What do you think?
Rate this book
Dead Romantic
What do you do if you come face to face with a ghost?
Put it down to a bump on the head and work stress if you’re a respected academic like Cleo Carpenter. With Christmas approaching, professional rivalry afoot and a best friend determined to interfere in her love life the strain is clearly starting to get to her.
Guilt-stricken and deceased, Alex Thorne is desperate to make amends with his brother, Rafe, a tortured musician trapped in a spiral of destruction. When an encounter with Cleo forges a link between them she becomes his only hope. So what if the only person who can see him is a sceptic?
As Cleo starts to doubt her sanity, the safe world she takes for granted crumbles around her. Setting out to regain control and prove once and for all ghosts don’t exist, she embarks on a journey of self discovery and surprise, learning that love really does defy science, logic and maybe even death itself…
Put it down to a bump on the head and work stress if you’re a respected academic like Cleo Carpenter. With Christmas approaching, professional rivalry afoot and a best friend determined to interfere in her love life the strain is clearly starting to get to her.
Guilt-stricken and deceased, Alex Thorne is desperate to make amends with his brother, Rafe, a tortured musician trapped in a spiral of destruction. When an encounter with Cleo forges a link between them she becomes his only hope. So what if the only person who can see him is a sceptic?
As Cleo starts to doubt her sanity, the safe world she takes for granted crumbles around her. Setting out to regain control and prove once and for all ghosts don’t exist, she embarks on a journey of self discovery and surprise, learning that love really does defy science, logic and maybe even death itself…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2014
46 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Saberton
47 books351 followersRuth Saberton is a bestselling British author with over 25 books written under her own and pen names. Her books feature romance and secrets and are set in beautiful Cornwall.
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton
www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton
www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 2, 2014
Ruth is a fantastic author and I have loved every single one of her books, this one is no exception. Told from Cleo's perspective, who is a Egyptologist and very straight laced. I loved her die to the fact she is a neat freak, very much like myself. The whole story has a brilliant feel good factor through family, friends and lovers. Although i would of liked Cleo's dad to have a bigger presence. There is the right amount of Christmas in the book to make it ideal to read at any time of year as well as winter. The characters are brilliantly written, but have to say i think Aamon is my favorite, even though he never says a word.
September 29, 2014
So, and here I am, again facing the biggest challenge: how to write a review that is going to do a book justice. I have already told so many praises about Ruth Saberton that I really have no idea what to say more, maybe except for the fact that with every book Ruth excels herself, her every new novel is better that the previous one (how is it possible if each book is just brilliant!) and yes, I start every book fearing that this one can be weaker, or won't live up to my expectations, as Ruth has spoiled me with her wonderful, funny, exceptional stories, but no worries, guys, "Dead Romantic" is, I think, her best yet!
As ever, Ruth has delivered some of the best characters, and no matter if we talk about living or dead. To be honest, I loved Cleo from the very beginning, but Alex and his ghost company just took my breath away. How could one to kill such a character as Alex I really don't know, Ruth! He was incredibly funny and I laughed out loud at the way he behaved, he danced, he spoke. Sexy as hell, oh my word, world you've just lost the best singer. Sniff. And the other ghosts, the ones helping Cleo, Aamon and the old professor, were just adoring, and of course as ghosts they didn't have to watch out their mouth and said what they thought.
Cleo was a wonderful, brilliant leading character. She could show the biggest sceptics what passion is, what love is, what grief is. If she did something, than she put her heart and soul into it. I loved to see how much her character developed through the whole story and I adored the way she changed. I liked so much how she found this what she actually wasn't looking for and how her orderly life was turned a little. She could seem to be a real geek and workaholic but oh my, in fact she was a tender, funny girl and I'd love to have her as my friend!
I am actually aware that it was Rafe who should be in my spotlight, as he was the one that Cleo couldn't forget, and yes, he was smoking hot, even when drinking, but for me it was Alex who has stolen the show. If he weren't a ghost I would pester Ruth to write a story about him. With a great sense of humour for a ghost (although what do I know about ghosts, maybe they are really funny, on principle) deadly (no pun intended!) handsome, musician, so, so lovely!
This book has unleashed all kind of emotions in me. I have found myself holding my breath till I was green in the face, and when Cleo gave Simon her laptop I wanted to run in circles, tear my hair out and scream No, Cleo, no!, I wanted to punch Simon on his nose and I soooooo wanted to hug Alex... OK, I must admit, I think I have a small crush on Alex, which wouldn't be a problem, but as he is a.. ghost... What does that say about me????
I admire Ruth with my whole heart. She has proved with this book that she's like Midas, whatever she touches, it changes into gold. Whatever she writes about, it is going to be a wonderful, brilliant, fantastic, complex book, a book that you wouldn't be able to put down. And she wrote about the whole ghost theme with such conviction that I am able to start to believe in ghost, really, especially if they are like Alex. I was all the time thinking, my, research for this book must have been really complicated, let's be honest, how can you research ghosts, but Ruth found a way out and everything what I read felt so true! I have just followed the magic and felt in love with the whole story. I mean, ghosts, it's not so realistic per se, but it totally works out in this book so let just go with the flow.
Ruth's is the one of the most brilliant writing styles that I had a pleasure to come across in the books. She can write about details in a very detailed way (repetition intended!) and the descriptions just suck you into the story. She writes about things that we normally take for granted, that we usually don't pay attention to, such as playing with hair, touching each other, about feelings in a very tender, gentle way and she can put into words every single feeling and thought. This is why her books are so colourful, so livid and her characters live their own lives. They are literally popping out of the pages, they feel realistic, so much that I had a feeling they are going to come any second and give me a hug. The plot belongs to one of the most original and refreshing ones. Yes, of course, from time to time there are authors that try to add some magic to the story, and sometimes it works out and sometimes not, but to read a book where the ghosts subplot is so important and relevant, I don't remember.
I also love how Ruth always at the end of the book explains why she wrote this story and where the idea comes from.
This book has it all and even more, it has totally lived up to my expectations. There is fun, there is some sadness, there is love, romance, drama, brilliant plot and larger than life characters. The writing was flowing, it was fluid and smooth, with wonderful descriptions and every detail was polished to perfection. This book had me gripped from start to the finish, it was unputdownable and I felt really unhappy when I must have put it down because of life getting in the way. Ruth Saberton is one of my absolutely favourite chick - lit authors and all of her books brought joy and laughter to my dull life. Wonderfully pieced together, with this book she proved why she is one of my favourite authors and I really am waiting for her Christmas novel!
Copy received in exchange for a review.
As ever, Ruth has delivered some of the best characters, and no matter if we talk about living or dead. To be honest, I loved Cleo from the very beginning, but Alex and his ghost company just took my breath away. How could one to kill such a character as Alex I really don't know, Ruth! He was incredibly funny and I laughed out loud at the way he behaved, he danced, he spoke. Sexy as hell, oh my word, world you've just lost the best singer. Sniff. And the other ghosts, the ones helping Cleo, Aamon and the old professor, were just adoring, and of course as ghosts they didn't have to watch out their mouth and said what they thought.
Cleo was a wonderful, brilliant leading character. She could show the biggest sceptics what passion is, what love is, what grief is. If she did something, than she put her heart and soul into it. I loved to see how much her character developed through the whole story and I adored the way she changed. I liked so much how she found this what she actually wasn't looking for and how her orderly life was turned a little. She could seem to be a real geek and workaholic but oh my, in fact she was a tender, funny girl and I'd love to have her as my friend!
I am actually aware that it was Rafe who should be in my spotlight, as he was the one that Cleo couldn't forget, and yes, he was smoking hot, even when drinking, but for me it was Alex who has stolen the show. If he weren't a ghost I would pester Ruth to write a story about him. With a great sense of humour for a ghost (although what do I know about ghosts, maybe they are really funny, on principle) deadly (no pun intended!) handsome, musician, so, so lovely!
This book has unleashed all kind of emotions in me. I have found myself holding my breath till I was green in the face, and when Cleo gave Simon her laptop I wanted to run in circles, tear my hair out and scream No, Cleo, no!, I wanted to punch Simon on his nose and I soooooo wanted to hug Alex... OK, I must admit, I think I have a small crush on Alex, which wouldn't be a problem, but as he is a.. ghost... What does that say about me????
I admire Ruth with my whole heart. She has proved with this book that she's like Midas, whatever she touches, it changes into gold. Whatever she writes about, it is going to be a wonderful, brilliant, fantastic, complex book, a book that you wouldn't be able to put down. And she wrote about the whole ghost theme with such conviction that I am able to start to believe in ghost, really, especially if they are like Alex. I was all the time thinking, my, research for this book must have been really complicated, let's be honest, how can you research ghosts, but Ruth found a way out and everything what I read felt so true! I have just followed the magic and felt in love with the whole story. I mean, ghosts, it's not so realistic per se, but it totally works out in this book so let just go with the flow.
Ruth's is the one of the most brilliant writing styles that I had a pleasure to come across in the books. She can write about details in a very detailed way (repetition intended!) and the descriptions just suck you into the story. She writes about things that we normally take for granted, that we usually don't pay attention to, such as playing with hair, touching each other, about feelings in a very tender, gentle way and she can put into words every single feeling and thought. This is why her books are so colourful, so livid and her characters live their own lives. They are literally popping out of the pages, they feel realistic, so much that I had a feeling they are going to come any second and give me a hug. The plot belongs to one of the most original and refreshing ones. Yes, of course, from time to time there are authors that try to add some magic to the story, and sometimes it works out and sometimes not, but to read a book where the ghosts subplot is so important and relevant, I don't remember.
I also love how Ruth always at the end of the book explains why she wrote this story and where the idea comes from.
This book has it all and even more, it has totally lived up to my expectations. There is fun, there is some sadness, there is love, romance, drama, brilliant plot and larger than life characters. The writing was flowing, it was fluid and smooth, with wonderful descriptions and every detail was polished to perfection. This book had me gripped from start to the finish, it was unputdownable and I felt really unhappy when I must have put it down because of life getting in the way. Ruth Saberton is one of my absolutely favourite chick - lit authors and all of her books brought joy and laughter to my dull life. Wonderfully pieced together, with this book she proved why she is one of my favourite authors and I really am waiting for her Christmas novel!
Copy received in exchange for a review.
October 9, 2014
ANOTHER SMASH HIT RUTH!
I have read pretty much all of Ruth’s books and always look forward to the next one. Each book just gets more amazing than the last one. All of them are such individual stories.
The characters in Dead Romantic are so real or not! It’s almost as if you become one of the characters yourself as you get so absorbed in reading them. You also never want the book to end.
There are twists and turns all the way through that make you laugh out loud. It will have you guessing right to the end. I really loved the ghost story line. Not only was it very cleverly written, it really makes to think ‘What if’…
As I’ve already mentioned. I’m sure it will be another Smash Hit Ruth!
I have read pretty much all of Ruth’s books and always look forward to the next one. Each book just gets more amazing than the last one. All of them are such individual stories.
The characters in Dead Romantic are so real or not! It’s almost as if you become one of the characters yourself as you get so absorbed in reading them. You also never want the book to end.
There are twists and turns all the way through that make you laugh out loud. It will have you guessing right to the end. I really loved the ghost story line. Not only was it very cleverly written, it really makes to think ‘What if’…
As I’ve already mentioned. I’m sure it will be another Smash Hit Ruth!
October 2, 2014
I was really pleased when Ruth said I could read and review her book. The blurb sounded interesting and the cover looked really good, like something I would go for. Having not read any of Ruth's books before I was intrigued to see what they were like by reading this book. I loved one of the characters called Cleo as she has a very interesting job as an Egyptologist, it was fantastic to learn all about it. There is a Christmas theme that runs through this book but it is heart warming and makes you feel very cosy inside. I actually couldn't put this book down, and I will definitely be reading more of Ruth's books.
October 10, 2014
Originally posted on: http://addictivechicklit.blogspot.com...
I love Ruth Saberton, she has fantastic ideas and her style is so fun and lively! So when she sent me her latest book, Dead Romantic, I had high expectations. Luckily, on the first chapters I was already enjoying the story and feeling all warm inside and by the end of it I was completely and truly in love with this book. This story is just magical, it captures you from page one and you are glued to its pages for hours without even realizing.
I have to say I am, like Cleo, quite sceptic, so I don't belive in life after death or ghosts but I like to get lost in magical stories, especially if they are so well thought and written like this one. After meeting the ghost of this story, Alex Thorne, I kind of wish I could meet a ghost like him. He is so lovely and so funny too, it had me in giggles all the time. And I loved how matter of factly he was with everything surrounding his kind. Two little stars were the old archeaolist and the little Egyptian kid and his cat, they added the perfect spark to the story!
And what can I say about Cloe? Or Cleopatra, as she is actually called. I have always been curious about Egypt so I found her job fascinating, plus you could tell that Ruth had done lots of research because we learn so much too. She is a great character and I instantly warmed to her. She is very career focused and very analytical and driven but you can see that she is an old romantic at heart. And I loved her Christmas story.
Dead Romantic is a read you don't want to miss. It is a bit different from what Ruth usually writes about but it just makes it even more special. It is one of the loveliest stories I have read this year and I am sure that Alex Thorne is gonna stay with me for a long time. He is one of those characters you don't forget easily. So go get this book right now and get ready to laugh, giggle, hug your kindle and even get angry with a certain character...
Rating: Dead Romantic gets an extra little heart meaning that it has been one of my favourite books of the year so far.
I love Ruth Saberton, she has fantastic ideas and her style is so fun and lively! So when she sent me her latest book, Dead Romantic, I had high expectations. Luckily, on the first chapters I was already enjoying the story and feeling all warm inside and by the end of it I was completely and truly in love with this book. This story is just magical, it captures you from page one and you are glued to its pages for hours without even realizing.
I have to say I am, like Cleo, quite sceptic, so I don't belive in life after death or ghosts but I like to get lost in magical stories, especially if they are so well thought and written like this one. After meeting the ghost of this story, Alex Thorne, I kind of wish I could meet a ghost like him. He is so lovely and so funny too, it had me in giggles all the time. And I loved how matter of factly he was with everything surrounding his kind. Two little stars were the old archeaolist and the little Egyptian kid and his cat, they added the perfect spark to the story!
And what can I say about Cloe? Or Cleopatra, as she is actually called. I have always been curious about Egypt so I found her job fascinating, plus you could tell that Ruth had done lots of research because we learn so much too. She is a great character and I instantly warmed to her. She is very career focused and very analytical and driven but you can see that she is an old romantic at heart. And I loved her Christmas story.
Dead Romantic is a read you don't want to miss. It is a bit different from what Ruth usually writes about but it just makes it even more special. It is one of the loveliest stories I have read this year and I am sure that Alex Thorne is gonna stay with me for a long time. He is one of those characters you don't forget easily. So go get this book right now and get ready to laugh, giggle, hug your kindle and even get angry with a certain character...
Rating: Dead Romantic gets an extra little heart meaning that it has been one of my favourite books of the year so far.
October 21, 2014
I would like to thank author Ruth Saberton for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I love the cover of this book as it sets the scene for what is a big part of the book.
The books stats Cleo or Cleopatra Carpenter waiting in a coffee shop for her friend Suzie, Cleo hates Christmas and there is a an annoying Christmas song playing, it’s the hit by Thorne, One Christmas Kiss, little does Cleo realise the song is about her and a chance meeting 10 years ago.
A series of events lead Cleo to have an accident and bang her head, from this accident she starts to see the ghost of Alex Thorne, he turns up in the most unusual of places and Cleo starts to worry she is going mad. Alex is a really great character, even for a ghost he is funny and the one liners he comes out with to Cleo had me laughing away.
Cleo I like straightaway she has suffered loss but she is down to earth and wouldn’t hurt anyone deliberately, shame the same can’t be said for Simon.
I also loved how Ruth described the museum Cleo worked in and the ghosts that live there, I could imagine it being just like that if we could see ghosts, I also liked how they were outraged at what was happening to Cleo and how they managed to help her.
This really is a feel good read with a twist. I love Ruth’s writing as I get so wrapped up in the characters from the very beginning.
Not only do you have a hot ghost in Alex you have his brother Rafe, who is just as hot..
I love the cover of this book as it sets the scene for what is a big part of the book.
The books stats Cleo or Cleopatra Carpenter waiting in a coffee shop for her friend Suzie, Cleo hates Christmas and there is a an annoying Christmas song playing, it’s the hit by Thorne, One Christmas Kiss, little does Cleo realise the song is about her and a chance meeting 10 years ago.
A series of events lead Cleo to have an accident and bang her head, from this accident she starts to see the ghost of Alex Thorne, he turns up in the most unusual of places and Cleo starts to worry she is going mad. Alex is a really great character, even for a ghost he is funny and the one liners he comes out with to Cleo had me laughing away.
Cleo I like straightaway she has suffered loss but she is down to earth and wouldn’t hurt anyone deliberately, shame the same can’t be said for Simon.
I also loved how Ruth described the museum Cleo worked in and the ghosts that live there, I could imagine it being just like that if we could see ghosts, I also liked how they were outraged at what was happening to Cleo and how they managed to help her.
This really is a feel good read with a twist. I love Ruth’s writing as I get so wrapped up in the characters from the very beginning.
Not only do you have a hot ghost in Alex you have his brother Rafe, who is just as hot..
October 19, 2014
Dr Cleo Carpenter is an Egyptologist and she absolutely loves her work at the Henry Welby Museum in London. It seems as though a promotion might be on the cards until she has an accident which lands her in hospital with a serious head injury. She soon realises the life will never be the same again as she can now see ghosts and in particular the ghost of long dead Alex Thorne who wants her to help his musician brother, Rafe.
How do you say no to a ghost? Who can Cleo trust? Why does she think she can see ghosts when she doesn't believe in them at all because all scientists know that death is the end - don't they? Life will never be the same again for Cleo but somehow she has to make sense of it and carry on.
I laughed over this book and I cried over it too. Some of the scenes with the ghosts are just hilarious and others are really poignant. But this is far from being a sentimental book as Cleo is just not a sentimental person. I loved Cleo herself and the background to the story and she really does grow and change during the course of the novel as all good characters should.
If you want something a little bit different from the usual romantic novels then try this - it will haunt you long after you have finished reading.
How do you say no to a ghost? Who can Cleo trust? Why does she think she can see ghosts when she doesn't believe in them at all because all scientists know that death is the end - don't they? Life will never be the same again for Cleo but somehow she has to make sense of it and carry on.
I laughed over this book and I cried over it too. Some of the scenes with the ghosts are just hilarious and others are really poignant. But this is far from being a sentimental book as Cleo is just not a sentimental person. I loved Cleo herself and the background to the story and she really does grow and change during the course of the novel as all good characters should.
If you want something a little bit different from the usual romantic novels then try this - it will haunt you long after you have finished reading.
March 18, 2016
I found this book hard going, but I slogged along because I thought the premise sounded good. I'm not going to repeat the plot description, but after the head injury that allows the heroine to see the ghost of her long lost love's brother, the heroine takes absolutely forever to believe in him. She gets a lot of proof, but because she's a scientist she refuses to believe. That's pretty insulting to scientists who do believe in evidence. Disregarding quality evidence is pretty much the hallmark of someone who is not a scientist.
I gave up when a situation came up with a coworker that could only go one way based on every movie ever. Skipping to the last couple of chapters confirmed that the obvious had indeed occurred and in addition the tension at the end was caused by something that could have been avoided with a simple question.
I gave up when a situation came up with a coworker that could only go one way based on every movie ever. Skipping to the last couple of chapters confirmed that the obvious had indeed occurred and in addition the tension at the end was caused by something that could have been avoided with a simple question.
June 28, 2017
What can I say about Dead Romantic to do it justice? As a huge fan of Ruth Saberton, I'm always happy to get my hands on her new books and this one is possibly her best yet!
Dead Romantic is the story of Dr Cleo Carpenter, an Egyptologist and sceptic. What's an educated woman to do when ghosts start appearing and you're the only one who can see them? Cleo is a brilliant character - a true heroine for the modern age; a woman who CAN have it all! Ruth always creates great male leads and in this case we are lucky to have two! Alex and Rafe are 2 very different men but both equally likeable - the reader come to care about Rafe's troubles and Alex's dedication to his brother.
Dead Romantic addresses love in all its guises and succeeds in telling a romantic, in cliched story.
I can't wait to read Ruth's next offering.
A truly lovely book for a cosy weekend in.
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Romantic is the story of Dr Cleo Carpenter, an Egyptologist and sceptic. What's an educated woman to do when ghosts start appearing and you're the only one who can see them? Cleo is a brilliant character - a true heroine for the modern age; a woman who CAN have it all! Ruth always creates great male leads and in this case we are lucky to have two! Alex and Rafe are 2 very different men but both equally likeable - the reader come to care about Rafe's troubles and Alex's dedication to his brother.
Dead Romantic addresses love in all its guises and succeeds in telling a romantic, in cliched story.
I can't wait to read Ruth's next offering.
A truly lovely book for a cosy weekend in.
Copy received in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2017
I Loved It!!
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book for exchange of an honest review.
It had me hooked practically from the first page.Packed full of great characters,there's a lovely warmth to this book.
Ruth's writing seams to magically bring you into the book,I could almost hear the song "Christmas kiss" playing in the background,while I was reading it.I even caught myself checking around for ghostly visitors.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book for exchange of an honest review.
It had me hooked practically from the first page.Packed full of great characters,there's a lovely warmth to this book.
Ruth's writing seams to magically bring you into the book,I could almost hear the song "Christmas kiss" playing in the background,while I was reading it.I even caught myself checking around for ghostly visitors.
October 19, 2014
Loved this book. It was realistic (even the ghost bits) and was comforting in many ways. It was really different to Ruth's other books but her style was still evident. I look forward to Ruth's Escape for Christmas with great excitement.
March 7, 2015
loved loved loved this book! so refreshing and beautifully written! a MUST read!! :)
June 18, 2020
Dead Romantic is a delight! I am a bit of an Egyptology nerd so for me this book was always going to feature in my top 5 list. The story starts with Cleo Carpenter who is an Egyptologist who works at the Henry Wellby Museum in London. Obsessed with uncovering the secrets of the boy king Aamon, the sexy Dr Simon and aversion of all things Christmas, Cleo doesn't believe in fairytales, ghosts or happy endings.
On the frantic rush home to see her sick mother, Cleo has a chance encounter with Rafe Thorne and they share a romantic Christmas kiss at the station. As her father comes to collect her, she gives Rafe a scrap of paper with her number on it and the wind whips it out of his hand, never to be seen again. Cleo arrives home to discover her mother has passed away before she could get there and she is heartbroken.
Rafe and his brother Alex are one of the UK's hottest bands around. Their number one Christmas song which Rafe wrote about Cleo is one of their biggest hits. Alex knows the story of the girl Rafe met on the station and promises him that he will do anything to bring them together again. That is until one night after a bitter argument with his brother, Alex steps out in front of a truck and is killed instantly. Overwhelmed with guilt, sadness and regret, Rafe battles with his demons alone. Unable to write since he lost his brother he has turned to alcohol to numb the pain.
Since the night Cleo's mother died, she has thrown herself into her work and has worked hard at the museum. Determined to get the associate head of the Egyptology department. Cleo works long hours to complete her research on the boy king Aamon. One wet night she narrowly misses getting hit by a car and hits her head on the tarmac. Her saviour, she soon discovers, is a ghost called Alex Thorne. Alex is desperate to save his brother from his downward spiral and he believes he can do that by reuniting him with Cleo. The problem is that now Cleo can see and hear Alex, she can see and hear the others as well...
This novel is a deliciously spooky love story and one that comes highly recommended! Alex Thorne is perhaps my other favourite male character from the Ruth Saberton universe, the other being Nick Angel from Rock My World. I guess I have a thing for gorgeous musicians with dark hair and green eyes!
On the frantic rush home to see her sick mother, Cleo has a chance encounter with Rafe Thorne and they share a romantic Christmas kiss at the station. As her father comes to collect her, she gives Rafe a scrap of paper with her number on it and the wind whips it out of his hand, never to be seen again. Cleo arrives home to discover her mother has passed away before she could get there and she is heartbroken.
Rafe and his brother Alex are one of the UK's hottest bands around. Their number one Christmas song which Rafe wrote about Cleo is one of their biggest hits. Alex knows the story of the girl Rafe met on the station and promises him that he will do anything to bring them together again. That is until one night after a bitter argument with his brother, Alex steps out in front of a truck and is killed instantly. Overwhelmed with guilt, sadness and regret, Rafe battles with his demons alone. Unable to write since he lost his brother he has turned to alcohol to numb the pain.
Since the night Cleo's mother died, she has thrown herself into her work and has worked hard at the museum. Determined to get the associate head of the Egyptology department. Cleo works long hours to complete her research on the boy king Aamon. One wet night she narrowly misses getting hit by a car and hits her head on the tarmac. Her saviour, she soon discovers, is a ghost called Alex Thorne. Alex is desperate to save his brother from his downward spiral and he believes he can do that by reuniting him with Cleo. The problem is that now Cleo can see and hear Alex, she can see and hear the others as well...
This novel is a deliciously spooky love story and one that comes highly recommended! Alex Thorne is perhaps my other favourite male character from the Ruth Saberton universe, the other being Nick Angel from Rock My World. I guess I have a thing for gorgeous musicians with dark hair and green eyes!
December 19, 2024
This book was freaking awesome. It was so well written and the characters were well developed. Alex dies in a terrible accident and haunts his brother's soulmate to convince her to seek him out. Cleo and Rafe's relationship is beyond adorable. I love the soulmate angle. And I love the dead brother's ghost playing matchmaker even more. Cleo is grieving the death of her mother and dealing with her estranged relationship with her father. Alex (the ghost) is grieving, to some degree, the loss of life. Rafe is grieving Alex's death and facing guilt and self blame over the circumstances surrounding it. I felt like Saberton did a really fantastic job writing the emotions involved in grief and loss and the healing taking place throughout the book. Oh! And the ending of the book had me crying. So, so perfect!
On a scale of Christmas Cheer, I give this a 2/5. It had very little to do with Christmas, but since part of the overall theme of the book is the song Rafe wrote about his encounter with Cleo one fateful Christmas Eve...I had to give is some credit.
On a scale of Christmas Cheer, I give this a 2/5. It had very little to do with Christmas, but since part of the overall theme of the book is the song Rafe wrote about his encounter with Cleo one fateful Christmas Eve...I had to give is some credit.
December 8, 2018
Perhaps... this has been my favorite Ruth Saberton book. Ever? And that's saying a lot because I've truly enjoyed her writing. This was very unexpected though because I found the title a little off-putting, definitely don't believe in ghosts, and a romantic ghost story seemed, not my style. But this book was fantastic! I adored the main character, the whole book wasn't just a romantic tale, it was laugh out loud funny, sweet, pulled at my heartstrings, and I was very impressed with Cleo's work ethic and overall no-nonsense mentality. Of course the romance is a bit far-fetched, but it's a romantic book where the main character sees and speaks to ghosts. Not exactly factual, you know. But it was so sweet and I cheered with Cleo as she attained her goals and found love. Couldn't put this book down!
4.5/5 stars.
4.5/5 stars.
November 21, 2017
The first 86% was a solid 4 star rating and then for me it went down hill.
I loved Cleo's character but I hated that she was going to throw everything away with Rafe because she caught him talking to an ex girlfriend, just talking - massive over reaction and forced relationship drama which was plain boring.
It was a cute Christmas read and I really did enjoy it with the exception of one plot bump along the way.
I loved Cleo's character but I hated that she was going to throw everything away with Rafe because she caught him talking to an ex girlfriend, just talking - massive over reaction and forced relationship drama which was plain boring.
It was a cute Christmas read and I really did enjoy it with the exception of one plot bump along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
Wonderfully complex journey
This was such a joy to read. The story was interesting, well constructed and entertaining. With some serious unexpected twists and turns the heroine discovers herself in an unorthodox manner. It ends happily. There could have been a bit more development of the main character as a person with more agency rather than subject to the winds of fate, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless.
This was such a joy to read. The story was interesting, well constructed and entertaining. With some serious unexpected twists and turns the heroine discovers herself in an unorthodox manner. It ends happily. There could have been a bit more development of the main character as a person with more agency rather than subject to the winds of fate, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless.
October 21, 2017
This book was an enjoyable read.Beautifully described throughout,an interesting plot.Cleo was enchanting(love her name).The use of ghosts was very unique,and employed very well in the storyline.There were moments I had to keep reading,despite my personal workload!!!Will be looking for more books by this author.
November 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this. Cleo hits her head & starts seeing ghosts, mainly Alex who wants her to deliver a message to his brother. But ghosts don't exist - do they? A charming, supernatural romance with a number of very likeable characters and well written. Not usually a fan of light romances but will definitely make an exception for Ruth Saberton's books.
September 20, 2019
Absolutely loved this story. It had me captivated from the beginning and didn’t want it end. I laughed and cried and being a lover of all things spiritual this story spoke to me on all levels.
I love delving into stories that whisk me away and make me feel as if they are my friends and I might bump into to them any minute 🙂
I love delving into stories that whisk me away and make me feel as if they are my friends and I might bump into to them any minute 🙂
January 3, 2018
3,5 stars for this cute Christmas contemporary and slightly paranormal story with an interesting plot and nice characters, but a lot of parts were wayyyy to lengthy and it took me way too long to read because of that.
February 16, 2017
This was a really enjoyable read: engaging characters, a serious plot that held up to scrutiny and enough conflict and tension to make me stop reading at one point - just to catch my breath.
And the ending was magnificent.
And the ending was magnificent.
October 30, 2019
I read this because it's a ghost story and it's Halloween tomorrow.
Only it's more of a Christmas story.
Bit predictable, such that I was yelling at my kindle for the heroine not to hand over her laptop.
Still, a lovely holiday reas.
Only it's more of a Christmas story.
Bit predictable, such that I was yelling at my kindle for the heroine not to hand over her laptop.
Still, a lovely holiday reas.
November 2, 2020
5 Star Read
I can see so much of myself in Cleo. I'm a sceptic, no nonsense, hard-working woman who has lost a parent too.. As to the rest, well - no spoilers (!!) - but if only I should be so lucky!? I feel sad I read it so fast but I couldn't help myself, I absolutely loved it!
I can see so much of myself in Cleo. I'm a sceptic, no nonsense, hard-working woman who has lost a parent too.. As to the rest, well - no spoilers (!!) - but if only I should be so lucky!? I feel sad I read it so fast but I couldn't help myself, I absolutely loved it!
May 10, 2021
A surprise
Interesting, unusual, quirky plot; interesting characters; well-written and -edited; great use of metaphor throughout. On the negative side, slightly repetitive and a tendency to go overboard on the use of metaphors. Still, a very good novel.
Interesting, unusual, quirky plot; interesting characters; well-written and -edited; great use of metaphor throughout. On the negative side, slightly repetitive and a tendency to go overboard on the use of metaphors. Still, a very good novel.
May 22, 2020
Given to me by a friend, I don't read many books in this genre but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great escapism, the relationships between the three main characters kept me interested.
November 1, 2020
Really loved this book. A quirky story. Beautifully written. Love all Ruth's books. Just lose yourself in them.
November 22, 2020
Great fun. Loved it.
January 27, 2024
Absolutely love it! More romance needed tho
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews