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You're the One That I Haunt
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26To save her best friend and lifelong crush from his family’s deadly curse, Libby must team up with (and try not to catch feelings for) a handsome ghost only she can see
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. Carter’s the only person who has ever made Libby feel chosen, and sure, his fiancee is a British diamond heiress, but Carter and Libby have years of shared history and longing looks between them. Not to mention, Libby is the only person Carter trusted enough to tell about the dark magic that plagues his family.
But then a third and related 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 Libby encouraging Carter to allow his wedding to proceed. Unfortunately, Libby is the only living person who can see Trip, and her objective is the exact opposite. Can Libby put aside her pining for Carter and work with his hot and not-quite-living cousin to save both men?
As they follow a trail of clues across New York City, Libby finds herself questioning just how much Carter reciprocated her friendship, feeling perplexed by a growing attraction to Trip, and fantasizing about actually touching him. With the countdown to the wedding in full swing, Libby must choose between saving the Coldwells and holding tight to her own happily ever after.
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. Carter’s the only person who has ever made Libby feel chosen, and sure, his fiancee is a British diamond heiress, but Carter and Libby have years of shared history and longing looks between them. Not to mention, Libby is the only person Carter trusted enough to tell about the dark magic that plagues his family.
But then a third and related 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 Libby encouraging Carter to allow his wedding to proceed. Unfortunately, Libby is the only living person who can see Trip, and her objective is the exact opposite. Can Libby put aside her pining for Carter and work with his hot and not-quite-living cousin to save both men?
As they follow a trail of clues across New York City, Libby finds herself questioning just how much Carter reciprocated her friendship, feeling perplexed by a growing attraction to Trip, and fantasizing about actually touching him. With the countdown to the wedding in full swing, Libby must choose between saving the Coldwells and holding tight to her own happily ever after.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Katie Jung
1 book112 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 250 reviews
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!
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
August 24, 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 2, 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.
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!
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!
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 26, 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!
June 6, 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!
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 🫶🏻
August 4, 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.
August 28, 2026
This is such a freaking cute debut romance! Definitely give it a try if you like Ashley Poston - I flew through this and it had me giddy. Trip & Libby have my heart and the side characters were *chef’s kiss* 😘
Thank you Penguin Books and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
Thank you Penguin Books and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
July 29, 2026
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭 (PUB 09.22) is a ghosty contemporary romance debut that absolutely charmed me. For fans of T𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴/𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘓𝘐𝘬𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯/𝘔𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥'𝘴 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨.
The chemistry, angst and yearning was off the charts. Warm, engaging prose balances witty banter with heartfelt emotion, while an intriguing magical mystery keeps the pages turning. What I loved is how heavier themes of grief, family, fate, and healing are woven without eve losing the sense of charm & humor. While a paranormal/ghost trope has been done before- this felt fresh and fun in a new way. My only wish is waiting until the release since it's perfect for fall reading.
The chemistry, angst and yearning was off the charts. Warm, engaging prose balances witty banter with heartfelt emotion, while an intriguing magical mystery keeps the pages turning. What I loved is how heavier themes of grief, family, fate, and healing are woven without eve losing the sense of charm & humor. While a paranormal/ghost trope has been done before- this felt fresh and fun in a new way. My only wish is waiting until the release since it's perfect for fall reading.
May 26, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
This book was so good! Honestly, I was surprised by how much I loved it!
I really liked Libby’s character. At first, I was devastated for her. I wanted Carter to come to his senses and realize Libby was perfect for him. I wanted to dislike Sabrina’s character for being his fiancée because Libby was clearly the better choice. But as I kept reading, I seriously couldn’t dislike Sabrina, even if I tried. And Carter just needs some alone time to discover himself… if you’re always chasing after someone, it’s not worth it.
I loved the meet cute with Trip. The office scene was so fun. I loved how he followed her around and would just randomly show up. Cute things like wearing her AirPods so she could talk to him without looking crazy were so fun.
I hated that they couldn’t even touch. I wanted that for them so badly. I wanted the curse broken so they could be together. The story overall was just so cute! It championed knowing your worth and choosing what’s right for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so good! Honestly, I was surprised by how much I loved it!
I really liked Libby’s character. At first, I was devastated for her. I wanted Carter to come to his senses and realize Libby was perfect for him. I wanted to dislike Sabrina’s character for being his fiancée because Libby was clearly the better choice. But as I kept reading, I seriously couldn’t dislike Sabrina, even if I tried. And Carter just needs some alone time to discover himself… if you’re always chasing after someone, it’s not worth it.
I loved the meet cute with Trip. The office scene was so fun. I loved how he followed her around and would just randomly show up. Cute things like wearing her AirPods so she could talk to him without looking crazy were so fun.
I hated that they couldn’t even touch. I wanted that for them so badly. I wanted the curse broken so they could be together. The story overall was just so cute! It championed knowing your worth and choosing what’s right for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2026
✨🔮 ARC REVIEW 🔮✨
✨YOU’RE THE ONE THAT I HAUNT
✍️ @katiejungwrites
✨Release Date- September 22nd
Thank you @penguinukbooks and @netgalley for this advanced read!
✨He falls first
✨Can’t touch
✨Family curse
✨Love triangle
I was so excited to dive into this ghostly romance, and it’s the perfect read to kick off (almost) spooky season! 👻💕 I loved the way the story pulled me in right from the start. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist came along and completely surprised me.
This was such a fun paranormal mystery that had me playing detective and trying to piece together all the clues. With its twists, mystery, and ghostly romance, it kept me guessing until the end. A fun and entertaining read for anyone looking for a little romance with their spooky season!
The only thing I would change is that I wish the ending could have been condensed just a bit. It felt like it had some unnecessary details. Other than that, super cute!
#youretheonethatihaunt #netgalley #arcreview #romancebook #bookstagram
✨YOU’RE THE ONE THAT I HAUNT
✍️ @katiejungwrites
✨Release Date- September 22nd
Thank you @penguinukbooks and @netgalley for this advanced read!
✨He falls first
✨Can’t touch
✨Family curse
✨Love triangle
I was so excited to dive into this ghostly romance, and it’s the perfect read to kick off (almost) spooky season! 👻💕 I loved the way the story pulled me in right from the start. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist came along and completely surprised me.
This was such a fun paranormal mystery that had me playing detective and trying to piece together all the clues. With its twists, mystery, and ghostly romance, it kept me guessing until the end. A fun and entertaining read for anyone looking for a little romance with their spooky season!
The only thing I would change is that I wish the ending could have been condensed just a bit. It felt like it had some unnecessary details. Other than that, super cute!
#youretheonethatihaunt #netgalley #arcreview #romancebook #bookstagram
September 1, 2026
Who knew a rich ghost name Tripp was exactly what I needed to start off my fall.
I loved this book. It was cute and whimsical and had just the right thread of mystery throughout. It’s particularly strong, for a debut.
Tripp is certified yearner and the added dynamic of them literally not being able to touch (bc ghost) worked wonderfully. (And um without spoilers yes, the spice does eventually spice 👀)
Libby’s long-standing one sided crush on her bff felt super relatable. I was big time rooting for her.
This was a dashhhh of Gossip Girl vibes for sure, but the Ashley Poston comp is even stronger. Magical realism is so fun when you want something that reads like contemporary romance but has a dash of magic.
🎧 I did this on audio. Gail did a really great job overall—I consistently felt engaged. I did struggle though with her male voices, especially for Tripp. They sounded less rich old money and more just… old? I got used to it but it was a bit off putting at first.
Big fan! thank you PRH Audio for the ALC!
I loved this book. It was cute and whimsical and had just the right thread of mystery throughout. It’s particularly strong, for a debut.
Tripp is certified yearner and the added dynamic of them literally not being able to touch (bc ghost) worked wonderfully. (And um without spoilers yes, the spice does eventually spice 👀)
Libby’s long-standing one sided crush on her bff felt super relatable. I was big time rooting for her.
This was a dashhhh of Gossip Girl vibes for sure, but the Ashley Poston comp is even stronger. Magical realism is so fun when you want something that reads like contemporary romance but has a dash of magic.
🎧 I did this on audio. Gail did a really great job overall—I consistently felt engaged. I did struggle though with her male voices, especially for Tripp. They sounded less rich old money and more just… old? I got used to it but it was a bit off putting at first.
Big fan! thank you PRH Audio for the ALC!
August 8, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
They weren’t kidding with the comps of The Dead Romantics and The Love of my Afterlife! This book is right up there with them as some of my favorite magical realism romances. 💖 This book was fun, delightful, and filled with yearning.
I really enjoyed the underlying character development of our FMC, Libby. While this was a romance, it also had a very strong growth and self-love plot. After years of doing things for others, of trying to be “enough” for others, she learned to choose herself. It was such an inspiring message - that even at almost 30 years old, she still needed to learn how to live the life she chooses, not one chosen by others.
The MMC, Trip, is a wonderfully supportive man. We love a guy with green flags! He saw the manipulative behavior of Carter and confronted Libby about it immediately. His blunt nature just made him all the more attractive. I could literally feel the chemistry between him and Libby. 💖
Overall, this one is such a lovely little book and I’d recommend it to fans of magical realism romances!
They weren’t kidding with the comps of The Dead Romantics and The Love of my Afterlife! This book is right up there with them as some of my favorite magical realism romances. 💖 This book was fun, delightful, and filled with yearning.
I really enjoyed the underlying character development of our FMC, Libby. While this was a romance, it also had a very strong growth and self-love plot. After years of doing things for others, of trying to be “enough” for others, she learned to choose herself. It was such an inspiring message - that even at almost 30 years old, she still needed to learn how to live the life she chooses, not one chosen by others.
The MMC, Trip, is a wonderfully supportive man. We love a guy with green flags! He saw the manipulative behavior of Carter and confronted Libby about it immediately. His blunt nature just made him all the more attractive. I could literally feel the chemistry between him and Libby. 💖
Overall, this one is such a lovely little book and I’d recommend it to fans of magical realism romances!
September 4, 2026
THIS WAS FANTASTIC!!! I loved every single part of this! If I didn’t have to do regular life things I could have easily finished this in one sitting. I was absolutely blown away by the writing and the story telling and the how everything fit together!! There were so many moving part, but it flowed together BEAUTIFULLY!!
I’m having a hard time putting into words how much I loved this?? Without spoiling anything!? Libby was fantastic! I loved her heart! And how hard she was working to break this curse for her best friend! I loved how easily she accepted Trip and everything that was happening?! I loved how easily her and Trip fit together?? Even before the romance and the feelings and all of other complications him being a ghost!? I loved them together SO MUCH!
This was a romance, and the romance was BEAUTIFUL! But every part of the mystery and the curse breaking and family loyalty was also SO GOOD!!
Thank you so much to Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’m having a hard time putting into words how much I loved this?? Without spoiling anything!? Libby was fantastic! I loved her heart! And how hard she was working to break this curse for her best friend! I loved how easily she accepted Trip and everything that was happening?! I loved how easily her and Trip fit together?? Even before the romance and the feelings and all of other complications him being a ghost!? I loved them together SO MUCH!
This was a romance, and the romance was BEAUTIFUL! But every part of the mystery and the curse breaking and family loyalty was also SO GOOD!!
Thank you so much to Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 9, 2026
Thank you, Katie Jung, Viking Penguin, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of You’re the one that I Haunt. This review is my own.
Libby’s in love with her best friend. But what happens when she has to team up with his cousin to end a family curse? And by the way, this cousin is a ghost. This debut speculative romance has everything - characters that grow, humor and joy, heartfelt friendships, diverse representation, and that perfect touch of a haunting. I absolutely devoured this story and can’t wait to pick up a trophy copy when it comes out in September (how beautiful is that cover!).
Perfect for fans of speculative romance, and even those a little hesitant to try speculative. This one doesn’t ask the reader to lean too far out of reality and reads like a romcom with emotional depth and true character development. Add this to your TBR!
Libby’s in love with her best friend. But what happens when she has to team up with his cousin to end a family curse? And by the way, this cousin is a ghost. This debut speculative romance has everything - characters that grow, humor and joy, heartfelt friendships, diverse representation, and that perfect touch of a haunting. I absolutely devoured this story and can’t wait to pick up a trophy copy when it comes out in September (how beautiful is that cover!).
Perfect for fans of speculative romance, and even those a little hesitant to try speculative. This one doesn’t ask the reader to lean too far out of reality and reads like a romcom with emotional depth and true character development. Add this to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.5 stars
Katie Jung’s You’re the One that I Haunt is a fun paranormal romance. We begin our story meeting Libby at her best friend Carter’s engagement dinner. Libby has been in love with Carter for over a decade, and when she gets overwhelmed at the dinner, she goes into the family library—and promptly meets Carter’s cousin Trip, who happens to be a ghost. Trip and Carter have a family curse looming over them and need it solved to save Carter’s life and regain Trip’s, and Libby agrees to help Trip break the curse.
This story was very cute and fun. Libby starts out the story very insecure, but has a lot of positive growth throughout the story. Both Libby and Trip grow as a result of their relationship with each other, rather than as a result of the circumstances of the larger plot. The characters are engaging and interesting, and Libby’s complicated history with Carter is relatable. The pacing in the book was generally good, following standard romance pacing.
I do think the family curse itself felt a little thin. Some of the reveals felt underwhelming, and the final climax for the puzzle felt deemphasized. Our story spent so much time assembling the various pieces of the puzzle, and the final assembly felt anticlimactic. The actual motives for the curse felt ambiguous, and the scene seemed too much like an explanation and not enough like a reveal. I would have rather had a little more information, given through different sources.
I also felt like they spent a lot of time talking about Libby’s tendency to overwork without really explaining what she did for a living. We see her tutoring a young woman to help with college credits, and reading grant proposals, but also calling Carter to talk about different organizations, and she’s a lawyer? It seems like she works for some kind of foundation giving money away, but she refers to herself as a project manager. It seemed like the author wanted her to be a do-gooder but didn’t want us to feel weighed down by the details. It would have been nice to have a way that her job impacted the story, rather than being an excuse or an afterthought.
The story has one explicit scene near the end of the book, detailing intimate activities including intercourse. There is also a scene in the middle of the book involving non-intercourse intimacy.
Altogether, this was a really fun, cute contemporary paranormal romance. The characters had a lot of good growth, and there was a fun quest to accomplish and mystery to solve. I enjoyed my time reading it and would definitely recommend it to someone who wants a fun romance with a hint of ghost sex.
Thank you to Katie Jung, Viking Penguin and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
Katie Jung’s You’re the One that I Haunt is a fun paranormal romance. We begin our story meeting Libby at her best friend Carter’s engagement dinner. Libby has been in love with Carter for over a decade, and when she gets overwhelmed at the dinner, she goes into the family library—and promptly meets Carter’s cousin Trip, who happens to be a ghost. Trip and Carter have a family curse looming over them and need it solved to save Carter’s life and regain Trip’s, and Libby agrees to help Trip break the curse.
This story was very cute and fun. Libby starts out the story very insecure, but has a lot of positive growth throughout the story. Both Libby and Trip grow as a result of their relationship with each other, rather than as a result of the circumstances of the larger plot. The characters are engaging and interesting, and Libby’s complicated history with Carter is relatable. The pacing in the book was generally good, following standard romance pacing.
I do think the family curse itself felt a little thin. Some of the reveals felt underwhelming, and the final climax for the puzzle felt deemphasized. Our story spent so much time assembling the various pieces of the puzzle, and the final assembly felt anticlimactic. The actual motives for the curse felt ambiguous, and the scene seemed too much like an explanation and not enough like a reveal. I would have rather had a little more information, given through different sources.
I also felt like they spent a lot of time talking about Libby’s tendency to overwork without really explaining what she did for a living. We see her tutoring a young woman to help with college credits, and reading grant proposals, but also calling Carter to talk about different organizations, and she’s a lawyer? It seems like she works for some kind of foundation giving money away, but she refers to herself as a project manager. It seemed like the author wanted her to be a do-gooder but didn’t want us to feel weighed down by the details. It would have been nice to have a way that her job impacted the story, rather than being an excuse or an afterthought.
The story has one explicit scene near the end of the book, detailing intimate activities including intercourse. There is also a scene in the middle of the book involving non-intercourse intimacy.
Altogether, this was a really fun, cute contemporary paranormal romance. The characters had a lot of good growth, and there was a fun quest to accomplish and mystery to solve. I enjoyed my time reading it and would definitely recommend it to someone who wants a fun romance with a hint of ghost sex.
Thank you to Katie Jung, Viking Penguin and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
August 26, 2026
So so good! A very rom com 2000s feel to it and I loved that! At times you want the shake the main character (but I guarantee my guardian angels want to shake me daily) but in the end I love this story! A very cozy read. Highly recommend🫶🏼
He falls first is one my fav tropes. Can’t touch due to him being a ghost trope is new to me but I love it now too
He falls first is one my fav tropes. Can’t touch due to him being a ghost trope is new to me but I love it now too
May 19, 2026
This was a super cute and fun read. I fell in love with Trip right away and was very invested in a HEA. The story was easy to follow and a good read. The ending is a little odd to me. With the coma lasting so long I don’t think he would be picking people up and running in the sand but I’m not a doctor so who knows.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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