Love at First Fright

Book Review
Love at First Fright

February 2, 2026

Nadia El- Fassi
August 30, 2025

READ VIA: advanced e-copy from Dell Romance ABOUT: Rosemary, the current reigning queen of Gothic horror, who happens to be able to see ghosts, travels back to the UK to supervise the filming of her book’s film adaptation. Unfortunately, the extremely attractive Hollywood hotshot , Ellis Finch, gets under her skin immediately. What she sees as an enemy might be the man she didn’t know she needed MY THOUGHTS: An age gap none of the characters are bothered by, prolific spice, a female horror author, and extremely atmospheric vibes make this a fun and cozy fall. The second in a series of interconnected standalones, El-Fassi’s writing felt comforting and perfect for a chilly fall day spent with a blanket, fireplace, and pretending you are holed up in the countryside. I really liked the way the age gap was handled here. Ellis fretted about it, Rosemary didn’t, and then they moved on. Loved that! Initially, I had a hard time believing the affinity between the two main characters, and then, suddenly, around 40% I connected to them and really enjoyed the second half. Fair warning: Given the ghosts, there are many references to death and grief (both pets and humans). Finally, I really enjoyed the spice in this book. There are some really well-crafted power exchanges, and the scenes are well placed throughout the book. El-Fassi does not hold back, and it made the book all the more fun! SIMILAR BOOKS: If you enjoyed the author’s first book, The Best Hex Ever, this one will also be a hit! There is a lot of spice, a bit of swoon, and plenty of spooky season elements. SHOULD YOU READ I recommend this for those looking for a fun, steamy book with lots of spooky (but not scary) themes.

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READ VIA: advanced e-copy from Dell Romance

ABOUT: Rosemary, the current reigning queen of Gothic horror, who happens to be able to see ghosts, travels back to the UK to supervise the filming of her book’s film adaptation.

Unfortunately, the extremely attractive Hollywood hotshot , Ellis Finch, gets under her skin immediately.
What she sees as an enemy might be the man she didn’t know she needed

MY THOUGHTS:
An age gap none of the characters are bothered by, prolific spice, a female horror author, and extremely atmospheric vibes make this a fun and cozy fall.

The second in a series of interconnected standalones, El-Fassi’s writing felt comforting and perfect for a chilly fall day spent with a blanket, fireplace, and pretending you are holed up in the countryside.

I really liked the way the age gap was handled here. Ellis fretted about it, Rosemary didn’t, and then they moved on. Loved that!

Initially, I had a hard time believing the affinity between the two main characters, and then, suddenly, around 40% I connected to them and really enjoyed the second half.

Fair warning: Given the ghosts, there are many references to death and grief (both pets and humans).

Finally, I really enjoyed the spice in this book. There are some really well-crafted power exchanges, and the scenes are well placed throughout the book. El-Fassi does not hold back, and it made the book all the more fun!

SIMILAR BOOKS:
If you enjoyed the author’s first book, The Best Hex Ever, this one will also be a hit! There is a lot of spice, a bit of swoon, and plenty of spooky season elements.

SHOULD YOU READ
I recommend this for those looking for a fun, steamy book with lots of spooky (but not scary) themes.

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