Haunted

Manderley Academy #2

by Steffanie Holmes

Ivan, Titus, Dorien.
The bad boys of Baroque, the kings of this school.
They messed with the wrong girl.
I’ll topple them from their thrones.

They made me trust them.
They made me want them.
Now, I’m going to haunt their asses.
Even if it costs me… everything.

They'll carry their secrets to their graves.
If they don't put me six-feet-under first.

Manderley Academy won’t claim another victim.
They can't shove these skeletons back in the closet.
I'll do whatever it takes to get justice.

It’s time for Manderley's ghosts to come out and play.

A dark mystery unfolds around musician Faye de Winter in book two of this gripping gothic college reverse harem bully romance by USA Today best-selling author Steffanie Holmes. Warning: Proceed with caution – this tale of three spoiled rich boys with unsettling secrets and the girl who refuses to put up with their shit contains dark themes, a creepy house, a smoldering second-chance romance, college angst, cruel bullies and swoon-worthy sex.

Genres: Paranormal, Contemporary, Romance, Music, Fantasy, Audiobook, Why Choose

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2020

About the author

Steffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.

Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.

Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.

Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD

Reviews

[Janet Welling · Rating 2 out of 5]

An improvement, for the most part, on the first book.

This book picks up right where the first book left off. The suspense and mystery surrounding Manderley continues and the relationship between Faye and her three Muses develops into something substantial. The plot is still convoluted and I found myself rolling my eyes at the over the top antics of every adult in the book. There are lots of editorial errors as well as plot mistakes throughout the story and it is frustrating for the reader. In one paragraph, Faye no longer has her cell phone and in the very next paragraph she uses the flashlight on her phone. It’s not the job of the reader to keep the plot straight. That is the responsibility of the author. The story ends with one doozy of a cliffhanger and now we wait 8 months for the conclusion to the series. I won’t be waiting with baited breath.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems I love every book Steffanie Holmes writes. It doesn't matter if it's supernatural or not. It doesn't matter if it's fantasy or not. It doesn't matter if it's with characters I usually dislike or with settings I'm usually not a fan of. I love it all. So, ever since in finished the Briarwood Witches series, I was looking forward to continue this trilogy. The first book was amazing and I have no idea why I waited this long to pick up this one, but today I finally did.

I loved each and every second of this book, each and every scene, each and every moment. I loved the twists and turns, the few answers we got, the more questions that were raised. I loved how the setting, which already was quite dark, seemed to turn even more sinister in this book, especially once we realize how deep everything goes. I even loved the ending, although Holmes and I really need to talk about cliffhangers and how terrible you can make them.

What I love most about the books Holmes writes is that they rely so much on the emotions and the atmosphere. I don't read in images or movies. I forget descriptions of characters and locations as soon as I read them. But I don't forget the feel of these characters and locations. And Holmes provides me with everything I need to make those feelings as vivid as possible. I get shivers rolling down my spine at times. Just like I had adrenaline rushing through my veins at other times.

And I really love how she slowly and carefully crafts this harem. It's not an easy task to get these people together. Partly because those characters are struggling with their own emotions, not always ready to admit what they feel, to give up their secrets. But also because the entire outside world seems to be against them and we have no idea yet why. I can't wait to read the last book in the series and to discover what has been going on all this time. I will get to it really soon!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the cliff hanger the author left us with. I thought the ending of book one was enough to pull my hair out over, this one has me contemplating if I can handle the wait for the last book.

We open this book picking up with Faye in a bit of conundrum. Once again disappointment marring her perception of Dorien. The best thing about Faye is she is a fighter, a very strong character who won't let what is happening to her keep her from doing what is necessary. And Oh my....the guys have become more intriguing as their story backgrounds are offered. Yes, ladies it seems the author knows the way to owning our hearts so that we are enthralled with these 3 different men she so loving gives to us. Yet we do have some wonderful female characters with a few vile characters in for us to love to hate.

There is just something so special about the way the writer articulates her characters and the creepy things going on around them. She offers up just enough to snare us and then throws in a twist or two to once again bring us around to wonder what can happen next. This is not the first series of hers I've read which speaks volumes for me. The plot, the characters and even the sexy scenes are so well thought out that she has made it into my top 5 must read authors.

With that said, this second book answers some important questions but leaves us with a few more to get answered in the next book. See if you can figure out who is behind the haunting. I have my opinions and look forward to seeing if I'm right. But more so I can't wait to see how the mix of characters are going to get out of the predicaments they seem to be piling up.
Great series...Highly recommend!

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, mysterious, creepy, and hot guys, too. The author masterfully molds everything together to form a gothic tale, which weaves tighter the more the story goes on.

Faye has been dealing with her place (or lack of) at the music school, staying wary of the director, and trying to solve a haunting...all of that while trying to stay safe. Just as she thought she'd finally found three loyal guys on her side, everything takes another twist. Not only are the director and some of the students still out to get her, but her trust is betrayed. The ones she can count on are having troubles enough of their own, although they still have her back. As for the mystery, it's growing darker and more complex as her search for the truth continues. Add a few evil plots and tons of manipulation, and Faye is way in over her head.

This cannot be read as a stand-alone, since she book ends with a cliff-hanger and the next one picks up from there.

This is a bully reverse harem, and it lets the darkness run free. There are so many characters to mistrust and hate, and intrigue so horrible it makes your nails curl. And yet, the author weaves everything into a beautiful school and scene of music. While book one set the stage, this one dives right in, head first. It doesn't shy away from much and give the main character a battle she might not survive. The secrets are thick and it's impossible to guess what and who is behind the haunting...and the possible murders. Even those characters who deserve to be rooted for, have dark edges of their own and ghosts, which haunt their every move.

This isn't a book for more sensitive readers and definitely carries few moments of sunshine. Every moment is tension packed and hints at ulterior motives or possible danger. It's as much at the psychological level as the physical. Obviously, this demands more character depth, and the author delivers on this end, too. And while there are hot, hot scenes, that's not the driving force behind these pages. This is a mystery with tons of evil intent hidden in the shadows. It grabs, sends chills, makes the reader gasp, and hopes the there might be a light at the end of the tunnel at some point.

I received an ARC copy and enjoyed it.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, the way Steffanie has woven this plot - it has me gripped and glued to my kindle. She has brought these characters to life perfectly with this series and I am hooked. I absolutely love how the suspense and heat are cranked in this second book.
My heart broke and soared, only to be broken again for the kids at Manderley Academy. Faye, is still a pillar of strength, determination, and fire - I loved how she grows and develops even more. My heart aches for the twins, Ivan and Elena, as their past is revealed in this book. Titus has become one of my favorite characters, he shines bright with so much warmth and love - even if he is haunted by his past and how much he is truly hurting. Dorian is an enigma, this poor guy has been dealt so many bad hands and has been forced to make so many bad decisions - my heart bleeds for him as he keeps getting trapped by his puppeteers.
Some of the secrets are revealed, but so many more are left to be uncovered - is there really a ghost? Who is creeping in the storage room (I have some ideas)? Will Claire’s real murderer be revealed? Will everyone involved finally be freed from the evil clutches of Mrs. Usher and make it out alive? I am diving into the final book of this series to see.

[Fae✯ · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT THE FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

3.5* I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WILL FALL INTO PLACE SINCE IT'S ALREADY THE SECOND BOOK BUT NOPE! MORE AND MORE SECRETS AND PLANS AND TWISTS OMG

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay I have read many things by this author but this series just doesn't hold up. All the characters are bland, no depth, and I'm all around disappointed. I don't understand why it has high stars

[Ms. Cyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The impossibilities keep coming in this series. It's very dramatic and I hate that I get so sucked in.

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these haunted house or school vibe stories Holmes writes. She does it exceptionally well. Also... I love those guys. I love the music. I just love it all.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

So confused

I'm so confused by all the 5 stars...or maybe not....I'm assuming they're all arcs. I read the first book and suffered thru plot holes, massive amounts of grammatical and editorial errors and just not so awesome writing. I thought this book would be better. I was so wrong. There are way too many issues here to even unpack. There is no "romance", there's no falling, there's no tension. There's a fmc being treated horribly but the guys are hot so one day they instantly turn from tormentor to protector. There are "adults" behaving in ways that are inexplicable and seriously illegal and nothing being done about it. There are gaping plot holes where in one sentence/paragraph/chapter we are being told one thing only t o have it turned around and seemingly forgotten the next. The biggest of these which just had me shaking my head viciously was the doc telling our fmc her mom waking up from months long coma complete with organ damage after being poisoned wouldn't be like in the movies, but wait, that's exactly what it was and almost instantly said coma patient is out dancing salsa all night long and partying it up. What???? The whole "ghost" angle feels overly contrived and drawn out and instead of making you intrigued and desperate to read on for the reveal, it had me rolling my eyes and really needing the book to end already so I could find something enjoyable to read.
I don't often give one star reviews, buy I'm honestly not even sure how this book made it thru editing and proofing, much less has only stellar reviews. It's definitely words on a page but beyond that, definitely has the feel of something quickly and thoughtlessly churned put and drawn out to make money.
I will not be reading the next book.

[Diana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted: a paranormal reverse harem bully romance (Manderley Academy Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Steffanie Holmes (Author)

Miss Steffanie Holmes is a brilliant literary chameleon. She is able to change her style to which ever literary schools best fit the story she has to tell. Her gorgeous Miskatonic Prep series was a revelation for me. I've been completely obsessed with reading everything she has put out. Her latest series is positively, absolutely one of my favorite series of all time. Canton Bell, Charlotte Bronte to the modern reader, is one of my favorite author. I studied her and the Gothic Literature movement. As such, I was overwhelmed with glee at the very conceits of the style are used in a modern setting.
But DuMaurier is not the only Gothic author to be put to work. Edgar Allen Poe plays a part here as well, with the Usher family making an appearance, as does the author of the first Gothic Novel, the Castle of Otranto, Horace Walpole is the namesake for the police officer that our heroine, must deal with to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother. Varney (named for the Vampire of legend that kept London gasping in fear over a long serial) appears as does Dorien Grey, and lots of other characters that populate the world of the Gothic. Charlotte Perkins Gilman almost makes an appearance, if you know where to look.
One of the key aspects of Gothic Literature is high, even overwrought emotions. Ms. Holmes uses people in their late teens to early twenties. As most of us know, that is when you feel this kind of melodramatic emotions. The most emotional character is Faye's “Dark Prince” Dorien. He is an amalgamation of Mr. Rochester, Heathcliff and the inspiration for most of the dark, angry but awfully sexier hero, Lord Byron.
Ms. Holmes adds to the growing body of Female Gothic Literature with her books. Where the heroine in most Gothic novels published Romances has agency only in a romantic situation, Holmes's heroines always have the most powerful role in the stories. This is not always true in the modern Female Gothics. I applaud her female characters, villain, heroine or supporting characters.
Gothic Literature, modern and not, always uses the environment as an additional character. The story will include a dark and moldering mansion or castle. Ms. Holmes takes this one step further. Her characters land splat in the middle of one of the most Gothic locations – Romania (and by extension, Transylvania). We are immersed into the side by side schlocky Dracula merchandise and tourist traps and history that illustrates the fascinating dichotomy of the modern Romanian tourist economy and the actual dark history of the area. Faye, her men, her friends and her mother, wander about ancient manors, wind and rain swept gardens full of poison, modern hospitals and Eastern European hovels.
Music is a central theme and motivator in this book. Drawing on the tradition best known for Gaston LeRoux's Phantom of the Opera, music can bind the dark to the light, can save and damn and can be used as a weapon or a method for soothing a savage beast. Composers and musicians pass through the story, keeping us grounding in what could probably be described as the Reverse Harem version of Black Swan.
No Gothic, modern or not, would be complete without a trip through the grave yard and a bit of supernatural woo. The ghost is merely a hint or a whisper at the very beginning of the book. The phantasm grows larger and more dangerous by the end. There are several trips, a few for slightly nefarious purposes, to the grave yard. It is a graveyard, full of weeping angels and old headstones and not the clean and pretty offspring of the Victorian era.
Ms. Holmes also takes the time to use such deliciously Gothic words like disgorged and
So, to summarize, Haunted contains ever necessary trope for a Gothic Romance:
the plucky heroine who is in over her head – Faye
Mrs Usher lives up to her name as the strange, strict lady of the house with more secrets than any one knows
A faceless female ghost (or is it)
Overwrought emotions and gorgeous language
3 hot broken guys with dark secrets and hidden talents
Supporting characters with rich histories
The mysterious invalid whose illness is more than it seems
Eerie servants
A moldering setting that is in itself a complex character.
Ms. Holmes books and growing body of work is something, were it in any other, less discounted genre would be something people would obsess on and write dissertations about. Much like the recent Jordan Peele movie “Us” there is so much more that meets the eye, and some of that is pure, unadulterated fun.
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-parano...

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faye De Winter had been brought to the school when her mother was poisoned and in a coma, Faye was running out of options when Madame Usher came and offered to take her end as long as she worked for her room and board Madame would pay for her mothers care. Now Faye finds herself with 2 of her men and Elena because after what went down with Heather and Dorien she cannot trust him again. Faye was so freaked out when she found herself in a mausoleum and she could have sworn she saw a ghost of the young woman who died at the school. She made it back to the school in time to foil Heather's plan during the recital that was planned by Madame for the evening entertainment. Strange things continue to happen at the school mostly to her but she did have her men to help. Faye's mom was getting better and the doctor she could wake any day. Titus was having a problem with his parents. Ivan was so worried about his sister Elena that he could barely concentrate on his music because she was being courted and he hated it. They all seem to have issues at the academy because of Madame Usher. But she had their secrets and she knew when and where to use them. They were trying to expose her but she seemed to be two steps ahead of them Dorien has been trying to show Faye that he was sorry for betraying her but she is trying not to fall back into the trap. She had a chance to go home with the twins for Christmas since her mother encouraged her to do so and Titus promised to watch out for her. When they returned Madame was not happy, she treated Faye so badly with the work she wanted to be done but the guys helped her, and then they decided on some mischief but never really got any information that would help them rid themselves of Madame and her cohorts. But after Titus's surprise birthday celebration seems an avalanche of issues that happened for her and Dorien makes the previous issues look like a piece of moldy cake. The great storyline of the characters is interesting. Mystery suspense. I was given an ARC as a gift without obligation from Bookfunnel. I am providing an honest review.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manderley is a dangerous place, and anyone who enters gets trapped and pay the highest price.
Faye is still being targeted as the bullying victim, yet after the abduction by Dorian and Heather, the course slowly starts to turn. The broken muses, Faye, Elena, and even Aroha begin to act on the rebellion brewing inside them, almost ready to stand up to Madame Usher at any cost. Yet the power of the horrific secrets she holds over the students is still dominant, and the students have to join forces to find a way how to score in this mind game.
I am absolutely, deeply, undeniably in love with this series. And not only because music is a vital part of my life and violin belongs to my hands. Or because the characters appear in places I am deeply familiar with, even my hometown, and eat the food I know well and love to eat. No, it's in the characters themselves. Facing so much darkness, literally life and death situations, and finding the strength to fight, to get up when beaten, to show love where only grief and despair reside, it's an art. In details. In the nuances of this world full of ghosts and wonders and terrors. Of power games, secrets, and friendship. Of manipulation and forgiveness. We get glimpses into the childhood and memories of many characters, are given the answers to some questions while getting more unanswered ones. And hope, that force of everything, brings the light at the end of the tunnel.. only no one knows how high the cost will be to reach the light and redemption.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted
What is going on at Manderley Academy? Faye finds herself drugged and put in a bag and left in the woods. She does not remember how she got there. She must get back for an important performance. She and Dorien wrote an arrangement of a Paganini piece for violin and piano. She plays beautifully despite being dumped in the woods and having just a few moments to get ready.
Who is sabotaging Faye de Winter? She though her three boyfriends were on her side, Dorien, Ivan and Titus. Madame Usher is keeping secrets. Faye was taken in by Madame after her mother had fallen into a coma. She musical instruction comes at a price. She cleans and prepares food for the other students at Manderley Academy. Faye is musically gifted like her father. Her father left her mother for Madame Usher and then disapperared.
Secrets can be dangerous. Manderley Academy is full of secrets. Dorien hates his parents and they keep his brother in a cult-like compound. Titus keeps his electric guitar hidden from his parents. Ivan wants the best for Elena, his sister. What are they all hiding?
Faye is done with secrets. She is coming to love her three men. Someone is sabotaging Faye. Can these four people work through love, betrayal and forgiveness? This book is a page turned, suspense and danger with beautiful music woven throughout. It is going to be hard to wait for the next book.

[Rickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you have a handle on what is going on something new presents itself to add to the confusion that is Manderly. Of course Madame Usher is the center of all evil but her plans seem to be unraveling. She is pulling the strings on Dorien, Ivan, and Titus in a way that confuses Faye. However, in this they all finally tell their stories that make more sense for their actions in that previous book. Holmes pulls out all the stops and freedom is still out of reach for our Manderly students.

Are you confused? Read this series and be caught up in a tale that is far reaching even before Faye was drawn into the drama. Is her father still alive? Who was responsible for Clare's death? Who has been in the locked storeroom beside Faye's bedroom? How does Madame Usher figure in with Faye's mom? So many questions, and yet we see some light at the end of the tunnel until it narrows and once again darkness prevails. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, man! Faye and her men just can't catch a break. Just when they think they have neutralized one threat, something, or someone else throws a different challenge/accusation their way. Whew! Hot, sexy men and the woman they want are fighting for their love, and sometimes their very lives, But, unfortunately, they are being used, and manipulated by the older people in their lives. Faye is determined to unravel the mystery, and the strange circumstances surrounding the possible, (probable?), murder of at least two former residents of Manderley Academy. Sizzling hot, dark romance with murder, and lots of mayhem. Compelling characters, and a plot with enough twists to make you dizzy. Fantastic book, I
can't wait for the next book. I loved it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jess McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I didn't think that this book could get any more twisted, we are thrown curveball after curveball. There are so many unanswered questions for all the things that are happening in and around Manderley. This book has so much mystery that when I think I have figured something out, nope. Wrong.

I have a few ideas that are brewing about who is this "Ghost of Manderley" and why things keep happening, but I can only assume that I may be wrong since I have been about a few other things.

The end of this one is crazy. So much happens in the last few chapters that I was on the edge of my seat. Why? Why must these things happen, and why is someone trying to frame others? I can only assume who is doing the framing and pulling all the strings, but then again, I could have it all wrong.

Diving into the last book soon!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a bit to remember who everyone was and why they were at Manderley, but then I was engrossed in the drama again. Faye is in pretty bad position at the beginning. Unconscious, stuffed in a bag, and carried into the woods and dumped. Who lets her out and where did the necklace come from that is left with her fancy party clothes? We learn a lot more about all the guys in this one and how they all got trapped into being at Manderley under Madame Usher's boots. Faye will get news about her mother and there will be conflict among the four lovers. The ghost, or ghosts, of Manderley will come out to play on more than one occasion. The ending will, once again, leave you cursing.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the intense and riveting Manderley Academy series. A lot happens in this book, both good and bad, but Faye remains her amazing, intelligent, strong self, handling everything that is thrown at her. At least now she has her guys on her side. It's very hard to say much without spoiling but trust me, if you think you might like a good, dark and steamy, mystery suspense story set in a spooky old house, with a bunch of sinister characters who have it in for the heroine, then this modern day gothic romance is just what you are looking for. This is not a standalone and the book ends on a cliffhanger (what else is new) but the storytelling by Steffanie Holmes is excellent. Can't wait for book three.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Faye ever figure out what is really going on? Madam Usher is devious. As Faye, Ivan, Dorian, Titus, and Elena, finally talk and tell their stories, they find out what far reaching and deep Madam Usher’s machinations go. Can they ever stop her and finally live free or are others also involved. Faye has finally realized the dead Clare is trying to help her, but then she finds out that her dad might not be dead. If he’s not then where is he? And why has Madam Usher contrived to hurt Faye’s mom, and force Faye to come to Manderly? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, and gets better and better, the story that is. We had some great things happen but also a lot more bad. Faye is finding some answers to questions she had. So much happened in this book alone. The story of the others are laid out. What's really going on with Dorian for one and what Madame has on each of them. As Faye grows closer with her guys there is something that always tried to break them apart. Madame's treachery knows no bounds. I can't wait until she gets her payback. I believe Faye will get her revenge in the end. I just hope her Muse's and Elena are with her.
You really have to read this book. So much happens in this book and so much is coming. I can't wait for book 3 to come out because that was a mighty cliffhanger she left us with.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. The review is of my own opinion.

[Maddye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gahh, I really wanted to love this book as much as I enjoyed the first, but I struggled to make it through. It took me a really long time to read as I just couldn’t stay engaged with the story.

There was so many different events happening, but the story wasn’t really progressing and had no flow that I could enjoy. I’ll finish out this series as there’s still questions from the first book that haven’t been answered, but this book wasn’t for me.

*slight spoilers*
I don’t enjoy the prominent cult element and forced marriage ideas, and for me, there’s too many elements are at work for me to connect with the story or the characters.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faye knows her own worth, and she doesn't have to prove it to anyone, but she doesn't back down from a fight either. She is going to hunt down the secrets of Manderley, and who knows what that will mean? When some secrets come out, will they be more than she can handle? What secrets might her men (Dorien, Ivan and Titus) be hiding? I am loving this dark haunted romance, the secrets and twists of it, and how strong/determine Faye has to be (I love her and her grit).
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.

[Sarah Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and Better!

Every book is better than the last. The intrigue and passion are astonishing, and the interaction between characters is so life-like you feel immersed in the story. Manderlay Academy is a dark and spooky place, full of secrets and horrors that the main characters are attempting to find their way through. Every time they think they’ve found a way to escape Madame Usher pulls them back in and forced them to her will with some new torment. I’m so excited to see how this all ends! Hopefully a certain antihero can redeem himself.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book of Steffanie Holmes. Her writing envolves us, keeping our attention all the time. I sometimes felt in that haunted house with the characters.
No spoiler, but in this new serie book, we can see Manderley and Madam Usher has more secrets and have a big plan to our heroine. Looks like she has all in his hand. I', asking myself, how she can do that?... I'll need read the next book to discover. :P
If you like a good mystery, haunted house, ghosts and a hot romance, I recommend you check this serie. You will love it.

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victorian poisons, a creepy old house, possible paranormal activity, and the usual bullying nonsense going on, it’s a wonder Faye hasn’t snapped yet. But beautiful music and her broken muses keep her together.

I enjoyed the who-dunnit aspect of her mother’s poisoning, the lack of the kind of proof the authorities need to convict, the gothic insanity of Manderley, and the cult that eclipses all.

And the ending cliffhanger…!

A fun, twisted adventure with great worldbuilding and swoon-worthy sex.

[Deloria Loketi · Rating 3 out of 5]

mm....

I REALLY liked the first one! And the story is intriguing so I want to know the end of the mystery....buuut, I can not STAND the stupidity 🙄
People saying they murdered someone because they "didn't" do something.
People not recording or reporting incidents even though they KNOW what the bad people are capable of 🙄
Picking up a freaking MURDER WEAPON!! 🤦🏽‍♀️
And last but not least, believing some bullshit setup when again, YOU KNOW WHAT THE BAD PEOPLE ARE CAPABLE OF!!! 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️☠️
Lol I'm still going to read the last one though 🥴
I NEED to know how it ends!

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Escape

Things are getting worse at Manderley Academy. Madame Usher is really putting on the pressure as she tries to keep her puppets under control. Will they ever be free of her manipulation?
This book is well-written and highly suspenseful. You will start to feel a cold breath on your neck, hear haunting music, and see strange things. Welcome to Manderley. You may never escape its clutches.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted (Manderley Academy book 2) by Steffanie Holmes

In this second novel of the Manderley Academy series, we find Faye still trying to figure out what causes her mother's poisoning.

She loves all three of the Broken Muses even if she hates Dorien at the moment. Ivan and Titus are so good to her but she knows that they all have secrets. And that Madame Usher knows things about everyone to keep them under her thumb.

What will happen next?

[Rose Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things are changing at Manderly. Heather knows Dorien’s secret. Will they become unlikely allies? Claire is still trying to get Faye to find the answers to freeing Manderly Academy and finding out Madam Usher’s secrets. This installment just like “Ghosted” is a slow-paced tale that wastes a lot of time getting to something you would understand.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review