The Haunting of Aspendale Manor

by Kenna Bellrae

A MANOR SHROUDED IN SECRETS.

LIES BURIED IN FORGOTTEN FILES.

LOVE FORGED AMIDST THE SUPERNATURAL.

This was an opportunity of a lifetime. A position I wanted from the moment I chose my major. As a new graduate, I’m residing at the Aspendale Manor for an internship that would open so many doors. The only problem, something is seriously wrong with this estate. People are disappearing. Screams fill the air at night. And I’m...I’m at the mercy of a gracious intern. Blair Grimm is a top graduate looking for new avenues in her career path. She’s logical, practical, and science debunks ghostly tales. Or so she believes...

222 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I really enjoyed this book. It was such a good spooky read!! Spooky season is never over for me😜😈 Psychiatric asylums, ghosts, murders, some spice, and a crazy person lol I mean what more could you want?! I loved the chemistry that the FMC and MMC had from the beginning and how their feelings and affections for each other grew as crazy things started happening. The secrets run deep in this one, and it’s pretty crazy once you start piecing things together!! I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a quick spooky and spicy read!!!

[momaddictedtobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this in one sitting! It was the perfect combination of romance and thriller with some twists and turns.

[Toni Amey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of mystery, twist, turns and spice. The haunting/paranormal aspect of this story and trying to figure out what happened was super interesting and kept me hooked in this story with no problems. I really enjoyed reading this and definitely wish there was more. I would love for this story to have keep going and to learn more about the Drs past and the details of what happened exactly. Overall this was a good read and I definitely recommend reading it!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure this is my favorite book by Kenna so far. This was hauntingly beautiful and I loved the mix of paranormal and murd3r mystery. This Gothic Paranormal Romance was written so well that I felt like I was watching a movie play out. I need Kenna to write more gothic romance asap!

[kym.etherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. just wow.

this story. i stumbled upon it on my kindle reccomended and ive read kenna's books before & im so in love with her writing.. literally this story is beautiful!

my first paranormal story & so many times i thought id cracked it and kenna proved me wrong. BUT that being said,when i did finally piece all the puzzle pieces. I KNEW IT WAS THEM. it had me shook so many times! from the ghosts and ghouls too the very real events that happened in aspendale manor it's all so eerie.. i like paranormal now because of how eerie it feels. it's so so eerie and kenna fulfilled that ten fold in this one.

i started reading this last night & im shook with how badly i slept LOL. no word of a lie i dreamed the plot of the story. it was so surreal. but that's how i know it's a good story,when i dream about it😂
hey maybe im possessed by the demon? wouldn't that be cool?

the ghosts got me good,im a visual reader so as i read it i visualised it and it scared the shit out of me🙂‍↔️

the style kenna writes in is my favourite,this doesn't even fit a fast paced or slower paced story. the pacing is perfect,it fits with everything.

anyways,shall we do some ratings?🥹

characters? 5⭐️ i absoultely LOVED blair and heath! so many times heath had me questioning if he was a good or bad guy,im not spoiling it so you'll have to read and find out for yourself🤓 but blair,i love a strong fmc and blair for me just gives strong business women vibes you know? she also sounds BEAUTIFUL which is always a plus! heath is such an unexpected loveable character for me,such a gentleman,deeply deeply caring but has a dark side and it's actually nice to read about a non morally grey man sometimes,he always ask for permission and consent,he always checks in & well he is also yearning for blair. what's not too love? they're perfect! i even loved dr aspendale (iykyk) he was my favourite little addition.

plot? 5⭐️ the plot is perfect,such a plot heavy novella and the plot is the forefront,with a darker ghostly plot as the main and a mystery sub plot,i loved it,it feels suspenseful but yet still has the GASP moments,i could not put it down! it flowed so perfectly from start to finish,categorically my favourite paranormal read i think ever🤭

spice? 🌶️🌶️🌶️ she is not overall spicy which i actually really love,but the spice is beautifully written,i love the bdsm ish element of it,but the forefront being consent and permission really did it for me,perfect! the constant forefront of kissing is my favourite though,this doesn't get shown enough imo and i loved that it was so perfect placed and how they truly FELL for each other,they were meant to be!

overall? 5⭐️ an easy 5 stars overall for me,i have no complaints at all,none! it is such a beautiful yet eerier story,it is spooky,it is suspenseful,it is paced perfectly & it placed out exactly the way i wanted it too. the ending was exactly what i wanted and now i need to know if we have more books in this storyline! its perfect in every single way! literally everything i look for in a book & kenna is becoming one of my auto buy authors! love her work!🫶🏼

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

** I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review and all opinions are my own. **

This was a really enjoyable, captivating read. The chemistry between Blair and Heath was exquisite, as was the spice (very deliciously dark, A+. Do read trigger warnings!) I did find myself wanting more from the story as far as character background and the story of the asylum, but if the goal was to keep this a short novel then it does a fine enough job. I did get a little creeped out at the idea that a certain ghost was watching…everything Heath and Blair did.

Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you to Kenna Bellrae for the ARC of a fantastic story 🩶

[Rebekah Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this dark, spooky novella! It had a good mystery and great spice! To me, Heath was Damon Salvatore in Gojos body 🤣 unsure if that was Kennas' vision, but that's what was going on in my head 🤣
Is short, if you like murder mysteries 👀, spice 😏, a gojo looking man who falls first 🥵, a smart woman who knows what she wants 🥵, and more! This is definitely the novella for you!
Thank you, Kenna, for sending me this ARC! I loved it!! 🫶

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunted asylum, m^rderous intentions and secrets to unravel! Another fab read from Kenna Bellrae!! She is definitely one of my autoread authors & this book did not disappoint. A little different from her previous reads but I thoroughly enjoyed how the paranormal element was woven throughout the story. The tension & darker vibes set the scene beautifully not to mention, the chemistry between Blair & Heath that builds so well until they eventually give into each other! I think Kenna may have a talent for ghost stories after reading this!

Definitely recommend this if you’re in the mood for a darker read with ghosts and sinister goings on!!

[Yara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Kenna’s writing. She always delivers on good romance but besides that she writes stories that get you invested in them. You want to keep reading. It was the same with this book.

I liked the romance. Also liked the fact that you kinda keep guessing if she can trust him. Although their love is sweet and he is always making sure she’s feeling save, the spicy scenes are not vanilla. He’s got a kink and likes it rough.

The story about the haunting makes it a perfect Halloween read. Keeps you guessing until the end whats part of the haunting and whats not. (ARC)

[Courtney Lavallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thank you to Kenna and her team for allowing me the privilege of an E-ARC! This books publication date is November 15th 2024. Be sure to check it out!

I read this book all within 12 hours of receiving it and 2 seperare sittings. Would've been one sitting but mom's gotta mom still.

I went into this book 100% blind, but I knew I loved Kenna's writing as I have read everything she has published thus far. I absolutely love her storytelling and this was no different.

This is a thriller/romance that had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. There were some twists and turns I expected but there were definitely some that blew me out of the water. The thriller aspects were on point in my opinion, they weren't far fetched there was no suspending your disbelief. The story was smooth and kept me engaged the whole way through, if I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it and trying to solve it.

The romance in here was fast burn but absolutely adorable. These two characters are definitely soul mates and nothing will convince me otherwise. They complimented each other perfectly both in work and romance. The spicy scenes were perfect length, they weren't over the top in length or description they were done tastefully and definitely top 5 I've read!

Overall I give this book a 4.75. I absolutely adored the characters and was hooked on the story. I just wish it had been longer! These are characters I hope we get to see more from.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Are you flirting with me?"
"In your nightmares."

I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this book to review!
The Haunting of Aspendale Manor is a short little taste of murder mystery and suspenseful romance, all wrapped up into just over 100 pages!
This is my second read from this author and it was a fun and quick read. Without spoiling too much, I went into this book thinking it would be a ghost story, but was surprised by some very real dangers surrounding the main characters, Blair and Heath, as they begin a relationship while juggling being kind of coworkers. One aspect that I really enjoyed was the banter between Blair and Heath. Blair starts off quite dry and indifferent to Heath, but they quickly grow a rapport with quick witted responses and clever flirting.

Overall, I enjoyed this short murder mystery, and applaud the author for her spicy scenes. I did find some of the pacing of the main characters relationship to be rushed, but given the length of this book, and how much action was packed into it, I can understand the challenge in spreading out all the key moments.

Big thanks to the author and her team for granting me early access to this story, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[RaeAnne Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about Kennas books I just absolutely LOVE!!! Every single one has been so good, and this one is just the cherry on top at this point!

This is a thriller romance that has a good amount of each in it. We did get plot twists that I was NOT expecting and didn't see coming. The romance is very fast, and he falls first. The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was sweet, but also, chefs kiss wonderful!

We did get spicy scenes, which were perfect. This was perfect for a novella, but if Kenna wanted it to be longer, I would not complain about that! TWs should be checked before reading also!!!

We follow Blair, who applied for an internship at Aspendale Manor. Heath is our MMC who falls for Blair the minute he lays eyes on her and makes it a point to always be with her. The manor has rumors that it's haunted, which Blair doesn't believe. Spooky things are happening, and people are starting to die off one by one. Blair and Heath make it their mission to uncover what exactly is going on.

I received this for free as an ARC, and this is my honest review. Thank you, Kenna, for this opportunity and another amazing book!!

[BFXBOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the last page. There were some twists and turns I expected but there were definitely some that blew my mind. The thriller aspects were really great. The story was smooth and kept me engaged the whole way through. I read this book in one sitting and I really recommend reading this book at night in the dark or with some candle lights on for the perfect setting, because I did and it was absolutely amazing.

Blair who applied for an internship at Aspendale Manor meets Heath who falls for Blair the minute he lays eyes on her and makes it a point to always be with her. The manor has rumors that it's haunted, which Blair doesn't believe. Spooky things are happening, and people are starting to die one by one. Blair and Heath make it their mission to uncover what exactly is going on.

I really enjoyed the relationship between the two they were a really perfect team together. The romance was fast and there were so really spicy scenes that I loved. The chemistry between the two was perfect, it was really great to see how he fell first.

[Darcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did receive this as an advanced copy, however life was crazy and I didn’t get a chance to read it until after the full book came out.

This book was very middle of the road for me, there were things about it I really liked and things that were kind of a miss for me. The spooky paranormal aspect was great. I’m always a sucker for a haunted asylum and a murder mystery. I love the witty banter between Blair and Heath, their relationship was a lot of fun.

That said the book felt kind of rushed and jumbled. I think this would have worked better as a full length story and not a novella where there had been more devoted to the actual mystery. I feel like there was a lot of “oh we found all these clues really quickly with very little effort” and I didn’t love that. The timeline felt a little too fast I think. There wasn’t enough time for me to really get into the mystery, it all sort of felt very out in the open.

Definitely a fun quick read and in true Kenna Bellrae fashion the spice was immaculate.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I only had a few things keeping this from being a 5 Star Book, and quite a few of those things were probably exclusively because of my reading an ARC copy (primarily some format issues in some POV Changes that had me confused a couple of times.

Other than that, I think the beginning was just a little bit slower than I would've liked for it to be. Usually, Kenna's books pick up speed pretty quick, and I love that they get to the point, so to speak, and this one took a little longer than her normal books.

I did love Heath and Blair, but honestly, most of the entertainment factor in this one for me was in the mystery side of the plot, rather than the romance. I absolutely loved when they started wandering the manor and trying to solve the murders that were going on.

10/10, would recommend though. It only took me about an hour and a half to read altogether, so it was very much worth the time based off my enjoyment.

[Christina (Bloodycrimsonreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

•ARC Review•
Release date: November 15th

The Haunting of Aspendale Manor is a spooky, gothic novella in which we follow Blair, a forensic psychiatrist, who’s been invited to conduct studies at the Aspendale Manor with other interns. She meets Heath and together, they’ll come to learn that the Manor and the studies are not what they appear to be as deaths quickly are happening inside the walls.

It was haunting, full of mystery and well written. The protagonists were both psychologically appealing and I enjoyed their chemistry. Blair and Heath were surprisingly open to try some *things*🔪Which was a nice touch to the spicy parts. The only setting is the Manor in itself and the book is also following only the two of them together, resulting in an inclusive type of novella that I recommend.

Thanks to Kenna Bellrae for the arc 🖤


🔪Dual pov
🔪Forensic psychologist
🔪Haunted Manor
🔪Mystery

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reads exactly like a spooky horror movie. You have twists and turns along with a mystery plot. I read it in one sitting. I liked that there's not continuous internal monologues or very descriptive passages. You were able to connect and get into the story as every line was plot driven, well besides the spice (4/5). It was very spicy for a novella. I could have read so much more of this and I'm sure there are more stories to tell in a place like that.

The sooner she accepts the supernatural, the better we'll be able to handle it.

Blair is invited to apply as an psychology intern for Aspendale Manor. Spooky things start happening right away, like a chill in the air, doors slamming, shadowy figures. People start disappearing. Can you trust what you are seeing? What are the screams happening in the night?

[xbabygirl_2223x · Rating 3 out of 5]

The haunting of Aspendale Manor was a good, quick ghostly read that I enjoyed. The storyline was fun and different, it being my first ghost paranormal book that I have read this year.

Blair and Heath’s relationship is fast paced, semi-spicy, but very enjoyable. I do think that this book was written very well, but it seemed very rushed and confusing at times. I feel like it would’ve been better if it would’ve been written at a slower pace, explaining more details about the characters and their backgrounds or made into a book more than just a Novella to not seemed so rushed.

I really enjoyed the plot of the book and also the location. It reminded me of those ghost adventure shows that you watch on TV and it was very fun to feel like I was in Blair and Heath’s shoes, going on their “ghost hunts” together with them in a hunted asylum.

[Bookworming Adventures of ANW · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Haunting of Aspendale Manor by Kenna Bellrae is an enjoyable novella perfect for the spooky season. At around 155 pages, it delivers an atmospheric haunted manor setting and subtle nods to Edgar Allan Poe that added a chilling, literary flair. The spice was so good and an enjoyable addition, balancing the eerie with a touch of romance. However, be sure to check the TWs first.

While the story had its strengths, for me it didn’t fully deliver on its potential. The twists, though intriguing, felt a bit predictable, and the shorter length left little room to truly immerse in the characters and the haunting atmosphere. A full-length novel might have allowed the story to breathe and reach greater heights.

That said, it’s a quick and fun read. If you're in the mood for a gothic setting with some heat sprinkled in, this is worth picking up!

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

“Ready to believe in ghosts yet?”
“This place is weird, right? It’s not me?”
“This is by far the most interesting haunting I’ve ever experienced.”


This book was amazing! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting.

Loved the haunted, spooky atmosphere and the paranormal elements. I think that the asylum was a great setting for the story. The storyline was mysterious and full of twists and turns. I loved trying to piece the clues together.

Even though the book was quite short, there was a lot happening. The pacing was fast, but never rushed, and there was time for character and relationship development.

The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was so good and I loved their allies to lovers relationship development.

I would love to learn more about the asylum and Dr Aspendale.

[sue_zees_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Haunting of Aspendale Manor “
By Kenna Bellrae
[4⭐️]
{3🌶️}

The perfect novella for spooky season! A spooky manor, ghosts, secrets and lies, mysterious unalivings. This book is a mix between dark romance and a thriller/ mystery that will have you guessing till the end!

I did struggle through the first half of this book … I was a little confused, and just couldn’t get into it. But I did enjoy the second half. And I wish there was more of a backstory about the Aspendale family. There was a little hint of it with the old letters the MFC found. But not enough in my opinion.

It was very much plot driven but also had the right amount of spice 🌶️with some insta-love/ lust and a MMC with some kinks…🥵

I did enjoyed it! Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this arc. 🖤

[Tali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this “who dunnit” ghostly murder mystery. The story is very atmospheric and dark, taking place in an old manor with an abandoned asylum attached to it. A group of students, including Heath and Blair, are chosen as interns to stay at the manor, and immediately something isn’t right. One by one, the interns are picked off and Blair and Heath need to solve the reason why before they are next. Some POV was a little confusing, but I have an advanced copy so maybe that has been corrected. I do wish we got to know Heath and Blair a little better, but it’s a short read so it’s understandable why it’s not in there. It felt like the book was hinting Heath was hiding something that never transpired. Great spooky season read.

[Rileigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way this book completely immersed me into the spooky mystery was insane. I couldn’t put it down!
Blair Grimm doesn’t believe in the supernatural when she first arrives at Aspendale Manor. That quickly changes as her fellow interns are brutally killed & the manor’s ghosts won’t leave her alone. Health Crowley is just as mysterious as the rest of them, but she can’t help being drawn to him. The moment he meets Blair, Health is consumed by her. I absolutely loved reading his POV with his internal thoughts revealing him as a total simp.
Together, the two of them are determined to uncover the secrets hidden within Aspendale Manor.
Add in a sprinkle of spicy scenes — because it wouldn’t be a Kenna Bellrae book without it — & you have the perfect spicy read for the spooky season.

[Naj_ana_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ The Haunting Of Aspendale Manor by Kenna Bellrae ✨

Kenna has a very special place in my reading journey. Her books was what started my advanced reading a few years ago so I will always read all of her book releases and I haven't found one that I haven't enjoyed yet. 

The Haunting of Aspendale Manor was very different from her previous work. This one had thrilling vibes and mystery murder with a dash of 🌶️ and I was all here for it. I'm now patiently waiting for her next release that looks like its gonna be hockey romance. AHHHHH!!! So excited! 

If you love
💫 Gothic Vibes
💫 Paranormal Romance
💫 Murder Mystery
💫 Ghosts

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stand Alone or Series: Standalone

💋naj_ana_reads💋
Mood Reader
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[Katherine M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one, good, spooky read. A mystery/thriller/romance. Blair gets an internship of a lifetime in hopes of becoming one of two assistants for a psychiatrist. The interns must go to Aspendale Manor and complete tasks in order to determine who will win the coveted spots. She meets Heath on day one and they decide to partner up. But things take a turn and get weird. Screams at night. People disappearing. Strange things happening. A supposedly haunted manor.

I really loved that we got a spicy romance along with a mystery/thriller going on. It’s hard to find books like that. This kept me on my toes and it’s a shorter read. I really enjoyed this.

[Balayageandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received a sneak peak of a few of chapters of this story I knew immediately I had to read this!

Kenna has this incredible talent of transporting you into this vivid world, it’s as if you’re there with the characters.

Her attention to detail is so amazing, it paints this perfect picture of the setting.

Then add in unique and intriguing characters that have this intense chemistry.

Sprinkle it with some twists and thrills…

Toss in some riddles and chills…

And you have this incredible story that will have you in a complete chokehold.

You’ll be fanning yourself from the spice but don’t worry the chill of the lingering spirits will cool you off 😉

[Nikki76ReadsX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asylums are my thing, so I had to get my hands on this and I am so happy to have had the chance to read it. Blair our FMC is only at the manor for one thing, her job. She meets Heath, our MMC who becomes instantly infatuated with her. From there this relationship blossoms in a few ways. Meanwhile we have the ghostly companionship who watches them, really watches them, and the twisty surprises grow from there. I liked this book's storyline very much, it could be a bit longer but then maybe there will be more to come. The characters were amazing and well played out. I do want to read more from Kenna Bellrae after reading this 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ book for sure!

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect spooky season mystery!! With a touch of romance you really hit all the best parts of a book! Suspense, spice, and a wonderful mystery that keeps you on the edge!

The characters are wonderful and I’d absolutely love to see more of them! The ending was just perfect and the plot flowed so very well and very smoothly! The storytelling is unique and keeps you hooked until the end!

Perfect for mystery lovers who are looking for a book with a little bit of romance, some murder, and some supernatural suspense!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Anatasia McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The CHOKEHOLD this book immediately took me in...
This book was short but it packs a punch. The creepy eerie vibes it gives is perfect for a spooky season read or if you're like me and just like spooky things year round.
My only complaint is I wish this had been longer. I absolutely adore Blair and heath and their relationship is BEYOND cute. And heath? Consent is sexy and his checking in on Blair and asking before he did anything was HOT. That alone made me weak in the knees.
This was my first book by this author but I promise I'm coming back for me.

[Tiffany(Nightshadowitch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pretty sure I was loosing my mind reading this lol
Internship that has to many twist and turns. Interns start dying partnership is formed. Searching for clues pasts collide. Did I mention ghosts ?!? A little 🌶️🌶️ and a lot of detective work. This has you becoming a detective on your own lol. So riveting I couldn’t put it down and no matter what I want to add I don’t want to spoil it !! Hands down a very good book. This will have a place on my trophy read shelf !!!