Six gentlemen head to the Lake District, after one of them inherits a haunted castle, with the purpose of hosting a Samhain masquerade party. After a local girl goes missing, they find themselves immersed in witchcraft and one ghostly tale after another as a number of them stumble upon their true loves amongst the backdrop of one very haunted castle.
I’ve not been a fan of paranormal, anything would leave me unable to sleep but the character jumped off the page and kept me so engrossed that my fears evaporated.
Thanks for making me want to try reading another one
1.5 stars
This was confusing and hard to keep up with all the characters. I felt like I needed a murder board with lines between each of the insta-love (hate those so much!) couples. I realize there were 3 authors writing this but feel like they could have done a better job blending the stories together ~OR~ just each writing an individual novella set in the same castle. As it was published it was jumpy, sentences were repeated where I’m assuming one author took over the story from another and again it was rather confusing.
I loved the IDEA behind this book; a haunted castle, a Samhain ball, a witch, curses to be broken, etc. Sounds like a fun book, right? Well it should have been! It could have been… but it wasn’t. Instead there are three INSTA-LOVE stories that are so instantaneous it was ridiculous. I’d almost accept one but three was too much. I won’t read the next one as it promises more of the same.
The Authors obviously worked really hard together to interlace each story centering around the same time-frame, same local and same characters, though through different Character perspectives and without it being repetitive. I enjoy the books of all three authors & was impressed by how well the stories interlaced. I’ve read other anthologies which have included works by the 3 authors but it’s the first time I have read something like this and I must say that I really enjoyed it. It was interesting seeing things become clear and questions answered when viewed though the other characters perspective.
This had everything I love in a historical Romance, with a bit of a Creepy factor too .I’m not a lover of creepy books but did enjoy these
There are 2 different ways offered to read the book, either as 3 individual stories or blended together along one timeline. I chose to read them separate first. A very good idea.
The story starts off with Eugene Post, Marquess of Bradenham (Braden) and his brother, Lord Quentin, discussing with 4 of their friends – David Thorn, Blake Chetwey, Alastar Darrington, Viscount Wolverly and Sidney Garrick , about how they are off to Cumberland to inspect a castle that Braden has inherited from his Great Uncle. On mention that the castle is rumoured to be haunted, it is agreed upon that their friends will accompany them to the castle and hold a Samhain masquerade party there.
In Ava Stones “The Lady Vanishes”
After only one day in Ravenglass, Cumberland, Bradens brother, Lord Quentin and his friends had already caused enough havoc to bring the attention of the local Magistrate.
Callie is the younger sister of the local Magistrate. She has always had a horrible feeling surrounding Marisdun Castle, but, when accompanying her brother to the castle, she feels safe and at peace when venturing into the gardens there. This is where she first meets with Braden and sparks fly instantaneously between them. But unbeknownst to them, there is a dark presence that has ulterior motives for Callie. Braden finds himself in a fight against time to find a way to save Callie, with the help of friends and family, before she is lost forever.
So as usual from Ava Stone a well written story that leaves you wanting to find out what happens to the secondary characters too.
In Jerrica Knight-Catanias “The Haunting of Lord Wolf”
Alastair Darrington, Viscount Wolverly, aka ‘Wolf’, and Daphne Alcott’ s story she is sister to the local doctor and maker of Cumberlands finest rum butter. Wolf initially comes across a bit priggish towards Daphne, but I like the way Jerrica develops his character, and as the story unfolds and the layers peel back, you see a different side to Wolf and I was drawn to him.
In Jane Charles’ “Her Muse, Her Magic”
Blake Chetwey grew up in the district, not too far away from Marisdun Castle and is somewhat familiar with a lot of the locals.
On the journey he is overcome with an ‘Episode’ caused by Malaria, Unfortunately the local doctor is inexperienced with the disease & wants to bleed him but the knife is mysteriously wrenched out of his hand!. Brighid is a local healer and herbalist who is also believed, by some, to be a Witch. She was also neighbours with Blake growing up and has always been in love with him. When she hears that Blake is sick with an episode of malaria, she takes it upon herself to see to his recovery. While spending time with Blake, she discovers more and more about herself and the powers she possesses. When they discover that Callie has disappeared, Brighid has to face some of her biggest fears and challenges and work together with Blake and their friends to try and save Callie
Wonderful easy read. Could hardly put it down. Brighid makes a great heroine & the other characters were an excellent compliment. Already sent the link to a friend, which I’ve never done before . Look forward to reading more of your stories.
Charming characters; I wanted to know each of their stories. A difficult book to put down.
I didn’t love this book and I didn’t hate it. There were too many characters to follow and I couldn’t keep them straight.
Sweet multi-story line romance.
Enjoyed the hometown feel and all the romance and courting. I believe I read all of them in a row. Just a sweet story of family, friends and weddings.
For a paranormal romance, this one was pretty good. Story was definitely original and exciting enough to keep me interested. However, with so many different people and plots to keep up with, it did get a bit confusing at times and I found myself frequently backtracking to remember who was who – especially since it jumps back/forth between everyone’s first and last names depending on who is addressing who. Otherwise, it was a good story and I am intrigued enough to read the prequel and after story to get more of the story about Marisdun Castle and its ghosts! :).
Fairly clean, paranormal, Regency romance. The characters don’t have great depth, and there were so many characters/couples that it was confusing at times, but the story was a diverting light read with a happily ever after.
Delightful and entertaining. Loved it
This was awsome! I bought the prelude, and will also be purchasing not only the next book in this series, I will also be purchasing many others. This author is fabulous!
To see these charming guys fall head over heels was so entertaining. You’ll hate to put it down.
The ‘haunted’ aspects were unbelievable even if you were willing to suspend belief
Always quite the romp in this village.
The highest compliment I can give an author is wanting to read more in the series.
Don’t start this before going to bed. You will never get to sleep. I really enjoyed this book.
Overall an entertaining read. The story centers around a somewhat different house party of eligible bachelors at a haunted castle running up to a party at Samhain. There are some otherworldly goings on and couples (yes, plural) falling in love.
The point of view changes frequently; this leads to some repetition and chronology is knocked askew.
Loads of characters to get straightened out and hard to follow.
Didn’t like it at all but you didn’t have a zero