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Ghosts of Boyfriends Past
"Letting him in could mean losing him forever. "
Elizabeth Biz Marks has the magic touch when it comes to matters of the heart except her own. In a slightly tipsy fit of loneliness, she once tried to harness a little love mojo to work in her favor. Instead the spell mutated into a nightmarish curse that kills off her boyfriends on her favorite Valentine s Day.
With three "permanently" ex-boyfriends on her conscience and another hearts-and-flowers holiday approaching, the last thing she needs is a too-gorgeous-to-be-true reporter snooping around.
Biz just has extraordinarily bad luck, or she s a bona-fide Black Widow who bumps off her boyfriends for a chunk of the inheritance money. Either way, Mark Ellison is sure there s a story here. Especially when his attempts to charm her send her into a panic.
The harder Biz tries to keep Mark and his beguiling dimples as far away as possible, the harder he digs to get at the truth. Now she s beginning to wonder if his is the love that will finally break the curse...or if she ll be burying her heart along with him.
This book contains curses, meddling ghosts, nosy neighbors and enough peppermint Schnapps to drown the inhibitions of even the most cautious witch. "
Elizabeth Biz Marks has the magic touch when it comes to matters of the heart except her own. In a slightly tipsy fit of loneliness, she once tried to harness a little love mojo to work in her favor. Instead the spell mutated into a nightmarish curse that kills off her boyfriends on her favorite Valentine s Day.
With three "permanently" ex-boyfriends on her conscience and another hearts-and-flowers holiday approaching, the last thing she needs is a too-gorgeous-to-be-true reporter snooping around.
Biz just has extraordinarily bad luck, or she s a bona-fide Black Widow who bumps off her boyfriends for a chunk of the inheritance money. Either way, Mark Ellison is sure there s a story here. Especially when his attempts to charm her send her into a panic.
The harder Biz tries to keep Mark and his beguiling dimples as far away as possible, the harder he digs to get at the truth. Now she s beginning to wonder if his is the love that will finally break the curse...or if she ll be burying her heart along with him.
This book contains curses, meddling ghosts, nosy neighbors and enough peppermint Schnapps to drown the inhibitions of even the most cautious witch. "
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2012
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 19, 2012
A cute story about a witch who cursed herself, causing her boyfriends to die on Valentines day. The premises sounded a bit weird, but also intriguing. I am glad I gave it a chance.
I liked both main characters. I also like that Mark was the more romantic of the two.
I liked both main characters. I also like that Mark was the more romantic of the two.
January 28, 2012
Humorous books don’t have to be laugh out loud funny to work. Sometimes, it’s enough to be charmed by the prose and turn every page with a smile on your face. That’s certainly the case for this short novel.
When her grandmother died, leaving her alone, Biz did the unthinkable. She cast a spell looking for love for herself. That was the one big no-no she was taught, and as a result, the spell turned into a curse. For the past three years, the man she was seeing has died on Valentine’s Day, leaving her terrified to get involved again. It’s also left her with three ghosts, sharing the old house that also serves as her charm store. The one thing she wants to avoid is someone else dying, so when reporter Mark Ellison shows up in her shop asking questions, her walls go up. He’s gorgeous, and she’s immediately attracted. It’s got warning bells all over it. She tries to push him away, but Mark is convinced there’s a story behind the three deaths. He’s decided he’s not going anywhere.
What I love most about this author’s work is the crispness of her prose. It’s quippy without being annoying, bantery in all the right places, and moves along at a brisk enough pace to make the book seem shorter than it actually is. While I didn’t laugh out loud during it, I did go through it with a smile and a certain joy. It’s hard not to enjoy these two characters interacting with each other, or the multitude of colorful secondary characters that pepper the cast. Everyone has a frothiness to them, even the hard-edged Gillian, Biz’s best friend.
The two leads are suitably appealing. Mark is charming and determined, while Biz has an everywoman feel about her that would spark something in most female readers. I did wonder what Mark saw in Biz specifically, whether his reactions were genuine or a product of the curse, but that’s a symptom of the story rather than a flaw in the characterization. As fun as Biz can be, too, her back and forth attitude with Mark and how she’s going to deal with him grew old halfway through the book. The story is already very quickly paced. Toss in her constantly changing feelings, and I had a sense of whiplash by the end.
Still, with such sparkling prose and light mood, this rates higher than a lot of other holiday stories I’ve read. Not all of her backlist appeals to me, but the more I read by her, the more likely I am to give them a go anyway.
When her grandmother died, leaving her alone, Biz did the unthinkable. She cast a spell looking for love for herself. That was the one big no-no she was taught, and as a result, the spell turned into a curse. For the past three years, the man she was seeing has died on Valentine’s Day, leaving her terrified to get involved again. It’s also left her with three ghosts, sharing the old house that also serves as her charm store. The one thing she wants to avoid is someone else dying, so when reporter Mark Ellison shows up in her shop asking questions, her walls go up. He’s gorgeous, and she’s immediately attracted. It’s got warning bells all over it. She tries to push him away, but Mark is convinced there’s a story behind the three deaths. He’s decided he’s not going anywhere.
What I love most about this author’s work is the crispness of her prose. It’s quippy without being annoying, bantery in all the right places, and moves along at a brisk enough pace to make the book seem shorter than it actually is. While I didn’t laugh out loud during it, I did go through it with a smile and a certain joy. It’s hard not to enjoy these two characters interacting with each other, or the multitude of colorful secondary characters that pepper the cast. Everyone has a frothiness to them, even the hard-edged Gillian, Biz’s best friend.
The two leads are suitably appealing. Mark is charming and determined, while Biz has an everywoman feel about her that would spark something in most female readers. I did wonder what Mark saw in Biz specifically, whether his reactions were genuine or a product of the curse, but that’s a symptom of the story rather than a flaw in the characterization. As fun as Biz can be, too, her back and forth attitude with Mark and how she’s going to deal with him grew old halfway through the book. The story is already very quickly paced. Toss in her constantly changing feelings, and I had a sense of whiplash by the end.
Still, with such sparkling prose and light mood, this rates higher than a lot of other holiday stories I’ve read. Not all of her backlist appeals to me, but the more I read by her, the more likely I am to give them a go anyway.
January 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Biz Marks has a secret. She's cursed. No, really she is. If you don't believe me, just look at her past. Three deaths in three years, all on the same day each year! Suspicious yet? Mark Ellison thinks so, and he's gone to seek the truth behind these mysterious deaths that have one thing in common- Biz.
Biz is a funny character. I absolutely loved her. She once tried to use a spell in her favor, and let's just say the results were not at all what she expected. So her once favorite holiday is now a day of doom. No one can know who she is and what she's done, and more importantly, she doesn't care for this particular holiday anymore, nor will she let a man near her around the time. She's got enough ghosts -- and I do literally mean ghosts -- to deal with now.
This reporter isn't about to give up though. Mark is determined to find out everything he can about this woman and if she's responsible somehow for these deaths of her exes. What he doesn't expect is an attraction to this odd and mysterious woman. Hmm. This could lead to trouble, perhaps.
Ghosts of Boyfriends Pasts is a light paranormal romance, and very enjoyable. The cast of characters were a delight. I love how the more Biz pushes Mark away, the more he comes back for more. Oh yes, these two can't keep away from one another, no matter how much Biz tries. She does everything within her power to keep Mark out of death's grasp. She just might even tell him something that she'd rather keep quiet.
Once you read this cute story, you'll never think of Valentine's Day the same again. And if you've ever stated that you were cursed, that may be nothing compared to Biz Marks. Want a little ghostly humor in your romance? Readers will find all that and more in Vivi Andrews' book Ghosts of Boyfriends Past. Read at your own discretion. I hope you're not afraid of a few lingering spirits....
Biz Marks has a secret. She's cursed. No, really she is. If you don't believe me, just look at her past. Three deaths in three years, all on the same day each year! Suspicious yet? Mark Ellison thinks so, and he's gone to seek the truth behind these mysterious deaths that have one thing in common- Biz.
Biz is a funny character. I absolutely loved her. She once tried to use a spell in her favor, and let's just say the results were not at all what she expected. So her once favorite holiday is now a day of doom. No one can know who she is and what she's done, and more importantly, she doesn't care for this particular holiday anymore, nor will she let a man near her around the time. She's got enough ghosts -- and I do literally mean ghosts -- to deal with now.
This reporter isn't about to give up though. Mark is determined to find out everything he can about this woman and if she's responsible somehow for these deaths of her exes. What he doesn't expect is an attraction to this odd and mysterious woman. Hmm. This could lead to trouble, perhaps.
Ghosts of Boyfriends Pasts is a light paranormal romance, and very enjoyable. The cast of characters were a delight. I love how the more Biz pushes Mark away, the more he comes back for more. Oh yes, these two can't keep away from one another, no matter how much Biz tries. She does everything within her power to keep Mark out of death's grasp. She just might even tell him something that she'd rather keep quiet.
Once you read this cute story, you'll never think of Valentine's Day the same again. And if you've ever stated that you were cursed, that may be nothing compared to Biz Marks. Want a little ghostly humor in your romance? Readers will find all that and more in Vivi Andrews' book Ghosts of Boyfriends Past. Read at your own discretion. I hope you're not afraid of a few lingering spirits....
October 10, 2012
This is perhaps the best, funniest, and most romantic story I’ve read in a long time. The turns of phrase, the give-and-take dialogue all make it completely enjoyable. It’s definitely laugh out loud in places. There isn’t any overt sex, other than some kisses and such, but it’s so delightful that doesn’t matter. Mark is a charmer, who knows it, but he’s also a no-nonsense man who doesn’t believe in the supernatural. Pitting him against a woman who not only believes, but is very aware the paranormal exists, is a definite attention-getter. Biz is a woman wanting someone to love and thoroughly regretting her actions which caused the deaths of the last three men who loved her. She spends most of the story fighting her deadly attraction to Mark while he’s working just as industriously to overcome her defenses.
The will-they/won’t-they question is divided into several parts. Will Mark convince Biz to love him? Will Biz give in to what her heart’s telling her? Is Mark going to end up as another ghostly notch on Biz’s unwilling gunhandle? Do we really care as long as the two have a Happy for Now ending?
The truth? The smooth, witty writing and the likable characterizations made me care, and I think other readers will, too. I recommend this story to any and all who like their romance on the lighter side with a definite tinge of the absurd.
Ghosts of Boyfrfiends Past is available from Samhain Publishing, www.samhainpublishing.com
This novel was supplied by the publisher and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
NOTE: Pdfs of novels are not given away or loaned after review and after a specific time will be deleted from the website.
The will-they/won’t-they question is divided into several parts. Will Mark convince Biz to love him? Will Biz give in to what her heart’s telling her? Is Mark going to end up as another ghostly notch on Biz’s unwilling gunhandle? Do we really care as long as the two have a Happy for Now ending?
The truth? The smooth, witty writing and the likable characterizations made me care, and I think other readers will, too. I recommend this story to any and all who like their romance on the lighter side with a definite tinge of the absurd.
Ghosts of Boyfrfiends Past is available from Samhain Publishing, www.samhainpublishing.com
This novel was supplied by the publisher and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
NOTE: Pdfs of novels are not given away or loaned after review and after a specific time will be deleted from the website.
April 9, 2014
Prelim Review: As odd as this sounds I left this book with one question 'How the hell did Elizabeth Marks get the nickname 'Biz''? Its never explained, nor does it make sense to me honestly.
The story itself is full of Andrews typical wit and quirky characters. Or I should say the females are all rather quirky and the men are adorable versions of tolerant. Biz is a spaz--a desperately trying to be as businesslike as possible spaz, but one none the less. We don't see much of the Biz pre-curse, but occasional glimpses of the humor she exhibited and the sassy attitude she had cropped up on occasion.
Mark for his part was almost run of the mill actually. We don't learn a whole lot about his past--vague details of a failed relationship, chasing his career and trying to stay relevant in print media even as it sinks lower and lower--and he's very much wrapped up in the 'now' of the story. I do call Andrews out for having him think he's "on the far side of thirty" when he's only 32. I expected him to be closer to 40 with a declaration like that.
Full review to be posted at Poisoned Rationality
The story itself is full of Andrews typical wit and quirky characters. Or I should say the females are all rather quirky and the men are adorable versions of tolerant. Biz is a spaz--a desperately trying to be as businesslike as possible spaz, but one none the less. We don't see much of the Biz pre-curse, but occasional glimpses of the humor she exhibited and the sassy attitude she had cropped up on occasion.
Mark for his part was almost run of the mill actually. We don't learn a whole lot about his past--vague details of a failed relationship, chasing his career and trying to stay relevant in print media even as it sinks lower and lower--and he's very much wrapped up in the 'now' of the story. I do call Andrews out for having him think he's "on the far side of thirty" when he's only 32. I expected him to be closer to 40 with a declaration like that.
Full review to be posted at Poisoned Rationality
February 15, 2012
I must say this was simply a sweet read. It reminded me of a chick flick on paper and made me smile as I turned each page. This is a warm feel good book that you will want to curl up with on the couch while downing a nice cup of hot chocolate. Vivi Andrews has created two characters I found myself hoping would fall in love. With the obstacles from Biz's past and Mark's willingness to accept her oddities, the pair must work together to overcome the magic that brought them together. The question is: is it magic, or is it love? 3 stars from me. What better sweet for Valentine's Day than a sweet read like this one.
To read Alyn's entire review, please visit:
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
January 17, 2012
Once again an enjoyable book from ms. Andrews.
I liked both the protagonists and was rooting for them from the beginning to the end, but then I am a sucker for the slightly weird heroine with a strong calm male combination.
What pulled this book down from 5 stars to four was the pacing. In some places I had the feeling something had been removed, the scenes on either side of the removed bit not fitting together as perfectly as they should. But this was not something that detracted much from my overall enjoyment of the story
I liked both the protagonists and was rooting for them from the beginning to the end, but then I am a sucker for the slightly weird heroine with a strong calm male combination.
What pulled this book down from 5 stars to four was the pacing. In some places I had the feeling something had been removed, the scenes on either side of the removed bit not fitting together as perfectly as they should. But this was not something that detracted much from my overall enjoyment of the story
September 1, 2014
I think all of us have been in the state of mind to " curse" ourselves about love. But this lil witch actually had to power to do just that. Now what happens when she thinks she has found true love? An adventure with Magick and Ghosts that's what. A cute story about Karma, love and Magick.
Read
March 12, 2012Loved this sweet romance. It's more ghosts and "real" magic than the big, supernatural showy stuff, and sometimes that's exactly what I want in a PNR.
March 22, 2012
Cute and interesting little romance. Not high on the hot scale but very nice read anyway.
November 12, 2017
Entertaining, humorous, serious, funny, delightful. Not to mention, hot.
January 25, 2016
Interesting premise. The characters and plot were underdeveloped and rushed.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews