Baking with a Ghost

Haunted Love #5

by R.M. Neill

Hope.

The perfect name for the town I’ve chosen to start my life over in.

The second I saw the old mill house, I knew it was the ideal location for my bakery. And it was… until the weird occurrences began.

The locals whisper of a rumored haunting, but I wasn’t a believer. That is, until I was faced with proof I couldn’t ignore.

There's a ghost in my bakery… and I think I’m falling in love with him.

How could I not? He’s sweet, tender, and kind. But, unfortunately, very much dead.

Just when I’m beginning to fear this is the mother of all lost causes, a mysterious note is left that sparks a glimmer of hope.

Will the town of Hope deliver a miracle? Or will my heart be broken when my ghostly love moves on?

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Romance, Ghosts, Supernatural, Fantasy, LGBT

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2022

About the author

RM is an introverted Canadian author who likes to write about love while freezing in the winter.

Her mission is to always make you swoon and snort laugh, sometimes even in public.

She talks to her cat, Moon, and sometimes people. She married her prince charming, who often inspires her characters, but still can't place dirty clothes in the hamper.

When she's not writing swoony men to fall in love with, she's in her garden providing mosquitoes with an alternative food source. She can also be found inventing new swear words on the golf course.


You can find her on facebook or visit her website rmneillauthor.com

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baking With a Ghost by R.M. Neill is book five in the multi author series, Haunted Love. This is a sweet, paranormal romance that is wonderful for any time of the year but is extra wonderful for the fall, “ghostly” season. You don’t need to have read any of the other books in this series to enjoy this one.

John has just gotten out of a controlling, unhealthy relationship. He was drawn to the little town of Hope in rural Ontario, and to an old mill house. He just knew it was the perfect place to open the bakery he has always dreamed of.



John soon realizes that he’s not alone in his new home. His roommate, though, is someone he can’t see. He just knows that his unseen guest doesn’t want to hurt him in any way. In fact, he does sweet things to help him. When John receives a mysterious letter to meet someone to learn more about his resident ghost, he can’t refuse.



As time goes by, John begins to care for his invisible roommate. He wants nothing more than to meet him in person, to be able to touch him and talk to him. What happens if he moves on from wherever he is currently stuck? Is John going to get his heart broken? Or is there a chance for these two soul mates to be together?

This was super sweet and perfect for a chilly fall day. It’s an angst free, ghostly love story that I enjoyed.

“This is what happiness feels like.”

[D.L. Howe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was super excited for this book, this whole series really because it’s not too often you find a romance where the love interest is a ghost.

Unfortunately this just didn’t meet my expectations.

This is the kind of writing that drives me up a wall, maybe some like it but it’s just not for me. This was all about the details, from every unnecessary conversation to everything someone ate to how they slept every single night.

Page after page of innocuous details that’s like reading the dullest diary known to man.

Which sucks because the ideas were there, I liked the ghost Simon, I love that John’s a baker. The title alone excited me because hell yeah, let’s bake with a ghost.

I don’t care if it’s s hundred or less page book but give me less details, more plot worthy substance and some freaking emotions.

[the kevin (vaguely alive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two star read ultimately, but extra star for committing to the baking to the point of including a recipe even if fennel is disgusting

[Ed Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a good idea for a story, but I had some problems with it. There was so much inner monologue that I almost DNF. I also felt that in the beginning the book jumped around so much that it felt like the story wasn’t fleshed out enough.

I know that Simone and John were supposed to be soul mates, but I just couldn’t feel their connection. All in all I felt the book was just ok. I don’t plan to read any more in this series.

[PineappleLo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off great, but sort of fell apart for me. Overly sweet and no suspense because you find out in the prologue that the ghost can become human again.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it doesn't bother me, I'm gonna start by saying this book is in present tense as I know that isn't for everyone!

Now for my review, this is super fluffy goodness. I somehow hadn't heard of this new multi-author series until I saw this ARC, but I'm totally here for it. I thought the ghosteyness (I'm so sorry I can't think of how else to say this LOL) was really interesting done and Simon and John were just so super sweet. It's very much instant-love, which I actually sometimes enjoy, I just wish we got more on page time where the MCs are able to communicate. Still, a nice, easy, fun read.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baking with a Ghost is part of the shared world called Haunted Love. Full disclosure, I beta read Baking with a Ghost. I adored John and Simon. I thought the author plotted out the story really well. John had escaped an abusive relationship and moved to the town aptly named Hope. There he started his own bakery, something of a dream for him. Simon was just so sweet, hanging/waiting around to find his other half. The writing was beautiful with a dash of humor and pinch of creativeness. Overall, a fantastic story! Well written with that kind of catchy pacing that sucked me into the story!

[Silkeeeeeereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Another interesting paranormal/ghost read. I enjoy this time of year when these all come out. This was another different take on the afterlife which is always fun to see how an author is going to tackle that for an HEA.

[Marika Schiavone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

[Manuela Raimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh what a lovely story!!!
I love the connection of this two, the struggle of Simon

I like John too, very good character, the plot is curious and the reason of Simon is a ghost very intriguing

I want every story of this serie, once again, I promise to not start series random and then again

Thanks GRR for the copy, really like "work with you".

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start by saying I absolutely loved this book! It was unique and creative and so very well written. I fell in love with these characters from the very first page.

Simon is a soul who passed away to early in life. He never got a chance to really live, never got a chance to love or be loved. When he misses his chance to cross over he's stuck between worlds, not able to come or go. He'll stay that way unless he can find a person who is perfect for him. Someone who's soul matches with his. After a hundred years he finally finds a soul that calls out to his, but will that person accept him?

John is finally opening the bakery he's been dreaming about. After having to put his dream on hold due to a controlling ex boyfriend he's ready to take back his life. He's ready to start doing the things he wants to do. John wasn't expecting to end up living with a ghost, he also wasn't expecting to fall in love with one either.

This story as I said above was so unique and creative, I've never read another romance story where the characters get to know each other as a spirit and human and then for the spirit to end up turning into a human. It was so creative and was done so well! I love the fact that there was so much history that was in this book, so we as readers got the background information and added details as to why Simon chose that location and as to why Simon was waiting around so long.

The detail that's in this book is incredible. From the baking, to the side characters, to the interactions between Simon as a ghost and communicating with John, to Snowball having their own personality. This book was just written so well, I wanted to bake after reading about John and Simon baking together.

John and Simon were meant to be together, they finally met the other half of their soul, these two men are so cute together. I couldn't stop smiling reading this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a smile and who believes in soulmates.

*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This was a truly delightful read! I was very pleseantly surprised about the way things went down and it was different, which is always good in my book!

John manages to remove himself from an abusive relationship, and moves to The Mill in Hope. Once there, he knows he is home. But things keep happening, and when John finds out about the resident ghost, Simon, he begins to try to get to know him. Simon doesn't want to move on, now John is here. John is his soul mate, and they need help to truly be together.

I loved the little twist with Mike, the guy who helps Simon to come back to The Mill. and I loved that Simon was very possessive of John, even in his ghost form, and what he does to show that feeling was just what the ex deserved!

It's explicit, but in a sweet kinda way. Odd those words together but thats what I'm feeling about it! John really does fully immerse himself into Simon's presence, he really does!

While John's past relationship is talked about, there isn't a great deal of detail, and I think for this book, that was the right thing. You do need to be mindful that it was an abusive relationship, but we do not have to read about the details.

Ive tagged it as single person point of view. This would be my only niggle. We get Simon in the prologue, but that's all and I really REALLY wanted more!

This author is growing on me, rapidly!

4 good solid stars (but you might gain a pound or two!)

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book by R.M. Neill after reading the last book of the “Sheltered Connections” by her. It didn’t give me any time to “grieve” about the ending of an awesome series. I had a bit of a trepidation about reading a book with a paranormal trope because it just wasn’t a trope I was interested in but how could I refuse when it was by R.M. Neill!?!?!? I am so glad that my trepidation was unfounded because I couldn’t stop turning the pages!!! It was a great reading! Only if I could be as lucky as John and have my own male ghost! Would be very enticing if it was made into a movie!!!!

The story opens with Simon who happened to find himself between the life and afterlife. He has been there for many, many years. Simon was a miller’s son who found himself dead and refused to go into the afterlife. We’ll find out why later on. Then we meet John who had just quickly left his abusive partner and made his new life in a place called “Hope”. He had purchased this place which was owned by Simon’s parents. He converted it into a bakery shop with a residence loft upstairs on the 2nd floor. His goal was to create and sell different delicious decadent food that the town would enjoy. He apparently was being “haunted” by Simon in different ways but he had come to enjoy/appreciate Simon. That’s where I’m going to stop and encourage you to pick up the book to read to find out what all is happening with John and Simon! Definitely more than 5 stars read for me!

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚."

Baking with a Ghost is John and Simon’s story.

John is looking to start over in the small town of Hope. Little did he know when he moved into his new house that it wasn't only the old mill house that was calling to him but, Simon, the resident ghost.

John and Simon, even though they couldn't physically touch each other, have some serious sexual tension. I love all the little ways Simon showed he was there fighting for and to be with John.

I absolutely fell in love with these two, I love the little bit of mystery woven into the story and enjoyed Baking with a Ghost from the beginning right to the end.

Baking with a Ghost contains… mm, paranormal, fated love, opposites attract, small town, singular first-person point of view.

4.5 Maple Leafs for Baking with a Ghost (Haunted Love 5) by R.M. Neill

*advanced copy provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog for an honest review*



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[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of the multi-author shared Haunted Love Universe. John is escaping an abusive relationship and has moved to a small town, aptly called Hope, for a chance at a new start. Simon has been dead for nearly a hundred years, dead before he ever really got a chance at life and wants that soul mate connection to gain a second chance at life.

I really enjoyed this one, John is a likable MC, even though we don't get to know much about him other than he's a baker and his ex is not a good person. The book is all written in single person POV, so we never really get to know what Simon thinks other than at the prologue at the beginning. John is likable enough though that to see the events unfold through his eyes, really works. It's pretty gradual how his interactions with Simon start out, little things here and there all leading up to the point where he wants to meet Simon in person, and then it's pretty much insta-love.

The story is cute, these two really work as a couple even though Simon struggles to adjust with the modern world (to be expected) and I really liked the story when we found out about what actually happened to Simon and why he died in the first place. The added twist at the end with Mike was great too. This was a fun, entertaining and comfort read and I highly enjoyed it.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friend hugs need to come prepackaged so you can unwrap one when you need it

This book is part of a multi-authored series called Haunted Love. This is the first book I've read in the series and this is by a new to me author, RM Neill (I'll definitely be searching out more books from this author). I love multi-authored series, it gives me a chance to check out new to me authors, that I might not have discovered otherwise.

I totally enjoyed the premise of this story, it was so unusual. I haven't ever read anything quite like it. There's a side character named Mike and I'm wondering if he might be the character that ties this series of books together... Guess I'll have to wait and see.

I don't want to give any of the story away, I hate reviews with spoilers. Read the book blurb for more info about book content.

If you're looking for a sweet (pun intended - John owns a bakery after all) read, this book's for you. There is even a bread recipe included at the end of the book.

This story is told from John's POV. This story has it all, a ghost, a man trying to make a new start, a mystery, and a crappy ex boyfriend.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Haunted Love series and the first book that I have read in this series. First off, just let me say that I totally loved this book. It is a sweet and fun story. I liked the premise of the book and the author didn't disappoint. This is the story of Simon and John. Simon has lived at the bakery for many years. He is trapped between life and the afterlife. After dieing, he refused to move on. Waiting for his soulmate to come. John has just moved to Hope to get away and over an abusive relationship. He is putting his love of baking to good use and creates treats that the locals seem to like. This is his business and his home. He too is looking for a soul mate but after his last relationship, he has no faith in men. The first few times that Simon tries to get his attention John puts down to being over tired or forget. When he can no longer deny that something is happening he begins to appreciate the things that Simon does for him. This is their story. I loved both main characters. This book is very well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed it.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving my honest opinion.

[Dinoh (Akari) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a sweet love story.

I'm not much of a paranormal reader, although there are some authors who are a must read for me and R.M. Neill is one of them. So I read it.

I have to say I'm not regret it, although I would have liked a little more. I mean, it's the writer's fault. She writes characters so endearing that one is always left wanting more.

This is the story of Simon, a young man who tragically died 100 years ago, and was left in a kind of gray limbo, waiting for that opportunity to love that slipped through his fingers; and John, a passionate baker, who escaped an abusive relationship, wanting to start over.

And I could go on and on, saying that the book is well paced, that every scene is well written, that the moments where our ghost shows up to make John notice him and fall in love with him are well developed, etc etc, but I don't think it's necessary, because I think it all boils down to this:

This is a story of HOPE.

I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Booklover274 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I wasn't sure how a story with a ghost was going to work so I went into this book a bit leery. That said, I also went into it a lot more curious. But once I got started I couldn't put it down.

I was completely fascinated with John and Simon's story. I love small-town romances and the reasons John came to Hope may have been typical, but the story had some fun times with them. RM Neill does an amazing job explaining the history of the old mill house John buys as well as why Simon is still there, so to speak. The connection between John and Simon is instant but in some ways not, but you need to read it to understand that. It's not your typical romance but I loved the entire story. I laughed, I sympathized, and I was extremely surprised. I ended this story with a huge smile on my face.

I read this one as an ARC but hadn't intended to read the whole series. As I said I was curious to understand how a ghost story could be a romance. After I finished RM Neill's ARC I went back and pre-ordered the series. A fascinating read I couldn't put down once I started.

[Laora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a multi author mm paranormal series wich all have a ghost(ly) theme.

The story was told from John his POV.
And to me it felt as a real gentle tale with a pacing that was just right for this story and had exactly the right length.

I found both John and Simon gentle souls, Simon in the way he reached out through time and space in all the ways making and doing things for John and pleasuring him.
John feeling he is finally in the right place to start over and be kind to himself, but also noticing 'something' in his new home.

I am not revealing anything about how and what, but found it original and moving. But I will say that it is not a hair-raising ghost story, so if you just want a sweetvromance with a dash of pnr this is just right. I for one loved it

I have to give attention to Mrs Maria, Mike and Ivy they are lovely side characters who have larger and smaller roles that give that extra to the story.

I received a complimentary copyboff this book via mmromancereviewed.com amd I leave my honestband personal review.

[Tom Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me up all night. I was tired and went to bed, thought I would read just a little before I went to sleep. That was early. I could not stop reading then my tablet began telling me it was running out of battery, I quickly grabbed my paper white and moved the book to it. Wow lots of battery so I read no, and on. The story is written so well and the characters captivating so I couldn't put it down. It well into the morning when I finished. Good story, well written, and every thing you want in a great book. This author has great talent, and grabbed me good. I think everyone will like this book. It's fall the trees have turned color and time for ghost to be presenting themselves so let's get a snuggle up story and read. This is the book for that. Your going to like this one for sure. Wish I had written it myself. I say get this book, it will put a smile on your face and comfort in your bones.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about finding love. After realizing that he was in an abusive relationship John made a plan and got out. He moves to a new town called Hope and starts over hoping to make a new life for himself. When he finds himself with a ghost, he is not sure what to do but soon it becomes apparent that his ghost wants something more from him. Simon lived a short life but has been looking for love for an even longer time. A special bond begins to form between the two and as they connect a stranger comes to town with a proposition. I enjoyed meeting Simon and John and waiting to see if they would take a chance on finding their forever. The love that starts to blossom between Simon and John isa wonderful thing. The two are good together and it was nice to see them find their way. The author weaves a beautiful story that has readers believing in the strength of love.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, poignant and passionate M/M paranormal romance
I was totally intrigued by page one. This was a different paranormal romance for me. On page one we meet “the Ghost” and then much later we find out the circumstances of his death. Both men are searching for their other half: “to be loved is all I ever wanted” as spoken by the Ghost. Same with John who left a manipulative man and found his own strength and self-worth. When he “meets” Simon Miller, John’s life changes forever.
This was a well-written and edited M/M romance between two deserving young men. No pun intended but I think this story will haunt me for a while. There will be a revelation at the end, which as stunning as it was actually was not as shocking as it might have been. Read this book if you like sweet and passionate M/M romance, you’ll see. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

John leaves his past behind to start over in the town of Hope and to follow his dream of having a bakery. All is going well with the perfect location in the old Mill but the loneliness he feels won’t dissipate. Simon is a ghost who never crossed over and he once lived in the Mill. He is the absolute sweetest, kindest being and soon helps John in the smallest but most meaningful of ways.

Their relationship is certainly unconventional to begin with but over time circumstances allow them to finally be together and, especially in Simon’s case, get a longed for HEA.

This is an enjoyable sweet low angst read with bakery treats, the penultimate bread and two lovely main characters who certainly deserve their happiness.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good multi-author series. I am going to have to read all of these books. I a, already a fan of several of these authors and I know these books are going to be good. Stories with paranormal events are some of my favorites. I did have an arc of this one and I devoured it in one sitting. Honestly, this is a refreshing book. I have been a fan of all of the RM Neil books I have read so far. (Check out the Sheltered Connections series. It’s really good.) John’s new bakery is haunted by a ghost of a young man who died before he could find love. Simon is hanging around just wanting a connection with someone special. I loved these guys and could not wait to see how this story reached its HEA. This is a sweet no angst read and I enjoyed every word of it.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SWEET HURT COMFORT GHOST LOVE STORY!

The blurb enticed and intrigued me as I love ghost stories especially if they are low angst and romantic like this treasure!

There is great world building in this series and the character build is amazing how you as reader slowly gets introduced and seduced by Simon just like John did!

Their encounters are one sided as Simon can only engage with John in a dream state which leads John to seek help from a mysterious man who he calls the ghost whisperer ….

The way that Simon watches over John and does little things for him is so sweet and endearing which just shows how deep their spiritual and soul connection is….

A sweet haunting insta love story about finding your other half even if it takes a century!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I approached this story with equal measures of curiosity, interest, hope, and trepidation. I enjoy this author's writing and was curious to see how she would handle a ghost love story. My slight trepidation came from not knowing if she could pull off the ghost-human relationship without it being too fantastical to be believable. (Yeah, I know it's a GHOST story, but I still want to feel like maybe it could happen.😏) R.M, Neill did not disappoint. She created a sweet, heart-warming story about two people (man and ghost) searching for love. It's insta-love with minimal angst (abusive ex), some surprises, and (for me) an intriguing ending. I really enjoyed it.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Jamey A Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Entertaining and fun. Let your imagination take you for a ride. Great characters. A very different love story just in time for Halloween. John has just gone through a breakup and is desperate for a new life in a new town. Something about the town Hope calls to him. The old mill house calls to him as well. It's like fate is pulling him forward. Everything seems perfect to start a bakery of his own. Something else is calling him as well. Turns out the old mill house might just be haunted. Soon a ghostly visitor named Simon makes himself known. John is immediately drawn to Simon. The two get closer and an attraction grows. Is there a way to bring Simon back as a real person not a ghost? How far will John go to be with Simon? I highly recommend.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure how a love story with a ghost would work but this story is so beautiful. Simon was killed while running away from home in search of love. He couldn't make himself pass to the afterlife without feeling love so he remained chained to the mill that was his earthly home until he could find his soul mate. Decades later John was looking for a sanctuary to rebuild his life and create his dream bakery after escaping from an abusive relationship. The mill in a little town called Hope calls to his soul and fills him with peace. Simon recognizes John as his soul mate and begins to court him. Not only is this a wonderful love story for Spooky Season the way that the "ghost problem" is resolved is unique and brilliant.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baking With a Ghost is part of an amazing MM PNR series, by a variety of authors. Each has written their own lovely ghost story.

RM Neill has popped her paranormal cherry, and it is a delicious taste of sweetness, after a bit of bitterness, in her main characters’ lives.

John is heartbroken and angry. After ending an abusive relationship, his sadness leads him to finally choose the career, and location, he feels drawn to. He finds the perfect Mill House, to start his bakery, in a quaint town hours from his horrendous ex. But he must leave his best friend to do so.

After months of preparation, John is about to open his doors, but there have been mysterious happenings that lead him to discover a sad history for the Mill House. With the help of a lovely new friend, the ghost and his story from the Mill’s past becomes clearer. And the hope of two lonely, but deserving, hearts may just find the recipe for a love that is sweeter than time.