Miss Cassandra Hampshire is yet another poverty-stricken young lady of quality, but her luck is about to turn, for her distant relative, Lucinda Benedict, has willed her a small estate rather incongruously known as Wormhill. But the gift comes with a catch. Cassandra only inherits the estate if she and Philip Rayburn, Earl of Hawkedon, can share the residence for the space of two months without killing each other.
You see, Lucinda Benedict was a romantic, and she believed that putting these two fine people in each other’s company would prove to be a fine bit of matchmaking. The only problem (other than these two very matchable people killing each other) is that Lucinda didn’t realize that she would be an earthbound ghost until the marriage took place.
To get you in the spirit for ghosts and ghouls during the month of October, may I recommend a novel approach to paranormal romance?
The Alphabet Series from Kasey Michaels has been a bit hit or miss for me, and this one landed a bit closer to hit. I don’t think I was in love with either the H/h and actually enjoyed some of the supporting characters (those hilarious twins!) more. Cassandra is your typical sassy heroine who, down on her luck, is looking for a break. Contrasted with the privileged hero who is a bit of Donnie Downer, in my opinion, and I found their romance a little depressing. Nonetheless, I rooted for their romance (for other reasons that I won’t spoil!) which is appropriate as I think the supernatural takes center stage in this one.
The ghost, who we met in the flesh in previous books in the Alphabet Series, was frankly a little tiresome as she only speaks in quotes. I found it exhausting rather than cute or clever, probably because as a ghost guiding the action she has a lot to say. If had been asides or a few remarks here or there, it would have been entertaining…but too much of a good thing. However, it was easy enough to skim over and I imagine others might really enjoy, so no points docked for creative dialogue.
The ghost of Lucinda’s appearance and manifestation set up is pretty funny, and leads to humourous scenes which is one of Michael’s strong suits. This is not a spooky supernatural book, and the ghost is used to create a light and lively tone to the book.
Conflict revolves mainly around misunderstandings, and here the ghost is used to advantage, with some meddling from a superstitious servant.
Although not one of my favorite Kasey Michaels, it was a solid and entertaining read that is sure to get you in the mood for All Hallows Eve!
4 out of 6 Perfect for the season, this paranormal Regency is more silly than scary
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Suggestive content | |
| Intimacy | |
| Steamy kisses | |
| Violence | |
| A scuffle or two | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Vanilla and fairly clean, expect slightly more off-color sensibilities than traditional Reg Rom. | |
