“Sometimes it's easier to talk about things with strangers than with someone you know.”― Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan, Remain

Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan is an author pairing I didn’t know I wanted or needed. Their collaboration blends romance and paranormal thriller in a way that feels balanced and engaging. I was initially drawn in by the romance but quickly became hooked by the twists and turns of the thriller.

The story opens with Tate, a man born into upper-class New York society. His older sister acted as a surrogate mother, while his parents remained largely distant. His bond with his sister was the one constant in his life, so when she passes away, Tate falls into a deep depression. After spending time in a psychiatric hospital, his main source of support becomes his best friend, Oscar. In an effort to help Tate heal, Oscar offers him the job to design his new summer home in Cape Cod. Oscar arranges for Tate to stay in an old bed and breakfast while he is consulting on the design.

When Tate arrives, he discovers he is not alone. He meets Wren, who is the owner of the bed and breakfast. The two quickly form a connection, and Tate soon learns that Wren is a ghost. Remembering something his sister once said about feeling compelled to help spirits move on, Tate becomes determined to help Wren. As they work together to uncover what happened to her, they begin to fall in love. This surprises Tate, who believed he was no longer capable of love. By the end of the novel, he helps Wren pass on and begins a new chapter in his own life.

Going into the story, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly these two authors worked together. The characters are immediately likable, and I appreciated how their backstories and personalities are revealed gradually. This approach makes their growth feel natural and believable.

The novel also has a surprising amount of depth. The narrative explores each character’s motivations in a way that feels grounded and authentic. Tate’s journey is not only told through the plot but also reflected through metaphor. After surviving a botched murder attempt that results in the bed and breakfast burning down, Tate returns to the charred remains. Much like the property, he begins to rebuild himself, rising from the ashes and opening himself up to love again. These metaphors are effective without feeling forced or overly sentimental.

The thriller element centers on uncovering Wren’s killer. While the reveal was not entirely surprising, the process of investigating the suspects was engaging. There are a few gruesome moments, but they never overshadow the emotional core of the story.

One aspect that felt inconsistent was Wren’s characterization. Through Tate’s perspective, she is kind, compassionate, and eager to experience life beyond her small town. However, when Tate speaks to others about her, they describe a very different person. She is portrayed as selfish, manipulative, and chaotic, someone who forced herself into her grandmother’s life rather than caring for her. This contradiction is never fully addressed, leaving me unsure of which version to believe. Given Tate’s fragile mental state, it also raises the question of whether he is a reliable narrator when it comes to Wren.

Overall, this is a strong and unique novel. I would recommend it, especially for readers interested in an unusual blend of romance and paranormal thriller. If these two authors collaborate again, I would absolutely pick up their next book.