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You’re the One That I Haunt
Not yet published
Expected 1 Oct 26A debut speculative romcom for fans of MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING and THE DEAD ROMANTICS, in which a woman must team up with a distractingly handsome ghost to save her childhood crush (and love of her life) from a generational curse.
Libby Lakoski has two major problems. First, she’s secretly in love with her best friend, Carter Coldwell, and second, he’s marrying someone else. For fifteen years, Carter’s affluent life on the Upper East Side has been the definition of “home” for Libby, a stark contrast to her shoebox apartment and absent mother. Carter’s the only person who has ever made Libby feel chosen, and she’s not ready to give up on him. Sure, his fiancée is a British diamond heiress, but Carter and Libby have years of history filled with runs in Central Park and late-night pizza. Not to mention, she’s the only one who knows his family is cursed.
But then a third problem presents itself—or, himself. Trip Coldwell is Carter’s handsome, smart, flirtatious cousin who also happens to be a ghost. Trip’s “unfinished business” is to break the Coldwell curse, but the solution hinges on Carter getting married. Unfortunately, Libby is the only living person who can see him, and her objective is the exact opposite.
Appealing to Libby’s unrequited crush, Trip enlists her help to break the curse before Carter is affected. As they follow a trail of clues across New York City, Libby learns more about Trip and the complicated dynamics of the Coldwell family. She finds herself questioning just how much Carter reciprocated her friendship, feeling perplexed by a growing attraction to Trip, and worse, fantasizing about actually touching him. With the countdown to the wedding in full swing, Libby must choose between breaking the curse and holding tight to her best friend forever.
Libby Lakoski has two major problems. First, she’s secretly in love with her best friend, Carter Coldwell, and second, he’s marrying someone else. For fifteen years, Carter’s affluent life on the Upper East Side has been the definition of “home” for Libby, a stark contrast to her shoebox apartment and absent mother. Carter’s the only person who has ever made Libby feel chosen, and she’s not ready to give up on him. Sure, his fiancée is a British diamond heiress, but Carter and Libby have years of history filled with runs in Central Park and late-night pizza. Not to mention, she’s the only one who knows his family is cursed.
But then a third problem presents itself—or, himself. Trip Coldwell is Carter’s handsome, smart, flirtatious cousin who also happens to be a ghost. Trip’s “unfinished business” is to break the Coldwell curse, but the solution hinges on Carter getting married. Unfortunately, Libby is the only living person who can see him, and her objective is the exact opposite.
Appealing to Libby’s unrequited crush, Trip enlists her help to break the curse before Carter is affected. As they follow a trail of clues across New York City, Libby learns more about Trip and the complicated dynamics of the Coldwell family. She finds herself questioning just how much Carter reciprocated her friendship, feeling perplexed by a growing attraction to Trip, and worse, fantasizing about actually touching him. With the countdown to the wedding in full swing, Libby must choose between breaking the curse and holding tight to her best friend forever.
ebook
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Katie Jung
1 book124 followersKatie Jung lives in Syracuse, New York with her husband and three children. By day, she works in climate change communications, but spends her evenings writing stories with happier endings. YOU’RE THE ONE THAT I HAUNT was selected for the 2024 SmoochPit Mentorship Program. When she's not daydreaming about her characters, you can find Katie walking the golf course near her house (often listening to an audiobook), having solo dance parties in her car, or chasing after her kids with a cup of coffee that's most likely gone cold. Connect with her on all social media platforms at @katiejungwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 wildly enthusiastic stars. I. ABSOLUTELY. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. I finished the acknowledgements, realized it was 100% finished, and then I literally happy snorted, something I have never done in my life??
Let me back up a bit, though, and start out by thanking NetGalley and Viking Penguin for giving me a free copy of this book so that I could share my thoughts about it.
Before I even get into the book itself, can I just say that it’s so nice, especially as an avid ARC reader, to get my hands on a book that required zero notes of, “Umm, I think this might need to be fixed” from me. The writing was tight, my copy of the ebook was correctly formatted and free of any glaring typos/grammatical issues, the plot/storyline/characters/flow/pacing were all nice and consistent, everything made sense (hallelujah), and most importantly, it was genuinely fun and interesting to read.
The premise of the book (which reminded me very slightly of Just Like Heaven, an extremely 2000s-coded movie from 2005 starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo) is that Libby, the female main character, is hopelessly in love with her rich, privileged male bestie Carter. Unfortunately, Carter is newly engaged to Sabrina, the world’s most perfect woman, and as Libby goes off to lick her wounds from this very sad (for her) reality at the happy new couple’s engagement party, she bumps into the “ghost” of his cousin, who isn’t actually dead, but is in a coma after a bad accident (and is therefore astral projecting, I guess?). The story starts from there.
I found this to be the best read; it checked all of my "tropes I love" boxes, and I absolutely flew through it. My one and only complaint is that I simply didn't get enough of any of it: I wanted to see more of the relationship between Libby and her grandmother, and more of her and Trip, and more of her and Sabrina, and more of her with her bestie Zuri, and more of her with her job/passion for helping others, and more of her new seeing the dead powers, and more of the epilogue. Obviously, fitting this all in would have made the book 700 pages long, so I absolutely understand why this wasn't in the cards, but still...a little less Carter and a little more of all of that would have been delightful.
What I especially enjoyed about this book was the way that it had a great message, but I wasn't bashed over the head with that message, either. Libby’s character journey revolves around learning to trust that she’s worthy of being chosen—not just by others, but by herself—and the way she embarks on that journey was extremely realistic for her particular personality...which was a little bit avoidant, a little bit meek, and a little bit uncertain, yet also very strong and focused and formidable when she was in one of her comfort zones.
By the end of the book, Libby was a better, stronger person, and yet she was also still the same person, just a slightly evolved version who is much more willing to fight for herself. And, without giving any spoilers, I felt like the choices she made along the way were good ones.
As for Trip the “ghost”...can he please have an entire book? He was such an amazing character, but then again, so was Libby's grandmother, Sabrina, and (even though we don’t get to see much of her) Yuri, too.
All in all, I thought this book was engaging and fun, and it left me feeling delighted all the way til the last page. Out of a sea of indecisive, self-sabotaging, and often outright stupid main characters, getting a flawed yet still likable main character like Libby was SUCH a breath of fresh air. I cannot wait to read more from this author. What a great debut!
Also, additional kudos to the author’s publishing team for helping her put out such a nicely finished total package (especially that cover!). This book is the perfect example of where traditional publishing still shines. When the team involved is willing to invest their time, effort, and resources into creating the best possible final product, it really shows.
Blog post: https://www.ace-reviews.com/arc-revie...
Let me back up a bit, though, and start out by thanking NetGalley and Viking Penguin for giving me a free copy of this book so that I could share my thoughts about it.
Before I even get into the book itself, can I just say that it’s so nice, especially as an avid ARC reader, to get my hands on a book that required zero notes of, “Umm, I think this might need to be fixed” from me. The writing was tight, my copy of the ebook was correctly formatted and free of any glaring typos/grammatical issues, the plot/storyline/characters/flow/pacing were all nice and consistent, everything made sense (hallelujah), and most importantly, it was genuinely fun and interesting to read.
The premise of the book (which reminded me very slightly of Just Like Heaven, an extremely 2000s-coded movie from 2005 starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo) is that Libby, the female main character, is hopelessly in love with her rich, privileged male bestie Carter. Unfortunately, Carter is newly engaged to Sabrina, the world’s most perfect woman, and as Libby goes off to lick her wounds from this very sad (for her) reality at the happy new couple’s engagement party, she bumps into the “ghost” of his cousin, who isn’t actually dead, but is in a coma after a bad accident (and is therefore astral projecting, I guess?). The story starts from there.
I found this to be the best read; it checked all of my "tropes I love" boxes, and I absolutely flew through it. My one and only complaint is that I simply didn't get enough of any of it: I wanted to see more of the relationship between Libby and her grandmother, and more of her and Trip, and more of her and Sabrina, and more of her with her bestie Zuri, and more of her with her job/passion for helping others, and more of her new seeing the dead powers, and more of the epilogue. Obviously, fitting this all in would have made the book 700 pages long, so I absolutely understand why this wasn't in the cards, but still...a little less Carter and a little more of all of that would have been delightful.
What I especially enjoyed about this book was the way that it had a great message, but I wasn't bashed over the head with that message, either. Libby’s character journey revolves around learning to trust that she’s worthy of being chosen—not just by others, but by herself—and the way she embarks on that journey was extremely realistic for her particular personality...which was a little bit avoidant, a little bit meek, and a little bit uncertain, yet also very strong and focused and formidable when she was in one of her comfort zones.
By the end of the book, Libby was a better, stronger person, and yet she was also still the same person, just a slightly evolved version who is much more willing to fight for herself. And, without giving any spoilers, I felt like the choices she made along the way were good ones.
As for Trip the “ghost”...can he please have an entire book? He was such an amazing character, but then again, so was Libby's grandmother, Sabrina, and (even though we don’t get to see much of her) Yuri, too.
All in all, I thought this book was engaging and fun, and it left me feeling delighted all the way til the last page. Out of a sea of indecisive, self-sabotaging, and often outright stupid main characters, getting a flawed yet still likable main character like Libby was SUCH a breath of fresh air. I cannot wait to read more from this author. What a great debut!
Also, additional kudos to the author’s publishing team for helping her put out such a nicely finished total package (especially that cover!). This book is the perfect example of where traditional publishing still shines. When the team involved is willing to invest their time, effort, and resources into creating the best possible final product, it really shows.
Blog post: https://www.ace-reviews.com/arc-revie...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
One word: OBSESSED. If you want a man who pines and yearns!?! Look no further, because Trip will become your new favorite ghost boyfriend.
Seriously, if you love 2000s rom coms, you've come to the right place. You're the One That I Haunt takes place in New York City and is about our heroine Libby who has been in love with her best friend for years. Except her best friend comes back from London with a fiancé. And at one of their parties, she takes a break in the family's library and comes face to face with a ghost, who just so happens to be her best friend's cousin. Very hot cousin. And he needs her help. Trip is in a coma and asks for Libby's help to break a family curse before the wedding. These twooooo. Omg. They are falling so hard for one another as they try to break this curse together, and time is ticking to literally save Trip's life. I loved their journey towards breaking the curse and their chemistry!? The TENSION!? Imagine yearning for someone you literally can't touch even if you tried. I was so obsessed with these two and this book is for sure a favorite of the year.
I know this one doesn't come out for a few months, but pleeasseee preorder this one and pick it up when it releases! We need more ghost romances and I'm so happy Katie Jung absolutely delivered with this one!
One word: OBSESSED. If you want a man who pines and yearns!?! Look no further, because Trip will become your new favorite ghost boyfriend.
Seriously, if you love 2000s rom coms, you've come to the right place. You're the One That I Haunt takes place in New York City and is about our heroine Libby who has been in love with her best friend for years. Except her best friend comes back from London with a fiancé. And at one of their parties, she takes a break in the family's library and comes face to face with a ghost, who just so happens to be her best friend's cousin. Very hot cousin. And he needs her help. Trip is in a coma and asks for Libby's help to break a family curse before the wedding. These twooooo. Omg. They are falling so hard for one another as they try to break this curse together, and time is ticking to literally save Trip's life. I loved their journey towards breaking the curse and their chemistry!? The TENSION!? Imagine yearning for someone you literally can't touch even if you tried. I was so obsessed with these two and this book is for sure a favorite of the year.
I know this one doesn't come out for a few months, but pleeasseee preorder this one and pick it up when it releases! We need more ghost romances and I'm so happy Katie Jung absolutely delivered with this one!
Want to Read
September 8, 2026I JUST GOT APPROVED I'M SQUEALING
arcs-to-read
April 22, 2026OMG I GOT THE ARC 😭💗 I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED TO READ THIS 🥹🤭
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
—◊▸⊱✧One of my favorite debut of 2026
If you are fan of Ashley Poston and Kirsty Greenwood then this book is perfect for you!
» TRIP COLDWELL— the most devastatingly HOT and empathetic ghost in the history
He is truly an ANGEL 🥹🫶
I can dedicate my whole review to this character. I am genuinely so deeply touched by the actions of this man. One of the best characters i have read.
The way he brings out the side of Libby which she herself didn't know existed. The way she felt free around him. He was so good, so charming. He gave the perfect home-y vibes. Every moment with Trip is so so enjoyable in the story. He genuinely cared for her. They can't even touch each other and he says things like 'tell me what you want'. What more a girl can ask for, huh?
I am never getting over his character;)
Forever will have a special place in my heart♡
» And boy the banter. It was genuinely soooo good. perfect timed dialogues. just perfect! i was having fun and hurting at the same time. Most lethal combination btw :)
» Can we talk about the whole premise of this book? The NewYork setting? The wedding events? The mystery? The lovable side character? The whole idea of this book just blown my mind away. So so well executed plot. I loved each and every character. And dare i say i also loved Carter? Whatever happened between them was all so genuine and agreeable. Everything just kept me so so engrossed into the story that i read this straight up in two days! Eeeeekkkk, I am never gonna shut up about this book.
» There's also this small ache in my heart, a very delicious ache, like it hurts and is smoothed with a balm immediately, in a most delicate way possible, i hope i'm making sense;)
» Just a little part of me was longing for Trip's POV. I was feeling that absence of his POV at some points. And also we can't call this a love triangle she spent a lot of time with Trip and at some point her feelings were straight predictable.
BUT ANYWAYS,
⇒My heart genuinely feels so full after reading this. *sighs* really loved this book.
This was my most anticipated book of this year and it hit the marked just PERFECT!
5/5 stars without a blink.
*Thank you Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————◊°⁙⁕
↪pre-read
—⁕◊ OMG i got the ARC. This is my most anticipated book of the year😭
I am not even wasting a single minute for starting this!
*Thank you Random House UK for this ARC
If you are fan of Ashley Poston and Kirsty Greenwood then this book is perfect for you!
» TRIP COLDWELL— the most devastatingly HOT and empathetic ghost in the history
He is truly an ANGEL 🥹🫶
I can dedicate my whole review to this character. I am genuinely so deeply touched by the actions of this man. One of the best characters i have read.
The way he brings out the side of Libby which she herself didn't know existed. The way she felt free around him. He was so good, so charming. He gave the perfect home-y vibes. Every moment with Trip is so so enjoyable in the story. He genuinely cared for her. They can't even touch each other and he says things like 'tell me what you want'. What more a girl can ask for, huh?
I am never getting over his character;)
Forever will have a special place in my heart♡
» And boy the banter. It was genuinely soooo good. perfect timed dialogues. just perfect! i was having fun and hurting at the same time. Most lethal combination btw :)
» Can we talk about the whole premise of this book? The NewYork setting? The wedding events? The mystery? The lovable side character? The whole idea of this book just blown my mind away. So so well executed plot. I loved each and every character. And dare i say i also loved Carter? Whatever happened between them was all so genuine and agreeable. Everything just kept me so so engrossed into the story that i read this straight up in two days! Eeeeekkkk, I am never gonna shut up about this book.
» There's also this small ache in my heart, a very delicious ache, like it hurts and is smoothed with a balm immediately, in a most delicate way possible, i hope i'm making sense;)
» Just a little part of me was longing for Trip's POV. I was feeling that absence of his POV at some points. And also we can't call this a love triangle she spent a lot of time with Trip and at some point her feelings were straight predictable.
BUT ANYWAYS,
⇒My heart genuinely feels so full after reading this. *sighs* really loved this book.
This was my most anticipated book of this year and it hit the marked just PERFECT!
5/5 stars without a blink.
“Just give it a second.”iykyk and they still can't touch
“The noises you make are enough for me to wish for a second life.”
“I love Sabrina. But Carter and I have been friends for fifteen years. I’ve loved him for fifteen years. It— it’s complicated.”always seeing rigth through her
“Is it?”
*Thank you Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————◊°⁙⁕
↪pre-read
—⁕◊ OMG i got the ARC. This is my most anticipated book of the year😭
I am not even wasting a single minute for starting this!
*Thank you Random House UK for this ARC
June 10, 2026
Super cute, with good writing and a smoking ghost romance 🥰. Ya, I was definitely entertained!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
Release date 9/22/2026!
This was super enjoyable and easy to read. The FMC had a great, entertaining personality which made her inner monologue really fun to read though out the story. I loved the storyline dynamic between the best friend she has secretly been in love with her whole life and the unexpected slow growing friendship our FMC built with his fiancé. It felt really wholehearted and genuine. I fell like you get a lot of pitting women agent each other in these situations, so it was nice to see that was not the case in this book! 😊We got a nice Allies to Lovers romance in this. I would have liked a little more tension, but it all felt really laid back which made for a fun cozy read. It felt really balanced between romance and storyline. This had a good mystery plot going on so that really kept you hooked all the way though.
For this being a debut I am really impressed and will be keeping an eye out on what Katie brings us next! 💞 Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
Release date 9/22/2026!
This was super enjoyable and easy to read. The FMC had a great, entertaining personality which made her inner monologue really fun to read though out the story. I loved the storyline dynamic between the best friend she has secretly been in love with her whole life and the unexpected slow growing friendship our FMC built with his fiancé. It felt really wholehearted and genuine. I fell like you get a lot of pitting women agent each other in these situations, so it was nice to see that was not the case in this book! 😊We got a nice Allies to Lovers romance in this. I would have liked a little more tension, but it all felt really laid back which made for a fun cozy read. It felt really balanced between romance and storyline. This had a good mystery plot going on so that really kept you hooked all the way though.
For this being a debut I am really impressed and will be keeping an eye out on what Katie brings us next! 💞 Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC.
August 16, 2026
I was completely smitten with this one. If you love 90’s rom coms, especially My Best Friend's Wedding, and an incredibly teasing slow burn with a ghostly twist, this one is definitely for you. I loved not only the story but the characters so much so that I honestly never wanted to the book to end. The fact that I ran to the authors page after finishing this to see what else I could read by Katie, and of course it was bittersweet to see that not only was this her debut novel, but now I have to wait because I just want to devour more of her work after reading this one.
This is set-in modern-day NYC and our girl Libby is completely, irrevocably in love with her best friend of 15 years. The downside? Carter is literally set to be married in a matter of months. While wallowing in self-pity over the fact that the love of her life is getting married, she decides that she is going to do anything she can to ruin this wedding and show that her and Carter are so meant to be. The only problem? Carters' cousin Trip hears the whole thing and tells her she has to let the wedding go through to break the family curse. And you may be asking, how does he know the family is actually cursed? He’s actually a ghost, she’s the only one that cannot only see him, but save him and Carter as well.
This really did hit all of the rom com notes. You want banter? Lifting the family curse? Double check. Angst, jealousy, drama and a delicious slow burn? Check, check, check and CHECK. While there wasn’t a lot of spice per se, the tension, angst and slow burn most definitely made up for it. This is definitely going to be one of the best reads for spooky season.
*Thank you so much to Viking Penguin/ Penguin books, NetGalley and the author Katie Jung, for the ARC!*
This is set-in modern-day NYC and our girl Libby is completely, irrevocably in love with her best friend of 15 years. The downside? Carter is literally set to be married in a matter of months. While wallowing in self-pity over the fact that the love of her life is getting married, she decides that she is going to do anything she can to ruin this wedding and show that her and Carter are so meant to be. The only problem? Carters' cousin Trip hears the whole thing and tells her she has to let the wedding go through to break the family curse. And you may be asking, how does he know the family is actually cursed? He’s actually a ghost, she’s the only one that cannot only see him, but save him and Carter as well.
This really did hit all of the rom com notes. You want banter? Lifting the family curse? Double check. Angst, jealousy, drama and a delicious slow burn? Check, check, check and CHECK. While there wasn’t a lot of spice per se, the tension, angst and slow burn most definitely made up for it. This is definitely going to be one of the best reads for spooky season.
*Thank you so much to Viking Penguin/ Penguin books, NetGalley and the author Katie Jung, for the ARC!*
September 10, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
This book was SO CUTE! 🥹😭 It’s truly the perfect time of the year to read it, too, if the title doesn’t already clue you in! I really loved that even though I’ve read a good bit of paranormal romance, this story had its own unique take on things and kept me on my toes the whole time. I wasn’t really sure which direction things were going to go.
And while this does technically classify as a love triangle, it is—strangely—more complicated than that. I will not be explaining further: read the book! 😉 The relationships are all messy, for sure, but I LOVED the focus on friendship throughout; it almost was as central of a theme as the romance itself, and it plays out in multiple ways with multiple characters. There’s also a heavy focus on family and legacy, which was woven in very well.
But the romance for sure had me swooning. Because these two couldn’t touch for like…most of the book, the tension and yearning was PALPABLE. Even I was sweating for a completely fictional couple. I also liked that this forced a lot of their relationship to be focused on laying a foundation of getting to know each other, trusting each other, and becoming friends. But also, Katie Jung is a genius because she gets REAL creative with the spice in here…that’s all I’m going to say. 🥵 I liked most of the characters in the book, but Trip was just on ANOTHER LEVEL for me!! Top tier book boyfriend right there.
I felt like this was an extremely well planned and written book with so much depth even beyond the romance—even a good bit of mystery! It’s also set in New York which gives it a very atmospheric vibe. Highly recommend!
This book was SO CUTE! 🥹😭 It’s truly the perfect time of the year to read it, too, if the title doesn’t already clue you in! I really loved that even though I’ve read a good bit of paranormal romance, this story had its own unique take on things and kept me on my toes the whole time. I wasn’t really sure which direction things were going to go.
And while this does technically classify as a love triangle, it is—strangely—more complicated than that. I will not be explaining further: read the book! 😉 The relationships are all messy, for sure, but I LOVED the focus on friendship throughout; it almost was as central of a theme as the romance itself, and it plays out in multiple ways with multiple characters. There’s also a heavy focus on family and legacy, which was woven in very well.
But the romance for sure had me swooning. Because these two couldn’t touch for like…most of the book, the tension and yearning was PALPABLE. Even I was sweating for a completely fictional couple. I also liked that this forced a lot of their relationship to be focused on laying a foundation of getting to know each other, trusting each other, and becoming friends. But also, Katie Jung is a genius because she gets REAL creative with the spice in here…that’s all I’m going to say. 🥵 I liked most of the characters in the book, but Trip was just on ANOTHER LEVEL for me!! Top tier book boyfriend right there.
I felt like this was an extremely well planned and written book with so much depth even beyond the romance—even a good bit of mystery! It’s also set in New York which gives it a very atmospheric vibe. Highly recommend!
September 12, 2026
Thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌
A beautiful debut from Katie Jung! Ashley Poston fans will definitely want to tune in for this one!
When I say I like messy books with drama and family legacy chaos, You're the One That I Haunt will be one I fondly call to mind. Katie Jung's storytelling is clear, full of wit and a tender poignancy befitting the complexity that comes with navigating grief and hardship.
Trip (and his slutty little gold hoop earring) was such a charming love interest for our leading girl! I loved their banter and the constant push & pull of their attempts to deny their attraction despite the clear prohibitors that made this ache and burn so well.
This also had a bit of a mystery element to it, making it a deliciously cozy book to curl up with this fall, warm drink in hand and an image of a Theo James face with a Jess Mariano attitude....you're welcome.
(This really does read like Rory + Jess fanficton, pleaseeeee do with that what you will!)
A beautiful debut from Katie Jung! Ashley Poston fans will definitely want to tune in for this one!
When I say I like messy books with drama and family legacy chaos, You're the One That I Haunt will be one I fondly call to mind. Katie Jung's storytelling is clear, full of wit and a tender poignancy befitting the complexity that comes with navigating grief and hardship.
Trip (and his slutty little gold hoop earring) was such a charming love interest for our leading girl! I loved their banter and the constant push & pull of their attempts to deny their attraction despite the clear prohibitors that made this ache and burn so well.
This also had a bit of a mystery element to it, making it a deliciously cozy book to curl up with this fall, warm drink in hand and an image of a Theo James face with a Jess Mariano attitude....you're welcome.
(This really does read like Rory + Jess fanficton, pleaseeeee do with that what you will!)
November 9, 2025
I was so lucky to be an early reader for this book and YOU WANT THIS ONE ON YOUR SHELF! Trip and Libby have a permanent place in my heart. Katie is a debut author to watch!
Currently Reading
September 14, 2026need something to get me out my slump. hopefully this does the job!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
update:
Without reading the blurb, I said to myself, “Wow, this is if the Dead Romantics and Best friend’s Wedding had a baby”
It is giving off, Best friend’s wedding, love that movie
pre-read
I am excited to start a new book especially from a debut author. It doesn’t hurt that it’s magical realism with an unattainable MMC, a ghost 👻
Thank you Penguin Random House and Katie Jung for the e-ARC via Netgalley
Without reading the blurb, I said to myself, “Wow, this is if the Dead Romantics and Best friend’s Wedding had a baby”
It is giving off, Best friend’s wedding, love that movie
pre-read
I am excited to start a new book especially from a debut author. It doesn’t hurt that it’s magical realism with an unattainable MMC, a ghost 👻
Thank you Penguin Random House and Katie Jung for the e-ARC via Netgalley
Want to Read
April 22, 2026ARC Received! SO excited!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 / 5 Stars
I had really high hopes for this one and sadly it didn’t work for me. I wanted more from the romance and the mystery.
I love a love triangle when there are two viable options for the lead. There’s tension between the lead and option A. There’s tension between the lead and option B. And there’s tension because there can be multiple options. Carter, her best friend, was such a bad option, that the love triangle didn’t feel like a triangle. What we see on the page is him being a bad friend so I almost felt embarrassed for Libby that she liked him. We hear about why she was friends with him but didn’t see any of those reasons and so it made it really hard to see why she would want to have any connection with him.
Libby’s connection with Trip felt too sudden. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them and then suddenly Trip was all in on Libby and it left me scratching my head.
I was excited for the fall curse angle and Libby’s involvement in solving it. I thought there were some fun parts there but at the end, the answer felt a bit random and disconnected from the story for me.
I did enjoy Libby's connection with her grandmother and all of the Polish representation. I wished there was even more of Libby and her grandmother.
I think if you feel more of a connection to the romance, then you might really enjoy this book.
You will probably like this book if you like:
⭐ Speculative, magical realism romcoms
⭐ Love triangles
⭐ He falls first
⭐ Slutty little earring
⭐ Mystery
Thank you Viking Penguin | Penguin Books and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: September 22, 2026
⋆ ೀ ⋆ Follow me on Instagram @book.recs.by.lina for book recommendations and general fun times ⋆ ೀ ⋆
I had really high hopes for this one and sadly it didn’t work for me. I wanted more from the romance and the mystery.
I love a love triangle when there are two viable options for the lead. There’s tension between the lead and option A. There’s tension between the lead and option B. And there’s tension because there can be multiple options. Carter, her best friend, was such a bad option, that the love triangle didn’t feel like a triangle. What we see on the page is him being a bad friend so I almost felt embarrassed for Libby that she liked him. We hear about why she was friends with him but didn’t see any of those reasons and so it made it really hard to see why she would want to have any connection with him.
Libby’s connection with Trip felt too sudden. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them and then suddenly Trip was all in on Libby and it left me scratching my head.
I was excited for the fall curse angle and Libby’s involvement in solving it. I thought there were some fun parts there but at the end, the answer felt a bit random and disconnected from the story for me.
I did enjoy Libby's connection with her grandmother and all of the Polish representation. I wished there was even more of Libby and her grandmother.
I think if you feel more of a connection to the romance, then you might really enjoy this book.
You will probably like this book if you like:
⭐ Speculative, magical realism romcoms
⭐ Love triangles
⭐ He falls first
⭐ Slutty little earring
⭐ Mystery
Thank you Viking Penguin | Penguin Books and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: September 22, 2026
⋆ ೀ ⋆ Follow me on Instagram @book.recs.by.lina for book recommendations and general fun times ⋆ ೀ ⋆
June 10, 2026
I am in love with this book. You want banter? You want chemistry, you want angst, jealousy, drama? This book has it all and ghosts too!!
What drew me to this book is the ghost romance. I’ve loved this trope since Meg Cabot wrote her Mediator series and Savannah and Jesse rode off into the HEA sunset. You don’t tend to see actual ghost falling in love, typically it’s more of ghost hunter/witch paranormal enthusiast so I was delighted to find this novel.
This is set in modern day NYC and our FMC Libby is beyond in love with her best friend Carter of 15 years. But he’s getting married and he wants her to help with his wedding. On top of that Libby worries about Carter’s family curse. Every male has died by taxi, odd right? Well unfortunately one of his relatives, his cousin Trip gets hits with the curse and ends up in a coma. While escaping a pressure cooker of a bridal party Libby finds the ghost of Trip in the Coldwell’s library. She being the only one to see him, he asks her to help him. And how can she not when if she doesn’t it could mean the curse could end Carter too. So together they must try to solve the curse, while Libby befriends the bride, and worries about her best friend. Oh also the part where Trip is a very attractive, snarky ghost who Libby may be falling for.
Katie Jung does romance right with this amazing ghost read.
Thank you so much to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for the arc.
What drew me to this book is the ghost romance. I’ve loved this trope since Meg Cabot wrote her Mediator series and Savannah and Jesse rode off into the HEA sunset. You don’t tend to see actual ghost falling in love, typically it’s more of ghost hunter/witch paranormal enthusiast so I was delighted to find this novel.
This is set in modern day NYC and our FMC Libby is beyond in love with her best friend Carter of 15 years. But he’s getting married and he wants her to help with his wedding. On top of that Libby worries about Carter’s family curse. Every male has died by taxi, odd right? Well unfortunately one of his relatives, his cousin Trip gets hits with the curse and ends up in a coma. While escaping a pressure cooker of a bridal party Libby finds the ghost of Trip in the Coldwell’s library. She being the only one to see him, he asks her to help him. And how can she not when if she doesn’t it could mean the curse could end Carter too. So together they must try to solve the curse, while Libby befriends the bride, and worries about her best friend. Oh also the part where Trip is a very attractive, snarky ghost who Libby may be falling for.
Katie Jung does romance right with this amazing ghost read.
Thank you so much to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for the arc.
June 12, 2026
thank you NetGalley and publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
4.5⭐️ Trip is such a yearner. I loved this story so much and was so captivated by the side plot I read this in one sitting. It felt a bit insta love but that’s also what I like, when a man is obsessed with her from the start. I wish we got some POVs from him but either way I felt the yearning and tension. Obsessed is an understatement of how I feel about this book.
4.5⭐️ Trip is such a yearner. I loved this story so much and was so captivated by the side plot I read this in one sitting. It felt a bit insta love but that’s also what I like, when a man is obsessed with her from the start. I wish we got some POVs from him but either way I felt the yearning and tension. Obsessed is an understatement of how I feel about this book.
remind-me-once-out
March 30, 2026love me a pun
June 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story is a chefs kiss when it comes to the classic romcons we grew up on. We get to follow the story of Libby who has been hopelessly in love with her best friend Carter for half her life. Sadly Carter is engaged to another woman and he’s also cursed. Libby loves Carter enough to do anything to try to break the curse; which involves her teaming up with Carters cousin, who happens to be a ghost.
I read the book in just a few short days, it was a silly and fun romance with a side of spooky. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a lighthearted read with plenty of sweet moments and mystery.
This story is a chefs kiss when it comes to the classic romcons we grew up on. We get to follow the story of Libby who has been hopelessly in love with her best friend Carter for half her life. Sadly Carter is engaged to another woman and he’s also cursed. Libby loves Carter enough to do anything to try to break the curse; which involves her teaming up with Carters cousin, who happens to be a ghost.
I read the book in just a few short days, it was a silly and fun romance with a side of spooky. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a lighthearted read with plenty of sweet moments and mystery.
Want to Read
February 24, 2026saw this on insta and it sounded amazing i ran here to add it so fast. fall 2026 pls come sooner!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read my ARC of You’re The One That I Haunt. Katie Jung, this is a very powerful but and you r got an auto reader in me now! This 2000 NYC vibe romcom is full of yearning, pining, a slutty little earring MMC, tinged with mystery and full of deep feels. A speculative romance for the lost, Trip is one book boyfriend I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Fans of the show “Pushing Daisies” should definitely pick this debut up!
Libby Lakoski has 99 problems & the fact her bff Carter Coldwell is about to get married to a British diamond heirnss named Sabrina, is most of them. Fifteen years of friendship has kept Carter and Libby close; he even let her in on his family’s magical death curse.
While at the engagement party, Libby escapes and finds herself in the library. She talks out loud to herself about how she needs to stop the wedding, when she comes face to face with Trip Coldwell (Carter’s cousin). A conversation about letting the wedding continue persists and it’s only when Trip is surprised Libby can see him that she realizes something is quite ghostly about him.
As much as Libby wants to be resentful of Carter’s impending nuptials, she spends time with Sabrina, who turns out to be a lovely person. Trip keeps showing up and wreaking havoc on Libby’s conscience. It turns out, he has a big secret himself and he needs Libby’s help to let the weeding go through to break the family curse.
Trip and Libby make an unlikely duo to break the Coldwell family curse, but they’re the only two who can do so. As Libby spends more time with Trip, she finds herself drawn to the broody, designer clothes wearing enigma with a small gold hoop in his ear.
Set amongst the backdrop of NYC, Jung takes the reader on an emotional journey of discovery, uncovering truths and revealing what the heart truly desires. This paranormal romance also ties in the meaning of family, difficult familial relations, struggles with addiction and Polish heritage.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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SPOILERS BELOW
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Some side notes with spoilers that didn’t fit in the review: I looooove how Libby is both headstrong about her life but also in need of taking a step back to see if the life she has is truly the life she wants. Trip was the perfect guy to drop in on her life and make her question everything. I really appreciated the speculative element, especially that you find out by 14% in the book that Trip is in a coma - some books wouldn’t clue you in to his ghostly truth until the latter part of the book. All the tense moments where they can only look and not touch are so steamy without the gratification of physical touch (and made the spice we get when Trip is finally corporeal all that much better). Both Libby and Trip go through immaculate growth to make the story work well. I loved the engagement ring being from his diamond stud. And his nicknames for her (mostly Elz but also sweetheart) were truly endearing. Trip Coldwell, you’re everything.
Libby Lakoski has 99 problems & the fact her bff Carter Coldwell is about to get married to a British diamond heirnss named Sabrina, is most of them. Fifteen years of friendship has kept Carter and Libby close; he even let her in on his family’s magical death curse.
While at the engagement party, Libby escapes and finds herself in the library. She talks out loud to herself about how she needs to stop the wedding, when she comes face to face with Trip Coldwell (Carter’s cousin). A conversation about letting the wedding continue persists and it’s only when Trip is surprised Libby can see him that she realizes something is quite ghostly about him.
As much as Libby wants to be resentful of Carter’s impending nuptials, she spends time with Sabrina, who turns out to be a lovely person. Trip keeps showing up and wreaking havoc on Libby’s conscience. It turns out, he has a big secret himself and he needs Libby’s help to let the weeding go through to break the family curse.
Trip and Libby make an unlikely duo to break the Coldwell family curse, but they’re the only two who can do so. As Libby spends more time with Trip, she finds herself drawn to the broody, designer clothes wearing enigma with a small gold hoop in his ear.
Set amongst the backdrop of NYC, Jung takes the reader on an emotional journey of discovery, uncovering truths and revealing what the heart truly desires. This paranormal romance also ties in the meaning of family, difficult familial relations, struggles with addiction and Polish heritage.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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SPOILERS BELOW
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Some side notes with spoilers that didn’t fit in the review: I looooove how Libby is both headstrong about her life but also in need of taking a step back to see if the life she has is truly the life she wants. Trip was the perfect guy to drop in on her life and make her question everything. I really appreciated the speculative element, especially that you find out by 14% in the book that Trip is in a coma - some books wouldn’t clue you in to his ghostly truth until the latter part of the book. All the tense moments where they can only look and not touch are so steamy without the gratification of physical touch (and made the spice we get when Trip is finally corporeal all that much better). Both Libby and Trip go through immaculate growth to make the story work well. I loved the engagement ring being from his diamond stud. And his nicknames for her (mostly Elz but also sweetheart) were truly endearing. Trip Coldwell, you’re everything.
September 14, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Viking Penguin, Penguin Random House, and Katie Jung for the early copy of You’re the One I Haunt!
This was so GOOD! And what do you mean, it’s a debut?! It was such a good read and I found myself constantly not wanting to put it down!
You’re the One I Haunt gave major Ashley Poston vibes and she is the QUEEN of magical realism for me! It was so well done and felt very unique in the storyline as well!
I loved the ghosty vibes and how our FMC comes to connect with our ghost/MMC. Not only was this a really heartwarming romance, but it gave us really good emotional depth and growth. I loved seeing our FMC learn to stand up for herself and truly be herself around those she loves. This also dealt with the topic of loss and grief very well.
I was instantly invested in the relationship between our MCs and was rooting for them from the start. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed and played out in the end.
This was definitely a solid read and would be good to add to your (not so spooky) October reads!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Viking Penguin, Penguin Random House, and Katie Jung for the early copy of You’re the One I Haunt!
This was so GOOD! And what do you mean, it’s a debut?! It was such a good read and I found myself constantly not wanting to put it down!
You’re the One I Haunt gave major Ashley Poston vibes and she is the QUEEN of magical realism for me! It was so well done and felt very unique in the storyline as well!
I loved the ghosty vibes and how our FMC comes to connect with our ghost/MMC. Not only was this a really heartwarming romance, but it gave us really good emotional depth and growth. I loved seeing our FMC learn to stand up for herself and truly be herself around those she loves. This also dealt with the topic of loss and grief very well.
I was instantly invested in the relationship between our MCs and was rooting for them from the start. I really enjoyed how their relationship developed and played out in the end.
This was definitely a solid read and would be good to add to your (not so spooky) October reads!
September 6, 2026
Pease meet my new favorite book. I can’t even remember the last time a book made me stay up all night to read. I read this in a little over 24 hours, ok? I was GIDDY like a love-struck teenager reading this. You would have had to pry this out of my hand.
First, we have a ghost MMC, and understand something about me: I am a slut for paranormal romance. But TRIP, omg, next level, the PINING, the slow burn, wow. I mean, standing ovation to Katie on her DEBUT novel? WOW?
And Libby, wow, I could relate to her so, so hard. It was truly painful to read at some points. A girl with mommy issues who feels like she needs to bend to everyone around her so no one leaves? A little too on the nose.
This was sweet, funny, sexy, not a dull moment, and the plot was SUCH a good time. We had a little mystery to solve, and I just truly had the best time. No notes, 10/10. If you read one book the rest of your life, let it be this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC. Truly grateful to read this one.
First, we have a ghost MMC, and understand something about me: I am a slut for paranormal romance. But TRIP, omg, next level, the PINING, the slow burn, wow. I mean, standing ovation to Katie on her DEBUT novel? WOW?
And Libby, wow, I could relate to her so, so hard. It was truly painful to read at some points. A girl with mommy issues who feels like she needs to bend to everyone around her so no one leaves? A little too on the nose.
This was sweet, funny, sexy, not a dull moment, and the plot was SUCH a good time. We had a little mystery to solve, and I just truly had the best time. No notes, 10/10. If you read one book the rest of your life, let it be this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC. Truly grateful to read this one.
June 4, 2026
Oh how I LOVE a paranormal romance. And ones with ghosts no less. 👻🌇💕
This was everything I wanted it to be and more. I loved the whole story line, the curse, the main characters, and everything in between! I think romances with ghosts can be a little tricky but this was done so wonderfully.
Libby being Polish and having a Babcia was also so insanely cool to read because I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance with a FMC with Polish heritage!! That alone made the whole read worth it. You best believe I will be purchasing this the second it comes out!
Thank you for the ARC review!! All thoughts are honest
(I’m already manifesting a book with Sabrina and Zuri)
This was everything I wanted it to be and more. I loved the whole story line, the curse, the main characters, and everything in between! I think romances with ghosts can be a little tricky but this was done so wonderfully.
Libby being Polish and having a Babcia was also so insanely cool to read because I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance with a FMC with Polish heritage!! That alone made the whole read worth it. You best believe I will be purchasing this the second it comes out!
Thank you for the ARC review!! All thoughts are honest
(I’m already manifesting a book with Sabrina and Zuri)
July 23, 2026
3.75 stars
This was a very fun read!
I’ve had fun throughout the whole book, I loved Libby and the character development that happened to her through the book. I also loved every character in that book but mostly and my favorite was Trip. He was super funny and omg that filthy mouth of his knows how to say ALL the right words !
I loved the chemistry between him and Libby and how this Elz Vs Libby nickname felt like he was rebranding her and introducing her to who she really was, hence how he called her Libby in their conflict .
I felt like I needed a more solid purpose for the curse ? Or something more whimsical? I’m not sure how I feel about the whole curse thing to be honest but I still loved the whole thing regardless
Thank you netgalley and Viking penguin for the ARC. I had so much fun
This was a very fun read!
I’ve had fun throughout the whole book, I loved Libby and the character development that happened to her through the book. I also loved every character in that book but mostly and my favorite was Trip. He was super funny and omg that filthy mouth of his knows how to say ALL the right words !
I loved the chemistry between him and Libby and how this Elz Vs Libby nickname felt like he was rebranding her and introducing her to who she really was, hence how he called her Libby in their conflict .
I felt like I needed a more solid purpose for the curse ? Or something more whimsical? I’m not sure how I feel about the whole curse thing to be honest but I still loved the whole thing regardless
Thank you netgalley and Viking penguin for the ARC. I had so much fun
Did Not Finish
April 23, 2026Ehhhh. I made it 25% in before throwing up my hands.
There is too much insta touching, fantasized notions, and oggling over how the man looks. He also is a ghost... but changes clothes as often as Liz Taylor did in Cleopatra. Make it make sense? Because his body is currently in an ICU unit strapped to IVs and monitors, in a t-shirt and sweatpants.
Also: This ain't slowburn. Slowburn is not realizing feelings or having any notion of anybody doing anything. Yet. He pinned her against the wall with his hands on either side of her looking dangerously close to kissing her. And he was oggling (and groaning) her while she was braless in a t-shirt and sweats.
Out of respect for the author I won't rate this, but I will put my thoughts down as a reference.
There is too much insta touching, fantasized notions, and oggling over how the man looks. He also is a ghost... but changes clothes as often as Liz Taylor did in Cleopatra. Make it make sense? Because his body is currently in an ICU unit strapped to IVs and monitors, in a t-shirt and sweatpants.
Also: This ain't slowburn. Slowburn is not realizing feelings or having any notion of anybody doing anything. Yet. He pinned her against the wall with his hands on either side of her looking dangerously close to kissing her. And he was oggling (and groaning) her while she was braless in a t-shirt and sweats.
Out of respect for the author I won't rate this, but I will put my thoughts down as a reference.
May 16, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
I love a good magical realism romance especially if there’s a ghost/spirit and this didn’t disappoint!
The cover is so cute add that with the name I just had to pick this up and I’m so glad I did!
I loved Libby as our main character. Her personal growth was a strong theme in this novel. I really enjoyed seeing her realize, with trips help, that she can be herself. He helped her realize she doesn’t have to be who she thinks others want her to be cough cough Carter…
And Trip? I adored him!
Libby and Trip together? Magical! The chemistry & tension was top tier.
I enjoyed reading about the curse and family drama also. All of the side ventures that Libby and Trip went on were interesting.
Honestly all of the characters were amazing. The relationship Libby & Sabrina created was so fun and comforting. Im glad they had each other to lean on. I wished we got more of Zuri but I liked the few glimpses we did get.
This was such a solid debut novel and I can’t wait to see what Katie has in store for us next! I need 10 more like pronto!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review!
I love a good magical realism romance especially if there’s a ghost/spirit and this didn’t disappoint!
The cover is so cute add that with the name I just had to pick this up and I’m so glad I did!
I loved Libby as our main character. Her personal growth was a strong theme in this novel. I really enjoyed seeing her realize, with trips help, that she can be herself. He helped her realize she doesn’t have to be who she thinks others want her to be cough cough Carter…
And Trip? I adored him!
Libby and Trip together? Magical! The chemistry & tension was top tier.
I enjoyed reading about the curse and family drama also. All of the side ventures that Libby and Trip went on were interesting.
Honestly all of the characters were amazing. The relationship Libby & Sabrina created was so fun and comforting. Im glad they had each other to lean on. I wished we got more of Zuri but I liked the few glimpses we did get.
This was such a solid debut novel and I can’t wait to see what Katie has in store for us next! I need 10 more like pronto!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Absolutely loved this one! It was exactly what I needed, and the mix of My Best Friend's Wedding, Jess from Gilmore Girls, and Casper vibes was everything. I finished it in 24 hours because I genuinely could not put it down! Anyone else a huge fan of all of the above??
The writing was wonderful, the pacing was spot on, and I instantly connected with the characters. I felt ALL the feels. The yearning was absolute perfection, and I loved how many layers there were to this story.
Yes, it's a romance, but there's also a family curse, complicated family dynamics, character growth, and friendship. I loved that there was so much more to this story than just the romance, and I was completely invested from beginning to end.
Such a fun, heartfelt read and the perfect book to add to your fall TBR! Highly recommend!
Thank you Penguin Books for the gifted ARC.
The writing was wonderful, the pacing was spot on, and I instantly connected with the characters. I felt ALL the feels. The yearning was absolute perfection, and I loved how many layers there were to this story.
Yes, it's a romance, but there's also a family curse, complicated family dynamics, character growth, and friendship. I loved that there was so much more to this story than just the romance, and I was completely invested from beginning to end.
Such a fun, heartfelt read and the perfect book to add to your fall TBR! Highly recommend!
Thank you Penguin Books for the gifted ARC.
August 28, 2026
2,75⭐️
Ça ne m’a malheureusement pas plu et j’en suis la première déçue 🥺
La relation passait de 0 à 100, je n’ai pas aimé le drama / retournement de situation à la fin et j’ai trouvé l’intrigue somme toute ennuyante …
Après, c’était bien écrit et il y avait un réel potentiel mais ce n’était pas pour moi 🥲
Je pense malgré tout que ce roman saura trouver son public, surtout si vous avez aimé « The Love of My Afterlife ». Je n’avais personnellement pas aimé ce roman donc ça doit jouer pour moi !
Merci à NetGalley et Penguin pour ce sp numérique 🫶🏻
Ça ne m’a malheureusement pas plu et j’en suis la première déçue 🥺
La relation passait de 0 à 100, je n’ai pas aimé le drama / retournement de situation à la fin et j’ai trouvé l’intrigue somme toute ennuyante …
Après, c’était bien écrit et il y avait un réel potentiel mais ce n’était pas pour moi 🥲
Je pense malgré tout que ce roman saura trouver son public, surtout si vous avez aimé « The Love of My Afterlife ». Je n’avais personnellement pas aimé ce roman donc ça doit jouer pour moi !
Merci à NetGalley et Penguin pour ce sp numérique 🫶🏻
July 30, 2026
2.5 stars.
I was so prepared for this to be my favorite debut of the year. I saw a post by the author on Instagram and requested the arc right away on NetGalley. Self-reflection, a touch of magical realism, and romance all thrown into one, this should be something I love, right? Dear reader, you'd be wrong.
The characterization, which a novel like this hinges on, fell very flat to me. I kept waiting for these to feel like believable characters (especially Trip) but they never really did. Libby's supposed to be a lawyer and incredibly smart, but Jung never really shows us that she is. She's constantly bumbling around and acting so dense. The only thing I did really like was that she did realize that her friendship with Carter was unhealthy, but I wish that had resolved in a slightly different way.
The romance was ok, but also kept flip-flopping from zero to 100 real quick and definitely was not closed door.
Overall, very much not for me. Thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I was so prepared for this to be my favorite debut of the year. I saw a post by the author on Instagram and requested the arc right away on NetGalley. Self-reflection, a touch of magical realism, and romance all thrown into one, this should be something I love, right? Dear reader, you'd be wrong.
The characterization, which a novel like this hinges on, fell very flat to me. I kept waiting for these to feel like believable characters (especially Trip) but they never really did. Libby's supposed to be a lawyer and incredibly smart, but Jung never really shows us that she is. She's constantly bumbling around and acting so dense. The only thing I did really like was that she did realize that her friendship with Carter was unhealthy, but I wish that had resolved in a slightly different way.
The romance was ok, but also kept flip-flopping from zero to 100 real quick and definitely was not closed door.
Overall, very much not for me. Thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2026
Thank you SO MUCH to Penguin Random House for this ARC!
This book was SO GOOD! The angst and yearning paired with the mysterious curse and adventures made for a super entertaining read. Though I felt like they fell in love a bit too fast, it was still a magical time.
This is another one of those books that I could just picture being such a fantastic movie. If you’re looking for books to add to your Fall TBR, look no further! You’re the One That I Haunt releases Sept. 22nd.
This book was SO GOOD! The angst and yearning paired with the mysterious curse and adventures made for a super entertaining read. Though I felt like they fell in love a bit too fast, it was still a magical time.
This is another one of those books that I could just picture being such a fantastic movie. If you’re looking for books to add to your Fall TBR, look no further! You’re the One That I Haunt releases Sept. 22nd.
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