safe with me. You have my word.”
“Are you the fly in this scenario, or the honey?”
“Iwant to reach out and grab him. Sink my hands back into his hair and hold on. Wrap him in a blanket and stick him on my couch. Hug him until he remembers what it feels like.”
“Perhaps she’s the hopeful, optimistic antithesis to the dark cloud I’ve become, meant to hold up a mirror to my life and my actions.”
“I haven’t wanted anything in decades, but I think I want you..”
“I’d like to be a person with you, Harriet.”
“ She looks like something carved out of marble. Like something that deserves to be worshipped.he looks like something carved out of marble. Like something that deserves to be worshipped.”
“I think you’re bringing me back to life, Harriet.” “That’s a ridiculous statement.”
“Do something, I think. Touch me. Kiss me. Damn the consequences.”
“You said I had universes in my hair, whatever that means. That you wished you could wrap yourself in it like a blanket.”
“Maybe she’s the candle, and I’m the idiot drawn to her flame. She’s so damn beautiful.”
“Do not mistake me for a good man. I am not here out of some misplaced sense of honor or duty. I demand your attention and I desire your affection.”
“You look like a dream,” he murmurs. “You don’t dream.” I laugh. “I do. I dream of you.” His voice is low. “Every time I close my eyes, it’s you I see. You I want.” I want to pause time right here.
“You make me want impossible things, Harriet.” I know the feeling. “Yeah.” I sigh. “You, too.”
“Maybe I was always supposed to find you,” I rasp. Maybe, my heart adds, you were always supposed to be mine.
“That guy sort of looked at you like you hung the moon,”
“It was always supposed to be you.”
“ If I’m a ghost, maybe she’s a witch.”
🧸➳ Okay, I have to admit something before I dive into this review: this is the coziest romance I have ever read. I've never encountered a book that gave me such persistent butterflies. Even after finishing the last page, they're still fluttering in my stomach, living there completely rent-free as the entire story has taken up permanent residence in my mind.
It's a ghost-hunting tale where a woman is being haunted, but it's overflowing with the most fluffy, romantic, and cozy vibes you could ever ask for—and then some! This is the magic of this book: it takes what should be a spooky premise and transforms it into something utterly warm and captivating. The 'haunting' feels more like a tender courtship, making it a perfect blend of otherworldly mystery and heart-melting romance. If you're looking for a book that is unique and will leave you with a lasting sense of warmth, you have to pick this up.
“ Like a book out of place on a shelf. A single note out of tune. A rope frayed in the middle. There’s something different about Harriet York, and I can’t put my finger on what it is.”
💌➳ On the first day of December, the universe gave Harriet York a ghost. But for me, the real magic was Harriet herself. I genuinely liked her—a 27-year-old woman who was both understanding and resilient, yet constantly trying to mold herself into what everyone else expected her to be. I know how exhausting it is to live up to society's standards, but the most draining pressure of all comes from family. And in Harriet's case, that weight was embodied by her mother.
“ If he’s a ghost, he’s a handsome one.”
⚓➳ And then there's her ghost—a lonely spirit I utterly adored. Nolan Callahan is the quintessential solitary man, whose love for books knitting and company of cats is irresistibly cute. The tragedy is that he was a fisherman in life, in an existence full of sensation, and his death meant losing everything that makes life feel real: dreams, feelings, tastes. This made his haunting not scary, but deeply sorrowful and beautiful.
“You’re the first thing in a hundred years to make me feel anything at all, Harriet York, and I don’t think that’s an accident.”
💫➳ The love dynamic between them is so palpable it literally made me yearn! 😭 They developed their emotions by traveling to the past, a experience that felt like a beautiful, hazy dream drenched in winter vibes. I felt every electric touch, every brash and deep kiss, and I absolutely cherished every single hug. The urge to fall in love after reading this book is overwhelming! >>>333
I had a dream.” He pauses. “About you.”
That single line holds the entire, breathtaking power of this love story. This book left me in such a state that while writing this review, the only thing in my head were the lyrics from Arctic Monkeys' 'I Wanna Be Yours':
If you like your coffee hot / Let me be your coffee pot... / Secrets I have held in my heart / Are harder to hide than I thought... / I just wanna be yours.
•||||၊၊||၊|။|||▶︎|||၊၊||၊|။|||| •
“I am nothing but sensation. Heat and lust and delirium. Raw power drifts around me, sending out sparks but landing like snowflakes.”
✒️➳B.K. Borison's writing is the heart of this book's magic—it's incredibly cozy and vibrates with feeling. My entire reading experience was emotionally immersive; she has a gift for describing emotions in a way that makes everything feel alive and resonant. For me, this is a solid four-star read. While I adored the journey, the ending felt a touch predictable, and I wished for a bit more from Harriet's sister's subplot. Her moment of vulnerability seemed to exist primarily to move the plot forward, and I was left expecting a deeper resolution for her character. Despite this, the emotional rollercoaster was one I'd happily ride again.
iconic quotes 🕯️💗🧷:
“She feels … familiar. Like the edge of a memory I can’t quite grasp. Or an … impression, almost. A song I’ve heard before.”
“I know. But something feels off about this one.”
“Even if going unnoticed breaks your heart.”
“You’ll be safe with me. You have my word.”
“Are you the fly in this scenario, or the honey?”
“Iwant to reach out and grab him. Sink my hands back into his hair and hold on. Wrap him in a blanket and stick him on my couch. Hug him until he remembers what it feels like.”
“Perhaps she’s the hopeful, optimistic antithesis to the dark cloud I’ve become, meant to hold up a mirror to my life and my actions.”
“I haven’t wanted anything in decades, but I think I want you..”
“I’d like to be a person with you, Harriet.”
“ She looks like something carved out of marble. Like something that deserves to be worshipped.he looks like something carved out of marble. Like something that deserves to be worshipped.”
“I think you’re bringing me back to life, Harriet.” “That’s a ridiculous statement.”
“Do something, I think. Touch me. Kiss me. Damn the consequences.”
“You said I had universes in my hair, whatever that means. That you wished you could wrap yourself in it like a blanket.”
“Maybe she’s the candle, and I’m the idiot drawn to her flame. She’s so damn beautiful.”
“Do not mistake me for a good man. I am not here out of some misplaced sense of honor or duty. I demand your attention and I desire your affection.”
“You look like a dream,” he murmurs. “You don’t dream.” I laugh. “I do. I dream of you.” His voice is low. “Every time I close my eyes, it’s you I see. You I want.” I want to pause time right here.
“You make me want impossible things, Harriet.” I know the feeling. “Yeah.” I sigh. “You, too.”
“Maybe I was always supposed to find you,” I rasp. Maybe, my heart adds, you were always supposed to be mine.
“That guy sort of looked at you like you hung the moon,”
“It was always supposed to be you.”
December 13, 2025
I know I'm in the minority on this one, but I have some conflicting thoughts about this book. I need to preface this by saying I know my taste, and I rarely find a holiday Christmas book that I'd actually consider good. Honestly, I find the majority of Christmas books borderline trash, so I went into this one with a very open mind. I was intrigued since everyone was saying this was super emotional, and of course, the whole ghost mmc thing caught my attention.
As a holiday romance, I don't think it's entirely bad. It definitely tries to achieve something meaningful, which has made it better than most other Christmas books I've read. Those other books feel completely devoid of meaning, but in this one, I could see that it tried and actually achieved something deeper in its themes.
I really appreciated how the book explored both main characters helping each other face and overcome their hardship. There's this underlying current of hidden pain in both of them that felt very genuine. I love the whole concept of him haunting her, being this ghost who's stuck and helping her find herself, while she helps him find peace, and the idea of two people who are both lost in different ways finding each other and pushing each other toward growth is exactly the kind of depth I wish more holiday romances would attempt.
Unfortunately, in this one the execution got completely bogged down by how physically attracted the main characters were to each other, and that overshadowed all the deeper emotional development that could have made this special.
My main issue is that while I appreciate that it was trying to achieve more than just a romance with its themes, the actual romance itself fell entirely apart for me. I was expecting this book to be very emotional, and don't get me wrong, it had several emotional moments, but they just didn't resonate with me at all. I hate to say it, but I felt so detached the whole time I was reading this.
The romance was the weakest part because their relationship moved SO fast. They literally just met, and immediately they're physically attracted to each other, then they kiss, then they're dealing with deep emotional problems together. I would have liked to see so much more built between them. Then they started having sex soooo many times throughout this book, which I eventually skipped, cause I'm sorry, but B.K. Borison's smut scenes will never fail to make me cringe.
Bottomline, I'm quite disappointed because I really thought I would enjoy this. That said, if you're less bothered by rushed romance pacing than I am and you enjoy the concept of deeper themes in a Christmas romance, this might work for you.
As a holiday romance, I don't think it's entirely bad. It definitely tries to achieve something meaningful, which has made it better than most other Christmas books I've read. Those other books feel completely devoid of meaning, but in this one, I could see that it tried and actually achieved something deeper in its themes.
I really appreciated how the book explored both main characters helping each other face and overcome their hardship. There's this underlying current of hidden pain in both of them that felt very genuine. I love the whole concept of him haunting her, being this ghost who's stuck and helping her find herself, while she helps him find peace, and the idea of two people who are both lost in different ways finding each other and pushing each other toward growth is exactly the kind of depth I wish more holiday romances would attempt.
Unfortunately, in this one the execution got completely bogged down by how physically attracted the main characters were to each other, and that overshadowed all the deeper emotional development that could have made this special.
My main issue is that while I appreciate that it was trying to achieve more than just a romance with its themes, the actual romance itself fell entirely apart for me. I was expecting this book to be very emotional, and don't get me wrong, it had several emotional moments, but they just didn't resonate with me at all. I hate to say it, but I felt so detached the whole time I was reading this.
The romance was the weakest part because their relationship moved SO fast. They literally just met, and immediately they're physically attracted to each other, then they kiss, then they're dealing with deep emotional problems together. I would have liked to see so much more built between them. Then they started having sex soooo many times throughout this book, which I eventually skipped, cause I'm sorry, but B.K. Borison's smut scenes will never fail to make me cringe.
Bottomline, I'm quite disappointed because I really thought I would enjoy this. That said, if you're less bothered by rushed romance pacing than I am and you enjoy the concept of deeper themes in a Christmas romance, this might work for you.
December 13, 2025
A very cute story 🥹 but way less than my expectations 😭
Maybe I had very high expectations because of all the positive reviews 😭 but this didn’t catch my attention the way I hoped it would.
It wasn’t too spicy, but there were some scenes that felt unnecessary 😭 There wasn’t any unnecessary smut, but the situation itself felt unnecessary 😭 Like, okay bro, her pajamas are cute and hot, but he really exaggerated his fantasies there 😭 And I get that you’re meant to be together, but umm… you’ve only met each other like 2–3 times, and you’re already having THOSE thoughts?? 😭 Umm… sorry, no. 😭
That being said, I really liked the whole Ghost of the Christmas Past scenario and taking a path down memory lane 🥹 It was sweet and emotional at the same time 🩵 so I can’t really say that I hated the book, I actually liked it 🙂↕️🩵 But it did take me longer to finish.
Harriet and Nolan — they’re really cute together 🥹🫶 but they’re also really dumb together 💀 Sometimes, I just wanted them to act like real adults 🥰 but hey, it happens. So I’m gonna ignore that 🙂↕️ And I really liked the ending 🥹🫶 ofc, by putting logic aside 🙂↕️
Oliver is the best character, and omg, how could I forget Aunt Matilda 🤭🫶 I love these two characters so much. Oh, and Sasha too 🙂↕️ Atp, I love the side characters more than the main ones 💀 help- 😭
If I had gone in with lower expectations, I definitely would’ve liked it more. It really was a sweet story, just don’t keep your hopes too high, y’all 😭 Well… not as high as mine 😭
Yeah, that’s it, guys. Love y’all 🫶🩵♥️
———————————————
⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ pre-read ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙
Book Club Read
I’ve been seeing this book everywhere and I’m so happy our book club picked it for December 🥹🩵 Can’t wait to find out what all the hype is about.
Maybe I had very high expectations because of all the positive reviews 😭 but this didn’t catch my attention the way I hoped it would.
It wasn’t too spicy, but there were some scenes that felt unnecessary 😭 There wasn’t any unnecessary smut, but the situation itself felt unnecessary 😭 Like, okay bro, her pajamas are cute and hot, but he really exaggerated his fantasies there 😭 And I get that you’re meant to be together, but umm… you’ve only met each other like 2–3 times, and you’re already having THOSE thoughts?? 😭 Umm… sorry, no. 😭
That being said, I really liked the whole Ghost of the Christmas Past scenario and taking a path down memory lane 🥹 It was sweet and emotional at the same time 🩵 so I can’t really say that I hated the book, I actually liked it 🙂↕️🩵 But it did take me longer to finish.
Harriet and Nolan — they’re really cute together 🥹🫶 but they’re also really dumb together 💀 Sometimes, I just wanted them to act like real adults 🥰 but hey, it happens. So I’m gonna ignore that 🙂↕️ And I really liked the ending 🥹🫶 ofc, by putting logic aside 🙂↕️
Oliver is the best character, and omg, how could I forget Aunt Matilda 🤭🫶 I love these two characters so much. Oh, and Sasha too 🙂↕️ Atp, I love the side characters more than the main ones 💀 help- 😭
If I had gone in with lower expectations, I definitely would’ve liked it more. It really was a sweet story, just don’t keep your hopes too high, y’all 😭 Well… not as high as mine 😭
Yeah, that’s it, guys. Love y’all 🫶🩵♥️
———————————————
⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ pre-read ⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙
Book Club Read
I’ve been seeing this book everywhere and I’m so happy our book club picked it for December 🥹🩵 Can’t wait to find out what all the hype is about.
December 13, 2025
3.5* AW THIS WAS CUTE ☺️ I loved the premise and I love this author’s writing. Felt a bit long buttttt I’m gonna need more paranormal holiday romcoms in my life!!
July 19, 2025
3.25 stars
jokes over, why was this so much better than i thought it was going to be? going in, i just thought it was going to be a silly, cute, and fun holiday romance, but turns out this book packs emotional punches — which, as i’m reading the reviews for other b.k. borison books, is common for her. i haven’t had the best luck in the past with christmas romances — most of them feel like books that authors put in the minimal amount of effort for just for the sake of releasing a book. however, borison’s emotions were tangible in this one; the plot was also something creative and compelling to read about.
one complaint that i do have is we weren’t really focusing on the “holiday” aspect much. in the beginning, there were a few mentions of holiday-related activities/wear, but other than that it felt like a normal romance.
overall, i highly recommend this book if you want a cute romance during the holiday season with likable + relatable main characters <3
thank you to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
jokes over, why was this so much better than i thought it was going to be? going in, i just thought it was going to be a silly, cute, and fun holiday romance, but turns out this book packs emotional punches — which, as i’m reading the reviews for other b.k. borison books, is common for her. i haven’t had the best luck in the past with christmas romances — most of them feel like books that authors put in the minimal amount of effort for just for the sake of releasing a book. however, borison’s emotions were tangible in this one; the plot was also something creative and compelling to read about.
one complaint that i do have is we weren’t really focusing on the “holiday” aspect much. in the beginning, there were a few mentions of holiday-related activities/wear, but other than that it felt like a normal romance.
overall, i highly recommend this book if you want a cute romance during the holiday season with likable + relatable main characters <3
thank you to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2025
4.5 stars 🎄 🧤 🐱 🍬 ⛸️ 🧣 🌨️
Okay, I need to be very honest first:
the beginning was a struggle for me.
The first 20% felt slow and I had to push myself a bit to keep reading.
Because after the 20% mark, the story will get so much better, and before you realize, you will be fully in. Smiling, invested, and actually excited to keep turning the pages.
This book is definitely THE perfect Christmas book for me.
I enjoyed it very much. It made me squeal and giggle while enjoying a cup of hot choco.
It’s magical (actual magic), and their first kiss is easily one of the cutest moments ever written, and that moment alone is worth picking up the book for.
The ending is exactly what you want. It’s sweet and the perfect wrap-up for this cozy book.
Buddy read this with my bestie Vanessa, and it made the experience even more special 🤍 We loved it so much, same rating, same favorite scenes, same feelings. I’m so happy I got to read this with you. Check out her review here!! ❄️
❝ 𝘐 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝙄 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝙝𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘣𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
𝘐 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. ❞
╰── ⋆❅*𖢔𐂂꙳ ──╮
ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ʜɪꜱ ᴛʀᴜᴇ ɴᴏʀᴛʜ ✵
(𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦.)
╰── ⋆꙳•❅‧*₊⋆☃︎‧*❆₊⋆ ──╮
Okay, I need to be very honest first:
the beginning was a struggle for me.
The first 20% felt slow and I had to push myself a bit to keep reading.
But PLEASE don’t stop reading.
Because after the 20% mark, the story will get so much better, and before you realize, you will be fully in. Smiling, invested, and actually excited to keep turning the pages.
╰── ·꙳⋆𖢔𖠰𖢔·꙳⋆ ──╮
💭 ┆ Thoughts
This book is definitely THE perfect Christmas book for me.
I enjoyed it very much. It made me squeal and giggle while enjoying a cup of hot choco.
It’s magical (actual magic), and their first kiss is easily one of the cutest moments ever written, and that moment alone is worth picking up the book for.
The ending is exactly what you want. It’s sweet and the perfect wrap-up for this cozy book.
╰── ⋆꙳༄˖•❅‧*₊⋆ ˖𖠰 𖠰 ──╮
💋ྀིྀི ┆ Read this if you love …
➢ 🎄 A magical Hallmark Christmas movie
➢ 💋 Kissing under the mistletoe (but add a little Christmas magic 🪄)
➢ ☀️ Grumpy x sunshine (but he’s so clingy)
➢ 🫂 He hasn’t been held in years, and she holds onto him for what it’s worth
➢ 📝 The cutest hug & kiss scenes EVER!!!
➢ 🧎♂️ He begs for her. Begs.
╰── ⋆꙳•❅‧*₊⋆☃︎ ‧*❆ ₊⋆ ──╮
“𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁, 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄.”
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯.
𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘵, 𝘕𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯.
“𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁.”
╰── ⋆꙳•❅‧*₊⋆☃︎‧*❆₊⋆ ──╮
Buddy read this with my bestie Vanessa, and it made the experience even more special 🤍 We loved it so much, same rating, same favorite scenes, same feelings. I’m so happy I got to read this with you. Check out her review here!! ❄️
November 8, 2025
5 STARS!!! SO GOOD
November 1, 2025
2,5
Sorry! I feel guilty about this rating becasue I enjoy the author, but I just didn't like this.
I’m sad, sad I didn’t love it like practically everyone else; I’m absolutely in the minority here, so maybe I’m the problem. I had high expectations and thought it was cute and promising at the start but ended up just bored and annoyed by the second half. I enjoyed the concept and the ghosts aspect, I also wanted to see Harriet stand up to her mother, I felt for her. Character wise, Harriet was ok, Nolan felt very generic. But the biggest thing that didn’t work for me was the romance, it didn’t get my interest, I didn’t believe in it, too insta and heavy on attraction from the start; I didn’t feel any chemistry and because of all of that by a certain point it just felt so cringy and eye rolling to me.
P.S. (minor spoiler) Probably a small thing that might have bothered only me, but the scene where Nolan wants Harriet to try to accept compliments since all of her life her mother made her feel wrong really annoyed me, it should have been sweet and meaningful, but all his compliments were related to her appearance inspiring lust in him.
I still have a lot of interest for the next books in the series.
Sorry! I feel guilty about this rating becasue I enjoy the author, but I just didn't like this.
I’m sad, sad I didn’t love it like practically everyone else; I’m absolutely in the minority here, so maybe I’m the problem. I had high expectations and thought it was cute and promising at the start but ended up just bored and annoyed by the second half. I enjoyed the concept and the ghosts aspect, I also wanted to see Harriet stand up to her mother, I felt for her. Character wise, Harriet was ok, Nolan felt very generic. But the biggest thing that didn’t work for me was the romance, it didn’t get my interest, I didn’t believe in it, too insta and heavy on attraction from the start; I didn’t feel any chemistry and because of all of that by a certain point it just felt so cringy and eye rolling to me.
P.S. (minor spoiler) Probably a small thing that might have bothered only me, but the scene where Nolan wants Harriet to try to accept compliments since all of her life her mother made her feel wrong really annoyed me, it should have been sweet and meaningful, but all his compliments were related to her appearance inspiring lust in him.
I still have a lot of interest for the next books in the series.
Currently reading
December 6, 2025.ೃ࿔*:･ Pre-read
Starting off my holiday reads with this one! I've seen great things. Hoping it lives up to the hype 🤞❤️
Ahhh we have a cover 😍 I can't wait for the release next year! It's going to be the perfect holiday read 🥹❤️
Starting off my holiday reads with this one! I've seen great things. Hoping it lives up to the hype 🤞❤️
Ahhh we have a cover 😍 I can't wait for the release next year! It's going to be the perfect holiday read 🥹❤️
December 4, 2025
3.25
Loved the clever setup in this one! Cozy, Christmassy, and has that wonderful banter we all know and love from BK Borison.
The full on corporate paranormal office idea is genius, obsessed. And our characters felt perfect for a holiday romance.
Just had a few issues with some logic holes & the romance development happening too fast. It felt like our characters had just met each other… and then all of a sudden they cared about each other enough to have a full on soul-deep argument with each other. I would have liked to see more build with them!
Tried to overlook some of the logic holes (reminding myself this isn’t a fantasy… but a ghostly holiday romance). But the fantasy reader in me couldn’t help but notice things that just didn’t make sense or weren’t explained in the “magic” of it all 😂
Overall - cute, and perfect for this time of the year!
Loved the clever setup in this one! Cozy, Christmassy, and has that wonderful banter we all know and love from BK Borison.
The full on corporate paranormal office idea is genius, obsessed. And our characters felt perfect for a holiday romance.
Just had a few issues with some logic holes & the romance development happening too fast. It felt like our characters had just met each other… and then all of a sudden they cared about each other enough to have a full on soul-deep argument with each other. I would have liked to see more build with them!
Tried to overlook some of the logic holes (reminding myself this isn’t a fantasy… but a ghostly holiday romance). But the fantasy reader in me couldn’t help but notice things that just didn’t make sense or weren’t explained in the “magic” of it all 😂
Overall - cute, and perfect for this time of the year!
March 31, 2025
where do i sign up to have my soul audited by a hot irish ghost?
Read my full review
i’ll see you tomorrow never sounded so romantic!!
and thank you b.k. borison for the sexy ghost representation
“‘I remember. […] Of course I remember’”
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc to review.
Bookstagram | Blog
Read my full review
i’ll see you tomorrow never sounded so romantic!!
and thank you b.k. borison for the sexy ghost representation
“‘I remember. […] Of course I remember’”
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc to review.
Bookstagram | Blog
December 9, 2025
♾️⭐️ !!!
"I could spend an eternity studying you and still not know what you might do next. You give so much of yourself, so freely. You're...wild with your attention. Miraculous. I've seen so many lives, Harriet, but I've never seen someone live like you."
I don't think there are words in the English language that can accurately describe my love for this book. It was beyond incredible, so put it lightly. This might go down as one of my top favorite reads of this year, honestly, and I'm so mad at myself for not reading this sooner. IN MY EYES, IT'S A MASTERPIECE!
For a book that is only 370 pages long, man did this have depth! While I'm not the biggest fan of characters that are people pleasures, this made complete sense and it had a purpose, it had a reason. Harriet did not have an easy life growing up because of her relationship with her mother, and I really found myself relating to her on a completely different level than normal. This book is just a testament to her story that there is strength in words and being yourself and not letting anyone define you. The whole time while reading this book, all I wanted to do was give her the biggest hug and say, "I understand you." I almost never, EVER feel that strongly to a character in a book.
Then we get to Nolan. I don't take what I'm about to say lightly, but he was damn near perfect. His mindset, his motivation, his love. Everything was unrequited and he made for a swoon-worthy MMC that you can't help but fall in love with while reading this. Harriet and Nolan's chemistry was off the damn charts. Their banter, the funny remarks? It was perfect. This wasn't one of those books where it's all fluff and filler. Everything in here had a purpose and I really, truly loved how it wasn't just your typically love story between them. There was trauma and heartbreak, but also self-acceptance and self-confidence.
The plot of this book was also something very unique that I think B. K. Borison absolutely nailed. I mean, the ghost of Christmas Past being paired up with a girl who is so wholesome and sweet trying to figure out why they're both there? THE IDEA WAS AMAZING TO BEGIN WITH and the execution was **chef's kiss**. I was a bit surprised at first why I couldn't put this down, but when you really get into this book the pages fly by. I was able to finish this in 2 sittings because it was THAT captivating.
Overall, if you're going to read any Christmas book this season, I cannot recommend this enough. Initially I swore off this author because I hated the Lovelight series and thought I would hate all of her work. BOY WAS I WRONG! It's widely agreed upon that that series was a miss for most people, but this book delivered on all cylinders and made for a swoon-worthy, sweet romance about learning to love yourself and be proud of who you are. I can't wait to try out more of B. K. Borison's work. ❤️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 🎄❤️
Miss Borison...I am giving you one more chance since everyone seems to love this one, even my friend at the bookstore gave me hope, but I have minimal expectations honestly 😭
"I could spend an eternity studying you and still not know what you might do next. You give so much of yourself, so freely. You're...wild with your attention. Miraculous. I've seen so many lives, Harriet, but I've never seen someone live like you."
I don't think there are words in the English language that can accurately describe my love for this book. It was beyond incredible, so put it lightly. This might go down as one of my top favorite reads of this year, honestly, and I'm so mad at myself for not reading this sooner. IN MY EYES, IT'S A MASTERPIECE!
For a book that is only 370 pages long, man did this have depth! While I'm not the biggest fan of characters that are people pleasures, this made complete sense and it had a purpose, it had a reason. Harriet did not have an easy life growing up because of her relationship with her mother, and I really found myself relating to her on a completely different level than normal. This book is just a testament to her story that there is strength in words and being yourself and not letting anyone define you. The whole time while reading this book, all I wanted to do was give her the biggest hug and say, "I understand you." I almost never, EVER feel that strongly to a character in a book.
Then we get to Nolan. I don't take what I'm about to say lightly, but he was damn near perfect. His mindset, his motivation, his love. Everything was unrequited and he made for a swoon-worthy MMC that you can't help but fall in love with while reading this. Harriet and Nolan's chemistry was off the damn charts. Their banter, the funny remarks? It was perfect. This wasn't one of those books where it's all fluff and filler. Everything in here had a purpose and I really, truly loved how it wasn't just your typically love story between them. There was trauma and heartbreak, but also self-acceptance and self-confidence.
The plot of this book was also something very unique that I think B. K. Borison absolutely nailed. I mean, the ghost of Christmas Past being paired up with a girl who is so wholesome and sweet trying to figure out why they're both there? THE IDEA WAS AMAZING TO BEGIN WITH and the execution was **chef's kiss**. I was a bit surprised at first why I couldn't put this down, but when you really get into this book the pages fly by. I was able to finish this in 2 sittings because it was THAT captivating.
Overall, if you're going to read any Christmas book this season, I cannot recommend this enough. Initially I swore off this author because I hated the Lovelight series and thought I would hate all of her work. BOY WAS I WRONG! It's widely agreed upon that that series was a miss for most people, but this book delivered on all cylinders and made for a swoon-worthy, sweet romance about learning to love yourself and be proud of who you are. I can't wait to try out more of B. K. Borison's work. ❤️
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 🎄❤️
Miss Borison...I am giving you one more chance since everyone seems to love this one, even my friend at the bookstore gave me hope, but I have minimal expectations honestly 😭
December 12, 2025
THE Christmas book this year! Charmingly quirky, insanely creative, with both hilarious and heartfelt moments, Good Spirits is a stunning grumpy meets sunshine holiday paranormal romance. 🎄❄️👻🧣
[ Contains some spoilers ]
PLOT SUMMARY
27-year-old people-pleaser and former lawyer, Harriet York, runs her late Aunt Matilda’s antique shop called the Crows Nest, a dream that severely strains her relationship with her mother and sister. She receives a formal invitation to her family’s Christmas Gala, knowing it is merely for the sake of depicting the perfect family.
One night, she is visited by a Ghost of Christmas Past, Nolan Callahan. A former Irish fisherman who drowned in 1902, he is now assigned every year to change the ways of headstrong people before Christmas Eve otherwise they are doomed for eternity. Mistakes are never made with assignments. Only, he has been assigned Harriet. And he is confused: not only does she seem harmless, there is a familiarity about her too.
Strange things begin to happen – including trips to Nolan’s own past that he does not remember. Harriet wonders if perhaps she is meant to help Nolan find a way to his afterlife instead of the life he has, something which Nolan has begun to lose hope of obtaining. Drawn to each other but knowing a relationship can only ever be temporary, they decide to keep things casual.
Feelings are caught, rules are broken – but time is running out: not only will Harriet not remember Nolan, but Nolan’s actions in stalling the assignment will result in further consequences.
OVERALL OPINIONS
ㅤ🧭👻 a granted wish ❄️🧣
First of all, a huge thank you to NetGalley for granting my wish to read this! For those who have never heard of this concept, some books aren’t available to request instantly on NetGalley but reviewers can “wish” for a book which lets publishers know you are interested and they can “grant” the wish, should they choose to. This has never happened to me before and I’m so honoured because I love B.K. Borison.
ㅤ🧭👻 the story’s message and depth ❄️🧣
Moving swiftly onto the book itself, wow! What a read! What a find! B.K. Borison usually writes things that tug at my heartstrings and this is without a doubt one of them! I went into this with the notion that I would receive another festive season romcom story – but this was so much more than that. I had no idea the depth that would be within here!
Did I cry reading this? Yes. Is this the second B.K. Borison story to make me cry? Absolutely. And I’d do it all again. All I will say is: the compass scene! That is all. You will understand.
In the Acknowledgements, Borison matches her dedication at the front and the story within, emphasising the importance of self-worth, hope and the value of patience:
ㅤ🧭👻 the relationship ❄️🧣
Harriet and Nolan’s relationship is the most wonderful thing I’ve ever read in my life! IN MY LIFE! Everything about them is my kind of thing. Their first meeting is hilarious! I love their banter and witticisms, the parallels between their lives as they have spent much of it alone, and how they both notice things about the other to make them happy. They have the loveliest juxtaposition in their despair and longing: Nolan has lost hope in there being more for him and Harriet keeps hoping people will see her as more. Their knowing each other makes hope for both of them a reality, and this was explored exceptionally well. I also liked that Harriet has struggled with grieving over Aunt Matilda and travelling to the past heals this part of her, which for Nolan must have been impactful as he does it so often and doesn’t see what a gift it is to see the past.
Not only that but I was impressed by the creativity of the two spicy scenes. A lot of novels are getting to the point where things happen and the opportunity to play with (pun not intended, actually) the setting is missed. The snowglobe effect that Nolan accidentally causes and then the “present” concept were things I would never have thought of – and they’re literally chef’s kiss! It made the story all the more engaging. The other thing I adored was the unconventionality of having the woman take control in the bedroom, something we need to have more of, for sure.
ㅤ🧭👻 narration and characterisation ❄️🧣
The writing style and character quirks are the real charm for me. She has this way of narrating the story that, predictable or not, you just know it’s going to have you grinning ear to ear. When I read the opening lines, I was sold when I saw my sense of humour:
ㅤ🧭👻 worldbuilding and book 2 ❄️🧣
I did really like that not only is this story character-driven, particularly through Harriet’s arc from being a people-pleaser for her toxic family to finally standing up for and choosing herself over them, but it is rich in some physical journeys made through some remarkable worldbuilding too. Both characters journey back to the past and the different ages and settings of the individual (be it Harriet or Nolan) help to shape their understanding of the other.
Borison draws the idea of the Ghost of Past, Present and Future we all know from Dickens and transforms this into an office-like department of spirits. She adds layers of complexities to spirits: they can be seen by people but not remembered by them, they don’t dream, don’t remember their previous life the longer they remain a ghost, can’t be physically hurt, can’t taste things, can’t check in on loved ones after they are gone, are not supposed to use their magic outwith time-travelling. And the actual travels to the past are immersive: not a quick gentle journey but a snowstorm, and the elements themselves feel separate like the cold is buffered, the snow “feels like marshmallows” and the water doesn’t sting or burn.
There is a mention of Reapers/Grim Reapers too, which very nicely alludes to the plot for the next book, Grim Tidings: receptionist Betty says one of the Reapers has gone missing and Gideon, the oldest and cruellest Reaper, is handling it. Sounds awfully intriguing, potentially a dark romance mystery story? Anyway, I’m very excited about that! Sept 2026 can’t come quick enough!
ㅤ🧭👻 to conclude ❄️🧣
Long story short, there were a few missed opportunities BUT it did not detract from anything. I loved this! I hope you do too!
<< Positives >>
🠚 Nolan friggin Callahan.
🠚 Fun yet interesting read with creative and compelling supernatural romance.
🠚 Subverts the well-known concept of Ghosts of Christmas Past into something original.
🠚 Unexpected interdimensional scavenger hunt, looking for something to bring Nolan to an afterlife of rest.
🠚 Beautiful character arc of Harriet with an inspiring journey of reclaimed self-worth.
🠚 Remarkable worldbuilding with strong physical journeys and setting.
🠚 Quirky descriptions and characters.
🠚 Touching contrast between Nolan’s despair and Harriet’s hope.
🠚 Successful blend of character depth and action.
🠚 Creative spice scenes utilising the setting.
🠚 Refreshing and unconventional dynamic with woman in control.
<< Negatives >>
🠚 There was a missed opportunity with the worldbuilding: Nolan is to pass off Harriet to the next ghost, but we never actually get this.
🠚 Another missed opportunity was the jam that Harriet had been trying to re-create for 20 years, the one she tried to swipe before returning to the present again – I had so hoped that Nolan would have travelled back in time and grabbed a different jar for her to give for Christmas as well as the scarf. It would have matched.
🠚 I would have loved the continuation of the “on the first day of December” at various times of the month.
🠚 There could have been more Christmas events in this book other than the ice-skating and gala. For example, Nolan could have taken Harriet to a Christmas market considering her previous time was with Brent and her mother who mocked her.
🠚 There was a missed opportunity to talk about Aunt Matilda to her mother at the gala. To be honest, I was hoping for her to say how pathetic her mother behaved all because of a feud with Matilda years ago.
🠚 It might have been interesting to have had Brent on the scene at the gala, though this wouldn’t have been necessary.
🠚 The time travel paradox did throw me and left me with a lot of questions: How can he have been looking for something before even actually knowing her around the time of his drowning? How can there be as many parallels as they have, like the jam? Is that a coincidence or is it something to do with the magic? However, I don’t necessarily mind it.
🠚 There is a large plot hole: how has Harriet come to own the very same compass that was once Nolan’s? I would have liked a small explanation about how it was found. Even if it was just Aunt Matilda found it when she travelled to Ireland once or something.
🠚 The Isabella incident with the birdcage music box felt random yet intriguing. Hopefully this is in book 2.
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Harriet꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ When Harriet said that “sometimes it’s best to make yourself as small as possible so you can go unnoticed”, I felt that. I hated that her parents favoured her sister Samantha; that she could do no wrong while Harriet could do no right. She was just a child who wanted to be loved! I’m glad that Samantha wants to work towards being sisters again.
Her character arc was so beautiful to see! It was heartbreaking to watch her believe that she must deserve whatever comeuppance is in store for her. As Nolan says, she is so inspiring with her positivity despite all the mistreatment, and it is truly admirable how she rises above it. Her journey is a profound demonstration of resilience and reclaimed self-worth. As someone who has been with a narcissist, her toxic relationship with Brent who puts her down and moulds her into someone she’s not hit me hard and I’m proud of her.
I love that she gets him a box of candies because he liked her cinnamon candy. I like how her babbling calms Nolan down when he is spiralling.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Nolan꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Oh my word, I could talk about this man –or spirit or whatever you want to call him– all day. All year, in fact! He is not only so darn fine but such a darn gentleman! His sophisticated vocabulary and way of speaking adds so much humour. And the Irish accent? Woop! Another Irish man to swoon over this year, ladies! (I’m looking at Tom from If Not for My Baby)
When he said “Don’t be polite, Harriet. Take it.” I screamed!
I like how his emotions are explored: he is not used to company so is grumpy and bitter, but decides to do better because he doesn’t like hurting Harriet’s feelings. He is used to being in this strange working purgatory, so when Harriet comes along and things start happening to him –like he has dreams, feels things, even sees his own past– he gets frantic. I wanted to scream at him for not telling her about the compass.
The main moment I melted for him was when he did his magic trick for her. I was squealing and giggling and kicking my feet when he had that dream about Harriet! I knew it! And every time he says he hasn’t done these things in years (hugging someone, wanting someone). And then his obsession with her hair, and his twirling it around his finger ahhh! The mistletoe!! When he asks to kiss her! The way he was so worried when he was magic drunk and was worried he had taken advantage of her! The praising in the bedroom! Big swoon. The gentle “Look at me” and then gently making Harriet look at him when she refuses to! Gurl we were BOTH dying for that man in that snowglobe byeee! His yearning for her and the defending of her honour behind her back!! His encouragement of Harriet to be herself at the gala. This man is everything. Everything!
FAV QUOTES
• For the lost and forgotten ones. And the believers who bring them back.
• Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. It’s the only time of year when it feels like magic might be real, hovering somewhere close to the surface. Like you can reach out and touch it. Cup it between frostbitten fingertips like sugarplum kisses and popcorn strung on ribbon. Crackling fires beneath the hearth and gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven. Christmas has always felt right. Christmas has always felt true.
• In addition to every person who has ever been even moderately important to me, I’m being ghosted by a literal ghost. My life is a joke.
• “You’re the first thing in a hundred years to make me feel anything at all, Harriet York, and I don’t think that’s an accident.”
• “You don’t do as I say.” I gesture to the dress at her side. “Case in point.” | “Well, you’re you.” | I grin. I like being the exception to Harriet’s rules, even if it results in my frustration.
• I drowned in the ocean once and I think I could just as easily drown in Harriet. Sink down into her and lose myself for days.
• His eyes are fixed somewhere around my mouth. “I liked the way you said my name. I haven’t heard my full name in—” He exhales. “A very long time,” | Goose bumps prickle my arms. “I like saying it,” I manage, voice faint.
• I feel more grounded like this, wrapped in his arms. Protected, like maybe the ground won’t fall out from beneath my feet as soon as we leave this place. Like maybe I can hold on to this memory just like I’m holding on to him.
• He looks like a period drama on steroids. My thoughts are nowhere decent, that’s for sure.
• “Maybe I should kiss you more often.” | “I like to think I’m always agreeable.” My cheeks burn hot. “But maybe.” *Kiss me as much as you can,* I beg in my head. *Kiss me until I can’t possibly forget you.*
• She doesn’t even know how well she takes care of me. With her easy smiles and careful touches. Her too-soft heart and that smart mouth. She’s made me feel more alive in a handful of weeks than I have in decades. She’s lit up all of my darkest corners.
• I know what my consequences are. I’ll forget all of this. Mistletoe ceilings and fathomless blue eyes that crinkle at the corners. His hands in my hair and this soft, tender feeling in my chest. I’ll forget that for one perfect holiday season, I was important to someone. That someone thought I was lovely.
• “You look like a dream,” he murmurs. | “You don’t dream,” I laugh. | “I do. I dream of you.”
• “Do you need me?” He asks it quietly, earnestly, and my heart stumbles over itself. I could tell Nolan I needed a plate full of fancy Brie for this conversation, and he’d disappear to the cheese board without another word. No one has ever taken care of me the way Nolan has. I’m not sure anyone ever will again.
• *Remember this,* I tell myself as he laces our fingers together, his eyes closed as he tucks my hand against his mouth. He drags a kiss across my knuckles and I slot it in the secret place right next to my heart. *Please, please, please. Remember him.*
• “Maybe I was always supposed to find you,” I rasp. *Maybe,* my heart adds, *you were always supposed to be mine.*
• Nolan cups my jaw and drags my mouth to his, kissing me like his life depends on it. And in a way, I suppose it does. He came from another time to love me, and I’ve been waiting to love him in return.
• “I’ll see you tomorrow, Harriet.” He brushes a kiss to my bottom lip, the dip in my chin, the hollow of my throat. His hand finds my jaw and he holds me steady. “I’ll see you the tomorrow after that, and the one after that, and the one after that.” He punctuates each statement with a kiss, his scruff tickling at my skin. When he pulls back, he holds my face between his hands, gazing at me with tender, aching longing. Deep, sure possession. “I’ll be with you for every tomorrow you allow, and I suspect a time after that, too.”
• “The unfinished business I have is with you, Harriet York. You better get used to having me around.” | I sniffle. “Haunting me?” | “No.” He smiles. “Loving you.”
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank B.K. Borison, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
“Is there a word for what this is?” he says. His eyes hold mine. “Because if there is, I’m not familiar with it. I think about you all day long. I fall into a sleep I don’t need and I dream of you. Of your smile, and your laugh, and the way your mouth tastes. The sounds you make. I wake up wondering where you are, how you’re feeling, and I hope—” His eyes search mine. “I hope you’re thinking of me. You make me hope, Harriet. You make me want. You haunt *me*, Harriet.” He slips his hand around my neck, his palm squeezing at my nape. “Do not mistake me for a good man. I am not here out of some misplaced sense of honor or duty. I demand your attention and I desire your affection.”
[ Contains some spoilers ]
PLOT SUMMARY
27-year-old people-pleaser and former lawyer, Harriet York, runs her late Aunt Matilda’s antique shop called the Crows Nest, a dream that severely strains her relationship with her mother and sister. She receives a formal invitation to her family’s Christmas Gala, knowing it is merely for the sake of depicting the perfect family.
One night, she is visited by a Ghost of Christmas Past, Nolan Callahan. A former Irish fisherman who drowned in 1902, he is now assigned every year to change the ways of headstrong people before Christmas Eve otherwise they are doomed for eternity. Mistakes are never made with assignments. Only, he has been assigned Harriet. And he is confused: not only does she seem harmless, there is a familiarity about her too.
Strange things begin to happen – including trips to Nolan’s own past that he does not remember. Harriet wonders if perhaps she is meant to help Nolan find a way to his afterlife instead of the life he has, something which Nolan has begun to lose hope of obtaining. Drawn to each other but knowing a relationship can only ever be temporary, they decide to keep things casual.
Feelings are caught, rules are broken – but time is running out: not only will Harriet not remember Nolan, but Nolan’s actions in stalling the assignment will result in further consequences.
Nolan says, matter-of-fact. “You’re boundless.”This is told from the first-person present-tense POV of Harriet and Nolan.
“Boundless,” I repeat, unimpressed.
“Aye. Boundless,” he says again. “I could spend an eternity studying you and still not know what you might do next. You give so much of yourself, so freely. You’re . . . wild with your attentions. Miraculous. I’ve seen so many lives, Harriet, but I’ve never seen someone live like you.”
OVERALL OPINIONS
ㅤ🧭👻 a granted wish ❄️🧣
First of all, a huge thank you to NetGalley for granting my wish to read this! For those who have never heard of this concept, some books aren’t available to request instantly on NetGalley but reviewers can “wish” for a book which lets publishers know you are interested and they can “grant” the wish, should they choose to. This has never happened to me before and I’m so honoured because I love B.K. Borison.
ㅤ🧭👻 the story’s message and depth ❄️🧣
Moving swiftly onto the book itself, wow! What a read! What a find! B.K. Borison usually writes things that tug at my heartstrings and this is without a doubt one of them! I went into this with the notion that I would receive another festive season romcom story – but this was so much more than that. I had no idea the depth that would be within here!
Did I cry reading this? Yes. Is this the second B.K. Borison story to make me cry? Absolutely. And I’d do it all again. All I will say is: the compass scene! That is all. You will understand.
In the Acknowledgements, Borison matches her dedication at the front and the story within, emphasising the importance of self-worth, hope and the value of patience:
I hope that if you feel like a lost and forgotten thing, that you realize how beautiful and special you truly are. And I hope that if you feel like you’ve been left waiting, that there’s beauty in that, too. That maybe, the thing you’ve been searching for is right around the corner.As someone who has experienced being overlooked and underappreciated for various reasons, this resonated with me and I’m sure others will too. Those who get it, get it.
ㅤ🧭👻 the relationship ❄️🧣
Harriet and Nolan’s relationship is the most wonderful thing I’ve ever read in my life! IN MY LIFE! Everything about them is my kind of thing. Their first meeting is hilarious! I love their banter and witticisms, the parallels between their lives as they have spent much of it alone, and how they both notice things about the other to make them happy. They have the loveliest juxtaposition in their despair and longing: Nolan has lost hope in there being more for him and Harriet keeps hoping people will see her as more. Their knowing each other makes hope for both of them a reality, and this was explored exceptionally well. I also liked that Harriet has struggled with grieving over Aunt Matilda and travelling to the past heals this part of her, which for Nolan must have been impactful as he does it so often and doesn’t see what a gift it is to see the past.
Not only that but I was impressed by the creativity of the two spicy scenes. A lot of novels are getting to the point where things happen and the opportunity to play with (pun not intended, actually) the setting is missed. The snowglobe effect that Nolan accidentally causes and then the “present” concept were things I would never have thought of – and they’re literally chef’s kiss! It made the story all the more engaging. The other thing I adored was the unconventionality of having the woman take control in the bedroom, something we need to have more of, for sure.
ㅤ🧭👻 narration and characterisation ❄️🧣
The writing style and character quirks are the real charm for me. She has this way of narrating the story that, predictable or not, you just know it’s going to have you grinning ear to ear. When I read the opening lines, I was sold when I saw my sense of humour:
On the first day of December, the universe gave to me— A busted knee, a twisted string of garland, and a cat with an attitude problem.Each character is unique: from Darryl the postman who has muddled the mail for two decades, to Harriet’s friend/store manager Sasha who takes no nonsense so calls people out and speaks unfiltered thoughts, to Isabella the terrifying yet reindeer-headband-wearing supervisor of the Department Nolan works for.
ㅤ🧭👻 worldbuilding and book 2 ❄️🧣
I did really like that not only is this story character-driven, particularly through Harriet’s arc from being a people-pleaser for her toxic family to finally standing up for and choosing herself over them, but it is rich in some physical journeys made through some remarkable worldbuilding too. Both characters journey back to the past and the different ages and settings of the individual (be it Harriet or Nolan) help to shape their understanding of the other.
Borison draws the idea of the Ghost of Past, Present and Future we all know from Dickens and transforms this into an office-like department of spirits. She adds layers of complexities to spirits: they can be seen by people but not remembered by them, they don’t dream, don’t remember their previous life the longer they remain a ghost, can’t be physically hurt, can’t taste things, can’t check in on loved ones after they are gone, are not supposed to use their magic outwith time-travelling. And the actual travels to the past are immersive: not a quick gentle journey but a snowstorm, and the elements themselves feel separate like the cold is buffered, the snow “feels like marshmallows” and the water doesn’t sting or burn.
There is a mention of Reapers/Grim Reapers too, which very nicely alludes to the plot for the next book, Grim Tidings: receptionist Betty says one of the Reapers has gone missing and Gideon, the oldest and cruellest Reaper, is handling it. Sounds awfully intriguing, potentially a dark romance mystery story? Anyway, I’m very excited about that! Sept 2026 can’t come quick enough!
ㅤ🧭👻 to conclude ❄️🧣
Long story short, there were a few missed opportunities BUT it did not detract from anything. I loved this! I hope you do too!
<< Positives >>
🠚 Nolan friggin Callahan.
🠚 Fun yet interesting read with creative and compelling supernatural romance.
🠚 Subverts the well-known concept of Ghosts of Christmas Past into something original.
🠚 Unexpected interdimensional scavenger hunt, looking for something to bring Nolan to an afterlife of rest.
🠚 Beautiful character arc of Harriet with an inspiring journey of reclaimed self-worth.
🠚 Remarkable worldbuilding with strong physical journeys and setting.
🠚 Quirky descriptions and characters.
🠚 Touching contrast between Nolan’s despair and Harriet’s hope.
🠚 Successful blend of character depth and action.
🠚 Creative spice scenes utilising the setting.
🠚 Refreshing and unconventional dynamic with woman in control.
<< Negatives >>
🠚 There was a missed opportunity with the worldbuilding: Nolan is to pass off Harriet to the next ghost, but we never actually get this.
🠚 Another missed opportunity was the jam that Harriet had been trying to re-create for 20 years, the one she tried to swipe before returning to the present again – I had so hoped that Nolan would have travelled back in time and grabbed a different jar for her to give for Christmas as well as the scarf. It would have matched.
🠚 I would have loved the continuation of the “on the first day of December” at various times of the month.
🠚 There could have been more Christmas events in this book other than the ice-skating and gala. For example, Nolan could have taken Harriet to a Christmas market considering her previous time was with Brent and her mother who mocked her.
🠚 There was a missed opportunity to talk about Aunt Matilda to her mother at the gala. To be honest, I was hoping for her to say how pathetic her mother behaved all because of a feud with Matilda years ago.
🠚 It might have been interesting to have had Brent on the scene at the gala, though this wouldn’t have been necessary.
🠚 The time travel paradox did throw me and left me with a lot of questions: How can he have been looking for something before even actually knowing her around the time of his drowning? How can there be as many parallels as they have, like the jam? Is that a coincidence or is it something to do with the magic? However, I don’t necessarily mind it.
🠚 There is a large plot hole: how has Harriet come to own the very same compass that was once Nolan’s? I would have liked a small explanation about how it was found. Even if it was just Aunt Matilda found it when she travelled to Ireland once or something.
🠚 The Isabella incident with the birdcage music box felt random yet intriguing. Hopefully this is in book 2.
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Harriet꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ When Harriet said that “sometimes it’s best to make yourself as small as possible so you can go unnoticed”, I felt that. I hated that her parents favoured her sister Samantha; that she could do no wrong while Harriet could do no right. She was just a child who wanted to be loved! I’m glad that Samantha wants to work towards being sisters again.
Her character arc was so beautiful to see! It was heartbreaking to watch her believe that she must deserve whatever comeuppance is in store for her. As Nolan says, she is so inspiring with her positivity despite all the mistreatment, and it is truly admirable how she rises above it. Her journey is a profound demonstration of resilience and reclaimed self-worth. As someone who has been with a narcissist, her toxic relationship with Brent who puts her down and moulds her into someone she’s not hit me hard and I’m proud of her.
I love that she gets him a box of candies because he liked her cinnamon candy. I like how her babbling calms Nolan down when he is spiralling.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Nolan꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Oh my word, I could talk about this man –or spirit or whatever you want to call him– all day. All year, in fact! He is not only so darn fine but such a darn gentleman! His sophisticated vocabulary and way of speaking adds so much humour. And the Irish accent? Woop! Another Irish man to swoon over this year, ladies! (I’m looking at Tom from If Not for My Baby)
When he said “Don’t be polite, Harriet. Take it.” I screamed!
I like how his emotions are explored: he is not used to company so is grumpy and bitter, but decides to do better because he doesn’t like hurting Harriet’s feelings. He is used to being in this strange working purgatory, so when Harriet comes along and things start happening to him –like he has dreams, feels things, even sees his own past– he gets frantic. I wanted to scream at him for not telling her about the compass.
The main moment I melted for him was when he did his magic trick for her. I was squealing and giggling and kicking my feet when he had that dream about Harriet! I knew it! And every time he says he hasn’t done these things in years (hugging someone, wanting someone). And then his obsession with her hair, and his twirling it around his finger ahhh! The mistletoe!! When he asks to kiss her! The way he was so worried when he was magic drunk and was worried he had taken advantage of her! The praising in the bedroom! Big swoon. The gentle “Look at me” and then gently making Harriet look at him when she refuses to! Gurl we were BOTH dying for that man in that snowglobe byeee! His yearning for her and the defending of her honour behind her back!! His encouragement of Harriet to be herself at the gala. This man is everything. Everything!
FAV QUOTES
• For the lost and forgotten ones. And the believers who bring them back.
• Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. It’s the only time of year when it feels like magic might be real, hovering somewhere close to the surface. Like you can reach out and touch it. Cup it between frostbitten fingertips like sugarplum kisses and popcorn strung on ribbon. Crackling fires beneath the hearth and gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven. Christmas has always felt right. Christmas has always felt true.
• In addition to every person who has ever been even moderately important to me, I’m being ghosted by a literal ghost. My life is a joke.
• “You’re the first thing in a hundred years to make me feel anything at all, Harriet York, and I don’t think that’s an accident.”
• “You don’t do as I say.” I gesture to the dress at her side. “Case in point.” | “Well, you’re you.” | I grin. I like being the exception to Harriet’s rules, even if it results in my frustration.
• I drowned in the ocean once and I think I could just as easily drown in Harriet. Sink down into her and lose myself for days.
• His eyes are fixed somewhere around my mouth. “I liked the way you said my name. I haven’t heard my full name in—” He exhales. “A very long time,” | Goose bumps prickle my arms. “I like saying it,” I manage, voice faint.
• I feel more grounded like this, wrapped in his arms. Protected, like maybe the ground won’t fall out from beneath my feet as soon as we leave this place. Like maybe I can hold on to this memory just like I’m holding on to him.
• He looks like a period drama on steroids. My thoughts are nowhere decent, that’s for sure.
• “Maybe I should kiss you more often.” | “I like to think I’m always agreeable.” My cheeks burn hot. “But maybe.” *Kiss me as much as you can,* I beg in my head. *Kiss me until I can’t possibly forget you.*
• She doesn’t even know how well she takes care of me. With her easy smiles and careful touches. Her too-soft heart and that smart mouth. She’s made me feel more alive in a handful of weeks than I have in decades. She’s lit up all of my darkest corners.
• I know what my consequences are. I’ll forget all of this. Mistletoe ceilings and fathomless blue eyes that crinkle at the corners. His hands in my hair and this soft, tender feeling in my chest. I’ll forget that for one perfect holiday season, I was important to someone. That someone thought I was lovely.
• “You look like a dream,” he murmurs. | “You don’t dream,” I laugh. | “I do. I dream of you.”
• “Do you need me?” He asks it quietly, earnestly, and my heart stumbles over itself. I could tell Nolan I needed a plate full of fancy Brie for this conversation, and he’d disappear to the cheese board without another word. No one has ever taken care of me the way Nolan has. I’m not sure anyone ever will again.
• *Remember this,* I tell myself as he laces our fingers together, his eyes closed as he tucks my hand against his mouth. He drags a kiss across my knuckles and I slot it in the secret place right next to my heart. *Please, please, please. Remember him.*
• “Maybe I was always supposed to find you,” I rasp. *Maybe,* my heart adds, *you were always supposed to be mine.*
• Nolan cups my jaw and drags my mouth to his, kissing me like his life depends on it. And in a way, I suppose it does. He came from another time to love me, and I’ve been waiting to love him in return.
• “I’ll see you tomorrow, Harriet.” He brushes a kiss to my bottom lip, the dip in my chin, the hollow of my throat. His hand finds my jaw and he holds me steady. “I’ll see you the tomorrow after that, and the one after that, and the one after that.” He punctuates each statement with a kiss, his scruff tickling at my skin. When he pulls back, he holds my face between his hands, gazing at me with tender, aching longing. Deep, sure possession. “I’ll be with you for every tomorrow you allow, and I suspect a time after that, too.”
• “The unfinished business I have is with you, Harriet York. You better get used to having me around.” | I sniffle. “Haunting me?” | “No.” He smiles. “Loving you.”
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank B.K. Borison, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
December 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Loved this premise, loved the characters, wish it had been just a tad shorter/faster paced
Loved this premise, loved the characters, wish it had been just a tad shorter/faster paced
December 13, 2025
what’s December without a cheesy, quick, and festive romance book? 🎄
this was overall very cutesy and pretty fun. in a unique spin on the normal Christmas romance, the MMC is a ghost of Christmas past rather than a human being. this is SUCH a fun concept as long as you don’t think so hard about how, exactly, a ghost can get together with a human woman.
beware fantasy readers – the logistics of our ‘magic system’ don’t really add up in any way. just go with the flow and have fun with it, i guess. it’s probably best if you don’t think too hard.
the romance, of course, was sweet. our FMC, of course, is a proponent for making Christmas as festive as possible. i don’t think the romance really stuck out to me more than any other book i’ve read, but it was cute. i do think a bit more emotional buildup would've been nice.
was this borderline too cheesy at times? yeah, i’ll admit it was. i can withstand a LOT of cringe during the holiday season while reading holiday books, so it was expected. (i will say, though, that the scene where she gets her hand stuck in her pocket somehow (???) while trying to get an emotional support candy cane was a little much for me.)
BK Borison is the queen of holiday books that are short enough, full of cheer, a bit cheesy, and make you feel merry & bright. this book gave me as much as i expected and it was good enough for a cute, quick holiday read.
Lovelight Farms remains my favorite by this author but all of her books are wholesome and will make you feel good ❤️
i have to end this by saying i AM excited for the next book supposedly about a grim reaper 🫢
this was overall very cutesy and pretty fun. in a unique spin on the normal Christmas romance, the MMC is a ghost of Christmas past rather than a human being. this is SUCH a fun concept as long as you don’t think so hard about how, exactly, a ghost can get together with a human woman.
beware fantasy readers – the logistics of our ‘magic system’ don’t really add up in any way. just go with the flow and have fun with it, i guess. it’s probably best if you don’t think too hard.
the romance, of course, was sweet. our FMC, of course, is a proponent for making Christmas as festive as possible. i don’t think the romance really stuck out to me more than any other book i’ve read, but it was cute. i do think a bit more emotional buildup would've been nice.
was this borderline too cheesy at times? yeah, i’ll admit it was. i can withstand a LOT of cringe during the holiday season while reading holiday books, so it was expected. (i will say, though, that the scene where she gets her hand stuck in her pocket somehow (???) while trying to get an emotional support candy cane was a little much for me.)
BK Borison is the queen of holiday books that are short enough, full of cheer, a bit cheesy, and make you feel merry & bright. this book gave me as much as i expected and it was good enough for a cute, quick holiday read.
Lovelight Farms remains my favorite by this author but all of her books are wholesome and will make you feel good ❤️
i have to end this by saying i AM excited for the next book supposedly about a grim reaper 🫢
October 20, 2025
Idk what book fairy gods are looking after me but this just appeared at my door 😍
🎁 Thank you so much HQ for the proof!! This is one of my most anticipated releases!
🎁 Thank you so much HQ for the proof!! This is one of my most anticipated releases!
November 20, 2025
4.5 stars! Good Spirits was the PERFECT kick-off to the holiday season—festive, cozy, magical, and felt like a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate.
I honestly did not have high expectations for Good Spirits after DNFing First Time Caller (sorry 😅), but I loved everything about it. The pacing was excellent, and I loved both characters, especially Harriet. The emphasis on her overcoming her pathological people pleasing tendencies made for great character development. I love when these romance books have these family dynamic subplots. I also adored her banter with Nolan, Plenty of humor, and the festivity was so much fun. I love when a creative magical realism premise totally overdelivers!
I honestly did not have high expectations for Good Spirits after DNFing First Time Caller (sorry 😅), but I loved everything about it. The pacing was excellent, and I loved both characters, especially Harriet. The emphasis on her overcoming her pathological people pleasing tendencies made for great character development. I love when these romance books have these family dynamic subplots. I also adored her banter with Nolan, Plenty of humor, and the festivity was so much fun. I love when a creative magical realism premise totally overdelivers!
December 14, 2025
Rating: 4.5 stars.
Oh my God, I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this book because I did not expect it to be this good. I went in with very low expectations, fully convinced this would be a solid three-star read at best, and imagine my shock when it ended up being a four-star for me.
I picked it up thinking I’d just read it for fun. Lately, I’ve been extremely harsh with romance books, especially this kind, so I wasn’t planning to get attached at all. But wow… this completely surprised me. Maybe it’s because it’s written by B.K. Borison, maybe it’s the adorable cover and cozy premise, or maybe it’s just the magic of everything coming together perfectly, but this book worked.
The story pulled me in, the characters felt warm and real, the pacing was smooth, and the romance and tension were done so well. The relationship buildup felt natural and satisfying, and before I knew it, I was fully invested. It was charming, engaging, and genuinely fascinating in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Safe to say, this book proved me very, very wrong, and I loved every second of it.
── .✦
This might honestly be the warmest, most comforting romance I’ve ever experienced. From the very beginning, it wrapped itself around me in the softest way and never let go. The feeling it gave me wasn’t loud or overwhelming, just constant and gentle, like that quiet excitement that settles deep in your chest and refuses to fade. Even after turning the final page, the emotions lingered, as if the story never really ended but instead carved out a permanent little space in my head and heart.
It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’re done, replaying moments, lines, and emotions when you least expect it. I caught myself smiling for no reason, thinking about the characters and the atmosphere, feeling that same fluttery excitement over and over again. This story didn’t just pass through my reading life, it settled in, made itself comfortable, and now I don’t think it plans on leaving anytime soon.
── .✦
The characters completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. I went in expecting something simple, maybe even forgettable, and instead I got depth, warmth, and personalities that felt so real it honestly made me giddy. I’m genuinely so happy about it because when does a low-expectations read ever deliver characters this well written? I loved them both so much that I could easily ramble about them for days and still not feel done.
°˖➴ Harriet:
“ If he’s a ghost, he’s a handsome one.”
Let’s start with her, the sweetest woman to ever exist, and yes, she is absolutely me in every way that matters. Watching her find someone who could reach her so effortlessly, someone who could make her smile without trying or warning, was incredibly comforting and emotional. It felt soft, genuine, and deeply healing in a way that made my heart ache in the best possible sense. Seeing her finally feel seen and cherished was everything, and I adored every second of it.
And oh Harriet. Sweet, kind, endlessly giving Harriet. A chronic people-pleaser who has spent her whole life doing what’s expected of her, even when it costs her pieces of herself. She isn’t bitter or hardened, she’s soft, hopeful, and quietly exhausted, and that made her so painfully relatable. I loved how her kindness wasn’t portrayed as weakness, but as something beautiful that still deserved protection. Watching her confront her past, slowly realizing she’s allowed to want more than survival, more than approval, more than just “being good”? That hit me right in the chest.
°˖➴ Nolan:
“You’re the first thing in a hundred years to make me feel anything at all, Harriet York, and I don’t think that’s an accident.”
On the other hand, we have Nolan Callahan, because oh my god. A Ghost of Christmas Past who’s tired, aimless, and emotionally worn down by eternity? Yes. Please. Immediately obsessed. He’s not cold or cruel, he’s quiet, observant, and carrying this soft ache of someone who’s existed too long without really living. Watching him slowly want more, want her, want a future he was never meant to have, absolutely wrecked me. The yearning here? Insane. The way he tries to stay detached while clearly falling apart inside every time Harriet smiles or hurts? Criminal. I adored how gentle he was with her, how careful, how he never pushed but was always there. He felt like a sigh you didn’t know you were holding in.
── .✦
Together, they were soft magic. No loud drama, no over-the-top chaos, just two souls gently orbiting each other, healing in the quiet spaces. Their connection felt tender, emotional, and deeply earned. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t flashy, it was the kind of bond that sneaks up on you and suddenly you’re in love without realizing when it happened.
And before I wrap this up, I have to give the biggest, warmest thank you to the sweetest girl karyn for buddy reading this with me. Reading this book together made it ten times more special, between the constant yapping, the giggling over our favorite moments, and the shared emotional damage, I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better reading experience. Some books are already special on their own, but buddy reading this one turned it into a core memory, and I’ll treasure that forever. Check her cute review <𝟑! xx
>>> ──────── .✦
⋆｡‧˚ʚ🌺ɞ˚‧｡⋆ Okay, this one already feels like the exact kind of soft, cozy chaos I need in my life. A Ghost of Christmas Past who isn’t spooky at all but actually kind of adorable? A heroine who isn’t Scrooge, just a chronic people-pleaser trying her best? This is giving wholesome holiday magic with a side of emotional damage healing, and I’m already invested.
A deadline, a little magic, a little mayhem, and a ghost–girl love story I didn’t know I needed? Yeah… this is about to be equal parts heart-squeezing and heart-melting. Bring on the charm, the nostalgia, the gentle unraveling, and whatever swoony nonsense they get up to before Christmas Eve rolls around.
I don't know if I will enjoy it but we are here for the vibes.
And to make it even better, I’m buddy reading this with my lovely bestie karyn, so no matter what happens, the experience is already a win.<𝟑 .ᐟ
Oh my God, I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this book because I did not expect it to be this good. I went in with very low expectations, fully convinced this would be a solid three-star read at best, and imagine my shock when it ended up being a four-star for me.
I picked it up thinking I’d just read it for fun. Lately, I’ve been extremely harsh with romance books, especially this kind, so I wasn’t planning to get attached at all. But wow… this completely surprised me. Maybe it’s because it’s written by B.K. Borison, maybe it’s the adorable cover and cozy premise, or maybe it’s just the magic of everything coming together perfectly, but this book worked.
The story pulled me in, the characters felt warm and real, the pacing was smooth, and the romance and tension were done so well. The relationship buildup felt natural and satisfying, and before I knew it, I was fully invested. It was charming, engaging, and genuinely fascinating in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Safe to say, this book proved me very, very wrong, and I loved every second of it.
── .✦
This might honestly be the warmest, most comforting romance I’ve ever experienced. From the very beginning, it wrapped itself around me in the softest way and never let go. The feeling it gave me wasn’t loud or overwhelming, just constant and gentle, like that quiet excitement that settles deep in your chest and refuses to fade. Even after turning the final page, the emotions lingered, as if the story never really ended but instead carved out a permanent little space in my head and heart.
It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’re done, replaying moments, lines, and emotions when you least expect it. I caught myself smiling for no reason, thinking about the characters and the atmosphere, feeling that same fluttery excitement over and over again. This story didn’t just pass through my reading life, it settled in, made itself comfortable, and now I don’t think it plans on leaving anytime soon.
── .✦
The characters completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. I went in expecting something simple, maybe even forgettable, and instead I got depth, warmth, and personalities that felt so real it honestly made me giddy. I’m genuinely so happy about it because when does a low-expectations read ever deliver characters this well written? I loved them both so much that I could easily ramble about them for days and still not feel done.
°˖➴ Harriet:
“ If he’s a ghost, he’s a handsome one.”
Let’s start with her, the sweetest woman to ever exist, and yes, she is absolutely me in every way that matters. Watching her find someone who could reach her so effortlessly, someone who could make her smile without trying or warning, was incredibly comforting and emotional. It felt soft, genuine, and deeply healing in a way that made my heart ache in the best possible sense. Seeing her finally feel seen and cherished was everything, and I adored every second of it.
And oh Harriet. Sweet, kind, endlessly giving Harriet. A chronic people-pleaser who has spent her whole life doing what’s expected of her, even when it costs her pieces of herself. She isn’t bitter or hardened, she’s soft, hopeful, and quietly exhausted, and that made her so painfully relatable. I loved how her kindness wasn’t portrayed as weakness, but as something beautiful that still deserved protection. Watching her confront her past, slowly realizing she’s allowed to want more than survival, more than approval, more than just “being good”? That hit me right in the chest.
°˖➴ Nolan:
“You’re the first thing in a hundred years to make me feel anything at all, Harriet York, and I don’t think that’s an accident.”
On the other hand, we have Nolan Callahan, because oh my god. A Ghost of Christmas Past who’s tired, aimless, and emotionally worn down by eternity? Yes. Please. Immediately obsessed. He’s not cold or cruel, he’s quiet, observant, and carrying this soft ache of someone who’s existed too long without really living. Watching him slowly want more, want her, want a future he was never meant to have, absolutely wrecked me. The yearning here? Insane. The way he tries to stay detached while clearly falling apart inside every time Harriet smiles or hurts? Criminal. I adored how gentle he was with her, how careful, how he never pushed but was always there. He felt like a sigh you didn’t know you were holding in.
── .✦
Together, they were soft magic. No loud drama, no over-the-top chaos, just two souls gently orbiting each other, healing in the quiet spaces. Their connection felt tender, emotional, and deeply earned. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t flashy, it was the kind of bond that sneaks up on you and suddenly you’re in love without realizing when it happened.
And before I wrap this up, I have to give the biggest, warmest thank you to the sweetest girl karyn for buddy reading this with me. Reading this book together made it ten times more special, between the constant yapping, the giggling over our favorite moments, and the shared emotional damage, I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better reading experience. Some books are already special on their own, but buddy reading this one turned it into a core memory, and I’ll treasure that forever. Check her cute review <𝟑! xx
>>> ──────── .✦
⋆｡‧˚ʚ🌺ɞ˚‧｡⋆ Okay, this one already feels like the exact kind of soft, cozy chaos I need in my life. A Ghost of Christmas Past who isn’t spooky at all but actually kind of adorable? A heroine who isn’t Scrooge, just a chronic people-pleaser trying her best? This is giving wholesome holiday magic with a side of emotional damage healing, and I’m already invested.
A deadline, a little magic, a little mayhem, and a ghost–girl love story I didn’t know I needed? Yeah… this is about to be equal parts heart-squeezing and heart-melting. Bring on the charm, the nostalgia, the gentle unraveling, and whatever swoony nonsense they get up to before Christmas Eve rolls around.
I don't know if I will enjoy it but we are here for the vibes.
And to make it even better, I’m buddy reading this with my lovely bestie karyn, so no matter what happens, the experience is already a win.<𝟑 .ᐟ
December 10, 2025
‼️‼️ Minor spoilers ahead ‼️‼️
I tried to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but a few small things slipped in. I am genuinely so sad writing this because I’ve always loved B.K. Borison’s books… and Good Spirits just didn’t work for me the way I hoped. This ended up being a 3/5 ✨ star read for me, which breaks my heart a little since so many people seem to adore it 😭 Honestly, only the last chapter or two really pulled me back in 😭💔
The story follows Harriet York, a small business owner who’s distanced from most of her family because of some heavy past drama (which gets explained later). The holidays are hard for her emotionally, but she has her shop, her routine, and her coworker to keep her grounded. Then suddenly, enter Nolan Callahan, a ghost who died about 100 years ago and now spends his afterlife helping people recognize their past mistakes so they can grow and change.
Right away, I had trouble buying into the setup. Harriet is weirdly calm about a ghost showing up in her home. Like… no screaming, no shock, no trying to run? Just immediate acceptance? Girl, please. That was my first “huh?” moment. And after that, I kept getting confused about the rules of Nolan’s existence. Could people see him or not? How was he living in a house in town yet also… dead? I understood the general idea because of Harriet helping him “come back to life” because they’re soulmates, but the logistics were fuzzy, and it pulled me out of the story.
The romance also didn’t land for me. It leaned heavily into insta-love (which I normally enjoy), but here it felt rushed and without much emotional buildup. I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them. Plus, I found myself bored during big chunks of the book, which surprised me because her books are usually so vibrant, cozy, and warm hearted.
Harriet’s family absolutely made me furious, especially her sister, who just seemed to go along with the cruelty instead of standing up for her.
However, I can’t say it was all negative. The ending gave me the emotional punch I’d been waiting for. The little twist in the last chapters, the visit from a certain special ghost, and the way things wrapped up did warm my heart. And I do think some readers will love the cozy holiday vibe, the found family vibes, and some of the magical realism.
For me, though, it just didn’t hit the way her books normally do. I really wish I had loved it more, but it missed the mark in pacing, chemistry, and clarity for me.
I tried to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but a few small things slipped in. I am genuinely so sad writing this because I’ve always loved B.K. Borison’s books… and Good Spirits just didn’t work for me the way I hoped. This ended up being a 3/5 ✨ star read for me, which breaks my heart a little since so many people seem to adore it 😭 Honestly, only the last chapter or two really pulled me back in 😭💔
The story follows Harriet York, a small business owner who’s distanced from most of her family because of some heavy past drama (which gets explained later). The holidays are hard for her emotionally, but she has her shop, her routine, and her coworker to keep her grounded. Then suddenly, enter Nolan Callahan, a ghost who died about 100 years ago and now spends his afterlife helping people recognize their past mistakes so they can grow and change.
Right away, I had trouble buying into the setup. Harriet is weirdly calm about a ghost showing up in her home. Like… no screaming, no shock, no trying to run? Just immediate acceptance? Girl, please. That was my first “huh?” moment. And after that, I kept getting confused about the rules of Nolan’s existence. Could people see him or not? How was he living in a house in town yet also… dead? I understood the general idea because of Harriet helping him “come back to life” because they’re soulmates, but the logistics were fuzzy, and it pulled me out of the story.
The romance also didn’t land for me. It leaned heavily into insta-love (which I normally enjoy), but here it felt rushed and without much emotional buildup. I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them. Plus, I found myself bored during big chunks of the book, which surprised me because her books are usually so vibrant, cozy, and warm hearted.
Harriet’s family absolutely made me furious, especially her sister, who just seemed to go along with the cruelty instead of standing up for her.
However, I can’t say it was all negative. The ending gave me the emotional punch I’d been waiting for. The little twist in the last chapters, the visit from a certain special ghost, and the way things wrapped up did warm my heart. And I do think some readers will love the cozy holiday vibe, the found family vibes, and some of the magical realism.
For me, though, it just didn’t hit the way her books normally do. I really wish I had loved it more, but it missed the mark in pacing, chemistry, and clarity for me.
November 29, 2025
Nolan Callaghan is a ghost with an important job. He’s assigned to one person each holiday season to guide them back to their past to see if there’s a chance to make amends.
This year he will be escorting Harriet. And immediately things feel off. She’s not what he was expecting. Typically, every person taken on this journey is a Scrooge of sorts. But Harriet is delightfully sweet. So why was he assigned to her? And how can he just leave when his job is done?
This was a heartwarming paranormal holiday romance. I was whisked away on their adventures into the past and loved watching their connection ignite.
I listened to the audio and our narrators Karissa Vacker and Will Watt, both delivered a touching performance.
✍️ B. K. Borison
🎧 Karissa Vacker and Will Watt
⏳ 12 hours 6 minutes
🗓️ Now Available
4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Paranormal👻 Holiday Romance💚❤️
Thank you to libro.fm and Harper Audio
This year he will be escorting Harriet. And immediately things feel off. She’s not what he was expecting. Typically, every person taken on this journey is a Scrooge of sorts. But Harriet is delightfully sweet. So why was he assigned to her? And how can he just leave when his job is done?
This was a heartwarming paranormal holiday romance. I was whisked away on their adventures into the past and loved watching their connection ignite.
I listened to the audio and our narrators Karissa Vacker and Will Watt, both delivered a touching performance.
✍️ B. K. Borison
🎧 Karissa Vacker and Will Watt
⏳ 12 hours 6 minutes
🗓️ Now Available
4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Paranormal👻 Holiday Romance💚❤️
Thank you to libro.fm and Harper Audio
September 25, 2025
BK Borison can literally do no wrong. I am obsessed with her romances, especially when it comes to an obsessed hero who falls first, and that's exactly what this book was. AND GHOSTS!?!?! I neeeeeeeeed more ghost romances in my life, and the fact that BK wrote a CHRISTMAS ghost romance!? It was like it was written for me. This was such a soft and yearning Christmas romance and I devoured every single page. The way they pined for one another when they thought their relationship was impossible!? The way they both helped each other through the hardships they were facing, even when they didn't want or think they needed help!? And him obsessing over her Christmas pajamas!?!?! OBSESSED. Definitely a favorite of the year!!!!!
December 1, 2025
“I am a Ghost of Christmas Past. I’ve been sent to help you mend your ways. We’re going to look through your past, so you can learn from your mistakes.” ❄️🎄💫
Going into this book I expected good, but what I got was GREAT! To begin with, I am a big fan of B.K. Borison, but who knew I would get so invested in a book about a grouchy ghost of Christmas Past?!
Initially, I thought here we go, another retelling of Scrooge from the Christmas carol but I was WRONG 😯 Don’t get me wrong I love that old classic, but this was purely original and filled with holiday charm, magic and a touch of nostalgia 🥰
Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan next assignment is to haunt a woman. The woman in question is Harriet York - pure sunshine, people pleaser, and LOVES peppermint candy canes. No joke, by the end of this book she had me wanting to pick up a peppermint candy canes 🍭 and I DON’T EVEN LIKE THEM 🤣
Harriet York is the kindest, sweetest soul. She always puts others first, even when her loved ones do nothing but criticise her. I loved her colorful fashion sense and how she filled her home with Christmas cheer; she is the anti-Scrooge!
One night she gets a visit from an unexpected visitor…
Enter: Nolan, a charming Irish sailor that just so happens to be the Ghost of Christmas Past. His role is to take her on a journey through her past so she can face her mistakes, after which he'll disappear forever 😯
However, as the two spend more time together, this grumpy/sunshine pair slowly become more attached to each other. And, as this mission forces them together, they learn more about each other than they even knew themselves. Nolan begins to FEEL again, more than he has since becoming a ghost 100 years ago.
All is not as it seemed. They both have lessons to learn about themselves and each other. As their deadline fast approaches, they find the key to their futures in each other's pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?
This was such a brilliant holiday read. It was SO original which I always love. Moreover, it was full of adventure, humour, flirtatious moments, and plenty of holiday cheer. I love B.K Borison’s silky smooth writing that was perfectly paced throughout. Highly recommend this magical read ❄️ 🎄 💖 ✨
"You better get used to having me around.” I sniffle. “Haunting me?” “No.” He smiles. “Loving you.” 🥰
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Going into this book I expected good, but what I got was GREAT! To begin with, I am a big fan of B.K. Borison, but who knew I would get so invested in a book about a grouchy ghost of Christmas Past?!
Initially, I thought here we go, another retelling of Scrooge from the Christmas carol but I was WRONG 😯 Don’t get me wrong I love that old classic, but this was purely original and filled with holiday charm, magic and a touch of nostalgia 🥰
Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan next assignment is to haunt a woman. The woman in question is Harriet York - pure sunshine, people pleaser, and LOVES peppermint candy canes. No joke, by the end of this book she had me wanting to pick up a peppermint candy canes 🍭 and I DON’T EVEN LIKE THEM 🤣
Harriet York is the kindest, sweetest soul. She always puts others first, even when her loved ones do nothing but criticise her. I loved her colorful fashion sense and how she filled her home with Christmas cheer; she is the anti-Scrooge!
One night she gets a visit from an unexpected visitor…
Enter: Nolan, a charming Irish sailor that just so happens to be the Ghost of Christmas Past. His role is to take her on a journey through her past so she can face her mistakes, after which he'll disappear forever 😯
However, as the two spend more time together, this grumpy/sunshine pair slowly become more attached to each other. And, as this mission forces them together, they learn more about each other than they even knew themselves. Nolan begins to FEEL again, more than he has since becoming a ghost 100 years ago.
All is not as it seemed. They both have lessons to learn about themselves and each other. As their deadline fast approaches, they find the key to their futures in each other's pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?
This was such a brilliant holiday read. It was SO original which I always love. Moreover, it was full of adventure, humour, flirtatious moments, and plenty of holiday cheer. I love B.K Borison’s silky smooth writing that was perfectly paced throughout. Highly recommend this magical read ❄️ 🎄 💖 ✨
"You better get used to having me around.” I sniffle. “Haunting me?” “No.” He smiles. “Loving you.” 🥰
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
October 8, 2025
“𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆?” 𝑰 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑. “𝑰 𝒈𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐, 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒕,”
Did I finished the book or did the book finish me? Obviously it was the latter, I'm afraid
What a freaking book, five stars 🌟!! Who knew all I needed to get me hooked was to read about a grumpy ghost who is Christmas Past, whose next assignment is to haunt a woman who is pure sunshine and adores candy canes? I devoured this book, okay?! 🥹 There’s no better way to describe it. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook while reading my eARC, and I have to thank Avon Books immensely, THANK YOU!!!
This book was the perfect holiday read, packed with banter, flirtatious moments, and a plot that takes you back in time to figure out how Nolan and Harriet are truly connected. I love how BK Robinson used the classic A Christmas Carol tale and blended it perfectly with contemporary romance, adding a sprinkle of paranormal with our ghost. I ATE IT UPPPP ‼️
Nolan Callahan and Harriet York are both complex characters that I, as a reader, loved diving into while reading, seeing what makes them who they are. You see that layer by layer in this book, and by the end, everything connects in a complete, beautiful circle. Freaking amazing!!!
AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE LAST 50 PAGES 😭 you’re put through the wringer, and it’s intense, beautiful, and lovely all at once. YES, I CRIED.
The audiobook really elevated my reading experience! Since the book had dual POV, the switch between narrators made it easy to follow whose chapter it was, and both narrators poured so much emotion into their performances. I was completely hooked! 🎧✨
I recommend this book to everyone who adores being surrounded by the holiday spirit, I'm talking all the holiday traditions, flavors, decorations. This is like the perfect holiday drink, but in book form hehehe.
tropes
🌲 holiday romance
🌲 paranomal romance
🌲 a warm hug cozy feels
🌲 grumpy/sunshine
🌲 forced proximity
Thank you again Avon Books for my ALC & eARC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ I'm ready for some ghosty love story heheh
i can't believe i just got the audiobook + arc for this one SCREAMS.
thank you thank you and one for good measure THANK YOU AVON for this opportunity!
Did I finished the book or did the book finish me? Obviously it was the latter, I'm afraid
What a freaking book, five stars 🌟!! Who knew all I needed to get me hooked was to read about a grumpy ghost who is Christmas Past, whose next assignment is to haunt a woman who is pure sunshine and adores candy canes? I devoured this book, okay?! 🥹 There’s no better way to describe it. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook while reading my eARC, and I have to thank Avon Books immensely, THANK YOU!!!
This book was the perfect holiday read, packed with banter, flirtatious moments, and a plot that takes you back in time to figure out how Nolan and Harriet are truly connected. I love how BK Robinson used the classic A Christmas Carol tale and blended it perfectly with contemporary romance, adding a sprinkle of paranormal with our ghost. I ATE IT UPPPP ‼️
Nolan Callahan and Harriet York are both complex characters that I, as a reader, loved diving into while reading, seeing what makes them who they are. You see that layer by layer in this book, and by the end, everything connects in a complete, beautiful circle. Freaking amazing!!!
AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE LAST 50 PAGES 😭 you’re put through the wringer, and it’s intense, beautiful, and lovely all at once. YES, I CRIED.
The audiobook really elevated my reading experience! Since the book had dual POV, the switch between narrators made it easy to follow whose chapter it was, and both narrators poured so much emotion into their performances. I was completely hooked! 🎧✨
I recommend this book to everyone who adores being surrounded by the holiday spirit, I'm talking all the holiday traditions, flavors, decorations. This is like the perfect holiday drink, but in book form hehehe.
tropes
🌲 holiday romance
🌲 paranomal romance
🌲 a warm hug cozy feels
🌲 grumpy/sunshine
🌲 forced proximity
Thank you again Avon Books for my ALC & eARC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ I'm ready for some ghosty love story heheh
i can't believe i just got the audiobook + arc for this one SCREAMS.
thank you thank you and one for good measure THANK YOU AVON for this opportunity!
November 29, 2025
I’m DNF’ing this at 60 percent. A couple of reasons why:
1. B.K. Borison is really bad at writing sex scenes. Needle on the cringyscope going haywire.
2. The author needs to work on her methodology. Mythology? The MMC, Nolen, is supposed to be the Ghost of Christmas Past, but he’s not actually a ghost. More like an immortal person with magic, which is convenient, because then the author doesn’t have to do any real work with the physical aspects of being a ghost, which is great, except… see Point 1.
3. The one ghost-like thing Nolen can do is pop into the FMC, Harriet’s, living room out of the blue, which he does, then says, “Hey, I’m a ghost haunting you!” Harriet’s reaction to Nolen popping into her house out of nowhere while she is in her pajamas is fine for the romance plotline, but NOT AT ALL the reaction a young female alone should do when a stranger suddenly appears in your house! This was the creepiest and cringiest meet-cute I’ve ever read.
4. If this book was supposed to be a sexy, romantic reimagining of the classic Dicken’s tale, the only thing resembling “A Christmas Carol” is Nolan being able to magically pop Harriet into her past. Which they do, and stuff happens that isn’t even remotely romantic before getting to the obligatory 60 percent sex scene which… see Point 1.
5. Borison sets up her leading lady as a doormat, and I assumed the jumping back into her past was to help her undoormat herself, but by the time I quit, there were still no connecting dots if that was the point of the book.
1. B.K. Borison is really bad at writing sex scenes. Needle on the cringyscope going haywire.
2. The author needs to work on her methodology. Mythology? The MMC, Nolen, is supposed to be the Ghost of Christmas Past, but he’s not actually a ghost. More like an immortal person with magic, which is convenient, because then the author doesn’t have to do any real work with the physical aspects of being a ghost, which is great, except… see Point 1.
3. The one ghost-like thing Nolen can do is pop into the FMC, Harriet’s, living room out of the blue, which he does, then says, “Hey, I’m a ghost haunting you!” Harriet’s reaction to Nolen popping into her house out of nowhere while she is in her pajamas is fine for the romance plotline, but NOT AT ALL the reaction a young female alone should do when a stranger suddenly appears in your house! This was the creepiest and cringiest meet-cute I’ve ever read.
4. If this book was supposed to be a sexy, romantic reimagining of the classic Dicken’s tale, the only thing resembling “A Christmas Carol” is Nolan being able to magically pop Harriet into her past. Which they do, and stuff happens that isn’t even remotely romantic before getting to the obligatory 60 percent sex scene which… see Point 1.
5. Borison sets up her leading lady as a doormat, and I assumed the jumping back into her past was to help her undoormat herself, but by the time I quit, there were still no connecting dots if that was the point of the book.
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