Sometimes you pick up a book and know within the first few pages that you’re in for something special. Love at First Fright by Nadia El-Fassi is exactly that kind of delightful surprise—a little sugar, a little spice, with just the right amount of supernatural seasoning to make everything nice.

Rosemary is living the dream many authors can only fantasize about: she’s smart, successful, and beloved by her fans. But the ultimate validation arrives when one of her books gets the Hollywood treatment, complete with A-list star Ellis Finch in the lead role. The catch? Rosemary has serious doubts about whether this action hero pretty boy can handle her material—fan girl squeals be damned.

When duty calls her from her NYC apartment to the film set across the pond, Rosemary packs her confidence along with her bags, ready to reunite with her two best friends and oversee her story’s transformation.

If you love a good enemies-to-lovers arc, buckle up. Rosemary and Ellis’s first meeting is nothing short of catastrophic, and their subsequent interactions crackle with tension. Ellis is desperate to prove he’s more than just another pretty face in the action hero lineup, and the harder he tries to demonstrate his acting chops, the more he finds himself drawn to the very author who doubts him.

It’s the kind of romantic tension that has you rooting for both characters even when they’re driving each other (and you) absolutely crazy.

Here’s where things get interesting: Rosemary can see ghosts. This isn’t just a quirky character trait thrown in for flavor—it’s woven seamlessly into the story in ways that enhance rather than overshadow the central romance. The supernatural element adds depth without overwhelming the love story at the heart of the book.

Fair warning: the storyline involving Ellis’s deceased dog Hank will absolutely wreck you in the best possible way. I know I’m easily moved to tears while reading; even so, this particular thread had me reaching for tissues. El-Fassi has a gift for making you care deeply about characters—even the four-legged ones who exist only in spirit.

What really sets this romance apart is how it celebrates the idea that home isn’t always where you’re from—sometimes it’s where your people are. Rosemary’s excitement about reuniting with her best friends speaks to anyone who’s found their chosen family, and the book beautifully captures that feeling of belonging that comes from being truly seen and understood.

Love at First Fright strikes the perfect balance between romance, supernatural elements, and genuine emotional depth. A story that’s both entertaining and heartfelt, with characters you’ll want to spend time with long after the final page.

If you’re looking for a romance that offers more than just butterflies and steam—one that includes friendship, personal growth, and yes, a few friendly spirits—this one deserves a spot on your TBR pile. Just maybe keep some tissues handy for the Hank storyline. You’ve been warned.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher, Dell, for the free ARC of Love at First Fright in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.