The Architect

Epitaph #4

by Karla Brandenburg

A high-profile contract in the famed New Orleans Garden District can bring architect Kathleen McCormick’s dream of owning her own home that much closer, but she’ll have to stifle her fiery temper while she’s on location. The senior project manager is a notorious workaholic and the last associate to work with him got fired amid controversy. Still, Kathleen can’t resist the urge to push his buttons.

Sebastian Brooks’ father likes to remind him that he founded his own firm by the time he was thirty. As Sebastian nears that same milestone, he's checking off the boxes for promotion at a more prestigious architectural firm, including contemplating an engagement with an acceptable socialite. The pursuit feels hollow, especially when his boss lobs an attractive, unpredictable new associate into his path to derail his promotion, a woman who reminds him of all the compromises he’s made in the interest of living up to expectations.

A mischievous ghost in a NOLA hotel decides to play matchmaker, but with a strict non-fraternization policy at work, getting involved could get both Kathleen and Sebastian fired. Caught up in the city’s steamy atmosphere, their unexpected connection throws all their plans into a tailspin.

Paperback

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

Karla Brandenburg is an award-winning author of contemporary romance novels which include paranormal elements. Now that her children have settled into lives of their own, she loves to go out into the world on adventures with her husband, from Milwaukee to the French Riviera, but the Chicago suburbs have always been “home.” She is an avid reader across multiple genres and is a card-carrying cookie-holic (we all have our vices). Sign up for her newsletter

Reviews

[Jennifer L LeClair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Epitaph series

The Architect takes us on a wonderful journey through old New Orleans with a feisty ghost named Victor playing matchmaker to an unlikely pair of architects, Sebastian and Kathleen, who have arrived in the city to restore a house in the Garden District to its former glory. For anyone who has read the previous books in this series, you'll encounter old friends as they show up to help Kathleen deal with the ghostly aspect of this story. Kathleen and Sebastian's story is a fun romp through the streets of New Orleans, to the boardrooms of Chicago and the ethereal world beyond. Their story will entertain you and leave you with a warm feeling in your heart.

[Bobbi Del Prato Nevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Kathleen’s spunk and enthusiasm for her job as a Junior Associate! However, her Boss Sabastian Brooks is not a big fan. So, of course, sparks fly while they are working on their New Project in New Orleans for a Hollywood star. The connection they both learn to like about each other, is their passion for Architecture which then develops into a heated physical chemistry, like no other. Also, there are many other colorful characters in this story that intertwine with their project, that I don’t want to give away. The Author writes this so well, I couldn’t do it justice, summarizing it. This is really a book worth reading. I was on the edge of my seat again, until the very end! Outstanding!!

[Gladys Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Architect. This book was great! I knew it was going to be good. It kept me guessing how the author was going to use the ghost aspect of the book. The ghost, Victor, was sweet and humorous. He made you feel for him and you wanted Kathleen to help him move on. I wish there had been more written about the ghosts like the previous books. I enjoyed the way Sebastian found out he couldn't live without Kathleen. Getting rid of Renee was done with great skill . She was such a snake. This story was very enjoyable. I hope the next book let's us know what happens to Sebastian and Kathleen when/if they get married and whether they build the house, and gets new jobs. We were left hanging about that. Also does Sebastian's relationship with his father get any better. Great read! *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

[Tina Whittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good ghost story. I also love romance, especially one that features the erotic charms of unbuttoning a buttoned-up man. The Architect delivers both in sweet and seductive measure. Yes, Sebastian is a jerk – he’s also vulnerable and considerate and pent-up to the point of desperation. Kathleen is the hot-tempered antidote to his colorless world. Bonus points for the rich New Orleans setting and the fascinating architectural design tidbits.

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 STARS! Never read anything like this, but I loved it. This is a ton of fun. I really liked all the characters, the New Orleans setting, the ghosts, & the boss/employee romance is one of my fave tropes. The audiobook was great & I highly recommend it. Also, this is apart of a series but can be read as a standalone. You will definitely be taken on a wild Louisiana ride with this one.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Karla Brandenburg's Epitaph series brings “The Architect”, a fun read that brings together two very hardheaded characters.

Read full review in the 2018 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.