In this competently executed entry in the still-growing paranormal-romance genre, sunny, self-absorbed cheerleader Isobel Lanley falls for the Poe-obsessed and darkly named Varen Nethers. The obstacles? Controlling meathead Brad and his crew, whom Isobel dumps for mistreating Varen; Mr. Lanley, who forbids his daughter from associating with a "hooligan," even to work on their joint English project; and a host of ghosts, ghouls and poltergeists who begin terrorizing Isobel as soon as she snoops into Varen's private journal. Though star-crossed longing between cheerleader and brooding gothboy is familiar territory, a few unique elements stand out. Verses from Poe's poems and synopses of his stories are woven seamlessly into the story, and the ghoulish spirit Pinfeathers is memorably menacing and gory. One needs to wonder, though, whether all 560 pages are absolutely, positively necessary. For paranormal-romance devotees who won't mind the long buildup to a creepy, otherworldly climax. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)
