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Haunt Me Properly: A Spicy Autumn Rom-Com
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 15, 2026
Gahhh I hate doing these reviews as an arc reader.
Firstly. The author is beyond the sweetest and truly spoils her readers. I wish I could do a separate review just on how incredibly sweet she is!!
This review I had to sit on for a few days to try so very hard to write as I didn’t want to leave anything but a 5 star.
The book itself had every vibe my dark little spooky heart wanted.
A old church in renovations, spooky movie nights, a grumpy neighbor, cemetery(to include history on its ground guests lol), and even a greenhouse!
The setup was beyond perfect for a cozy fall read between all these things placed in a small town(almost similar to hallmark meets Gilmore girls in a way but without having kids lol).
While all these things were set to be a perfect read for me. Unfortunately it felt incredibly hard to truly invest to become a 5 star.
The relationship between our fmc and mmc is where I struggled to understand. For how brooding our mmc was. He quickly changes to golden retriever. But so quickly I didn’t see the first kiss coming so soon considering not much built up for attraction in my opinion.
My next opinion I didn’t want to say, but felt it really played into my star drop. Please know this may be something other readers enjoy, and I don’t knock it what so ever, it just isn’t my personal style I tend to sway into when reading spice. While consent is obviously super important, and this author truly did grasp and write it for her readers, it felt like it cut into every single second of every scene. And not just “I consent” and then they kiss and then “more”. It was during every kiss, possible kiss, spicy scenes(and was repeated consistently during those from start, and what felt like every moment during). While I know this is important to portray, especially in the dark romances we read today, it felt so heavy it took away from the natural adult connection and normal consenting 2 adults.
It’s hard to explain but it felt like 2 teens who were unsure of themselves at all times, but in a mature aged adult relationship(even if it started as a quick fling). While I don’t knock the author for writing that openness and communication, it was just so heavy it felt like that’s all every spicy scene focused on? It felt like right when you could enjoy and feel for both our characters that they were finding that safe someone, it was taken away by stopping to ask “can I touch you(and not at all in a sexual way, more like during the spicy scenes and she wanted to touch his chest or tattoo).
I do understand that the author was trying to write what safe intimate interactions are, it just felt like it took away from the natural flow of trust after communication for even the most simple of moments without even spice.
Lastly, I wanted to laugh and enjoy the side characters, but the interactions felt odd. Especially with them being volunteers for all her events. For all they did and how they supported her, it didn’t feel like much was built or portrayed in friendships and support systems.
Over all I enjoyed the book even with my negative opinions. And while these are just my personal feelings on the book, I think many will enjoy it if you prefer the more clean spice romances but will all the fun fall vibes. Or if you are new to romance and want to dip your toes into spice but not the typical “spice spice” and how it’s written.
I want to thank the author though for being truly so beyond sweet, supportive in her readers, and for trusting me to be an arc reader. While this hit some marks for me personally, she really is a good writer with a fun imagination who brought fall fun and a neat history on the cemetery/town characters.
Firstly. The author is beyond the sweetest and truly spoils her readers. I wish I could do a separate review just on how incredibly sweet she is!!
This review I had to sit on for a few days to try so very hard to write as I didn’t want to leave anything but a 5 star.
The book itself had every vibe my dark little spooky heart wanted.
A old church in renovations, spooky movie nights, a grumpy neighbor, cemetery(to include history on its ground guests lol), and even a greenhouse!
The setup was beyond perfect for a cozy fall read between all these things placed in a small town(almost similar to hallmark meets Gilmore girls in a way but without having kids lol).
While all these things were set to be a perfect read for me. Unfortunately it felt incredibly hard to truly invest to become a 5 star.
The relationship between our fmc and mmc is where I struggled to understand. For how brooding our mmc was. He quickly changes to golden retriever. But so quickly I didn’t see the first kiss coming so soon considering not much built up for attraction in my opinion.
My next opinion I didn’t want to say, but felt it really played into my star drop. Please know this may be something other readers enjoy, and I don’t knock it what so ever, it just isn’t my personal style I tend to sway into when reading spice. While consent is obviously super important, and this author truly did grasp and write it for her readers, it felt like it cut into every single second of every scene. And not just “I consent” and then they kiss and then “more”. It was during every kiss, possible kiss, spicy scenes(and was repeated consistently during those from start, and what felt like every moment during). While I know this is important to portray, especially in the dark romances we read today, it felt so heavy it took away from the natural adult connection and normal consenting 2 adults.
It’s hard to explain but it felt like 2 teens who were unsure of themselves at all times, but in a mature aged adult relationship(even if it started as a quick fling). While I don’t knock the author for writing that openness and communication, it was just so heavy it felt like that’s all every spicy scene focused on? It felt like right when you could enjoy and feel for both our characters that they were finding that safe someone, it was taken away by stopping to ask “can I touch you(and not at all in a sexual way, more like during the spicy scenes and she wanted to touch his chest or tattoo).
I do understand that the author was trying to write what safe intimate interactions are, it just felt like it took away from the natural flow of trust after communication for even the most simple of moments without even spice.
Lastly, I wanted to laugh and enjoy the side characters, but the interactions felt odd. Especially with them being volunteers for all her events. For all they did and how they supported her, it didn’t feel like much was built or portrayed in friendships and support systems.
Over all I enjoyed the book even with my negative opinions. And while these are just my personal feelings on the book, I think many will enjoy it if you prefer the more clean spice romances but will all the fun fall vibes. Or if you are new to romance and want to dip your toes into spice but not the typical “spice spice” and how it’s written.
I want to thank the author though for being truly so beyond sweet, supportive in her readers, and for trusting me to be an arc reader. While this hit some marks for me personally, she really is a good writer with a fun imagination who brought fall fun and a neat history on the cemetery/town characters.
September 8, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“...We want each other, and for once wanting does not have to become a demand.”
Cora can make anything a lucrative business opportunity, and with her work as the owner of the Foxglove Chapel, that is a skill that she needs to start proving successful. But when she pairs up with broody and definitely not Hollywood-ready Jeb Parker to restore the chapel and the cemetery that he runs, they both sign up for a Hollywood-style romance with a lot of heart and a secret that could destroy everything.
I sprinted into the second book by Kit Winterlyn once I was given the ARC for it (thank you so much for the ARC read!!!) and this one did not disappoint! I found the plot to be one I could easily get sucked into, and one that captured my interest from the beginning. Two unlikely allies that worked together to bring a mysterious woman to the forefront of their businesses. The chemistry between these two was slow to start, but all it took to bring them together was a good mystery that could benefit them both for different reasons. Cora needed to save the chapel that she had purchased with a sliver of hope and a lot of dreams, and Jeb wanted justice for the names that so many had forgotten through the unending passage of time.
Winterlyn’s writing style was much more polished in this novel, and there were some true BANGER LINES in this piece that are living rent-free in my head even now. One of the things that I liked in particular was the
Fans of small-town romance, rivals to lovers, good mysteries and fun banter featuring a snarky and sarcastic FMC and broody and slightly-melodramatic MMC will eat this novel up, just in time for spooky season! 🙂
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“...We want each other, and for once wanting does not have to become a demand.”
Cora can make anything a lucrative business opportunity, and with her work as the owner of the Foxglove Chapel, that is a skill that she needs to start proving successful. But when she pairs up with broody and definitely not Hollywood-ready Jeb Parker to restore the chapel and the cemetery that he runs, they both sign up for a Hollywood-style romance with a lot of heart and a secret that could destroy everything.
I sprinted into the second book by Kit Winterlyn once I was given the ARC for it (thank you so much for the ARC read!!!) and this one did not disappoint! I found the plot to be one I could easily get sucked into, and one that captured my interest from the beginning. Two unlikely allies that worked together to bring a mysterious woman to the forefront of their businesses. The chemistry between these two was slow to start, but all it took to bring them together was a good mystery that could benefit them both for different reasons. Cora needed to save the chapel that she had purchased with a sliver of hope and a lot of dreams, and Jeb wanted justice for the names that so many had forgotten through the unending passage of time.
Winterlyn’s writing style was much more polished in this novel, and there were some true BANGER LINES in this piece that are living rent-free in my head even now. One of the things that I liked in particular was the
Fans of small-town romance, rivals to lovers, good mysteries and fun banter featuring a snarky and sarcastic FMC and broody and slightly-melodramatic MMC will eat this novel up, just in time for spooky season! 🙂
September 14, 2026
The ultimate fall read, cozy, spicy, witty, and utterly unforgettable! 🍂🖤
Where has this book been all my life?! From the very first page I was completely hooked. Our chaotic, brilliant heroine buys a crumbling old chapel because it looks perfect in October, relatable, iconic, and exactly the kind of messy ambitious energy I love. Enter Jeb Parker: 6’4”, tattooed, grumpy cemetery caretaker who is personally offended by her movie night plans and stands far too close while smelling like cedar and cold air. Chef’s kiss. Grumpy/sunshine at its absolute finest!
The banter here is elite, sharp, snappy, and loaded with so much unspoken tension you could practically feel the heat radiating off the pages. And then the twist?! Jeb was a horror movie legend, shirtless, dying dramatically on screen seven times?! I screamed! When the video goes viral and everything spirals, the romance deepens into something so tender and real, beneath all the growling and glowering, he’s the first person who ever asks what she actually wants. My heart! 🥹
It’s got all the cozy gothic vibes, crumbling stone, cemetery backdrops, autumn chill, but with that delicious Hallmark After Dark heat and heart. No cheap drama, just two people learning what it really means to see each other, and what’s worth preserving. Forced proximity, secrets, scandal, and a hero who’s equal parts growly caretaker and soft hearted soul. I devoured this in one sitting and I’m already craving a reread!
✨ Perfect for anyone who loves Grumpy/ Sunshine, Small Town Vibes, Spicy Rom Com, Gothic Cozy, Fall Seasonal Reads!!
Absolute perfection!! 5 glowing stars! 🍁🕯️❤️
Where has this book been all my life?! From the very first page I was completely hooked. Our chaotic, brilliant heroine buys a crumbling old chapel because it looks perfect in October, relatable, iconic, and exactly the kind of messy ambitious energy I love. Enter Jeb Parker: 6’4”, tattooed, grumpy cemetery caretaker who is personally offended by her movie night plans and stands far too close while smelling like cedar and cold air. Chef’s kiss. Grumpy/sunshine at its absolute finest!
The banter here is elite, sharp, snappy, and loaded with so much unspoken tension you could practically feel the heat radiating off the pages. And then the twist?! Jeb was a horror movie legend, shirtless, dying dramatically on screen seven times?! I screamed! When the video goes viral and everything spirals, the romance deepens into something so tender and real, beneath all the growling and glowering, he’s the first person who ever asks what she actually wants. My heart! 🥹
It’s got all the cozy gothic vibes, crumbling stone, cemetery backdrops, autumn chill, but with that delicious Hallmark After Dark heat and heart. No cheap drama, just two people learning what it really means to see each other, and what’s worth preserving. Forced proximity, secrets, scandal, and a hero who’s equal parts growly caretaker and soft hearted soul. I devoured this in one sitting and I’m already craving a reread!
✨ Perfect for anyone who loves Grumpy/ Sunshine, Small Town Vibes, Spicy Rom Com, Gothic Cozy, Fall Seasonal Reads!!
Absolute perfection!! 5 glowing stars! 🍁🕯️❤️
September 15, 2026
3.5 Stars | Haunt Me Properly by Kit Winterlyn
Oh, Goodreads, why can’t I leave a 3.5 star review?
Anyway, on with the review.
Haunt Me Properly was a solid read, but unfortunately, the pacing just didn’t quite work for me.
The characters were enjoyable, well written, and I enjoyed getting to know them and watching their story unfold. My biggest issue was that the story felt slow in places, and I found myself getting a little bored at times. I kept waiting for things to pick up and pull me further into the story.
Once we got there, the spice was a nice medium level—enough to add some heat without completely taking over the story. And I always appreciate when the MCs get the HEA they deserve.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read at all. It just wasn’t one that completely grabbed me or will make my all-time favorites list. I think readers who enjoy a slower-paced romance may connect with it more than I did.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh, Goodreads, why can’t I leave a 3.5 star review?
Anyway, on with the review.
Haunt Me Properly was a solid read, but unfortunately, the pacing just didn’t quite work for me.
The characters were enjoyable, well written, and I enjoyed getting to know them and watching their story unfold. My biggest issue was that the story felt slow in places, and I found myself getting a little bored at times. I kept waiting for things to pick up and pull me further into the story.
Once we got there, the spice was a nice medium level—enough to add some heat without completely taking over the story. And I always appreciate when the MCs get the HEA they deserve.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read at all. It just wasn’t one that completely grabbed me or will make my all-time favorites list. I think readers who enjoy a slower-paced romance may connect with it more than I did.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2026
I liked Haunt Me Properly, but it never quite pulled me all the way in. I loved the spooky fall setting with the old chapel and cemetery, and Jeb being the broody cemetery caretaker with a past as a horror movie actor was such a fun setup.
One of my favorite parts was the history and research into the forgotten women of the town. I loved learning their stories, and it gave the book a little more depth beyond the romance.
The romance was where it lost me a bit. Jeb is supposed to be grumpy and broody, but he melts so quickly that I wish we'd gotten more of that side of him. Their chemistry also felt a little off, and I never completely felt that spark between them.
I'm all for consent, but it felt a little overdone here. The constant stopping and asking during the spicy scenes interrupted the flow and took me out of the moment.
Overall, I loved the atmosphere and historical elements, but the romance just didn't grab me the way I wanted it to. Still a cute, easy spooky-season read
One of my favorite parts was the history and research into the forgotten women of the town. I loved learning their stories, and it gave the book a little more depth beyond the romance.
The romance was where it lost me a bit. Jeb is supposed to be grumpy and broody, but he melts so quickly that I wish we'd gotten more of that side of him. Their chemistry also felt a little off, and I never completely felt that spark between them.
I'm all for consent, but it felt a little overdone here. The constant stopping and asking during the spicy scenes interrupted the flow and took me out of the moment.
Overall, I loved the atmosphere and historical elements, but the romance just didn't grab me the way I wanted it to. Still a cute, easy spooky-season read
September 18, 2026
Haunt Me Properly by Kit Winterlyn was a cute and cozy read with all the spooky autumn vibes and some spicy moments. I enjoyed it overall, but I just couldn’t quite get as wrapped up and fully invested in the story as I wanted to be. It never really managed to pull me all the way in.
That said, it definitely wasn’t a bad read. I enjoyed the characters and some of the fun moments, and I really liked the chapel and cemetery setting. It gave the story a fun, cozy gothic atmosphere that fit the fall vibes perfectly.
Overall, this one just didn’t completely click for me, but I can absolutely see other readers enjoying it more than I did. If you’re looking for a spooky, cozy small-town romance with a grumpy cemetery caretaker, a little spice, and some fun banter, this could be a good fall read for you!
Thank you so much, Kit Winterlyn, for the ARC and the opportunity to read Haunt Me Properly!
That said, it definitely wasn’t a bad read. I enjoyed the characters and some of the fun moments, and I really liked the chapel and cemetery setting. It gave the story a fun, cozy gothic atmosphere that fit the fall vibes perfectly.
Overall, this one just didn’t completely click for me, but I can absolutely see other readers enjoying it more than I did. If you’re looking for a spooky, cozy small-town romance with a grumpy cemetery caretaker, a little spice, and some fun banter, this could be a good fall read for you!
Thank you so much, Kit Winterlyn, for the ARC and the opportunity to read Haunt Me Properly!
September 18, 2026
"Enough enthusiasm to constitute a public disturbance" 👏
I was honoured to receive this as an ARC, and it delivered such a strong, mature, wonderfully fleshed‑out characters.
The chemistry and banter were 10/10 — genuinely funny and very unique takes and phrases.
I also especially appreciated how one MC handled being called out: no defensiveness, immediate action, and no expectation of instant forgiveness. So refreshing!
It’s a great cozy read. I did mark it down slightly for pacing, which felt slower than the story needed, and for some dialogue formatting that occasionally made it hard to track who was speaking — a few more speaker tags would smooth that out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and I’m excited to keep reading more from this author! 🧡🍂
I was honoured to receive this as an ARC, and it delivered such a strong, mature, wonderfully fleshed‑out characters.
The chemistry and banter were 10/10 — genuinely funny and very unique takes and phrases.
I also especially appreciated how one MC handled being called out: no defensiveness, immediate action, and no expectation of instant forgiveness. So refreshing!
It’s a great cozy read. I did mark it down slightly for pacing, which felt slower than the story needed, and for some dialogue formatting that occasionally made it hard to track who was speaking — a few more speaker tags would smooth that out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and I’m excited to keep reading more from this author! 🧡🍂
September 24, 2026
I hate rating lower on a book but even though I finished it, I felt it was just okay. The spice isn’t much and the interactions feel awkward with them having to ask permission before doing anything, which I could understand if some has trauma or something like that. However nothing was ever explained. I’m all for permission and consent but this was excessive for what was happening in the scenes.
The historical aspect was interesting but I feel like more could have been told about that. It just kind of felt rushed and all over the place.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author so I’m not basing my opinion on her as an overall author on this one book, but this book just wasn’t for me.
The historical aspect was interesting but I feel like more could have been told about that. It just kind of felt rushed and all over the place.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author so I’m not basing my opinion on her as an overall author on this one book, but this book just wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2026
Quick Fall Read
I hate rating lower on a book but even though I finished it, I felt it was just okay. The spice isn’t much and the interactions feel awkward with them having to ask permission before doing anything, which I could understand if some has trauma or something like that. However nothing was ever explained. I’m all for permission and consent but this was excessive for what was happening in the scenes.
The historical aspect was interesting but I feel like more could have been told about that. It just kind of felt rushed and all over the place.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author so I’m not basing my opinion on her as an overall author on this one book, but this book just wasn’t for me.
I hate rating lower on a book but even though I finished it, I felt it was just okay. The spice isn’t much and the interactions feel awkward with them having to ask permission before doing anything, which I could understand if some has trauma or something like that. However nothing was ever explained. I’m all for permission and consent but this was excessive for what was happening in the scenes.
The historical aspect was interesting but I feel like more could have been told about that. It just kind of felt rushed and all over the place.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author so I’m not basing my opinion on her as an overall author on this one book, but this book just wasn’t for me.
September 15, 2026
I really wanted to love Haunt Me Properly because the premise sounded like exactly my kind of fall read. The chapel, cemetery, grumpy caretaker, and all the chaos sounded so fun.
For me, though, it took a little too long to get going. I kept waiting for that moment where everything really clicked and pulled me in, and I found myself getting bored in some parts.
I did enjoy the characters and there were some cute and spicy moments, but overall I just never became as invested as I wanted to be.
It wasn’t a bad read at all, just one that didn’t completely work for me. I can definitely see others enjoying it more, especially if you like a slower-paced romance.
September 9, 2026
This was another cute, cozy fall read, with more spooky season vibes. I enjoyed it, but out of the series so far, it wasn’t my fave. I think some thoughts and ideas were repeated a little too much and could have benefited from being trimmed down for a shorter, quicker read. Some of the choices the FMC made in the beginning kinda rubbed me the wrong way, but the banter and some of the witty comments were fun. Overall, it was a cute read, just not one that stood out as a favorite for me.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy and review.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy and review.
September 16, 2026
ARC Review:
Super cute and witty from the beginning! Jeb and Cora spark immediately in the story, and the banter between the two had me rolling. My personality really clicked with Cora and her humor. I could only give four stars as I felt Kit Winterlyn did a great job building their story, but when shit hit the fan, they quickly made up. It would have earned five stars if there was a bit more suspense with the drama at the end. I will say that the wittiness came back at the end, which was true of the characters.
Super cute and witty from the beginning! Jeb and Cora spark immediately in the story, and the banter between the two had me rolling. My personality really clicked with Cora and her humor. I could only give four stars as I felt Kit Winterlyn did a great job building their story, but when shit hit the fan, they quickly made up. It would have earned five stars if there was a bit more suspense with the drama at the end. I will say that the wittiness came back at the end, which was true of the characters.
September 16, 2026
ARC review. I loved this little fall romance story! It was not my usual read at all. I am usually strictly a fantasy girlie, but I wanted to try something different and loved it. It made me want to watch Jeb’s movies and know more about him, it made me want to not stop reading. I need more of these two in my life ASAP!
September 24, 2026
I really loved the idea of this book, and while it was cute, it was just so bland. I felt there could be more tension or attraction with the characters. More personality to them.
The beginning is very slow and lacked oomph. Because it was so slow I lost interest early on. I did not vibe with the FMC at all.
It does give some fall spooky vibes but not enough.
The beginning is very slow and lacked oomph. Because it was so slow I lost interest early on. I did not vibe with the FMC at all.
It does give some fall spooky vibes but not enough.
September 4, 2026
Another cute short autumn read. I love the snark and banter between the main characters. I enjoyed seeing the FMC turn her thinking around about her chapel. The little rift towards the end was well written and well resolved.
September 6, 2026
This book had me laughing and kicking my feet while also crying. Such an emotional roller coaster and everything I wanted in a fall read and a romcom. So when is the next standalone coming out? I need more!!!
September 12, 2026
Spicy & Full of Witty Banter
Such a cute read!
I loved the banter between the characters. So many lines delivered by Cora that you can’t help but chuckle over.
Thank you to Kit for the amazing gift of ARC reading this beautiful story ❤️
Such a cute read!
I loved the banter between the characters. So many lines delivered by Cora that you can’t help but chuckle over.
Thank you to Kit for the amazing gift of ARC reading this beautiful story ❤️
September 21, 2026
Another great read from Kit Winterlyn.
Thank you for allowing me to read another one of your books! I really enjoyed this one too!
I love the fall spooky vibes, it’s genuinely so good.
The banter between Jeb and Cora was so super cute I loved every minute of this
Thank you for allowing me to read another one of your books! I really enjoyed this one too!
I love the fall spooky vibes, it’s genuinely so good.
The banter between Jeb and Cora was so super cute I loved every minute of this
September 26, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy Review
This was such a nice cozy fall read. I loved the banter and raw honesty between the main characters. Absolutely add this to your TBR. Thank you for the opportunity to read and enjoy this ARC!
This was such a nice cozy fall read. I loved the banter and raw honesty between the main characters. Absolutely add this to your TBR. Thank you for the opportunity to read and enjoy this ARC!
September 9, 2026
ARC 🍂
A cute short spicy autumn read! The emotional roller coaster and banter was perfectly written 🍂
A cute short spicy autumn read! The emotional roller coaster and banter was perfectly written 🍂
September 15, 2026
A lovely and whimsical read. It was an easy read with a good storyline. The story moved quite quickly and the characters were interesting.
September 15, 2026
This was cute fall read. It had great banter with the main characters and was funny. This is a great romcom to start of the fall season.
September 28, 2026
I have always been fascinated with old cemeteries and enjoyed the history of the town/people. It felt like the decision to start towards forgiveness was a bit quick for me.
September 18, 2026
Such a cute little fall read to mark off my fall reads for this fall season! This was my first book by Kit Winterlyn and she did not disappoint! The fall hallmarky vibes were perfect! The characters stole my heart! Absolutely loved the banter between the characters. I can’t wait to dive into whatever other books Kit writes! A perfect fall read to add to your TBR this fall! 🎃🧡🍁
Thank you Kit Winterlyn for the ARC I absolutely adored this book! 🥰
Thank you Kit Winterlyn for the ARC I absolutely adored this book! 🥰
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews