Crazy Spooky Love (Melody Bittersweet, #1) – A Whirlwind of Ghosts, Rivalry, and Romance
Ever had a book just sweep you off your feet while making you laugh and cry in equal measure? That’s exactly what Crazy Spooky Love by Josie Silver did for me! I mean, how could I resist a story that starts Chapter 3 with the words, “I forgot the donuts”? It hit me right in the feels and set the tone for what was both an intriguing and chaotic journey into the life of Melody Bittersweet. As someone who has never read anything by Silver before, I’m officially a fan now. I can already tell we will be great friends—well, in a bookish sense, of course!
The premise is as captivating as it is quirky: Melody can see ghosts—a talent passed down through generations in her family. She’s not just a regular ghost-whisperer, though; she’s a woman on a mission. Alongside her best friend Marina, Melody embarks on a wild adventure to communicate with these restless spirits, ultimately driven to uncover who killed one of them. It’s a delightful blend of magical realism with a side of mystery and, of course, that slow-burn romance we all love. And speaking of romance, it’s deliciously complicated as our two love interests dabble in a rivalry flavored with hate.
Can we take a moment to talk about the dynamics between Melody and Fletcher? The banter is on point! Fletcher is the cocky, ego-driven king of humor, while Melody is this stoic yet incredibly funny goddess. Their relationship ruptures between rivalry and chemistry, which makes every interaction a treat. I can’t resist characters who push each other’s buttons, and Silver masterfully explored this “enemies-to-lovers” trope—er, shall we say rivals?—with finesse.
And oh, let’s not forget the delightful British slang peppered throughout! Words like “bollocks,” “knickers,” and “bloody” made me chuckle, especially as a Texan who’s always amused by them. You can just imagine me laughing out loud at every clever line.
However, the story isn’t solely focused on the romance. It intertwines the deeper storylines involving ghosts seeking closure, and those poignant moments really tugged at my heartstrings. There were scenes where I almost cried—like when a ghost expresses a longing to finally rest. I mean, how can you not feel for them? Such moments reveal Silver’s ability to balance humor with gravity, crafting a narrative that resonates deeply.
As I turned the final pages, I was surprised to find that the second book isn’t about Marina as I initially thought but continues Melody’s story. Intriguing, right? The anticipation for that follow-up builds as the description promises more of the same magic that captivated me in the first book.
Crazy Spooky Love is a quirky, heartfelt journey that reminds us of the importance of justice, closure, and love—both romantic and platonic. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary magical realism sprinkled with a touch of ghostly whimsy and engaging rivalries. This book made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with its characters, and I am impatiently excited for what’s next.
Thank you, Josie Silver, Netgalley, and Ballantine for allowing me to dive into this delightful read! ⭐️⚰️ (5/5)
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