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Kentucky Derby #2
Ready & Willing
When Audrey Magill stumbles onto a portrait of a 19th-century riverboat captain, she thinks it’ll be perfect for her new hat shop. She doesn’t expect to meet a ghost who insists Audrey must help save the soul of his great-great-however-many-greats grandson. Now in addition to scrambling to open her shop in time for the Kentucky Derby, she must convince a complete stranger that he’s in danger of losing his soul— and that everlasting love does exist.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 31, 2008
1 person is currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bevarly
378 books156 followersElizabeth Bevarly was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky and earned her BA with honors in English from the University of Louisville in 1983. Although she can’t recall ever wanting to be anything but a novelist-oh, all right, she toyed briefly with becoming an archaeologist, until she realized how awful she looked in khaki and flannel, and there was a brief fling with the interior decorator thing, until she realized she had trouble distinguishing chintz from moiré, and… (Where was I? Oh, yeah. My brilliant career.) Anyway, her career side trips before making the leap to writing included stints working as a bartender, a waitress, a movie theater cashier, a soap-hawker for Crabtree & Evelyn, an apparel-hawker for The Limited, and a bridal registry consultant for a major department store. She also did time as an editorial assistant for a medical journal, where she learned the correct spellings and meanings of a variety of words (like microscopy and histological) which, with any luck at all, she will never use again in this life.
She wrote her first novel when she was twelve years old. It was 32 pages long-and that was with college rule notebook paper-and featured three girls named Liz, Marianne and Cheryl, who explored the mysteries of a haunted house. Her friends Marianne and Cheryl proclaimed it “Brilliant! Spellbinding! Kept me up past dinnertime reading!” Those rave reviews only kindled the fire inside her to write more.
Since sixth grade, Elizabeth has gone on to complete more than 60 works of contemporary romance. Her novels regularly appear on the USA Today and Waldenbooks bestseller lists, and The Thing About Men was a New York Times Extended List bestseller. She’s been nominated for the prestigious RITA Award, has won the coveted National Readers’ Choice Award, and Romantic Times magazine has seen fit to honor her with two-count ‘em TWO-Career Achievement Awards. Her books have been translated into two dozen languages and published in three dozen countries, and there are more than ten million copies in print worldwide. She has claimed as residences Washington, DC, northern Virginia, southern New Jersey and Puerto Rico, but she now resides back in her native Kentucky with her husband and son and two very troubled cats where she fully intends to remain.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 22, 2008
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Nov08
Ghosts and mobsters and hats --Oh my! Elizabeth Bevarly’s second novel set against a backdrop of slow, southern gentility and the Kentucky Derby goes down as smooth and refreshing as a sparkling mint julep. “Ready & Willing” is a tale of filly hats, a luscious ghost, and modern love. For me, Bevarly’s books have always been hit or miss and this one is a hit.
When faithful widow Audrey brings home a painting of Silas Summerfield, a handsome riverboat pilot who once lived in her new home/business, she has no idea that the ghost of said pilot is moving in too! When Silas’ ghost manages to prove he’s real, he then gives her an assignment—his ‘great-great-however-many-greats grandson’ is in danger of losing his soul and he wants Audrey to help prevent that. Uh, sure…and why doesn’t she bring about world peace in the meantime? But Silas is insistent and Audrey decides to give it a try. But when she meets Nathaniel Summerfield, she quickly realizes that: A-he thinks she’s a nutcase; B-he’s an incredibly handsome man who makes her formerly-dead senses spin; and C-he’s such a jerk he probably won’t even miss his soul!
Nathaniel Summerfield is single, successful, and satisfyingly rich. The business deal he’s about to conclude will make him even more successful and rich, so he doesn’t really care what the attractive nutjob has to say. Until the day after he signs the contract and suddenly feels empty…and cold, bone-deep, unrelenting cold. When he pays a visit to Audrey to satisfy his curiosity, he also finds out that just the touch of her hand can bring warmth back to his life. Unfortunately, it’s ONLY Audrey’s touch that works. So maybe there really is something to her craziness. Now he’s becoming even more attracted to her…both physically AND emotionally. But she still considers herself married, to a dead man. And she also seems to make him feel dissatisfaction with his life, and he was just fine before…truly. Once he gets his soul back, he’ll be fine…really!
Oh what a pair. Audrey still faithful to a dead man and Nathaniel married to material wealth and success, but both of them alone. Reading about their gradually deepening feelings and fears was almost too realistic, but very enjoyable. I liked the way Bevarly emphasized the emotional, over, but not at the cost of, the physical. And while there were no ‘stunning revelations’, there was instead, a gradual understanding of what is really important in their lives and the sacrifices and compromises required of every couple.
There’s also a bonus secondary love story which is wholly metaphysical between Silas the ghost and Audrey’s damaged, hurt associate. I was a bit disappointed that these two didn’t find a way to physically connect, but that would have totally changed the book. I still found their strange relationship rewarding, which looking back, is surprising and satisfying in a way. I enjoyed Bevarly’s descriptions and depictions of modern life vs older times in the South and Kentucky. The Derby and it’s ‘hat’ fetishes were a necessary addition to support our heroine the milliner…and it was just plain fun.
Although “Ready & Willing” is Elizabeth Bevarly’s second book set around Kentucky and the Derby, the two books aren’t connected by anything other than setting so it’s not necessary to have read one to appreciate and enjoy the other. I read them both and like them both, and if you like humor and emotional, but not necessarily sad, love stories, you will find both these books well worth your time.
Ghosts and mobsters and hats --Oh my! Elizabeth Bevarly’s second novel set against a backdrop of slow, southern gentility and the Kentucky Derby goes down as smooth and refreshing as a sparkling mint julep. “Ready & Willing” is a tale of filly hats, a luscious ghost, and modern love. For me, Bevarly’s books have always been hit or miss and this one is a hit.
When faithful widow Audrey brings home a painting of Silas Summerfield, a handsome riverboat pilot who once lived in her new home/business, she has no idea that the ghost of said pilot is moving in too! When Silas’ ghost manages to prove he’s real, he then gives her an assignment—his ‘great-great-however-many-greats grandson’ is in danger of losing his soul and he wants Audrey to help prevent that. Uh, sure…and why doesn’t she bring about world peace in the meantime? But Silas is insistent and Audrey decides to give it a try. But when she meets Nathaniel Summerfield, she quickly realizes that: A-he thinks she’s a nutcase; B-he’s an incredibly handsome man who makes her formerly-dead senses spin; and C-he’s such a jerk he probably won’t even miss his soul!
Nathaniel Summerfield is single, successful, and satisfyingly rich. The business deal he’s about to conclude will make him even more successful and rich, so he doesn’t really care what the attractive nutjob has to say. Until the day after he signs the contract and suddenly feels empty…and cold, bone-deep, unrelenting cold. When he pays a visit to Audrey to satisfy his curiosity, he also finds out that just the touch of her hand can bring warmth back to his life. Unfortunately, it’s ONLY Audrey’s touch that works. So maybe there really is something to her craziness. Now he’s becoming even more attracted to her…both physically AND emotionally. But she still considers herself married, to a dead man. And she also seems to make him feel dissatisfaction with his life, and he was just fine before…truly. Once he gets his soul back, he’ll be fine…really!
Oh what a pair. Audrey still faithful to a dead man and Nathaniel married to material wealth and success, but both of them alone. Reading about their gradually deepening feelings and fears was almost too realistic, but very enjoyable. I liked the way Bevarly emphasized the emotional, over, but not at the cost of, the physical. And while there were no ‘stunning revelations’, there was instead, a gradual understanding of what is really important in their lives and the sacrifices and compromises required of every couple.
There’s also a bonus secondary love story which is wholly metaphysical between Silas the ghost and Audrey’s damaged, hurt associate. I was a bit disappointed that these two didn’t find a way to physically connect, but that would have totally changed the book. I still found their strange relationship rewarding, which looking back, is surprising and satisfying in a way. I enjoyed Bevarly’s descriptions and depictions of modern life vs older times in the South and Kentucky. The Derby and it’s ‘hat’ fetishes were a necessary addition to support our heroine the milliner…and it was just plain fun.
Although “Ready & Willing” is Elizabeth Bevarly’s second book set around Kentucky and the Derby, the two books aren’t connected by anything other than setting so it’s not necessary to have read one to appreciate and enjoy the other. I read them both and like them both, and if you like humor and emotional, but not necessarily sad, love stories, you will find both these books well worth your time.
January 2, 2025
What a fun read!
September 25, 2010
Parts of the story were entertaining, but on balance I can’t recommend it.
REVIEWER'S OPINION:
I loved the secondary story between Cecilia and Silas, which was a very small part of the book, but I did not care for the main story between Audrey and Nathaniel. There was too much pondering within the minds of characters. At times, Audrey was too rude and smart-alecky for me. The plot concerning how Nathaniel was losing his soul and how it was resolved was a little odd but ok. Unfortunately, the other parts of the story were not as entertaining or interesting as I would have liked. I found one scene boring (pages 173 to 181). This is where Audrey has a conversation with Leo, a policeman who was Sean's partner (her dead husband.) They discuss her relationship with Sean. Leo says that Sean would have wanted her to move on with her life, but Audrey doesn't believe it.
Another problem bothered me a lot, which follows. Instead of using the names Silas and Nathaniel, the author used the following: "the great great however many greats grandson," "your great great et cetera grandfather," "great great blah blah blah grandson," "great great whatever grandfather," and "great great God knows how many greats grandfather." These and similar terms were used far too frequently. I wished the author had just figured out how many greats it was once, and then used that specific number once or twice. After that the author should have used names or the specific label. I was annoyed with the frequency of these vague terms.
STORY BRIEF:
Audrey's husband died three years ago. She still considers herself married for life and plans never to be with anyone else. She moves into an old home previously owned by Silas Summerfield who died in 1932. His ghost communicates with Audrey and asks her to help his great something grandson Nathaniel. Silas says that Nathaniel will lose his soul if he forms a business partnership with Edward Dryden. Audrey visits Nathaniel and tries to help. At first Nathaniel doesn't believe her, and he signs a contract with Edward. At that moment he begins to feel cold. He later sees Audrey and shakes her hand. Touching her is the only thing that reduces the cold that has been haunting him. The story continues with what to do about the contract with Edward, Nathaniel's disappearing soul and the relationship between Nathaniel and Audrey.
DATA:
Story length: 280 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 2. Total number of sex scene pages: 10. Setting: current day Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright: 2008. Genre: contemporary fantasy romance.
REVIEWER'S OPINION:
I loved the secondary story between Cecilia and Silas, which was a very small part of the book, but I did not care for the main story between Audrey and Nathaniel. There was too much pondering within the minds of characters. At times, Audrey was too rude and smart-alecky for me. The plot concerning how Nathaniel was losing his soul and how it was resolved was a little odd but ok. Unfortunately, the other parts of the story were not as entertaining or interesting as I would have liked. I found one scene boring (pages 173 to 181). This is where Audrey has a conversation with Leo, a policeman who was Sean's partner (her dead husband.) They discuss her relationship with Sean. Leo says that Sean would have wanted her to move on with her life, but Audrey doesn't believe it.
Another problem bothered me a lot, which follows. Instead of using the names Silas and Nathaniel, the author used the following: "the great great however many greats grandson," "your great great et cetera grandfather," "great great blah blah blah grandson," "great great whatever grandfather," and "great great God knows how many greats grandfather." These and similar terms were used far too frequently. I wished the author had just figured out how many greats it was once, and then used that specific number once or twice. After that the author should have used names or the specific label. I was annoyed with the frequency of these vague terms.
STORY BRIEF:
Audrey's husband died three years ago. She still considers herself married for life and plans never to be with anyone else. She moves into an old home previously owned by Silas Summerfield who died in 1932. His ghost communicates with Audrey and asks her to help his great something grandson Nathaniel. Silas says that Nathaniel will lose his soul if he forms a business partnership with Edward Dryden. Audrey visits Nathaniel and tries to help. At first Nathaniel doesn't believe her, and he signs a contract with Edward. At that moment he begins to feel cold. He later sees Audrey and shakes her hand. Touching her is the only thing that reduces the cold that has been haunting him. The story continues with what to do about the contract with Edward, Nathaniel's disappearing soul and the relationship between Nathaniel and Audrey.
DATA:
Story length: 280 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 2. Total number of sex scene pages: 10. Setting: current day Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright: 2008. Genre: contemporary fantasy romance.
August 11, 2013
This will be a fast ham handed review so my apologies. So the things I loved about this book is what I think all great contemporaries have and humor is one them. No question the sense of humor with all the characters was done with a deft hand and skillfully. Another thing is this book had heart even with the light element. It was engaging and entertaining.
What I had trouble with was the widow trope. I readily admit this is a personal pet peeve. Somehow the deceased always is lacking in some way. This explains why this hero or heroine is the one true love. Now this book only hit on this element once but the timing of it left a bad taste in my mouth. For those who read the book--no pun intended.
Now what made up for this is the secondary romance which just made me sigh. It was wonderful. Simply wonderful.
I'll likely pick up another one of this author's books. All in all an enjoyable read.
What I had trouble with was the widow trope. I readily admit this is a personal pet peeve. Somehow the deceased always is lacking in some way. This explains why this hero or heroine is the one true love. Now this book only hit on this element once but the timing of it left a bad taste in my mouth. For those who read the book--no pun intended.
Now what made up for this is the secondary romance which just made me sigh. It was wonderful. Simply wonderful.
I'll likely pick up another one of this author's books. All in all an enjoyable read.
January 28, 2009
Hummmm not sure what to say about this one... I am not usually one for paranormals... and this had that element... it follows the story of two couples... one hero being a ghost. But I think I got used to it after a while. Not a bad story all around just different. Again... it was me not the author. I think I need to go back and reread an oldie and get my groove back LOL
December 10, 2017
Really sweet romance with a ghost, lots of fun characters.
December 3, 2017
A fun ghost story with a twist. Most of the time there's a romance with the ghost and the main character, but in this one the ghost, Silas Summerfield gets the main character, Audrey Magill together with his descendant, Nathaniel Summerfield by insisting that she prevent the loss of his soul. Set in Louisville at Kentucky Derby time, hat maker Audrey is starting a new business selling Derby hats, and sets up business in Silas' former home, where she encounters the ghost. At first Audrey has a hard time convincing Nathaniel that his soul is at risk, but as evidence mounts that she's not crazy and he does need help, they work together to find a way to save the soul he never thought much about in the past. There is a sweet side story with the ghost and a secondary character as well, that was a bonus.
June 6, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. We need mire like this one, Ms.Bevarly...
May 21, 2009
Audrey Fine Magill has decided to open her own hat shop called Finery, in time for the start of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Audrey is a widow who lost her beloved husband Sean three years ago and decided to start a new life. She sold her house in the suburbs and bought an old Victorian where her shop will be on the first floor, and the upper floor is where she will live.
One day as Audrey is shopping in an antique store, she notices a 19th century portrait of a handsome man. She learns that he was Captain Silas Leyton Summerfield, a riverboat captain who once lived in her house. There is something about the picture that speaks to her, and she buys it. As soon as she hangs the picture in her home, she begins to have strange dreams where Silas appears to her, telling Audrey she must find his descendent, Nathaniel Summerfield, and stop him from making a grave mistake which will cause him to loose his soul. When Audrey awakens, she blames the dream on a late night ice cream binge. Yet Silas won’t be ignored and becomes a ghost who haunts her house! Silas won’t leave until Audrey helps save Nathaniel’s soul.
Audrey would have all the luck, with having an annoying ghost and the stress of trying to open her new business at the same time. She goes to see Nathaniel to warn him; and even though his touch sends sparks throughout her body, she finds him to be a jerk. In turn, Nathanial thinks Audrey is quite a looker but since she is a nutcase, he ignores her warnings. That is, until he agrees on a business deal where he suddenly feels strange and begins to feel cold all the time. Could it be that he has actually lost his soul?
Nathaniel begs Audrey to help him get his soul back. Audrey finds the whole situation ludicrous but since she has an annoying ghost to deal with she feels she must help him. As Audrey spends more time with Nathaniel, she can’t help but fall for him. But can she let go of the memory of her deceased husband who she has loved for so long?
Elizabeth Bevarly is one author I can always count on for funny and sweet love stories, and she has done it again with Ready & Willing. The chemistry and interactions between Audrey and Nathaniel are well written. I also love the concept of Audrey being haunted by a ghost who is a bit of a matchmaker for her and his great grandson many times over.
Elizabeth has also penned a nice secondary romance. Silas the ghost has the beginnings of a tender love affair with an employee of Audrey’s, Cecilia Havens, who is scared of men due to an abusive relationship in her past. Silas helps Cecilia break free of her demons and comes to her in dreams where he courts her and they both start to fall in love with one another. If only Silas could turn from a ghost into a real man again!
I also found it interesting how Audrey still felt she was married and was faithful to her dead husband. She has to grapple with her new found feelings for Nathaniel while coming to terms with the love she had with Sean. It just goes to show that love can come around not only once, but twice.
One day as Audrey is shopping in an antique store, she notices a 19th century portrait of a handsome man. She learns that he was Captain Silas Leyton Summerfield, a riverboat captain who once lived in her house. There is something about the picture that speaks to her, and she buys it. As soon as she hangs the picture in her home, she begins to have strange dreams where Silas appears to her, telling Audrey she must find his descendent, Nathaniel Summerfield, and stop him from making a grave mistake which will cause him to loose his soul. When Audrey awakens, she blames the dream on a late night ice cream binge. Yet Silas won’t be ignored and becomes a ghost who haunts her house! Silas won’t leave until Audrey helps save Nathaniel’s soul.
Audrey would have all the luck, with having an annoying ghost and the stress of trying to open her new business at the same time. She goes to see Nathaniel to warn him; and even though his touch sends sparks throughout her body, she finds him to be a jerk. In turn, Nathanial thinks Audrey is quite a looker but since she is a nutcase, he ignores her warnings. That is, until he agrees on a business deal where he suddenly feels strange and begins to feel cold all the time. Could it be that he has actually lost his soul?
Nathaniel begs Audrey to help him get his soul back. Audrey finds the whole situation ludicrous but since she has an annoying ghost to deal with she feels she must help him. As Audrey spends more time with Nathaniel, she can’t help but fall for him. But can she let go of the memory of her deceased husband who she has loved for so long?
Elizabeth Bevarly is one author I can always count on for funny and sweet love stories, and she has done it again with Ready & Willing. The chemistry and interactions between Audrey and Nathaniel are well written. I also love the concept of Audrey being haunted by a ghost who is a bit of a matchmaker for her and his great grandson many times over.
Elizabeth has also penned a nice secondary romance. Silas the ghost has the beginnings of a tender love affair with an employee of Audrey’s, Cecilia Havens, who is scared of men due to an abusive relationship in her past. Silas helps Cecilia break free of her demons and comes to her in dreams where he courts her and they both start to fall in love with one another. If only Silas could turn from a ghost into a real man again!
I also found it interesting how Audrey still felt she was married and was faithful to her dead husband. She has to grapple with her new found feelings for Nathaniel while coming to terms with the love she had with Sean. It just goes to show that love can come around not only once, but twice.
May 24, 2009
Audrey Magill is getting ready to open a shop in Kentucky to sell hats when the Derby starts. She's browsing in an antique store when she comes upon a portrait of 19th century riverboat Captain Silas Leyton Summerfield and suddenly must have it. She thinks the Captain is eerily beautiful and that it would be perfect for her hat shop/home. She buys the painting and puts it up on her home. What she doesn't know is that the painting carries the spirit of the Captain and that the same house she brought is the one he lived in when he was alive.
Silas' spirit is on a quest to save the soul of his descendant Nathaniel who is about to make a deal and in the process, lose his soul, of course. He wants Audrey's help - once she gets over the fact that there's a spirit leaving in her new painting and that ghosts really do exist. Audrey agrees to go see Nathaniel and try to convince him that he can't make the deal to sell that land because then he'll up without a soul. Obviously Nathaniel thinks she's nuts and totally off the rocket and doesn't believe her. That doesn't stop him from being attracted to her and vice versa. But Silas won't be deterred, he keeps trying to convince Audrey to try again and talk to Nathaniel. And between thinking that he's completely stubborn, she can't help but be attracted to him and that only complicates things.
Between trying to open her shop in time for the Derby, being haunted by a ghost and trying to save some stranger's soul, things are really geting messed up.
Will Audrey be able to save Nathaniel's soul? And will their attraction grow into something more?
The romance between Nathaniel and Audrey was sweet to read as it grew into something deeper. Ready & Willing is really well-written and I thought the secondary characters were a great add to the story. Silas is definitely an interesting matchmaker and he made the story even better. Overall, Ready & Willing is a great paranormal contemporary romance and I look forward to reading more of Bevarly's books.
Silas' spirit is on a quest to save the soul of his descendant Nathaniel who is about to make a deal and in the process, lose his soul, of course. He wants Audrey's help - once she gets over the fact that there's a spirit leaving in her new painting and that ghosts really do exist. Audrey agrees to go see Nathaniel and try to convince him that he can't make the deal to sell that land because then he'll up without a soul. Obviously Nathaniel thinks she's nuts and totally off the rocket and doesn't believe her. That doesn't stop him from being attracted to her and vice versa. But Silas won't be deterred, he keeps trying to convince Audrey to try again and talk to Nathaniel. And between thinking that he's completely stubborn, she can't help but be attracted to him and that only complicates things.
Between trying to open her shop in time for the Derby, being haunted by a ghost and trying to save some stranger's soul, things are really geting messed up.
Will Audrey be able to save Nathaniel's soul? And will their attraction grow into something more?
The romance between Nathaniel and Audrey was sweet to read as it grew into something deeper. Ready & Willing is really well-written and I thought the secondary characters were a great add to the story. Silas is definitely an interesting matchmaker and he made the story even better. Overall, Ready & Willing is a great paranormal contemporary romance and I look forward to reading more of Bevarly's books.
September 6, 2012
Starting this book, I realized some paranormal had been added to what should have been a regular contemporary romantic comedy. I am not so keen on paranormal or time travels.
The beginning was however rather promising, until Audrey gave way to Silas', the ghost, demands that she has to turn his great-great-etc-grandson from a business deal. I did not like the meeting between the two; well the dialogues were pretty good but I did not feel the described chemistry at all and did not believe in their love story from the start.Audrey is much more interesting than Nathaniel, who to my mind remained a selfish selfserving bastard until the end. The soul-loss symptoms were interesting at first, though included too wishy-washy explanations around it.
Then everything goes downward. The neighbour, a formerly abused woman, starts working with Audrey and enters into her first relationship with a man, since she managed to leave her former abuser
The beginning was however rather promising, until Audrey gave way to Silas', the ghost, demands that she has to turn his great-great-etc-grandson from a business deal. I did not like the meeting between the two; well the dialogues were pretty good but I did not feel the described chemistry at all and did not believe in their love story from the start.Audrey is much more interesting than Nathaniel, who to my mind remained a selfish selfserving bastard until the end. The soul-loss symptoms were interesting at first, though included too wishy-washy explanations around it.
Then everything goes downward. The neighbour, a formerly abused woman, starts working with Audrey and enters into her first relationship with a man, since she managed to leave her former abuser
September 30, 2012
This will be a fast ham handed review so my apologies. So the things I loved about this book is what I think all great contemporaries have and humor is one them. No question the sense of humor with all the characters was done with a deft hand and skillfully. Another thing is this book had heart even with the light element. It was engaging and entertaining.
What I had trouble with was the widow trope. I readily admit this is a personal pet peeve. Somehow the deceased always is lacking in some way. This explains why this hero or heroine is the one true love. Now this book only hit on this element once but the timing of it left a bad taste in my mouth. For those who read the book--no pun intended.
Now what made up for this is the secondary romance which just made me sigh. It was wonderful. Simply wonderful.
I'll likely pick up another one of this author's books. All in all an enjoyable read.
What I had trouble with was the widow trope. I readily admit this is a personal pet peeve. Somehow the deceased always is lacking in some way. This explains why this hero or heroine is the one true love. Now this book only hit on this element once but the timing of it left a bad taste in my mouth. For those who read the book--no pun intended.
Now what made up for this is the secondary romance which just made me sigh. It was wonderful. Simply wonderful.
I'll likely pick up another one of this author's books. All in all an enjoyable read.
June 16, 2011
What is with authors doing a series (well, this is really three books set at the same time with no overlapping characters) and throwing a paranormal twist into just one of them?
Audrey Magill is a widow still in love with her husband but she's moved on, opening a new hat shop just before the Kentucky Derby. But her house is haunted by a previous owner. He's worried that the soul of his great-something-grandson is about to lose his soul.
An interesting premise and I enjoyed most of the book. Would have liked it a lot better if the B story (abused young woman falls for the ghost) had been either the main plot or left out entirely so that the A plot could have been better developed. The resolution of the main plot point is way too swift.
Audrey Magill is a widow still in love with her husband but she's moved on, opening a new hat shop just before the Kentucky Derby. But her house is haunted by a previous owner. He's worried that the soul of his great-something-grandson is about to lose his soul.
An interesting premise and I enjoyed most of the book. Would have liked it a lot better if the B story (abused young woman falls for the ghost) had been either the main plot or left out entirely so that the A plot could have been better developed. The resolution of the main plot point is way too swift.
September 13, 2013
I pick up this book from bookstore on impulse because it's cute cover (love the hat!) and the blurb sounds intriguing.
A very persistent ghost haunted Audrey who now own his house and bought his painting so she can save his great-great-blablabla grandson from losing his soul. Add a smexy succesful said great-great-whatever-grandson, a shabby developer that may or may not be ex-mobster plus murder suspect, and a growing romance between the ghost and the lady next door, this book sure is entertaining to read.
I enjoy Elizabeth Bevarly humor. She use repetitive style, but I find it really funny, it something that I'm thinking in my head. The romances here flow nicely. Oh and its quite steamy, too.
Its fun quick read that make you laugh :)
A very persistent ghost haunted Audrey who now own his house and bought his painting so she can save his great-great-blablabla grandson from losing his soul. Add a smexy succesful said great-great-whatever-grandson, a shabby developer that may or may not be ex-mobster plus murder suspect, and a growing romance between the ghost and the lady next door, this book sure is entertaining to read.
I enjoy Elizabeth Bevarly humor. She use repetitive style, but I find it really funny, it something that I'm thinking in my head. The romances here flow nicely. Oh and its quite steamy, too.
Its fun quick read that make you laugh :)
November 23, 2014
Ready & Willing's as silly and pointless as a frippery-filled Derby hat, and just as delightful. It's nominallly paranormal, given the ghosty presence of a hot Riverboat captain trying to save the soul of his long-lost great-great-whatever, but really the plot's just an excuse for the Tracy/Hepburn-style repartee. Wonderfully fun and breezy, though a little eyeroll-inducing as regards the practicality of the happily-ever-after of the secondary romance.
March 11, 2012
I am plogging away at this one. The two books I am currently reading aren't doing it for me but I am trying to get through them. I have renewed it once, if I have to do it again (in two weeks) I wont be. That is way too long for me to be reading a book.
I marked it as done, but I did not finish it. I got more then half way and just gave up. This is not like me.
I marked it as done, but I did not finish it. I got more then half way and just gave up. This is not like me.
April 27, 2013
I enjoy Elizabeth Bevarly's writing. She is light, fun and witty. When she is describing a human emotion, she writes about REAL human emotion... you know, something you and I would really feel and/or say.
April 23, 2009
I just couldn't get into this book. I really tried. I normaly like Elizabeth Beverly. I think I got hung up on the lost soul part. Just wasn't interesting or believable to me.
January 9, 2011
i thought that on the first page it was an actual human being man but it was a painting! it was devilisiously clever.
June 25, 2013
2.5
I'm not sure what happened. The last book was cute, but a little blah. This one had a haunted home. When did we go from normal to supernatural?
I'm not sure what happened. The last book was cute, but a little blah. This one had a haunted home. When did we go from normal to supernatural?
August 16, 2016
Truly a fun, light-hearted romance. Quick and easy to read without a whole lot of anguish involved. Really enjoyed this book.
September 24, 2009
Amusing. Well-written. Probably ought to get five stars.
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