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Samantha Spük: Paranormal Wedding Planner
Aleese Lin’s delightful, spooky—or Spük-y?—contemporary romance debut is perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes and Netflix’s Wednesday.
Be it for werewolf, vampire, or fae, Samantha Spük is your go-to wedding planner!
...even if that's the last thing she would’ve imagined for herself. Samantha “Sabby” Spük has spent her whole life trying to escape her family’s legacy of supernatural chaos. She’s finally gotten her college degree and landed herself a nice, normal 9–5 at a New York City accounting firm. But then she gets the Grandma Rose is gone, and Sabby has been named executor of her (ahem, magically binding) will.
Which means Sabby is stuck in her dreaded hometown of Salem, Massachusetts, taking on odd jobs until she can sell the family home. And the jobs truly are odd, with quite a few not-so-human locals in need of help arranging their weddings. With a literal talking-head assistant and an uncomfortably attractive new manager by her side, Sabby might pull this off in time to salvage her dream job…but she might also find herself enjoying the paranormal world after all.
Be it for werewolf, vampire, or fae, Samantha Spük is your go-to wedding planner!
...even if that's the last thing she would’ve imagined for herself. Samantha “Sabby” Spük has spent her whole life trying to escape her family’s legacy of supernatural chaos. She’s finally gotten her college degree and landed herself a nice, normal 9–5 at a New York City accounting firm. But then she gets the Grandma Rose is gone, and Sabby has been named executor of her (ahem, magically binding) will.
Which means Sabby is stuck in her dreaded hometown of Salem, Massachusetts, taking on odd jobs until she can sell the family home. And the jobs truly are odd, with quite a few not-so-human locals in need of help arranging their weddings. With a literal talking-head assistant and an uncomfortably attractive new manager by her side, Sabby might pull this off in time to salvage her dream job…but she might also find herself enjoying the paranormal world after all.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
June 19, 2026
4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was incredibly excited to read this book and was enjoying it so much until 15% when the character decides to use ChatGPT to answer a question. I instantly put the book down. I'm incredibly disappointed that the author and the publisher for allowing this. As a writer/artist myself I wish more people understood the harms of generative ai. It's not cute or funny to use even in the fictional world. I would consider finishing the book if I knew for certain that the author didn't use generative ai herself to write the book and that part was taken out as it was completely unnecessary. I’m not accusing the author of using it herself to be clear. However it was still Instant DNF for me. Using generative ai and naming ChatGPT is an instant no for me. I won't be requesting or reading anymore books from Saga Press in the future. I'm incredibly disappointed as I was truly enjoying the book before this point. If I could give it zero stars I would. I got this ARC as a read now option on NetGalley.
June 2, 2026
I usually try to rate ARCs higher that have a low average rating like this one to give them a boost, but I just couldn't with this one. I know it will find its audience because it had some cute elements that people who like cozy fantasy will enjoy, and Sabby was a relatable character, but that audience was not me.
Enjoyment of this book all depends on whether you find Sabby's sense of humor charming or grating. Written humor is also always such a fine line between annoying and making one smile, and this was just so over the top with the lame dad jokes that I was rolling my eyes more than smiling. She did mellow out when she found her groove with her wedding planning business, but less is more with this rather juvenile humor and this book did not understand that.
I do think this book had some good pieces. I stuck it out because I loved the premise of Sabby thirsting after a normal, beige life as an accountant after her witchy grandma's friends traumatized her as a child. I loved the quirky head without a body, Bulan. And the wedding planning adventures seemed pretty authentic to me. I also liked that Sabby was a BTS stan. But I felt like I was bludgeoned over the head by a sledgehammer of one bad dad joke after another and I actually like dad jokes. It started to feel tedious after awhile even if I wanted to laugh sometimes.
I also found Sabby to be an annoying, shallow, self-absorbed character. The romance in this was boring. Both their names were kind of ridiculous; her love interest was named Hanry. They were both mispronounciations of more boring names that they ran with. But I couldn't help but thinking of Hanry as Hangry and wincing. Hanry was a bland love interest as well. They hardly got to know each other and Sabby spends most of the lukewarm romance mooning over how hot Hanry is, but I never get to know him. Even his twist at the end didn't increase his desirability.
I guess this book also needs a trigger warning for a name drop of ChatGPT. I personally do not mind modern references in a book even if I myself do not use ChatGPT and find it problematic. Like it or not, AI is a part of our modern world and ignoring it in a modern book won't make it go away. She uses it once and finds it unhelpful, and it's a joke that's part of the long running gag. So it didn't really bother me. Her accountancy firm also uses AI and her character is critical of it. So it's not like the character is a champion of AI, it's just a modern reference. But if that bothers you then I wouldn't read this book because it's dropped in the first 15% of the book, which is a poor decision by the author because that will cause a lot of people to DNF.
I guess I need to go watch some stand up comics I like now because this book made me feel like I don't have a sense of humor. But maybe it's just not for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Enjoyment of this book all depends on whether you find Sabby's sense of humor charming or grating. Written humor is also always such a fine line between annoying and making one smile, and this was just so over the top with the lame dad jokes that I was rolling my eyes more than smiling. She did mellow out when she found her groove with her wedding planning business, but less is more with this rather juvenile humor and this book did not understand that.
I do think this book had some good pieces. I stuck it out because I loved the premise of Sabby thirsting after a normal, beige life as an accountant after her witchy grandma's friends traumatized her as a child. I loved the quirky head without a body, Bulan. And the wedding planning adventures seemed pretty authentic to me. I also liked that Sabby was a BTS stan. But I felt like I was bludgeoned over the head by a sledgehammer of one bad dad joke after another and I actually like dad jokes. It started to feel tedious after awhile even if I wanted to laugh sometimes.
I also found Sabby to be an annoying, shallow, self-absorbed character. The romance in this was boring. Both their names were kind of ridiculous; her love interest was named Hanry. They were both mispronounciations of more boring names that they ran with. But I couldn't help but thinking of Hanry as Hangry and wincing. Hanry was a bland love interest as well. They hardly got to know each other and Sabby spends most of the lukewarm romance mooning over how hot Hanry is, but I never get to know him. Even his twist at the end didn't increase his desirability.
I guess this book also needs a trigger warning for a name drop of ChatGPT. I personally do not mind modern references in a book even if I myself do not use ChatGPT and find it problematic. Like it or not, AI is a part of our modern world and ignoring it in a modern book won't make it go away. She uses it once and finds it unhelpful, and it's a joke that's part of the long running gag. So it didn't really bother me. Her accountancy firm also uses AI and her character is critical of it. So it's not like the character is a champion of AI, it's just a modern reference. But if that bothers you then I wouldn't read this book because it's dropped in the first 15% of the book, which is a poor decision by the author because that will cause a lot of people to DNF.
I guess I need to go watch some stand up comics I like now because this book made me feel like I don't have a sense of humor. But maybe it's just not for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2026
Cute and quippy. A great freshman book from the author, and I would definitely read the second that seems to be set up at the end. Male love itnerest could have had more oomph, but in the end, I like how is lack of oomph worked for the main character. That sounds weird, but more would be spoilers soooo ....
I received an advanced copy of the audiobook through Libro.FM and Pop Fiction Bookstore, an independent and woman-owned bookstore in Omaha. Order books (e/audio/print) online from Pop Fiction or your local bookstore at Libro.Fm and Bookshop.org
I received an advanced copy of the audiobook through Libro.FM and Pop Fiction Bookstore, an independent and woman-owned bookstore in Omaha. Order books (e/audio/print) online from Pop Fiction or your local bookstore at Libro.Fm and Bookshop.org
Did Not Finish
May 25, 2026DNF @ 11% . The premise was intriguing and I was hoping I would love it! But the female main character came off as whiny and the constant complaining of her not liking anything supernatural was getting on my nerves. The male main character was ok I didn’t hate him. He was ok.
June 16, 2026
I probably would have rated this higher if ai and chat gbt weren’t mentioned 10 times like no thank u
July 17, 2026
3 stars
June 20, 2026
Mad after the normal life of an accountant in the city, she gets cursed to return to kooky supernatural Salem to fulfill her grandmother’s last will. Aleese Lin’s debut novel caught my fancy when I spotted the cover and title, the blurb was a bonus inducement. A blend of lighthearted spooky, mystery, romance, and a finding-herself tale.
Samantha Spuk has a unique heritage of growing up where the supernatural and paranormal is all real tucked in among the mundane human world. Some people want to leave their home town for the excitement and bright lights of the city? Sabby just wants to leave the excitement and glowing lights of the macabre for the ordinariness outside. She’s aiming for a solid, successful accountant job, a stolid human family, 2.5 kids, and the picket fence.
Then her grandmother’s will happens and she’s forced to wrap up her grandmother’s final wishes or else- curses! That is a real curse will happen. She’s none too pleased to be back in a place that is an always Halloween setting and people. The way the magic compels her, she finds herself performing macabre and- okay, yes, fun paranormal wedding planning for every spook kind and style of wedding there is. She’s making friends and working with a manic pixie assistant, a talking head without a body who is her help and advisor, and what is this, a new romance with a guy she met in the cemetery?
Sabby is telling everyone and herself this is short term and she’s headed back to the city and that life of the staid accountant just as soon as she can. She tries to keep her emotional walls up and her cynical side layered over her vulnerable heart. Never knew her dad, her mom was always off doing her thing and even now is vacationing in Mexico, and her grandmother’s life in this mystical, magical world was not for her, or so she told herself because she felt alone and never in sync all her life. Now, though, paranormal wedding planning not only is a good fit, but she now jives with the town and people who embrace her with open arms, fangs, etc. But when the it comes down to it, which life will she choose?
Samantha Spuk, Paranormal Wedding Planner was an obvious debut effort and I never got quite settled into it. I set it aside a few times and debated continuing. It did pick up as to the plot about half way making my struggles diminish. I didn’t connect with Sabby or her love interest, Hanry, and to be fair, I think there is meant to be more development coming later on for them. That’s the thing, this is a complete book, but it leaves some large threads loose for future books. The humor was good as were the wry thoughts and dialogue, but it pushed that bit too far into trying too hard, for me. And, while I liked that there are details about Sabby’s wedding planning work, again, it was that bit too much for me and I started skimming when it got into lots of details.
Now, that said, the worldbuilding and the haunted, always-Halloween town and people setting, loved it. The quirkiness of it all, again, that hit the spot. The situation of Sabby and her paranormal wedding adventures was also a blast. The mystery was a fun and foremost aspect. I was waiting on baited breath there at the end to see, after the shocking twist about Hanry and her heartbreak, what she would choose to do- her old dream or her fun new life that she was almost afraid to want.
All in all, though I was put off by some, there was even more that kept me reading and entertained me. I would like to see where the future goes for Sabby and her ghoulish group. So, I think either in certain moods or for a certain niche group of paranormal readers, this will really tickle their fancy.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 6.10.26.
Samantha Spuk has a unique heritage of growing up where the supernatural and paranormal is all real tucked in among the mundane human world. Some people want to leave their home town for the excitement and bright lights of the city? Sabby just wants to leave the excitement and glowing lights of the macabre for the ordinariness outside. She’s aiming for a solid, successful accountant job, a stolid human family, 2.5 kids, and the picket fence.
Then her grandmother’s will happens and she’s forced to wrap up her grandmother’s final wishes or else- curses! That is a real curse will happen. She’s none too pleased to be back in a place that is an always Halloween setting and people. The way the magic compels her, she finds herself performing macabre and- okay, yes, fun paranormal wedding planning for every spook kind and style of wedding there is. She’s making friends and working with a manic pixie assistant, a talking head without a body who is her help and advisor, and what is this, a new romance with a guy she met in the cemetery?
Sabby is telling everyone and herself this is short term and she’s headed back to the city and that life of the staid accountant just as soon as she can. She tries to keep her emotional walls up and her cynical side layered over her vulnerable heart. Never knew her dad, her mom was always off doing her thing and even now is vacationing in Mexico, and her grandmother’s life in this mystical, magical world was not for her, or so she told herself because she felt alone and never in sync all her life. Now, though, paranormal wedding planning not only is a good fit, but she now jives with the town and people who embrace her with open arms, fangs, etc. But when the it comes down to it, which life will she choose?
Samantha Spuk, Paranormal Wedding Planner was an obvious debut effort and I never got quite settled into it. I set it aside a few times and debated continuing. It did pick up as to the plot about half way making my struggles diminish. I didn’t connect with Sabby or her love interest, Hanry, and to be fair, I think there is meant to be more development coming later on for them. That’s the thing, this is a complete book, but it leaves some large threads loose for future books. The humor was good as were the wry thoughts and dialogue, but it pushed that bit too far into trying too hard, for me. And, while I liked that there are details about Sabby’s wedding planning work, again, it was that bit too much for me and I started skimming when it got into lots of details.
Now, that said, the worldbuilding and the haunted, always-Halloween town and people setting, loved it. The quirkiness of it all, again, that hit the spot. The situation of Sabby and her paranormal wedding adventures was also a blast. The mystery was a fun and foremost aspect. I was waiting on baited breath there at the end to see, after the shocking twist about Hanry and her heartbreak, what she would choose to do- her old dream or her fun new life that she was almost afraid to want.
All in all, though I was put off by some, there was even more that kept me reading and entertained me. I would like to see where the future goes for Sabby and her ghoulish group. So, I think either in certain moods or for a certain niche group of paranormal readers, this will really tickle their fancy.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 6.10.26.
Did Not Finish
June 21, 2026This is why I can't do Book Loans. I never have enough time to finish them 😭
July 13, 2026
I could be a little biased about this book because I'm obsessed with BTS, and Sabby, our main character, is also part of the fandom. GO ARMY! 💜 But trust me, that's far from the only reason to pick up this hilarious paranormal comedy.
Samantha Spuk, aka Sabby, comes from an uncanny family filled with everything paranormal, and all she wants is to avoid the supernatural and live a perfectly normal life. She's kept her distance from her witchy godmother and her eccentric, estranged mother because all she's ever wanted is a boring, everyday existence. That all changes when her grandmother passes away and names Sabby the executor of her estate in Salem, Massachusetts, where all things spooky seem to reside. She's stuck there until she fulfills the requirements of her granny's magically binding will.
I was laughing out loud the entire time (and definitely startled my husband more than once while on our beach trip). Sabby and her found family completely stole my heart, though I have to admit I loved Bulan, the chatty talking head, even more than Hanry!
Beyond the laughs, there's a fun mystery and a heartwarming journey about embracing who you truly are. I also really appreciated the development of Sabby's relationship with Hanry, a mysterious hottie she meets while attempting to bury poor Bulan (remember the talking head!). It had me finger-clapping for my girl. The ending also left me hopeful for more adventures because I'm not ready to say goodbye to this wonderfully weird family.
If you love quirky paranormal comedies this is a definite must read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Samantha Spuk, aka Sabby, comes from an uncanny family filled with everything paranormal, and all she wants is to avoid the supernatural and live a perfectly normal life. She's kept her distance from her witchy godmother and her eccentric, estranged mother because all she's ever wanted is a boring, everyday existence. That all changes when her grandmother passes away and names Sabby the executor of her estate in Salem, Massachusetts, where all things spooky seem to reside. She's stuck there until she fulfills the requirements of her granny's magically binding will.
I was laughing out loud the entire time (and definitely startled my husband more than once while on our beach trip). Sabby and her found family completely stole my heart, though I have to admit I loved Bulan, the chatty talking head, even more than Hanry!
Beyond the laughs, there's a fun mystery and a heartwarming journey about embracing who you truly are. I also really appreciated the development of Sabby's relationship with Hanry, a mysterious hottie she meets while attempting to bury poor Bulan (remember the talking head!). It had me finger-clapping for my girl. The ending also left me hopeful for more adventures because I'm not ready to say goodbye to this wonderfully weird family.
If you love quirky paranormal comedies this is a definite must read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2026
This debut paranormal romance novel has the perfect setting: Salem, Massachusetts. When a reluctant Sabby Spuk visits Salem to attend her grandmother's funeral, she gets much more than she craves.
Sabby wants the dull normalcy of becomming an accountant with a boring husband and 2.5 children.
But what does she get?
First, Sabby, as executor to her grandmother's estate, is tasked with cleaning out grandma's house. The last thing she expects to discover is a decapitated human head. And it is not just any head: this one talks.
Then, while in a futile attempt to bury the head in her grandmother's grave, she meets handsome stranger, Hanry.
Bulan, "the talking-head sidekick" is but one of the surprises her dear granny left her. Additionally, Hanry, who sees nothing amiss with Sabby carrying a human head around, becomes her suitor.
Read this hilarious story of how, from the grave, Grandma Rose forces Sabby-the-boring to embark on a new, exciting life.
With Hanry's unusual contacts (vampire, druids, pixies, etc) who are anxious to marry, Sabby soon becomes the go-to paranormal wedding planner.
This book just begs for a seque!!
Sabby wants the dull normalcy of becomming an accountant with a boring husband and 2.5 children.
But what does she get?
First, Sabby, as executor to her grandmother's estate, is tasked with cleaning out grandma's house. The last thing she expects to discover is a decapitated human head. And it is not just any head: this one talks.
Then, while in a futile attempt to bury the head in her grandmother's grave, she meets handsome stranger, Hanry.
Bulan, "the talking-head sidekick" is but one of the surprises her dear granny left her. Additionally, Hanry, who sees nothing amiss with Sabby carrying a human head around, becomes her suitor.
Read this hilarious story of how, from the grave, Grandma Rose forces Sabby-the-boring to embark on a new, exciting life.
With Hanry's unusual contacts (vampire, druids, pixies, etc) who are anxious to marry, Sabby soon becomes the go-to paranormal wedding planner.
This book just begs for a seque!!
July 4, 2026
3.5⭐️
This has been fun! For someone working in the wedding industry, seeing this paranormal quirky side of it was such a breath of fresh air
We don't need to take it so seriously, people! (Actually, yes we do and it's very stressful lol). I was actually jealous of Samantha's resourcefulness at times.
So the wedding stuff was my favorite. Loved the characters, the settings and all the details, they were so well portrayed and creative!
I also loved the paranormal side characters, the talking head, the pixie, even the vampire! They did bring dymension and humor to the storyline.
Now, why I didn't give this a higher rating, though I enjoyed it for the most part: the writing. While it was fun at the beginning, the metaphors and jokes and spunk, it got repetitive and tedious after a time. It didn't flow easily, I kept being pulled out from the story. It was quirky but it tried too hard with the humor, you know?
I was also not a fan of the romance (or whatever that was) and like others mentioned, Samantha's continuous hate for Salem and praise for her dream bland normal life. We get it, you prefer a safe life to paranormal chaos and mayhem, we would too, but if you already went down this path, roll with it maybe? Try not to be so negative all the time about it?
So, overall, I had mixed feelings. Reading about a paranormal wedding planner has been fun, and the little otherworldly quirkiness I needed. But some parts of the writing and story didn't quite fit...
*ARC provided by the publisher for my honest opinion, thank you
This has been fun! For someone working in the wedding industry, seeing this paranormal quirky side of it was such a breath of fresh air
We don't need to take it so seriously, people! (Actually, yes we do and it's very stressful lol). I was actually jealous of Samantha's resourcefulness at times.
So the wedding stuff was my favorite. Loved the characters, the settings and all the details, they were so well portrayed and creative!
I also loved the paranormal side characters, the talking head, the pixie, even the vampire! They did bring dymension and humor to the storyline.
Now, why I didn't give this a higher rating, though I enjoyed it for the most part: the writing. While it was fun at the beginning, the metaphors and jokes and spunk, it got repetitive and tedious after a time. It didn't flow easily, I kept being pulled out from the story. It was quirky but it tried too hard with the humor, you know?
I was also not a fan of the romance (or whatever that was) and like others mentioned, Samantha's continuous hate for Salem and praise for her dream bland normal life. We get it, you prefer a safe life to paranormal chaos and mayhem, we would too, but if you already went down this path, roll with it maybe? Try not to be so negative all the time about it?
So, overall, I had mixed feelings. Reading about a paranormal wedding planner has been fun, and the little otherworldly quirkiness I needed. But some parts of the writing and story didn't quite fit...
*ARC provided by the publisher for my honest opinion, thank you
July 10, 2026
Thank you so much to Saga Press for the complimentary eARC of this!
Thank you so much to Simon Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
I was drawn to this book from the stunning cover! It just gives off the Halloween or Summerween feeling. This book was so much fun and just so campy! Weird things were happening and not really explained but Samantha (Sabby) kind of just went with it. I absolutely loved the severed headpet Bulan! He was such a great side character and added that humor. I was not sure what Hanry kind of was helpful to her to make sense of things. He was technically the love interest but the chemistry wasn't fully there for me. I like that they got along and that he was around but it felt force. I was more interested in everything else that was happening to Sabby while she was stuck in Salem.
Jaime Lamchick did the narration for this and I forgot how much I enjoyed her narration! I felt like her tone really matched the zaniness of the story and of Sabby. She made listening enjoyable!
This was the author's debut and I would read another book from her! Sometimes it is nice to not have something so serious.
If you are looking for a different kind of book - unsure how to categorize this - maybe a fun women's fiction with some romance, fun characters set in a Salem with paranormal elements.
Thank you so much to Simon Audio for the complimentary ALC!
This book is out now!
I was drawn to this book from the stunning cover! It just gives off the Halloween or Summerween feeling. This book was so much fun and just so campy! Weird things were happening and not really explained but Samantha (Sabby) kind of just went with it. I absolutely loved the severed headpet Bulan! He was such a great side character and added that humor. I was not sure what Hanry kind of was helpful to her to make sense of things. He was technically the love interest but the chemistry wasn't fully there for me. I like that they got along and that he was around but it felt force. I was more interested in everything else that was happening to Sabby while she was stuck in Salem.
Jaime Lamchick did the narration for this and I forgot how much I enjoyed her narration! I felt like her tone really matched the zaniness of the story and of Sabby. She made listening enjoyable!
This was the author's debut and I would read another book from her! Sometimes it is nice to not have something so serious.
If you are looking for a different kind of book - unsure how to categorize this - maybe a fun women's fiction with some romance, fun characters set in a Salem with paranormal elements.
July 18, 2026
Everyone who gave it one star must have thought it was a. Romance which it is NOT. At least not yet. I think it's supposed to have a sequel from the way it ended
Anyway I am obsessed with this book, it made me laugh so hard. Wish more books were like this one!!!
Anyway I am obsessed with this book, it made me laugh so hard. Wish more books were like this one!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
This was such a refreshing reprieve from the formulaic, color-by-numbers, “not like other girls” romantasy books that have been churned out over the last few years. Genuinely original, funny, and likable with characters I enjoyed and a setting that felt both cozy and interesting. Halfway through, I was already hoping there might be a sequel because I got so attached to the characters (mostly Sabby and Bulan, but Mandy is such a lovable sweetie!). I know nothing about wedding planning and don’t care about it, but I was still fascinated and fully invested! One hell of a debut novel, and the humor is right up my alley. I also love that it strays from the typical “I can fix him” bullshit and that the FMC recognizes her love interest is a bit of a coward with his own issues to resolve before he’s ready to be in a relationship with anyone, let alone her. Can’t state enough how much I love Sabby for wanting so badly to be very plain and normal rather than yearning for some kind of special “chosen one” life.
This book is just wonderful and such a fun read. I devoured it in barely 48 hours. I cannot wait for a sequel!!
This book is just wonderful and such a fun read. I devoured it in barely 48 hours. I cannot wait for a sequel!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
*this teetered on the edge of a 2 star read at moments, but other parts redeemed it so I’m going to round up to a 3 for Goodreads ratings*
This was a cozy, quirky, paranormal rom-com styled story with some very hit-or-miss moments. For the most part I liked the non-seriousness of it (even if at times it felt a little too ridiculous and stereotypical), but if you’re not a fan of the genre then this might not land well with you.
Sabby (FMC) has tried her best to avoid all things paranormal and non-human her entire life, despite spending a lot of her childhood with a very eccentric grandma while her mom was awol. As she got older she tried to be as ‘normal’ as she could, which meant perusing an accountant career and separating herself from her Grandma. However, when her grandma passes away and leaves her business in Salem, MA. to Sabby, her normal life gets turned upside down and she’s thrust into interacting with the paranormal side of society as a wedding planner.
The love interest and Sabby felt a bit insta-lovey, but for a book just over 300 pages I kind of expected that, so it didn’t necessary bother me. I am a little surprised by how some parts played out though, and wish a different outcome occurred. I did really enjoy watching Sabby’s growth and adaptation to the things thrown at her, and finding who she IS.
I think my biggest qualm was the language used in dialogue exchanges. It just felt too….much? Idk how to explain it, but seeing the phrase ‘bet’ used for a confirmation of something made my skin itch (and that alone made me unable to rate this higher) 🙈😅
Thank you to Saga Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts! 💫
This was a cozy, quirky, paranormal rom-com styled story with some very hit-or-miss moments. For the most part I liked the non-seriousness of it (even if at times it felt a little too ridiculous and stereotypical), but if you’re not a fan of the genre then this might not land well with you.
Sabby (FMC) has tried her best to avoid all things paranormal and non-human her entire life, despite spending a lot of her childhood with a very eccentric grandma while her mom was awol. As she got older she tried to be as ‘normal’ as she could, which meant perusing an accountant career and separating herself from her Grandma. However, when her grandma passes away and leaves her business in Salem, MA. to Sabby, her normal life gets turned upside down and she’s thrust into interacting with the paranormal side of society as a wedding planner.
The love interest and Sabby felt a bit insta-lovey, but for a book just over 300 pages I kind of expected that, so it didn’t necessary bother me. I am a little surprised by how some parts played out though, and wish a different outcome occurred. I did really enjoy watching Sabby’s growth and adaptation to the things thrown at her, and finding who she IS.
I think my biggest qualm was the language used in dialogue exchanges. It just felt too….much? Idk how to explain it, but seeing the phrase ‘bet’ used for a confirmation of something made my skin itch (and that alone made me unable to rate this higher) 🙈😅
Thank you to Saga Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts! 💫
June 24, 2026
Thank you @simon.audio and @aleeselin for allowing me access to this spunky audiobook narrated by @jaimebee
This was just plain fun with whimsy vibes. This book gives cozy fantasy meets womens fiction. Fresh & unique storytelling!!!
The Paranormal Wedding Planner
Samantha Spük is your go-to wedding planner, be it for werewolf, vampire, or fae!
...even if that’s the last thing she would’ve imagined. Samantha “Sabby” Spük has spent her life trying to escape her family’s legacy of supernatural chaos. She’s finally graduated and landed a nice, normal 9–5 at a New York accounting firm. But then she gets the call: Grandma Rose is gone, and Sabby has been named executor of her (ahem, magically binding) will.
This was just plain fun with whimsy vibes. This book gives cozy fantasy meets womens fiction. Fresh & unique storytelling!!!
The Paranormal Wedding Planner
Samantha Spük is your go-to wedding planner, be it for werewolf, vampire, or fae!
...even if that’s the last thing she would’ve imagined. Samantha “Sabby” Spük has spent her life trying to escape her family’s legacy of supernatural chaos. She’s finally graduated and landed a nice, normal 9–5 at a New York accounting firm. But then she gets the call: Grandma Rose is gone, and Sabby has been named executor of her (ahem, magically binding) will.
June 3, 2026
Samantha Spük: Paranormal Wedding Planner is a cozy tale of reluctant homecomings with a massive side of snark.
Samantha "Sabby" Spük is an aspiring accountant hoping to escape her family's witchy past, but finds herself tethered to the town of Salem, Massachusetts, when she returns to settle her grandmother's estate. While Sabby is a rather self-absorbed protagonist, her brand of humor was delightful, and I found she grew on me as the tale unfolded. I frequently giggled at her quips and enjoyed her interactions with her assistant, the rolling head Bulan. If you enjoy Gen Z humor, mysterious love interests, and a plethora of supernatural characters, pick this one up for your next breezy weekend read.
Samantha "Sabby" Spük is an aspiring accountant hoping to escape her family's witchy past, but finds herself tethered to the town of Salem, Massachusetts, when she returns to settle her grandmother's estate. While Sabby is a rather self-absorbed protagonist, her brand of humor was delightful, and I found she grew on me as the tale unfolded. I frequently giggled at her quips and enjoyed her interactions with her assistant, the rolling head Bulan. If you enjoy Gen Z humor, mysterious love interests, and a plethora of supernatural characters, pick this one up for your next breezy weekend read.
June 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Aleese Lin for the ARC.
Unfortunately, this was just not it for me. The FMC annoyed me!! She was whiny and negative and it drove me nuts. The MMC, meh, he was fine I guess. I just felt very bored... I think this has a lot of potential, but just wasn't doing it for me. I was going to push myself to finish and hope it got better in the second half but life is just too short to read books you don't want to read.
Unfortunately, this was just not it for me. The FMC annoyed me!! She was whiny and negative and it drove me nuts. The MMC, meh, he was fine I guess. I just felt very bored... I think this has a lot of potential, but just wasn't doing it for me. I was going to push myself to finish and hope it got better in the second half but life is just too short to read books you don't want to read.
February 23, 2026
1.75✨ ~ the premise of this book was cute but the writing just wasn’t it. The author throws in random lines that don’t add up to what’s happening on the page and her supposed jokes don’t make sense. It felt like she submitted a semi-rough draft as the final copy without removing the changed lines I don’t even know how to describe it. Loved Bulan and his crow posse though so I guess that’s a win 😅
June 10, 2026
This book is quirky and fun and has all the cozy vibes. I enjoyed the pop culture references and the satire and there are also very amusing side characters too.
I do think this is important - This not a romance book. Yes there is romance in it, but it’s not a romance, so set your expectations. I am being vague to avoid spoilers… now that doesn’t mean I didn’t like where the book ends, because I think Sabby gets to a good place…and THEN she gets a phone call 👀
✨What To Expect:
👻Paranormal World
💜Cozy Fantasy Vibes
🪓A Mysterious, Sexy Lumberjack…
🍭Who Is A Total Cinnamon Roll
💍High Stakes Weddings - Literally
💕Found Family
🔮Magic
🎃Salem at Halloween
🔥Absolute Chaos
💋She Inherits An Apothecary
😈Literal Talking Head
I do think this is important - This not a romance book. Yes there is romance in it, but it’s not a romance, so set your expectations. I am being vague to avoid spoilers… now that doesn’t mean I didn’t like where the book ends, because I think Sabby gets to a good place…and THEN she gets a phone call 👀
✨What To Expect:
👻Paranormal World
💜Cozy Fantasy Vibes
🪓A Mysterious, Sexy Lumberjack…
🍭Who Is A Total Cinnamon Roll
💍High Stakes Weddings - Literally
💕Found Family
🔮Magic
🎃Salem at Halloween
🔥Absolute Chaos
💋She Inherits An Apothecary
😈Literal Talking Head
July 12, 2026
While the whimsical premise got me to buy this novel, the repetitive wedding planning in the first two-thirds was actually a turn-off. I expect more from a debut novel: this one felt "dashed off" in many places. I also don't like first-person, present-tense narration that much, so I guess this really wasn't the book for me. The story got interesting around p215, which is why I bothered to finish it. Some spots were cute, and I liked the crows, which is why I gave it 2* instead of 1*. Spoiler: Technically this is NOT a romance novel, so I blame the publisher for false marketing. Not recommended.
Read
April 13, 20262.5 stars from me, Thank you so much to Saga Books for this ARC copy. Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me, I think the concept is super cute, but I wasn’t the target audience for it. If you are looking for a silly, very meta, chaos filled, sort of romance/mystery?? Then i’m sure you would love! Just wasn’t for me!
July 25, 2026
3.5 star for me, some choppy transitions but feel good, loved Bulan😂. I also just read a 5 star cozy book so perhaps my expectations here were unrealistic after the last book I read
June 3, 2026
2.5 stars. Thank you to Saga Press for my arc.
June 16, 2026
Title: Samantha Spϋk: Paranormal Wedding Planner
Author: Aleese Lin
Genre: Paranormal Urban Cozy Comedy Romance
Subgenres: Supernatural Romance, Lighthearted Fantasy, Paranormal Mystery
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Spice Level: 0.5/5 Chili Peppers
My Recommendations: Readers who enjoy quirky paranormal worlds, supernatural matchmaking, cozy fantasy vibes, humorous heroines, and romances with a touch of magic and chaos.
Content Warnings
• Paranormal themes and supernatural creatures
• Ghosts and spirits
• Mild peril and magical conflict
• Discussions of grief and loss
• Wedding-related stress and family dynamics
• Romantic and emotional tension
Note: Readers should always check the publisher's content guidance for the most accurate and complete list of warnings.
My Thoughts:
Samantha Spuk, Paranormal Wedding Planner was a delightfully charming paranormal romance that I thought perfectly blended humor, heart, and supernatural chaos into an entertaining package. I would say that Samantha is the kind of heroine who finds herself constantly juggling unexpected magical problems while trying to keep her clients happy, and that combination created plenty of fun moments throughout the story.
What I enjoyed most was the balance between the paranormal elements and the relationship development. The magical world felt whimsical without becoming overwhelming, allowing the characters and their interactions to remain the true focus of the story. The pacing kept me engaged, and I found myself eager to see how Samantha would solve each new supernatural disaster that threatened to derail her plans.
Admittedly the spice in this novel was practically non-existent and I felt the romance element was more secondary to the plot then it should have been. Samantha at times felt a bit annoying with her almost bullheaded stubborn thoughts and I was exasperated at times with her. I kept thinking “why do you want to be normal?”, but I do think it was important to the character development and plot for her to be this way.
The supporting characters were extremely unique, and I really enjoyed the development of one character specifically. The reveal of who the character really is, and it was a lovely end of the novel twist that made me laugh. This is a character that once you read the story, you will know exactly who I am talking about in this review. I do not want to spoil it for anyone but suffice to say I felt this character was one of if not the best parts of the storyline.
To me this story delivers a cozy paranormal atmosphere while still offering enough mystery, romance, and magical intrigue to keep most readers turning pages.
What Worked for Me:
1. Samantha's Personality
Although at some points annoying to me, I would say overall that Samantha was easy to root for from the beginning, I found her relatable in a lot of ways. Her determination, sense of responsibility, and willingness to keep pushing forward despite increasingly ridiculous supernatural problems made her a lovable protagonist. She felt relatable even within a magical setting because her struggles often mirrored real-life feelings of trying to keep everything together when life gets messy. I really enjoyed that she wasn’t cliché paranormal heroine with badass fantastical powers, but just a normal human throughout the plot. That was definitely a fresh take for me to read.
2. The Paranormal Wedding Concept
The premise of the plotline itself is incredibly fun. I felt it was a lovely palate cleanser from my more recent dark romance and dark fantasy reads. It was refreshing and a different story. Combining wedding planning with paranormal chaos creates endless opportunities for humor and creative situations. The author clearly had fun with the concept, and it shows throughout the story. I laughed at a lot of parts and really that’s sometimes what a reader needs.
3. Cozy Supernatural Atmosphere
The world-building provided enough magical details to feel immersive without becoming overly complicated. It also left more room for the author to build on this character and world, which is incredibly smart. Readers who enjoy cozy fantasy and light paranormal adventures will likely appreciate how accessible and inviting the supernatural elements feel.
4. Romantic Development
The romance unfolds naturally alongside the larger story. The emotional moments felt genuine, and the chemistry between the characters added warmth to the narrative without overshadowing the plot. There was little to know smut throughout the book and although not my usual preference it felt crucial for the main female character, very empowering and different from a lot of other paranormal romances. It felt extremely natural to real life romance development, slower, etc.
What Didn't Work for Me:
1. Some Predictable Plot Beats & Pacing Issues
A few story developments felt somewhat predictable, particularly for readers like myself who consume a lot of paranormal romance. With the predictable plot beats, the pacing dragged a bit. It isn’t a plot line with a lot of action elements. It is definitely not one of those paranormal romance stories. There were points I was like “come on, let’s get on with what happens next.” Overall this didn't lessen my enjoyment significantly, some twists may be easier to anticipate and some dragging should be expected when you read this, especially if you have ADHD and attention difficulties.
2. Wanted More Paranormal World-Building
I found myself wanting at the end even more information about the supernatural community and its rules. However, I believe the author has set up for additional books and character building for the characters within the novel. The world was interesting enough that I would have happily spent additional time exploring it. I look forward to seeing what the author does with this world.
3. Secondary Characters
While the supporting cast was extremely enjoyable and humorous, I would have loved a little more depth and page time for some of the side characters who added personality to the story. Again, I really feel that readers will get this in forthcoming books from this author.
Things to Consider Before Reading:
• This is a lighter paranormal romance rather than a dark paranormal story.
• Readers looking for heavy horror elements will find the tone too cozy.
• The focus is equally split between supernatural chaos, character development, and minor romance.
• Humor plays an important role in the overall reading experience.
• The story prioritizes charm and entertainment over high-stakes darkness.
Neurodivergent Reader Thoughts:
As a neurodivergent reader, I particularly appreciated how Samantha navigates constant unpredictability while trying to manage multiple competing responsibilities. Her experience often felt like the mental juggling many ADHD and AuDHD readers may recognize, for me especially trying to stay organized while unexpected situations continue appearing out of nowhere are a challenge daily.
The wedding planning aspect creates a structure focused environment that contrasts nicely with the chaos of the paranormal world. To me it perfectly simulates the ADHD paradox of hating a schedule but needing one to function. Watching Samantha adapt, problem-solve, and continue moving forward despite setbacks felt both relatable and encouraging to this neurodivergent reader
The cozy atmosphere and manageable stakes made this an easy and enjoyable read that didn't require extensive emotional recovery afterward. This is a feature many neurodivergent readers could appreciate during periods of burnout or low energy.
Final Thoughts:
Samantha Spuk, Paranormal Wedding Planner is a charming paranormal romance filled with supernatural mishaps, lovable characters, cozy magical vibes, and a satisfying romantic storyline. It offers an entertaining blend of humor, heart, and paranormal adventure that makes for an enjoyable escape.
If you enjoy quirky heroines, cozy paranormal settings, magical chaos, and romances that leave you smiling, this book is worth adding to your TBR.
Neurospicy After Dark Archive Rating
🌶️ Spice: Minor
⭐ Overall Enjoyment: 4 out of 5 Stars
🧠 Neurospicy Rating: I will remember it because it isn’t my usual read.
ARC Disclaimer
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of Samantha Spuk, Paranormal Wedding Planner by Aleese Lin. This review reflects my honest opinions and personal reading experience. Receiving an ARC did not influence my thoughts, ratings, or review in any way. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am posting this review voluntarily.
Author: Aleese Lin
Genre: Paranormal Urban Cozy Comedy Romance
Subgenres: Supernatural Romance, Lighthearted Fantasy, Paranormal Mystery
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Spice Level: 0.5/5 Chili Peppers
My Recommendations: Readers who enjoy quirky paranormal worlds, supernatural matchmaking, cozy fantasy vibes, humorous heroines, and romances with a touch of magic and chaos.
Content Warnings
• Paranormal themes and supernatural creatures
• Ghosts and spirits
• Mild peril and magical conflict
• Discussions of grief and loss
• Wedding-related stress and family dynamics
• Romantic and emotional tension
Note: Readers should always check the publisher's content guidance for the most accurate and complete list of warnings.
My Thoughts:
Samantha Spuk, Paranormal Wedding Planner was a delightfully charming paranormal romance that I thought perfectly blended humor, heart, and supernatural chaos into an entertaining package. I would say that Samantha is the kind of heroine who finds herself constantly juggling unexpected magical problems while trying to keep her clients happy, and that combination created plenty of fun moments throughout the story.
What I enjoyed most was the balance between the paranormal elements and the relationship development. The magical world felt whimsical without becoming overwhelming, allowing the characters and their interactions to remain the true focus of the story. The pacing kept me engaged, and I found myself eager to see how Samantha would solve each new supernatural disaster that threatened to derail her plans.
Admittedly the spice in this novel was practically non-existent and I felt the romance element was more secondary to the plot then it should have been. Samantha at times felt a bit annoying with her almost bullheaded stubborn thoughts and I was exasperated at times with her. I kept thinking “why do you want to be normal?”, but I do think it was important to the character development and plot for her to be this way.
The supporting characters were extremely unique, and I really enjoyed the development of one character specifically. The reveal of who the character really is, and it was a lovely end of the novel twist that made me laugh. This is a character that once you read the story, you will know exactly who I am talking about in this review. I do not want to spoil it for anyone but suffice to say I felt this character was one of if not the best parts of the storyline.
To me this story delivers a cozy paranormal atmosphere while still offering enough mystery, romance, and magical intrigue to keep most readers turning pages.
What Worked for Me:
1. Samantha's Personality
Although at some points annoying to me, I would say overall that Samantha was easy to root for from the beginning, I found her relatable in a lot of ways. Her determination, sense of responsibility, and willingness to keep pushing forward despite increasingly ridiculous supernatural problems made her a lovable protagonist. She felt relatable even within a magical setting because her struggles often mirrored real-life feelings of trying to keep everything together when life gets messy. I really enjoyed that she wasn’t cliché paranormal heroine with badass fantastical powers, but just a normal human throughout the plot. That was definitely a fresh take for me to read.
2. The Paranormal Wedding Concept
The premise of the plotline itself is incredibly fun. I felt it was a lovely palate cleanser from my more recent dark romance and dark fantasy reads. It was refreshing and a different story. Combining wedding planning with paranormal chaos creates endless opportunities for humor and creative situations. The author clearly had fun with the concept, and it shows throughout the story. I laughed at a lot of parts and really that’s sometimes what a reader needs.
3. Cozy Supernatural Atmosphere
The world-building provided enough magical details to feel immersive without becoming overly complicated. It also left more room for the author to build on this character and world, which is incredibly smart. Readers who enjoy cozy fantasy and light paranormal adventures will likely appreciate how accessible and inviting the supernatural elements feel.
4. Romantic Development
The romance unfolds naturally alongside the larger story. The emotional moments felt genuine, and the chemistry between the characters added warmth to the narrative without overshadowing the plot. There was little to know smut throughout the book and although not my usual preference it felt crucial for the main female character, very empowering and different from a lot of other paranormal romances. It felt extremely natural to real life romance development, slower, etc.
What Didn't Work for Me:
1. Some Predictable Plot Beats & Pacing Issues
A few story developments felt somewhat predictable, particularly for readers like myself who consume a lot of paranormal romance. With the predictable plot beats, the pacing dragged a bit. It isn’t a plot line with a lot of action elements. It is definitely not one of those paranormal romance stories. There were points I was like “come on, let’s get on with what happens next.” Overall this didn't lessen my enjoyment significantly, some twists may be easier to anticipate and some dragging should be expected when you read this, especially if you have ADHD and attention difficulties.
2. Wanted More Paranormal World-Building
I found myself wanting at the end even more information about the supernatural community and its rules. However, I believe the author has set up for additional books and character building for the characters within the novel. The world was interesting enough that I would have happily spent additional time exploring it. I look forward to seeing what the author does with this world.
3. Secondary Characters
While the supporting cast was extremely enjoyable and humorous, I would have loved a little more depth and page time for some of the side characters who added personality to the story. Again, I really feel that readers will get this in forthcoming books from this author.
Things to Consider Before Reading:
• This is a lighter paranormal romance rather than a dark paranormal story.
• Readers looking for heavy horror elements will find the tone too cozy.
• The focus is equally split between supernatural chaos, character development, and minor romance.
• Humor plays an important role in the overall reading experience.
• The story prioritizes charm and entertainment over high-stakes darkness.
Neurodivergent Reader Thoughts:
As a neurodivergent reader, I particularly appreciated how Samantha navigates constant unpredictability while trying to manage multiple competing responsibilities. Her experience often felt like the mental juggling many ADHD and AuDHD readers may recognize, for me especially trying to stay organized while unexpected situations continue appearing out of nowhere are a challenge daily.
The wedding planning aspect creates a structure focused environment that contrasts nicely with the chaos of the paranormal world. To me it perfectly simulates the ADHD paradox of hating a schedule but needing one to function. Watching Samantha adapt, problem-solve, and continue moving forward despite setbacks felt both relatable and encouraging to this neurodivergent reader
The cozy atmosphere and manageable stakes made this an easy and enjoyable read that didn't require extensive emotional recovery afterward. This is a feature many neurodivergent readers could appreciate during periods of burnout or low energy.
Final Thoughts:
Samantha Spuk, Paranormal Wedding Planner is a charming paranormal romance filled with supernatural mishaps, lovable characters, cozy magical vibes, and a satisfying romantic storyline. It offers an entertaining blend of humor, heart, and paranormal adventure that makes for an enjoyable escape.
If you enjoy quirky heroines, cozy paranormal settings, magical chaos, and romances that leave you smiling, this book is worth adding to your TBR.
Neurospicy After Dark Archive Rating
🌶️ Spice: Minor
⭐ Overall Enjoyment: 4 out of 5 Stars
🧠 Neurospicy Rating: I will remember it because it isn’t my usual read.
ARC Disclaimer
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of Samantha Spuk, Paranormal Wedding Planner by Aleese Lin. This review reflects my honest opinions and personal reading experience. Receiving an ARC did not influence my thoughts, ratings, or review in any way. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am posting this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2026
This was a really fun lighthearted read. It felt very contemporary writing wise, mixed with some fun paranormal/fantasy themes. I’m not sure if this is technically considered cozy, but stakes always remained fairly low and felt cozy throughout most of the story. I’d recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick fall/halloween read. My only major complaint for this book came down to more the marketing. This book was pushed pretty hard as a romance and nothing I read or could find mentioned that it was not a standalone. I went in expecting a standalone and was a bit disappointed by the lack of romance by the end. I do think that it’ll be great in the follow up and am excited to see the romance progress, just wasn’t prepared for it to not be a HEA.
June 11, 2026
TL;DR: A goofy, fun read.
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much!
Plot: Sabby wants nothing to do with the supernatural, but life has other plans.
Characters: I can’t say the were the deepest characters but they were a lot of fun.
Setting: Salem was a fun, if just barely described at times. I am glad I have a base knowledge so I could visualize it.
Urban Fantasy: We don’t get a lot of info on how these Community members blend in, but we definitely have a lot of them!
Thoughts:
This was a goofy, fun time. If you’re here for a good time with the silly vibes, you’re going to find it. Sabby (Samantha) wants nothing to do with the paranormal even though her family has been waist deep in it for generations. A traumatic event with an old lady and a prank has left her with a sour taste and she wants to the beige boring life for now.
This obviously doesn’t go to plan and she is forced to take advantage of a miscommunication and begins wedding planning. I know. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but just run with it. You also need to run with the disembodied head that spends all his time bouncing around optimistically helping her, a pixie with a sugar addiction, and Sabby’s constant pessimism. It is fun, I swear!
In addition to all this I liked the unique takes on some very familiar creatures. Vampires are limp wristed wimps, Fae lean into their prankster side, and the one sasquatch we get was a delight. Also a sentient island? This was very creative.
I especially loved the unconventional ending on this one. It reminded me of the urban fantasy books of my youth (though far less serious) where not everything is settled in the end. Sabby has growth! She stands up for herself and I loved it. I fully intend on continuing this series, what a great time.
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much!
Plot: Sabby wants nothing to do with the supernatural, but life has other plans.
Characters: I can’t say the were the deepest characters but they were a lot of fun.
Setting: Salem was a fun, if just barely described at times. I am glad I have a base knowledge so I could visualize it.
Urban Fantasy: We don’t get a lot of info on how these Community members blend in, but we definitely have a lot of them!
Thoughts:
This was a goofy, fun time. If you’re here for a good time with the silly vibes, you’re going to find it. Sabby (Samantha) wants nothing to do with the paranormal even though her family has been waist deep in it for generations. A traumatic event with an old lady and a prank has left her with a sour taste and she wants to the beige boring life for now.
This obviously doesn’t go to plan and she is forced to take advantage of a miscommunication and begins wedding planning. I know. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but just run with it. You also need to run with the disembodied head that spends all his time bouncing around optimistically helping her, a pixie with a sugar addiction, and Sabby’s constant pessimism. It is fun, I swear!
In addition to all this I liked the unique takes on some very familiar creatures. Vampires are limp wristed wimps, Fae lean into their prankster side, and the one sasquatch we get was a delight. Also a sentient island? This was very creative.
I especially loved the unconventional ending on this one. It reminded me of the urban fantasy books of my youth (though far less serious) where not everything is settled in the end. Sabby has growth! She stands up for herself and I loved it. I fully intend on continuing this series, what a great time.
May 31, 2026
This was such a fun read.
Was it perfect? No. The FMC got on my nerves a few times, and there were moments where I felt the story wandered a bit more than I wanted. But honestly, I still enjoyed myself the entire time.
The real stars of this book are the paranormal characters. Every new creature that showed up brought something entertaining to the story, and the talking head assistant absolutely stole the show for me. Every scene with him was a delight.
I also loved the wedding planner concept. Watching supernatural creatures navigate wedding drama was just as chaotic and amusing as it sounds. The book leans into its quirky, offbeat humor, and that’s where it shines the most.
This isn’t the book to pick up if you’re looking for intense romance, high stakes, or a deeply complex fantasy world. It’s much more focused on being a fun, cozy, paranormal adventure with plenty of laughs along the way.
Overall, this was a cute and entertaining read that left me smiling. The paranormal cast, the humor, and the wonderfully weird situations made it an easy book to enjoy, even when a few elements didn’t completely work for me. If you’re looking for something lighthearted, spooky, and a little different, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. Thanks so saga press got the gifted arc.
Was it perfect? No. The FMC got on my nerves a few times, and there were moments where I felt the story wandered a bit more than I wanted. But honestly, I still enjoyed myself the entire time.
The real stars of this book are the paranormal characters. Every new creature that showed up brought something entertaining to the story, and the talking head assistant absolutely stole the show for me. Every scene with him was a delight.
I also loved the wedding planner concept. Watching supernatural creatures navigate wedding drama was just as chaotic and amusing as it sounds. The book leans into its quirky, offbeat humor, and that’s where it shines the most.
This isn’t the book to pick up if you’re looking for intense romance, high stakes, or a deeply complex fantasy world. It’s much more focused on being a fun, cozy, paranormal adventure with plenty of laughs along the way.
Overall, this was a cute and entertaining read that left me smiling. The paranormal cast, the humor, and the wonderfully weird situations made it an easy book to enjoy, even when a few elements didn’t completely work for me. If you’re looking for something lighthearted, spooky, and a little different, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. Thanks so saga press got the gifted arc.
May 30, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. So I really thought this was going to be right up my alley so idk why I had such a hard time getting into it. I struggled with trying to understand Sabby wanting such a boring life tbh even with the story she mentioned. I find it weird the whole dagger/cabal thing wasn’t really explained or addressed really. I loved the quirky Wednesday vibes of the book. The humor was good at times, disjointed at others, and I never really laughed out loud sadly. I loved the side characters especially Mandy and Bulan. I can’t say that I really liked Hanry. I was almost disappointed that it seems like she is going to take him back after his soul searching journey. Love that she chose the wedding planning as being more important to her than him. Hopefully the writing will improve with possible future books!
Thanks to the Simon and Schuster booth at Bookcon for the ARC!
Thanks to the Simon and Schuster booth at Bookcon for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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