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Ghost Cupid #3
Dolls Gone Wild
So far my job month, which should’ve been lowkey and easy, has gone thusly:
1. A bride wants to divorce her dead husband. (You unfortunately read that right.)
2. Zhen gets called into work anyway because they lost Annabelle at the airport. Yes. That Annabelle. (#nothankyou)
3. Jasha is magical. With a familiar. (Anyone have this on their bingo card? I didn’t.)
4. A ghost groom abduction. (I don’t get paid enough for this.)
Is it too late to revoke my supernatural club membership?
Tags:
Magical realism, ghost to ghost networking, we get to meet some of Zhen’s friends, power couple, Chinese mythology, multicultural romance, part time soulmates, full time problem, relationship negotiations, haunted walmart is no longer haunted, things happened okay, Annabelle is Zhen’s worst nightmare come to life, he HATES dolls, on the plus side Kris has more content to post, Houdou continue to be awesome, yay power development, cursed sword is still cursed, but not for long!
Tropes: Bonded Lovers, Paranormal, Supernatural, Urban, Ghost Groom, Mystery, Humorous, Chinese mythology, multicultural romance
1. A bride wants to divorce her dead husband. (You unfortunately read that right.)
2. Zhen gets called into work anyway because they lost Annabelle at the airport. Yes. That Annabelle. (#nothankyou)
3. Jasha is magical. With a familiar. (Anyone have this on their bingo card? I didn’t.)
4. A ghost groom abduction. (I don’t get paid enough for this.)
Is it too late to revoke my supernatural club membership?
Tags:
Magical realism, ghost to ghost networking, we get to meet some of Zhen’s friends, power couple, Chinese mythology, multicultural romance, part time soulmates, full time problem, relationship negotiations, haunted walmart is no longer haunted, things happened okay, Annabelle is Zhen’s worst nightmare come to life, he HATES dolls, on the plus side Kris has more content to post, Houdou continue to be awesome, yay power development, cursed sword is still cursed, but not for long!
Tropes: Bonded Lovers, Paranormal, Supernatural, Urban, Ghost Groom, Mystery, Humorous, Chinese mythology, multicultural romance
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2025
73 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Allie Brahms
3 books95 followersPen names breakdown:
Honor Raconteur – M/F steampunk mystery
Allie Brahms – M/F urban fantasy and paranormal romance
Allie Hunter – M/F crack fantasy
AJ Sherwood – M/M urban fantasy, high fantasy, paranormal mystery
AJ Warden – M/M crack fantasy
Honor Raconteur – M/F steampunk mystery
Allie Brahms – M/F urban fantasy and paranormal romance
Allie Hunter – M/F crack fantasy
AJ Sherwood – M/M urban fantasy, high fantasy, paranormal mystery
AJ Warden – M/M crack fantasy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 10, 2025
I was sadly disappointed by this one. This felt like three books crammed into one and lacked cohesion. For example, the doll plot did not start until almost 50%. Too many subplots took over that should have been short stories or put into a separate novel. Some started in the previous novel but were given too much focus in this one.
Included subplots off the top of my head:
Jasha got a cursed sword
Jasha got a familiar.
Jasha wants a date.
Charlotte gets a job at the agency?
Charlotte wants a date.
Kris matchmakes Jasha
Kris matchmakes Charlotte
Jasha finds out he’s got magic
Trying to undo the life bond
Ghost divorce and stalker
Ghost kidnapping
Kris starts a social media channel for the monster hunters
I label these subplots because each has multiple touch points throughout the novel.
With the combination of all those shenanigans, none of the plots stood out or got any real depth including their relationship, or the Annabelle case which would be considered the main plots.
Other than that, I was frustrated by the lack of consistency regarding the bond. We went from last book where they revealed that it would physically harm them to remove the bond and that it works best when they accept it back to “it annoys us so much we are trying to remove it” without any reference to the previous info. It would have made more sense for them to spend this book focusing on how to alleviate the side effects than to constantly mention how they want to break it. That also would have flowed better narratively with them accepting their own relationship development which is minute.
Four months may be too fast to say “I love you” unless you are spiritually glued to each others side everyday, already living together functionally as spouses, face life or death situations together regularly, and have completely combined your families and finances. In that case, it sort of unnatural that the two of them are vocalizing that they MIGHT be falling in love but don’t want to tell each other until they are sure. It also felt really contradictory to be saying that and then also both of them pondering if they can get married “for real.”
I love Chinese mythology, the characters, and the writing overall so I will be continuing to read the fourth book when it comes out but this does not stand up to the standard the author has displayed in past works.
I hate providing feedback because I love this author but I think this should have received much more content editing and development overall.
Included subplots off the top of my head:
Jasha got a cursed sword
Jasha got a familiar.
Jasha wants a date.
Charlotte gets a job at the agency?
Charlotte wants a date.
Kris matchmakes Jasha
Kris matchmakes Charlotte
Jasha finds out he’s got magic
Trying to undo the life bond
Ghost divorce and stalker
Ghost kidnapping
Kris starts a social media channel for the monster hunters
I label these subplots because each has multiple touch points throughout the novel.
With the combination of all those shenanigans, none of the plots stood out or got any real depth including their relationship, or the Annabelle case which would be considered the main plots.
Other than that, I was frustrated by the lack of consistency regarding the bond. We went from last book where they revealed that it would physically harm them to remove the bond and that it works best when they accept it back to “it annoys us so much we are trying to remove it” without any reference to the previous info. It would have made more sense for them to spend this book focusing on how to alleviate the side effects than to constantly mention how they want to break it. That also would have flowed better narratively with them accepting their own relationship development which is minute.
Four months may be too fast to say “I love you” unless you are spiritually glued to each others side everyday, already living together functionally as spouses, face life or death situations together regularly, and have completely combined your families and finances. In that case, it sort of unnatural that the two of them are vocalizing that they MIGHT be falling in love but don’t want to tell each other until they are sure. It also felt really contradictory to be saying that and then also both of them pondering if they can get married “for real.”
I love Chinese mythology, the characters, and the writing overall so I will be continuing to read the fourth book when it comes out but this does not stand up to the standard the author has displayed in past works.
I hate providing feedback because I love this author but I think this should have received much more content editing and development overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
Ghosts can get divorced? Need to almost everyone in the book, but then finding out the divorce is requested by the living bride - because she's dating the dead groom's younger brother? Can it get wilder? Oh, yes, and Annabelle the Doll (yes, that Annabelle) gets loose. With a missing ghost and a haunted doll to worry about, Zhen and Kris have to call in reinforcements galore, giving their friends chances to meet each other, too, and expanding their support structure. I love the found family in this series, along with the moments that made me laugh out loud or read out of context sentences to my family. I hope we get to see more of Kris, Zhen, et al, in the future.
December 30, 2025
Great urban fantasy
I love this series! Kris is awesome, and Zhen is hilarious. Kris's struggle to deal with the real dangers the hunters face is believable. The hunters are a lot of fun and are fascinating supporting characters. The new magical developments were a great plot twist
I love this series! Kris is awesome, and Zhen is hilarious. Kris's struggle to deal with the real dangers the hunters face is believable. The hunters are a lot of fun and are fascinating supporting characters. The new magical developments were a great plot twist
December 7, 2025
Plot, action, monsters, and fluffy-happy-goodness all perfectly balanced! This book was so good that my eyes were glued to my Kindle until I had read it in one sitting. I love pretty much anything this author writes, so I’m not surprised. Kris is kick-ass and I love her dynamic with Zhen. The side characters are fleshed out well and the relationships between the MCs and those characters are so supportive and wholesome.
I love how Brahms balances the action-packed aspects and the super sweet, wholesome vibes. Neither one outweighs the other and it’s just a gestalt of all my favorite things.
The lore is so interesting and I find it so fun that instead of focusing on an overly complicated magic system like some series, the author leans more towards folklore and mythology to create a magic-rich, complex world of thing that go bump in the night.
My only sort of complaint is that we still didn’t see a whole lot of progression in Kris and Zhen’s relationship. With all the action and running around there really wasn’t time. They are still perfect for each other and work so well as a team, but I’m anxious to see things develop more. I’m already dying for the next book!
I love how Brahms balances the action-packed aspects and the super sweet, wholesome vibes. Neither one outweighs the other and it’s just a gestalt of all my favorite things.
The lore is so interesting and I find it so fun that instead of focusing on an overly complicated magic system like some series, the author leans more towards folklore and mythology to create a magic-rich, complex world of thing that go bump in the night.
My only sort of complaint is that we still didn’t see a whole lot of progression in Kris and Zhen’s relationship. With all the action and running around there really wasn’t time. They are still perfect for each other and work so well as a team, but I’m anxious to see things develop more. I’m already dying for the next book!
December 10, 2025
Fantastic as always
I started out reading the Case Files this author wrote as Honor Raconteur and then proceeded to absolutely devour everything else she’d written. It hasn’t been long since I found out she wrote under other names and they’ve all been just as good. I’m so impressed by how much she’s grown as an author and how much her writing has improved since her earlier works. Zhen’s banter with Jo Jo is very reminiscent of Bannen and Chi from the Void Mage series, but it seems more polished now.
This latest installment is awesome, with really fun references to pop culture. I loved reading about all of Zhen’s friends, and about new relationships for our beloved characters. Kris and Zhen as a couple are so cute and their growing affection for one another brings so much joy. It’s also so great that there’s no unnecessary drama between the main cast - everyone is good natured and nobody’s an a-hole. It makes these books incredibly soothing and easy to read and it’s no wonder that her books have become my comfort zones. Can’t wait to get her next book!
I started out reading the Case Files this author wrote as Honor Raconteur and then proceeded to absolutely devour everything else she’d written. It hasn’t been long since I found out she wrote under other names and they’ve all been just as good. I’m so impressed by how much she’s grown as an author and how much her writing has improved since her earlier works. Zhen’s banter with Jo Jo is very reminiscent of Bannen and Chi from the Void Mage series, but it seems more polished now.
This latest installment is awesome, with really fun references to pop culture. I loved reading about all of Zhen’s friends, and about new relationships for our beloved characters. Kris and Zhen as a couple are so cute and their growing affection for one another brings so much joy. It’s also so great that there’s no unnecessary drama between the main cast - everyone is good natured and nobody’s an a-hole. It makes these books incredibly soothing and easy to read and it’s no wonder that her books have become my comfort zones. Can’t wait to get her next book!
November 30, 2025
I just adore this author's wacky imagination, creative chops and snarky writing. This book, like the others in this series, is chock full of wonderfully memorable one-liners and anedotes which have me snickering frequently. As for the storyline, this is the first novel I read which has multiple demon slayers from multiple states having meltdowns over lost luggage. This is a riot to read. Be careful about letting friends or family read over your shoulder - my sister snitched my e-reader after reading a page. Not for children - there is some steam and sexy times in this novel - which is too bad because I am guessing that teens would love to read this.
December 11, 2025
Annabelle and Crazy Exes
In this book, Kris sets her sister and best friend up with some of Zhen's hunter friends. There's an epic fight with the possessed Annabelle doll and lots of drama at the ghost marriage office. All very fun.
Since I found out Annabelle is a Raggedy Ann doll, I have not been able to take it seriously as a threat. I have a book about Raggedy Ann. I've seen the movie. My family has two Raggedy Ann dolls and two Raggedy Andys. Actually, last Halloween I put a Raggedy Ann in the window, and my daughter protested that she wasn't scary. I told her Raggedy Ann didn't mind acting.
In this book, Kris sets her sister and best friend up with some of Zhen's hunter friends. There's an epic fight with the possessed Annabelle doll and lots of drama at the ghost marriage office. All very fun.
Since I found out Annabelle is a Raggedy Ann doll, I have not been able to take it seriously as a threat. I have a book about Raggedy Ann. I've seen the movie. My family has two Raggedy Ann dolls and two Raggedy Andys. Actually, last Halloween I put a Raggedy Ann in the window, and my daughter protested that she wasn't scary. I told her Raggedy Ann didn't mind acting.
December 6, 2025
Mages, Dolls, and Kidnapped Ghosts, Oh My!
Absolutely loved this addition to this series! The twists were fantastic and I adored getting an even more inside look to both Zhen and Kris with their bond. Annabelle needs to burn though. I feel this in my soul. Hands down a fantastic read!
Absolutely loved this addition to this series! The twists were fantastic and I adored getting an even more inside look to both Zhen and Kris with their bond. Annabelle needs to burn though. I feel this in my soul. Hands down a fantastic read!
December 8, 2025
Another great in this series
I have read this book in three days and it was my working days so squeezing in reading time wasn't an easy task. But who needs sleep when a good book is calling. If you are looking for paranormal adventure with a healthy romantic couple and a lot of funny moments look no further this book is a must read.
I have read this book in three days and it was my working days so squeezing in reading time wasn't an easy task. But who needs sleep when a good book is calling. If you are looking for paranormal adventure with a healthy romantic couple and a lot of funny moments look no further this book is a must read.
December 10, 2025
I am enjoying this series, I like Kris and Zhen. ☺️
There were a lot of characters introduced in this book (I don't remember that from the previous books but I could be wrong)!
There was a lot going on, too! With Annabelle and then the ghost groom! It was all so interesting! I can't wait to read more in this series!!
There were a lot of characters introduced in this book (I don't remember that from the previous books but I could be wrong)!
There was a lot going on, too! With Annabelle and then the ghost groom! It was all so interesting! I can't wait to read more in this series!!
December 11, 2025
I genuinely love this series and can't wait for more, it's such an amazing mix of plot, action, mythology, and a wonderful romance with actual healthy communication. Talk about a dream book boyfriend. The fact that Kris accidentally got herself adopted by a pack of Chinese hellhounds is still my absolute favorite part of the series
December 12, 2025
Delightful and fun
Never a dull moment in this story. The characters are fun and keep you reading until the wee hours to see what other hijinks they get into. Loved this one, loved the major demon doll battle (gave me chills & thrills), and loved the matchmaking. Great story, can’t wait for book 4.
Never a dull moment in this story. The characters are fun and keep you reading until the wee hours to see what other hijinks they get into. Loved this one, loved the major demon doll battle (gave me chills & thrills), and loved the matchmaking. Great story, can’t wait for book 4.
November 30, 2025
Fun addition to the series! The action got a bit too scary for me at times, but putting the book down for an hour or so was enough to get my courage back. I’ll be rereading all three books every couple of years most likely.
December 6, 2025
One Very Wild Doll
This book was amazing! It was so cool getting to know many of the demon players from all over. The Annabelle confrontation was really freaky. Jasha and Charlotte had some great things happening in their lives too. Highly recommended!
This book was amazing! It was so cool getting to know many of the demon players from all over. The Annabelle confrontation was really freaky. Jasha and Charlotte had some great things happening in their lives too. Highly recommended!
December 7, 2025
fast and fun
Really enjoying this series, and hoping there are more to come. It was great to meet more of Zhen’s demon fighting friends, and to see Charlotte settling into a new life.
Really enjoying this series, and hoping there are more to come. It was great to meet more of Zhen’s demon fighting friends, and to see Charlotte settling into a new life.
December 8, 2025
Can’t wait until the next book!!!
Loved how the characters have evolved and grown as a couple. I really like how the author has brought others characters into the story. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!
Loved how the characters have evolved and grown as a couple. I really like how the author has brought others characters into the story. I can’t wait for the next book!!!!
December 13, 2025
Really fun enjoyable read like the first two. My only gripe is that the whole cursed doll plotline didn't come into play until halfway through the book. Granted I enjoyed the cozy/slice of life vibe of the first half, it just took a long time to get to what the book was supposedly about.
December 14, 2025
Excellent Demon Slaying
I was looking forward to this book for a year, and it didn't disappoint! Loved how Brahms incorporated a non-fiction doll such as Annabelle into the slayers' lives. Those scenes will haunt me!
I was looking forward to this book for a year, and it didn't disappoint! Loved how Brahms incorporated a non-fiction doll such as Annabelle into the slayers' lives. Those scenes will haunt me!
December 22, 2025
so much insanity…
I meant fun!!!!
Ahh…Annabelle is worse than Chucky! Crazy spiritnapping psychos, matchmaking hi jinx and all the friends. Ahh…thanks for showing me a good time! I will never look at dolls the same again…
I meant fun!!!!
Ahh…Annabelle is worse than Chucky! Crazy spiritnapping psychos, matchmaking hi jinx and all the friends. Ahh…thanks for showing me a good time! I will never look at dolls the same again…
January 9, 2026
Please and thank you...
Good story overall, cute romance, fun friends to help fight bad guys. My only request is please stop using "please and thank you" over and over again. It got to where it would knock me out of the flow of reading when I saw it.
Good story overall, cute romance, fun friends to help fight bad guys. My only request is please stop using "please and thank you" over and over again. It got to where it would knock me out of the flow of reading when I saw it.
January 20, 2026
The first book was quirky and fabulous.
The second wasn’t quite as fabulous but still good.
This one….it felt like something was missing. It seemed a bit disjointed. Maybe it was just me but I found it a bit disappointing.
The second wasn’t quite as fabulous but still good.
This one….it felt like something was missing. It seemed a bit disjointed. Maybe it was just me but I found it a bit disappointing.
February 8, 2026
Loved it
I love this series. The mythology and fantasy is really well done here. Loved the way we got to meet all the other hunters, although I hope we get to meet Zhen’s twin soon . Can’t wait for the next one.
I love this series. The mythology and fantasy is really well done here. Loved the way we got to meet all the other hunters, although I hope we get to meet Zhen’s twin soon . Can’t wait for the next one.
February 25, 2026
so good
An amazing end to the series! I think this was my favourite yet! (I say yet as I’m hopeful there will be more in this series/universe, even though there was a clean ending here)
An amazing end to the series! I think this was my favourite yet! (I say yet as I’m hopeful there will be more in this series/universe, even though there was a clean ending here)
February 26, 2026
Great story!
Another great yarn about Kris and Zhen. So much doll shenanigans. Demon infested raggedy-ann Amebel was quite scary, probably more so for those who watched the movie. Well worth the read.
Another great yarn about Kris and Zhen. So much doll shenanigans. Demon infested raggedy-ann Amebel was quite scary, probably more so for those who watched the movie. Well worth the read.
December 6, 2025
Annabelle? Are you kidding?!?!?!
Wow! This went there. Demon possessed dolls, kidnapped ghosts, and more. So exciting! Demon slayers are some awesome peeps. Yay!
Wow! This went there. Demon possessed dolls, kidnapped ghosts, and more. So exciting! Demon slayers are some awesome peeps. Yay!
December 8, 2025
funny, action packed, sweet romantic begins all neatly tied up in this fantastic book a mustt read. devoured and enjoyed it.
December 9, 2025
Awesome read
This is such a cute romcom. Loved the side characters. The interplay between family and friends really ties the stories to the series. Too cute to group meet up!
This is such a cute romcom. Loved the side characters. The interplay between family and friends really ties the stories to the series. Too cute to group meet up!
December 11, 2025
Such a good addition to the series! Love how the series is panning out. The characters are so good, a really enjoyable read. Will re-read would recommend.
December 11, 2025
Oh, this was such a fun read, loved watching them deal with all these issues!
December 25, 2025
Quick passed fantasy romance; great humor, e.g. "Bond villain from Temu"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews