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Hot Ghost
A standalone Halloween tale with a hot AF ghost!
Cassie Nolan is stuck for yet another summer working in the family business: leading groups of tourists down to the haunted pier to witness the nightly visit of the ghost known as Old Salt.
Yes, Old Salt really is a ghost—a young sea captain who died in 1879.
And yes, he clanks his chains.
The tourists are always amazed.
Cassie? Not so much.
Because really, chains? Could he try for a more original haunting technique? Or just give it up already?
And okay, maybe she insults Old Salt when the tourists aren’t around.
She never thought he was listening. Or that he had a few of his own thoughts about her attitude.
And she never in a million years imagined he was soooooo hot!!
***
A previous version of this appeared in The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance
Cassie Nolan is stuck for yet another summer working in the family business: leading groups of tourists down to the haunted pier to witness the nightly visit of the ghost known as Old Salt.
Yes, Old Salt really is a ghost—a young sea captain who died in 1879.
And yes, he clanks his chains.
The tourists are always amazed.
Cassie? Not so much.
Because really, chains? Could he try for a more original haunting technique? Or just give it up already?
And okay, maybe she insults Old Salt when the tourists aren’t around.
She never thought he was listening. Or that he had a few of his own thoughts about her attitude.
And she never in a million years imagined he was soooooo hot!!
***
A previous version of this appeared in The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2012
54 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Crane
25 books1,161 followersAfter spending her youth thoroughly obsessed with Nancy Drew and Harriet the Spy and convinced that her suburban neighborhood was awash in dangerous secrets, Carolyn Crane grew up to become a RITA-nominated author of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and other tales of adventure and love; she also writes erotic romance about bank robbers as Annika Martin.
Her books have been published by Random House and Samhain; these days, this perfectionistic control-freak of an author likes to indie publish. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two cats and works a straight job as a freelance marketing writer. During rare moments when she’s not at her computer, she can be found reading in bed, running, or helping animals.
Her books have been published by Random House and Samhain; these days, this perfectionistic control-freak of an author likes to indie publish. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two cats and works a straight job as a freelance marketing writer. During rare moments when she’s not at her computer, she can be found reading in bed, running, or helping animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
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October 27, 2019
Hot Ghost is a stand alone novella by Annika Martin. This is the second thing I have read by Annika. I loved the first book I read and since it’s almost Halloween, the timing was perfect for this fun little short. It surprised me and I ended up loving it as well!
Cassie Nolan had a good life in Los Angeles working towards her dream. But when her family needed her to come home to help with their failing business in Clancyville, North Carolina, she had to go. Cassie finds herself back leading tours on her family’s haunted pier to listen to the nightly visits of Captain McHenry dragging his chain and wailing for his lost beloved. Is it real? Yes! But since she has experienced these nightly visits her entire life, she’s not impressed. Couldn’t the Captain come up with some new ways to entertain them? When Cassie is alone, she doesn’t hold back in voicing her opinion of their resident ghost. Little did she know, the Captain heard every word over the years. And he was a little tired of her attitude.
Captain William McHenry died in 1879 at sea. Each night he is forced to relive the experience. Does Cassie think he has a choice in this?
When Cassie sees William for the very first time, she can’t believe how sexy he is. And he is actually kind, and funny. And did she say sexy?!
This was pretty short. But it was also sexy, sweet and so much fun. If you are looking for an ablicious ghost to spice up your Halloween, then Captain McHenry is the perfect ghost for the job. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It definitely makes me want to check out more by this author!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Cassie Nolan had a good life in Los Angeles working towards her dream. But when her family needed her to come home to help with their failing business in Clancyville, North Carolina, she had to go. Cassie finds herself back leading tours on her family’s haunted pier to listen to the nightly visits of Captain McHenry dragging his chain and wailing for his lost beloved. Is it real? Yes! But since she has experienced these nightly visits her entire life, she’s not impressed. Couldn’t the Captain come up with some new ways to entertain them? When Cassie is alone, she doesn’t hold back in voicing her opinion of their resident ghost. Little did she know, the Captain heard every word over the years. And he was a little tired of her attitude.
Captain William McHenry died in 1879 at sea. Each night he is forced to relive the experience. Does Cassie think he has a choice in this?
When Cassie sees William for the very first time, she can’t believe how sexy he is. And he is actually kind, and funny. And did she say sexy?!
This was pretty short. But it was also sexy, sweet and so much fun. If you are looking for an ablicious ghost to spice up your Halloween, then Captain McHenry is the perfect ghost for the job. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It definitely makes me want to check out more by this author!
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 2, 2019
Someone forgot to proof this. I caught a few zingers.
Zingers aside there is a reason I nearly gave up on MF romance years ago. Whether it was paranormal, gothic, comedy, drama, erotic, western, historical, chic lit, bdsm, whatever. I simply got tired of, well, whiny bitches.
Look at poor me and what I have to do for my family blah, blah, blah. Drama galore. Neverending. So I'm getting this vibe from the first few pages and already I'm pissed thinking mom and dad still can't retire and this chick is boohooing her life.
She finds a miracle and nearly loses it because of her own selfishness.
Now our gal finally gets her shit together.
When I'm ready to listen to what she has to say, the story is over.
The ending was strange and seemed rushed. Actually the whole story seemed rushed.
Zingers aside there is a reason I nearly gave up on MF romance years ago. Whether it was paranormal, gothic, comedy, drama, erotic, western, historical, chic lit, bdsm, whatever. I simply got tired of, well, whiny bitches.
Look at poor me and what I have to do for my family blah, blah, blah. Drama galore. Neverending. So I'm getting this vibe from the first few pages and already I'm pissed thinking mom and dad still can't retire and this chick is boohooing her life.
She finds a miracle and nearly loses it because of her own selfishness.
Now our gal finally gets her shit together.
When I'm ready to listen to what she has to say, the story is over.
The ending was strange and seemed rushed. Actually the whole story seemed rushed.
November 6, 2019
Spoiler alert!
Read
October 30, 2019Pretty much exactly what I have the attention span/time for right now. For such a short book, it was fun and satisfying.
October 30, 2022
I wasn't expecting the main character to die! For some reason, I was thinking that the ghost male would become real, not the other way around. Ha!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 23, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/23/2019)! 🎁
October 23, 2019
Oh my gosh, how fun was this?!
I enjoyed this quick & lighthearted read about a sexy ghost! It was perfect with Halloween just around the corner.
Hot Ghost was cute, it was funny, and made me happy I read it. I squeezed in this novella in between my other reads and I’m glad I did!
I enjoyed this quick & lighthearted read about a sexy ghost! It was perfect with Halloween just around the corner.
Hot Ghost was cute, it was funny, and made me happy I read it. I squeezed in this novella in between my other reads and I’m glad I did!
November 5, 2020
Cassie Nolan is an aspiring screenwriter sidelined in her hometown to help with her family’s seaside pub and ghost tour. Their business and the town’s livelihood depend on the legend of “Old Salt,” whose nightly appearance in search of a lost love captivates tourists and annoys Cassie.
Captain William “Old Salt” McHenry, 26— over a hundred years ago, can’t stop reliving his ship wreck or escape the coastal town where he went down. And the lonely sea captain doesn’t appreciate Cassie’s attitude, but if he gets to know her and see her up close, he might just change his mind.
Full disclosure, I picked this up as a ‘distraction read’ while waiting for election results. It worked as it kept me engaged, and I read it in one sitting. I’m also not a PNR reader nor a fan of third person POV romance so bonus points as I usually won’t get past the first page under those two criteria. Lastly, it’s a short story/novella, and I always crave a little more from those lengths in romance and this one was no exception. I do wish it would have been fleshed out a little bit more— more story, more build up/sexual tension, and more sex!
There’s plenty of potential for it to be fuller.
Thankfully, the tale never felt sad as the tone is lighthearted, and I really enjoyed the ending. I also liked a few modern spins on the typical ghost tale. Old Salt’s long lost love was a ONS and he’s not a fan of bar band music. It would have been fun though if she’d have shown him her e-reader.
That all being said, I think this would be a fun and fitting few hours for romance readers on Halloween night. As a fan of that holiday I wish I’d had the pleasure so I’d recommend it for anyone getting a head start on next year’s TBR or for fans of a romance ghost story any time of the year.
Safety Recap:
*Purchased from Amazon on a freebie sale
Captain William “Old Salt” McHenry, 26— over a hundred years ago, can’t stop reliving his ship wreck or escape the coastal town where he went down. And the lonely sea captain doesn’t appreciate Cassie’s attitude, but if he gets to know her and see her up close, he might just change his mind.
Full disclosure, I picked this up as a ‘distraction read’ while waiting for election results. It worked as it kept me engaged, and I read it in one sitting. I’m also not a PNR reader nor a fan of third person POV romance so bonus points as I usually won’t get past the first page under those two criteria. Lastly, it’s a short story/novella, and I always crave a little more from those lengths in romance and this one was no exception. I do wish it would have been fleshed out a little bit more— more story, more build up/sexual tension, and more sex!
“He pressed at her thighs, urging them open with the hook hand, positioning her the way he wanted. It was exciting and dirty.”
There’s plenty of potential for it to be fuller.
Thankfully, the tale never felt sad as the tone is lighthearted, and I really enjoyed the ending. I also liked a few modern spins on the typical ghost tale. Old Salt’s long lost love was a ONS and he’s not a fan of bar band music. It would have been fun though if she’d have shown him her e-reader.
“Cassie furrowed her brow. This guy had a difficult time getting dates? Cassie found it hard to believe. He was a hot guy with a badass hook hand!”
That all being said, I think this would be a fun and fitting few hours for romance readers on Halloween night. As a fan of that holiday I wish I’d had the pleasure so I’d recommend it for anyone getting a head start on next year’s TBR or for fans of a romance ghost story any time of the year.
Safety Recap:
*Purchased from Amazon on a freebie sale
Want to read
October 26, 201910/26/19 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
October 30, 2020
Whoa! I mean, whoooooOOOOOOOoooa. This is such a good ghost story. There is a lot of sweet, a little sad, a bit of steamy, and a boat load of laugh out loud FUNNY. I like how the ghostly plane is described, and I want more stories like this one. Also, I can see a few hints of some of Annika Martin's other characters from her other books) in Cassie.
I thoroughly enjoyed how William McHenry and Cassie kinda, sorta interacted throughout her life. Her feisty, ornery personality is so entertaining, and William's reaction to her dirty mouth is hilarious. I mean, come on! He's a SAILOR. But for the purpose of the story, he is a gentleman, and an all-around good person.
A few of my favorite things: the flush, William's hook, Cassie's e-book collection, "Rooster Bay," and the wonderful HEA.
Some typos, but nothing too distracting.
I thoroughly enjoyed how William McHenry and Cassie kinda, sorta interacted throughout her life. Her feisty, ornery personality is so entertaining, and William's reaction to her dirty mouth is hilarious. I mean, come on! He's a SAILOR. But for the purpose of the story, he is a gentleman, and an all-around good person.
A few of my favorite things: the flush, William's hook, Cassie's e-book collection, "Rooster Bay," and the wonderful HEA.
Some typos, but nothing too distracting.
July 22, 2022
2 ghosts falling in love is literally what my spooky heart needed. Very low spice level. Literally just one scene at the end
September 3, 2022
Booooohoooooo! This short tale had no right to be this good! I loved it, and I think it could work as a novel too. I mean, give me more of sexy Captain William McHenry and free spirited Cassie Nolan, please! Also, I loved how Annika Martin made it sound and logical (and even heartfelt) to have a ghost around town ♥️
November 10, 2019
short and loads of fun, with a touch of sad
I'm a huge fan of Martin and the awesome dialogue she gives her characters, so much fun!
this little seaside tourist stop seemed so real - kinda rundown, with a dive of a bar to boot
there were SO many funny lines, this will definitely keep you laughing and smiling
I'm a huge fan of Martin and the awesome dialogue she gives her characters, so much fun!
this little seaside tourist stop seemed so real - kinda rundown, with a dive of a bar to boot
there were SO many funny lines, this will definitely keep you laughing and smiling
October 27, 2016
4.5 - but only because I wanted a fuller story. Once I got into these characters it just ended. But I guess that's good. Carolyn Crane always makes me feel this way -- I don't want her stories to end.
February 6, 2020
pretty cute for a novella. characters are lovingly drawn and the story kind of surprised me.
April 24, 2020
Hilariously adorable ghostly romance
Don’t let the tagline fool you. Halloween has nothing to do with the plot of the story. And that’s just fine.
Because the story is freaking adorable. All of her life Cassie has live in a little tourist town where a ghost known as old salt has hunted every day at 8:15 PM since 1879. Her family has made a living off of catering to the tourists who come to see the clockwork ghost. But Cassie sick of it. Sick of the tavern. Sick of the town. But most definitely sick of the ghost. But when she takes her anger at the ghost a little too far the ghost himself has something to say about it. And did we mention that he’s hot.
Frankly I love this story it is wonderful and sweet and the characters are realistic and there’s tons of funny lines. William has just the right amount of pathos when you consider that he’s been a ghost for over 100 and some odd years. Cassius so wonderfully modern and a great character she’s also not stereo typically beautiful being freckle covered.
Frankly if this is a example of Ms. Martin’s writing style she’s definitely got a new fan.
Five easy stars.
Don’t let the tagline fool you. Halloween has nothing to do with the plot of the story. And that’s just fine.
Because the story is freaking adorable. All of her life Cassie has live in a little tourist town where a ghost known as old salt has hunted every day at 8:15 PM since 1879. Her family has made a living off of catering to the tourists who come to see the clockwork ghost. But Cassie sick of it. Sick of the tavern. Sick of the town. But most definitely sick of the ghost. But when she takes her anger at the ghost a little too far the ghost himself has something to say about it. And did we mention that he’s hot.
Frankly I love this story it is wonderful and sweet and the characters are realistic and there’s tons of funny lines. William has just the right amount of pathos when you consider that he’s been a ghost for over 100 and some odd years. Cassius so wonderfully modern and a great character she’s also not stereo typically beautiful being freckle covered.
Frankly if this is a example of Ms. Martin’s writing style she’s definitely got a new fan.
Five easy stars.
Read
October 18, 2021Heat Factor: There’s a little bit of ghost on ghost action, but not too much
Character Chemistry: It’s amazing what can happen when one stops being unnecessarily mean to someone and starts listening to them…
Plot: She used to antagonize him for being some dumb ghost who does the same thing every night. Then she also died, and now they’re the only ones who can talk to each other.
Overall: I regret nothing
Read our full review at The Smut Report
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Character Chemistry: It’s amazing what can happen when one stops being unnecessarily mean to someone and starts listening to them…
Plot: She used to antagonize him for being some dumb ghost who does the same thing every night. Then she also died, and now they’re the only ones who can talk to each other.
Overall: I regret nothing
Read our full review at The Smut Report
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
October 17, 2024
An October Tradition
I'm more of a read-all-things- Christmas-themed in December, and didn't really give a thought to filling my Octobers with ghostly goodness or hauntingly happy ever afters. That is, until Annika reminded me that she had this little beauty available. A new holiday, or should I say "hauntiday" tradition is born! I found it a short and sweet treat with a tricksy little twist. A fun sized HEA! Like a good ole fashioned sugar addiction, it leaves you wanting more.
I'm more of a read-all-things- Christmas-themed in December, and didn't really give a thought to filling my Octobers with ghostly goodness or hauntingly happy ever afters. That is, until Annika reminded me that she had this little beauty available. A new holiday, or should I say "hauntiday" tradition is born! I found it a short and sweet treat with a tricksy little twist. A fun sized HEA! Like a good ole fashioned sugar addiction, it leaves you wanting more.
December 31, 2021
A ghostly read!
She is stuck for yet another summer working in the family business...
Leading tourists down to the haunted pier to witness the nightly visit of a ghost...
I must admit that in the beginning I hated the heroine. Hated, I tell you. But I had to carry on reading to see how it all ends....and boy was I glad I did...because I did not see that twist happening.
Full of hauntings, tourists, family, death, ghosts and love.
Perfect for readers of paranormal romances.
She is stuck for yet another summer working in the family business...
Leading tourists down to the haunted pier to witness the nightly visit of a ghost...
I must admit that in the beginning I hated the heroine. Hated, I tell you. But I had to carry on reading to see how it all ends....and boy was I glad I did...because I did not see that twist happening.
Full of hauntings, tourists, family, death, ghosts and love.
Perfect for readers of paranormal romances.
October 22, 2019
Not Up to Martin's Standards
It's a cute short story with very little to it, the connection comes quick, they're quick to let go of long held beliefs and secondary characters have very little to them. Considering Martin's other works filled with laughter and these jump off the page characters I can't help but be a little disappointed.
It's a cute short story with very little to it, the connection comes quick, they're quick to let go of long held beliefs and secondary characters have very little to them. Considering Martin's other works filled with laughter and these jump off the page characters I can't help but be a little disappointed.
March 5, 2025
This was a fun short read. The main characters take you on their heavenly romance tale so the HEA is more otherworldly.
Below is the quote I got from reading this book:
“Thank you. The thing’s been there so long, I forgot about it. Stopped trying to get it off of me. It came to feel normal.”
Below is the quote I got from reading this book:
“Thank you. The thing’s been there so long, I forgot about it. Stopped trying to get it off of me. It came to feel normal.”
December 24, 2025
I do love this authors writing
This was a charming fun ghost story romance. Who knows what’s real and what’s not in the world of ghosts. This is cute quirky, funny and lovable. Who would not love William McHenry. He’s just so sweet, innocent, and caring. Read the story so worth it.
This was a charming fun ghost story romance. Who knows what’s real and what’s not in the world of ghosts. This is cute quirky, funny and lovable. Who would not love William McHenry. He’s just so sweet, innocent, and caring. Read the story so worth it.
November 28, 2020
I don't think I like Cassie much, but I like William, and also I'm not totally sure how I feel about this. But I am super tired and read the whole thing instead of sleeping so I'd say it's safe to say I enjoyed it 😂
February 28, 2021
Great
This is a short read that I simply loved. The tale was bittersweet and calming at the same time. The Capitan calling Nell and then finding true love. I recommend this book because it has a feel good attitude.
This is a short read that I simply loved. The tale was bittersweet and calming at the same time. The Capitan calling Nell and then finding true love. I recommend this book because it has a feel good attitude.
October 31, 2019
Super cute read, with a bit of snark, and a little sweetness
November 3, 2019
Cute little sea captain ghost story in time for Halloween. Short and sweet. Easy to read.
November 12, 2019
Charming ghostly novella with a dash of romance.
September 10, 2020
Didn’t see the twist coming, but I liked liked it after the shock.
October 18, 2020
A fun quick read. I enjoyed how it unfolded and watching William and Cassie grow closer together.
Yes it’s two ghosts and perfect for the season.
Yes it’s two ghosts and perfect for the season.
October 30, 2020
Funny and sexy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews