A Spirited Engagement

Hesitant Mediums #2

by Belinda Kroll

The second book in the Hesitant Mediums series

For fans of Sally Thorne, Tilly Wallace, Olivia Atwater, Charlie N. Holmberg

It is a truth universally acknowledged that ghost brides are annoying romantic rivals.

Making her reluctant return to London after a ten-year absence, Tessa Preston cannot hide her dismay at her employer's friendliness with Jasper Steele, the man who chased her away. To make matters more annoying, he's haunted by a most insistent ghost bride.

Determined to prove her indifference to the charming Jasper, Tessa realizes the entitled ghost demanding his attention may not be all she seems. Meanwhile, unaware of Tessa's enmity, Jasper is delighted to have a second chance at her affections, and will let nothing, not even her cold stares, dampen his enthusiasm.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Historical

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2024

About the author

Bridgerton vibes with way less spice and way more ghosts.

Belinda Kroll writes and illustrates cozy romantasy. She loves a good "he falls first" story, but it's even better paired with a historical setting and a dollop of magical elements. Join us, dear reader, on this entertaining jaunt into an alternate past where a little magic goes a long way.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE EBOOK: https://books.worderella.com/rg9mrjii71

Reviews

[Brooklyn Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine it, Victorian England, Tessa comes to the Hartwell home to help rid the family of unwanted spirits. The boy that crushed her heart and had become her least favorite person, now has a ghost following him and is calling him her fiancé.

First, there’s no spice. But, I loved it.

Secondly, the back and forth banter between Tessa and Jasper was perfection.

This is book 2 in the series. I sipped book 1, but I’m totally going back to read it. I also can’t wait to see where book 3 takes us.

The first time I met Belinda, she was dressed just as I imagine Tessa would be dressed. I absolutely loved this book, and Belinda!

[Ljay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit different for me to read and the characters had a lot going on. It was a period piece centering on Tessa, a very powerful medium. Being a medium, and a young woman of color made things challenging at this time in history, but she handled it. I liked Tessa. She was smart, competent and strong. No wilting or the vapors for her. Her line of work didn't afford that. Especially with ghosts running all over the place all the time.

Called in to train a new charge (Mary), an old love reappears in her life (Jasper), with a big bad coming for her, Tessa steps all the way up with the help of her newfound squad.

The story was entertaining. The pacing was good and the plot points were relevant to each other, had enough scary to it and didn't stuck in one place for too long.

Overall, we get a sweet, tidy ending with a classic battle of good versus evil with a human soul hanging in the balance! Quite the ride!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Spirited Engagement by Belinda Kroll is book two of her series The Hesitant Mediums. The second story has strong ties to the first book but not having read the first book will not lessen the reader’s enjoyment or understanding of this story. Tessa Preston, a remarkably gifted medium, has returned to London at the behest of Dame Hartwell and she and her uncle are to stay at the Dame’s home. Tessa’s last visit to London was made unbearable by the ridicule and scorn she received from Jasper Steele. Imagine her dismay when Jasper is soon moving freely about her new lodgings AND with a ghostly bride in tow! Jasper is ecstatic to be once again in the company of Tessa and would love nothing more than to have a chance to show her his true feelings. Unfortunately, his pesky and ghostly bride is determined to derail his plans by all sorts of nefarious methods. As the story unfolds, it becomes obvious that more forces are in play than just the haunting of Jasper; Ms. Kroll deftly mixes humor and chills as she crafts a delightfully unique romantic fantasy. I look forward to her next foray into the dangerously amusing world of ghost elimination!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Spirited Engagement" is an enchanting literary fusion that transports readers to a world where Jane Austen's finesse meets the fearless Victorian spirit of a Black Buffy battling ethereal adversaries. This delightful tale weaves together the elements of sweet and cosy fantasy romance with a touch of the paranormal, adding a refreshing twist to its portrayal of an interracial romance. It's truly a confluence of all my favourite literary elements.

From the first page, the story captivates the reader with its witty and engaging narrative. The opening line, a clever nod to Jane Austen, sets the tone perfectly: "It was a truth universally acknowledged that ghost brides are annoying romantic rivals." This blend of classic literature and modern supernatural intrigue keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The protagonist, Tessa Preston, is a remarkable character who returns to London after a decade away, only to find herself entangled in a web of charm and mystery surrounding Jasper Steele. Tessa's strength and determination shine as she confronts her reluctance and challenges the ghostly presence that haunts her love interest.

Jasper Steele, the charming yet haunted suitor, is a character readers can't help but fall for. His persistence in the face of Tessa's cold demeanour is endearing, and his quest to win her affection keeps the romantic tension simmering throughout the story.

The novel also excels in creating a rich and immersive Victorian world, filled with whimsical and supernatural elements that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. The found family aspect further warms the heart, creating a sense of belonging that complements the budding romance.

What truly sets "A Spirited Engagement" apart is its portrayal of a BIPOC heroine who confidently kicks ghostly butt while dressed in the finest attire of the Victorian era. Tessa's strength, resilience, and vivacity testify to the power of diverse representation in literature.

In summary, "A Spirited Engagement" is a delightful and heartwarming Victorian fantasy romance that skillfully blends elements of classic literature, paranormal mystery, and a charming interracial love story. It's a must-read for those who crave a cosy and enchanting tale filled with spirited adventure and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spirited Engagement is book two of The Hesitant Mediums series by Belinda Kroll. This can be read as a standalone story and there is more than enough context given if needed, however, this book does carry over some details from the first book to some extent.

I absolutely adore the concept of this book (and series). Drawing on VIctorian England's fascination for Spirits, Seances and Mediums, it has the feels of something worthy of Charles Dickens (or at least an episode of Doctor Who minus the time travelling alien). Add into this a mixed race, resilient leading lady - Miss Tessa Preston - who has experience enough racism to make her wary of many.

Tessa Preston is also a medium who has the ability to see and speak to ghosts, a gift that she gained after a tragic carriage accident brought her close to death and she lost her parents. Now she has her uncle, Sir Hubert Preston, who escorts her as she takes on jobs helping people with her medium skills. That job has brought her back to London for the first time in nearly a decade, to help an old friend and his fiancé. However, things get complicated when another man from her past, who incidentally broke her heart, turns up also needing help.

Jasper Steele's biggest problem was once his mother's continual nagging for him to find a wife. But at one of those attempts to match him, he attended a seance and now has the ghost of a Society Belle attached to him and adamant that he is now her fiancé. Finding Tessa again, Jasper wants to make things right and make it clear that his intentions for her are completely honourable. Yet, in between all that there is a wild ride of ghosts, shadows, ghouls and they pose a danger to both Jasper and Tessa.

I am looking forward to the next book, which appears to follow the story of the living twin sister to the young lady ghost that had attached herself onto Jasper. Incidentally, that lady's ghost, Eloise, made me laugh with her continual antics - but being an Eloise myself, I am always charmed to see my name come up in books since it so rarely happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Ascough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Tessa Preston returns to London to assist a family with their numerous ghost problems. Unfortunately, her employer is acquaintances with Jasper Steele, the reason she left London in the first place. But since her rejection from the Marelybone Spiritualist Association, Tessa can’t be too picky with her employment.

While instructing her employer’s future daughter-in-law, Mary, on how to wield her new paranormal gifts, Tessa learns that a ghost has attached herself to Jasper as well, and this ghost insists she is the haunted man’s bride-to-be.

Can Tessa manage all these ghosts? Even worse, can she manage her growing feelings for Jasper, who remains clueless to her distrust of him? And will she ever get the recognition she deserves?

This was a delightfully cozy, sweet romance. I loved all the characters. The humor would make Jane Austen proud and made me giggle. I totally understood why Tessa distrusted Jasper–this isn’t a misunderstanding that made me go “just talk about it for Pete’s sake!”. And we get Jasper’s side, too, who, despite his flaws, owns up to them and grows in a way that puts Darcy to shame. And Tessa? A woman who must present a strong, guarded exterior and finds people who support her and allow her to put down said guarded exterior? My heart!

I love that her strength was acknowledged, while at the same time space and safety provided her the chance to be vulnerable.

As the second book in the Hesitant Medium series, I was also happy to see Mary and Alexander return. Tessa and Mary’s friendship is heartwarming. And we get to witness the first couple’s relationship progress from where they left off in the first book, Haunting Miss Brentwood.

There is nothing left to say except I am so happy to have found Belinda Kroll’s books, and I look forward to the next in series. If you’re in need of a book with low stakes, Jane Austen-esque humor, lovable characters, a dash of sweet romance, and paranormal shenanigans, then you need to read A Spirited Engagement.

[Raj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa Preston is a young woman of mixed English/African heritage, just returning to Victorian London after an extended stay on the Continent with her uncle, following the death of her parents. She's looking to rebuild social relationships, and perform an act spectacular enough to gain her entry into the Marylebone Spiritualist Association. Because Miss Tessa Preston is also a medium. A powerful one. Now she's asked to help a young woman control her own nascent medium power, and to exorcise a ghost bride from a man who had slighted her before she left London. A man she's still deeply attracted to.

This is second volume in a series, a fact I didn't know when I started to read it (having acquired it as part of a cosy Storybundle), but it pretty much stands alone, although there were some passages that I think might have had more impact if I'd had the context available from having read the first book.

Tessa's mixed heritage was only referenced obliquely, and there was no overt racism in the book, which I'm always thankful for, although it's clear that it was part of the reason for her rejection from the MSA. It's implied that Jasper, the man whose ghost bride she has to exorcise, may also have used that as a means to slight her, but, it's revealed, with a very different purpose in mind.

Tessa learns to trust those around her and not try and do everything on her own, while healing from her own grief at losing her parents. And yet, it's never too heavy, with these themes being handled with a deft touch. I'm not sure I'll go back and read the previous book, but I may well read the next one in the series.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Medium’s Life is Never Easy . . .

After being away from London for the past 10 years, Miss Tessa Preston had expected to be welcomed back to Society recognized as a top-of-the-line medium, her future firmly established; instead she got a rude rejection letter from the Marylebone Spiritualist Association. So now she must accept whatever job she can find, such as being hired by Dame Hartwell to instruct her future daughter-in-law, Mary Trentwood, in learning how to control her new “gifts”. Unfortunately, Tessa will meet up again with Jasper Steele who had been Tessa’s reason for leaving London in the first place! And it looks like the ghost of Eloise Carterprice has now latched on to Jasper, claiming she is his future bride, causing him pain and exhaustion!

With Jasper now in Tessa’s presence again, he wants a second chance to get her back with him, while she is trying to ignore him or at least act as if she doesn’t care. But Eloise continually disrupts them, even to the point of tossing a teapot over Mary’s head as Mary’s shriek has Jasper and Tessa running into the room to see what happened! Eloise takes over Mary’s body and runs off to the library to cause more trouble, Tessa running after her and jumping into the chaos when “Mary” threw her arms around Jasper in front of a startled Hartwell and began passionately kissing him as the others tried to pull them apart. What is the ghost truly up to? And will Jasper continue having feelings for Tessa, despite her indifference? Or does she actually have some feelings for him as well?

[Stacy Brunner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of this story introduces you to the ghosts as though they’re a matter-of-fact, everyday occurrence. You’re off and running with the story before you have time to question whether you believe in ghosts, and if you did, is this how they would behave?

And our resident expert medium, Tessa is much the same in her character. She’s very professional and serious - all propriety. But she has a breadth of feelings toward her dead parents, her friends, and of course, Jasper. With Jasper, she’s just figuring out that she can have a range of emotions toward one person and still come to realize that he is her person.

So yes, this is cozy romance, but it’s not unbelievable, too-cute romance. It wouldn’t do to get too cute anyway, as there is serious butt-kicking that has to happen when it comes to ghosts. Tessa needs no cajoling into finding her tough side, she faces danger and challenges with bravery.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tess is a Medium, who can Sense spirits that have not left the mortal space yet. She has been hired to cleanse the house of Madame Hartwell, a lady who enjoys hosting seances. Tess is also supposed to train Mary, the fiancee of Mme. Hartwell's son. Hartwell , Tess's uncle Hubert, and Hartwell's employee Justin Steele, are also significant characters.
As often happens, everyone has history with each other, which is revealed chapter by chapter.
I enjoyed the presentation of each chapter. We, the readers, are gently guided through the introductions of the main characters and the problems that require solutions. The dialogue is witty, and there is plenty of action.
I also liked the interactions of the spirits and the mortals. Great fun!
I enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading about Tess's next adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars An enjoyable Victorian romance with ghosts, mediums, a strong, resilient BIPOC heroine with some major ghostly mojo and a charming, persistent but haunted suitor.
Tessa returns to London to help an old mentor out by training her future daughter in law and recently awakened medium (Mary from book 1) and is soon drawn into helping Jasper a former beau who is being haunted by the ghost of a very demanding and slightly scandalous young deb (she was killed in a carriage accident while eloping with a rogue) who has decided he is her fiancée.
Tessa has very strong and not positive feeling for Jasper after their past while Jasper sees this as his opportunity for another chance with Tessa. There is also plenty of Alex & Mary from book 1 but the real scene stealer is ghostly wanna-be bride Eloise.

Disclosure: I received an ARC and all views expressed are my own.

[Krystal L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spirited Engagement 👻✨


Tessa is a medium who has been called to help train someone with their newfound Sense. She jumps at the opportunity not only because it will help this individual, but more importantly because if she's able to accomplish this, it would make a great reference for her entry into the Marylebone Spiritualist Association. 


Sounds like a piece of (wedding 😉) cake for this preeminent medium right? Wrong! Complications continue to arise the biggest in the form of someone from Tessa's past who needs help with their own haunting. 


Oh I looooved this book. 😍 Tessa was such a beautiful lead. I like it when authors are able to balance a characters strengths with their sensitivities. I had my doubts about the male lead because I wanted to slap him a few times in book one but he grew on me 🥹 and his sunny disposition perfectly balanced out Tessa's grumpy all work and no play attitude.


This was a cozy Victorian ghost tale with a black lead that I loved. (That dedication 🥺) Perfect especially if you're looking for a clean Romance with nods to Jane Austen 🥰

[TW · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Spirited Engagement" is an entertaining tale and book two of Belinda Kroll's Hesitant Mediums series. Just the right mix of ghosts, action and romance. Author Belinda Kroll channels the perfect combination of Jane Austin and Buffy. This book can be read as a stand alone book.

Right from the start the reader is swept into Tessa's world, the ghosts are such an everyday thing, that one doesn't even question that they are part of the story. Tessa, expert medium, returns to London to dispel ghosts and to prove herself. While in London Jasper re-enters Tessa's life. He is in need of her services but will she be able to forgive him for how he treated her in the past?

Enjoyable and engaging, you won't want to put it down once you pick it up!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa, a strong medium tries to regain entry to Regency England society and the Spiritualist Association after having left London due to the scorn and racist comments of Jasper Steel and his friends. She’s come back at the behest of Dame Hartwell to help Mary, Hartwell's soon to be daughter in law, manage her ability to hear ghosts. But Jasper works with her son and has the run of the house. Not only that, but he’s being haunted by a woman who insists he her fiancée. But the problem is more difficult than just banishing a few ghosts.

A Spirited Engagement is a funny and sweet historical fantasy romance. I enjoyed the historical setting, the romance and the interesting ghostly doings. Having a mixed race main character in a Regency setting lent additional interest to the plot.

[Joana Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book rather sweet and charming. It is such a cute storyline. The banter between characters is not too much and smooth.

This isn’t really a spicy book but honestly fits right in with the Victorian era. Belinda has way with words, I got drawn into the world she created and imagined all the details so clearly.

I hadn’t read the first book when I got this one but I am hooked and will have to now read the first book. I’ll also be getting a physical copy of this book since I loved it so much and thus far only gave the kindle version. And I cannot wait for future releases.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had everything that I enjoyed from the first book and I think it improved on the concept and the characters. It was a strong sequel to the hesitant medium's series. And I loved the historical fell to it. And I thought the Victorian elements were perfect. The characters felt like they belonged in the time period and I loved the romance element to this book. Belinda Kroll has a great writing style. And it left me wanting to read more in the series and from her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gaslamp fantasy romance novel. It is the second book in the Hesitant Mediums series.

I thought it was a lovely, lighthearted read. The characters struck me as a little eccentric but endearing, and I liked how the author presented them. The ghostly theme was a lot of fun, and I did find the story entertaining, and a little bit humorous. I would probably read another book featuring these characters.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series. Though I did enjoy it, I did feel I was missing out on something by not having read the first one. That just means I have one to go back and read!

This has a unique plot with intrigue, romance as well as supernatural. The characters are interesting as is the plot.

It did take me a bit to get into it but once Jasper appears I enjoyed the bit of comedy with his problem.

A fun and quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun romp that was into a mad Victorian ghost filled world.
Tessa is our emotionally damaged, sassy, pithy, determined, independent and wildly talented medium. She battles malignant forces, misconceptions from her past and her own stubborn nature and fears for her future respect and in the end finds her own happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin Hinck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cute little cozy ghost book! Tessa was a force to be reckoned with as a powerful medium and strong woman. I loved reading as Jasper tried to woo her and make up for his past mistake.

The Victorian world was well built, I felt immersed and beside the characters as they battled ghosts!

Charming characters, fun story, and a delight to read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah Bennett]

I was excited for this novel, because I previously really enjoyed the prequel novella to this story by this author. I liked the world and the characters. Unfortunately, the novel wasn't for me. It may have been my mood at the time of reading, but the prose seemed a bit different than the novella. I still like the characters and the world, but this novel wasn't for me!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an enjoyable, charming read. It was a bit different from what I normally read, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. The restoring of the relationship between Jasper and Tessa was fun to follow, as well as the more paranormal aspects of the story.
I thought Tessa was fantastic - not only a woman of color, but a powerful medium and not someone to be trifled with, even in everyday life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Tessa a lot. She really grew throughout the story, from feeling like she had to do everything alone to having a found family. I like Jane Austen feeling books. I have not read book 1, but there was enough information that I was not confused. I also thought Eloise was a funny addition.
It was a cute, cozy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2, it might help to read the previous book to gain insight into the characters featured. Tessa is a medium and she is training Mary to control their Senses while Tessa manages restless spirits. On this occasion, spirit Eloise attaches herself to Jasper and Tessa has a job of returning Jasper to his normal self. This is a romantic story.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like not-so-scary ghost stories! This had a great taste of an older time when people were courted and made debates in society with the supernatural of ghosts and romance. Secrets are uncovered as Tessa comes to help out another medium who just started seeing and hearing ghosts, but because she is ignoring them, she is attracting them to herself. A

Do not have to read book one to understand book 2 but I will be picking up book 1 when I can.

[Wednesday Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

No notes.
Tessa and Mary are two completely different heroines and you can’t help but love them both for who they are. Kroll is a master of humor melded with swoony, tension and romance.
You can’t help but be mildly annoyed with Archie (Mr. Steele) in the beginning, for his character in the first book and his young mistakes….however he wins you, he charms you, not in spite of his flaws but because of them.
Spectacular. Belinda Kroll, would you Marry me?

[D. Rambo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah! I loved this sweet romance gaslamp fantasy. It was a fun quick read with a great heroine in Tessa and an adorable enthusiastic sweetheart in Jasper. I can't wait to read the next. I really enjoyed the world building and all the way all the ghosts were so different. Everyone was unique and a joy to read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Hesitant Mediums, Tessa Preston and Jasper Steele will get a second chance in this story if they can figure what the most insistent ghost bride wants. Tessa also has things from her past that she has to overcome in this absorbing mystery story. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jane Austen's works and the twist of ghost in this Pride and Prejudice retelling was awesome! A fun story, great romance, and cool paranormal elements.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute easy read. Very gentle romance plus ghosts - up my alley!