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A review by kfmcf
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was a solid read overall. It was quick and enjoyable. I liked the premise, I liked the characters, it was a good time.
I really liked the town of this story. I understood the people, it felt like a real town but with a little extra magic. Florence's family was also fun and the dynamics were enjoyable her never seeing her dad as a ghost was the correct choice. It would have been really hard to pull off well so I think her seeing the ghost of him in what he left behind was far more effective </spoiler >
I was frustrated by a few things:
1) the twist. this twist was not hard to see and that's fine, it doesn't need to be mind blowing. But obviously Ben was in a coma. I wish Florence had known and was working with him to wake up instead. It could have still worked without Ben knowing he wasn't dead. The twist about her being a literal ghostwriter tho was fun.
2) Ben was unbelievable as a real guy. He felt very much like a geeky girl's dream. I wanted a bit more depth from him. I like The Princess Bride as much as the next but oy the quote. I also found it hard to believe that her book, that sold extremely poorly, changed his whole outlook on novels (romance in particular). Especially if his grandmother was so prolific.
3) the NAME dropping my gosh. We get it you read. This book made so many references to other authors and books and every time it just completely yoinked me out of the story.
I also want to say, that when the MC is supposed to decompress by writing smut - you expect the spice to be great. And it really wasn't. It was very late and felt super tacked on. I think the chemistry between the two leads not being the best might have contributed.
These complaints are more nitpicky than they seem - I did still really enjoy the book and will pick up what the author writes next.
I really liked the town of this story. I understood the people, it felt like a real town but with a little extra magic. Florence's family was also fun and the dynamics were enjoyable
I was frustrated by a few things:
1) the twist.
2) Ben was unbelievable as a real guy. He felt very much like a geeky girl's dream. I wanted a bit more depth from him. I like The Princess Bride as much as the next but oy the quote.
3) the NAME dropping my gosh. We get it you read. This book made so many references to other authors and books and every time it just completely yoinked me out of the story.
I also want to say, that when the MC is supposed to decompress by writing smut - you expect the spice to be great. And it really wasn't. It was very late and felt super tacked on. I think the chemistry between the two leads not being the best might have contributed.
These complaints are more nitpicky than they seem - I did still really enjoy the book and will pick up what the author writes next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Car accident
Minor: Alcohol, Medical content, Blood, and Medical trauma