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Ghosts and Baklava
He believed in the possibility of love from the very first day he met Wava.
He believed in the possibility of ghosts when one reached through his laptop and choked him.
This fantasy Rom-com follows Rehan, who was fifteen when he tried to impress his crush Wava by going into Spook House, the local haunted residence that left a mysterious mark on his forearm. He hasn’t thought about it for years, until one day when he’s mysteriously fired from his dream job. On the same day, a mysterious man warns that something evil is coming to Dalebridge.
Rehan is forced to work at his uncle's restaurant, the Baklava Express, learning the ropes while trying to reconnect with Wava, who is visiting Dalebridge. But Rehan is noticing strange things everywhere. He's having ghostly visions, being attacked by strangers, and being followed by a cult that warns of a grave ghost that will destroy the town of Dalebridge. Can he figure out who is after him and how to stop the evil before it’s too late?
Ghosts and Baklava is a cozy, comedic romantasy, perfect for fans of The Princess Bride's whimsical style. It is a Hallmark movie setup with ghosts, cults, swords, ancient texts, and lots of romantic-comedy-style banter.
He believed in the possibility of ghosts when one reached through his laptop and choked him.
This fantasy Rom-com follows Rehan, who was fifteen when he tried to impress his crush Wava by going into Spook House, the local haunted residence that left a mysterious mark on his forearm. He hasn’t thought about it for years, until one day when he’s mysteriously fired from his dream job. On the same day, a mysterious man warns that something evil is coming to Dalebridge.
Rehan is forced to work at his uncle's restaurant, the Baklava Express, learning the ropes while trying to reconnect with Wava, who is visiting Dalebridge. But Rehan is noticing strange things everywhere. He's having ghostly visions, being attacked by strangers, and being followed by a cult that warns of a grave ghost that will destroy the town of Dalebridge. Can he figure out who is after him and how to stop the evil before it’s too late?
Ghosts and Baklava is a cozy, comedic romantasy, perfect for fans of The Princess Bride's whimsical style. It is a Hallmark movie setup with ghosts, cults, swords, ancient texts, and lots of romantic-comedy-style banter.
- GenresAmazon
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2025
11 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 3, 2026
4 stars
Ghosts and Baklava by Vik Azeem is an original urban romantasy comedy that features a descriptive, creative, and engaging narrative. The story is filled with twists and surprises, as well as a few thrilling moments along the way. Vik’s intriguing worlds are delightfully strange, and his unique writing style captivates readers with a mix of vivacity, humour, and wit.
Rehan finds himself thrust into a chaotic world where danger lurks at every corner. His life is suddenly at risk as he faces perilous attacks, encounters ghosts, confronts cults, and traverses magical portals. His mission is not only to save his own life but also to protect the town.
Prepare for the unexpected!
Ghosts and Baklava by Vik Azeem is an original urban romantasy comedy that features a descriptive, creative, and engaging narrative. The story is filled with twists and surprises, as well as a few thrilling moments along the way. Vik’s intriguing worlds are delightfully strange, and his unique writing style captivates readers with a mix of vivacity, humour, and wit.
Rehan finds himself thrust into a chaotic world where danger lurks at every corner. His life is suddenly at risk as he faces perilous attacks, encounters ghosts, confronts cults, and traverses magical portals. His mission is not only to save his own life but also to protect the town.
Prepare for the unexpected!
January 5, 2026
Laugh-Out-Loud Fantasy with Ghostly Chaos
This rom-com fantasy featuring ghosts (and other supernatural chaos) is pure fun from start to finish. It’s genuinely funny, often hilarious, and one of those books where you constantly think you know what’s coming next — only to be proven wrong again and again.
The humor lands really well, the pacing keeps things lively, and the story never takes itself too seriously, which works perfectly for this kind of fantasy rom-com. Just when you think the plot is settling into something familiar, it throws in another unexpected twist that keeps you entertained and engaged.
Overall, it’s a lighthearted, surprising, and very enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously and makes you laugh along the way, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This rom-com fantasy featuring ghosts (and other supernatural chaos) is pure fun from start to finish. It’s genuinely funny, often hilarious, and one of those books where you constantly think you know what’s coming next — only to be proven wrong again and again.
The humor lands really well, the pacing keeps things lively, and the story never takes itself too seriously, which works perfectly for this kind of fantasy rom-com. Just when you think the plot is settling into something familiar, it throws in another unexpected twist that keeps you entertained and engaged.
Overall, it’s a lighthearted, surprising, and very enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously and makes you laugh along the way, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2026
I have to admit that this took me a good while to really get into.
Definitely a book of two halves for me.
During the first half of the book, I picked up on certain aspects that sounded really intriguing and had me invested - but then they didn't really go anywhere and we'd swiftly move on to other aspects that for me didn't really progress the story.
I just couldn't see where things were heading.
It was around 55-60% that things really picked up for me and the pace increased.
Things started to come together and the action had me checking back in and wanting to know what was going on and how things would play out.
I really liked our main and side characters - the dynamics between the friends and this ongoing romantic interest that ran from years before and gave a will they - won't they kind of vibe.
Some of the interactions seemed a little stilted though at times and this just stopped me fully connecting with them the whole time.
I loved the supernatural elements included throughout.
The idea of the Spook House - which absolutely, everyone has had one in their own neighbourhood whilst growing up!
I'd definitely not be trying to impress anyone by going in there, if it was me!
And the evil entity and cult scenes were well placed within the read.
The premise of this book was brilliant and I think the storyline and character development worked really well - I think I could definitely have taken much more to create the perfect spooky atmosphere though and just sped the pacing up a notch to keep me racing through the pages.
Overall though a good read - my first from this author and maybe we'll be seeing more from these characters in the next book??
Definitely a book of two halves for me.
During the first half of the book, I picked up on certain aspects that sounded really intriguing and had me invested - but then they didn't really go anywhere and we'd swiftly move on to other aspects that for me didn't really progress the story.
I just couldn't see where things were heading.
It was around 55-60% that things really picked up for me and the pace increased.
Things started to come together and the action had me checking back in and wanting to know what was going on and how things would play out.
I really liked our main and side characters - the dynamics between the friends and this ongoing romantic interest that ran from years before and gave a will they - won't they kind of vibe.
Some of the interactions seemed a little stilted though at times and this just stopped me fully connecting with them the whole time.
I loved the supernatural elements included throughout.
The idea of the Spook House - which absolutely, everyone has had one in their own neighbourhood whilst growing up!
I'd definitely not be trying to impress anyone by going in there, if it was me!
And the evil entity and cult scenes were well placed within the read.
The premise of this book was brilliant and I think the storyline and character development worked really well - I think I could definitely have taken much more to create the perfect spooky atmosphere though and just sped the pacing up a notch to keep me racing through the pages.
Overall though a good read - my first from this author and maybe we'll be seeing more from these characters in the next book??
February 10, 2026
I'm giving this book 4.5 stars. I really wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I really like romance and am finding that I love the supernatural worlds that authors can build. That said, this book hit both of those marks and it was amazing. The reason I am not giving it a full 5 stars is because, I felt that the ending was a little rushed. Maybe not rushed so much as I was crazing more and there wasn't more to give. Other than me wanting more this book was a really quick read. It has banter in the book that I didn't expect. I loved the humor the author brings to the book to help lighten the situations. What happened back in the day is now being brought forth to the main characters life. There are jumps back in the timeline to help explain why all actually happened and it brings everything front and center. There seems to be a lot going on in the book for the characters, which makes you want to turn the pages to see what happens next. There is mystery in this book that got along with the supernatural. The fantasy realm this book does not disappoint and the author paints vivid picture so the reader can really visualize what is happening. This book has everything in it. It has amazing banter, fantasy, supernatural beings, mystery, romance, and a great adventure. The only thing I felt when finished was I needed more. Could be because I didn't want it to end or I just always want more. If these things intrigue you, you should definitely read this book.
January 27, 2026
I absolutely loved Ghost and Baklava by Vik Azeem! The book started from its first page to show me a special story that had both mystery and humor and emotional depth. The story used supernatural elements together with cultural elements which created a fresh and original experience that I enjoyed completely. The characters brought energy to the story while maintaining their ability to connect with readers through their unique personalities and viewers could easily develop emotional ties to their character development. The story used its lighthearted moments to create an enjoyable experience while exploring deeper emotional themes which gave the story both entertaining value and meaningful depth. The author built the story world through his vivid and engaging writing which made me continue reading the book. I finished the story feeling content and joyful while I anticipated future stories that would take place in this universe. The entire book maintained its creative and charming and unforgettable qualities throughout its entire length. The book deserves to receive the full five-star rating. ✨📚
January 16, 2026
Vik Azeem's Ghosts and Baklava not only had me rolling with laughter at the variety of characters, but also hungry for some baklava by the end of the story. Loved that it comes with the family recipe in the back of the book! This story is not only hauntingly hilarious, but it's also got a sweet romance story to it as well. I truly hope that there will be more books in this series, especially as it leaves a great opening for more stories to be told with our main characters. The character development was amazing, and the variety of characters was great. I loved that you never knew who to trust and what role each person was truly playing up until it was too late. I love a good haunting story; this just took the cake (well, tasty treat of baklava) to a whole new level. The use of descriptive text of the "bad guys" was just awesome. I could picture them in all their evil glory and loved every single piece of their descriptions. What a great variety of characters, it just added to the hilarity of the storyline.
@Brandy Rymer
01/2026
@Brandy Rymer
01/2026
January 24, 2026
When this started I was a little worried that this was going to be too scary for me, but as it progressed I realised it wasn't scary, it was totally mad! There was so much going on, undead, Jinn's, secret agencies, cults, and behind it all - a lot of talk of food. Seriously, don't read this while hungry.
I didn't like younger Rehan, I feel like the restaurant and his friendship with Kyle made a huge difference in him as a likeable character.
The town being home to all kinds of supernatural occurrences felt quite Buffy-esque and I think that gave this tale a good basis to form a really exciting multi-book series.
This was quite a quick read once I got a bit into it and I wonder what will happen next to Rehan and the gang!
I didn't like younger Rehan, I feel like the restaurant and his friendship with Kyle made a huge difference in him as a likeable character.
The town being home to all kinds of supernatural occurrences felt quite Buffy-esque and I think that gave this tale a good basis to form a really exciting multi-book series.
This was quite a quick read once I got a bit into it and I wonder what will happen next to Rehan and the gang!
February 8, 2026
From the very beginning this book captures a world hidden from the view of everyday people, the story of a boy who went into a haunted house to become popular who won the girl and then lost her, who looked like his life was happening just as he expected and then to have it all come crumbling down.
I enjoyed the meeting of characters at times it was laugh out loud and the main characters sense of humour and lack of hero quality made an interesting read, learning not only about ghosts and things that go bump in the night but friendship food and culture.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the meeting of characters at times it was laugh out loud and the main characters sense of humour and lack of hero quality made an interesting read, learning not only about ghosts and things that go bump in the night but friendship food and culture.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
Okay I see you Vik Azeem. Not my first book by this author but very different from my previous read. I never knew I needed a comedy romantasy and now I know. The story pulls you in, but the characters keep you wanting more. Everything about this world kept me entranced and turning the pages. Rehan is relatable in so many ways that I kept having flashes of similar moments, at least to a degree. From trying to reconnect with an old fling to trying to find where they fit to noticing strange things this is one that will keep you guessing what will happen next and never expecting what does. I cannot wait to see what will happen next in this new series, but I hope to find out in the near future. I’ll see you there.
January 5, 2026
Ghosts and Baklava by Vik Azeem is a romantic fantasy fiction that introduces readers to the world of Rehan Monsoor. The story starts with a very comedic, culturally rich, and unsettling premise. As we get to know more about Rehan, we learn that he is a thirty-year-old Pakistani American who lives in Dalebridge, Virginia. He has his dream corporate job at Nexus Billing and has sacrificed for seven years in hopes of getting a promotion to Senior Management. Each morning, he does affirmations and packs his meal-prepped lunch, opting for more healthy choices, and this paints a clear picture of someone who believes control and effort are the pathway to success. Rehan practically lives at the office, the way he spent the past several years of his career choosing work over having hobbies and missing leisure fun like the Super Bowl.
But the emotional heart of the story is so brutal; Rehan is abruptly fired instead of promoted. This lands really hard after he heard rumors that he was leading among the favorable candidates. I could feel his disappointment, his shock, and his humiliation. What makes this whole scene absurd is that he sees belly dancers and a magician who have obviously been hired by the company to help celebrate the financial milestone the company has just made. Yet, Rehan is being told he’s being cut for budget issues. I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity. His whole world and identity that he’s built around this big company in Dalebridge has just collapsed after years of sacrifice. The opening really sets the tone for so much worse to happen as events unfold.
Azeem does a great job adding cultural texture to this narrative about everyday life. He adds Rehan’s childhood memories where his parents are telling stories about Jinns in Pakistan, but there are also references made to food like chai, kulfi, and baklava, which gives the story more relatable experiences. It also shows a culture that believes in superstition and storytelling. But the story really gets interesting when Azeem adds a prophetic-like touch to the narrative. Rehan recognizes the magician who was at work and is now riding the motorcycle that was in his spot earlier, and he mocks Rehan by saying he was unemployed and in the slow lane. Then Rehan recognizes the homeless man from earlier, who asked if he believes in ghosts, now telling him about the cursed mark on his wrist and warning him that “He is coming for you.” But he attacks Rehan and tries to choke him. Then the man sets himself on fire. Things become stranger as the story unfolds layer by layer.
I really love how Azeem takes time with the pacing and gradually pulls readers into Rehan’s life over the course of the days. We are taken back to the origin story of the Spook House and Rehan’s crush, Wava. But the origin story also works so well because it ties into the curse/ghost plot. The book waves a huge flag in front of us that this is where everything starts, once Rehan volunteers to go inside this house, rumored to be where murders took place, and children went missing. Some of the chapters also feel intentionally overwhelming and busy because this reflects how Rehan is feeling, especially after being fired, then going through a series of dramatic events afterward.
I love how Azeem can take a cozy atmosphere in any of the scenes and allow the cracks to appear. One of my favorite scenes is when Rehan brings baklava to Wava’s house, and the vibe between them is still warm and familiar. They exchange cultural jokes and share mango smoothies, even playfully flirt with each other, but when Wava’s mom mentions a book about haunted things in Dalebridge to Rehan, he recognizes the cover and remembers it’s the same book Malaki tried to push on him. A lot of things happen that help to really make the supernatural parts of the story spike. The word “Paquin” appears and then disappears. There’s the reappearance of the magician, the brand-new bulb in the kitchen flickering, and Johnny Larusso, the one who dared Rehan to go into the Spook House, who reappears in a profession I was not ready for: he’s a ghost hunter!
As the story progresses, readers will begin to see organized threats and Rehan’s mark flaring up after all of these years. I am falling deeply in love with this narrative. So much is happening; Rehan realizes at some point that the people circling him at the karate expo center are coordinated, he can’t find Malakie or Josiah in their seats, he overhears Johnny coaching Karate Slayer and what they want is going to turn into something ugly, he gets dragged into the bathroom by someone I least expected to be a part of the “army” of recruits. If it wasn’t for Wava coming to the rescue when she did, Rehan would have been chloroformed.
The humor remains, but by part three of the narrative, we really know that the climax has arrived. Everything begins to collide from the Merchant Mark, to the cult, to Spook House. Rehan returns to Spook House, but this time with a mission and a sword. But I think readers will remain invested in this story until the end.
Overall, Ghosts and Baklava is a darkly funny, supernatural fiction with a nice mix of romance, thriller, and comedy in the small town of Dalebridge. Readers will especially love how the story goes from workplace panic to full-blown prophecy and a battle against a terrifying jinn. This could easily stand alongside American Gods by Neil Gaiman for its ancient forces hiding in plain sight. Ghosts and Baklava is inventive, funny, and unforgettable. Ghosts and Baklava by Vik Azeem is a romantic fantasy fiction that introduces readers to the world of Rehan Monsoor. The story starts with a very comedic, culturally rich, and unsettling premise. As we get to know more about Rehan, we learn that he is a thirty-year-old Pakistani American who lives in Dalebridge, Virginia. He has his dream corporate job at Nexus Billing and has sacrificed for seven years in hopes of getting a promotion to Senior Management. Each morning, he does affirmations and packs his meal-prepped lunch, opting for more healthy choices, and this paints a clear picture of someone who believes control and effort are the pathway to success. Rehan practically lives at the office, the way he spent the past several years of his career choosing work over having hobbies and missing leisure fun like the Super Bowl.
But the emotional heart of the story is so brutal; Rehan is abruptly fired instead of promoted. This lands really hard after he heard rumors that he was leading among the favorable candidates. I could feel his disappointment, his shock, and his humiliation. What makes this whole scene absurd is that he sees belly dancers and a magician who have obviously been hired by the company to help celebrate the financial milestone the company has just made. Yet, Rehan is being told he’s being cut for budget issues. I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity. His whole world and identity that he’s built around this big company in Dalebridge has just collapsed after years of sacrifice. The opening really sets the tone for so much worse to happen as events unfold.
Azeem does a great job adding cultural texture to this narrative about everyday life. He adds Rehan’s childhood memories where his parents are telling stories about Jinns in Pakistan, but there are also references made to food like chai, kulfi, and baklava, which gives the story more relatable experiences. It also shows a culture that believes in superstition and storytelling. But the story really gets interesting when Azeem adds a prophetic-like touch to the narrative. Rehan recognizes the magician who was at work and is now riding the motorcycle that was in his spot earlier, and he mocks Rehan by saying he was unemployed and in the slow lane. Then Rehan recognizes the homeless man from earlier, who asked if he believes in ghosts, now telling him about the cursed mark on his wrist and warning him that “He is coming for you.” But he attacks Rehan and tries to choke him. Then the man sets himself on fire. Things become stranger as the story unfolds layer by layer.
I really love how Azeem takes time with the pacing and gradually pulls readers into Rehan’s life over the course of the days. We are taken back to the origin story of the Spook House and Rehan’s crush, Wava. But the origin story also works so well because it ties into the curse/ghost plot. The book waves a huge flag in front of us that this is where everything starts, once Rehan volunteers to go inside this house, rumored to be where murders took place, and children went missing. Some of the chapters also feel intentionally overwhelming and busy because this reflects how Rehan is feeling, especially after being fired, then going through a series of dramatic events afterward.
I love how Azeem can take a cozy atmosphere in any of the scenes and allow the cracks to appear. One of my favorite scenes is when Rehan brings baklava to Wava’s house, and the vibe between them is still warm and familiar. They exchange cultural jokes and share mango smoothies, even playfully flirt with each other, but when Wava’s mom mentions a book about haunted things in Dalebridge to Rehan, he recognizes the cover and remembers it’s the same book Malaki tried to push on him. A lot of things happen that help to really make the supernatural parts of the story spike. The word “Paquin” appears and then disappears. There’s the reappearance of the magician, the brand-new bulb in the kitchen flickering, and Johnny Larusso, the one who dared Rehan to go into the Spook House, who reappears in a profession I was not ready for: he’s a ghost hunter!
As the story progresses, readers will begin to see organized threats and Rehan’s mark flaring up after all of these years. I am falling deeply in love with this narrative. So much is happening; Rehan realizes at some point that the people circling him at the karate expo center are coordinated, he can’t find Malakie or Josiah in their seats, he overhears Johnny coaching Karate Slayer and what they want is going to turn into something ugly, he gets dragged into the bathroom by someone I least expected to be a part of the “army” of recruits. If it wasn’t for Wava coming to the rescue when she did, Rehan would have been chloroformed.
The humor remains, but by part three of the narrative, we really know that the climax has arrived. Everything begins to collide from the Merchant Mark, to the cult, to Spook House. Rehan returns to Spook House, but this time with a mission and a sword. But I think readers will remain invested in this story until the end.
Overall, Ghosts and Baklava is a darkly funny, supernatural fiction with a nice mix of romance, thriller, and comedy in the small town of Dalebridge. Readers will especially love how the story goes from workplace panic to full-blown prophecy and a battle against a terrifying jinn. This could easily stand alongside American Gods by Neil Gaiman for its ancient forces hiding in plain sight. Ghosts and Baklava is inventive, funny, and unforgettable.
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But the emotional heart of the story is so brutal; Rehan is abruptly fired instead of promoted. This lands really hard after he heard rumors that he was leading among the favorable candidates. I could feel his disappointment, his shock, and his humiliation. What makes this whole scene absurd is that he sees belly dancers and a magician who have obviously been hired by the company to help celebrate the financial milestone the company has just made. Yet, Rehan is being told he’s being cut for budget issues. I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity. His whole world and identity that he’s built around this big company in Dalebridge has just collapsed after years of sacrifice. The opening really sets the tone for so much worse to happen as events unfold.
Azeem does a great job adding cultural texture to this narrative about everyday life. He adds Rehan’s childhood memories where his parents are telling stories about Jinns in Pakistan, but there are also references made to food like chai, kulfi, and baklava, which gives the story more relatable experiences. It also shows a culture that believes in superstition and storytelling. But the story really gets interesting when Azeem adds a prophetic-like touch to the narrative. Rehan recognizes the magician who was at work and is now riding the motorcycle that was in his spot earlier, and he mocks Rehan by saying he was unemployed and in the slow lane. Then Rehan recognizes the homeless man from earlier, who asked if he believes in ghosts, now telling him about the cursed mark on his wrist and warning him that “He is coming for you.” But he attacks Rehan and tries to choke him. Then the man sets himself on fire. Things become stranger as the story unfolds layer by layer.
I really love how Azeem takes time with the pacing and gradually pulls readers into Rehan’s life over the course of the days. We are taken back to the origin story of the Spook House and Rehan’s crush, Wava. But the origin story also works so well because it ties into the curse/ghost plot. The book waves a huge flag in front of us that this is where everything starts, once Rehan volunteers to go inside this house, rumored to be where murders took place, and children went missing. Some of the chapters also feel intentionally overwhelming and busy because this reflects how Rehan is feeling, especially after being fired, then going through a series of dramatic events afterward.
I love how Azeem can take a cozy atmosphere in any of the scenes and allow the cracks to appear. One of my favorite scenes is when Rehan brings baklava to Wava’s house, and the vibe between them is still warm and familiar. They exchange cultural jokes and share mango smoothies, even playfully flirt with each other, but when Wava’s mom mentions a book about haunted things in Dalebridge to Rehan, he recognizes the cover and remembers it’s the same book Malaki tried to push on him. A lot of things happen that help to really make the supernatural parts of the story spike. The word “Paquin” appears and then disappears. There’s the reappearance of the magician, the brand-new bulb in the kitchen flickering, and Johnny Larusso, the one who dared Rehan to go into the Spook House, who reappears in a profession I was not ready for: he’s a ghost hunter!
As the story progresses, readers will begin to see organized threats and Rehan’s mark flaring up after all of these years. I am falling deeply in love with this narrative. So much is happening; Rehan realizes at some point that the people circling him at the karate expo center are coordinated, he can’t find Malakie or Josiah in their seats, he overhears Johnny coaching Karate Slayer and what they want is going to turn into something ugly, he gets dragged into the bathroom by someone I least expected to be a part of the “army” of recruits. If it wasn’t for Wava coming to the rescue when she did, Rehan would have been chloroformed.
The humor remains, but by part three of the narrative, we really know that the climax has arrived. Everything begins to collide from the Merchant Mark, to the cult, to Spook House. Rehan returns to Spook House, but this time with a mission and a sword. But I think readers will remain invested in this story until the end.
Overall, Ghosts and Baklava is a darkly funny, supernatural fiction with a nice mix of romance, thriller, and comedy in the small town of Dalebridge. Readers will especially love how the story goes from workplace panic to full-blown prophecy and a battle against a terrifying jinn. This could easily stand alongside American Gods by Neil Gaiman for its ancient forces hiding in plain sight. Ghosts and Baklava is inventive, funny, and unforgettable. Ghosts and Baklava by Vik Azeem is a romantic fantasy fiction that introduces readers to the world of Rehan Monsoor. The story starts with a very comedic, culturally rich, and unsettling premise. As we get to know more about Rehan, we learn that he is a thirty-year-old Pakistani American who lives in Dalebridge, Virginia. He has his dream corporate job at Nexus Billing and has sacrificed for seven years in hopes of getting a promotion to Senior Management. Each morning, he does affirmations and packs his meal-prepped lunch, opting for more healthy choices, and this paints a clear picture of someone who believes control and effort are the pathway to success. Rehan practically lives at the office, the way he spent the past several years of his career choosing work over having hobbies and missing leisure fun like the Super Bowl.
But the emotional heart of the story is so brutal; Rehan is abruptly fired instead of promoted. This lands really hard after he heard rumors that he was leading among the favorable candidates. I could feel his disappointment, his shock, and his humiliation. What makes this whole scene absurd is that he sees belly dancers and a magician who have obviously been hired by the company to help celebrate the financial milestone the company has just made. Yet, Rehan is being told he’s being cut for budget issues. I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity. His whole world and identity that he’s built around this big company in Dalebridge has just collapsed after years of sacrifice. The opening really sets the tone for so much worse to happen as events unfold.
Azeem does a great job adding cultural texture to this narrative about everyday life. He adds Rehan’s childhood memories where his parents are telling stories about Jinns in Pakistan, but there are also references made to food like chai, kulfi, and baklava, which gives the story more relatable experiences. It also shows a culture that believes in superstition and storytelling. But the story really gets interesting when Azeem adds a prophetic-like touch to the narrative. Rehan recognizes the magician who was at work and is now riding the motorcycle that was in his spot earlier, and he mocks Rehan by saying he was unemployed and in the slow lane. Then Rehan recognizes the homeless man from earlier, who asked if he believes in ghosts, now telling him about the cursed mark on his wrist and warning him that “He is coming for you.” But he attacks Rehan and tries to choke him. Then the man sets himself on fire. Things become stranger as the story unfolds layer by layer.
I really love how Azeem takes time with the pacing and gradually pulls readers into Rehan’s life over the course of the days. We are taken back to the origin story of the Spook House and Rehan’s crush, Wava. But the origin story also works so well because it ties into the curse/ghost plot. The book waves a huge flag in front of us that this is where everything starts, once Rehan volunteers to go inside this house, rumored to be where murders took place, and children went missing. Some of the chapters also feel intentionally overwhelming and busy because this reflects how Rehan is feeling, especially after being fired, then going through a series of dramatic events afterward.
I love how Azeem can take a cozy atmosphere in any of the scenes and allow the cracks to appear. One of my favorite scenes is when Rehan brings baklava to Wava’s house, and the vibe between them is still warm and familiar. They exchange cultural jokes and share mango smoothies, even playfully flirt with each other, but when Wava’s mom mentions a book about haunted things in Dalebridge to Rehan, he recognizes the cover and remembers it’s the same book Malaki tried to push on him. A lot of things happen that help to really make the supernatural parts of the story spike. The word “Paquin” appears and then disappears. There’s the reappearance of the magician, the brand-new bulb in the kitchen flickering, and Johnny Larusso, the one who dared Rehan to go into the Spook House, who reappears in a profession I was not ready for: he’s a ghost hunter!
As the story progresses, readers will begin to see organized threats and Rehan’s mark flaring up after all of these years. I am falling deeply in love with this narrative. So much is happening; Rehan realizes at some point that the people circling him at the karate expo center are coordinated, he can’t find Malakie or Josiah in their seats, he overhears Johnny coaching Karate Slayer and what they want is going to turn into something ugly, he gets dragged into the bathroom by someone I least expected to be a part of the “army” of recruits. If it wasn’t for Wava coming to the rescue when she did, Rehan would have been chloroformed.
The humor remains, but by part three of the narrative, we really know that the climax has arrived. Everything begins to collide from the Merchant Mark, to the cult, to Spook House. Rehan returns to Spook House, but this time with a mission and a sword. But I think readers will remain invested in this story until the end.
Overall, Ghosts and Baklava is a darkly funny, supernatural fiction with a nice mix of romance, thriller, and comedy in the small town of Dalebridge. Readers will especially love how the story goes from workplace panic to full-blown prophecy and a battle against a terrifying jinn. This could easily stand alongside American Gods by Neil Gaiman for its ancient forces hiding in plain sight. Ghosts and Baklava is inventive, funny, and unforgettable.
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January 27, 2026
Very good ghost mystery and romantasy all together. Young man has to deal with ghosts while working for a family member and trying to impress the girl of his dreams. Will read again more from this author.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 12, 2026
This was a fast paced adventure with humour and surprises along the way. The story was engaging and I had fun reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
Slapstick urban romantasy and this vibes reader absolutely loved it 🙌 I got hooked into the story pretty quickly and finished it in 2 days. Expect lots of laugh out louds and pop culture funnies. Can't wait for more from these characters ❤️
December 29, 2025
Ghosts and Baklava follows Rehan Monsoor, a thirty-something Pakistani American “numbers guy” who thinks his biggest problem is getting a promotion at Nexus Billing. He is fired instead, and a weird chain of events drops him into his uncle’s struggling restaurant, Baklava Express, where ghosts, jinn, and a doomsday cult keep showing up with very personal plans for him. The story jumps between his teenage dare in a haunted “Spook House,” his present-day fight against a vengeful jinn and a group called the Ten, and his slow-burn love story with Wava, the girl he crushed on in high school and never quite forgot. Food, family drama, creepy magic, and wisecracking horror scenes all swirl together until Rehan has to decide what kind of “merchant” he is and who he wants next to him when the supernatural countdown hits zero.
I had a lot of fun with the voice in this book. The narration sounds like a friend telling you an insane story. Rehan cracks jokes when things get tense, and the humor stays pretty sharp, even when people are literally catching fire in front of him. The dialogue moves fast and feels natural, and the running gags about 90s music, Vanilla Ice, and Desi aunties gave the whole thing a warm, familiar vibe. Sometimes the banter leans a bit heavy, and a few emotional beats get undercut by a punch line, but the mix of horror and rom-com mostly lands. I also liked how clear the action scenes felt, even with cultists, ghosts, and flying furniture in the same room. The pacing dips a bit in the middle when the lore around the jinn and the book of spells gets explained, yet the story never fully stalls, because the character chemistry keeps pushing it forward.
Rehan’s “cursed mark” and the Spook House incident read like a metaphor for that one bad choice or trauma you keep dragging behind you, even after you grow up and get a corporate ID badge. His fear of being ordinary, his obsession with the promotion, and the way his whole identity collapses when he gets fired all feel uncomfortably real. The supernatural trouble almost feels like anxiety made physical, something that creeps out of old stories your parents told you and refuses to stay imaginary. I really appreciated the way the book treats community, too. The Desi family stuff, the restaurant regulars, the blend of faith, superstition, and everyday hustle, all give the horror weight. The jinn is scary, but the cult’s willingness to sacrifice other people for their “Harvest” feels like the more pointed commentary. It is about how far people will go when they convince themselves they are chosen or special.
I’d call Ghosts and Baklava a lively, heartfelt supernatural rom-com with some surprisingly grounded thoughts about failure, faith, and second chances baked into all the chaos. It fits readers who enjoy character-driven stories, pop-culture jokes, and mashups that put jinn, cults, and awkward Desi family dinners in the same scene without blinking. If you like your spooky reads with romance, comfort food, and a main character who copes by oversharing, this book is a pretty tasty pick.
I had a lot of fun with the voice in this book. The narration sounds like a friend telling you an insane story. Rehan cracks jokes when things get tense, and the humor stays pretty sharp, even when people are literally catching fire in front of him. The dialogue moves fast and feels natural, and the running gags about 90s music, Vanilla Ice, and Desi aunties gave the whole thing a warm, familiar vibe. Sometimes the banter leans a bit heavy, and a few emotional beats get undercut by a punch line, but the mix of horror and rom-com mostly lands. I also liked how clear the action scenes felt, even with cultists, ghosts, and flying furniture in the same room. The pacing dips a bit in the middle when the lore around the jinn and the book of spells gets explained, yet the story never fully stalls, because the character chemistry keeps pushing it forward.
Rehan’s “cursed mark” and the Spook House incident read like a metaphor for that one bad choice or trauma you keep dragging behind you, even after you grow up and get a corporate ID badge. His fear of being ordinary, his obsession with the promotion, and the way his whole identity collapses when he gets fired all feel uncomfortably real. The supernatural trouble almost feels like anxiety made physical, something that creeps out of old stories your parents told you and refuses to stay imaginary. I really appreciated the way the book treats community, too. The Desi family stuff, the restaurant regulars, the blend of faith, superstition, and everyday hustle, all give the horror weight. The jinn is scary, but the cult’s willingness to sacrifice other people for their “Harvest” feels like the more pointed commentary. It is about how far people will go when they convince themselves they are chosen or special.
I’d call Ghosts and Baklava a lively, heartfelt supernatural rom-com with some surprisingly grounded thoughts about failure, faith, and second chances baked into all the chaos. It fits readers who enjoy character-driven stories, pop-culture jokes, and mashups that put jinn, cults, and awkward Desi family dinners in the same scene without blinking. If you like your spooky reads with romance, comfort food, and a main character who copes by oversharing, this book is a pretty tasty pick.
February 15, 2026
This book follows Rehan, who, at fifteen, tries to impress his crush Wava by venturing into an abandoned haunted house after a dare. What starts as a reckless attempt to win her over and gain popularity at school, turns into something far more sinister when he witnesses terrifying events that leave a mysterious mark burned into his forearm.
Years later, Rehan has grown into a full-blown workaholic, focused on achieving his dream of transferring to his company’s New York office. In chasing success, he’s sacrificed friendships, family time, and any real chance at happiness. When he’s abruptly fired from his dream job, he is devastated. He discovers that something dark is beginning to stir in his hometown of Dalebridge.
After being unable to get a new job in New York, Rehan takes a job at his uncle’s restaurant, Baklava Express. Although frustrated at this unexpected career move, he bonds with his uncle, learns the family business and enjoys plenty of delicious food (including Baklava and karahi).
He discovers Wava is back in town visiting her Mom from Chicago and uses this time to reconnect with her. Between coffee dates and increasingly dangerous supernatural encounters, Rehan must confront both his past and the growing evil threatening Dalebridge.
With the discovery of a cult that want him gone, the stakes escalate quickly. He realises the fate of the town and of Wava rests in his hands. Can he save them both?
I absolutely loved this fast-paced story. As someone who can be a bit of a workaholic myself, I really resonated with both Rehan and Wava. I especially loved that Wava’s work phone doubles as a weapon, I think I need one now! The balance of humour and tension was fab and the plot revealed just enough to keep me hooked without ever giving too much away. I genuinely couldn’t predict what would happen next.
The pop culture and music references added so much personality, and I really appreciated the Asian influences and Bollywood mentions—it was refreshing to read a fantasy story with that cultural take.
It also felt like a welcome change to have an MMC who isn’t brooding or emotionally closed off. Rehan is friendly, kind, and always ready with perfectly timed comedy comment.
I was so happy to see Rehan and Wava reconnect, and I loved watching Rehan build new friendships amid all the chaos.
The ending was incredibly satisfying—I’m always a fan of a happily ever after. I’m already looking forward to reading more about Rehan and Wava. I can’t wait to see how they navigate their long-distance relationship with the potential of more spooky encounters!
I love the addition of the baklava recipe in the back and I’ll have to give it a try! Definitely don’t read this book if you’re hungry as the food sounds amazing!!!
Years later, Rehan has grown into a full-blown workaholic, focused on achieving his dream of transferring to his company’s New York office. In chasing success, he’s sacrificed friendships, family time, and any real chance at happiness. When he’s abruptly fired from his dream job, he is devastated. He discovers that something dark is beginning to stir in his hometown of Dalebridge.
After being unable to get a new job in New York, Rehan takes a job at his uncle’s restaurant, Baklava Express. Although frustrated at this unexpected career move, he bonds with his uncle, learns the family business and enjoys plenty of delicious food (including Baklava and karahi).
He discovers Wava is back in town visiting her Mom from Chicago and uses this time to reconnect with her. Between coffee dates and increasingly dangerous supernatural encounters, Rehan must confront both his past and the growing evil threatening Dalebridge.
With the discovery of a cult that want him gone, the stakes escalate quickly. He realises the fate of the town and of Wava rests in his hands. Can he save them both?
I absolutely loved this fast-paced story. As someone who can be a bit of a workaholic myself, I really resonated with both Rehan and Wava. I especially loved that Wava’s work phone doubles as a weapon, I think I need one now! The balance of humour and tension was fab and the plot revealed just enough to keep me hooked without ever giving too much away. I genuinely couldn’t predict what would happen next.
The pop culture and music references added so much personality, and I really appreciated the Asian influences and Bollywood mentions—it was refreshing to read a fantasy story with that cultural take.
It also felt like a welcome change to have an MMC who isn’t brooding or emotionally closed off. Rehan is friendly, kind, and always ready with perfectly timed comedy comment.
I was so happy to see Rehan and Wava reconnect, and I loved watching Rehan build new friendships amid all the chaos.
The ending was incredibly satisfying—I’m always a fan of a happily ever after. I’m already looking forward to reading more about Rehan and Wava. I can’t wait to see how they navigate their long-distance relationship with the potential of more spooky encounters!
I love the addition of the baklava recipe in the back and I’ll have to give it a try! Definitely don’t read this book if you’re hungry as the food sounds amazing!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
3.5 stars
Rehan had his life all planned out, waiting for the promotion that he had worked his butt off for. But things don’t go to plan, and he finds himself kicked out of the company. Forced to take work at the Baklava Express (his uncle's restaurant), he once again crosses paths with Wava, the girl he loved and tried to impress when he was fifteen. He tries his best to reconnect with Wava, all the while dealing with absolute chaos. Becuse apparantly evil is coming to Dalebridge, and it doesn’t give two hoots about Rehan's love life.
I struggled to get into this one. I don’t think it was necessarily anything to do with the story or Azeem's writing, as the story was exactly the type of thing I usually like to read, and Azeem wrote in an engaging and funny way. It could possibly be brain fog. Either way, it took quite a bit of time to get into the story, but once I did, I found it pretty enjoyable. There was a lot to love here, such as the supernatural elements, which still felt fresh and new, even in a genre that I have read a lot of, as well as being very funny all the way through.
I quite enjoyed Rehan and Wava as characters; however, there were times when I felt I wanted a little more depth, if only to feel more connected to them. Still, I’m an absolute sucker for a romance and just loved being along on the journey, watching them grow closer. I also enjoyed seeing Rehan grow and find himself a little bit. He goes through some significant growth, and the trajectory of his life takes a massive turn from the corporate existence he had planned for himself.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a good rom-com and enjoys stories with lots of fantasy and supernatural elements. It's a pretty fun read, with chaos and shenanigans.
Rehan had his life all planned out, waiting for the promotion that he had worked his butt off for. But things don’t go to plan, and he finds himself kicked out of the company. Forced to take work at the Baklava Express (his uncle's restaurant), he once again crosses paths with Wava, the girl he loved and tried to impress when he was fifteen. He tries his best to reconnect with Wava, all the while dealing with absolute chaos. Becuse apparantly evil is coming to Dalebridge, and it doesn’t give two hoots about Rehan's love life.
I struggled to get into this one. I don’t think it was necessarily anything to do with the story or Azeem's writing, as the story was exactly the type of thing I usually like to read, and Azeem wrote in an engaging and funny way. It could possibly be brain fog. Either way, it took quite a bit of time to get into the story, but once I did, I found it pretty enjoyable. There was a lot to love here, such as the supernatural elements, which still felt fresh and new, even in a genre that I have read a lot of, as well as being very funny all the way through.
I quite enjoyed Rehan and Wava as characters; however, there were times when I felt I wanted a little more depth, if only to feel more connected to them. Still, I’m an absolute sucker for a romance and just loved being along on the journey, watching them grow closer. I also enjoyed seeing Rehan grow and find himself a little bit. He goes through some significant growth, and the trajectory of his life takes a massive turn from the corporate existence he had planned for himself.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a good rom-com and enjoys stories with lots of fantasy and supernatural elements. It's a pretty fun read, with chaos and shenanigans.
February 11, 2026
Rehan is a young man with a bright future ahead of him, he has been working at the same place for seven years and has focussed this time on being the best employee and hopefully this time the promotions come around, he will get to go to the big office in New York, it's his dream, but all that falls apart when he is dismissed from his job instead of promoted and he is beyond gutted.
As he leaves the building, Rehan ends up bumping into a homeless man who shouts about an apocalyptic future, how the town is in danger and other things which don't make sense, but this isn't the only place he shows up, as Rehan goes to a pizza place to drown his sorrows in carbs, the same man comes in and sets himself on fire!
In the end, Rehan starts working at his Uncle's restaurant, known for it's good food, but especially the baklava, but things just keep getting stranger, but a shining light does show up, a girl from Rehan's past shows up and brings back memories of an event 15 years ago in the local Spook House, but it can't be connected can it? This is a tale of cults, weirdness and strange characters as a mystery is twisting its way through the town and Rehan has to figure out his part in it all before it is too late.
As he leaves the building, Rehan ends up bumping into a homeless man who shouts about an apocalyptic future, how the town is in danger and other things which don't make sense, but this isn't the only place he shows up, as Rehan goes to a pizza place to drown his sorrows in carbs, the same man comes in and sets himself on fire!
In the end, Rehan starts working at his Uncle's restaurant, known for it's good food, but especially the baklava, but things just keep getting stranger, but a shining light does show up, a girl from Rehan's past shows up and brings back memories of an event 15 years ago in the local Spook House, but it can't be connected can it? This is a tale of cults, weirdness and strange characters as a mystery is twisting its way through the town and Rehan has to figure out his part in it all before it is too late.
January 2, 2026
This book is by an author that is still newer for me in which I enjoyed their creative writing skills that brought the characters to life. I also enjoyed the author’s use of details to make the story more realistic. This is a story that has some romance, made me laugh in parts and ghosts that will reach out to grab you. A story about Rehan who has a crush on Wava. He is fired from his job but what he doesn’t expect is to be warned about something evil. As his story goes he starts to realize that strange things are happening around him. Will he be able to figure out who is after him and stop the evil before it is too late? I enjoyed all the characters in this story. They are strong, entertaining and engaging. I also enjoyed the chemistry between Wava and Rehan throughout. I found this story easy to read and has great growth. It is a fast paced, hard to put down story and one you don’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
January 13, 2026
This was a hilarious and well-written story. We meet Rehan a thirty-something Pakistani American, who has been working insanely hard to get a promotion at Nexus Billing, but instead gets fired and through a series of interesting events, ends up working for his uncle at his struggling business Baklava Express. I enjoyed that the author would jump backwards in time so we could see what happened when Rehan was a teenager, setting up the romance with Wava and his relationship with ghosts and supernatural. The flashbacks really help set up the how things go in the future. The author really created a fun world that had solid and snappy dialogue and just when you think that things are going to go one way, bam, plot twist. The descriptions of the different locations and scenes really made you feel like you were there! As a fantasy rom-com, this book absolutely hit the mark. If you are looking for something to make you laugh and give you that warm fuzzy feeling with fantasy, you will enjoy this book!
February 22, 2026
This book should have been my usual genre, however there is more of a thriller/minor horror vibe that really wasn't me. That being said, the book itself was not a bad book at all.
I struggled a lot more with the first half I think because I hated the suspense of the supernatural stuff, while the author dripped that in between a lot of romance.
As a romantic comedy, it was good. A will they, won't they, which definitely seems like he's more interested than she is (probably as it's from his POV).
Once I got past the half way mark, I was full invested in the characters and everything started to pick up, so much action and everything happened in the last half!
I really enjoyed that our 'chosen one' who is meant to save the day, is totally average! I love that he gets beaten up several times, I laughed at the random yet logical choice of opportunity weapon!
I loved the aspects drawn from a mythology I knew nothing about, and am enjoying side research into that because of this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily
I struggled a lot more with the first half I think because I hated the suspense of the supernatural stuff, while the author dripped that in between a lot of romance.
As a romantic comedy, it was good. A will they, won't they, which definitely seems like he's more interested than she is (probably as it's from his POV).
Once I got past the half way mark, I was full invested in the characters and everything started to pick up, so much action and everything happened in the last half!
I really enjoyed that our 'chosen one' who is meant to save the day, is totally average! I love that he gets beaten up several times, I laughed at the random yet logical choice of opportunity weapon!
I loved the aspects drawn from a mythology I knew nothing about, and am enjoying side research into that because of this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily
January 6, 2026
3.5 Stars
Ghosts and Baklava by Vik Azeem is a quirky, genre-blending ride that manages to be darkly funny, heartfelt, and intriguing all at once.
Set in the small town of Dalebridge, the story follows our MC whose life spirals from mundane workplace stress into a whirlwind of supernatural chaos, ancient prophecies, and a terrifying jinn.
Vik Azeem seamlessly fuses many different tones - as one moment you’re laughing at the sharp, witty banter, and then the next you’re holding your breath as the stakes turn dangerous. The romantic subplot added warmth and emotional depth without overshadowing the ‘supernatural’ mystery.
The cultural touches, hinted at in the title itself, give the story a unique flavor – making it perfect for readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a comedic twist, a dash of romance, and a healthy dose of the unexpected. It’s a fresh, and entertaining read that proves you can laugh and shiver at the same time.
Happy Reading!
Ghosts and Baklava by Vik Azeem is a quirky, genre-blending ride that manages to be darkly funny, heartfelt, and intriguing all at once.
Set in the small town of Dalebridge, the story follows our MC whose life spirals from mundane workplace stress into a whirlwind of supernatural chaos, ancient prophecies, and a terrifying jinn.
Vik Azeem seamlessly fuses many different tones - as one moment you’re laughing at the sharp, witty banter, and then the next you’re holding your breath as the stakes turn dangerous. The romantic subplot added warmth and emotional depth without overshadowing the ‘supernatural’ mystery.
The cultural touches, hinted at in the title itself, give the story a unique flavor – making it perfect for readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a comedic twist, a dash of romance, and a healthy dose of the unexpected. It’s a fresh, and entertaining read that proves you can laugh and shiver at the same time.
Happy Reading!
January 13, 2026
While a fun and unexpected read, Ghosts and Baklava by Vik Azeem felt a bit chaotic to me. Vik Azeem blends comedy, horror, romance, and a touch of the paranormal to create an original story with entertaining characters and good world-building. Rehan's world is flipped upside down when he is suddenly fired from his corporate dream job and must help at his uncle's restaurant. What follows is a series of disastrous occurrences that includes ghosts, a malicious jinn, and a cult following Rehan. The storyline felt a bit disjointed to me with all of the different elements swirling around one another, taking space in my brain. The humor and banter at odd moments felt a bit forced as well. However, the characters are interesting and lovable and the connection between the characters kept the story going. Overall, a fun interesting read blending different genres and elements for a one-of-a-kind story.
February 4, 2026
This was a unique read for me. Its a mixture of paranormal elements, romance and comedy as well as added elements of danger. This book kept me guessing all the way through and I loved how the author added the family recipe as well.
After trying to impress his crush by going into a spooky house Rehan was left with a mark on his forearm. He had forgotten all about it but when he loses his dream job, gets approached by a strange man that tells him something evil is going to arrive and starts seeing ghostly vision Rehan starts to question things.
As the story progresses and Rehan realises he is being followed by a cult of a ghost who is going to destroy Dalebridge it becomes a race against time for him to figure out who it is and to save the town.
This is an action packed adventure read but what I found really unique was how funny I found it. The authors writing really brings the characters and their personalities to life and I loved reading it and entering their world.
After trying to impress his crush by going into a spooky house Rehan was left with a mark on his forearm. He had forgotten all about it but when he loses his dream job, gets approached by a strange man that tells him something evil is going to arrive and starts seeing ghostly vision Rehan starts to question things.
As the story progresses and Rehan realises he is being followed by a cult of a ghost who is going to destroy Dalebridge it becomes a race against time for him to figure out who it is and to save the town.
This is an action packed adventure read but what I found really unique was how funny I found it. The authors writing really brings the characters and their personalities to life and I loved reading it and entering their world.
February 6, 2026
Ghosts and Baklava was such a fun, quirky read. It follows Rehan, who as a teen tried to impress his crush Wava by sneaking into a haunted house and ended up with a strange mark on his arm. Years later, after suddenly losing his dream job, weird things start happening. Cults, possible undead people, attacks, and warnings that something evil is coming for his town. While helping at his uncle’s Baklava Express and reconnecting with Wava, he has to figure out what’s going on before things spiral.
I absolutely loved the randomness of this book. Jinns, magic, plenty of twists, Bollywood dances and of course Baklava, there was never a dull moment in this book. I also loved the banter between Rehan and Wava.
The story mixes supernatural chaos, romance, humour, and cultural touches in a way that feels fresh and entertaining. Overall, a light, funny fantasy with heart, mystery, and just enough romance. Definitely worth picking up if you want something fun and a little different.
I absolutely loved the randomness of this book. Jinns, magic, plenty of twists, Bollywood dances and of course Baklava, there was never a dull moment in this book. I also loved the banter between Rehan and Wava.
The story mixes supernatural chaos, romance, humour, and cultural touches in a way that feels fresh and entertaining. Overall, a light, funny fantasy with heart, mystery, and just enough romance. Definitely worth picking up if you want something fun and a little different.
January 5, 2026
Ghosts and Baklava is a fun urban fantasy story for readers who love food, movies and monsters. There's lots going on and plenty to enjoy!
I'm not a big romance reader but I found the romantic side of the story worked well and tied in with the rest of the plot. Rehan and Wava are first and foremost good friends and the complexities of their past relationship and current situations add interest to the romance.
There is plenty of action, ranging from controlled karate tournaments to chaotic fight scenes. There are also bits of mystery as we gradually figure out the big picture tieing all the weird occurrences together.
Ghosts and Baklava gets four stars from me! I'd recommend it to fans of Tom Holt and other comical stories that juxtapose fantasy with the mundanity of everyday life.
I'm not a big romance reader but I found the romantic side of the story worked well and tied in with the rest of the plot. Rehan and Wava are first and foremost good friends and the complexities of their past relationship and current situations add interest to the romance.
There is plenty of action, ranging from controlled karate tournaments to chaotic fight scenes. There are also bits of mystery as we gradually figure out the big picture tieing all the weird occurrences together.
Ghosts and Baklava gets four stars from me! I'd recommend it to fans of Tom Holt and other comical stories that juxtapose fantasy with the mundanity of everyday life.
January 19, 2026
This book is such an interesting story and probably the first fantasy rom-com I have ever read. It was such an usual mix of genres and yet the author has combined the two of them with such ease. I loved getting to know the characters in this story. They provide brilliant entertainment that had me laughing out loud more than once. I found it really easy to connect with them and wanted to read more about them.
I though the story overall was great. The flitting between the past and present was the perfect way to tell this story and it really helped with the development. I enjoyed the flow of the story, the pacing helping to keep me interested the whole way through. This was an interesting story from start to finish that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I though the story overall was great. The flitting between the past and present was the perfect way to tell this story and it really helped with the development. I enjoyed the flow of the story, the pacing helping to keep me interested the whole way through. This was an interesting story from start to finish that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 24, 2026
When Rehan comes to work at his uncle’s restaurant, he never imagined how his life would change. This story fits the romcom genre with the couple slowly finding their way in the middle of all the strange happenings. The pace of the story is a bit too slow for me but when the action happens it brings the reader into the story, it was the pace of getting there that pulled me out. It was interesting to see the relationship between Rehan and Wava as they reconnect. It would be nice if the characters were more fleshed out. The second half of the book is where things pick up and the action begins. I enjoyed the variety of all the different characters and how their lives intertwined. This was a nice of community and support.
February 10, 2026
This was a fun and quirky read that mixes ghosts, humor, romance, and a touch of cultural warmth. The story follows Rehan, whose normal life turns upside down when ghosts, strange symbols, and a mysterious past come back to haunt him literally. I really enjoyed the lighthearted tone. Even when spooky things were happening, the humor kept it feeling cozy instead of scary. The supernatural elements were interesting, and the restaurant setting added charm (and made me crave dessert). The romance was sweet and slow-burn, fitting nicely into the story without taking it over. It was an entertaining and easy read with heart and personality. If you like supernatural stories that aren’t too dark, with humor, culture, and a bit of romance, this one is worth picking up.
February 11, 2026
I have read one book by this author before and enjoyed it, so I picked this one up knowing it would be interesting. It is a unique story that I’m glad I chose to dive into because it was pleasant in a variety of ways. I was laughing out loud at some points throughout the book, so I was surprised that it had such a lovely romance twist as well. I really enjoyed the world-building, and the character development was on point! I was invested in our characters so quickly and deeply. There is a lot going on in this book, so I never felt bored, which is important to me. I highly recommend giving this one a try because it is incredibly well written! It held my attention from page one (which is a feat in itself) and I loved every moment afterwards. Don’t miss out on this quirky gem!
January 29, 2026
“Ghosts and Baklava” begins when we meet the main character Rehan, who is having a very bad day in his hometown of Dalebridge. He has just been fired from his lovely, dream office job and is forced to reluctantly take up a position in his uncle’s restaurant, the Baklava Express, just to get by. A series of mysterious visions, ghostly visitors and random attacks from strangers that appear to be following him have Rehan on edge. What sort of evil presence is after him, and why?
Fast-paced comedy and humor, mixed in with a dash of supernatural and chaos – it’s a wild ride from first page to last. Happy reading all!!
Fast-paced comedy and humor, mixed in with a dash of supernatural and chaos – it’s a wild ride from first page to last. Happy reading all!!
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