What do you think?
Rate this book
Out of Body
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07FK4V3ZQ
New, never before published novel
First published July 2018
FRIENDS TO LOVERS, WITH A SUPERNATURAL TWIST...
Henry’s been in love with his best friend Malcolm since college, but after he kisses Mal on Halloween night, things go desperately wrong. Awkward turns to just plain weird when Mal mysteriously vanishes.
And weird gets freaky when Henry starts to wonder if he’s being haunted by Mal’s ghost.
Henry’s other friends think he’s losing it—that Mal’s just run from conflict. But freaky turns to full-on crazy when, with the help of a “spirit guide,” Henry casts a spell that allows him—and only him—to see and hear Malcolm, who’s been right there, in his house, the entire time.
If Mal really is a “lingering spirit,” he won’t “move on” until he completes some undetermined “unfinished business.” And Mal—who’s been in love with Henry since forever, too—assumes his task is to help his best friend woo and fall in love with another man.
But sometimes things aren’t what they seem, being invisible doesn’t always mean you’re dead, and love really can conquer all…
Suzanne Brockmann is back with a stand-alone romantic comedy that’s soon to be a feature film starring Jason T. Gaffney and Kevin Held. (50,000 words or 190 pages)
New, never before published novel
First published July 2018
FRIENDS TO LOVERS, WITH A SUPERNATURAL TWIST...
Henry’s been in love with his best friend Malcolm since college, but after he kisses Mal on Halloween night, things go desperately wrong. Awkward turns to just plain weird when Mal mysteriously vanishes.
And weird gets freaky when Henry starts to wonder if he’s being haunted by Mal’s ghost.
Henry’s other friends think he’s losing it—that Mal’s just run from conflict. But freaky turns to full-on crazy when, with the help of a “spirit guide,” Henry casts a spell that allows him—and only him—to see and hear Malcolm, who’s been right there, in his house, the entire time.
If Mal really is a “lingering spirit,” he won’t “move on” until he completes some undetermined “unfinished business.” And Mal—who’s been in love with Henry since forever, too—assumes his task is to help his best friend woo and fall in love with another man.
But sometimes things aren’t what they seem, being invisible doesn’t always mean you’re dead, and love really can conquer all…
Suzanne Brockmann is back with a stand-alone romantic comedy that’s soon to be a feature film starring Jason T. Gaffney and Kevin Held. (50,000 words or 190 pages)
187 pages, ebook
First published June 11, 2018
38 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Brockmann
253 books3,571 followersAfter childhood plans to become the captain of a starship didn’t pan out, Suzanne Brockmann took her fascination with military history, her respect for the men and women who serve, her reverence for diversity, and her love of storytelling, and explored brave new worlds as a bestselling romance author.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
Over the past thirty years she has written sixty-three novels, including her award-winning Troubleshooters series about Navy SEAL heroes and the women—and sometimes men—who win their hearts. Her personal favorite is the one where her most popular character, gay FBI agent Jules Cassidy, wins his happily-ever-after and marries the man of his dreams. Called All Through the Night, this mainstream romance novel with a hero and a hero hit the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list. In 2007, Suz donated all of her earnings from this book, in perpetuity, to MassEquality, to help win and preserve equal marriage rights in Massachusetts.
In addition to writing books, Suz writes and produces indie movies and TV including the award-winning romantic comedy The Perfect Wedding. Her recent feature, Out of Body, is streaming on Amazon Prime.
In 2018, Suz was given the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her latest projects are Blame It on Rio (Tall, Dark & Dangerous # 14), available in print and e-book from Suzanne Brockmann Books, and Marriage of Inconvenience, a six-episode LBGTQ rom-com TV series, streaming on Dekkoo in April 2023.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 16, 2018
This is a departure for Brockmann, a light fluffy gay paranormal rom-com. I hear there is the possibility of a movie deal on it, and I'm rounding up to a 4 stars because I'd love to see a really romantic gay rom-com on film, without angst and without homophobia.
This book gives us Henry and Mal - two men who met in college, and each decided to refuse to give in to the ridiculous crush they had on each other. Now, years later, Henry is being encouraged by his best friend Gina to admit that a crush that lasts a decade is a bit more than a crush. He's working up his nerve to actually make a move on Mal at his Halloween party, but when he wakes from a nap, Mal has disappeared without a word. Did that one kiss spook Mal? He has a history of relationship panic. Or is something worse going on?
Mal doesn't remember their one kiss. All he knows is that he found himself wandering around Henry's house, unable to leave, apparently invisible to Henry. With a huge effort, he can shift a piece of paper, or push a remote button. But Henry isn't getting the message. Mal is finally spending time with Henry while he's naked, but only because Henry doesn't even know he's there.
In alternating first person POV, their situation feels more frustrating and puzzling and ridiculous than frightening. Although if Mal is actually a ghost, then the romance they spent a decade missing out on is lost to them forever. There are a few touching moments, quite a few funny ones, and a reasonable if lightweight plot that takes us along at a good pace.
If you haven't read Brockmann before and are in it for the gay romance, and don't mind a het romance on the side, try "Hot Target" and "Force of Nature" followed by "All Through the Night" - Jules and Robin have a lot more intensity and realism and depth. They remain a favorite couple for me. But if you are in the mood for light fun fluff, where the couple happens to be gay without homophobia or angst, then this is a fast fun read.
This book gives us Henry and Mal - two men who met in college, and each decided to refuse to give in to the ridiculous crush they had on each other. Now, years later, Henry is being encouraged by his best friend Gina to admit that a crush that lasts a decade is a bit more than a crush. He's working up his nerve to actually make a move on Mal at his Halloween party, but when he wakes from a nap, Mal has disappeared without a word. Did that one kiss spook Mal? He has a history of relationship panic. Or is something worse going on?
Mal doesn't remember their one kiss. All he knows is that he found himself wandering around Henry's house, unable to leave, apparently invisible to Henry. With a huge effort, he can shift a piece of paper, or push a remote button. But Henry isn't getting the message. Mal is finally spending time with Henry while he's naked, but only because Henry doesn't even know he's there.
In alternating first person POV, their situation feels more frustrating and puzzling and ridiculous than frightening. Although if Mal is actually a ghost, then the romance they spent a decade missing out on is lost to them forever. There are a few touching moments, quite a few funny ones, and a reasonable if lightweight plot that takes us along at a good pace.
If you haven't read Brockmann before and are in it for the gay romance, and don't mind a het romance on the side, try "Hot Target" and "Force of Nature" followed by "All Through the Night" - Jules and Robin have a lot more intensity and realism and depth. They remain a favorite couple for me. But if you are in the mood for light fun fluff, where the couple happens to be gay without homophobia or angst, then this is a fast fun read.
June 12, 2024
I decided to check this out after the news of RWA (Romance Writer's of America) bankruptcy filing (they are blaming DEI for their money problems). Ilona Andrews has an excellent write-up on their blog; complete with a like to Suzanne Brockmann's speech at the 2018 Ritas.
Now on to the book. Henry and Malcolm met in college, but never were anything more than friends. Henry has always had feelings for him. After years of pining, Henry decides to make a move and they share a kiss. After that Mal disappears. Except he didn't. He is right there and Henry is unable to see him.
My first thought was, a ghost romance where one of the characters is dead?! But no, a demon is possessing Mal. This had some funny moments with Mal desperately trying to get Henry's attention. A nice, fun friends to lovers with a nice ending.
Now on to the book. Henry and Malcolm met in college, but never were anything more than friends. Henry has always had feelings for him. After years of pining, Henry decides to make a move and they share a kiss. After that Mal disappears. Except he didn't. He is right there and Henry is unable to see him.
My first thought was, a ghost romance where one of the characters is dead?! But no, a demon is possessing Mal. This had some funny moments with Mal desperately trying to get Henry's attention. A nice, fun friends to lovers with a nice ending.
August 1, 2018
I couldn't put this book down, I really liked it! Henry and Mal were sweet and I could feel they were meant to be together but I didn't like Henry's friend Gina thankfully she's not in the story very much. Also Henry's supposedly hot neighbor annoyed me but that's okay in my books because if I didn't react differently to characters (sometimes not it a positive way) something went wrong with the writing.
Out of Body had me laughing and tearing up something I love in my romances but don't find that often. All in all it was a fun read, I just wish it was longer.
May 27, 2021
Filled with humour, this story is light and entertaining enough to spend your hours away with Henry and Malcolm. Both MCs were friends since college and have a feeling for each other which they never act upon with the fear that it would ruin their amazing friendship. Anyway, Malcolm was then possessed or unpossessed(?) by a demon/genie and so his ghost was then haunting Henry. Henry being an unbeliever and also, grieving over the loss of his friendship with Malcolm took a while to believe he was being haunted. And I think I liked this part the most in the story. The way Malcolm trying to convince Henry of his existence was just too funny.
June 13, 2020
Updated review now that I've finished the book:
Yup, still 5 stars! Reading about these two guys trying to figure out what happened to Malcolm and falling more in love than they already were -- precious and wonderful! Knowing that I'll be watching it on screen sometime in the near future? Priceless!
Initial review of the first page:
I'm only on the 3rd paragraph, and this is already a 5 star read. Suzanne Brockmann, you evil genius, I will (happily) never get that song out of my head! Evil, brilliant, twisted genius!
And the song, for those of you brave enough... It's Halloween by The Shaggs (heh heh heh!)
Yup, still 5 stars! Reading about these two guys trying to figure out what happened to Malcolm and falling more in love than they already were -- precious and wonderful! Knowing that I'll be watching it on screen sometime in the near future? Priceless!
Initial review of the first page:
I'm only on the 3rd paragraph, and this is already a 5 star read. Suzanne Brockmann, you evil genius, I will (happily) never get that song out of my head! Evil, brilliant, twisted genius!
And the song, for those of you brave enough... It's Halloween by The Shaggs (heh heh heh!)
July 26, 2018
Out of Body has a good premise, a decent execution, and a comedic element that some readers might find interesting. For me, however, the relative lack of supernatural tension—combined with the slightly superficial character development—made this book average.
Despite the fact that the blurb markets this book as a “friends-to-lovers” tale, I wouldn’t say the story particularly resembles the description. While the two protagonists, Malcolm and Henry, have been friends for a long time, their romantic relationship develops easily and without too much angst (something which I appreciate, by the way).
Rather, this book’s supernatural element—demonic possession—is the main source of conflict. The problem is that the magic system is somewhat vague and undefined; the demon’s motivation for possessing Malcolm’s body is also unexplored. Put simply, this is an important aspect of the book that needed more work.
Then there’s the overall character development: most of the book is dominated by the dialogue between the two protagonists, and while Henry and Malcolm are mostly well developed, the secondary characters—the demon, the female best friend, Gina—are superficial bordering on stereotypical.
Despite this, I mostly enjoyed reading this book. Brockmann writes with a witty, flowing style; the dialogue is smooth and realistic, as is the sexual and romantic dynamic of the two lovers’ relationship. The story doesn’t have too much angst, and it does have a little bit (though not enough) supernatural tension. Perhaps if I reviewed this book purely as a romance, I would rate it more highly. Still, I’m a fantasy author, and inevitably I’m more critical of this element of the story than other readers might be.
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded down)
Despite the fact that the blurb markets this book as a “friends-to-lovers” tale, I wouldn’t say the story particularly resembles the description. While the two protagonists, Malcolm and Henry, have been friends for a long time, their romantic relationship develops easily and without too much angst (something which I appreciate, by the way).
Rather, this book’s supernatural element—demonic possession—is the main source of conflict. The problem is that the magic system is somewhat vague and undefined; the demon’s motivation for possessing Malcolm’s body is also unexplored. Put simply, this is an important aspect of the book that needed more work.
Then there’s the overall character development: most of the book is dominated by the dialogue between the two protagonists, and while Henry and Malcolm are mostly well developed, the secondary characters—the demon, the female best friend, Gina—are superficial bordering on stereotypical.
Despite this, I mostly enjoyed reading this book. Brockmann writes with a witty, flowing style; the dialogue is smooth and realistic, as is the sexual and romantic dynamic of the two lovers’ relationship. The story doesn’t have too much angst, and it does have a little bit (though not enough) supernatural tension. Perhaps if I reviewed this book purely as a romance, I would rate it more highly. Still, I’m a fantasy author, and inevitably I’m more critical of this element of the story than other readers might be.
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded down)
October 20, 2021
Update 10/2021 - The book is now a movie and is included for Amazon Prime members (can also be rented/purchased).
11/8/2018 - I’m definitely a Suzanne Brockmann fan. While I’m firmly in love with her various Romantic Suspense (especially Troubleshooters series!) books, I’ve enjoyed some of her older “plain ol’ romantic” books as well. This book is a fantastic mix of showing her growth as a writer as well as her firm footing in the Rom-Com genre. While there’s a Paranormal bent here ~ think more Sabrina the Teenage Witch and less Buffy. Her characters are flawed, but endearing and you can’t help but root for the HEA.
4.5 rounded up.
Oh, and about 1/2 way in she alludes to her book “Infamous” (without directly mentioning it) which is also a Paranormal romance, though not really comedy ~ but still brilliant. Highly recommended if you haven’t read it yet.
11/8/2018 - I’m definitely a Suzanne Brockmann fan. While I’m firmly in love with her various Romantic Suspense (especially Troubleshooters series!) books, I’ve enjoyed some of her older “plain ol’ romantic” books as well. This book is a fantastic mix of showing her growth as a writer as well as her firm footing in the Rom-Com genre. While there’s a Paranormal bent here ~ think more Sabrina the Teenage Witch and less Buffy. Her characters are flawed, but endearing and you can’t help but root for the HEA.
4.5 rounded up.
Oh, and about 1/2 way in she alludes to her book “Infamous” (without directly mentioning it) which is also a Paranormal romance, though not really comedy ~ but still brilliant. Highly recommended if you haven’t read it yet.
October 31, 2019
Listened to the audible version of this book, not the cd but didn't see the option. The narration was done by two actors and not known narrators, and I though they both did a good job, but the narration was handled differently than usual with the two actors voicing particular characters in every chapter instead of alternating. I don't know how the editing was done, but one narrator seemed to have a much louder narration while the other seemed like a whisper at times. It is my only complaint as the story was really fun and a supernatual mystery as well. I definitely recommend this story.
September 24, 2020
A very enjoyable MM romantic comedy with paranormal elements from a top romance writer. If you’re looking for something fun and romantic and a little bit off beat, this is the book for you. OUT OF BODY had me laughing helplessly in a crowded airport (the scene where Henry tries to stand casually). This book joins the others on my ‘feel-good-happy-MM-romances’ shelf.
November 14, 2019
This is one of those books that didn’t thrill me. It was one little thing that made me crazy and it grew into a giant ball of annoyance for me. The protagonists felt like 18 -20 year olds to me not 30 - 40 year olds. It just drove me to honest distraction.
June 18, 2022
Struggled to get 75% through it. Not sure if it was the story or narration, but I could never get I into it.
Did not feel well written, at all. Most of Brockmann's work has stunned me by how intricate and interesting the writing and stories are. Not this one.
That said, the MLs are likable. And the premise is creative.
Did not feel well written, at all. Most of Brockmann's work has stunned me by how intricate and interesting the writing and stories are. Not this one.
That said, the MLs are likable. And the premise is creative.
July 14, 2019
In this friends-to-lovers story, Henry has been pining for Malcolm for 12 years, ever since he was a freshman in college and Mal was his RA. It's Halloween, Henry's favorite, and he's determined to finally tell Mal how he really feels. But a demon possesses Mal's body, leaving him a ghost. Eventually Henry becomes aware of Mal and they work together to try and release Mal from his ghostly form. This story was originally a romantic comedy screenplay (film still forthcoming?) and was adapted into a romance novel.
Pluses: I don't know how else to say it: This is a cute story. Even though it's about demon possession and this fear that Mal is dead, there is a lot of charming banter and the tone is very light. There's a lot of *physical comedy* which I think will be very funny on film.
Wishes: The fact that this comes from screenplay makes the pacing & plotting feel different in a straight up romance novel.
An example: Mal thinks his purpose is to help Henry find happiness, so he convinces Henry that he should seduce his neighbor. I could see why this would work in a movie (the comedy!) but it felt out of place here. Especially bc they have just learned someone is using Mal's phone. This subplot didn't really work for me at all, especially bc Mal gives Henry the following advice: "Spoken consent is always great. But it's not always romantic. I mean, it can be but...And you do get consent from eye contact. And by making sure that your touch is possessive, but not so much that he can't pull away."
This was a moment of real cognitive dissonance for me as a reader. I came to a full stop. I was disappointed to see this dialogue in a romance novel published in 2018.
Verdict: A very cute story that will likely make a very charming film. It reads like the novelization of a romantic comedy script, and I enjoyed it for what it was. But as a novel, characterization and plotting at times felt underdeveloped.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reading all the 2019 RITA finalists
Pluses: I don't know how else to say it: This is a cute story. Even though it's about demon possession and this fear that Mal is dead, there is a lot of charming banter and the tone is very light. There's a lot of *physical comedy* which I think will be very funny on film.
Wishes: The fact that this comes from screenplay makes the pacing & plotting feel different in a straight up romance novel.
An example: Mal thinks his purpose is to help Henry find happiness, so he convinces Henry that he should seduce his neighbor. I could see why this would work in a movie (the comedy!) but it felt out of place here. Especially bc they have just learned someone is using Mal's phone. This subplot didn't really work for me at all, especially bc Mal gives Henry the following advice: "Spoken consent is always great. But it's not always romantic. I mean, it can be but...And you do get consent from eye contact. And by making sure that your touch is possessive, but not so much that he can't pull away."
This was a moment of real cognitive dissonance for me as a reader. I came to a full stop. I was disappointed to see this dialogue in a romance novel published in 2018.
Verdict: A very cute story that will likely make a very charming film. It reads like the novelization of a romantic comedy script, and I enjoyed it for what it was. But as a novel, characterization and plotting at times felt underdeveloped.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reading all the 2019 RITA finalists
October 25, 2020
Out of Body is a sweet romance with a paranormal twist. Henry and Malcom are best friends and also they are in love with each other. Unfortunately, they haven’t confessed their feelings to each other and this leads to some misunderstandings. The initial plot set up is a familiar trope that a lot of different romance books use, but what makes this book different is the paranormal element that’s thrown in. Malcolm, the clueless crush, ends up as a ghost bound to Henry. This, as you can deduce, is a huge obstacle for their relationship.
The book was well written, and the plot was interesting although straight forward. The book has a lot of romcom elements to it, and I found it amusing. However, I wasn’t blown away by the plot nor the characters. The audiobook narration was done well by both narrators, and the audiobook production had no problems or errors.
The book was well written, and the plot was interesting although straight forward. The book has a lot of romcom elements to it, and I found it amusing. However, I wasn’t blown away by the plot nor the characters. The audiobook narration was done well by both narrators, and the audiobook production had no problems or errors.
October 28, 2020
I loved this Halloween story! Everyone should read it.
This was the first story I've read/listened to by Suzanne Brockmann, and I'm now looking forward to reading more. It was such a fun, unique, cute book. So many elements could have been the same-old, same-old ... but there were little details along the way to make each scene interesting and surprising and much more than expected. Well done all around.
This was the first story I've read/listened to by Suzanne Brockmann, and I'm now looking forward to reading more. It was such a fun, unique, cute book. So many elements could have been the same-old, same-old ... but there were little details along the way to make each scene interesting and surprising and much more than expected. Well done all around.
December 20, 2020
Out of Body is an absolutely hilarious friends to lovers paranormal m/m rom-com by Suzanne Brockmann. Henry and Malcolm have secretly yearned for each other for years, and Henry finally determines to lay his feelings on the line this Halloween. Only Mal seems to fall asleep immediately after the kiss he lays on him, and then disappears.
Suzanne Brockmann does a terrific job with this dual perspective story, and hijinks ensue. This should make a very entertaining movie!
Suzanne Brockmann does a terrific job with this dual perspective story, and hijinks ensue. This should make a very entertaining movie!
April 3, 2019
This book reminded me of Anne Rice's Tale of the Body Thief. Pretty standard fantasy fair with the hot, fit boy and other boy variation. There are times when the story is feels a bit like a first novel and fortunately the hot sex scene was limited to a single occurrence. Generally it a decently entertaining read.
September 7, 2019
DNF. Maybe it's just me, but this reads very much like a cishet woman trying to act like she kNoWs tHiNgS about The Gays. I found it painful to read and didn't get beyond the first few pages. Maybe it got better as it went, but it was a chore reading what I did and I have other things worth spending time on.
January 7, 2020
I read this as an audiobook and may I say, the readers were excellent.
I wasn’t excited about the actual story for the introductory chapters, but very soon I was drawn in and my earplugsid not leave my ears until I finished listening, with nasty glances at anyone who dared to speak to me.
Great fun and sweet.
I wasn’t excited about the actual story for the introductory chapters, but very soon I was drawn in and my earplugsid not leave my ears until I finished listening, with nasty glances at anyone who dared to speak to me.
Great fun and sweet.
December 16, 2021
Henry has loved Malcom since college. Malcom really didn't have a clue. Henry decides to make a move on Malcom the night of his annual Halloween party. Henry kisses Malcom. Malcom wakes up as a ghost in Henry's house. Henry thinks Malcom freaked out because he kissed Malcom and disappeared. This was a very charming love story. A laugh out loud love story.
April 16, 2019
Love that this book is about ghosts. Kinda wish it was a bit scary since it has to deal with ghosts but I guess as a non-believer there wouldn't be much to be scared of.
Also, if you're going to mention someone is Black, just start off with that instead of saying "gay man of color."
Also, if you're going to mention someone is Black, just start off with that instead of saying "gay man of color."
October 6, 2018
A fun, enjoyable read. As always, love this author's style, and the banter.
October 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this. I'm not going to do a huge review because I could spoil something, but read it!
November 8, 2018
It was a cute story. I wasn't super hot on the way the rules of being a ghost worked. I really appreciated how the whole story could be exciting in one setting.
November 29, 2018
I listened to the Audible version.
February 6, 2019
Strange yet sweet
March 11, 2019
3.5 Very cute, but very light
May 2, 2019
Enjoyable little romcom with a demon.
May 9, 2019
Super cute, sweet, and funny!
October 9, 2019
M/M romance and ghost story which Brockmann makes work with serious cuteness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews