Pip Leighton is in a fix. His sister’s marriage hinges on him staving off the family’s impending financial ruin by taking the job of secretary to Lord Cross, a reclusive man with a temper befitting his name. Developing a passion for his employer was not on the cards. Neither was getting caught up in the deep mystery surrounding Foxwood Court and its resident ghost, but Pip has never been one to … to shirk a duty.
As Pip delves deeper into the past, he discovers that his only hope for a future with Cross may depend on a man long dead—a man with a curious resemblance to himself.
Written for lovers of gothic romance and ghost stories, The Ghost and the Secretary is the first in a series of gay romance novellas.
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I would rate this 4 stars.
This is a gothic paranormal romance. Mr Leighton is broke and trying to do his best by his daughter by allowing her to stay in London and find a suitable husband but he owes Lord Cross money that is due to be repaid. He offers Cross a deal: that his son Pip fills a secretary position in lieu of wages, with his work counted against Leighton’s debt.
Cross is demanding and difficult and Pip tries to please him. Once Pip realizes that their tension comes from attraction, he surrenders quite easily at a time when homosexuality can mean death. Cross however knows, and tries to do the right thing by his secretary, which leads to confusion and angst. When Pip finds a portrait in a disused parlor that startles him and Cross forbids him to speak of it, the strange happenings at the manor come to the fore. There are plenty of enemies for a man of wealth, and a scandal can undo a family.
I have to admit this is not one of my usual genres, but I found it captivating. The writing style is well suited to the time period. It was clever to have Pip reading the Lord’s letters just before his cold and callous behavior so the reader might know something is afoot and see beneath his demeanor. I liked the characters and found the ghost intriguing. I do wish it had been a bit more scary and atmospheric. The reader knows the servants are frightened, but I personally didn’t feel that. Still, the push-pull between the Lord and Pip is at the heart of this and it was an enjoyable story.
The Secretary and the Ghost, by Gillian St. Kevern
132 Pages
POV: 3rd person, one character
Content warning: brief mention of historical suicide
Themes: Gothic, Paranormal, Romance, MM
The Secretary and the Ghost is an old-fashioned regency romance with gothic, paranormal influence. With a dash of romance, a hint of mystery, and a ghost lurking to warn of danger or misfortune, the story is packed full of clever storytelling and intriguing characters.
I loved every second of this mystery. Pip was an incredible character, and the perfect choice for POV. We were able to follow his journey and his intrigue about the ghost, Joseph, at the same pace, only learning the history of the ghost as and when he did, leaving moments of intrigue and mystery abound. Cross was a rude, arrogant country Lord, at first, with moments of compassion and heat and fire whenever Pip was around. I loved the progression of the characters; the growth of Pip from boy to man, and Cross from Lord to lover. The chemistry between them was sweet, hot, and proper for a gothic romance. There were no on-page sex scene nor hints of off-page ones, either, which is entirely fitting for both the genre and the characters.
Though short, the story had everything I wanted, when I first read the blurb. It was more touching than I had expected, and with a heart that left me feeling warm and satisfied by the end. Though it ended a little abruptly, and there were times I would have liked a little more insight into some events, I got what I wanted from it and it left the concept of Joseph open enough for a little added mystery. It reminded me of one of my favourite gothic romance novels: We Met in Dreams by Rowan McAllister.
I’d love to read Joseph’s story, and any others that Kevern wants to add to this series of gothic romance novellas. I’m there. With bells on.
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Favourite Quotes
“Pip, daring greatly, replaced his hand on Cross’ arm. “A willing ear is the only support I can offer, but I am entirely at your disposal.”
A pained expression crossed the lord’s face. “Don’t tempt me.” The words were ground through gritted teeth. “You have no idea how far you push me.””