Gwen Walberg, literature teacher and self-professed geek, is thrilled to acquire a priceless antique book but soon learns why it came so cheap. The book contains the ghost of Violetta, its former owner, who spices up her boring afterlife by playing matchmaker. Gwen is her new target—and if she won't cooperate, Violetta is prepared to throw a storm of dangerous tantrums. Rather than give up the treasured book, Gwen reluctantly surrenders, and learns Violetta has already chosen the man for Gwen's gorgeous gardener and friend, Paul Chang. Paul is stunned that a ghost wants to cast him as a romance hero but intrigued enough to cooperate. Step by awkward step, Paul and Gwen allow their weird voyeur to force them into compromising positions. But what if the unlikely couple starts enjoying their bizarre, steamy situation? Can they ever cultivate a healthy relationship with an unstable ghost tagging along?
[Aug. 2022 note: I'm going dormant on Goodreads and moving over to Storygraph. Find me there! I'm under username mollyringle and would love to connect.] Bio: Molly Ringle was one of the quiet, weird kids in school, and is now one of the quiet, weird writers of the world. She/her, demi, bi.
Title: Of Ghosts and Geeks Author: Molly Ringle Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Publication Date: 10-12-2011 Genre: Romantic Comedy Length: 103 pages Rating: 4 Diamonds Heat Level: Sensual Reviewer: TJ Date: October 16, 2011
Gwen Walberg, literature teacher and self-professed geek, is thrilled to acquire a priceless antique book but soon learns why it came so cheap. The book contains the ghost of Violetta, its former owner, who spices up her boring afterlife by playing matchmaker. Gwen is her new target—and if she won't cooperate, Violetta is prepared to throw a storm of dangerous tantrums. Rather than give up the treasured book, Gwen reluctantly surrenders, and learns Violetta has already chosen the man for her: Gwen's gorgeous gardener and friend, Paul Chang.
Paul is stunned that a ghost wants to cast him as a romance hero but intrigued enough to cooperate. Step by awkward step, Paul and Gwen allow their weird voyeur to force them into compromising positions. But what if the unlikely couple starts enjoying their bizarre, steamy situation? Can they ever cultivate a healthy relationship with an unstable ghost tagging along?
Of Ghosts and Geeks is a giggling good time. Violetta is the most annoyingly funny apparition I have come across in a long time. She is so undeniably selfish yet her antics provide so many laughs for the reader. Gwen and Paul are a fabulous couple and they should be grateful for the interfering specter who is helping them along with her matchmaking demands. I love that Gwen sees herself as a geek and is fine with it, almost proud of her nerdiness. I love how she takes Violetta’s presence in her life all in stride and is more concerned with her treasured acquisition. Paul is even more blasé about the voyeuristic ghost and her quixotic demands. He has the right mixture of geek and hottie to measure up for Gwen and I have to agree with her conclusion. I loved Gwen’s uncle even though I learned more about him than she would have liked. I am looking forward to reading more from this author this story left me with a big grin on my face and the occasional recurring chuckle.
The last thing you expect when you acquire a rare book on the cheap is that it will come at a price—a price, in fact, that involves a match-making ghost called Violetta. Yet, this is precisely what happens to literature professor and self-professed geek Gwen Walberg. To make matters worse, Violetta is determined to instigate a romance between Gwen and Gwen’s good friend Paul Chang, and is prepared to go to any lengths to do it.
Of Ghosts and Geeks is a fun, fast-pace novella, which I read in a single sitting. Absolutely hilarious, it has me laughing out loud from start to finish as Violetta manipulates Gwen and Paul into ever more compromising situations. At the heart of this story, however, is a genuine romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching these immensely likable characters come together.
A university lecturer is thrilled when she finds a rare first edition of an old mythology book ... until she discovers that it comes with a zany Victorian voyeur ghost attached. Romance and hilarity ensue. A brilliantly funny story with an obsessive and wacky villain, a sweet, geeky heroine and a bewildered but oh so sexy hero. In the Audible version Melanie Carey brings them all to life with a sense of humor you can hear in her voice. Great fun. Perfect for a trip ... as long as you don't snort your coffee. Probably not suitable for work unless your colleagues are already used to you giggling at your desk.
Of Ghosts and Geeks is cute, funny, sweet and sexy. MC Gwen, one of the titular geeks (see, sounds titillating already, eh?), is a quirky and charming professor of literature at Girthmore College, sadly in danger of becoming the spinster some might mistakenly take her for. Then she makes an amazing, potentially life-changing purchase - a rare illustrated mythology book, right up her scholarly alley. Little does she know that it's a a BOGO, and the "get one" is the kooky, reckless and restless ghost of a victorian teenager, determined to experience (in death, vicariously) the paroxysms of passion she'd been denied in life. The self-named Violetta (her real name, Dorcas Schmelbeck, is just too prosaic, pedestrian and passionless for her - hey, true story, my mom wanted us to name our oldest daughter Dorcas, family name and all, back in the day. She professed to be mystified when we tried to explain the utter cruelty of inflicting that on an innocent child. Anyhoo...) Violetta has little in the way of real life experience (except for her death, which was a doozy) or impulse control, but makes up for it with her ability to control inaminate objects, which she uses to compel Gwen's compliance with her seductive schemes for experiencing second-hand romance of the voyeuristic kind. She's already selected a partner for Gwen to perform with, the luscious and likeable Paul Chang, the landscaper who mows Gwen's lawn. Paul's biceps and his appreciation for the intersection of comic book heroes and mythology (he's the other geek)have actually previously come to Gwen's fond attention, and when Violetta (pronounced "vi-o-lator?") insists that the two of them re-enact certain poses, postures and positions illustrated in the aformentioned book, the action, and Gwen and Paul's mutual attraction, come to a boil. Like I said, this is fun, and funny. The humor is pretty broad, and laugh out loud-a-licious. Violetta veers between ridiculous and scary, and there are twists and developments that keep things fresh and unforeseeable. Molly has a knack for creating relatable, real-feeling characters, and these two are no exception. Yes, you can see what's happening long before they do (I guess part of geekiness is the whole socially awkward thing, especially with the opposite sex), but that doesn't make their reluctant(?) and reticent compliance with Violetta's ever escalating demands any less entertaining or satisfying. Of course, no true geek tale would be complete without a bit of cosplay, and Molly manages to work in the holy grail of every geek guys fantasy, to sexy and funny effect. So, hopefully I've conveyed my enjoyment and appreciation of this warm and tenderly funny story. This reminded me a bit of Summer Term, only this is the funny version, not the romantic one - it's got that same campusy, academic vibe, and the feeling of a close (sometimes claustrophobically so) community of teachers and students. Indulge yourself by reading this when you need a break - trust me, your enjoyment will be disproportional to its length. Just one final question though - Girthmore? What's up with that?
She was so excited to find this really rare book on sale for $75. All she could think was that the seller didn’t realize its value. She didn’t know it housed a resident ghost…
If you enjoy comedy with a mix of romance, you’ll love this book. It’s a real hoot to read. Ms. Ringle makes her two main characters Gwen and Paul, attractive, available and quick witted. Her ghost is a Victorian era lady who died a virgin. Just the story of her death is enough to make you spit whatever you’re drinking all over your computer screen. And, while you know it’s all just a fantasy tale, it’s so much fun to read you suspend belief and just follow along to see what the ghost is going to demand next!
Gwen’s a literature professor at the local college; Paul is her hired gardener. Neither thought the other person would be interested in them. This author demonstrates what can happen if you actually take the time to talk to one other -- there is generally more to a person than what you see in front you. Violetta, our ghost, is determined to experience passion and love and she thinks these two are perfect for each other. It all starts with a small kiss…
The absolutely ridiculous things the ghost demands from the couple kept me chuckling. Especially as they keep trying to figure out how to get rid of her so they actually can get to know each other better. The author shows them embarrassing themselves, getting fretful about the ghost, and suddenly worrying about how natural being with each other feels. It sounds like some relationships I’ve been in but I didn’t have a ghost to worry about.
I love how Ms. Ringle creates one of the silliest ghosts you can imagine and then at the end turns Gwen’s Uncle into someone she’s not sure she even wants to know. You know, that TMI (too much information) thing. It’s all in good fun and made me laugh.
I like this one a lot and am buying my own copy of it to keep. Why don’t you get one, too? I bet you laugh through the whole story. I know I did.
Review: Of Ghosts and Geeks is a very funny book. You have Violetta a very annoying ghost that makes you laugh at what she ask of Gwen. Then you throw in Paul Chang who is more than willing to go along with Violetta’s requests, no questions asked. And you get a couple who end up falling in love with the help of an interfering ghost.
Gwen Walberg, an English Lit Professor, finds a priceless book for rock bottom price. A steal it is. Gwen can’t wait to get it home and look at her find. She calls up a few dealers only to find that it is indeed authentic. There is only one small problem; the book comes with its own ghost.
Violetta may be an annoying ghost at first but you can’t help but laugh at what she wants Gwen to do along with the fact you fall in love with her and wish that you might have had her to help you find your soul mate.
Gwen in all her geekiness finds that Paul is just as geeky in his own odd way and they are a good mix. They just seem to take things in stride and find that they really are attracted to each other.
When the voyeurism of the ghost starts to get out of hand Paul remembers Gwen’s quirky uncle who is into the paranormal and asks for his assistance in help with the ghost.
Ms. Ringle tells the story in such a quirky way that she makes all the characters loveable and you can’t help but laugh at this enjoyable story.
Reviewed by: Robin Book provided by: Publisher Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I love this author. She takes some ordinary people, adds a ghost or two, blends in some humour, sprinkles it with romance and produces a delicious story to be devoured by all. This is a ‘can’t put it down' read. Follow Gwen and Paul as they try to appease the voyeuristic ghost, Violette. I guarantee your reading appetite will be satisfied. I love the length of this book too as I don’t always have time for a huge book.
Smart, funny, geekiness, and paranormal met in of ghosts and geeks. Buying a book with an interesting twist for Gwen when she gets a book she’s desired, only to find a ghost that wants to play matchmaker. Great geek references and good humor. I hope there is more to Gwen’s story.
This was a cute story. I would recommend it. My only complaint is that it’s a little short, it only last my first leg of my trip, if you’re wondering its the perfect length for a trip from Anchorage to Seattle.
This is such a cute read and such a interesting take on a haunted item with a ghost! Just the perfect way to start October! Even ghosts can be naughty! 🤣
Of Ghosts and Geeks is a paranormal romance novel about a woman who finds love after she inadvertently inherits a ghost attached to a book she purchased.
The book started off funny and cute albeit a little on the wacky side. The primary characters are relatable and quirky; and are developed with just enough detail but I was left wanting just a bit more. The story and flow of the book were good up until everything just sort of rushed to an end. I was left with my mouth open, thinking "Wow, I did not see that coming". I have to say I was a little disillusioned with "Violetta's" character; and although I absolutely love a good twist, I am left with more questions than I started with which in this case I find annoying. The cover is nice. There are some sensual love scenes and some cussing.
Do you like geeks? ( Are YOU a geek? ) Do you like stories with a supernatural twist thrown in? Maybe a little sweaty action in the boudoir? Then you'll enjoy this book!
As for the guys who might balk at a book with some romance, I have four words for you: Slave Leia Metal Bikini. 'Nuff said. :-)