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Ghouls of Ex-Mas Past: A festive paranormal rom-com
Not yet published
Expected 4 Nov 26Caught between the crush you have on your best friend and the ghost of her ex...
As one half of paranormal YouTube channel Ghost Punters, Jesse (sceptic) is used to cold spots, creepy noises, and debunking ghost stories with his best friend and co-host, Mira (believer). Spending his Christmas break from Rugby playing in the Scottish Highlands at a haunted Christmas tree farm, hunting ghosts sounded like the perfect holiday special—until a former worker turns up in the form of a ghost.
The ghost claims to be Mira’s dead ex-boyfriend and insists she's the one who killed him.
Caught between a ghost with a grudge and the woman he's secretly been in love with for years, Jesse has no idea who to believe. As supernatural chaos escalates, accusations fly, and one spectacularly possessed moose turns the festive getaway into a nightmare, Jesse and Mira will have to uncover the truth before an unhinged ghost destroys more than just their channel's Christmas special.
A laugh-out-loud paranormal holiday rom-com packed with friends-to-lovers tension, ghostly mischief, Christmas chaos, and festive spice.
As one half of paranormal YouTube channel Ghost Punters, Jesse (sceptic) is used to cold spots, creepy noises, and debunking ghost stories with his best friend and co-host, Mira (believer). Spending his Christmas break from Rugby playing in the Scottish Highlands at a haunted Christmas tree farm, hunting ghosts sounded like the perfect holiday special—until a former worker turns up in the form of a ghost.
The ghost claims to be Mira’s dead ex-boyfriend and insists she's the one who killed him.
Caught between a ghost with a grudge and the woman he's secretly been in love with for years, Jesse has no idea who to believe. As supernatural chaos escalates, accusations fly, and one spectacularly possessed moose turns the festive getaway into a nightmare, Jesse and Mira will have to uncover the truth before an unhinged ghost destroys more than just their channel's Christmas special.
A laugh-out-loud paranormal holiday rom-com packed with friends-to-lovers tension, ghostly mischief, Christmas chaos, and festive spice.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 17, 2026
Received this book as an ARC. It definitely had a nice mix of cozy holiday scene with a mix of paranormal - not a mix I’ve come across before.
This was a quick read although I do wish it was longer so we could explore the characters more, I feel like getting to know them and their history was rushed because it was such a short novella.
Love to see a man willing to ignore that the girl of his dreams could be a murderer because he wants to be with her so bad. Who said chivalry was dead?
This was a quick read although I do wish it was longer so we could explore the characters more, I feel like getting to know them and their history was rushed because it was such a short novella.
Love to see a man willing to ignore that the girl of his dreams could be a murderer because he wants to be with her so bad. Who said chivalry was dead?
October 18, 2026
ARC REVIEW!
Ohhhh I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!! 😭🎄👻
I am SUCH a sucker for a quick little novella and this was honestly SO GOOD!!!
The whole concept of a festive paranormal rom-com was already right up my alley, but Anneka absolutely delivered!!! The humour, the romance and all the ghostly shenanigans made this such a ridiculously fun read!
I loved Jesse and Mira together!! Their dynamic, the friends to lovers and all the situations they found themselves in had me so entertained. And honestly, a haunted Christmas tree farm?! A ghostly ex?! WHAT A TIME! 😂
Anneka's writing is genuinely amazing! She was a fun read full of personality, even in a shorter format. I was hooked the entire time and had the best time reading this!!
So incredibly proud of my talented friend and so grateful I got to read this one early!!! 🤍
Ohhhh I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!! 😭🎄👻
I am SUCH a sucker for a quick little novella and this was honestly SO GOOD!!!
The whole concept of a festive paranormal rom-com was already right up my alley, but Anneka absolutely delivered!!! The humour, the romance and all the ghostly shenanigans made this such a ridiculously fun read!
I loved Jesse and Mira together!! Their dynamic, the friends to lovers and all the situations they found themselves in had me so entertained. And honestly, a haunted Christmas tree farm?! A ghostly ex?! WHAT A TIME! 😂
Anneka's writing is genuinely amazing! She was a fun read full of personality, even in a shorter format. I was hooked the entire time and had the best time reading this!!
So incredibly proud of my talented friend and so grateful I got to read this one early!!! 🤍
October 15, 2026
Review of advance copy from author & publisher
First things first, we need to address the level of spice here... because I did NOT expect this short little novella to be this spicy! What do you mean you're going all the way to town with Santa in his sleigh in the middle of a forest after capturing your ex's ghost in a salt ring? Again, in the middle of the forest? Also... add a sleigh to my list because yes please!
This book gives you sweet holiday vibes and late-blooming romance, the suspense of figuring out what really happened with her ex, and the spice of capturing their ghost together in the middle of nowhere while recording it for their paranormal podcast....
Do I need more from Anneka in her books? YES! I'm so thankful to be chosen as an ARC reader, and I can't wait to start reading more of her books!
First things first, we need to address the level of spice here... because I did NOT expect this short little novella to be this spicy! What do you mean you're going all the way to town with Santa in his sleigh in the middle of a forest after capturing your ex's ghost in a salt ring? Again, in the middle of the forest? Also... add a sleigh to my list because yes please!
This book gives you sweet holiday vibes and late-blooming romance, the suspense of figuring out what really happened with her ex, and the spice of capturing their ghost together in the middle of nowhere while recording it for their paranormal podcast....
Do I need more from Anneka in her books? YES! I'm so thankful to be chosen as an ARC reader, and I can't wait to start reading more of her books!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a rollercoaster of a book! A paranormal outing with a festive Christmas twist, this short read had me on my toes from beginning to end. It was an absolute page-turner that kept me hooked and wanting to know what would happen next!
I absolutely loved the relationship between Jesse and Mira. Their connection was heartwarming and added such a lovely touch to all the paranormal chaos. And speaking of chaos, Devon certainly brought it! The antics, especially with Melvin, had me thoroughly entertained.
This book was the perfect mix of paranormal fun, heartwarming moments, and Christmas chaos. A quick, entertaining read that delivered plenty of excitement and left me wanting more!
I absolutely loved the relationship between Jesse and Mira. Their connection was heartwarming and added such a lovely touch to all the paranormal chaos. And speaking of chaos, Devon certainly brought it! The antics, especially with Melvin, had me thoroughly entertained.
This book was the perfect mix of paranormal fun, heartwarming moments, and Christmas chaos. A quick, entertaining read that delivered plenty of excitement and left me wanting more!
October 18, 2026
This was a cozy winter Christmas read, set in an abandoned Christmas Tree farm with a vengeful ghost!
The romance was good and it’s always fun to read about a man that would do anything for his love.
The writing was simple and easy to follow. Perfect to read coming into the festive season!
Thank you to Millie Lane Press and Anneka-Rose Burrell for the chance to read this as an ARC! 💫
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ghouls of Ex-mas Past absolutely cements my love for Anneka's quirky, banter-filled supernatural romances. Like, really. I'm obsessed and most definitely in my spooky Christmas era!
Once again Anneka has created this incredibly fun world where supernatural and human life cross over seamlessly and you'll find yourself laughing out loud, commiserating with our MMC who just wants a chance with his dream girl and ultimately loving when the jingle balls finally come together (look, I'm no writer and that pun made sense when I wrote it).
We start our story with Jesse and Mira, breaking and entering into an old Scottish Christmas farm, a place Mira had heard about from an...ex, and the perfect place to shoot footage for their ghost hunting website. Mira is a believer and Jesse the skeptic, and after three years of being close friends (though Jesse would love to be more... insert pining and Christmas tree joke here) things start to get a little... personal as they hunt for a ghost Jesse is adamant doesn't exist.
Except, why are things turning on by themselves, moving around and who is the partially visible ghost that keeps talking to him?
As Jesse and Mira start to realise that the other might be interested in more than just being friends, they are suddenly fighting for their life from a vengeful ghost who wants justice, the bro code to mean something and revenge on the ex who killed him. And apparently that's...Mira?
Anneka creates a laugh out loud, yet sweet and spicy novella, just in time for Christmas!
If you love:
- friends to lovers
- Christmas themed
- MMC POV
- rom-com
- mutual pining
- skeptic/believer
- banter
- they run a online ghost hunting channel together
- ghosts and supernatural themes
- spice (and not just mulled wine!)
Then add this to your tbr. I read this prior to release.
Once again Anneka has created this incredibly fun world where supernatural and human life cross over seamlessly and you'll find yourself laughing out loud, commiserating with our MMC who just wants a chance with his dream girl and ultimately loving when the jingle balls finally come together (look, I'm no writer and that pun made sense when I wrote it).
We start our story with Jesse and Mira, breaking and entering into an old Scottish Christmas farm, a place Mira had heard about from an...ex, and the perfect place to shoot footage for their ghost hunting website. Mira is a believer and Jesse the skeptic, and after three years of being close friends (though Jesse would love to be more... insert pining and Christmas tree joke here) things start to get a little... personal as they hunt for a ghost Jesse is adamant doesn't exist.
Except, why are things turning on by themselves, moving around and who is the partially visible ghost that keeps talking to him?
As Jesse and Mira start to realise that the other might be interested in more than just being friends, they are suddenly fighting for their life from a vengeful ghost who wants justice, the bro code to mean something and revenge on the ex who killed him. And apparently that's...Mira?
Anneka creates a laugh out loud, yet sweet and spicy novella, just in time for Christmas!
If you love:
- friends to lovers
- Christmas themed
- MMC POV
- rom-com
- mutual pining
- skeptic/believer
- banter
- they run a online ghost hunting channel together
- ghosts and supernatural themes
- spice (and not just mulled wine!)
Then add this to your tbr. I read this prior to release.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a hilarious, chaotic, and unexpectedly spicy Christmas read!
I absolutely adored Jesse! He's goofy, a little clueless (sometimes idiotic), emotionally vulnerable, and completely awkward when it comes to approaching Mira romantically. Yet, he knows her so well, down to the smallest details, and I found that incredibly adorable. I also enjoyed reading a male POV written by a female author. Jesse's inner thoughts and ridiculous antics made him such an endearing character.
The Scottish banter added so much personality to the story! Some expressions were a little challenging for me, but I loved that the author included a Scottish lingo guide at the beginning of the book. The cute illustrations and Christmas-themed chapter titles were also lovely touches that made the reading experience even more entertaining.
Now, let's talk about that ending!
This book went from Christmas Scooby-Doo to Fifty Shades of Santa Claus in a matter of pages, and I was NOT prepared!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good spicy scene, but the sudden shift caught me completely off guard! I also felt that the paranormal conflict was resolved a little too conveniently, leaving me wanting a more satisfying conclusion before the romance took center stage.
Despite those little issues, I genuinely enjoyed this novella. It's silly, sweet, ridiculous, and full of holiday chaos. If you're looking for a lighthearted paranormal rom-com with an adorably awkward MMC, friends-to-lovers romance, Scottish charm, and unexpected spice, give this one a try!!!!
I absolutely adored Jesse! He's goofy, a little clueless (sometimes idiotic), emotionally vulnerable, and completely awkward when it comes to approaching Mira romantically. Yet, he knows her so well, down to the smallest details, and I found that incredibly adorable. I also enjoyed reading a male POV written by a female author. Jesse's inner thoughts and ridiculous antics made him such an endearing character.
The Scottish banter added so much personality to the story! Some expressions were a little challenging for me, but I loved that the author included a Scottish lingo guide at the beginning of the book. The cute illustrations and Christmas-themed chapter titles were also lovely touches that made the reading experience even more entertaining.
Now, let's talk about that ending!
This book went from Christmas Scooby-Doo to Fifty Shades of Santa Claus in a matter of pages, and I was NOT prepared!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good spicy scene, but the sudden shift caught me completely off guard! I also felt that the paranormal conflict was resolved a little too conveniently, leaving me wanting a more satisfying conclusion before the romance took center stage.
Despite those little issues, I genuinely enjoyed this novella. It's silly, sweet, ridiculous, and full of holiday chaos. If you're looking for a lighthearted paranormal rom-com with an adorably awkward MMC, friends-to-lovers romance, Scottish charm, and unexpected spice, give this one a try!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Read as ARC
Ghouls of Ex-Mas Past is a hilarious and sweet paranormal Christmas romance, where Jesse and Mira’s ghost hunting friendship turns (finally) into something more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ghouls of Ex-Mas Past, it was a real page turner and while I never knew what to expect, it kept me entertained and I couldn’t put it down. The relationship that Jesse and Mira have is heartwarming. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how their lives have not only been interwoven but how they work together easily.
Ghouls of Ex-Mas Past is a hilarious and sweet paranormal Christmas romance, where Jesse and Mira’s ghost hunting friendship turns (finally) into something more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ghouls of Ex-Mas Past, it was a real page turner and while I never knew what to expect, it kept me entertained and I couldn’t put it down. The relationship that Jesse and Mira have is heartwarming. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how their lives have not only been interwoven but how they work together easily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was honoured to receive an e-arc copy of Ghould of Ex-Mas Past and I enjoyed it.
Being from Scotland, I related to a lot of the aspects of this book and the storyline had the crime junkie in me on the edge of my seat.
It was a fun, spooky and slightly festive read, making it a perfect book for in between Halloween and the holiday season.
It's a shorter book and an easy read, so this would be a perfect quick read for someone looking to dip their toes into something different.
I would absolutely recommend this book and I look forward to reading more by Anneka-Rose
Being from Scotland, I related to a lot of the aspects of this book and the storyline had the crime junkie in me on the edge of my seat.
It was a fun, spooky and slightly festive read, making it a perfect book for in between Halloween and the holiday season.
It's a shorter book and an easy read, so this would be a perfect quick read for someone looking to dip their toes into something different.
I would absolutely recommend this book and I look forward to reading more by Anneka-Rose
October 20, 2026
I want to start by saying thank you to Millie Lane Press and the author Anneka-Rose Burrell for the opportunity to receive an eARC of Ghouls of Ex-mas Past! Now onto my review!
Something I immediately want to say is I absolutely love the chapter titles being titles to Christmas songs. That is such a clever addition to the story!
For main characters, we have Jesse, the MMC, and Mira, the FMC. They are best friends who have a paranormal YouTube channel together called Ghost Punters. Jesse is skeptical of ghosts and Mira is a firm believer.
Jesse and Mira’s dynamic with each other has me absolutely swooning! They play off each other so well. Their flirting and banter is incredible.
WHEN THEY FINALLY KISS! AND WAITING FOR CONSENT! Jesse the man that you are!
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and totally recommend if you’re looking for a little festive quick read with a haunting twist!
Something I immediately want to say is I absolutely love the chapter titles being titles to Christmas songs. That is such a clever addition to the story!
For main characters, we have Jesse, the MMC, and Mira, the FMC. They are best friends who have a paranormal YouTube channel together called Ghost Punters. Jesse is skeptical of ghosts and Mira is a firm believer.
Jesse and Mira’s dynamic with each other has me absolutely swooning! They play off each other so well. Their flirting and banter is incredible.
WHEN THEY FINALLY KISS! AND WAITING FOR CONSENT! Jesse the man that you are!
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and totally recommend if you’re looking for a little festive quick read with a haunting twist!
Review of advance copy
I really liked this.
The number of times I said “aw” was very high.
I was curled up and gasped so load it disturbed my cat, my clients and myself.
My flanbers had been gasted
The amount of back and forth and whiplash in such a short time was intense.
The almost ending has me cackling.
I definitely recommend reading this with a cup of cocoa with cinnamon, cayenne, and marshmallows. It’s so good with a touch of spice and so much sweetness on the end.
The number of times I said “aw” was very high.
I was curled up and gasped so load it disturbed my cat, my clients and myself.
My flanbers had been gasted
The amount of back and forth and whiplash in such a short time was intense.
The almost ending has me cackling.
I definitely recommend reading this with a cup of cocoa with cinnamon, cayenne, and marshmallows. It’s so good with a touch of spice and so much sweetness on the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super quick read. It is a little hard to read in spots and it is definitely a little slow, too slow, in my opinion, for such a short novella. The main characters are strong, but I feel like they could be a little stronger. I wouldn't mind seeing this story expand, with more detail versus the novella length.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A kiss under the mistletoe for Millie Lane for the ARC
We love a man that yearns but I kept waiting for him to call her hen.
She really should have killed Devon
This was a fun lil novella that was quick paced with a satisfying end
We love a man that yearns but I kept waiting for him to call her hen.
She really should have killed Devon
This was a fun lil novella that was quick paced with a satisfying end
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the spooky Christmas vibes, quirky characters and the perfect mix of romance, humour and supernatural chaos. It was cosy, cute and just the right amount of spooky! A great Christmas read for anyone who likes their festive season with a paranormal twist!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The ideal mix of laughter, tension and an easy enjoyable read. Suspense is also perfectly timed with humor and waiting for the next event.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fun light hearted Christmas romance from the MMC viewpoint
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews