Mixing romance, humour and a sparkle of magic, Juliet Madison is back with a new full–length novel about a bride–to–be, a mystery and the stripper next door. When bride–to–be Sally Marsh attends a weekend away with her bridesmaids, the last thing she expects is an uninvited guest: the ghost of her fiancé's ex–girlfriend.Red is quirky, loud and distracting, and Sally is soon desperate to find the reason behind her presence, so she can rid herself of her embarrassing shadow before the wedding day. Unfortunately, the ghost is reluctant to share the reason for her existence, but very enthusiastic about Ty, the surprise hen's night stripper who keeps showing up at awkward moments. Time is running out for Sally, but it's also running out for Red. By the time all is revealed, Sally will be tested to the limits, and go above and beyond everything she's ever believed in order to ensure not only her own happy–ever–after – but Red's as well.
Juliet Madison is a bestselling and award-nominated author of 20 books with humour, heart, and serendipity. Writing both fiction and self help, she is also an artist and colouring book illustrator, a mind/body/spirit coach, and a writing course creator.
With her background as a naturopath and a dancer, Juliet is passionate about living a healthy and positive life. She likes to combine her love of words, art, and self-empowerment to create books that entertain and inspire readers to find the magic in everyday life.
Juliet lives on the picturesque south coast of NSW, Australia, where she spends as much time as possible writing books, drawing, teaching online courses, being with family, and as little time as possible doing housework. She is represented by literary agent Joelle Delbourgo, and has been published by Escape Publishing-Harlequin/Harper Collins Australia, Sourcebooks USA, Dover Publications, Diversion Books, Bloodhound Books, and Once Upon a Book Club. Juliet loves to interact online with readers and writers. You can contact her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JulietMadison..., instagram http://www.instagram.com/julietmadiso... and through her website http://www.julietmadison.com
This was a _mostly _fun romp of a contemporary romance with a single dose of paranormal in it. I really liked the way it started _outrageously funny_ as well as Sally's relationship with her friends during her "hen's party"....first time I had ever heard this expression! lol
The ghost that decides to crash Sally's life was insane and sufficiently obnoxious at times for Sally to order an exorcism...I am kidding...kind of. Red is loud and more than ready to disturb Sally's well ordered life. When to that, one ads a sexy stripper, who is also a great guy _honestly, could the guy be more perfect? _ voilà, one recipe for disaster coming right up.
What I didn't like: I didn't like all the name calling directed at women per se. Once in awhile, when talking about infidelity, it would be only the women who would get an adjective attached to their names, if you know what I mean. I really disliked that because it takes two to tango...
"And bitchy bimbos who can't keep their hands off other women's husbands."
I also disliked that after a great funny start, the story started to sound crazier and crazier by the turn of the page. Bridget Jones type of crazy, you know? A little overboard for me.
The way Sally ends up figuring something _ *yes, I am trying to be as vague as possible* _ with Red's help was so....convoluted _yes, I know that one of these characters is a ghost, but even so! _ and convenient, that it just became lame.
Also, it is important to mention again the way Ty, the stripper, is characterized...basically like all that is good and wonderful, which is great, but after awhile....c'mon. Enough. He's a stripper because he's trying to make money to enter Medical school. He takes care of his brother who has a learning disability. Both his parents have died. He volunteers for community service. He falls in love _ I guess _ with Sally almost immediately because....because. So, basically he's like a cute handsome guy with a six pack puppy. Who could resist him?
Also, if you're a fan of Ghost Whisperer, you'll be happy to know that after awhile the story does take the format of an episode with Melissa Sally trying to contact Red's family's so that she can go...wherever it is that she has to. Disclaimer: I actually started this review as a three star rating :/ Basically a case of, book, I think you'll be better of with someone else.
HAUNTED EVER AFTER is just the book to sink into after you have spent a few hours babysitting your gangbusters 13-month-old granddaughter. You just want to put your feet up and be coddled for a while. The fast paced story starts from the very first page when Sally meets the ghost. The ghost won’t tell Sally her name, so Sally names her Red because of her red hair; and what a fun ex-person is Red. Sally heads off on her hen’s weekend and to her horror Red follows. It is very hard to carry on conversations with your closest friends without letting them know there is a ghost around – they would lock her up! Finally after doing her best to ignore Red, she finally starts to listen and her whole life turns around. There are so many laugh out moments – such as when Ty the stripper arrives to do his stuff and Red is dirty dancing with him; only Sally can see her and Sally has to try and not let anyone notice her reactions. There is also a poignant scene later on the book when more about why Red is still on earth is revealed – brought a tear to my eye. Sally and Red need each other although it takes Sally a day or so to actually stop and listen to what Red has to say – as hard as it is; then Sally has to help Red with her unfinished business so she can move on.
I have read a few of Juliet Madison’s books and she has such a talent when it comes to completely plausible settings, characters and events – even with a ghost in the mix. If ghosts are real – and I am not dissing anyone who believes – then this is how I would like them to be. Along with Sally and Red there are three best girlfriends with their own issues – a fiancé who is off on his bucks weekend and a very sexy neighbour, Ty, who is stripping to pay for medical school. It turns out that Ty is a wonderfully caring guy who is sole carer for his younger disabled brother – not at all the stereotype people immediately thing of. HAUNTED EVER AFTER has friendship, romance, laughter and pathos and I really recommend it.
With thanks to Escape Publishing and the author via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
This is a quirky romance with a ghost and a stripper and nothing is quite what it seems.
Sally is on her hens party weekend with three friends all married. She is a week away from saying I do to Greg who we are told is off with his mates for a matching bachelor party weekend that will probably involve golf. I hate him already.
The only fly in the ointment is the vivacious red head hanging around. Literally. The ghostly Red rides on Sally's shopping trolley and generally does a whole heap of things that put Sally into a ridiculous and or embarrassing position.
What would a hen's weekend be like without a stripper and Ty is a good one. Suitable built and with better moves than the ghost. Yup, Red is there too.
Ty turns out to be much more than a stripper and very likeable. Which might be just as well when Red "reveals all".
This is a story that is a romance but also a chick lit friends story and a touch of light paranoia...I mean paranormal. This probably fits better in the Romagic Comedy sub-genre rather than with all the vampires and werewolves and suchlike.
Overall this was an enjoyable read. I've noticed before this author can get a little preachy. In this case the topic was disability and it was almost painfully politically correct. But a minor point. The romance was sweet, the mystery was solved and all came to a satisfactory conclusion.
I am a big fan of Juliet Madison's books because I know I will always have a cast of interesting characters, a smile, a tear, and a very satisfying story. Needless to say Haunted Ever After delivered all of this and more. Thank you, Ms. Madison for providing so many hours of wonderful reading.
I always look forward to a new Juliet Madison novel. I know that I’m assured of a fun read that will also have moments that touch my soul. Her latest novel, Haunted Ever After, is no exception. I read the entire book in one setting and loved the mix of magical realism (the ghost of Red), sexy stripper with a heart (Ty) and a plot that combined the fun, crazy, spiritual and sweet.
If I’ve lost you at ghost, please come back. One of the things I love most about Juliet Madison’s stories is that the setting, characters and actions are all completely plausible – and then a twist that’s just a little bit out there, working magic into everyday life. It makes me think, ‘but what if…ghosts were real?’ and the types of ways they could affect our lies. I’m not much of a fantasy/sci-fi reader, but these types of stories let me indulge my spiritual side. Plus, if you bypass this book because of a ghost, Red’s going to come to haunt you. She’s not a vengeful ghost, but she wants Sally to listen to what she has to say before time runs out.
The book starts off as Sally’s organising her hen’s weekend (please don’t tell my engaged friends that hen’s days/nights are now weekends…I don’t think my liver and brain could take it). The girls meet at a house in a distant town and get ready to party. Although Sally doesn’t want to admit it, she’s got a problem. Recently, a ghost with red hair turned up and wants to talk to her. Sally’s a no-nonsense nurse, so of course she doesn’t believe in this – it’s time for a neurology appointment and a MRI. But after running over the stripper’s foot in the supermarket and Red the ghost trying to get her attention, Sally gives in. What Red has to tell her could affect her entire future. But Red also wants something in return – could throwing Ty (the stripper who is a genuinely caring guy) and Sally this way cause sparks to fly?
The story moves at a swift pace, but never to the detriment of the characters or their growth. There’s always plenty of time for humour (Red grinding up against Ty as he strips, invisible to everyone but Sally is a laugh-out-loud moment) and there are some very touching moments towards the end which goes to show that you really shouldn’t be afraid of ghosts – they can provide more reassurance than breathing people sometimes. Sally starts off as slightly brusque, believing she’s finally got her life in order, but as the story unfolds, we realise that she’s just as unsure as anyone else – and she has a soft, caring side. Ty…well, Ty was fantastic. He completely smashes the stereotype that strippers are all brawn and no heart – the guy is clever, caring and willing to take a risk or two, even if it does involve a ghost!
I thought Haunted Ever After was fantastic – it combines laughter with friendship and romance with the added touch of a lively ghost!
Thank you to the Bloodhound Books group on Facebook for giving me the ARC copy of this adorable novel! This is a funny and heartwarming story of a woman out on her bachelorette weekend that gets haunted by the ghost of her fiancé’s ex-girlfriend! There are laughs, tears, embarrassing moments, and a little bit of sexiness (but clean!) in this lovely feel-good romantic comedy. I highly recommend!
This author is fast becoming one of my favourites! Perfect easy read with likeable characters & a great story. As with ‘Fast Forward’, one of her previous novels, I think this would translate brilliantly into a film! Highly recommend 🙂
The action began right in the first sentence, which I absolutely loved. The author didn't go into a lot of back story as so many authors do, but let the arc unravel itself a scene and character at a time. I loved it.
I also loved that there were two female leads in the book, Sally who is among the living and Red who is haunting Sally from the Other Side. No matter what Sally does, Red sticks to her like glue, and in some situations hilarity often ensues. I did find myself laughing out loud which doesn't happen in most novels.
There was also more to the characters than the blurb alludes. Ty may be a stripper, but he is a decent person, which you'll find out if you read the book (which you should)!
Sally's friends got a little lost for me in the book as most characters do when there are a set of 3, 4, or 5 friends who spend a lot of time together. I kept forgetting who was the pregnant one, the unhappily married one, etc. Maybe it's just me - it probably is.
The story unfolds naturally and tells not only the tale of Sally's current love situation, but of Red's death and the real reason why she's lingering on earth.
Ultimately, Sally and Red help each other - and that's what being friends is all about.
A fun, out loud laughing from the typical humor of Juliet Madison that I have become to love and look forward to reading. Sally, the bride to be has a weekend girls get away when an unplanned guest arrives, Red, the ghost of her fiance's ex girlfriend to help lead Sally in the right direction of her life. Red was not very well accepted by Sally, but in the end before time ran out they helped each other. Sally states, " she was able to show me things in my life I'd been blind to, made me realize the mistake that I was about to make". Loved the character Ty, male stripper but so much more and such an asset to Sally when she needs a friend and more. I received this book from Net Galley from an honest review.
A very fun enjoyable read that had me dying with laughter in places and feeling a little teary in others. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book 📖
Sally is a bride to be and setting off for her hen weekend but a ghost pops out of nowhere and puts her life in turmoil.
Sally sets off with her best friends and the ghost follows, but 'Red' is not telling Sally anything on why she's haunting her and just had some fun with her first.
As the weekend progresses, Sally connects with the ghost and is told her Fiance is having an affair and connects her thoughts with Sally and shows her where to find him. Sally races to confront Greg and sees what's going on but can't confront him.
The Ghost known as Nancy tells Sally why she can't cross over and asks for her help.
Will Sally be able to help Nancy cross over and what will she do about her cheating fiancee?
This is not the first book I've read by this author and like the others I could not put it down.
Haunted Ever After has everything one could wish for in a great beach read: a spunky heroine, a quirky ghost, a mystery to solve and last but not least a hunky male stripper with a heart of gold who is saving up for medical school. The setting for the story is a hen or bachelorette party for the main character Sally thrown by her bosom buddies, Lorena, Callie, Mel, and Georgie. Sally was hoping for a nice quiet weekend with the girls, but that is not exactly what she gets. Her which party involves a tiara and a sexy stripper named Ty was not exactly what she was expecting especially when a mischievous ghost Sally names red crashes it. Poor Sally’s party may not go as planned but she gets to solve a mystery and she does get a happy ending. This book gets my recommendation for a fun beach read. Really anytime you need a few sweet laughs, this quirky story would be just what the doctor ordered, especially if that doctor was once a stripper.
Juliet Madison’s Haunted Ever After is a heartwarming blend of enchantment, romance and comedy.
When bride-to-be, Sally, attends a weekend away with her bridesmaids, the last thing she expects is an uninvited guest: the ghost of her fiancé’s exuberant ex-girlfriend, Red.
Sally is desperate to rid herself of the ghost before she ruins her wedding day, but quirky pyjama clad Red, refuses to leave, yet is unwilling to share the reason for her presence. Red becomes even more reluctant to leave when she becomes enamoured with Ty, the sexy stripper, who’s studying to become a doctor.
I loved how the story’s mystery unfolded and tugged on the heartstrings. I was teary one moment, and grinning, the next. Entertaining and whimsical, I loved it. (And would love to meet a ghost like Red!)
This is escapism at its best but also a very thoughtful, sensitive read. I just loved it. Weird, wacky, warm, wonderful - with a red headed ghost in polka dot pyjamas!! The characters are expressive, believable and engaging. Don't feel you need to believe in ghosts to enjoy this. It has something for every romance reader. I was drawn into the situations, I laughed, I wept quiet tears for the ghost and her family. Delightfully amusing but also incredibly sensitive. It is a book that has so much going on but it never overloads. The conclusion is beautiful, satisfying but not soppy. This is a book that you will keep thinking about long after you've finished reading. I was delighted to be offered an ARC but there is no way I'd endorse something unless I meant it. I really loved it.
What a fun and fantastic five-star read. Honestly this was just so much fun, Red is just so much fun from start, to finish, honestly from those cute pyjamas to the final story, she will hook you in and have you wishing for her happily ever after and that feels odd as when we first meet her, she is the one bringing the crazy. I adored the friendship between the girls, they way they stand for each other, and in a small way Red even though they don’t know she’s there. Sally was the one who will break your heart, she will bring your rally cry. This was my first ready by this author, I have seen the previously and been interested, but this one grabbed me and I am so glad that I gave it a go.
Dedicated nurse, Sally is on a bridal shower weekend getaway to celebrate her up-and-coming wedding to Greg. Things are going swimmingly until the ghost of Greg's ex-girlfriend decides to come along for the ride. It seems like the ghost is trying to upset Sally's best-laid plans and to add to the confusion, in dances Ty, a stripper with a heart of gold. Sally must confront some concerning issues with her relationship with Greg, manage her blossoming feeling for Ty and help the ghost resolve their earthly issues before the weekend is down.
Bride to be Sally has a ghost who seems to enjoy showing up at the most awkward moments. Sally doesn't know her name so she names her Red because of her red hair. I absolutely adore Red she was a real hoot and had me rolling around laughing like a hyena. There was only one scene where she had me tearing up and I felt so much empathy towards Red that I wanted to give her a big squeeze of a hug. Juliet Madison has written a fun tale with ghosts who aren't scary, friendship, love and so many laughs, my cheeks are sore from smiling! Haunted Ever After is a little bit different but soooo good!
This is now the third book that I've read by this author and I knew right from the off that I was going to love this.
Sally is setting off on her hen weekend when Red shows up. Red is the ghost of Sally's fiancé's ex-girlfriend and she needs some help to pass over to the other side.
Madison really has a knack for writing characters that are fun and likable and jump right off the page and into your heart. At first, I was expecting real trouble having the ex-girlfriend around - but these two strike up and unlikely bond and this was really lovely to watch develop ....after a good amount of mischief that is!
Essentially, this is your typical romance storyline and it plays out perfectly (as expected) - but this really doesn't put me off because the added paranormal elements keep this interesting and unique.
I was hooked from the start and raced through this in only two sittings - perfect for a quick summer read.
What a brilliant novel, “Love Story meets Ghost, Down Under”. I thoroughly enjoyed this and couldn’t put it down. Sally is on her Hen Weekend but its gate crashed by a ghost in polka dot pyjamas that only she can see. Some hilarious moments together with teary ones interlaced with good old romance. A must read for all.
Haunted Ever After by Juliet Madison is a great fun read. A well-written romp with believable characters. I’d love to go on a Hen-party weekend with this group of girls. The ghost is a mischievous fun-lover until her serious side appears. She needs help to appease her suffering family. A touch of the Jennifer Love Hewitt in the satisfying ending.
I don't think I either read the blurb correctly or expected what happened in the opening of the story. I nearly stopped reading this story because I thought it was a ridiculous portrayal if a ghost. However, I stuck with it and I am glad I did. The story was a nice representation of friendship and fun. This was a light easy read and I enjoyed the characters journey.
A hen party weekend like no other. A male stripper (Ty) and a ghost called "Red"! Sally is getting married in a week and her closest friends have rented a house for the weekend. Sally is the only one of her friends who can see and interact with Red. In the beginning I thought that this would be a simple beach read but the book became more and more poignant and moving.
Do I believe in ghosts? I think so and this book made me consider that even more. There were lots of funny moments and I loved the characters, especially Sally and Ty. I read it in a day as I didn’t want to put it down!
A quirky read where nothing is quite as it seems. This was totally different to the previous book I had read by this author. This one was more of a fun rom com with the addition of a ghost.
If your after a light hearted beach read then this is for you. ’
A mostly fun book with a stripper and a ghost involved what more could you wish for. Kept you entertained to see what would happen. This book is best read curled up on the sofa with a hot drink.