17 Ghost Romance Books & Rom Coms

The romantic relationships in paranormal romance novels can include vampires or shapeshifters, but rather than including these darker paranormal romance titles, we’ve curated a list that highlights the rom-coms and lighter ghost love story books that we enjoy the most.

The ghost romance book covers on a dark background with white paper ghost cutouts on the left side

If romance books set during the spooky season are your jam, you’ll also want to check out our longer list of Halloween Rom Coms that also includes witches, vampires, and werewolves. We also have a specific list of fun Witchy Romances.

We also invite you to join our Halloween Mini-Reading Challenge! The challenge includes three Halloween-themed reading prompts, each accompanied by a book recommendation list. Click here to read the challenge details and to download your printable reading tracker and coloring page (or join the challenge using the opt-in box at the bottom of this post).

Romance Books with Ghosts

Book cover of The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Book Summary

Florence Day is a romance writer who no longer believes in romance. She has spent her career as the ghostwriter for one of the most well-known romance writers in the industry. But after a recent breakup with a man who took advantage of her trust and destroyed her self-esteem, she no longer believes in love and can’t seem to write about it either.

With a major deadline looming, her career is in serious danger. Then she gets a call from home that shifts her priorities.

She had an unusual, but very happy childhood growing up in a funeral home in a small South Carolina town. However, a controversy when she was a teen caused her to flee for college and never turn back. However, after the phone call, she has no choice but to return home for the first time in a decade.

On her first night back, she finds a ghost standing on the front porch of her family’s funeral home. Florence was already convinced that romance is dead… but this complicates things further.

Why We Think You’ll Love This Book

Angela downloaded this audiobook on a whim last October because she saw a few recommendations for it right before boarding a cross-country flight. She knew nothing about the plot, and thank goodness, because terms like ‘paranormal romance’ and ‘ghost love story’ would have scared her away. And then she would have missed out on one of her favorite books of the year! She binged the entire book in two days and couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.

This story is unique and will keep you on your toes. Despite the romance genre getting a bad rap for being predictable, this book is anything but that.

Love of My Afterlife book cover

Book Summary

Delphie is recently deceased, having choked on a microwavable burger. Finding herself in the afterlife waiting room wearing her “sparkle and shine” nightie is embarrassing enough to start with, but to make matters worse, she comes face to face with the hottest man she’s ever seen.

He smiles… They chat… There seems to be a spark… But then someone runs in shouting about a huge mistake and sends the dreamy man back down to Earth.

When Delphie is offered an opportunity to return to Earth for 10 days to reconnect with her mystery man, she jumps at the chance to find her possible soulmate. But finding him in a city of millions won’t be easy.

Thoughts on This Book

Some readers find Delphie hard to like at first, but her growth throughout the novel is an important part of the story.

Happy Medium book cover

Book Summary

Gretchen is a fake spirit medium, always happy to provide her services to anyone willing to pay. When her wealthiest client hires her to investigate the unexplained phenomena preventing the sale of a goat farm, she agrees to “cleanse” the property.

She’s under the impression that the farm owner is a kindly old man, but he turns out to be young, attractive, and very skeptical. Charlie is unconvinced that Gretchen can communicate with the dead. In fairness, she’s not convinced of it either… That is, until she comes face to face with the very real, very chatty ghost who’s been wreaking havoc at every open house.

The ghost of Everett wants Gretchen to help Charlie avoid the same family curse that’s had him haunting the farm since the 1920s. She has one month to convince Charlie not to sell, but her typical con-woman schtick won’t work on him. She’s going to have to earn his trust.

Thoughts on This Book

The Book Girls enjoyed Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by the same author, so this one is high on our TBR list.

Crazy Spooky Love book cover

Book Summary

For three generations, the women of the Bittersweet family have operated a ghost-sensative business called Blithe Spirits from their black and white home on High Street. Twenty-seven-year-old Melody has now converted an unused room into the headquarters of her own business. But rather than communicating with ghosts, she’s taking them out.

One of her first clients has a grand old house for sale, but all the prospective buyers have been scared off by the trio of ghost brothers raising merry hell in the halls. Melody believes her new Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency is up for the challenge, but she’s got competition. Leo Dark, her ex turned business rival, is also on the case, along with the TV crew that follows him wherever he goes.

About This Series

The second book in this new series, Kooky Spooky Love, is set to be published before Halloween of 2025. It will once again follow Melody and Leo competing to evict ghosts – this time from Maplemead Castle.

Other Books by This Author

Readers may recognize author Josie Silver’s name from her popular romance novels, One Day in December, One Night on the Island, and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird.

Inheritance book cover

Book Summary

In 1806, a young bride was murdered on her wedding night. As her gold wedding ring is torn from Astrid’s finger, her last words are a vow to Collin that she’ll never leave him.

In the present day, graphic designer Sonya is surprised to learn that her late father had a twin brother that he never knew about. And now the uncle she never knew has left her his grand Victorian home on the coast of Maine. The will, however, stipulates that she must live there for three years. Fresh off a broken engagement, Sonya decides to seek answers as to why her father and uncle were separated at birth.

When she arrives at the clifftop home in Maine, the lawyer in charge of executing the will acknowledges that the house is haunted… but just a little. Objects move on their own and music plays out of nowhere, but even more mysterious is a painting by her father that hangs in her uncle’s office. There’s also a portrait of Astrid, whom the lawyer explains is “the first lost bride.”

Sonya has inherited more than a house… she’s also inherited a centuries-old curse and a puzzle to solve if she hopes to break it.

Consider This Before Reading

Before picking up this highly rated book, be warned that it ends with a major cliffhanger. Book 2 in the trilogy, The Mirror, picks up exactly where Book 1 leaves off.

Love at First Fright book cover

Book Summary

Rosemary is a successful horror author whose hit novel is being adapted into a movie. When the manor they are filming at turns out to be haunted, Rosemary is unfazed because she has a secret. She can see ghosts.

Ellis is the male lead in the film. He’s a Hollywood heartthrob and is ready to move past his action-star persona and into more serious roles. Getting the lead in a historical mystery is a great first step, but he just learned that the author who wrote the original novel tried to get him replaced.

As filming progresses, Rosemary and Ellis find it harder and harder to deny their chemistry. But with secrets on earth and troublemaking spirits interrupting, can they find their way to a happily ever after?

Book Summary

In the Scottish Highlands, the heir of Cavendish House, a medieval Scottish castle, is looking for a house sitter. Corrine thinks taking the job is the perfect opportunity to not only stay on an amazing estate but to be close to her Scottish Skype buddy, Christopher.

However, when she arrives, the castle is a mess. Ivy has taken over the outside. The inside is still filled with the contents of the deceased owner…and he was a hoarder. The mess isn’t the only surprise waiting for Corrine. The house is already inhabited by the handsome but stubborn heir named Branson.

Branson doesn’t want Corrine in the house, but he also needs help making the house inhabitable before it’s auctioned off to the highest bidder. He’s desperate to save the castle and keep it in the family. This will be even harder than they expect as it turns out the house is a bit haunted.

Kindle Unlimited as of: 09/03/2024
Book cover of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club

Book Summary

Sabrina is not happy to be returning home to the Wisconsin Dells, otherwise known as the Waterpark Capital of the World. But it’s not the town she’s been avoiding. It’s the Monroe family curse. The women in her family can see spirits who need help with unfinished business. The only ghost Sabrina doesn’t mind is Molly, who is bubbly, loves rom coms, and was a great friend to Sabrina throughout her childhood.

Ray is a charming restaurateur who invites Sabrina to his supper club. While it’s not terrible that he’s flirting with her over Brandy Old Fashioneds, she is much more concerned with getting a job than a boyfriend. However, Ray’s kindness toward rescue dogs and talent in the kitchen are nice bonuses on top of his handsomeness.

Sabrina is still worried about the spirits that follow her, but maybe with Ray, she could find joy.

Thoughts on This Book

Foodie fiction lovers will enjoy the delicious descriptions of food throughout this romance.

Book cover of The Book of Silver Linings

Book Summary

Constance is a yes-woman. She loans her best friend money, takes on extra responsibilities at work without a raise, and then says yes again when her boyfriend, Hayden, proposes. Outside of work and her relationship, Constance is an active volunteer at the local animal shelter. When she was younger, she planned to be a veterinarian, but then switched gears to become a paralegal after her father was convicted of murder.

As Constance plans her wedding, she’s filled with anxiety about the future. She finds a great distraction when she begins researching the history of her antique engagement ring. When she finds the name of a WW1 soldier connected to the ring, she hopes to discover his story. At the library, she uncovers letters written by the long-dead man. She’s so touched that she journals a note back to him confessing her doubts.

When she returns to the library to continue reading, she’s shocked to find a note back from the long-dead man. The letters continue, and soon she’s falling in love with a ghost at the potential expense of her current relationship.

Thoughts on This Book

This is a great pick if you gravitate towards contemporary fiction more than romance. While the romance is important to the story, it’s also a slow-building relationship. Overall, it’s a touching novel with plenty of non-romance themes, including friendship, animal rescue, found friendship, mystery, and a historical aspect.

Haunted Ever After book cover

Book Summary

In a fight for visitor dollars, Boneyard Key decided long ago to lean into ghost tourism. Nick, the owner of Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, for example, embraces his ghostly roommate.

When all of Cassie’s friends in Orlando started marrying and having kids, she fled the city in search of her own adventure. She buys a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key, but quickly discovers that things aren’t quite right. The outlets don’t work, and the magnetic poetry on her fridge spells out unwelcoming messages. Despite all this, she’s charmed by the town and by the grumpy coffee shop owner who slips her free banana bread.

Nick takes her on a ghost tour of town and begins sharing gossip that they don’t tell the tourists. Soon, he’s helping her research the former owners of her haunted cottage. Will she be scared away for good?

Seeing Other People book cover

Book Summary

When Morgan says she’s being ghosted by a guy named Zach, whom she went on one date with, she doesn’t mean he stopped responding to her texts. She means he’s literally haunting her after passing away! From his perspective, Zach isn’t thrilled to be stuck with Morgan either.

At a support group for humans and their haunters, Morgan meets Sawyer, whose fiancée-turned-ghost has started to fade and he’s not ready to say goodbye. As Morgan and Sawyer team up to solve their ghostly problems, they begin to feel an earthly connection to each other.

What to Expect in This Read

While this is a romance, it deals with heavier themes than most titles on this list, especially grief and the aftermath of losing someone you love. Reviewers say that the authors poetically captures the stages of grief. It’s perfect when you’re looking for a deeper book, filled with heart, healing, and occasional creepy moments.

Ghosted Book Cover

Book Summary

Hattie’s mom is the stern headmaster at Northanger Abbey High School, which is said to be the most haunted school in the United States. The school leans into the reputation, even offering ghost-hunting scholarships. Hattie used to enjoy ghost hunting with her father, but since he passed away, she no longer believes in ghosts and instead is focused on being an overachiever to get her busy mom’s attention, all while keeping her little brother in line.

When Hattie is partnered with a new student, Kit, to investigate the school’s paranormal activity, she’s ready to prove that ghosts aren’t real. But the more time she spends with Kit, the more she feels like she’s ready to believe in life again.

Thoughts on This Book

Jane Austen fans might recognize the story as a modern, gender-reversed retelling of the classic, Northanger Abbey. While reviewers say this is the cute rom-com they expected, it also digs a bit deeper at times and deals with the character’s ongoing grief after the loss of her father.

Book cover for Trouble in Mudbug

Book Summary

Scientist Maryse had a rude and manipulative mother-in-law who used her wealth to rule the small town of Mudbug. Maryse thought that when Helena passed away, her life would get easier, and she could finally divorce the husband she had been estranged from. Unfortunately, death didn’t slow down Helena, and she’s still haunting Maryse in a new way.

DEA agent Luc has been sent to investigate why someone would want to kill a sexy scientist named Maryse. As he tries to protect her from harm, keeping his own secrets gets harder as he gets to know the brainy beauty.

Thoughts on This Book

Readers say this cozy mystery kept them entertained, especially the ghost of Helena. But don’t worry, we know this is a rom-com list, and you’ll get romance too! Reviewers range from describing it as having light romance all the way to calling it steamy.

If you enjoy the town of Mudbug, there are five more books after this one.

Rules for Ghosting book cover

Book Summary

Ezra sees ghosts. And growing up in a funeral home, there were lots of ghosts to see. Ezra is also transgender, and the ghosts of his judging, disapproving relatives cause him to run as far from the family business as possible.

After his mother announces at the Passover seder that she’s running away with the rabbi’s wife, Ezra feels he has no choice but to return home and help save the struggling Friedman Family Memorial Chapel, even if it means spending his days surrounded by ghosts.

When Ezra develops a crush on Jonathan, a handsome new funeral home volunteer, Ezra is also faced with the ghost of Jonathan’s gone-too-soon husband, Ben.

Thoughts on This Book

This debut novel is not as fluffy as some of the other romances on the list. Readers say it strikes a lovely balance between humorous and heartfelt.

Ghost of a Chance book cover

Book Summary

Tara is the town psychic – except she’s not really psychic at all. In fact, she doesn’t believe in the supernatural at all. But when her elderly aunt had a “ghost problem,” she moved into the guest house to “help.” It would be a good arrangement if not for the grumpy (but hot) guy next door. Ward’s family has been feuding with Tara’s family for centuries over land.

But suddenly, Ward needs a favor. He shows up at Tara’s fortune-telling booth at the town’s fall festival, begging her to fake date him until Halloween. In exchange, he agrees to give her aunt the land she wants.

Tara agrees, and soon it seems there’s a force trying to push them together… Spooky calls, phantom cold spots that have her seeking Ward’s warmth, and visions of people who aren’t there that scare her straight into his arms.

She was surprised to realize that she might just be falling for Ward… and that her aunt might have a ghost problem after all.

Thoughts on This Book

This 150-page novella is by the author of the 2022 book, Happily Haunted Afters. It’s the perfect quick Halloween rom-com read!

Book Summary

Fans of mysteries and southern romance will love this ghost story set in New Orleans. Nola has purchased her first fixer-upper, but she has an unexpected problem when the former owners don’t seem ready to leave. Nola didn’t understand her stepmother’s ability to communicate with ghosts, but she knows someone else in town who can.

But she hoped never to see Beau Ryan again. He has a dark past, including the disappearance of his parents and sister during Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, Nola believes he is the only one who can help her solve the mystery of the restless spirits in her house.

About the Series

Readers say that while some of the mysteries are tied up in this book, others will make you want to reach for Book 2, The House on Prytania, right away.

The three-book Royal Street series is a spin-off of Karen White’s New York Times bestselling Tradd Street novels.

Book Summary

Like Charles Dickens’ Scrooge, seventeen-year-old Holly received a Christmas Eve visit from three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she’d become. Unlike Scrooge, she was unconvinced, and she did not change her ways. Then, she died.

She’s now stuck working for the top-secret company called Project Scrooge, where she serves as the new Ghost of Christmas Past. Each year, she helps the company as they attempt to save another miserly grouch. Despite helping many people, she remains miserable – watching as her family and friends go on living while she stays frozen at seventeen, unable to interact with them. But the Scrooge she’s been assigned to help reform this year may change everything.

Thoughts on This Book

The Afterlife of Holly Chase is the perfect ghost love story to pick up between Halloween and Christmas!

Join the Halloween Reading Mini Challenge

Calling all Halloween-lovers! We have a free self-paced reading challenge just for you. To make it easy and fun, we include highly-rated book recommendations for each of the Halloween reading prompts.

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Six angled book covers on a dark background with barely visible ghosts and white text in corner that reads Ghost Rom Coms to Read for Halloween

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