ARC Review: "Good Spirits" by B.K. Borison (Ghosted #1) ★★★★★

ARC Review: Good Spirits by B.K. Borison (Ghosted #1)

THE Christmas book this year! Charmingly quirky, insanely creative, with both hilarious and heartfelt moments, Good Spirits is a stunning grumpy meets sunshine holiday paranormal romance. 🎄❄️👻🧣

“Is there a word for what this is?” he says. His eyes hold mine. “Because if there is, I’m not familiar with it. I think about you all day long. I fall into a sleep I don’t need and I dream of you. Of your smile, and your laugh, and the way your mouth tastes. The sounds you make. I wake up wondering where you are, how you’re feeling, and I hope—” His eyes search mine. “I hope you’re thinking of me. You make me hope, Harriet. You make me want. You haunt *me*, Harriet.” He slips his hand around my neck, his palm squeezing at my nape. “Do not mistake me for a good man. I am not here out of some misplaced sense of honor or duty. I demand your attention and I desire your affection.”

[Contains some spoilers]

PLOT SUMMARY
27-year-old people-pleaser and former lawyer, Harriet York, runs her late Aunt Matilda’s antique shop called the Crows Nest, a dream that severely strains her relationship with her mother and sister. She receives a formal invitation to her family’s Christmas Gala, knowing it is merely for the sake of depicting the perfect family.

One night, she is visited by a Ghost of Christmas Past, Nolan Callahan. A former Irish fisherman who drowned in 1902, he is now assigned every year to change the ways of headstrong people before Christmas Eve otherwise they are doomed for eternity. Mistakes are never made with assignments. Only, he has been assigned Harriet. And he is confused: not only does she seem harmless, there is a familiarity about her too.

Strange things begin to happen – including trips to Nolan’s own past that he does not remember. Harriet wonders if perhaps she is meant to help Nolan find a way to his afterlife instead of the life he has, something which Nolan has begun to lose hope of obtaining. Drawn to each other but knowing a relationship can only ever be temporary, they decide to keep things casual.

Feelings are caught, rules are broken – but time is running out: not only will Harriet not remember Nolan, but Nolan’s actions in stalling the assignment will result in further consequences.

Nolan says, matter-of-fact. “You’re boundless.” “Boundless,” I repeat, unimpressed. “Aye. Boundless,” he says again. “I could spend an eternity studying you and still not know what you might do next. You give so much of yourself, so freely. You’re . . . wild with your attentions. Miraculous. I’ve seen so many lives, Harriet, but I’ve never seen someone live like you.”

This is told from the first-person present-tense POV of Harriet and Nolan.

OVERALL OPINIONS
ㅤ🧭👻a granted wish❄️🧣
First of all, a huge thank you to NetGalley for granting my wish to read this! For those who have never heard of this concept, some books aren’t available to request instantly on NetGalley but reviewers can “wish” for a book which lets publishers know you are interested and they can “grant” the wish, should they choose to. This has never happened to me before and I’m so honoured because I love B.K. Borison.

ㅤ🧭👻the story’s message and depth❄️🧣
Moving swiftly onto the book itself, wow! What a read! What a find! B.K. Borison usually writes things that tug at my heartstrings and this is without a doubt one of them! I went into this with the notion that I would receive another festive season romcom story – but this was so much more than that. I had no idea the depth that would be within here!

Did I cry reading this? Yes. Is this the second B.K. Borison story to make me cry? Absolutely. And I’d do it all again. All I will say is: the compass scene! That is all. You will understand.

In the Acknowledgements, Borison matches her dedication at the front and the story within, emphasising the importance of self-worth, hope and the value of patience:

I hope that if you feel like a lost and forgotten thing, that you realize how beautiful and special you truly are. And I hope that if you feel like you’ve been left waiting, that there’s beauty in that, too. That maybe, the thing you’ve been searching for is right around the corner.

As someone who has experienced being overlooked and underappreciated for various reasons, this resonated with me and I’m sure others will too. Those who get it, get it.

ㅤ🧭👻the relationship❄️🧣
Harriet and Nolan’s relationship is the most wonderful thing I’ve ever read in my life! IN MY LIFE! Everything about them is my kind of thing. Their first meeting is hilarious! I love their banter and witticisms, the parallels between their lives as they have spent much of it alone, and how they both notice things about the other to make them happy. They have the loveliest juxtaposition in their despair and longing: Nolan has lost hope in there being more for him and Harriet keeps hoping people will see her as more. Their knowing each other makes hope for both of them a reality, and this was explored exceptionally well. I also liked that Harriet has struggled with grieving over Aunt Matilda and travelling to the past heals this part of her, which for Nolan must have been impactful as he does it so often and doesn’t see what a gift it is to see the past.

Not only that but I was impressed by the creativity of the two spicy scenes. A lot of novels are getting to the point where things happen and the opportunity to play with (pun not intended, actually) the setting is missed. The snowglobe effect that Nolan accidentally causes and then the “present” concept were things I would never have thought of – and they’re literally chef’s kiss! It made the story all the more engaging. The other thing I adored was the unconventionality of having the woman take control in the bedroom, something we need to have more of, for sure.

ㅤ🧭👻narration and characterisation❄️🧣
The writing style and character quirks are the real charm for me. She has this way of narrating the story that, predictable or not, you just know it’s going to have you grinning ear to ear. When I read the opening lines, I was sold when I saw my sense of humour:

On the first day of December, the universe gave to me— A busted knee, a twisted string of garland, and a cat with an attitude problem.

Each character is unique: from Darryl the postman who has muddled the mail for two decades, to Harriet’s friend/store manager Sasha who takes no nonsense so calls people out and speaks unfiltered thoughts, to Isabella the terrifying yet reindeer-headband-wearing supervisor of the Department Nolan works for.

ㅤ🧭👻worldbuilding and book 2❄️🧣 I did really like that not only is this story character-driven, particularly through Harriet’s arc from being a people-pleaser for her toxic family to finally standing up for and choosing herself over them, but it is rich in some physical journeys made through some remarkable worldbuilding too. Both characters journey back to the past and the different ages and settings of the individual (be it Harriet or Nolan) help to shape their understanding of the other.

Borison draws the idea of the Ghost of Past, Present and Future we all know from Dickens and transforms this into an office-like department of spirits. She adds layers of complexities to spirits: they can be seen by people but not remembered by them, they don’t dream, don’t remember their previous life the longer they remain a ghost, can’t be physically hurt, can’t taste things, can’t check in on loved ones after they are gone, are not supposed to use their magic outwith time-travelling. And the actual travels to the past are immersive: not a quick gentle journey but a snowstorm, and the elements themselves feel separate like the cold is buffered, the snow “feels like marshmallows” and the water doesn’t sting or burn.

There is a mention of Reapers/Grim Reapers too, which very nicely alludes to the plot for the next book, Grim Tidings: receptionist Betty says one of the Reapers has gone missing and Gideon, the oldest and cruellest Reaper, is handling it. Sounds awfully intriguing, potentially a dark romance mystery story? Anyway, I’m very excited about that! Sept 2026 can’t come quick enough!

ㅤ🧭👻to conclude❄️🧣
Long story short, there were a few missed opportunities BUT it did not detract from anything. I loved this! I hope you do too!

<< Positives >>
🠚 Nolan friggin Callahan.
🠚 Fun yet interesting read with creative and compelling supernatural romance.
🠚 Subverts the well-known concept of Ghosts of Christmas Past into something original.
🠚 Unexpected interdimensional scavenger hunt, looking for something to bring Nolan to an afterlife of rest.
🠚 Beautiful character arc of Harriet with an inspiring journey of reclaimed self-worth.
🠚 Remarkable worldbuilding with strong physical journeys and setting.
🠚 Quirky descriptions and characters.
🠚 Touching contrast between Nolan’s despair and Harriet’s hope.
🠚 Successful blend of character depth and action.
🠚 Creative spice scenes utilising the setting.
🠚 Refreshing and unconventional dynamic with woman in control.

<< Negatives >>
🠚 There was a missed opportunity with the worldbuilding: Nolan is to pass off Harriet to the next ghost, but we never actually get this.
🠚 Another missed opportunity was the jam that Harriet had been trying to re-create for 20 years, the one she tried to swipe before returning to the present again – I had so hoped that Nolan would have travelled back in time and grabbed a different jar for her to give for Christmas as well as the scarf. It would have matched.
🠚 I would have loved the continuation of the “on the first day of December” at various times of the month.
🠚 There could have been more Christmas events in this book other than the ice-skating and gala. For example, Nolan could have taken Harriet to a Christmas market considering her previous time was with Brent and her mother who mocked her.
🠚 There was a missed opportunity for Harriet to talk about Aunt Matilda to her mother at the gala. To be honest, I was hoping for her to say how pathetic her mother behaved all because of a feud with Matilda years ago.
🠚 I would have personally preferred that she didn’t remember Nolan, until she did.
🠚 It might have been interesting to have had Brent on the scene at the gala, though this wouldn’t have been necessary.
🠚 The time travel paradox did throw me and left me with a lot of questions: How can he/his compass have been looking for Harriet before even actually knowing her around the time of his drowning? How can there be as many parallels as they have, like the jam? Is that a coincidence or is it something to do with the magic? However, I don’t necessarily mind it.
🠚 There is a large plot hole: how has Harriet come to own the very same compass that was once Nolan’s? I would have liked a small explanation about how it was found. Even if it was just Aunt Matilda or Harriet found it when she travelled to Ireland once or something. Would add more of a link.
🠚 It isn’t properly explained how people come to remember Nolan (like Sasha remembering the interaction), since he is adament that people don’t remember his ghost. Is it simply Harriet?
🠚 The Isabella incident with the birdcage music box felt random yet intriguing. Hopefully this is in book 2.

CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Harriet꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ When Harriet said that “sometimes it’s best to make yourself as small as possible so you can go unnoticed”, I felt that. I hated that her parents favoured her sister Samantha; that she could do no wrong while Harriet could do no right. She was just a child who wanted to be loved! I’m glad that Samantha wants to work towards being sisters again.
Her character arc was so beautiful to see! It was heartbreaking to watch her believe that she must deserve whatever comeuppance is in store for her. As Nolan says, she is so inspiring with her positivity despite all the mistreatment, and it is truly admirable how she rises above it. Her journey is a profound demonstration of resilience and reclaimed self-worth. As someone who has been with a narcissist, her toxic relationship with Brent who puts her down and moulds her into someone she’s not hit me hard and I’m proud of her.
I love that she gets him a box of candies because he liked her cinnamon candy. I like how her babbling calms Nolan down when he is spiralling.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Nolan꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Oh my word, I could talk about this man –or spirit or whatever you want to call him– all day. All year, in fact! He is not only so darn fine but such a darn gentleman! His sophisticated vocabulary and way of speaking adds so much humour. And the Irish accent? Woop! Another Irish man to swoon over this year, ladies! (I’m looking at Tom from If Not for My Baby)
When he said “Don’t be polite, Harriet. Take it.” I screamed!
I like how his emotions are explored: he is not used to company so is grumpy and bitter, but decides to do better because he doesn’t like hurting Harriet’s feelings. He is used to being in this strange working purgatory, so when Harriet comes along and things start happening to him –like he has dreams, feels things, even sees his own past– he gets frantic. I wanted to scream at him for not telling her about the compass.
The main moment I melted for him was when he did his magic trick for her. I was squealing and giggling and kicking my feet when he had that dream about Harriet! I knew it! And every time he says he hasn’t done these things in years (hugging someone, wanting someone). And then his obsession with her hair, and his twirling it around his finger ahhh! The mistletoe!! When he asks to kiss her! The way he was so worried when he was magic drunk and was worried he had taken advantage of her! The praising in the bedroom! Big swoon. The gentle “Look at me” and then gently making Harriet look at him when she refuses to! Gurl we were BOTH dying for that man in that snowglobe byeee! His yearning for her and the defending of her honour behind her back!! His encouragement of Harriet to be herself at the gala. This man is everything. Everything!

FAV QUOTES
• For the lost and forgotten ones. And the believers who bring them back.
• Last week there were so many mismatched packages, we decided to have a potluck, too.
• Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. It’s the only time of year when it feels like magic might be real, hovering somewhere close to the surface. Like you can reach out and touch it. Cup it between frostbitten fingertips like sugarplum kisses and popcorn strung on ribbon. Crackling fires beneath the hearth and gingerbread cookies fresh from the oven. Christmas has always felt right. Christmas has always felt true.
• “it wouldn’t kill you to be a little nicer.” | It wouldn’t kill me. “You do realize I’m already dead, right? It wouldn’t kill me because I’m— Harriet. I’m dead.” • Harriet is the first assignment I’ve had in a decade that’s been close to my mortal age. I don’t usually engage in casual conversation. I can’t remember the last time someone touched me that wasn’t by accident or a part of my job. She’s achingly beautiful with a wicked sense of humor and a desire for kindness that I’m starting to think might not be an act.
• A dream. It was a dream. For the first time in over a century, I had a dream. And I dreamed of Harriet.
• In addition to every person who has ever been even moderately important to me, I’m being ghosted by a literal ghost. My life is a joke.
• “You can’t buy my forgiveness with overpriced holiday drinks.” That’s a lie. My forgiveness can absolutely be bought with overpriced holiday drinks, especially if he remembered to get whipped cream on top.
• “You’re the first thing in a hundred years to make me feel anything at all, Harriet York, and I don’t think that’s an accident.”
• “I think you should wear red,” I tell her. She belongs in something vibrant. Something that makes her glow.
• “You don’t do as I say.” I gesture to the dress at her side. “Case in point.” | “Well, you’re you.” | I grin. I like being the exception to Harriet’s rules, even if it results in my frustration.
• I drowned in the ocean once and I think I could just as easily drown in Harriet. Sink down into her and lose myself for days.
• “Harriet. You’re lovely.” | Her hands smooth over the skirt again. “It’s quite the dress,” she says. | “I’m not talking about the dress.”
• His eyes are fixed somewhere around my mouth. “I liked the way you said my name. I haven’t heard my full name in—” He exhales. “A very long time,” | Goose bumps prickle my arms. “I like saying it,” I manage, voice faint.
• I feel more grounded like this, wrapped in his arms. Protected, like maybe the ground won’t fall out from beneath my feet as soon as we leave this place. Like maybe I can hold on to this memory just like I’m holding on to him.
• He looks like a period drama on steroids. My thoughts are nowhere decent, that’s for sure.
• “You’re being very agreeable right now.” | “Am I?” | “Mm-hmm.” His fingers drift up my back again. “Maybe I should kiss you more often.” | “I like to think I’m always agreeable.” My cheeks burn hot. “But maybe.” *Kiss me as much as you can,* I beg in my head. *Kiss me until I can’t possibly forget you.*
• I blink up at him. No one has ever spoken about me like that before. Like I’m something to be treasured instead of something to be tossed away. *Miraculous.* I roll the word around on my tongue. It’s delicious. *Special.* My cheeks burn hot. My hands tingle. It feels like I’m freefalling through the ozone, picking up speed, the edges of me catching fire.
• She doesn’t even know how well she takes care of me. With her easy smiles and careful touches. Her too-soft heart and that smart mouth. She’s made me feel more alive in a handful of weeks than I have in decades. She’s lit up all of my darkest corners.
• He grins at me, wide and beaming, so unrestrained it makes my breath catch. Nolan is so controlled with his reactions—so reserved with his affections—that this sort of smile makes me feel like I’ve been handed something precious. One of the treasures I keep at my store.
• I know what my consequences are. I’ll forget all of this. Mistletoe ceilings and fathomless blue eyes that crinkle at the corners. His hands in my hair and this soft, tender feeling in my chest. I’ll forget that for one perfect holiday season, I was important to someone. That someone thought I was *lovely*.
• He stops kissing me like an apology and kisses me like a demand instead.
• “You look like a dream,” he murmurs. | “You don’t dream,” I laugh. | “I do. I dream of you.” His voice is low. “Every time I close my eyes, it’s you I see. You I want.”
• Her mother finds us before the champagne does.
• “Do you need me?” He asks it quietly, earnestly, and my heart stumbles over itself. I could tell Nolan I needed a plate full of fancy Brie for this conversation, and he’d disappear to the cheese board without another word. No one has ever taken care of me the way Nolan has. I’m not sure anyone ever will again.
• *Remember this,* I tell myself as he laces our fingers together, his eyes closed as he tucks my hand against his mouth. He drags a kiss across my knuckles and I slot it in the secret place right next to my heart. *Please, please, please. Remember him.*
• “Maybe I was always supposed to find you,” I rasp. *Maybe,* my heart adds, *you were always supposed to be mine.*
• I didn’t realize how hard I’d fall. I had no idea how important she’d become in such a short amount of time. I think of her beneath the water. The look on her face. Her hand, reaching for mine. I didn’t realize I’d already been missing her for more than a hundred years. Now I’m going to miss her for an afterlife more.
• reading the melancholy I keep draped around me like the scarf I haven’t bothered to take off.
• Nolan cups my jaw and drags my mouth to his, kissing me like his life depends on it. And in a way, I suppose it does. He came from another time to love me, and I’ve been waiting to love him in return.
• “I’ll see you tomorrow, Harriet.” He brushes a kiss to my bottom lip, the dip in my chin, the hollow of my throat. His hand finds my jaw and he holds me steady. “I’ll see you the tomorrow after that, and the one after that, and the one after that.” He punctuates each statement with a kiss, his scruff tickling at my skin. When he pulls back, he holds my face between his hands, gazing at me with tender, aching longing. Deep, sure possession. “I’ll be with you for every tomorrow you allow, and I suspect a time after that, too.”
• “The unfinished business I have is with you, Harriet York. You better get used to having me around.” | I sniffle. “Haunting me?” | “No.” He smiles. “Loving you.”

══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank B.K. Borison, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.

“Good Spirits” is out now!