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Ghosted
When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.
Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.
Although Bethany wants a happily-ever-after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?
Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.
Although Bethany wants a happily-ever-after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?
- GenresRomance
248 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4936 people want to read
About the author
Lori Matsourani
4 books104 followersLori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven!
While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings.
She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction.
For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.
While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings.
She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction.
For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 8, 2025
This was such a wonderful book. Set on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, which is truly one of the most beautiful parts of the country, the story captures the feel of the area and brings it to life. I especially enjoyed the ghost’s story and how it incorporates 18th century Maryland history. The romance between Bethany and Nick pulled this story together and made this a great read that was hard to put down. I would love to read more stories about Worthington Cove and its current and former inhabitants.
June 26, 2025
Ghosted pulled me in right away. Lori Matsourani writes with such heart—Bethany’s story of heartbreak and healing felt real and honest. The setting of Worthington Cove and the old Horatio House added a cozy, mysterious vibe that I loved. The mix of romance, history, and just a little bit of ghostly intrigue kept me hooked. The characters felt genuine, and the writing flowed so well I couldn’t put it down. If you like stories about second chances with a bit of mystery, this one’s for you.
June 8, 2025
Ghosted is a delightful book, perfect for summer reading. Without giving anything away, I will just say that Samuel Watts (resident ghost) steals the show, for me! I hope that there will be a sequel to this story, since the fictional town of Worthington Cove is close to where I live and I enjoy all things related to life on the Chesapeake. I'm sure there are more historical tales of the Howard, Dorsey and Watts families to tell and the fans look forward to reading them.
June 15, 2025
Really loved this book. A stellar debut by Author Lori Matsourani, this is a heart-warming romance that has a great historical and paranormal flair.
September 17, 2025
Spoiler Free Summary
After a disaster of an engagement, a woman goes back to her paranormal rich hometown in Maryland. While there she starts experiencing things including flashbacks and dreams of what really happened to her ancestor.
Vibes
This one starts off at a medium pace, drawing you in gently — but it does slow down in parts. Still, I really enjoyed the evolution of the mystery. The author does a great job of keeping you in the dark until the cellar is finally brought into play, and then things start to click in a really satisfying way.
The chemistry between the two main characters was a highlight. Their dynamic felt genuine, and I appreciated how they each had their own issues to work through — and how they managed to do that together. It added depth beyond just the romantic tension.
That said, I struggled a bit with the portrayal of the FMC. She came across as overly meek, especially in how she handled a key conflict. Rather than confronting the issue directly, she let it fester — and relied on a ghost to do the damage instead. It’s a personal pet peeve of mine when authors don’t let women stand up for themselves, especially in stories where there’s clear space for character growth. It felt like a missed opportunity and reinforced some tired stereotypes I’d rather see left behind. Also, during the story, the FMC is begging to get away from her ex/needing help getting him to leave her alone.
Also, I found it extremely unrealistic and gross that if someone is begging to be left alone and for help that not only the property owner would let that slide but also the MMC that is interested and completely invested in the FMC would.
Overall, though, this was an engaging read with some great twists, strong romantic tension, and a haunting (literally) storyline that kept me turning the pages.
Tropes
Second Chance Romance
Ghost / Paranormal Element
Haunted Setting / Mystery Investigation
Rekindled Love / Nostalgia
Self‑Discovery
Romantic Tension
Paranormal + Contemporary Romance
After a disaster of an engagement, a woman goes back to her paranormal rich hometown in Maryland. While there she starts experiencing things including flashbacks and dreams of what really happened to her ancestor.
Vibes
This one starts off at a medium pace, drawing you in gently — but it does slow down in parts. Still, I really enjoyed the evolution of the mystery. The author does a great job of keeping you in the dark until the cellar is finally brought into play, and then things start to click in a really satisfying way.
The chemistry between the two main characters was a highlight. Their dynamic felt genuine, and I appreciated how they each had their own issues to work through — and how they managed to do that together. It added depth beyond just the romantic tension.
That said, I struggled a bit with the portrayal of the FMC. She came across as overly meek, especially in how she handled a key conflict. Rather than confronting the issue directly, she let it fester — and relied on a ghost to do the damage instead. It’s a personal pet peeve of mine when authors don’t let women stand up for themselves, especially in stories where there’s clear space for character growth. It felt like a missed opportunity and reinforced some tired stereotypes I’d rather see left behind. Also, during the story, the FMC is begging to get away from her ex/needing help getting him to leave her alone.
Also, I found it extremely unrealistic and gross that if someone is begging to be left alone and for help that not only the property owner would let that slide but also the MMC that is interested and completely invested in the FMC would.
Overall, though, this was an engaging read with some great twists, strong romantic tension, and a haunting (literally) storyline that kept me turning the pages.
Tropes
Second Chance Romance
Ghost / Paranormal Element
Haunted Setting / Mystery Investigation
Rekindled Love / Nostalgia
Self‑Discovery
Romantic Tension
Paranormal + Contemporary Romance
August 17, 2025
Lori Matsourani’s expertly crafted tale of a teenage romance rekindled and an 18th-century ghost on a mission to set the record straight about his death is a delightful read that will make you keep turning the pages. It’s set in the fictional town of Worthington Cove, on Maryland’s Kent Island, a place steeped in history and so charming you’ll want to book a holiday there.
December 20, 2025
A light-hearted romance with a second chance at love. After a few years apart, Bethany's and Nicholas' paths cross again, and they discover the attraction has not diminished. A friendly ghost needs their help in finding the circumstances surrounding his death, and the revelations change a family's history.
July 25, 2025
This was a cute contemporary romance with paranormal twists and a second-chance romance for the main character. Bethany is a sweet character with a problem. Her fiance cheated on her so she left Oklahoma City and went home to Worthington Cove, MD, the small town her parents left years ago, but her favorite aunt still lives there. And so does her ex crush, Nick. But he ghosted her ten years ago. Can she trust him now? She checks into the local B&B for a week to figure out what’s next for her. The inn is supposedly haunted but Bethany doesn’t believe in ghosts.
Until Samuel shows up. At first, he’s just in her dreams, but then… he leaves his hair tie wrapped around her wrist. And she learns to believe. Samuel wants her to find his body so history can be corrected and he can be buried in the family lot. Bethany and Nick go to work to solve the mystery. Then Bethany’s ex-fiance shows up.
Bethany is a well-done character who has a lot of problems. She grows and changes through the story showing that she actually does have a backbone. There’s not a lot to Nick, but he is the standard handsome teen crush who grows into a really nice man. Even the ghost, Samuel, grows and changes by the end of the story. And the setting is beautiful. The Chesapeake Bay, Maryland steamed crabs on butcher paper on a pier, historical homes… well-done!
I really enjoyed this story and there’s a HEA ending that satisfies.
Recommended.
Until Samuel shows up. At first, he’s just in her dreams, but then… he leaves his hair tie wrapped around her wrist. And she learns to believe. Samuel wants her to find his body so history can be corrected and he can be buried in the family lot. Bethany and Nick go to work to solve the mystery. Then Bethany’s ex-fiance shows up.
Bethany is a well-done character who has a lot of problems. She grows and changes through the story showing that she actually does have a backbone. There’s not a lot to Nick, but he is the standard handsome teen crush who grows into a really nice man. Even the ghost, Samuel, grows and changes by the end of the story. And the setting is beautiful. The Chesapeake Bay, Maryland steamed crabs on butcher paper on a pier, historical homes… well-done!
I really enjoyed this story and there’s a HEA ending that satisfies.
Recommended.
July 16, 2025
Ghosted is a contemporary romance with a compelling paranormal twist. Reeling from an unexpected breakup, Bethany retreats to Worthington Cove—a cherished place from her childhood—seeking solace and a fresh start. There, she unexpectedly reconnects with Nick, her teenage crush, who occasionally helps out at the inn where she’s staying.
When Nick mentions the inn is haunted, Bethany is skeptical, brushing it off with disbelief. But after a ghost named Samuel appears in her room one night, what she first assumes is a dream quickly proves to be something much more real. Determined to help Samuel find peace, Bethany sets out to uncover the truth behind his lingering presence.
As she and Nick delve into the mystery of Samuel’s death, their own connection deepens. The spark they shared years ago rekindles into something far more meaningful. In helping Samuel, Bethany also finds a path to healing—learning to let go of the past and open her heart again.
Ghosted is a well-rounded and emotionally rich story, seamlessly blending romance, mystery, and heart with a gentle supernatural element. It's a thoughtful and memorable read—perfect for fans of second-chance love stories with a ghostly twist.
When Nick mentions the inn is haunted, Bethany is skeptical, brushing it off with disbelief. But after a ghost named Samuel appears in her room one night, what she first assumes is a dream quickly proves to be something much more real. Determined to help Samuel find peace, Bethany sets out to uncover the truth behind his lingering presence.
As she and Nick delve into the mystery of Samuel’s death, their own connection deepens. The spark they shared years ago rekindles into something far more meaningful. In helping Samuel, Bethany also finds a path to healing—learning to let go of the past and open her heart again.
Ghosted is a well-rounded and emotionally rich story, seamlessly blending romance, mystery, and heart with a gentle supernatural element. It's a thoughtful and memorable read—perfect for fans of second-chance love stories with a ghostly twist.
June 26, 2025
Ghosted is everything I didn’t know I needed in a love story: second chances, unresolved teen heartbreak, and an actual ghost mystery that adds a beautifully unexpected layer of depth.
Bethany is a heroine I rooted for from the start, smart, wounded, and genuinely trying to move forward after betrayal. Her chemistry with Nick Dorsey is magnetic, and Lori Matsourani writes their rekindled connection with so much nuance that I felt every ounce of tension, hesitation, and longing. The way their shared history unfolds alongside the mystery of the eighteenth century ghost is brilliant, like a dual unraveling of past and present heartbreaks.
There’s charm, wit, emotional depth, and a surprising amount of healing packed into this story. It’s not just about romance, it’s about learning to trust again, honoring your own past, and choosing vulnerability even when it’s terrifying.
Highly recommend for fans of Emily Henry, Beatriz Williams, or anyone who loves a little ghost story with their heartache. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Bethany is a heroine I rooted for from the start, smart, wounded, and genuinely trying to move forward after betrayal. Her chemistry with Nick Dorsey is magnetic, and Lori Matsourani writes their rekindled connection with so much nuance that I felt every ounce of tension, hesitation, and longing. The way their shared history unfolds alongside the mystery of the eighteenth century ghost is brilliant, like a dual unraveling of past and present heartbreaks.
There’s charm, wit, emotional depth, and a surprising amount of healing packed into this story. It’s not just about romance, it’s about learning to trust again, honoring your own past, and choosing vulnerability even when it’s terrifying.
Highly recommend for fans of Emily Henry, Beatriz Williams, or anyone who loves a little ghost story with their heartache. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
June 21, 2025
A must-read hauntingly romantic debut That captivates you from beginning to end.
Ghosted is a beautifully written blend of contemporary romance, historical mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. From the first page, I was drawn in by the vivid prose, layered setting, and emotionally resonant characters.
Bethany’s journey from heartbreak to healing is both heartfelt and empowering, made even richer by the unexpected reunion with her first love—and the lingering presence of a centuries-old ghost. The dual timelines, tied to Bethany’s ancestral past, add a fascinating depth to the story.
Clean romance, intrigue, and emotional truth is masterfully balanced in this novel. Ghosted is perfect for fans of second-chance love stories with a paranormal twist. It is a charming and memorable debut that you will not want to put down and that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Highly Recommend!
Ghosted is a beautifully written blend of contemporary romance, historical mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. From the first page, I was drawn in by the vivid prose, layered setting, and emotionally resonant characters.
Bethany’s journey from heartbreak to healing is both heartfelt and empowering, made even richer by the unexpected reunion with her first love—and the lingering presence of a centuries-old ghost. The dual timelines, tied to Bethany’s ancestral past, add a fascinating depth to the story.
Clean romance, intrigue, and emotional truth is masterfully balanced in this novel. Ghosted is perfect for fans of second-chance love stories with a paranormal twist. It is a charming and memorable debut that you will not want to put down and that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Highly Recommend!
August 18, 2025
Going beyond the solving of a centuries old mystery and resolution of lost love and betrayal, Ghosted offers glimpses into pre-Revolutionary War activities on Maryland’s eastern shore as well as favorite dishes peculiar to the locale and rich descriptions of the setting. It is also more than the typical vengeful ghost seeking the truth behind his death and betrayal by his best friend. As author Matsourani infuses the speech patterns and customs/mores unique to the period—both living and dead lead characters learn important life lessons while uncovering the truth of the past. Warning: the final confrontation between the grieving ghost and [current] deceitful fiancé is not to be missed.
Based on a scale of 1-5, Ghosted merits a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Based on a scale of 1-5, Ghosted merits a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
August 18, 2025
'Ghosted' is a wonderful, charming read. It is very original and witty, with great atmosphere and a lot of engaging local history for extra interest, and a haunting, ghostly character that has really stayed with me. This second chance romance is touching and sweet not only because of the hero and heroine but for the family ties and lovely, thoughtful grounding in a unique, small town community. I love a good ghost story, and Ghosted offers a great twist with just the right amount of chills and mystery. Couldn't put it down!
May 30, 2025
Great book! A second-chance romance set in a small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Bethany retreats to her childhood haven, Worthington Cove, after discovering her fiancé was unfaithful. It’s her perfect “safe place” to regroup and plan her path forward until she encounters her summer crush from years ago—Nick Dorsey, the guy who broke her heart—and the resident ghost who haunts the town’s historic inn.
July 1, 2025
Ghosted, by Lori Matsourani, was such a delightful read! This book had it all: a feel-good, second-chance love story, a beautiful Maryland shore setting (I love coastal settings!) and a ghost story which gave the book just the right amount of spookiness while bringing history to life, but also tied in beautifully with the contemporary love story. I would highly recommend this book!
June 15, 2025
A heart-warming story that left me wanting more! Ghosted really brings the feel of Maryland’s Eastern Shore to life as Nick and Bethany find their way back to love. This book has everything you could ask for in a romance, plus it’s a real page-turner! I couldn’t put it down.
August 15, 2025
Such a fun read that I found difficult to put down. The dashing ex who ghosted our heroine years before, a confused ghost who showed up at her bed, and a mystery surrounding the inn where she's staying, all contribute to a real page turner.
December 10, 2025
What a fun story this is! I love Lori Matsourani's refreshing voice. This book had a great setting, great premise, and a cast of characters (and a few of them were really characters) it was fun to try to keep up with.
June 26, 2025
Great book! I really enjoyed this romance novel and the spooky flair. I highly recommend this book for a Summer read!
July 5, 2025
Ghosted is a smooth, easy read. It's a fun, delightful story with the perfect combination of ghost tale and romance with some added drama. I couldn't put it down and was disappointed when it ended.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews