Once Upon a Ghost

The Wacky Women #1

by Day Leclaire

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00BQYNY66

Zach Kingston, physics professor and famous ghost debunker, despises con-artists who profit from ghostly scams. And he isn't about to change his mind just because this scammer's drop-dead gorgeous and offers the most seductive kisses. Ever.

Rachel Avery is just trying to save her family home. And no nasty, rotten — surprisingly handsome — cynic can change that. If only he weren't so damn sexy. And if only he didn't offer the most seductive kisses. Ever.

But they have a deal, witnessed by the media: If Zach can't scientifically disprove her ghost by Halloween, Rachel wins.

Then Zach meets Rachel's grandmother and discovers the real reason the Averys are so desperate to sell their story.

Too bad his reputation is on the line...

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Ghosts, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Ebooks

192 pages, ebook

First published August 25, 1993

About the author

I love family first and foremost, which is why writing family sagas and stories that involve family is so much fun. Maybe you can tell that from my books since they always feature the warmth and joy and ridiculousness that comes from having a close-knit family.

I also love animals and have taken in rescue dogs and cats and fostered dogs for the local animal shelter.

And of course, I love writing. All I need is a functioning brain (batteries not included), a pen, and paper, and I can write anywhere. Please don’t let a conversation with me lag because my imagination takes over and I. Am. Checked. Out!

USA Today bestselling author, Day Leclaire is the author of more than 60 novels and has received an impressive eleven nominations for the romance industry's most prestigious award, Romance Writers of America RITA© Award. Day lives in Charlotte, NC and spends her days obsessively writing while vaguely remembering to pay attention to her adorable husband, busy son and daughter-in-law, two tiny grandchildren, and two even tinier Teddy Bear dogs. Not to mention a whole lot of dust!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my books. If you'd leave a review, I'd very much appreciate it. Authors are dependent on reviews in order to obtain ads and garner new readers. I love hearing from my readers. For a personal response, please contact me at Day@DayLeclaire.com.

And be sure to visit my website (www.DayLeclaire.com). Sign up for my newsletter for my latest releases and to receive a FREE book!

You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a re-issue of an old Harlequin book by the author and it was good. The heroine was naive sometimes in her blind belief in the family ghost but she was just so adorable. The hero was a cynic who thought she was trying to scam people. I enjoyed their romance, it was sweet.

[Lanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm baffled at how many people like this book. The heroine has the IQ of a piece of toast & the hero actually has a conversation with himself in which he tells himself "take the woman". The language is dated & the phrases that all the characters use is ridiculous & unbelievable for a story set in modern times. But then again what could I expect from a book in a series called wacky women? Ask yourselves honestly when was the last time you used the word wacky? Now ask yourselves when was the last time your mom used that word? My point exactly. Another book written by someone who thinks they know how a younger generation speaks & conducts themselves. Epic fail.

[Mills · Rating 1 out of 5]

The sad thing here is that Day Leclaire's writing is actually decent. I admit the romance and one sex scene were rather cheesy shmaltz, but I am the kind of girl who rolls her eyes at "making love" and whatnot, so I'm not exactly the prime market! The character development is pretty good - the trouble is that the characters themselves aren't remotely likable. At first I thought Rachel was just a mildly irritating ditzy blonde, but no. She's so stupid I'm genuinely amazed she is capable of speech. And Zach... he's cynical, understandably so, but he needs some anger management classes and a sense of humour to give him any appeal. The "chemistry", if you can even call it that, felt very forced. Unsurprising really - you put one presumably reasonably intelligent physics-geek college professor who believes faith is for idiots together with one of those very idiots - a naive blonde with an IQ of about 20 who falls for every scam going - give them absolutely nothing in common, make them loathe each other, and then tell your reader that they've fallen in love. I mean... really? In what world would that ever happen? I'm sorry, but the reasonable prose is just not enough to make up for the ridiculous plot and Rachel's idiocy. Maybe if she had a few brain cells I might've bumped this up to a two.

[Juuli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rachel's granny had an accident and is now in a wheelchair. The medical bills are piling and there's a possibility they can loose their house. The only hope to get money is to sell the book Rachel has written about their family's ghost.
Zach Kingston is a scientist who can't stand con artists who have declared themselves as psychics or make money selling people the ideas of ghosts. So, reading about Rachel's book deal, he decides to debunk her and her ghost as frauds.

I needed a book for a challenge and because it was less than 200 pages I picked this one.
I liked the main idea but not how it was written. There was no character development and Rachel had so many blonde moments it was embarrassing to read. She didn't act like a grown-up but like a ten-year-old. It really made the story creepy. This highly educated scientist who looks like an underwear model and a blonde with big blue eyes, pouty lips, and the mental capacity of the preschooler fall in love. Yeah, I can see that.

[Damona · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute little romance when I read it in about 1994... it's still cute, but the updates (references to an iPad and cellphones) are just kind of oddly wedged in. Rachel is a little dippier than I recall her being, Zach a little more wooden, but the dialogue is still sassy and funny.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Possibly the worst book ever. The heroine was about as clueless and naive as a kindergartener. There is no suspension of disbelief big enough to allow an academician of science to fall for her.

[StrangeBedfellows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon A Ghost is about ghosts -- obviously -- and love -- unsurprisingly -- but it's fundamentally about being true to oneself. Leading us through this are two fabulous characters and their quirky actions.

Zack Kingston is a renowned and ardent ghost debunker. His mission to expose frauds and cons has driven him for years, to the point that he is both famous and successful. But you wouldn't exactly say he's happy with his life. Still, he's a determined man, and his latest crusade has him particularly wound up.

Rachel Avery is a woman with a plan. She has to be -- her family's legacy, her grandmother's house, her own future... it's all on the line, and she's banking on the reputation of the local ghost to pull herself and her loved ones out of trouble. But the arrival of Zach Kingston seriously jeopardizes her plans. He's out to prove there is no ghost, and that Rachel is a scam artist. To worsen the situation, Rachel can't stop her strong reaction to Zach, even if he thinks she's a liar.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was cute and humorous with an unexpectedly endearing quality to it. I will warn readers, though, that there were some drawbacks. Rachel tended to come across as ditzy and farcical, albeit charming. Very I Love Lucy, if you will. Still, she grows on you. There's a tragic and wounded quality to her that adds depth and appeal, like a hot house flower in a snowstorm. She's determined to be bright and colorful though the world is against her. Taken on her own, she might be a little too much to take, but her connections to the other characters lend severity and balance when needed. And the interactions between her and Zach are very lively and entertaining.

Another pro to this book is the unexpectedly beautiful language. It's not always a quality you expect of or find from romance novels, but Day Leclaire's writing is both skillful and stylish. I went in reading a fluff novel for some mindless entertainment and ended up immersed in a beautiful love story.

I actually got quite wrapped up in this book despite my initial attitude. I was totally crying towards the end, and it was great. If you're looking for some sweet romance, this is a book you'll want to try.

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

i would not have managed to finish this if it wasn't my bathroom book. We all have them... Those books we plan to read, so we put them somewhere (like the bathroom) where we can pick them up and read a page or two whenever we are in that location. This one was silly and I couldn't stand the heroine. I do no not have the other two in this trilogy of "Wacky Women" and I will not be seeking them out. It's a shame though, because I have liked most everything I have read by this author.

[Robin Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Awesome addition to the series! Having faith is sometimes very hard to do. I love the renewal of Zack's faith and the romance with Rachel. Sneakthief is a wonderful character and I love the surprise twist involving the cat. I would recommend this story to any reader that enjoys funny, touching and heartfelt romance.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was delighful. the story was cute. I like the heroine and her humor was nice. the hero grew on me I wished i knew more on what he thought and his turmoil. I like Ms LeClaire's books.

[Karen Pawelko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book not all that interesting, it took me longer to get it finished and giving it only 3 stars.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, I liked the banter, I like the cover art, I liked the spooky theme. Could have been a little shorter. Would recommend.

[Stacy Sabala · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book review- Once upon a Ghost by Day Leclaire

Zach Kingston is a professor on a mission. He refuses to let people get away with conning people into believing in fake ghosts. He is determined to prove the ghost that Rachel Avery centers her book around is a fake. He and Rachel face off as he is determined to prove her wrong and she wants to make him a believer.
She is beside him as he works to scientifically disprove that Francesca doesn’t exist. She watches closely as he uses his scientific instruments to make sure everything is documented honestly. Rachel has no clue what any of the equipment does or what Zach is planning to use as proof. She needs to convince him of the truth. Her grandmother is counting on her to save the house. The sale of her book is the one thing they have to count on. If Professor Kingston proves that Francesca is not a true ghost, her book won’t sell. It won’t matter if she is a true believer.
This book had an interesting plot. However I could not stand Rachel. She was so ditzy and ridiculous. I almost quit reading the book. She was feisty and stubborn which was her only saving grace.
Zach’s attitude was too condescending for my taste. He was such a jerk. It wasn’t even fun for me to see them argue over Francesca. If I don’t like the people the story centers around, I never like the book. It doesn’t matter how good the plot is. If I can’t somehow connect with the characters, the story really doesn’t entice me.
This book would most likely be a fast read for most who didn’t mind the characters. For me it was almost torture. With that said I give this story a 2 out of 5.

[Shaly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have enjoyed this book more if Rachel's character wasn't a 16 year old girl trapped in a 24 year old body. I felt so embarrassed for her throughout the book, she was just so ...well...stupid. How the hell a college professor could fall in love with someone like her really baffles me, she was more cute than smart. The only thing I admired about her was her dedication to her grandmother. I guess its just another case of how opposites really do attract.

The book was a funny, fluffy read. I think the author tried to make the characters seem quirky but failed miserably. The only two likable characters are Zach and Kurt. I'm not sure what the rest of the series is like, but if it's anything like this, I'll pass.

[Jenn Bragg · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing yesterday's heart breaker, I found myself needing a cute little fluff piece to brighten my outlook. Ms. Leclaire's Once Upon A Ghost filled that bill admirably.

Be forewarned: the heroine is something of a dingbat and the hero has a sudden, inexplicable, change in his core beliefs in order for the stereotypical HEA to occur. There isn't real depth to the plot. To be fair, however, I knew that when I chose this book. As a matter of fact, that is the reason I chose this book. Sometimes a girl just needs to lose herself in a highly improbable story where the good guys always win and the girl always get her feller!

[Joanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wasn't impressed by the characters especially by Rachel Avery, a middle school student's brain trapped in a 24yr olds body. Zach Kingston is cardboard sexy and I'm not sure if I would even desire a kiss from him.

The plot is intriguing. I wish it was executed better.

This early 90's book does not translate to what I would expect characters to be like. "The Wacky Women Series, Book #1" I should have known to pass on this free book. "Wacky Women"? Is this a insult?
Wacky Women? Lucille Ball and Imogene Coca were talented comedic artists.

[BuDom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was not so bad but it wouldn't be at the top of my reading list. The premise of the story is that the main female character really believes in ghost. Okay, that is believable, but her ditzy and oh so blonde moments were distractingly irritating through the story.

The back story is interesting though if you can over look the "shake your head" moments when the female MC opens her mouth.

[Connie Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice romantic book, light, funny, and the characters always wins in the end. Rachel, the heroine, is a bit ditzy but lovable and Zach, the hero, comes in to prove Rachel wrong and falls in love with her. A nice afternoon read. Curl up with a cup of coffee and enjoy the afternoon away.

[Angie Peoples · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lighthearted humorous endearing book! I loved the ghost myth and all the funny dialogue between Avery and the professor. This book made me laugh several times and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending when the professor began to have faith again. Great writing and style made this book fun to read.

[Neringa Neringiukas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as part of giveaway. Gave it a chance. And in the first chapter it made me chuckle. Its not have whats hooks me in the books most of the time. But there was something I cant explain in the story that made me finish it.
So if you want a fun charming and romantic story for an easy read, this is it.

[Elaine]

This book was ok. It was kind of predictable. I kept thinking that if it didn't get better I was going to quit reading it. But then I kept reading because I really did want to find out how it would end. So I guess even though it seemed only ok, it did keep me reading.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was funny, the characters charming, and it was comical seeing all the stuff that happened. Ghost stories are always a good read and this was the same. The normal romance was expected but without that part, the story wouldnt be the same!

[Kyra Dunst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Zach are a cute couple. Zach is out to prove that Rachel is a fraud, and she is equally determined to prove to him that the ghost of her great aunt is real. Soon, the chemistry between them gets in the way. This book is definitely worth the read.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is more a Christian story about faith,honesty and love than a ghost mystery. Zach, a professor who debunks ghost stories heads to California to debunk Rachel's great aunt. Intertwined is Zach and Rachel's love story.

[Kimberly Walter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was funny and of course wacky.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was faun read. It also gives a lesson in faith, or the lack thereof, also wishing for only what's most important - the rest will probably take care of itself.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable quick read!

[Debra Salonen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun. Witty. Loved the characters, including the cat!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amazingly enough I didn't mind the ditziness of the main character. She was silly cute. However the book just got tedious around the 60% mark.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read