Gwen Archer does not fear the curse of Dredthorne Hall. Instead it is the message she must deliver that gives her pause: she will inform her future brother-in-law, Christopher, that her sister has run away.But what Gwen discovers at the Hall is far worse than being the bearer of bad tidings. She finds Christopher’s older brother, the reticent and rude Robert Sheraton, there to greet her. Now she … her. Now she must impart her unwelcome news to him instead.
To her shock though, the man that she meets is not the Robert that she remembers. Instead he seems the perfect host. But as her stay at the hall lengthens, and she and Robert draw close, strange accidents beset her. Soon she must watch every shadow and listen at every door, lest the Ghosts of Dredthorne envelop her in their dark embrace.
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Hazel Hunter does it again! Mistress of Darkness, Book Two of the Dredthorne Hall series is hit with me.
Even though Robert and Gwen are the main characters, the star of the book and series is definitely Dredthorne Hall. Where would this delightful gothic romance be without the mansion’s many mysteries and secrets?
Robert and Gwen are a perfect match as they are the more serious elder siblings in their families. As they work together to solve the mystery surrounding missing family members, the sparks fly between them.
Book two still revolves around Dredthorne Hall and it’s rumors of ghosts, hauntings, and journals . However, the characters and mystery make Mistress of Darkness shine as a stand-alone novel.
Fans of romance, gothic stories, period mysteries, and excellent storytelling will love this one. I can’t wait for Book Three!
Normally I am a paranormal, science fiction romance but wow this story blow me away and what can I expect Hazel Hunter wrote it lol so there is a dark secret at Dredthorne hall starting with the first owners . When the master of the hall falls in love and marry. She will will die or go mad. Or so the story goes. Many years later a marriage is set between Regina and Christopher of Dredthorne hall but as the time came to marry Regina ran away sending her family a note telling them she was leaving.
Her older sister Gwen went to Dredthorne hall to hell Christopher the bad news only to find his older brother Robert. Then more bad news that Christopher can not be found. Now the mystery started and grows even deeper and deeper as time goes on. There are sparks between Gwen and Robert as danger surrounds them is it the curse, a ghost or something real will they find out before it’s to late?
I love the action, drama, mystery, betrayal, spice, and so much more this story has. It was an amazing adventure so don’t miss it.
The characters are fantastic and pulls you into the story fast and the story line keeps you interested. I couldn’t put it down. And yes I want the next book in the series I might be and gothic romance to my reading list well if hazel hunter writes them!
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.
I really enjoyed this book I found this author a while ago and I have been following her and reading everything that she puts out I always love her coven series and everything that she writes, and this book is no exception. I just love everything that she writes and I can’t wait till b next release
Whatever genre Hazel Hunter sets her pen to, she does an absolutely unforgettable job. The Dredthorne Hall series is no difference. The characters are well-detailed and intriguing, as is the setting, the (maybe) ghosts, and the mysteries. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down, because I was so interested and excited and curious, wanting to know what would happen. The romance that develops between Robert and Gwen is sensual and engaging. This is Hazel Hunter, so of course there are mysteries, secrets, and at least one surprise twist that I didn’t see coming. I am eager for more, and I see book three is coming in about a month. I can’t wait!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Mistress of Darkness
Dredthorne Hall Series #2
Hazel Hunter
Release date 03/03/2020
Blurb :
Gwen Archer does not fear the curse of Dredthorne Hall. Instead it is the message she must deliver that gives her pause: she will inform her future brother-in-law, Christopher, that her sister has run away.
But what Gwen discovers at the Hall is far worse than being the bearer of bad tidings. She finds Christopher’s older brother, the reticent and rude Robert Sheraton, there to greet her. Now she must impart her unwelcome news to him instead.
To her shock though, the man that she meets is not the Robert that she remembers. Instead he seems the perfect host. But as her stay at the hall lengthens, and she and Robert draw close, strange accidents beset her. Soon she must watch every shadow and listen at every door, lest the Ghosts of Dredthorne envelop her in their dark embrace.
My review :
When two persons find themselves estranged in a hostile home, will they discover in time what dark force is against them …
This is Mrs Hazel Hunter second’s foray in Gothic romance, and as much as I loved it, my opinion is divided in two, I loved the plot and characters but there were some details that went missing for a historically set story.
I loved both Gwen and Robert, Gwen is kind enough to want to share in person the bad news she came to, she is also a nice and fair young woman with a curious side. Robert might appears a bit awkward around her as he tries to conceal the feelings he has harbored since their first meeting.
It is a fun and fast read with many of events that unsettle their merry party.
After, as an historical romance, I do not see how a young unmarried lady could have traveled alone and stay in a bachelor’s home without a proper chaperone by her side.
This said, if you overlook this, I loved the atmosphere and how whimsical and logic collided. Robert and Gwen work well together each trying to find a reasonable or not explanation to the strange accidents befalling on them.
It shows the power and weakness of the mind and how events can be seen under a different light because of the way they are presented and the atmosphere around.
So, it is a 4.5 stars read as I read it in one setting, unable to put it down even when the historical romance lover in me raised an eyebrow at this or that.
I already have preordered the next in the series.
I love the covers, they are so very different from the few classic gothic tales I know about.
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Dreadthorne Hall
When Ms. Hunter started this series, I wasn’t sure what to think. After finishing this one, I can honestly say that Hazel is just as talented with Gothic romance/mystery stories as she is with her Highlanders, Immortals and Warlocks. So, if you are looking for a book to curl up with, this one is a keeper. If it just so happens to be rainy and gloomy outside, consider it “setting the mood”…..I did!
*I received an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
This book continues the curse/legend of Dredthrone Hall. Gwen Archer has to deliver a message to her future brother-in-law. Her sister has disappeared. When she arrives, she is met by Robert, the older brother. Due to the inclement weather, she has to stay at Dredthrone Hall. Robert shows her the secret library, and the journals of the original owner of the hall. Gwen, and Robert work together to solve the mystery of the other woman, in the original owner’s life. They discover more hidden doors, and passage ways. Robert has fallen in love with Gwen, he is unable to express his feelings to her. Gwen hears sobbing in the night–could it be a ghost haunting the home? She and Robert witness several accidents in the home, and the death of a servant! When will the curse be lifted? Will Robert, and Gwen solve the mysteries of the home? This book was intriguing to read, I could not put it down! This book has mystery, crime, and romance–a great read!!!!
Suitably spooky with great characters. This was a gripping read and I flew through it. I liked both of the main characters and was anxious to find out what was causing their problems. This is an excellent read with a haunted house, a mystery and a love story that was meant to be. Gwen was a like able character and she really came into herself when faced with a crisis. Robert who I expected to be gruff and unpleasant has actually cared for Gwen for a long time. Their romance keeps pace with the mystery. Fast and easy read. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).
In a departure from time travel and paranormal, Hazel is releasing another Gothic romance/mystery, the second in a series. Robert and Gwen are waiting at Dredthorne Hall for the return of Christopher (Robert’s brother), each one for a different reason. Romance begins to blossom between them as the days pass. But peculiar “accidents” threaten both of their lives as time goes on. Are these accidents being caused by ghosts of this haunted house. or is some human wishing harm to them? I was totally surprised at the answer to that question. Once again, Hazel, the masterful story teller, has written a winner. I found myself not wanting to put it down once I got started, and when I did I couldn’t wait to get back to it. I also found my mind considering all the clues when not reading it, trying to guess who the culprit was. I was wrong! And that is what makes it an awesome read.
Another great Gothic style romance from this author. I loved the mystery and rumours, but was a little surprised by the staff’s actions. A few twists in this tale, keep you reading to find out more. This was a really enjoyable book.
Mistress of Darkness:
A Gothic Romance
Dredthorne Hall #2
Hazel Hunter
Gwen Archer doesn’t fear the curse of Dredthorne Hall. She’s more afraid of having to inform her future brother in law, Christopher, that her sister has run away.
Robert Sheraton is Christopher’s older brother and he has watched Gwen and fallen deeply in love with her, but he doesn’t want her to know.
Robert is there to greet Gwen when she arrives and to her shock is rather pleasant to her. But as her stay at hall is longer then she intended she finds she is growing rather close to Robert and the closer they become the more strange accidents seem to start happening. Now she’s got to tread carefully and that includes searching all shadows and stopping to listen at every door.
Hazel Hunter does it again. I picked up this book and couldn’t put it down until the whole book was finished because I had a feeling I was going to enjoy it, and enjoy it I did. This is the perfect gothic who done it with a twist. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what Ms. Hunter brings us next.
This is a brilliantly written story with some wonderful characters.
Gwen is amazing and she puts me in mind of a young Miss Marple, inquisitive and exceedingly strong willed.
Robert is the perfect gentleman, and together they try to uncover the mysteries of dredthorne hall.
I do love the way Ms Hunter writes, you never quite know what’s going to happen next in her books.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book holds.
In the Darkness, we eventually see the light
Another fabulous story by Hazel with regards the Dredthorne Hall. So different to the first story but also so similar in the fact that it’s about a home that is “haunted”. Gwen rides to Dredthorne to deliver news to Christopher, mainly that her sister has run away and no longer wishes to marry him. But when she arrives, she encounters his brother Robert instead
I have to admit I had my suspicions as I read as to who might be causing all the trouble about the Hall and I was right in a sense. Loved the story and all the little pieces of the puzzle coming together Thank you Hazel for my advanced copy for which I voluntarily leave my honest review and I can’t wait for the next one
Though this is the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone book. Gwen is in a hard place. She is sent to give news to her sister’s fiancee that her sister has disappeared. As she arrives at Dredthorne Manor, Gwen meets Robert, who she previously believed didn’t like her. Robert and Gwen are thrown together in a crazy set of circumstances that could only happen at Dredthorne and it makes for an amazing story. I love how Hazel Hunter has the habit of creating these amazing stories and characters that draw you in and make you keep reading until their story is complete. I found it difficult to put this book down and cannot wait to see what happens next.
Robert and Gwen….perfect!! Another great story told by Ms. Hunter…as usual the storytelling is impeccable and her characters are so well-developed they jump off the page at you. Definitely recommend this book, this series and this author!!
Mystery, drama and secrets reside in the walls of Dredthorne Hall. Gwen arrives at the doors of the home bearing news that may not be received well. Nature conspires to keep Gwen at the hall. As attraction and romance blooms between Robert and Gwen, something nefarious lurks. Is it the curse of Dredthorne Hall or something or someone or to wreak havoc. I was totally engrossed with this story filled with romance, atmosphere and mystery.
This is the second book in this series and you can read it as standalone. This is a great book. I think that I might like it better then the first.
Gwen was on her way to Dredthorne to let her sister’s fiance know that her sister had disappeared. How was she suppose to tell him that her sister left a note stating that she could not go through with the wedding? When she arrived at Dredthorne Christopher’s brother Robert was the one that meet her and explained that Christopher had not arrived yet as he was tied up with something in London. With all the rumors she heard and not really liking Robert, Gwen had to stay and wait until Christopher arrived as she did not feel that it was right to send a letter explaining what her sister had done.
During the time that she was at the Dredthorne her and Robert were actually getting along and he seemed as if he had changed from the last time she remembered him. The longer Gwen remained at the house the more she couldn’t seem to stop thinking about Robert but things were also happening. Was the house haunted and could she stay until Christopher arrived and what was really keeping him. It had been awhile and he still hadn’t arrived yet. Where was her sister and where was Christopher what happened to them and what is really going on with this house? There were things that happened that could not be explained and then her maid died what was really going on?
This book keeps you wondering what is really going and makes you wait to the very last moment to reveal the truth. This was a great book and a must read.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.