You're The One That I Haunt

by Genevieve Belmont

The past is the hardest thing to lay to rest.

Especially when you’re the one who left it behind.

Fifteen years ago, Jack Zelensky walked away from Shelby, Wisconsin — and the girl he loved — believing he was doing the right thing. Now, after the sudden death of his father brings him and his younger brother, Rob, back to Shelby, Jack must face the grief he’s been avoiding — and the woman he never truly let go of.

Maggie Peterson never planned on returning either. But somehow, she’s found herself back in the small town she once fled, building a future that finally feels stable. She has a steady job. A safe relationship. A life that makes sense.

Until Jack steps back into it.

As unexplained deaths and restless spirits begin to plague Shelby, Maggie’s work — investigating reported hauntings and helping families understand what’s happening inside their homes — pulls her directly into Jack’s path. Working together means confronting the disturbances creeping through abandoned buildings and quiet motel rooms…and the unresolved past still echoing between them.

Because the ghosts aren’t just hiding in the dark corners of town.

They’re in old promises.

In the life they almost had.

And in the night Jack left — along with the explanation Maggie never fully believed.

You’re The One That I Haunt is a contemporary, second-chance romance set in a haunted small town, blending high emotional stakes, angsty reunions, and deep intimacy with a guaranteed happily-ever-after ending. Perfect for fans of Supernatural and readers who love unresolved history and love stories worth risking everything for.

This is a romance-first novel with paranormal and romantic suspense elements. While the story includes danger, near-death moments, and emotional intensity, the focus remains on the romance and the earned HEA ending.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2026

Reviews

[Ai]

Romance-first

The author does a fantastic job of blending the literal ghosts haunting the town with the metaphorical ghosts of the couple's shared history and broken promises. It's the perfect read for a rainy weekend when you want something that is equally atmospheric, spooky, and romantically satisfying.

[Tera]

Dean’s Happy Ending

Supernatural Fan fiction, but not sappy or corny. A good story with lovable characters and a celebration of who Dean (and Sam) could have been in a different timeline. Loved this one!

[A.Onstad]

My first read of this author. I really enjoyed it, BUT if you love Dean Winchester and Supernatural, then I’m positive you would love this one. (I’m looking at you Maranda!)

[Stephanie]

I’ll read any Supernatural-inspired work that corrects the ending they gave Dean Winchester, the Ultimate Tragic Hero. This one read like a typical monster of the week episode, with a romantic backstory that invites Dean/Jack to come back and lay his weary head to rest. I liked it.

[So Not Mary]

ARC reader here

First thing, for context: I am a picky reader. Like, obnoxiously picky.
So I am even more pleased to say this goes straight to my ideal "7 stars" category (where I need a physical copy to go full BookTok mode, with sticky notes and silly bookmarks).
This is so, so good: I fell in love with Maggie, Rob, Jack (and Hank and basically all the characters) from page 2. The world-building has (obviously) SPN vibes, but it's totally enjoyable as a standalone.
The thing that had my toes curling, though, is just... the writing. I read a lot of indies; some are amazing, some are a bit rough, but this... this, to me, is just how a book should be: balanced sentences, excellent descriptions, and vibrant atmospheres. The POVs are handled with care and with a very sharp use of words—at once delicate and cutting.
Just read it. It's good, good stuff.

[Erin Konicki]

I had the pleasure of being one of the ARC readers for this novel. And although it was in a different genre than Ms. Belmont's debut novel, A Thorne Kindled Flame, and a deviation from my typical reads, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved that this book was a second chance romance with witty banter and suspense. It was also helpful having various flashbacks early in the novel to lay the groundwork for how the main characters, Maggie and Jack, would interact with each other.

The main part that drew me in was the various ways Ms. Belmont utilizes ghosts; as the traditional supernatural entities that we know and sometimes fear but also the "ghosts" of our past decisions and how they shape our future.

Overall, a very solid read and would recommend!

[Liz]

Saw something about this lil book on threads and preordered it for my kindle immediately...moved her right on up the TBR as i'm currently on s7 of the SPN rewatch.

Lemme just say...oh my god?? This was my first real intro to Second Chance Romance and it was such a delightful read. It's so fun to be like "hey, I know what that's referring to" while reading but also knowing if I had no background it would be just as engaging. The easter eggs are so fun. Genevieve did an amazing job with this novel and I had so much fun reading it.

Even if you aren't a supernatural fan, this book is such a good, sweet read if you want some stakes while knowing you still get your HEA. I wish I could read this for the first time again.

[Andrea]

I really enjoyed this book! Belmont has a way of describing characters that just makes them feel so real that even the minor characters have more impact than in many other books. I also loved that the characters who are experts in handling supernatural threats were called "Wardens", not ghost hunters or busters, instead it's a term with a very protective connotation. It's a subtle, but very good detail in my opinion, because it reframes the characters in a way that let's them feel more approachable.

The romance was also handled beautifully, the flashbacks were a nice way to show us more of the relationship over the years as well as illustrate how even though they've changed over time, some core elements stayed the same. They felt very natural and believable together.

[Kookie9200]

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader!

I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the concept of Wardens (think hunters from Supernatural). It felt like a subject in an episode of the show. I loved the second chance romance and the slow burn. However I will say I didn't get "Dean" from Jack. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if there'd been more background into the Wardens. Like, are you born into it, or do you choose it? I wanted some history behind it. I also wish that it wasn't billed as basically a Dean fix it fic. While I think the book is really enjoyable, trying to find the link to the show in my mind constantly pulled me out of the story. If Jack is heavily inspired by Dean, I wish he were more Dean-like. All in all, though, this is a solid 3.75 stars for me and I'd read it again.

[Dr. Shreya Pai]

Advanced reader's copy review:

I haven't read such a captivating and goosebumps-inducing horror novel in quite a long time. I enjoyed every moment of reading it. The second chance romance sub-plot works so well. Jack and Maggie are a ship worth rooting for. I also loved Rob and Cam and how Cam just is the calm to Rob's chaos.

Maggie's parents are the best as well. I got really attached to all the characters and didn't want the book to end at all. I would love to read more about them in the future as well!

All in all, this novel manages to keep you hooked till the end and also catches you off-guard with the plot twists!

[Melissa Kendall]

You're The One That I Haunt by Genevieve Belmont

Thank you to the author for giving me a copy!

Sam and Dean would approve of this compelling paranormal mystery solving story inspired by Supernatural that kept me reading late into the night. I just HAD to have answers and couldn't stop reading!

Recommend for fans of:
- Supernatural
- Ghosts
- Mystery solving
- Second Chance Romance
- Horror romance
- Silent Hill (the movie)
- Constantine (the movie)
- Fast pacing and high stakes
- Over protective MMCs
- MMC bathes FMC
- Slow Burn

[Makaya Rich]

This book did several things for me.
First, it repaired the rip in my soul and whole in my heart from Supernatural’s stupid series final. Dean Winchester not getting a happy ending with an “apple pie life” is and will always be a travesty.
Second, it scratched my “rewatch Supernatural” itch (temporarily…). I’ll probably still do a rewatch soon, much to my partner’s disappointment.
Third, it felt good. It was a good read, an easy read. A read with heart and soul anchored in something that I love deeply.

[T.M. Kirk]

This story is for those who love a little heart ache. Who want the pining and yearning. Who want the MMC to work for it. Throw in a little intriguing yet also dangerous ghost hunting, a swoony MM side romance, and some hard earned spice, and you have your next read. Side note, if you are a fan of Supernatural, this book needs to be on your TBR. Legit. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Add to TBR now and thank me later.

[Abby Hoepner]

Kind of slow in the beginning but overall a great story with the right amount of spice. Loved the relationships between all the characters and the end had me in tears. Awesome nod to Supernatural in the epilogue.

[JD Tamajon]

Read this in one whole day. Ate it and left no crumbs.
Great for supernatural fans, amazing characterization that paid a homage to its inspiration but still managed to be all its own!
Loves it from beginning to end, no changes no notes

[Meredith Kaupp]

This made my DeanGirl heart very, very happy.

[Rachael]

Enjoyable as a stand alone paranormal romance. More enjoyable as the happy ending Dean Winchester deserved.

[Stacy]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! Supernatural coded and a happy ending for my beloved Dean, yes please!

[Stephanie Kunze]

As a day one Supernatural fan and Dean girl this book was perfect! I enjoyed making the connections between the story and show. It is beautifully written and made my heart very happy ❤️

[Ashley Klann]

I know this book took me awhile, but it was worth it.
I’m a huge Supernatural Fan and this book hit me hard, it was a ode to Dean Winchester, he finally got his happy ending or should I say Jack(Dean IYKYK) got his happy ending. This book now holds a special place in my heart, Thank you Genevieve Belmont for writing this book and also Thank you to Jensen Ackles for bringing Dean Winchester to life!