Ghost of a Chance by Katherine Garbera

Ghost of a ChanceGhost of a Chance by Katherine Garbera

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone Title

Release Date: September 30, 2025

After a long day promoting her newest book, Kirsty Henson AKA cozy fantasy mystery author K.L. Henson, needs to unwind and as luck would have it, her favorite band, the Dead Boys were playing at a club in town. Things get even better when she meets Jasper, an extremely hot guy who is also a super fan. Sparks fly between them, and they go back to his place, but too much tequila cuts their night short, and she leaves in the morning thinking she will never see him again. She returns to her hotel and gets ready for a television interview on a popular morning talk show, Live with Bri O’Brien. But while in the green room she comes face to face with her almost one night stand and he begs for her help. Jasper tells her his old college roommate Paul is haunting him via physics book, and he wants her to help him move on. Kirsty thinks he deceived her and refuses to help him, not just because she is angry, but because despite her author bio saying she is able to talk to ghosts, just like the heroine in her books, she can’t. But when Bri overhears their discussion and blindsides Kirsty during the interview by inviting Jasper to join them. When Jasper’s ghost makes itself known, Kirsty is backed into a corner and ends up agreeing to help the ghost move on. She plans to fake it until she can make it, but she doesn’t count on falling for Jasper and wanting to give him closure.

Jasper Cotton believes the ghost of his college roommate Paul is trapped in a physics textbook. In the years since Paul’s death, not only has the book has been following him but the ghost has been communicating with him via his phone’s playlist and the Judge Judy show. He is wracked with guilt about Paul’s passing and has never really dealt with his grief. Meeting Kirsty seems to be fate, not only is she beautiful, smart and has great taste in music, but she can talk to ghosts. If he can get her to talk to Paul, maybe he can finally move on with his life and maybe he can convince Kirsty to be a part of it. But first they will have to figure out why Paul hasn’t moved on and how to be honest with themselves and each other about their past experiences.

I was hooked on the first page and had a hard time putting this one down! I loved Kirsty and Jasper, both as a couple and individuals, they are both intelligent, considerate people with a lot in common. Their lives have been similar, but at the same time vastly different. Being forced to spend time together will cause them both to face themselves and decide what they want from their lives. The book is filled with emotion, great characters, witty banter, spicy love scenes, an adorable dog, frat parties, temporary tattoos, a ghost who wants to be heard, grief and healing. Overall, I found this story to be a well-written and fast-paced third person POV romance with an actual “happily ever after” ending not just a “happy for now” ending. I was lucky enough to both read the print edition and listen to the audiobook – both were great, and I would happily recommend this book to anyone who loves a dash of paranormal in their romance novels.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

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A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart

A Spell for Midwinter's HeartA Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 23, 2025

After years of not practicing magic, Rowan Midwinter returns home to Elk Ridge, Washington to help her mother’s coven cast the annual snow spell at the winter festival. Rowan, who has avoided magic for years after past mishaps, is hesitant to jump back into the magical world. And to make matters worse, she crosses paths with her old high school rival and secret crush, Gavin McCreary, whose family is entangled in a corporate scheme threatening the town’s charm. As Rowan grapples with rekindling her magical abilities, confronting old wounds, and possibly rekindling romance with Gavin, the fate of the town’s festival hangs in the balance.

When I read the blurb for this book my first thought was that it was going to be a cute Christmas story with magic and Hallmark vibes and for the most part that is exactly what it was. I did enjoy learning more about Yule traditions, but the story lacked real depth, and I really had a hard time believing Rowan and Gavin as a couple. I just didn’t feel the chemistry and wanted more magic. The book does have a very diverse cast of characters, great family and holiday vibes, but it was a bit too predictable and fluffy for me. However, if you are looking for a light, cozy holiday read with witchy vibes, second chances and happy endings – you might want to give this book a read.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *