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The Haunted Hotel 2: The Legend of Lovers Hollow
Welcome back to the Ashton-Drake Manor House Hotel!
Ellis Sparks is beyond thrilled. Not only has he discovered that ghosts are real, but the hotel he’s lived in since he was a teenager is filled with them. Okay, so the first annual murder mystery event may have gone slightly awry, and the hotel is still under threat of foreclosure.
Oh, and the whole place is being investigated by the Bureau of Domestic Hauntings. Turns out there’s a lot of bureaucracy in the afterlife!
But life is good. Ellis is in love and now that he’s newly promoted to hotel manager, he’s even more determined to save his beloved home, starting with a brand-new event! A historical re-enactment of a local urban legend and a ghost-hunting Valentines weekend are sure to bring in more business and help save the hotel.
There’s just one problem.
The Legend of Lovers Hollow is real, and three potentially murderous ghosts are on a rampage through a hotel filled with amateur ghost hunters. Now, accompanied by their motley crew of quirky staff and ghostly sidekicks, Ellis and his superhot silver fox of a boyfriend must figure out how to put the furious spiritual triad back to sleep before all hell lets loose and the hotel guests get more than a frightfully good stay...
Ellis Sparks is beyond thrilled. Not only has he discovered that ghosts are real, but the hotel he’s lived in since he was a teenager is filled with them. Okay, so the first annual murder mystery event may have gone slightly awry, and the hotel is still under threat of foreclosure.
Oh, and the whole place is being investigated by the Bureau of Domestic Hauntings. Turns out there’s a lot of bureaucracy in the afterlife!
But life is good. Ellis is in love and now that he’s newly promoted to hotel manager, he’s even more determined to save his beloved home, starting with a brand-new event! A historical re-enactment of a local urban legend and a ghost-hunting Valentines weekend are sure to bring in more business and help save the hotel.
There’s just one problem.
The Legend of Lovers Hollow is real, and three potentially murderous ghosts are on a rampage through a hotel filled with amateur ghost hunters. Now, accompanied by their motley crew of quirky staff and ghostly sidekicks, Ellis and his superhot silver fox of a boyfriend must figure out how to put the furious spiritual triad back to sleep before all hell lets loose and the hotel guests get more than a frightfully good stay...
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2025
255 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Vawn Cassidy
28 books471 followersVawn Cassidy is the MM pen name of British author Wendy Saunders.
She writes supernatural & contemporary fantasy as Wendy Saunders. She also writes romantic suspense.
She writes supernatural & contemporary fantasy as Wendy Saunders. She also writes romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 17, 2025
Fun book/series!
So the anticipated action of the plot was anticlimactic but I should not have been surprised in this series. This is definitely a romantic comedy with hilarious ghosts rather than a scary haunting story. The plot line with Artie was also super sweet. 4.25 highly recommended stars!
So the anticipated action of the plot was anticlimactic but I should not have been surprised in this series. This is definitely a romantic comedy with hilarious ghosts rather than a scary haunting story. The plot line with Artie was also super sweet. 4.25 highly recommended stars!
July 3, 2025
4.5*
I've knocked off half a star for the e in whisky when referring to Scotch - which really shouldn't happen from a British author! 😁
Other than that, this was another fab romp in this extended universe from Vawn which saw a lot of familiar faces pop up and which leaves quite a few unanswered questions (not in plot terms but for secondary characters) and a definite need for more to come as soon as possible please.
The big danger from the awakened spirits was probably over a bit quickly and didn't live up completely to the potential outcomes that had been teased but, then again, I actually adored the HOW of its solution because of my love for the solution (teaser-y I know but I don't want to spoil it).
It's as funny as all the other books in the Crawshanks universe, Ellis and Morgan are as sweet and scorchingly hot as they were in the first book, and there's so much potential for more escapades at the hotel.
I've knocked off half a star for the e in whisky when referring to Scotch - which really shouldn't happen from a British author! 😁
Other than that, this was another fab romp in this extended universe from Vawn which saw a lot of familiar faces pop up and which leaves quite a few unanswered questions (not in plot terms but for secondary characters) and a definite need for more to come as soon as possible please.
The big danger from the awakened spirits was probably over a bit quickly and didn't live up completely to the potential outcomes that had been teased but, then again, I actually adored the HOW of its solution because of my love for the solution (teaser-y I know but I don't want to spoil it).
It's as funny as all the other books in the Crawshanks universe, Ellis and Morgan are as sweet and scorchingly hot as they were in the first book, and there's so much potential for more escapades at the hotel.
September 8, 2025
I am absolutely loving this world, and I’m so sad that there aren’t any more books in this series yet. I need more of Morgan and Ellis being sweet, and these wild ghosts being hilarious. And all the side characters developing their own relationships. I love it all!
May 30, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
The Haunted Hotel 2: Legend of Lovers Hollow is the second book in Vawn Cassidy’s Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres and Spirits series (which is a spinoff of the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed series). The two series are connected by some side characters and book 4 of the main series takes place in the Ashton-Drake, but these books should stand alone pretty well. That said, we do get some key appearances here by characters from the main series, so I think folks familiar with both with get the most out of this one. Things pick up here fairly soon after the end of the first book, with Morgan returning after some time away in America. The guys are still early in their relationship, but the connection is strong between them and it is clear that they are serious about one another. This is a fun, grumpy/sunshine pairing and I like how these guys each bring their own strengths to the relationship.
I think the strength of this series for me is really the bond between Morgan and Ellis, as well as some key characters who really round out the story, like Morgan’s brother Warren, and their grandfather.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
The Haunted Hotel 2: Legend of Lovers Hollow is the second book in Vawn Cassidy’s Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres and Spirits series (which is a spinoff of the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed series). The two series are connected by some side characters and book 4 of the main series takes place in the Ashton-Drake, but these books should stand alone pretty well. That said, we do get some key appearances here by characters from the main series, so I think folks familiar with both with get the most out of this one. Things pick up here fairly soon after the end of the first book, with Morgan returning after some time away in America. The guys are still early in their relationship, but the connection is strong between them and it is clear that they are serious about one another. This is a fun, grumpy/sunshine pairing and I like how these guys each bring their own strengths to the relationship.
I think the strength of this series for me is really the bond between Morgan and Ellis, as well as some key characters who really round out the story, like Morgan’s brother Warren, and their grandfather.
Read Jay's review in its entirety here.
May 20, 2025
The crew from the hotel find themselves once again in the midst of some not so nice entities. Morgan and the still full of sunshine Ellis have to not only wrangle the in house ghosts, a professional ghost hunting team plus the usual assortment of quirky guests, there’s also the problem of three possibly malevolent spirits looking for some payback. Morgan’s sceptic brother Warren shows up unexpectedly and there’s definitely some tension between and the very handsome ghost hunter Thad which leads to some interesting moments. Meanwhile Ellis and Morgan are still basking in their newfound love (unicorn slippers are involved) and doing their best to keep the place afloat.
This instalment introduces some wonderful new characters and I love the adorably clumsy Wally who John The Maid takes under his wing. I also loved the well timed unexpected cameo from a favourite Dead Serious character.
This book was an absolute blast to read. It made me laugh, gave me some feels and the ending left me wanting more.
This instalment introduces some wonderful new characters and I love the adorably clumsy Wally who John The Maid takes under his wing. I also loved the well timed unexpected cameo from a favourite Dead Serious character.
This book was an absolute blast to read. It made me laugh, gave me some feels and the ending left me wanting more.
May 21, 2025
We are back to the Ashton-Drake Manor Hotel with Ellis and his crew putting together a new fun filled ghost centered weekend. What could go wrong? With the 'helpful ghostly crew it will for sure be a weekend to remember for all parties. For the event, we have a new ghost hunting team, who, let's be honest, crossing fingers one day will have a spin-off series to prove to the world the Hotel is, in fact haunted. It's Ellis and Morgan's job to show the right kind of haunting to hopefully save the failing hotel. Morgan's brother pops in for a visit to see his investment, and together, they start to make the tough choices in what needs to be done in the future and is it possible to save the hotel. This is a wild ride from the beginning. I'm not sure how it is all going to play out, and yet it does get wrapped up marvelously in the end. With potential of more escapades from the staff and ghost of the Ashton-Drake Manor Hotel, will it be enough to save the beloved hotel or will it be time for all to move on, only future stories will be able to say and I for one am here for it.
May 20, 2025
The Haunted Hotel 2: The Legend of Lovers Hollow is the second book in the Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits series. This series is best read in order because it follows an established pair. We're back with Ellis and Morgan for more fun at the Ashton-Drake Manor House Hotel. I love this book more than I can say. Vawn Cassidy has such amazing talent and brings the characters to life. I loved all the new characters we meet in this book. I loved the plot and the humor in the story. I loved the cameo from our favorite Dead Serious character. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
did-not-finish
October 19, 2025DNF @ 7% - Not for me.
July 14, 2025
This was much better than the first book in this series, probably because it felt like there was more of a clear direction, compared to the first which felt very much like it was trying to find it's feet and avoiding comparisons to the stellar Crawshanks Guide series which this series was spun out of.
Here we get to see the characters' being more settled and being allowed to have their characteristics and personalities percolate in a slightly less frantic manner. The odd assembly of characters at the hotel, human or otherwise, do add nice individual touches and colours to the story. It was real nice to get to meet Warren, Morgan's baby brother as well as the paranormal investigators, and it was also a delight to have make an appearance
As for our main couple, it was nice to see them starting to settle in, though they mostly just hump their brains out any chance they get, but there are still those rare moments of reflections and chemistry they share.
All in all I definitely think this series has found it's stride and I enjoyed this entry immensely, and though the ending might seem convenient and expected to some, I still found it a pleasant surprise and I actually wanted the book not to end. I am looking forward to more stories in this series and in this wonderful universe that the author has built.
Here we get to see the characters' being more settled and being allowed to have their characteristics and personalities percolate in a slightly less frantic manner. The odd assembly of characters at the hotel, human or otherwise, do add nice individual touches and colours to the story. It was real nice to get to meet Warren, Morgan's baby brother as well as the paranormal investigators, and it was also a delight to have make an appearance
As for our main couple, it was nice to see them starting to settle in, though they mostly just hump their brains out any chance they get, but there are still those rare moments of reflections and chemistry they share.
All in all I definitely think this series has found it's stride and I enjoyed this entry immensely, and though the ending might seem convenient and expected to some, I still found it a pleasant surprise and I actually wanted the book not to end. I am looking forward to more stories in this series and in this wonderful universe that the author has built.
May 22, 2025
Fun, Ghosts and Spice!
After having read all the Dead Serious books and loved them it was an easy jump into this spin off series. Book one started well and I thoroughly enjoyed it and so couldn’t wait to dive into this one and it didn’t disappoint.
The Ashton Drake Hotel might be a bit tired and dilapidated but its staff and hilarious ghostly characters make this book so much fun to read. If the staff are weird and wonderful it’s nothing to the cast of ghosts who come from all different periods of time, range from all ages down to Skid the punk rocker with a green Mohican hair cut to little ten year old Artie and they are all as crazy as a box of frogs and are led by Bertie, a non nonsense lesbian who is a distant relation to Morgan and his grandpa Cedric who own the hotel.
In this book Morgan comes back from America to try and save the hotel from the bank putting it up for auction. Ellis, the manager of the hotel and Morgan pick up where they left off and so there are a lot of steamy scenes.
If you haven’t read the Dead Serious books what are you waiting for? They are hilarious and if you like paranormal stories, romance, trying to save the world and lots of drag queens then you will enjoy these. It is not necessary to have read them, or even book one of this series, but you will enjoy it even more knowing all the characters back stories.
It’s so full of fun and chaos with lol moments, like imagining about 10 ghosts all stuffed in a cupboard in the library having secret meetings on how to scare the “fleshies” without Stanley from the Ghostly Bureau, clutching his clipboard and trying to stop their fun, finding he’s actually in the cupboard with them and assigning randy Roger to distract him and distracting him for 24 hours 😉 Roger seducing him with his own rule book was a hoot.
I lol when Thaddeus, leader of a group of paranormal investigators, walked through the front doors and everyone, including the ghosts, were instantly in lust with him, and bringing Morgan’s younger brother Warren into the story also added a fun element.
This story was all woven around the 300 year old tragic tale of a love triangle at the house, ending in their murders on Valentine’s Day which gave Ellis a money making idea for a ghostly weekend to support the hotel, which just happened to turn out more ghostly than he had anticipated and more dangerous.
Bring on book 3
After having read all the Dead Serious books and loved them it was an easy jump into this spin off series. Book one started well and I thoroughly enjoyed it and so couldn’t wait to dive into this one and it didn’t disappoint.
The Ashton Drake Hotel might be a bit tired and dilapidated but its staff and hilarious ghostly characters make this book so much fun to read. If the staff are weird and wonderful it’s nothing to the cast of ghosts who come from all different periods of time, range from all ages down to Skid the punk rocker with a green Mohican hair cut to little ten year old Artie and they are all as crazy as a box of frogs and are led by Bertie, a non nonsense lesbian who is a distant relation to Morgan and his grandpa Cedric who own the hotel.
In this book Morgan comes back from America to try and save the hotel from the bank putting it up for auction. Ellis, the manager of the hotel and Morgan pick up where they left off and so there are a lot of steamy scenes.
If you haven’t read the Dead Serious books what are you waiting for? They are hilarious and if you like paranormal stories, romance, trying to save the world and lots of drag queens then you will enjoy these. It is not necessary to have read them, or even book one of this series, but you will enjoy it even more knowing all the characters back stories.
It’s so full of fun and chaos with lol moments, like imagining about 10 ghosts all stuffed in a cupboard in the library having secret meetings on how to scare the “fleshies” without Stanley from the Ghostly Bureau, clutching his clipboard and trying to stop their fun, finding he’s actually in the cupboard with them and assigning randy Roger to distract him and distracting him for 24 hours 😉 Roger seducing him with his own rule book was a hoot.
I lol when Thaddeus, leader of a group of paranormal investigators, walked through the front doors and everyone, including the ghosts, were instantly in lust with him, and bringing Morgan’s younger brother Warren into the story also added a fun element.
This story was all woven around the 300 year old tragic tale of a love triangle at the house, ending in their murders on Valentine’s Day which gave Ellis a money making idea for a ghostly weekend to support the hotel, which just happened to turn out more ghostly than he had anticipated and more dangerous.
Bring on book 3
June 1, 2025
Vawn Cassidy is back with The Haunted Hotel 2: The Legend of Lovers Hollow, another paranormal romance that is sexy, funny, and as un-put-downable as ever.
The Ashton-Drake’s first annual Murder Mystery weekend did not go as planned, but that’s not going to stop them from trying again with a Valentines Day event based on the Legend of Lovers Hollow. What could go wrong?
This book was so much fun!
Sparkly ball of sunshine hotel manager Ellis and his sexy silver fox boyfriend (and hotel heir) Morgan are as adorable and surprisingly sexy as ever. They may be relatively new as a couple but they feel right and solid. They’re the heart of this book.
Besides our resident super couple, the Ashton-Drake staff is a riot, especially barmaid of indeterminate age (but probably 100+) Dilys, and the odd couple pairing of imposing, silent John the Maid and adorably klutzy new waiter Wally.
Plus Morgan has to deal with his trouser-averse grandfather and younger brother Ren who is having an uncharacteristic reaction to visiting ghost hunter Deus Dalton, PhD.
And the resident ghosts! I love we get chapters with their POVs, and giggle every time they refer to their human counterparts as “fleshies”. Vawn has created a remarkable crew of resident spirits and their backstories. There’s a poignant subplot with lonely spirit Artie, a war evacuee who was once Morgan’s “imaginary friend”.
The seance that unleashes the trio of ghosts from Lovers Hollow leads to an unexpected revelation about the tragic love triangle.
“Ellis…Did you accidentally wake up three ghosts trapped in a vicious love triangle that ended in gruesome murder because two of them were psychotic killers?”
There’s a lot going on in this book and I loved every minute. The cast is large, and you get to know everyone. It’s so well written. I hope Vawn had as much fun writing this as it is to read. Trust me, you’re going to enjoy this one!
Plus cameos by some Dead Serious favorites.
You’re in for a frightfully good time! 👻
The Ashton-Drake’s first annual Murder Mystery weekend did not go as planned, but that’s not going to stop them from trying again with a Valentines Day event based on the Legend of Lovers Hollow. What could go wrong?
This book was so much fun!
Sparkly ball of sunshine hotel manager Ellis and his sexy silver fox boyfriend (and hotel heir) Morgan are as adorable and surprisingly sexy as ever. They may be relatively new as a couple but they feel right and solid. They’re the heart of this book.
Besides our resident super couple, the Ashton-Drake staff is a riot, especially barmaid of indeterminate age (but probably 100+) Dilys, and the odd couple pairing of imposing, silent John the Maid and adorably klutzy new waiter Wally.
Plus Morgan has to deal with his trouser-averse grandfather and younger brother Ren who is having an uncharacteristic reaction to visiting ghost hunter Deus Dalton, PhD.
And the resident ghosts! I love we get chapters with their POVs, and giggle every time they refer to their human counterparts as “fleshies”. Vawn has created a remarkable crew of resident spirits and their backstories. There’s a poignant subplot with lonely spirit Artie, a war evacuee who was once Morgan’s “imaginary friend”.
The seance that unleashes the trio of ghosts from Lovers Hollow leads to an unexpected revelation about the tragic love triangle.
“Ellis…Did you accidentally wake up three ghosts trapped in a vicious love triangle that ended in gruesome murder because two of them were psychotic killers?”
There’s a lot going on in this book and I loved every minute. The cast is large, and you get to know everyone. It’s so well written. I hope Vawn had as much fun writing this as it is to read. Trust me, you’re going to enjoy this one!
Plus cameos by some Dead Serious favorites.
You’re in for a frightfully good time! 👻
May 23, 2025
is a highly recommended and enjoyable paranormal romp! Poignant, hilarious and fully entertaining.
Rating: 4🌈
The Legend of Lovers Hollow is a funny, ghostly tale, a veritable mansion full of characters that are entertaining, intriguing, hilarious, occasionally heartbreaking, especially if they are a young sad ghost, and offer a number of interesting relationship dynamics.
Ellis Sparks is trying his best to expand the haunted hotel’s entertainment for its guests and that now includes a play about the tragic triad of lovers from the mansion’s history, The Legend of Lovers Hollow . Only it’s bringing with it unexpected peril along with challenges in the performances.
The new guests themselves are an intriguing rowdy bunch, from a group of well-known ghost hunters to a anime artist and several married couples and a throuple. The Haunted House has never seemed busier or under more stress.
Morgan especially is struggling with his own issues and the hotel’s finances. This , alongside the problems of a lonely little ghost, feel the most grounded and relatable emotionally. In a very strange and otherwise paranormal world setting, amongst ghosts having their own issues, Morgan and sad little Artie make their own circle of connection and bond that made this story for me.
But the grandfather and his sarongs? Hilarious. And we get several great surprises in the visitors here.
My only wish was for a more definitive ending. It seems to just stop without any real resolution to the issues here.
The Haunted Hotel 2: The Legend of Lovers Hollow is a highly recommended and enjoyable paranormal romp! Poignant, hilarious and fully entertaining.
Great series.
Cover design by Natasha Snow @NatashaSnowDesigns
Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits:
The Haunted Hotel (Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits Book 1)
The Haunted Hotel 2: The Legend of Lovers Hollow
Rating: 4🌈
The Legend of Lovers Hollow is a funny, ghostly tale, a veritable mansion full of characters that are entertaining, intriguing, hilarious, occasionally heartbreaking, especially if they are a young sad ghost, and offer a number of interesting relationship dynamics.
Ellis Sparks is trying his best to expand the haunted hotel’s entertainment for its guests and that now includes a play about the tragic triad of lovers from the mansion’s history, The Legend of Lovers Hollow . Only it’s bringing with it unexpected peril along with challenges in the performances.
The new guests themselves are an intriguing rowdy bunch, from a group of well-known ghost hunters to a anime artist and several married couples and a throuple. The Haunted House has never seemed busier or under more stress.
Morgan especially is struggling with his own issues and the hotel’s finances. This , alongside the problems of a lonely little ghost, feel the most grounded and relatable emotionally. In a very strange and otherwise paranormal world setting, amongst ghosts having their own issues, Morgan and sad little Artie make their own circle of connection and bond that made this story for me.
But the grandfather and his sarongs? Hilarious. And we get several great surprises in the visitors here.
My only wish was for a more definitive ending. It seems to just stop without any real resolution to the issues here.
The Haunted Hotel 2: The Legend of Lovers Hollow is a highly recommended and enjoyable paranormal romp! Poignant, hilarious and fully entertaining.
Great series.
Cover design by Natasha Snow @NatashaSnowDesigns
Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits:
The Haunted Hotel (Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits Book 1)
The Haunted Hotel 2: The Legend of Lovers Hollow
May 28, 2025
Series: Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits #2
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Ellis is determined to save his beloved Ashton-Drake Manor House. Him and the staff have come up with a Valentine themed weekend to bring in guests based on the Legend of the Lovers Hollow. A legend about a forced marriage, a furious lover, and murder that happened on Valentines Day.
This was an enjoyable adventure with Ellis, Morgan, and the motley crew of ghosts. The ghosts are still being investigated by the Bureau of Domestic Hauntings, but their guidelines have changed this time. They can haunt, but are not allowed to be seen by humans, which as you can imagine, doesn’t last. Like the first book, I enjoyed Bertie and the other ghosts' perspective and their hijinks.
Ellis and Morgan’s relationship doesn’t have a lot of progression in this one, but I still enjoyed what we got. There is a brief hint at both of them starting to really feel love for each other, but I assume that discussion will happen in a future book because they both were not ready to discuss it. These two are still really cute together and I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses.
The Legend of the Lovers Hollow was interesting at first because it involved the deaths of three people, but it ended up being a bit anticlimactic in the end for me. I was expecting a bit more tension when the ghosts finally arrived and for Ellis or the paranormal team to deal with them, but that didn't happen. The situation is resolved by Death, which I think cuts into some potential character development for Ellis and his house of ghosts.
Overall, I still enjoyed this one but wished the end had been a bit different. I do look forward to reading the next one and seeing how Ellis and Morgan save the manor and their home.
TW: murder discussed; dying parent briefly mentioned; child death discussed
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Ellis is determined to save his beloved Ashton-Drake Manor House. Him and the staff have come up with a Valentine themed weekend to bring in guests based on the Legend of the Lovers Hollow. A legend about a forced marriage, a furious lover, and murder that happened on Valentines Day.
This was an enjoyable adventure with Ellis, Morgan, and the motley crew of ghosts. The ghosts are still being investigated by the Bureau of Domestic Hauntings, but their guidelines have changed this time. They can haunt, but are not allowed to be seen by humans, which as you can imagine, doesn’t last. Like the first book, I enjoyed Bertie and the other ghosts' perspective and their hijinks.
Ellis and Morgan’s relationship doesn’t have a lot of progression in this one, but I still enjoyed what we got. There is a brief hint at both of them starting to really feel love for each other, but I assume that discussion will happen in a future book because they both were not ready to discuss it. These two are still really cute together and I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses.
The Legend of the Lovers Hollow was interesting at first because it involved the deaths of three people, but it ended up being a bit anticlimactic in the end for me. I was expecting a bit more tension when the ghosts finally arrived and for Ellis or the paranormal team to deal with them, but that didn't happen. The situation is resolved by Death, which I think cuts into some potential character development for Ellis and his house of ghosts.
Overall, I still enjoyed this one but wished the end had been a bit different. I do look forward to reading the next one and seeing how Ellis and Morgan save the manor and their home.
TW: murder discussed; dying parent briefly mentioned; child death discussed
May 27, 2025
This is the second Haunted Hotel book, and it’s another crazy and exciting adventure with Ellis and the Ashton-Drake ghosts. The crew is still on the journey to save the hotel, this time with a ghost hunting adventure (internet-famous ghost hunting team included). They are hosting an event featuring the Legend of Lovers Hollow, and mystery, danger, romance, and hilarity result from their adventures.
Now that we’re in the second book, the entire group at the Ashton-Drake hotel are really starting to feel familiar and like family. It makes the books more interesting and more enjoyable because we’re reading about people we really know now.
I really loved the sweet development of Ellis and Morgan’s relationship, the continued antics of the elder Mr. Ashton, and all of the side characters—even Stanley, the ghost from the Bureau, had a great role in this book. I actually found myself liking him in this book! Morgan’s brother (Warren) and Thad (the ghost hunter) had an enemies to lovers kind of chemistry (so amusing), and I hope we get to see more of them together. The book also had touching moments that made my heart warm.
The events occur alongside the Madame Vivienne book of the Dead Serious series. This book makes several references to events that occurred during that series, so I suggest reading it first to get a complete idea of what happened (although you won’t be completely lost if you don’t). I love that Sam had a moderate role in this book, and that other Dead Serious characters either appeared or were mentioned.
Overall, I loved this second installment, and I can’t wait to read more.
Now that we’re in the second book, the entire group at the Ashton-Drake hotel are really starting to feel familiar and like family. It makes the books more interesting and more enjoyable because we’re reading about people we really know now.
I really loved the sweet development of Ellis and Morgan’s relationship, the continued antics of the elder Mr. Ashton, and all of the side characters—even Stanley, the ghost from the Bureau, had a great role in this book. I actually found myself liking him in this book! Morgan’s brother (Warren) and Thad (the ghost hunter) had an enemies to lovers kind of chemistry (so amusing), and I hope we get to see more of them together. The book also had touching moments that made my heart warm.
The events occur alongside the Madame Vivienne book of the Dead Serious series. This book makes several references to events that occurred during that series, so I suggest reading it first to get a complete idea of what happened (although you won’t be completely lost if you don’t). I love that Sam had a moderate role in this book, and that other Dead Serious characters either appeared or were mentioned.
Overall, I loved this second installment, and I can’t wait to read more.
August 3, 2025
It is truly never a dull moment at the Ashton-Drake Manor House Hotel.
In an effort to bring in more revenue for the hotel, Ellis plans a ghost hunting weekend, in honour of a local legend associated with the area. Naturally, this is the weekend where everything rather goes completely haywire.
The hotel is in trouble, the resident ghosts are causing trouble, and there may be something lurking that is a smidge darker than anyone anticipated. And through it all, Morgan and Ellis are determined to work together to make the entire weekend a smashing success.
I love the easy relationship between Morgan and Ellis. I love how well they work together with seemingly little effort. But I love that they communicate about just that - about how right their relationship feels when they're together.
Honestly, I love every quirky, eccentric, and ghostly character that's associated with the Ashton-Drake. The dynamic of this group is a lovely mix of wholesome, hilarious, and endearing. I love how they all work together - both living and dead - to try to keep the hotel afloat.
I've loved this whole universe since the very first book which featured Tristan, Danny, and Dusty. Seeing some of the characters from the (what I'll call) flagship series brings me a lot of joy. I love seeing how these series connect together.
While this story wrapped up in a lovely manner, there's still more to come with this hotel. And I have a feeling, more than anything, there's more drama coming up on the horizon.
In an effort to bring in more revenue for the hotel, Ellis plans a ghost hunting weekend, in honour of a local legend associated with the area. Naturally, this is the weekend where everything rather goes completely haywire.
The hotel is in trouble, the resident ghosts are causing trouble, and there may be something lurking that is a smidge darker than anyone anticipated. And through it all, Morgan and Ellis are determined to work together to make the entire weekend a smashing success.
I love the easy relationship between Morgan and Ellis. I love how well they work together with seemingly little effort. But I love that they communicate about just that - about how right their relationship feels when they're together.
Honestly, I love every quirky, eccentric, and ghostly character that's associated with the Ashton-Drake. The dynamic of this group is a lovely mix of wholesome, hilarious, and endearing. I love how they all work together - both living and dead - to try to keep the hotel afloat.
I've loved this whole universe since the very first book which featured Tristan, Danny, and Dusty. Seeing some of the characters from the (what I'll call) flagship series brings me a lot of joy. I love seeing how these series connect together.
While this story wrapped up in a lovely manner, there's still more to come with this hotel. And I have a feeling, more than anything, there's more drama coming up on the horizon.
February 10, 2026
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I’m new Vawn Cassidy’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits Series, which is a spin-off to the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed Series. I liked getting to immerse myself in this magical world that Vawn has created. Ellis and Morgan’s relationship has progressed since the first book, both physically and emotionally. The ghosts are up their same antics, just a bit scaled back than usual due to being on probation by the Bureau of Domestic Hauntings, after they ended up being investigated due to showing theirselves to the humans during the hotel’s first annual murder mystery event.
My heart hurt for poor Artie and it was so sweet what Morgan did for him, it just goes to show what a true softie he is under his scowl even if he won’t admit it. Morgan’s brother Warren shows up and fits right in with everyone but he’s a complete skeptic re ghosts and I can’t wait for the truth to come out. Warren isn’t fooling anyone about his hate on for Thad aka Deuce Dalton, The Ghost Hunter and I can’t wait to see what happens between them during the next book. I really enjoyed getting to see Sam & Death from the Dead Serious Series. I’m really looking forward reading more from this series as it continues, as well as more books from Vawn Cassidy in the future. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.
I’m new Vawn Cassidy’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits Series, which is a spin-off to the Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed Series. I liked getting to immerse myself in this magical world that Vawn has created. Ellis and Morgan’s relationship has progressed since the first book, both physically and emotionally. The ghosts are up their same antics, just a bit scaled back than usual due to being on probation by the Bureau of Domestic Hauntings, after they ended up being investigated due to showing theirselves to the humans during the hotel’s first annual murder mystery event.
My heart hurt for poor Artie and it was so sweet what Morgan did for him, it just goes to show what a true softie he is under his scowl even if he won’t admit it. Morgan’s brother Warren shows up and fits right in with everyone but he’s a complete skeptic re ghosts and I can’t wait for the truth to come out. Warren isn’t fooling anyone about his hate on for Thad aka Deuce Dalton, The Ghost Hunter and I can’t wait to see what happens between them during the next book. I really enjoyed getting to see Sam & Death from the Dead Serious Series. I’m really looking forward reading more from this series as it continues, as well as more books from Vawn Cassidy in the future. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.
May 20, 2025
- series
- paranormal
- interfering ghosts
The first Haunted Hotel book holds a very special place in my heart, as such I was desperately waiting for book two, and it didn't disappoint at all. We're back at the Ashton Drake with its' cast of live and dead characters (trust me, that makes sense ;) ). It is best to have read at least the first book to enjoy this properly as it picks up shortly after the end of that story.
This story is chaos in the very best way, from Morgan's return and reunion with Ellis, to the epic entrance of Thaddeus, to the adventures of Wally and John, ghostly meetings in small cupboards, Roger wooing with rulebooks, a tale of a doomed romance with a twist, and cameos from Sam, this has absolutely everything and I'm here for every single glorious second of the chaos. This is the Ashton Drake Manor House Hotel, it's mad, chaotic and yet full of heart and a safe place to land, even if you're dead. Especially if you're dead, I think. It's full of heart, humour, romance and plenty of heat too and I'm here for it all. I loved it and can't wait for it all. I have zero doubt that Morgan, Warren, Ellis and the extended Ashton-Drake family will save the hotel and find love along the way, and I'm here for ALL OF THAT.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
- paranormal
- interfering ghosts
The first Haunted Hotel book holds a very special place in my heart, as such I was desperately waiting for book two, and it didn't disappoint at all. We're back at the Ashton Drake with its' cast of live and dead characters (trust me, that makes sense ;) ). It is best to have read at least the first book to enjoy this properly as it picks up shortly after the end of that story.
This story is chaos in the very best way, from Morgan's return and reunion with Ellis, to the epic entrance of Thaddeus, to the adventures of Wally and John, ghostly meetings in small cupboards, Roger wooing with rulebooks, a tale of a doomed romance with a twist, and cameos from Sam, this has absolutely everything and I'm here for every single glorious second of the chaos. This is the Ashton Drake Manor House Hotel, it's mad, chaotic and yet full of heart and a safe place to land, even if you're dead. Especially if you're dead, I think. It's full of heart, humour, romance and plenty of heat too and I'm here for it all. I loved it and can't wait for it all. I have zero doubt that Morgan, Warren, Ellis and the extended Ashton-Drake family will save the hotel and find love along the way, and I'm here for ALL OF THAT.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 24, 2025
4.5* rounded up
This is the second book in the Haunted Hotel series and they need to be read in order or you have no idea what is going on.
The story starts shortly after the first book ends. In another attempt to rescue the hotel, Ellis is hosting a Valentine's Day Ghost hunt based on a lover's tragedy in the 17th century.
You have a group of misfits as guests, a ghost hunter crew who is filming for a Youtube channel, a new member of staff who causes more accidents than helps and Warren, Morgan's brother from the US who doesn't believe in ghosts.
Oh, and the ghosts who try their best to help while being investigated and in danger as well.
What can go wrong? Well, a lot. I really enjoyed this book, it's funny, cute, chaotic and spicy. Ellis and Morgan are deepening their relationship and try to come up with plans to rescue the hotel.
I love Morgan and Warren together, Warren fits into this mis-match group of residents so well, I do hope he will become a fixed character.
There are some cameos you really don't want to miss as well.
The end though was a bit too rushed for me and left open quite a lot of storyline and I really now want to know what will happen, hopefully book 3 will finish of the small cliffhangers.
This is the second book in the Haunted Hotel series and they need to be read in order or you have no idea what is going on.
The story starts shortly after the first book ends. In another attempt to rescue the hotel, Ellis is hosting a Valentine's Day Ghost hunt based on a lover's tragedy in the 17th century.
You have a group of misfits as guests, a ghost hunter crew who is filming for a Youtube channel, a new member of staff who causes more accidents than helps and Warren, Morgan's brother from the US who doesn't believe in ghosts.
Oh, and the ghosts who try their best to help while being investigated and in danger as well.
What can go wrong? Well, a lot. I really enjoyed this book, it's funny, cute, chaotic and spicy. Ellis and Morgan are deepening their relationship and try to come up with plans to rescue the hotel.
I love Morgan and Warren together, Warren fits into this mis-match group of residents so well, I do hope he will become a fixed character.
There are some cameos you really don't want to miss as well.
The end though was a bit too rushed for me and left open quite a lot of storyline and I really now want to know what will happen, hopefully book 3 will finish of the small cliffhangers.
May 28, 2025
This is the 2nd book in the series and best to read the first book.
Morgan and Ellis's relationship continues to develop and steam up my kindle. They both know they have something special and want more, but it's hard to concentrate and work on it with everything going on around them. Namely, saving the hotel, Morgan's worries and doubts, and dealing with the resident ghosts who love to "help", aka create drama and chaos, lol. But this time they might have bitten more than they could handle. Three malevolent ghosts were accidentally awakened which had everyone very worried, including the ghosts.
The love triangle story of the evil ghosts was interesting and added great suspense. And the resolution was definitely not what I expected but so in line with this group of characters, including the awesome cameos from Dead Serious (such a good series and highly recommend). It also gave me a great idea on how to save The Hotel..ahem...Morgan and Ellis please feel free to contact me 😉
The new characters definitely fit in with this ragtag group I have come to love even more with each book (don't know how that's possible). They were hilarious, cute/sexy, sweet, snarky, and loveable. I really do hope we get to see more of them and have those sparks fully ignite, cause that tension was 🔥🔥.
Morgan and Ellis's relationship continues to develop and steam up my kindle. They both know they have something special and want more, but it's hard to concentrate and work on it with everything going on around them. Namely, saving the hotel, Morgan's worries and doubts, and dealing with the resident ghosts who love to "help", aka create drama and chaos, lol. But this time they might have bitten more than they could handle. Three malevolent ghosts were accidentally awakened which had everyone very worried, including the ghosts.
The love triangle story of the evil ghosts was interesting and added great suspense. And the resolution was definitely not what I expected but so in line with this group of characters, including the awesome cameos from Dead Serious (such a good series and highly recommend). It also gave me a great idea on how to save The Hotel..ahem...Morgan and Ellis please feel free to contact me 😉
The new characters definitely fit in with this ragtag group I have come to love even more with each book (don't know how that's possible). They were hilarious, cute/sexy, sweet, snarky, and loveable. I really do hope we get to see more of them and have those sparks fully ignite, cause that tension was 🔥🔥.
May 23, 2025
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And we’re back! Morgan and Ellis are still trying to save the hotel, which isn’t easy when it’s in financial trouble and it’s home to a bunch of chaos-loving ghosts.
Ellis is hosting a ghostly murder mystery weekend event in honour of the Legend of Lovers Hollow as way to try and draw in some guests. The resident ghosts are excited, they love playing with the fleshies, even with ‘the man’ meddling with their fun.
And Morgan is back from his trip home to US. They are a cute couple, even if they are still new, but it’s hard to date with the stress of saving the hotel and ghostly menaces on the loose. Still, it’s clear to them all that they have something special.
Now that Morgan’s brother is in town, things are bound to get even more exciting. He’s a delightful man who’s both sweet, supportive, and mischievous. He’s a great addition to the rest of the residents at the Ashton-Drake.
And we’re back! Morgan and Ellis are still trying to save the hotel, which isn’t easy when it’s in financial trouble and it’s home to a bunch of chaos-loving ghosts.
Ellis is hosting a ghostly murder mystery weekend event in honour of the Legend of Lovers Hollow as way to try and draw in some guests. The resident ghosts are excited, they love playing with the fleshies, even with ‘the man’ meddling with their fun.
And Morgan is back from his trip home to US. They are a cute couple, even if they are still new, but it’s hard to date with the stress of saving the hotel and ghostly menaces on the loose. Still, it’s clear to them all that they have something special.
Now that Morgan’s brother is in town, things are bound to get even more exciting. He’s a delightful man who’s both sweet, supportive, and mischievous. He’s a great addition to the rest of the residents at the Ashton-Drake.
May 29, 2025
This was a really good follow up to the first Haunted Hotel! I love how Ellis and Morgan and it was so amazing seeing their relationship grow. This one was a lot of fun with many new characters introduced! I'm not sure if we'll see the ghost hunting team again, but I hope so. Especially since Morgan's brother, Warren, seems to have a love/hate thing going on with the main ghost hunter. The only draw back was that I felt the ending was a little anti-climactic. I definitely didn't mind the guest appearances, but it felt a bit abrupt after all the craziness. I would've liked one more chapter or epilogue just to ease out from the high tension situation. This series is a lot of fun and while it's in a similar vein as the Dead Serious series which it spun off from, it's a bit lighter.
I highly recommend reading this in order, otherwise I feel that you'd be a bit lost and wouldn't understand the awesomeness of the Ashton-Drake Hotel employees. I do hope that John the Maid and Wally get some page time in the future!
I highly recommend reading this in order, otherwise I feel that you'd be a bit lost and wouldn't understand the awesomeness of the Ashton-Drake Hotel employees. I do hope that John the Maid and Wally get some page time in the future!
May 26, 2025
There is so much that I absolutely love about the Ashton-Drake Manor and I'm always left desperate to return to hear more from the ghosts! They are, without a doubt, my favourite bit of the story because they're just so funny. Every chapter from their point of view leaves me smiling and all of it together means that the world building is fantastic from start to finish. I enjoyed seeing more of Ellis and Morgan as well as meeting some new secondary characters this time too. The plot was self-contained in this one but there are definitely bits of the overall story that will span into future books. I also enjoyed the crossover with cameos of characters from Vawn's other series with Sam and Death making an appearance. Plenty of action, some steam, lots of laughs and it leaves things in a HFN for all the characters - what more could you want? (except of course book 3!) Overall, I'd definitely recommend it.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 2, 2025
I’m so glad to be back with the Ashton-Drake crew! This book takes place a couple months after Dead Serious book #4, with the hotel celebrating Valentine’s Day in a very Ellis way.
Ellis and Morgan are adorable and I’m so excited to see where they end up as a couple and future books. As always, Ellis brings sunshine to everybody’s day while Morgan’s cantankerous personality brings levity to the chaos. We also finally get to meet Morgan‘s half brother Warren, and he’s a hoot!
Once again, the real stars are the Ashton-Drake’s many “permanent residents”. Bertie and crew always know how to keep things lively. There’s definitely some mystery and questionable historical accuracy of events to suss out this time. we even get a few cameos from some of our beloved Dead Serious characters.
I highly recommend the entire Dead Serious world and cannot wait to see what happens next at the Ashton-Drake!
Ellis and Morgan are adorable and I’m so excited to see where they end up as a couple and future books. As always, Ellis brings sunshine to everybody’s day while Morgan’s cantankerous personality brings levity to the chaos. We also finally get to meet Morgan‘s half brother Warren, and he’s a hoot!
Once again, the real stars are the Ashton-Drake’s many “permanent residents”. Bertie and crew always know how to keep things lively. There’s definitely some mystery and questionable historical accuracy of events to suss out this time. we even get a few cameos from some of our beloved Dead Serious characters.
I highly recommend the entire Dead Serious world and cannot wait to see what happens next at the Ashton-Drake!
May 21, 2025
I’m liking how this series is shaping up. I love the characters, the hotel is proving to be a really neat setting, and I enjoy the expanded POV range. It’s not just a romance with a li’l plot, ya know?
I will say this one felt really short and the ending kinda snuck up on me and was a bit of a jolt, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the format and pace are giving something good to the way things are building, both the relationship and plot. It’s definitely giving fantastic story, in any case.
4.5/5. SAM😍 I liked this one a bit more than the first, and I’m not entirely sure why. I think having the lay of the land helped? Whatever the reason, this one is the one that’s solidified my investment, and now I’m into it, into it.
PS
Still not over Martin. Too soon😭
(—I received an ARC from the author. All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.—)
I will say this one felt really short and the ending kinda snuck up on me and was a bit of a jolt, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the format and pace are giving something good to the way things are building, both the relationship and plot. It’s definitely giving fantastic story, in any case.
4.5/5. SAM😍 I liked this one a bit more than the first, and I’m not entirely sure why. I think having the lay of the land helped? Whatever the reason, this one is the one that’s solidified my investment, and now I’m into it, into it.
PS
Still not over Martin. Too soon😭
(—I received an ARC from the author. All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.—)
May 28, 2025
This is one of the most entertaining reads I had in years. Actually almost everything that Vawn Cassidy published so far is full of humour and often mystery. It mayde me smile or laugh out loud on nearly every single page. I won't repeat the blurb, let me just say that many new and interesting characters were introduced and the author writes them in such manner that every single one is memorable. There were also cameo appearances of some of our favorite characters from her Dead Serious series. Highly recommended.
If you are new to this series start with book one otherwise you'll be lost.
It ends with HFN for Morgan and Ellis and that makes me happy because there's another book to look forward to. It's a bestseller for a reason!
If you are new to this series start with book one otherwise you'll be lost.
It ends with HFN for Morgan and Ellis and that makes me happy because there's another book to look forward to. It's a bestseller for a reason!
June 18, 2025
Like the previous book, this is more of a straight-up romance than the Dead Serious series. There is some ghost drama, but it only comes to a head close to the end of the book and is dealt with very swiftly. The Haunted Hotel is really a much more lighthearted series than Dead Serious, very easygoing but with a lot of the same humour and quirkiness, and even some touches of the same slightly heartbreaking elements. Not a huge amount of plot development, the story only focuses on one weekend of activity and doesn't show much of Morgan and Ellis's plans to try and save the hotel beyond this one event. Still fun to read though, and nice to have something a bit more lighthearted but with many familiar elements still in place.
May 20, 2025
Ellis is back as the manager of the haunted Ashton-Drake Manor House Hotel and his boyfriend Morgan, part owner of the in need of repair hotel, is back from America. The hotel is still haunted by a motley crew and assortment of ghosts who passed from various ailments and accidents including a child who is desperately lonely. It's Valentine's weekend and there are lots of activities planned around a local legend waking even more disturbing ghosts, all to bring in more guests and money to save the hotel. Ellis and Morgan also try to turn up their relationship to a new level. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
May 23, 2025
Funny, low angst
The Ashton-Drake is still in trouble, and now the inmates are doing a Valentine's weekend. Badly. And the local ghosts are helping, sometimes a bit too much.
There isn't a lot of romantic advancement here. There's a new employee who might be a romantic interest for John the Maid. Morgan's brother, Warren, might be interested in the ghost hunter who showed up. It's mostly hijnk after hijink, with the story of Lover's Hollow providing the major plot problem.
The book felt like it ended rather abruptly. The guests weren't as involved in the plot as I expected. I hope that means some of them will be involved in the next book.
The Ashton-Drake is still in trouble, and now the inmates are doing a Valentine's weekend. Badly. And the local ghosts are helping, sometimes a bit too much.
There isn't a lot of romantic advancement here. There's a new employee who might be a romantic interest for John the Maid. Morgan's brother, Warren, might be interested in the ghost hunter who showed up. It's mostly hijnk after hijink, with the story of Lover's Hollow providing the major plot problem.
The book felt like it ended rather abruptly. The guests weren't as involved in the plot as I expected. I hope that means some of them will be involved in the next book.
May 24, 2025
It’s wonderful to have another story set in the Ashton-Drake Manor House Hotel. This time the tale is set on Valentine’s Day weekend, and along with Ellis, Morgan, his brother Warren, the quirky hotel staff and the delightful ghosts, we get ghost hunters and three new spirits. It’s a joy to revisit these characters, and as usual, the story is filled with fun, intrigue, and suspense, making it an entertaining read. There is nothing not to love about this book and I can’t wait for the next installment about this charming hotel. This is another gem from this amazing author and I highly recommend it.
May 26, 2025
The Haunted Hotel 2: The Legend of Lovers Hollow is the second book in the Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits series. I loved this series, Ellis and Morgan and all the resident ghosts are amazing and fun, Ellis is determined to do everything to save the manor and of course have a new ghost event coming up, Morgan is also doing what he can to savage the hotel. I loved all the new characters, especially Warren and Thad! the plot was fun and full of hilarious situations, I enjoy a good laugh! And of course I love that we have a few cameos for the dead serious characters, I definitely recommend this book! I can’t wait for more of this serie!
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