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Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish #1
Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish
A zombie. A vampire. A witch. Nora Travers is none of these things.
But the former mean girl has to hide behind costumes if she wants to scare the pants off Brendan, the horror geek with the power to make or break her haunted house. Because Brendan is the nerd Nora used to torment in middle school. But now he's all grown up and so scary hot, even her zombie heart starts beating.
And he's looking a bit too long at her bloody fishnet stockings.
Nora has to be everything she's not this Halloween so she can hide her true self and terrify Brendan. Not to mention protect her heart.
Because what happens when he realizes she’s a monster behind the mask?
CRAZY, SEXY, GHOULISH is a 22,000-word goth romantic comedy novella. Called "sweet, smart, sexy, and funny," it's the perfect length to read on a chilly October evening--and beyond.
But the former mean girl has to hide behind costumes if she wants to scare the pants off Brendan, the horror geek with the power to make or break her haunted house. Because Brendan is the nerd Nora used to torment in middle school. But now he's all grown up and so scary hot, even her zombie heart starts beating.
And he's looking a bit too long at her bloody fishnet stockings.
Nora has to be everything she's not this Halloween so she can hide her true self and terrify Brendan. Not to mention protect her heart.
Because what happens when he realizes she’s a monster behind the mask?
CRAZY, SEXY, GHOULISH is a 22,000-word goth romantic comedy novella. Called "sweet, smart, sexy, and funny," it's the perfect length to read on a chilly October evening--and beyond.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2015
86 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
G.G. Andrew
18 books54 followersI'm not on Goodreads often, but feel free to connect with me through Facebook, Instagram, or my newsletter!
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G.G. Andrew has written love stories about poets, ghosts, reformed mean girls, grammar nerds, kleptomaniacs, cops, graffiti artists, and many, many horror geeks, but what they all have in common is they’re filled with humor and heart. (And sometimes a Star Wars reference or two.)
She writes about books for the BookBub Blog. An avid nerd, G.G. enjoys British comedy, black licorice, neon pink, frozen concoctions, monster movies, and any type of rom-com. She’s probably drinking tea right now.
Join her mailing list to get free stories, scenes, and sneak peeks at new books: http://ggandrew.com/mailing-list/
➜NEWSLETTER: http://ggandrew.com/mailing-list/
➜FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/writerggandrew
➜INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/writerggand...
G.G. Andrew has written love stories about poets, ghosts, reformed mean girls, grammar nerds, kleptomaniacs, cops, graffiti artists, and many, many horror geeks, but what they all have in common is they’re filled with humor and heart. (And sometimes a Star Wars reference or two.)
She writes about books for the BookBub Blog. An avid nerd, G.G. enjoys British comedy, black licorice, neon pink, frozen concoctions, monster movies, and any type of rom-com. She’s probably drinking tea right now.
Join her mailing list to get free stories, scenes, and sneak peeks at new books: http://ggandrew.com/mailing-list/
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October 23, 2016
Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish: A Halloween Romance is book one in the Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish series by G.G. Andrew.
Nora Travers is a twenty year old theater student worried about how she will pay for the next semester’s tuition. For Halloween she has a job in a local haunted house posing as various characters who will surely scare any client that passes through. Nora is very good at her job. When her boss hears that the owner of a very popular horror website is going to visit their haunted house among others and rate them, he promises his employees a big bonus if they can make the top three on the list.
Nora was not the same person when she was younger, in middle school. She was a popular girl who took pleasure in mocking others. She was the school mean girl. One such person was Brendan Forrester, the very same person that owns the horror website and is visiting their haunted house. She needs that bonus but if Brendan realizes who she is, the girl that tormented him in middle school, it would be all over. She just had to do her job very, very well to both make sure he didn’t recognize her and also, to scare the crap out of him so they will get a good rating.
But when he came in, she couldn’t get a moan out of her mouth. Because the man the skinny, scrawny middle schooler she remembered had grown in to was H-O-T! And it seemed like he was looking at her legs. So much for making a good impression.
A late night conversation on twitter which grows into trading text messages starts something that Nora should have never let get started. If Brendan knew who she really was, he would not be speaking to her.
This was a fun little romantic adventure with what I think was an actual moral to the story. But I’ll let you decide that for yourselves. It’s a quick read and perfect for October reading. Brendan and Nora’s adventures continue in the second book of this series, Scary, Lovesick, Foolish: A Halloween Romance.
Nora Travers is a twenty year old theater student worried about how she will pay for the next semester’s tuition. For Halloween she has a job in a local haunted house posing as various characters who will surely scare any client that passes through. Nora is very good at her job. When her boss hears that the owner of a very popular horror website is going to visit their haunted house among others and rate them, he promises his employees a big bonus if they can make the top three on the list.
Nora was not the same person when she was younger, in middle school. She was a popular girl who took pleasure in mocking others. She was the school mean girl. One such person was Brendan Forrester, the very same person that owns the horror website and is visiting their haunted house. She needs that bonus but if Brendan realizes who she is, the girl that tormented him in middle school, it would be all over. She just had to do her job very, very well to both make sure he didn’t recognize her and also, to scare the crap out of him so they will get a good rating.
But when he came in, she couldn’t get a moan out of her mouth. Because the man the skinny, scrawny middle schooler she remembered had grown in to was H-O-T! And it seemed like he was looking at her legs. So much for making a good impression.
A late night conversation on twitter which grows into trading text messages starts something that Nora should have never let get started. If Brendan knew who she really was, he would not be speaking to her.
This was a fun little romantic adventure with what I think was an actual moral to the story. But I’ll let you decide that for yourselves. It’s a quick read and perfect for October reading. Brendan and Nora’s adventures continue in the second book of this series, Scary, Lovesick, Foolish: A Halloween Romance.
November 20, 2022
Okay by why did this hour long read almost make me cry? 4.5⭐️
Perfect spooky season read (yes it’s still spooky season- it never ends).
This was a fun, cute, heat-warming and heart-breaking story of Nora (FMC), a former middle school bully, and Brendan (MMC). I loooooved this! The haunted house theme, the tension, the build-up to the reveal, THE REVEAL 💔. 😮💨 That was an adventure. I am super excited for the next because damn.
I do wish this was a smidge longer, with a few more interactions between the MC’s, but that’s personal preference. I know this was a novella and it had a complete story. Since there is a second book, the lack of epilogue was understandable lol.
👻🧟♀️🧙♀️🧛♀️
Perfect spooky season read (yes it’s still spooky season- it never ends).
This was a fun, cute, heat-warming and heart-breaking story of Nora (FMC), a former middle school bully, and Brendan (MMC). I loooooved this! The haunted house theme, the tension, the build-up to the reveal, THE REVEAL 💔. 😮💨 That was an adventure. I am super excited for the next because damn.
I do wish this was a smidge longer, with a few more interactions between the MC’s, but that’s personal preference. I know this was a novella and it had a complete story. Since there is a second book, the lack of epilogue was understandable lol.
👻🧟♀️🧙♀️🧛♀️
November 2, 2022
I liked this short story as we get to see the bully's side. Usually we get the bullied person's perspective and it's hard to feel any sympathy for bullies.
Nora's job was pretty cool and she uses her disguises to get closer to Brendan.
Very sweet but lacking any HEAT...want some steam please.
Nora's job was pretty cool and she uses her disguises to get closer to Brendan.
Very sweet but lacking any HEAT...want some steam please.
October 28, 2016
3 1/2 "Halloween Romance?!!?" Stars!
Well, this was surprisingly good. Very cute. I thought it was a perfect idea for a Halloween romance. Moral to the story- Don't pick on people; it will come back to haunt you. Get it "haunt" you. Bwahahaha!! (I know... it wasn't that funny.)
This could have been 4 short story stars, but there was a scene toward the end that I felt was just unnecessary. Nora did a reenactment of a movie. I thought it was... IDK... kinda stupid. Very overly dramatic. But overall, a cute little Halloween short story. Now I want to go to a haunted house! Happy reading! And Happy Halloween! Be safe, have fun.
Ps. Currently (10/28/16) Free @ Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Sexy-Gho...
Well, this was surprisingly good. Very cute. I thought it was a perfect idea for a Halloween romance. Moral to the story- Don't pick on people; it will come back to haunt you. Get it "haunt" you. Bwahahaha!! (I know... it wasn't that funny.)
This could have been 4 short story stars, but there was a scene toward the end that I felt was just unnecessary. Nora did a reenactment of a movie. I thought it was... IDK... kinda stupid. Very overly dramatic. But overall, a cute little Halloween short story. Now I want to go to a haunted house! Happy reading! And Happy Halloween! Be safe, have fun.
Ps. Currently (10/28/16) Free @ Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Sexy-Gho...
July 11, 2016
I'm in love with yet another fictional male character: "Brendan Forrester." After reading this short book... I can't stop smiling! I really enjoyed this book! Yes, this was a cute, fun and sweet book (*Gasp The Horror*) Yes, I, Jessica sometimes read a nice book every now and then! I love all things Halloween (my favorite time of year) this book has it all, Forgiveness, Haunted House, Horror films, and a Hot nerd gets the girl. Thank you, G.G. Andrew for writing such an AWESOME book!!!
October 4, 2021
First off, the cover is a lie. Neither character wears skull makeup in the book and I feel somewhat cheated as a result. 😒
Overall, it was a mildly entertaining quick read, but extremely predictable, with exactly zero plot twists or surprises. The writing was...not good. The characters...meh. The romance was very rushed, with the pair in love over the course of like two days. I didn't expect much going into this book, but still.
Guess I'll give it 2.5 stars, rounded up since I bear this book no ill will, but it did have quite a few flaws.
Overall, it was a mildly entertaining quick read, but extremely predictable, with exactly zero plot twists or surprises. The writing was...not good. The characters...meh. The romance was very rushed, with the pair in love over the course of like two days. I didn't expect much going into this book, but still.
Guess I'll give it 2.5 stars, rounded up since I bear this book no ill will, but it did have quite a few flaws.
October 25, 2022
Eh this was really not for me. I don't feel she groveled enough to make up for not disclosing she was his childhood tormentor immediately and leading him on. From the "you've got mail" vibes to the creepy baby dolls and the haunted house, this wasn't a b book, but it did check off a bang in the night bingo square so I finished it.
If you adore haunted houses, bully romances, and You've Got Mail, give this one a go! Definitely a case of fine book, just not for me.
If you adore haunted houses, bully romances, and You've Got Mail, give this one a go! Definitely a case of fine book, just not for me.
October 18, 2022
Read this for the 'But do they Bang' October 2022 Bingo - skull on the cover square. I liked the story concept, with a high school bully getting to redeem herself, and characters who like horror stories (one of which works at a haunted house). Good Halloween Fare!
December 5, 2017
Super quick fun read that is currently free online.
November 3, 2018
Ooh I like a reformed mean girl! The Halloween and haunted house setting was great. It just all really worked.
September 27, 2023
4/5 stars
If you're looking for a short, spooky and sweet not steamy Halloween romance, this is it! I really loved how it was set during multiple days of the Halloween season in a haunted house with various costumes and characters. The story wasn't all sweet though, it also had a bit of drama, past bullying references and a hidden identity theme going on.
If you're looking for a short, spooky and sweet not steamy Halloween romance, this is it! I really loved how it was set during multiple days of the Halloween season in a haunted house with various costumes and characters. The story wasn't all sweet though, it also had a bit of drama, past bullying references and a hidden identity theme going on.
September 23, 2019
ALL THE SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN!
Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish is everything I didn't know I needed from a Halloween romance. I didn't fully read the blurb before starting this book, I only glanced at the opening part that reads "A zombie. A vampire. A witch." and I thought this was a paranormal? In case you ALSO didn't read the blurb - it's not. Nora works at a haunted house and those are some of the costumes she dons - and hides behind.
I LOVE Brendan. As someone who, like Brendan, was bullied really badly in middle school, I felt a kinship with the horror greek grown into hot horror hunk. (OK, so I didn't grow up super hot and successful, but I WAS picked on, so we're basically twins.) He's so cute and funny, and I love his and Nora's chemistry. I'm also a sucker for a mistaken identity romance, so when he doesn't recognize Nora (who is, to be fair, dressed up as a zombie with heavy makeup) and she DOES recognize him... OH man, sign me the heck up. Add in to that the history they have where she was the main instigator of the bullying he received in middle school, and then her own personal growth arc and her seeing herself as a monster... I died a little reading this book, and then turned into a ghost that is going to lovingly haunt G.G. Andrew.
This is the first book in the Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish series, and book two (Scary, Lovesick, Foolish) continues Nora and Brendan's story. I don't normally read continuations of the same couple in romance (I much prepare if future updates on them come with them being side characters and not the focus), but I loved Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish so much that I immediately went and grabbed the next book.
Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish is everything I didn't know I needed from a Halloween romance. I didn't fully read the blurb before starting this book, I only glanced at the opening part that reads "A zombie. A vampire. A witch." and I thought this was a paranormal? In case you ALSO didn't read the blurb - it's not. Nora works at a haunted house and those are some of the costumes she dons - and hides behind.
I LOVE Brendan. As someone who, like Brendan, was bullied really badly in middle school, I felt a kinship with the horror greek grown into hot horror hunk. (OK, so I didn't grow up super hot and successful, but I WAS picked on, so we're basically twins.) He's so cute and funny, and I love his and Nora's chemistry. I'm also a sucker for a mistaken identity romance, so when he doesn't recognize Nora (who is, to be fair, dressed up as a zombie with heavy makeup) and she DOES recognize him... OH man, sign me the heck up. Add in to that the history they have where she was the main instigator of the bullying he received in middle school, and then her own personal growth arc and her seeing herself as a monster... I died a little reading this book, and then turned into a ghost that is going to lovingly haunt G.G. Andrew.
This is the first book in the Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish series, and book two (Scary, Lovesick, Foolish) continues Nora and Brendan's story. I don't normally read continuations of the same couple in romance (I much prepare if future updates on them come with them being side characters and not the focus), but I loved Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish so much that I immediately went and grabbed the next book.
October 23, 2019
Short and sweet. The weird loner and popular person who hated each other getting together after they've grown up is my jam (not sure I've even read that kind of pairing before, but whatever). This would have been a really good full-length novel, but I liked it. It even made me laugh out loud a couple times.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
April 14, 2020
Surprised
I randomly picked this book up and totally fell in love with it. I was surprised and I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
I randomly picked this book up and totally fell in love with it. I was surprised and I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
October 11, 2021
A spooky second chance romance between a former bully and the guy she tormented all those years ago with a haunted house setting🎃 This satisfied my Spooktober heart and I look forward to read more in this series. 3 Stars!
September 27, 2025
It was good
If you are trying to find some spooky reads for spooky season you should give this novella a try. I enjoyed reading this.
If you are trying to find some spooky reads for spooky season you should give this novella a try. I enjoyed reading this.
October 19, 2025
Fun, quick read that got me in the Halloween mood.
September 16, 2018
It was a sweet, quick read, predictable, but then of course there were only about 70 pages to flesh out a story. All in all quite enjoyable.
October 15, 2025
Cute easy read, I will continue the series.
September 26, 2016
A zombie. A vampire. A witch. Nora Travers is none of these things.
But the reformed mean girl has to hide behind costumes all Halloween week if she wants to scare the pants off Brendan, the horror geek with the power to earn her a Halloween bonus.
Because Brendan is the nerd Nora used to torment in middle school. But now he’s in college and so scary hot, even her zombie heart starts beating.
And the way he’s looking at her bloody fishnet stockings? [Shiver.]
Nora has to be everything she’s not this Halloween so she can hide her true self and terrify Brendan. Not to mention protect her heart.
Because what happens when he realizes she’s a monster behind the mask?
Nora Travers, when she was in Jr. High school, was a mean girl. She had her reasons but that didn’t make what she did ok. She hurt people and those people have long memories.
One of those people, Brendan Forrester, is the creator of popular horror website, HorrorMonger. He goes to different haunted houses in the Halloween season and then rates them on his site. The haunted house that Nora works at wants to be top on that list and if they are then the owner of the haunted house will give the workers a cash bonus. Nora wants that bonus to help pay for college but she’s more than nervous to see Brendan again for fear he’ll recognize her even through her costume.
Nora isn’t expecting Brendan aka The Creeper (the name she called him in Jr. High school) to be so incredibly hot. She almost blows it as a haunting character when she sees him as she can’t believe how gorgeous he is. She makes an impression however and when she gets home she ends up DMing him on Twitter. They start talking via text and find that they have a ton in common. As the days go by they become closer but every time Brendan shows up at the haunted house to see Nora she puts on a different character to hide herself from Brendan. When the truth comes out and Brendan finds out exactly who his mystery woman is, will he look beyond the mask or only remember who she once was?
I found this to be a great little Halloween romance. It had all the wonderful elements of Halloween stories that I like – costumes, mystery and an added bonus of the haunted house – but it also had a sweet little romance.
Though I found the flashbacks of how Nora taunted and bullied two particular kids when she was in Jr. High to be sad, I could also tell how much Nora had grown and changed over the years. I was really pulling for Brendan and Nora to stay together even after Brendan discovered her identity. I liked how the author showed us how Nora had grown and how she came to be who she was today.
The exchanges between Nora and Brendan were sweet and I loved seeing the connection between the two of them. The end was also quite touching and even though we really on got a HFN I had no doubt it would end up as a HEA.
If you like Halloweens stories this one is definitely one you won’t want to miss.
Original review posted on The Book Binge 10/31/15.
http://bookbinge.com/2015/10/guest-re...
But the reformed mean girl has to hide behind costumes all Halloween week if she wants to scare the pants off Brendan, the horror geek with the power to earn her a Halloween bonus.
Because Brendan is the nerd Nora used to torment in middle school. But now he’s in college and so scary hot, even her zombie heart starts beating.
And the way he’s looking at her bloody fishnet stockings? [Shiver.]
Nora has to be everything she’s not this Halloween so she can hide her true self and terrify Brendan. Not to mention protect her heart.
Because what happens when he realizes she’s a monster behind the mask?
Nora Travers, when she was in Jr. High school, was a mean girl. She had her reasons but that didn’t make what she did ok. She hurt people and those people have long memories.
One of those people, Brendan Forrester, is the creator of popular horror website, HorrorMonger. He goes to different haunted houses in the Halloween season and then rates them on his site. The haunted house that Nora works at wants to be top on that list and if they are then the owner of the haunted house will give the workers a cash bonus. Nora wants that bonus to help pay for college but she’s more than nervous to see Brendan again for fear he’ll recognize her even through her costume.
Nora isn’t expecting Brendan aka The Creeper (the name she called him in Jr. High school) to be so incredibly hot. She almost blows it as a haunting character when she sees him as she can’t believe how gorgeous he is. She makes an impression however and when she gets home she ends up DMing him on Twitter. They start talking via text and find that they have a ton in common. As the days go by they become closer but every time Brendan shows up at the haunted house to see Nora she puts on a different character to hide herself from Brendan. When the truth comes out and Brendan finds out exactly who his mystery woman is, will he look beyond the mask or only remember who she once was?
I found this to be a great little Halloween romance. It had all the wonderful elements of Halloween stories that I like – costumes, mystery and an added bonus of the haunted house – but it also had a sweet little romance.
Though I found the flashbacks of how Nora taunted and bullied two particular kids when she was in Jr. High to be sad, I could also tell how much Nora had grown and changed over the years. I was really pulling for Brendan and Nora to stay together even after Brendan discovered her identity. I liked how the author showed us how Nora had grown and how she came to be who she was today.
The exchanges between Nora and Brendan were sweet and I loved seeing the connection between the two of them. The end was also quite touching and even though we really on got a HFN I had no doubt it would end up as a HEA.
If you like Halloweens stories this one is definitely one you won’t want to miss.
Original review posted on The Book Binge 10/31/15.
http://bookbinge.com/2015/10/guest-re...
November 3, 2025
Rating: ☆☆☆.5
Spice level: 🌶
You know how you can just tell when something was written in the early-mid 2010s? It just has that vibe, in a good way. That was my Wattpad era so when I read stuff like this that reminds me of that, it warms my heart. I like that the story is short, sweet, and straight to the point, but still has all the Halloween vibes, some flirty banter, and a hint of angst.
read: Oct 8, 2025
Spice level: 🌶
You know how you can just tell when something was written in the early-mid 2010s? It just has that vibe, in a good way. That was my Wattpad era so when I read stuff like this that reminds me of that, it warms my heart. I like that the story is short, sweet, and straight to the point, but still has all the Halloween vibes, some flirty banter, and a hint of angst.
read: Oct 8, 2025
October 16, 2016
OMFG!! Thank you as I desperately needed a binge book & this makes my horror nerd heart happy.
Nora was monster in middle school. The pretty popular girl that made fun of others. Now, she only pretends to be monsters in the annual haunted house.
She's tried to make amends to those she wronged in the past and it didn't go very well. But, at least she tried.
Now, here comes another blast from her past, Brendan. The awkward creepy kid in the black hoodie grew up to be a smokin' hot horror nerd god. And, of course, on their first re-meeting she was the awkward one & he had no idea who she was (thanks to monster costumes). Will he still dig her when he finds out she used to be a real monster?
This is a relatively short novella, but definitely set aside the time to binge as you won't want to put it down. I've already snagged the next book in the storyline as well.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher.
Nora was monster in middle school. The pretty popular girl that made fun of others. Now, she only pretends to be monsters in the annual haunted house.
She's tried to make amends to those she wronged in the past and it didn't go very well. But, at least she tried.
Now, here comes another blast from her past, Brendan. The awkward creepy kid in the black hoodie grew up to be a smokin' hot horror nerd god. And, of course, on their first re-meeting she was the awkward one & he had no idea who she was (thanks to monster costumes). Will he still dig her when he finds out she used to be a real monster?
This is a relatively short novella, but definitely set aside the time to binge as you won't want to put it down. I've already snagged the next book in the storyline as well.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher.
November 1, 2016
Nora has spent years reworking herself from bitch to nice girl but as experience tells her, it doesn’t always work. When she meets horror geek, who is also a victim of her previous self, she goes deeper into character. She has to scare him but she must not let him see who she is under the costume.
This book surprised me. It was funny, sweet, honest, and it definitely had a moral to the story. I enjoyed Nora’s character because she made me laugh with her antics but when the serious side emerged, I found myself hoping that she could fix the situation; I cared.
The book is short and sweet but is packed full of fun and emotion. It was well written and paced perfectly. You can read it at any time of the year but it will leave you wishing it was Halloween.
This book surprised me. It was funny, sweet, honest, and it definitely had a moral to the story. I enjoyed Nora’s character because she made me laugh with her antics but when the serious side emerged, I found myself hoping that she could fix the situation; I cared.
The book is short and sweet but is packed full of fun and emotion. It was well written and paced perfectly. You can read it at any time of the year but it will leave you wishing it was Halloween.
September 5, 2025
Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish is a fast Halloween read with a fun hook—Nora Travers works in a haunted house and hides behind disguises to terrify Brendan, the horror-geek-turned-haunted-house-judge whom she once teased mercilessly in middle school. As fate (and Twitter) would have it, her haunted-house persona sparks a digital connection, and sparks might fly… if he doesn’t figure out who’s behind the mask first.
There’s a lot to like here: the setting is delightfully seasonal, and the contrast between Nora’s past cruelty and her present attempts to become—and show—her “better self” can be sweetly effective. The Halloween set-up, playful costumes, and haunted house antics give the story a quirky charm. Readers looking for a quick paranormal romance with a spooky twist will appreciate the breezy pace and the absurdity of Nora’s situation.
But there were a few things that held it back from a higher rating for me. Because the novella leans heavily on insta-attraction and fated mate magic, the emotional connection between Nora and Brendan feels a bit rushed. We see Nora’s regret and self-reflections, but Brendan’s side of the growth and forgiveness is minimal—and his reactions sometimes felt a little “off the page.” The plot moves so fast that some potentially interesting emotional beats get glossed over in favor of dialogue, haunted-house scares, and quick conflict resolution.
If you’re in the mood for a quick, fun, Halloween-season paranormal romance with a sprinkle of guilt, a dash of costume drama, and a light paranormal spark, Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish can be a cute choice. Just don’t expect deep character arcs or heavy emotional stakes.
There’s a lot to like here: the setting is delightfully seasonal, and the contrast between Nora’s past cruelty and her present attempts to become—and show—her “better self” can be sweetly effective. The Halloween set-up, playful costumes, and haunted house antics give the story a quirky charm. Readers looking for a quick paranormal romance with a spooky twist will appreciate the breezy pace and the absurdity of Nora’s situation.
But there were a few things that held it back from a higher rating for me. Because the novella leans heavily on insta-attraction and fated mate magic, the emotional connection between Nora and Brendan feels a bit rushed. We see Nora’s regret and self-reflections, but Brendan’s side of the growth and forgiveness is minimal—and his reactions sometimes felt a little “off the page.” The plot moves so fast that some potentially interesting emotional beats get glossed over in favor of dialogue, haunted-house scares, and quick conflict resolution.
If you’re in the mood for a quick, fun, Halloween-season paranormal romance with a sprinkle of guilt, a dash of costume drama, and a light paranormal spark, Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish can be a cute choice. Just don’t expect deep character arcs or heavy emotional stakes.
September 4, 2017
We all deserve second chances. Sometimes we make mistakes, big ones, and we can't move beyond those. Nora is trying, though, but she can't seem to find that last piece of redemption. She's not seeking it but knows that she deeply regrets making other kids' lives miserable. Her upbringing certainly wasn't gummy bears and roses, and there's no excuse for her treatment of others, but having seen firsthand what actions like hers feels like, she sets out to become a better person. What happens, though, when you run into those you tormented?
Brendan grew up and grew up nicely too. So when Nora realizes that the boy she terrorized is the hot guy she's supposed to scare into giving a favorable haunted house review and he doesn't recognize her, she's got a golden opportunity to steer clear of her own ugly past. By omitting the reality of who she is Brendan gets to see a side of her he never would have before. Nora's guilt over this deception, however, isn't enough to come clean. Why do that when you know you'll be utterly despised and all the tender feelings you're growing will be crushed? That choice is taken from her with one encounter and the fallout is big and messy.
The way that they find one another and move beyond their connected past is both painful and sweet. The series is off to a really great start. Second chances and big risks don't always pan out, but there's a whole lot of hope here among the haunting.
Brendan grew up and grew up nicely too. So when Nora realizes that the boy she terrorized is the hot guy she's supposed to scare into giving a favorable haunted house review and he doesn't recognize her, she's got a golden opportunity to steer clear of her own ugly past. By omitting the reality of who she is Brendan gets to see a side of her he never would have before. Nora's guilt over this deception, however, isn't enough to come clean. Why do that when you know you'll be utterly despised and all the tender feelings you're growing will be crushed? That choice is taken from her with one encounter and the fallout is big and messy.
The way that they find one another and move beyond their connected past is both painful and sweet. The series is off to a really great start. Second chances and big risks don't always pan out, but there's a whole lot of hope here among the haunting.
November 24, 2018
Nora was a mean girl in middle school and tormented Brendan, who she called creeper, and the whole school did the same. When Nora hit high school, she was changed, a car accident left her face scarred for life and she was on the receiving end of cruel taunts. Now a college student, she works at a haunted house where she can be anything at all. Brendan is also in college, but he is a very successful blogger and has his own website dedicated to horror movies and haunted houses. Nora has to do her best to scare Brendan during his tour of haunted houses. If they make it to the top of the list, everyone gets a bonus, which she desperately needs to help pay for tuition. She is terrified to face him after what she has done to him, but one look at the now buff and sexy Brendan turns her life upside down. When Brendan finally figures out the hot chick he has been hitting on at the haunted house is his nemesis from middle school, he tears her heart out. What will Nora do, since apologies don't work?
August 27, 2017
4.5 stars for this amazing little read
I'm not always a fan of novella's but I absolutely loved this story of what to do when you fall for the guy you bullied at school.
The story kept me engaged from start to finish, I wanted to get to know what would happen but I also didn't want the book to finish. The story is written just from Nora's POV and what a captivating and unusual story we got.
The plot was well thought through, for a short book it was kept fairly simple but still felt like there was plenty of action. I really liked Nola, and whilst this doesn't contain any sex scenes there was still an intense chemistry between Nora and Brendon. I also found the two main characters to be both likeable and believable.
Whilst it is billed as a Halloween romance it is such a warm and wonderful story that it can be read and enjoyed at any time.
October 18, 2017
A cute novella that might have been a better read if it were longer and more developed.
I liked Nora and Brendan's chemistry--their text flirting was absolutely top-notch--but the development of their fledgling romance felt rushed because of the short space it had to play out in, and because so much weight was given to Nora's ex-mean-girl angst and guilt. Not that that doesn't send a good message, that bullying is wrong; and a side character she picked on as a kid doesn't forgive her, which is a nice contrast to Brendan deciding to move on.
But I would have liked to see this as a full novel. Maybe a short one, the story wouldn't need 500 pages, but I feel like it needs more than it got.
I liked Nora and Brendan's chemistry--their text flirting was absolutely top-notch--but the development of their fledgling romance felt rushed because of the short space it had to play out in, and because so much weight was given to Nora's ex-mean-girl angst and guilt. Not that that doesn't send a good message, that bullying is wrong; and a side character she picked on as a kid doesn't forgive her, which is a nice contrast to Brendan deciding to move on.
But I would have liked to see this as a full novel. Maybe a short one, the story wouldn't need 500 pages, but I feel like it needs more than it got.
October 9, 2018
INDIE AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Kicking off with "Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish", indie author G. G. Andrew began to fill a gap in the market with this amusing, sizzling Halloween-themed novella. Following up with "Scary, Lovesick, Foolish" and "Jaded, Bearded, Wolfish", she continued her initial success, all three stories proving to be so much fun. A real Halloween treat, the lot of them! And Andrew’s other works are not to be missed, either – especially "Girl Meets Grammarian: A Love Story for Word Nerds". If you’re a word nerd, or even if you’re not, read it now!
You’re welcome.
This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
Kicking off with "Crazy, Sexy, Ghoulish", indie author G. G. Andrew began to fill a gap in the market with this amusing, sizzling Halloween-themed novella. Following up with "Scary, Lovesick, Foolish" and "Jaded, Bearded, Wolfish", she continued her initial success, all three stories proving to be so much fun. A real Halloween treat, the lot of them! And Andrew’s other works are not to be missed, either – especially "Girl Meets Grammarian: A Love Story for Word Nerds". If you’re a word nerd, or even if you’re not, read it now!
You’re welcome.
This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018
September 30, 2020
Nora works at a haunted house when she sees Brendan, whom she terrorized in middle school, come into the room she is working. Hoping he does not recognize her, she lets her mouth run wild since her brain can't seem to stop it. Brendan is intrigued when she pulls out all the stops before he leaves. He comes back and then let the games begin!
I enjoyed the story. I liked the short time frame of the story--it made it more urgent when she tries to make amends. I was interested to see what happens with her atonement--extremely interesting. I liked the characters. I'll need to find the next books in the series to see what happens to Nora and Brendan.
I enjoyed the story. I liked the short time frame of the story--it made it more urgent when she tries to make amends. I was interested to see what happens with her atonement--extremely interesting. I liked the characters. I'll need to find the next books in the series to see what happens to Nora and Brendan.
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