Published by The Wild Rose Press
Released on 06/20/18
Format: Audiobook
Source: Giveaway
The Delight
A Scottish castle, an artist, a knightly ghost and his retinue, and a curse that holds them all in its thrall. Sounds like just my thing so I was enthused to jump in with a new to me author and narrator for this lively and engaging romance.
Review
Spirit of the Knight opens with painter, Mariah Jennings, coming to the castle to capture several scenes for an art exhibition designed to preserve the past before it crumbles away. Painting medieval castles are something of a specialty since she’s been seeing the same knight in her dreams since childhood and can see and interact with ghosts. Imagine her shock when the knight of her dreams turns out to be one of the ghosts of this castle and he acts like no ghost she has ever encounters- none of them do, but then again, as she helps Sir Cailen uncover the truth about himself and fellow knights, they learn that dark deeds happened in the past and are stirring once again.
It has been a while since I enjoyed a ‘ghost’ romance story. I know some folks can’t get past the ghost bit, but I’ve never minded that type of unrealistic element. I enjoy the mystery of how the author is going to make this huge barrier work out.
Mariah and Cailen were an engaging pair from the moment they met. I thought it was hilarious that she just took his first few appearances matter of factly and left him scratching his head. When, in truth, she thought she was just delusional and seeing things. There was a sweet and fun quality to their relationship and I loved the knightly chivalry and her easy nature. Add in Cailen’s knights who like to party like its 1999 and that castle was a happening place.
There was some lag in the middle, but it never actually lost my attention. I just wanted things to hustle of and get to the good parts again.
But, it wasn’t all sun and fun. There was dark magic involved and a good mystery. There were a few modern-day villains, too. The reader/listener spots the one right away and I had the urge to kick him several times.
Dawson McBride’s narration work was engaging from the beginning. I enjoyed it whether he was voicing Mariah’s POV or Cailen’s. He caught the tone of the story so well and delivered on the complication of her being a modern woman and Cailen and the others being from the past. I had no trouble seeing the story in my mind. I will definitely be looking out for more of his work.
All in all, this was a delightful story through and through, surprising me with just how much I was enjoying it so the hours clicked past and I didn’t want to shut it off. Those who enjoy Highland castle settings, medieval historicals, ghostly romances, and some witchery will be the target audience for this tale.
Challenges
Mt. TBR #9
COYER Winter #44
Literary Pickers #11 New to me author/narrator
Audio #4
Book Recommendations
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I have never read a ghost romance before. This sounds like it was a lot of fun
I’ve read a few and some are better than others, obviously, but this one had a mischievous and sweetness to it that I really enjoyed. I had a pretty good idea how this one would resolve as far as the romance so I could concentrate on the other conflict in the story. Fun all around. 🙂
That sounds fun. Glad it picked back up after being a bit boring in the middle.
Yes, I know some explanation is needed and we have to see a progression of things, but I already got the point so it made me impatient. 😉
Oh you have got my attention Sophia Rose, yes you do. I haven’t read a Wild Rose Press for a while I remember reading them a lot when I reviewed for Long and Short Reviews. Thanks
I think I can count on one hand how many Wild Rose Press I’ve read and this was my first audio. I’m pretty sure I’ve loved each one. 🙂
Sheesh, it has been sooo long since I’ve read a ghost romance but you are making me long for one right now!
Heh, heh, heh, so glad to tempt you, Laurie!
Oh it’s been so long since I haven’t read a book like that
It had been about five years since my last one so it was a fun change up. 😉
I’m glad you liked it. Anne – Books of My Heart
It definitely had me grinning and giggling a few times. 🙂
I think that I have only read one ghost romance before and I admit that it didn’t work out well for me but this one sounds like it would be worth a try.
Yeah, the ghost romance only works if the author has a convincing twist to make it possible. This one does and I figured it out early so wasn’t too worried about the romance. It was a fun one, Carole. 🙂
The book sounds interesting and good. But that cover is so cheesy 😉
It definitely hit the spot for me. LOL, I didn’t mind the cover.
I don’t mind them either. It’s defintiely entertaining seeing how an author will make it work. I’ve been nicely surprised by some over the years 🙂 On the list it goes!
Yeah, I’ve read a few that I didn’t buy the explanation or how it seemed to cheat to get around their own rules, but for the most part, there are some real fun ones. Hope you like it when you get the chance, Anna!