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A review by karenmsecrest
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Loved the concept, small town setting, LGBTQ+ representation, and romance author shout outs.
But… the writing is inconsistent and this has strong “first book” vibes. How did a ghost ring a doorbell when he couldn’t touch or move things in other scenes? How did a ghost from NYC end up in a small North (South?) Carolina town? Why does Florence pretend to talk on the phone so people don’t think she’s talking to a ghost in one scene while in other scenes she has animated Aaron Sorkin style walk-and-talk conversations with a ghost in public? Why does the cemetery wall have to be climbed over in one scene, but is crumbled enough to just hop through in the next? PICK ONE and stick to it!
Plus, much of the conflict was caused by Florence interrupting or walking away from a conversation. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
But… the writing is inconsistent and this has strong “first book” vibes. How did a ghost ring a doorbell when he couldn’t touch or move things in other scenes? How did a ghost from NYC end up in a small North (South?) Carolina town? Why does Florence pretend to talk on the phone so people don’t think she’s talking to a ghost in one scene while in other scenes she has animated Aaron Sorkin style walk-and-talk conversations with a ghost in public? Why does the cemetery wall have to be climbed over in one scene, but is crumbled enough to just hop through in the next? PICK ONE and stick to it!
Plus, much of the conflict was caused by Florence interrupting or walking away from a conversation. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent