Together they make sweet music…but opening her heart could release the ghosts of her past.
Glenncailty Castle, Book 1
Caera Cassidy has spent two years building the historic—and haunted—Glenncailty Castle into one of the most sought-after hotels and performance venues in Ireland. But she can’t say it’s her dream. She lost that years ago when what she thought was love led her to a dark place not even her music could reach.
Once in a while, though, it’s safe to pretend. And that’s what she’s doing when she plays her harp on the empty stage in the castle’s theater.
When American folk musician Tim Wilcox spots the mysterious woman at the front of the theater, he’s enraptured. Not only by her virtuoso skill and ethereal voice, but by her dark beauty—and the shadows in her blue eyes when she insists she’s no musician.
Wary of repeating the mistakes of her past, Caera tells herself she can indulge in the pleasure of Tim’s company, his touch, without risking her heart. But she hadn’t counted on Tim’s determination to convince her she’s worthy of her gifts. Or on lingering souls who live in the castle, who are growing restless, ready to warn her that deadly mistakes are not meant to be repeated…
Product Warnings This book contains a variety of unpronounceable Irish words and names, a hero who believes in love and a haunted castle. What could go wrong?
Lila is a multi-published, bestselling author of erotic, paranormal and fantasy romance. Having spent extensive time in France, Egypt, Turkey, Ireland and England, Lila speaks five languages, none of them--including English--fluently.
I was expecting something different to the story I ended up reading - that will teach me not to go by a blurb! "....... an Irish ghost story that will keep you on the edge of your seat! "
"Set in Ireland this gothic romance contains ghosts, a haunted Irish castle, music, and mystery."
The ghost only seemed to feature towards the last quarter of the story, and really there was very little mystery. The sex - and there was a LOT of that ! - was pretty repetitive. I can only read so many accounts of a guy bringing a woman to orgasm with his thumb before I give up. Tim seemed to be able to have endless orgasms, one after another without pause and I was more than a little perturbed by the lack of condoms, especially as they had only just met and Caera had a background of heroin addiction and sex with numerous men when she was a groupie with a band.
I think the story had a great premise, but sadly this was not a 'ghost' story, for all that a ghost appeared towards the 'premature' end.
I'm not going to rate this at the moment. Perhaps I should have looked a other books by this author - although I saw that she was an author of erotic, paranormal and fantasy romance, I was under the impression that this was paranormal romance without the erotic aspect. My fault ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So this was probably closer to 3-1/2 stars. I really wish we could do half stars. This was an interesting introduction to the series. Woman with a past she can't forgive herself for... boy who won't give up on her... there were a few parts that dragged a bit for me, but overall it was a nice, feel-good read. I liked how the paranormal element was sort of a side story, in the background until it was a necessary part of the story. What I didn't particularly like, though this *is* an Irish story, were all the Irish names, places, etc. And me, not being Irish, I have no idea how to say them. A few of the names were sounded out by the American dude, but some (like Caera's name) weren't. There was an offhanded comment about how Tim stumbled over the pronunciation of Caera's name, but I still don't know how it should be. She was just Cara to me the whole time. If that's wrong, it's wrong. :-) Anyway, like I said, a feel-good story overall. Caera was able to exorcise her demons to get past her past and move toward her future. I'll read more in the series, because my guess, based on the first one, is that whoever is featured in the next ones, have demons of their own to exorcise.
I've been thinking of visiting Ireland. So when I saw this book, I took a chance. I'm so glad I did. I got right into the story and couldn't pull myself out. The writing is well done and realistic. The emotion is sometimes gut-wrenching. Well Done!
Although this is not my typical choice of books to read, it held my attention right from the start and had me hooked from the first couple of pages. I thought what do I have to lose, if I don't like it I don't have to finish it and move on to the nest book on my list. I can not wait to read the following book!
Luckily I got this for free because I didn't like it at all! Too much gratuitous, graphic scenes and not enough story. Didn't even finish it and that says a lot because I almost always finish a book I start.
Too much sex for me. Story line was good. Characters were believable. The last two chapters showed how everything worked together, would have preferred if pieces were answered during the story rather than all at the end, in my opinion.
The tale of Tim & Caera is a sweet, emotional journey though the Irish land. Caera's past reminded me of mine in ways. There is a serious double standard when it comes to sex. Not as sex-BDSM laden as some of her other work, though the same flair for story telling.
Too many words describing the sex scenes and not enough words developing a plot. Just a story about an insecure girl being taken over by a worthless guy. ho hum.
Music, haunted castles, and Ireland, oh my! A great setting and feel for The Harp and the Fiddle. It’s a journey of soul searching, love, and of course, music. What more could you ask for?
Caera once had a love for music, but it seems a dark place took that away. She lives behind a wall so high that it’s difficult for anyone to break past it. She cuts herself off from everyone, putting all of her work into the castle. That is, until a young man inspires her to come out of her shell and live again. Thank you for that, Tim!
Tim is visiting beautiful Ireland and doesn’t expect to be so enchanted by Caera, let alone find love with her. But they make amazing music together. Tim cracks me up–they both do. I love the humor that filled the story.
The beginning started off on the slow side, but after a few chapters, I was able to really get into the book. I love the setting, the idea of haunted castles and ghosts, and music, so this was a perfect set up for me. Tim and Caera’s relationship was a hot one from the start, as they both felt an attraction but had their own reasoning for keeping away from it until they couldn’t hide it any longer.
I enjoyed the author’s voice. Ms. Dubois has a great way of description, wit and charm that made for The Harp and the Fiddle to be a delightful read. Whether you are or aren’t a fan of music, I’d say not to miss this delightful tale of love and new chances.
This wasn't horrible. But I can definitely tell that the author watched Matchmaker as one of her 'inspiration' or 'research' films since she recycled the 'crack' joke, as well as a few other things.
The ghost story aspect actually fit. It didn't feel out of place.
I did not however care at all about Caera. Didn't really empathize with her at all, not even when her 'horrible' secret came out.
Tim, I liked him. He reminded me a lot of many of the folk singers I know.
The HEA was a bit rushed at the end. But ehh.
All in all, I didn't find myself disliking the book, I just didn't care much about Caera one way or the other.
Caera Cassidy loves working at Glenncailty Castle as events coordinator. Music has special place in Caera's heart but doesn't believe she should be on stage with real performers. Tim Wilcox is American folk singer that plays traditional music of America and Ireland. Tim can't believe the harmonies being played on the harp by mysterious lady. Glenncailty Castle is hosting musical celebration with artists and singers from all over the globe. Caera is hiding something deeply personal. Will Caera allow the past to haunt her? Who is Tim's mystery woman? Your answers await you in The Harp and the Fiddle.