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Ivy Grove #2
The Curse of Redwood
Secrets lie within the walls of Redwood Manor.
The murders, alleged curse, and ghost stories have fascinated Carter ever since he moved to Ivy Grove. After attending a Halloween ball at the mansion and meeting a man almost too beautiful to be real, Carter is captivated even more.
But the man disappears after that, leaving Carter with nothing but the memory of a kiss.
Despite the warnings to stay away, Carter delves deeper into the mystery of Redwood, desperate for answers. He soon finds himself tangled up in a century old curse, one that has claimed countless lives in the past. And at the center of that curse is the man who’d swept him off his feet.
Who is Ezekiel Warren? And how is he connected to the curse?
As Carter unravels the secrets of the mansion, he begins to fall in love with the charming blond who haunts its halls.
Redwood is a place for dead things, yet Carter’s never felt more alive than when in Ezekiel’s arms.
One thing is clear: Redwood Manor has a hold on Carter now. And it’s not only his life on the line, but his heart as well.
*The Curse of Redwood is Book 2 in the Ivy Grove series and features a paranormal romance with an elegant but grumpy ghost, a meddlesome twink, and a few scares. Best to read in order. HEA guaranteed. *
The murders, alleged curse, and ghost stories have fascinated Carter ever since he moved to Ivy Grove. After attending a Halloween ball at the mansion and meeting a man almost too beautiful to be real, Carter is captivated even more.
But the man disappears after that, leaving Carter with nothing but the memory of a kiss.
Despite the warnings to stay away, Carter delves deeper into the mystery of Redwood, desperate for answers. He soon finds himself tangled up in a century old curse, one that has claimed countless lives in the past. And at the center of that curse is the man who’d swept him off his feet.
Who is Ezekiel Warren? And how is he connected to the curse?
As Carter unravels the secrets of the mansion, he begins to fall in love with the charming blond who haunts its halls.
Redwood is a place for dead things, yet Carter’s never felt more alive than when in Ezekiel’s arms.
One thing is clear: Redwood Manor has a hold on Carter now. And it’s not only his life on the line, but his heart as well.
*The Curse of Redwood is Book 2 in the Ivy Grove series and features a paranormal romance with an elegant but grumpy ghost, a meddlesome twink, and a few scares. Best to read in order. HEA guaranteed. *
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2020
110 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Jaclyn Osborn
50 books1,776 followersAs an avid reader and coffee addict, Jaclyn Osborn can always be found with either a book in her hand or one being written on her laptop. The men in her stories mean the world to her, and she's thankful for each day she's able to do this as a career.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 28, 2020
Another "fine" story, which I really was hoping to love, but it sadly didn't happen this time around.
After meeting and completely loving Carter in the first book, "The Ghost of Ellwood", I was freaking dying to read Ben's BFF's story. He was funny, supportive, and entertaining, so of course I did.
But then I met Carter's ghostly love interest, Z, aka Zeke aaaaaaaaand... blah. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't manage to connect with him. If I'd also have gotten Zeke's point of view, that would've probably helped, but as it was... nope. :- /
This story was also much less spooky, in my opinion, than the first story. For example, Lady Death, who haunted Redwood Manor, where this story took place, only made on-page in this book.
And the buildup and execution of The Big Showdown Event was just sort of "there". I wasn't on the edge of my seat, I wasn't anxious or scared. At all, which was disappointing.
Instead of the same quality development of suspense and fear as the first book, there was sex. And some more sex. And even more sex. It got to be a bit much and I would've much rather seen Carter and Zeke spend that time getting to know one another on a more significant level than "balls deep".
The main drama in the story came from an unexpected , which I had initially and incorrectly guessed would be some type of . I almost wish that I had been right, because the chosen plot line never once elicited any of the fear that it was attempting to create.
I did absolutely adore William, a young, ghost boy, who was also trapped in Redwood. He added a touch of levity and playfulness to the book that I felt was needed.
On the other hand, I did absolutely *hate* the book cover, which didn't match up at all with my mental picture of the "beautiful and masculine" Zeke.
Sorry, but the moment I saw the book jacket, the pancake-makeuped cover model reminded of Marlon Wayans playing Tiffany Wilson in "White Chicks" and it was impossible to get that comparison out of my head.
But as I said, the book was "fine", but I didn't feel that it was on quite the same level as the first book in this series, so I'd rate it at around 3.5 stars and I'm looking forward to Taylor and Callum's story.
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August 29, 2024
That was an amusing story. A little bit creepy. But luckily for me it was light, otherwise it wouldn't have been my thing.
A real relationship between the main characters develops very slowly, it starts with sex. And sex runs through almost every scene. You have to like it, otherwise the book is no good. I have to admit, it got on my nerves a bit in between. Less would have been perfectly fine. But apart from that, I think the romance builds up very nicely and there are some really lovely moments between Carter and Z.
Carter is pretty funny, he harmonizes well with Z and brings him out of his cocoon nicely.
And there's a lovely heartbreak towards the end, I shed a few tears.
“Hateful ass,” I muttered under my breath.
“I can hear you. I’m dead, not deaf.” Z reached the end of the hall and turned right. 🤭😂🤭
“Let me get to know the you right now,” I suggested, not backing down. “I’ll tell you about me too.”
“Oh, I feel I know enough about you. You’re like a small, curious pest that won’t leave no matter how many times I swat at it.”
“Rude,” I muttered, before peeking around him into the manor. “So, are you gonna let me in?” 🤭😂🤭
“So unashamed in your quest for pleasure,” he said with a light laugh, the movement causing his cock to twitch inside me. He gripped my waist tighter and thrust upward. “You are certainly one of a kind.”
“You have no idea.” I started a slow grind with my hips. “I watch animated monster porn too. Regular porn doesn’t do it for me anymore after seeing that shit.” 😊🤭😊
This series should be read in order. Backgrounds are not explained in book two, I think the story is hard to enjoy if you don't have the foundation from book one.
A real relationship between the main characters develops very slowly, it starts with sex. And sex runs through almost every scene. You have to like it, otherwise the book is no good. I have to admit, it got on my nerves a bit in between. Less would have been perfectly fine. But apart from that, I think the romance builds up very nicely and there are some really lovely moments between Carter and Z.
Carter is pretty funny, he harmonizes well with Z and brings him out of his cocoon nicely.
And there's a lovely heartbreak towards the end, I shed a few tears.
“Hateful ass,” I muttered under my breath.
“I can hear you. I’m dead, not deaf.” Z reached the end of the hall and turned right. 🤭😂🤭
“Let me get to know the you right now,” I suggested, not backing down. “I’ll tell you about me too.”
“Oh, I feel I know enough about you. You’re like a small, curious pest that won’t leave no matter how many times I swat at it.”
“Rude,” I muttered, before peeking around him into the manor. “So, are you gonna let me in?” 🤭😂🤭
“So unashamed in your quest for pleasure,” he said with a light laugh, the movement causing his cock to twitch inside me. He gripped my waist tighter and thrust upward. “You are certainly one of a kind.”
“You have no idea.” I started a slow grind with my hips. “I watch animated monster porn too. Regular porn doesn’t do it for me anymore after seeing that shit.” 😊🤭😊
This series should be read in order. Backgrounds are not explained in book two, I think the story is hard to enjoy if you don't have the foundation from book one.
September 10, 2020
3.5 stars
July 28, 2021
The 2nd in a series about a human falling in love with a ghost.
This time we revisit Redwood Manor and Carter finds the hot guy he banged over a year ago on Halloween. Turns out he’s a ghost who has been cursed! It’s slightly spooky and all sorts of sweet.
I thought Carter was adorable in the first book and he’s still the talkative sweetheart he was then. Ezekiel is a bit bland. He’s gorgeous and ethereal, but I’m not sure what the rest of his personality was. He likes to read? Maybe it was because he was depressed and lonely that nothing really shone through about him. Everyone he ever cared about left or died so I get it.
I didn’t feel the romance at all until about 80%. It was instalove and it just didn’t work for me. The sex was so good that Carter spent over a year pining and searching? He didn’t even know the guys real name so I can’t imagine they talked much. There is a very ghostly thought that possesses me to think the love wasn’t real at first, but eventually turned into real love. I’m going to go with that. It makes more sense to me. I did get into it near the end of the book and it hit me hard. I mean tears pouring down my face kind of hard. It was beautiful and really cathartic. I will mention that because I didn’t buy into their “love” I didn’t think the sex scenes were that great. Lack of tension and buildup doesn’t really make for heat.
The plot was great though! I loved the underlying tones of spookiness. The ambiance of the entire story was really well done too. I could picture the mansion and the ghosts. There’s a scene where Carter meets a particularly evil ghost and it’s creepy as hell. It was great. Even though it’s fairly obvious where some things are going later on, I still felt everything I was supposed to feel. Things hit me hard and made the ending even better than I could have hoped for and it was definitely what I wanted.
TW: murder, suicide, murder on page because of homophobia, children being murdered (not graphic)
There was one thing that really bother me though. I was able to let it go and pretty much forget it at the very end, but it’s a big part of the story and bothered me quite a bit while it was happening…
SPOILERS
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I was not at all a fan of how Philip was handled. His death was tragic and absolutely horrible. To think that we had to witness that on page and feel it was bad enough, but then to have Ezekiel claim he loves Carter more…god it just felt so wrong. All the memories we witnessed of their time felt more meaningful to me than Ezekiel and Carter’s time together for most of the book. I hated it and felt like Philip at least deserved more closure than he got. Book 1 did this a little bit too, but it was handled much better. I get that the author gives up the whole “heart has room for more than one love thing,” but this is a romance and I don’t want those feelings or scenes.
This time we revisit Redwood Manor and Carter finds the hot guy he banged over a year ago on Halloween. Turns out he’s a ghost who has been cursed! It’s slightly spooky and all sorts of sweet.
I thought Carter was adorable in the first book and he’s still the talkative sweetheart he was then. Ezekiel is a bit bland. He’s gorgeous and ethereal, but I’m not sure what the rest of his personality was. He likes to read? Maybe it was because he was depressed and lonely that nothing really shone through about him. Everyone he ever cared about left or died so I get it.
I didn’t feel the romance at all until about 80%. It was instalove and it just didn’t work for me. The sex was so good that Carter spent over a year pining and searching? He didn’t even know the guys real name so I can’t imagine they talked much. There is a very ghostly thought that possesses me to think the love wasn’t real at first, but eventually turned into real love. I’m going to go with that. It makes more sense to me. I did get into it near the end of the book and it hit me hard. I mean tears pouring down my face kind of hard. It was beautiful and really cathartic. I will mention that because I didn’t buy into their “love” I didn’t think the sex scenes were that great. Lack of tension and buildup doesn’t really make for heat.
The plot was great though! I loved the underlying tones of spookiness. The ambiance of the entire story was really well done too. I could picture the mansion and the ghosts. There’s a scene where Carter meets a particularly evil ghost and it’s creepy as hell. It was great. Even though it’s fairly obvious where some things are going later on, I still felt everything I was supposed to feel. Things hit me hard and made the ending even better than I could have hoped for and it was definitely what I wanted.
TW: murder, suicide, murder on page because of homophobia, children being murdered (not graphic)
There was one thing that really bother me though. I was able to let it go and pretty much forget it at the very end, but it’s a big part of the story and bothered me quite a bit while it was happening…
SPOILERS
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🛑
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I was not at all a fan of how Philip was handled. His death was tragic and absolutely horrible. To think that we had to witness that on page and feel it was bad enough, but then to have Ezekiel claim he loves Carter more…god it just felt so wrong. All the memories we witnessed of their time felt more meaningful to me than Ezekiel and Carter’s time together for most of the book. I hated it and felt like Philip at least deserved more closure than he got. Book 1 did this a little bit too, but it was handled much better. I get that the author gives up the whole “heart has room for more than one love thing,” but this is a romance and I don’t want those feelings or scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
3.5
“Perhaps it’s like the concept of good and evil can become twisted in one’s mind. The idea that we all have two sides of ourselves unsettles me a great deal”.
Segunda parte de esta saga de fantasmas y mansiones encantadas. La historia se centra en Carter y la mansión de Redwood la cual esta llena de fantasmas atormentados debido a la maldición que pesa sobre ellos.
“Banish the harmful and the bad, the anger and the rage. Give this spirit’s soul peace, release him from his cage. As I do will it, so mote it be!”
He de admitir que me ha gustado mucho más desde un punto de vista argumental y de trasfondo que la primera entrega. Siento que está mejor escrita y mejor desarrollada. Si tengo que ponerle alguna pega es que ha habido escenas que me han parecido innecesarias y un poco para dar fanservice al lector. Siento que no era necesario.
Me ha dejado con ganas de leer una tercera parte porque la saga tiene potencial al igual que la autora. Espero que nos la regale pronto.
“For every story untold, there is a missed opportunity for a reader to fall in love with it”
“Perhaps it’s like the concept of good and evil can become twisted in one’s mind. The idea that we all have two sides of ourselves unsettles me a great deal”.
Segunda parte de esta saga de fantasmas y mansiones encantadas. La historia se centra en Carter y la mansión de Redwood la cual esta llena de fantasmas atormentados debido a la maldición que pesa sobre ellos.
“Banish the harmful and the bad, the anger and the rage. Give this spirit’s soul peace, release him from his cage. As I do will it, so mote it be!”
He de admitir que me ha gustado mucho más desde un punto de vista argumental y de trasfondo que la primera entrega. Siento que está mejor escrita y mejor desarrollada. Si tengo que ponerle alguna pega es que ha habido escenas que me han parecido innecesarias y un poco para dar fanservice al lector. Siento que no era necesario.
Me ha dejado con ganas de leer una tercera parte porque la saga tiene potencial al igual que la autora. Espero que nos la regale pronto.
“For every story untold, there is a missed opportunity for a reader to fall in love with it”
November 2, 2021
Great story but it was really spooky in some parts. Nearly too much for my faint heart...
October 12, 2020
This book follows Carter (which we met in the previous book) and is a whole new mystery.
Carter goes to a party with Ben (first book) and meets someone at the party who can't forget, can love resist everything?
I don't want to write much about this book because I feel like everything is spoiler. It was a lot of fun to read and is definitely great for this time of year.
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Carter goes to a party with Ben (first book) and meets someone at the party who can't forget, can love resist everything?
I don't want to write much about this book because I feel like everything is spoiler. It was a lot of fun to read and is definitely great for this time of year.
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
September 9, 2020
Gahhh. When I found out this book was don’t I can’t even explain my excitement. Carter and Z were everything.
We met Carter in Theo and Ben’s book and let me just say with that ending involving Carter I knew this book would be scarier and Jaclyn did not disappoint.
Carter is fun, quirky, talkative, inquisitive with asking so many questions but with all of that he is also seeking unconditional love and someone to love him for who he is.
Z and Carter have an instant connection that can’t be ignored. Z has been alone for such a long time and although he says he doesn’t want romance, you know he craves intimacy due to his loneliness.
I’m not going to say anything about the rest of the story but I will say I felt every emotion. I was romanced, laughed, cried, scared, and balled. By the end of the book, my heart was swelling from love.
We met some new characters. I loved Taylor and Callum. We caught up with the lovely Ben and Theo and last but definitely not least, William stole my heart big time.
Run and get this book now. If you haven’t read The Ghost of Elwood, get that book first although this is a standalone you get to know Ben, Theo, and Carter first. I promise, this is a series you do not want to miss. Hello look at that gorgeous cover alone.
We met Carter in Theo and Ben’s book and let me just say with that ending involving Carter I knew this book would be scarier and Jaclyn did not disappoint.
Carter is fun, quirky, talkative, inquisitive with asking so many questions but with all of that he is also seeking unconditional love and someone to love him for who he is.
Z and Carter have an instant connection that can’t be ignored. Z has been alone for such a long time and although he says he doesn’t want romance, you know he craves intimacy due to his loneliness.
I’m not going to say anything about the rest of the story but I will say I felt every emotion. I was romanced, laughed, cried, scared, and balled. By the end of the book, my heart was swelling from love.
We met some new characters. I loved Taylor and Callum. We caught up with the lovely Ben and Theo and last but definitely not least, William stole my heart big time.
Run and get this book now. If you haven’t read The Ghost of Elwood, get that book first although this is a standalone you get to know Ben, Theo, and Carter first. I promise, this is a series you do not want to miss. Hello look at that gorgeous cover alone.
September 10, 2020
3.5 stars
September 13, 2020
2,75/5
J'avais passé un bon moment lors de ma lecture du premier tome donc c'est avec plaisir que j'ai démarré celui-ci.
Cette fois, il est question de Carter et de son fantôme rencontré à une soirée dans le tome précédent. Pensant au départ à un vampire (ahah), Carter se doute bien que Z, cet homme avec qui il a passé une soirée torride, n'est pas tout à fait humain, si je puis dire. Sauf qu'une fois retrouvé sa trace, ce « gentil » fantôme fait tout pour le repousser.
Franchement, vu l'ambiance du dernier tome au moment où Carter rencontre Z, je m'attendais à frissonner dans cette suite ^^ Z me paraissait vraiment intriguant et j'avais hâte de connaître son histoire.
Globalement j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture, même si j'ai un peu peiné à avancer à certains moments. Z repousse Carter pour des raisons que l'on connaîtra au fur et à mesure du récit.
Sauf qu'un coup il le rejette, et deux paragraphes suivants, il lui demande de rester auprès de lui. Une vraie girouette, et ça, tout le long du bouquin !
J'ai eu du mal à m'attacher aux personnages aussi, à me sentir concerner par leur histoire, leur couple. Du côté du sort jeté à la maison, je ne sais pas si c'est moi qui aie mal compris, mais j'ai trouvé que tout n'était pas vraiment clair au final.
Un personnage secondaire est rajouté ici, Taylor, l'ami de Carter. Je ne sais pas, j'ai eu l'impression qu'il ne servait pas à grand chose et était plus ou moins mis là histoire d'avoir un personnage pour la suite.
En ce qui concerne la fin, ok il fallait trouver quelque chose pour que la romance tienne, mais c'est un peu (beaucoup) tiré par les cheveux ?!
Sinon, l'arrivée de Callum, le médium/sorcier, était intéressant. Je suppose qu'il fera partie des personnages principaux dans le tome suivant et je pense que je me laisserai tenter par l'histoire du couple suivant ^^
J'avais passé un bon moment lors de ma lecture du premier tome donc c'est avec plaisir que j'ai démarré celui-ci.
Cette fois, il est question de Carter et de son fantôme rencontré à une soirée dans le tome précédent. Pensant au départ à un vampire (ahah), Carter se doute bien que Z, cet homme avec qui il a passé une soirée torride, n'est pas tout à fait humain, si je puis dire. Sauf qu'une fois retrouvé sa trace, ce « gentil » fantôme fait tout pour le repousser.
Franchement, vu l'ambiance du dernier tome au moment où Carter rencontre Z, je m'attendais à frissonner dans cette suite ^^ Z me paraissait vraiment intriguant et j'avais hâte de connaître son histoire.
Globalement j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture, même si j'ai un peu peiné à avancer à certains moments. Z repousse Carter pour des raisons que l'on connaîtra au fur et à mesure du récit.
Sauf qu'un coup il le rejette, et deux paragraphes suivants, il lui demande de rester auprès de lui. Une vraie girouette, et ça, tout le long du bouquin !
J'ai eu du mal à m'attacher aux personnages aussi, à me sentir concerner par leur histoire, leur couple. Du côté du sort jeté à la maison, je ne sais pas si c'est moi qui aie mal compris, mais j'ai trouvé que tout n'était pas vraiment clair au final.
Un personnage secondaire est rajouté ici, Taylor, l'ami de Carter. Je ne sais pas, j'ai eu l'impression qu'il ne servait pas à grand chose et était plus ou moins mis là histoire d'avoir un personnage pour la suite.
En ce qui concerne la fin, ok il fallait trouver quelque chose pour que la romance tienne, mais c'est un peu (beaucoup) tiré par les cheveux ?!
Sinon, l'arrivée de Callum, le médium/sorcier, était intéressant. Je suppose qu'il fera partie des personnages principaux dans le tome suivant et je pense que je me laisserai tenter par l'histoire du couple suivant ^^
September 12, 2020
This is a well-written spooky ghost story that had me scared of the dark the two nights I read just before bed. It has some tough scenes were I had to put down my kindle before being able to continue, but still knowing that I had to continue, and that is just a testament to how captivating the story is.
It is pretty heavy on the spooky end of spooky-romance, and I'm just not so much into that. I prefer more romance to my spooky than what I get here, because then the depth of the relationship because shallower.
I also wish Theo could get the same ending as Zeke, because I like him better and kinda wish that more for him than for Zeke (don't come at me :D).
It is pretty heavy on the spooky end of spooky-romance, and I'm just not so much into that. I prefer more romance to my spooky than what I get here, because then the depth of the relationship because shallower.
I also wish Theo could get the same ending as Zeke, because I like him better and kinda wish that more for him than for Zeke (don't come at me :D).
January 16, 2023
This worked a bit better for me than the first book in the series: the pacing was better, and the story was more streamlined with less distractions. But the ghost MC stayed pretty one-dimensional (pun not intended) throughout the story and I wasn’t invested in the relationship. Plus there were way too many repetitive scenes. If you want to have this many sex scenes, that’s fine, but the characters can’t do the same thing every time.
September 16, 2020
The book is awesome. Totally worked for me and kept me reading without stoping.
1 thing I hated though: Theo not becoming human. But I have faith in the next book. 😁
1 thing I hated though: Theo not becoming human. But I have faith in the next book. 😁
September 20, 2020
This was a cute read overall and surprisingly spooky. I wouldn’t say I scare easily, especially when reading, but there were certain times where my heart was racing and I was genuinely on the edge of my seat. One scene in particular sticks out to me at about the 80% mark. I wasn’t expecting that, especially given the mildness of the first book. It was a welcome element to the story, as well as the exploration into more supernatural elements present in this world (excited to see more of that in other books).
But I still think I prefer the plot and couple in the first book compared to book 2. Their romance and growth was more fleshed out in my opinion, and I would have liked to see more of that in this book. Either way, I enjoyed it! Good read as October approaches 👻
But I still think I prefer the plot and couple in the first book compared to book 2. Their romance and growth was more fleshed out in my opinion, and I would have liked to see more of that in this book. Either way, I enjoyed it! Good read as October approaches 👻
September 11, 2020
SPOILERS!!!!! THIS REVIEW HAS SPOILERS
So…I really enjoyed book one, and up to half way of this book I thought I would like this one even more. I really like the creepiness and darker tones, even if Carter was a little too bubbly for me. However, during the second half of the book I started being annoyed by a few things, namely the constant change of heart of Zeke: one minute he wanted Carter gone and the next he wanted to keep him by his side forever. Carter’s personality sometimes read like that of a teenager. Then the peak of disappointment was when we learnt the cause of the curse. Philip had all the rights to be mad and curse everyone to hell. What was done to him was the definition of betrayal.
When the book was almost over and I thought Zeke had moved on, I was actually happy with that ending, because I felt that sort of ending would be more fitting for the story. Of course I suspected that the author could pull a resurrection… and I was right. That was another disappointment. How convenient that Callum could suddenly perform a ritual to bring someone to life again, that can only be done under certain circumstances that, of course, so happened to be present on that very night…
Anyways, will I read the next book? Yes, because I happen to like Callum and I’m pretty sure he is going to be one of the MCs. I wish Taylor wouldn’t be his other half, but it seems everything’s been set in that direction. The crazy asylum or whatever the name of that place is the one haunted place that will be part of the plot. I hope that one turns out better than this one.
Balancing the first and second half, I give this 3 stars.
September 13, 2020
Another fantastic read!
This book couldn’t have come at a better time. I had JUST finished reading the first in the series, and was really wanting to know how the love story between “Z” and Carter would evolve after their fly-by-night romance on Halloween day. The additional hauntings in the Redwood Manor made for an interesting complication to an already unconventional pairing, and the visions and pressure that Carter had to return to the manor throughout the book kept me guessing about what would happen until the author revealed the twist.
Honestly, I’m glad that this book has a HEA guaranteed, because I loved both boys so much that reading a story about them without that reassurance would have made me a nervous wreck. All in all, this was an excellent continuation, and I can’t wait to read the next when it comes out.
Don’t hesitate. Read this book!
This book couldn’t have come at a better time. I had JUST finished reading the first in the series, and was really wanting to know how the love story between “Z” and Carter would evolve after their fly-by-night romance on Halloween day. The additional hauntings in the Redwood Manor made for an interesting complication to an already unconventional pairing, and the visions and pressure that Carter had to return to the manor throughout the book kept me guessing about what would happen until the author revealed the twist.
Honestly, I’m glad that this book has a HEA guaranteed, because I loved both boys so much that reading a story about them without that reassurance would have made me a nervous wreck. All in all, this was an excellent continuation, and I can’t wait to read the next when it comes out.
Don’t hesitate. Read this book!
September 21, 2020
Fantastic series
While I really enjoyed this, it wasn't as good as book 1 to me. I didn't have the same attachment to Zeke as Theo. The story was gripping but it just lacked something for me. I'd read it again and I'm sure Zeke would be easier to get then
While I really enjoyed this, it wasn't as good as book 1 to me. I didn't have the same attachment to Zeke as Theo. The story was gripping but it just lacked something for me. I'd read it again and I'm sure Zeke would be easier to get then
September 25, 2020
This was more a 3.5 for me than the previous book.
I would have liked more backstories on the ghosts and while I liked the ending it felt like it was wrapped up too easily and quickly and left me with questions.
I’m looking forward to the next book and hope we get more ghost stories in that one
I would have liked more backstories on the ghosts and while I liked the ending it felt like it was wrapped up too easily and quickly and left me with questions.
I’m looking forward to the next book and hope we get more ghost stories in that one
September 17, 2020
Beautiful haunted read
I really loved the ghost of Ellwood, Ben and Theo were just to cute together. So when I saw that there was going to be a second book focused on Carter and Redwood I wondered if it could match the beauty of the first book. I can honestly say that not only did it but surprised it. Carter and Zeke were great together and Redwood was so creepy and scary! This book is a perfect balance of scary and romantic, sweet and creepy which is a combination you dont find often. It was well worth the read and perfect for the Fall/Halloween season. I cant wait until the third comes out! I want to see more of these couples not to mention of Taylor and Callum!
I really loved the ghost of Ellwood, Ben and Theo were just to cute together. So when I saw that there was going to be a second book focused on Carter and Redwood I wondered if it could match the beauty of the first book. I can honestly say that not only did it but surprised it. Carter and Zeke were great together and Redwood was so creepy and scary! This book is a perfect balance of scary and romantic, sweet and creepy which is a combination you dont find often. It was well worth the read and perfect for the Fall/Halloween season. I cant wait until the third comes out! I want to see more of these couples not to mention of Taylor and Callum!
September 22, 2020
** 3.5 Stars **
September 22, 2020
When is the book about the sanitarium being released
September 12, 2020
Well the ugly crying is stopped and the happy tears came, finally! You have to work for them, gah! I was halfway through the book and needed a break from all the crying. I haven’t cried this much from Jaclyn Osborn’s only reading Axios & Eryx. This is heartbreaking too folks, be prepared.... Carter was something else, lots of questions because he’s curious and has a good heart. Z,he is hot and cold with Carter then sweet, he was all over the place and it made my heart hurt for Carter a lot. Z a little bit but understandable. The Mansion was dangerous for him but he kept heeding Z telling him to stay away, then it was to late.... So freaking sad. The book was a good read and gets you hooked, it’s scary, sad, very steamy & sweet too. It was nice to read more on Ben and Theo, also meeting new characters like Taylor & Callum, I hope they get a story together! I hoped their book was next but it’s not, it’s something else, but I’m still looking forward to reading it.
September 12, 2020
Scary and amazing series!😳
Zeze and Carter's story is another scary good read. Like the first novel, I wondered how would the author bring their love story to a HEA. I have to say, she did it amazingly. My heart was pumping with excitement throughout each chapter. I'm also pleased, Ben and Theo was not left behind. And we have a new dark and sexy character that came in and saved the day Callum. I wonder in the next novel would he romantically hook up will sweet Taylor. I can't wait to find out. I so highly recommend this series! Enjoy!☺
Zeze and Carter's story is another scary good read. Like the first novel, I wondered how would the author bring their love story to a HEA. I have to say, she did it amazingly. My heart was pumping with excitement throughout each chapter. I'm also pleased, Ben and Theo was not left behind. And we have a new dark and sexy character that came in and saved the day Callum. I wonder in the next novel would he romantically hook up will sweet Taylor. I can't wait to find out. I so highly recommend this series! Enjoy!☺
September 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this continuation of the Ivy Grove series. I wasn't quite as creeped out by the ghosts and paranormal happenings as I was in book 1, but they were still unnerving.
Zeke and Carter make such a great couple and I loved seeing them finally give in to their desires for one another. There was a twist at the end that I really didn't see coming and while I loved it, it was also a bit bittersweet. My one complaint from book 1 was that Theo and Ben couldn't truly be together since Theo is a ghost, so I can only hope that as the series continues Osborn will give them the happy ending they deserve.
I loved the new characters that were introduced and I hope we see Taylor and Callum again in the future! I'm really looking forward to book 3!
4.5 Stars
Zeke and Carter make such a great couple and I loved seeing them finally give in to their desires for one another. There was a twist at the end that I really didn't see coming and while I loved it, it was also a bit bittersweet. My one complaint from book 1 was that Theo and Ben couldn't truly be together since Theo is a ghost, so I can only hope that as the series continues Osborn will give them the happy ending they deserve.
I loved the new characters that were introduced and I hope we see Taylor and Callum again in the future! I'm really looking forward to book 3!
4.5 Stars
Want to read
August 15, 2020I’ve been waiting soooo long!!!!!
I check like monthly...
I check like monthly...
September 9, 2020
This book was so amazing!! I have been looking forward to Carter and Z. They did not disappoint me in anyway! These two have been through so much in their lives. They needed love so badly, but fought it so much. They were sexy and sweet at the same time! Reading about their lives was sad, but also it made their love for each other so much greater. The side characters were funny and scary. I read it all in one sitting, at night, so I might have been spooked a bit! Love, sexy, and scary is quite the combination!!
September 12, 2020
Another exciting read!
Ms. Osborn never ever fails to deliver in her works. The little twist near the end of this book and the larger than life characters are one of the reasons I have followed her from book one.
Ms. Osborn never ever fails to deliver in her works. The little twist near the end of this book and the larger than life characters are one of the reasons I have followed her from book one.
September 11, 2020
Excellent 2
Well, I thought the first book was excellent, but now it’s hard for me to decide between the two as to which is my favorite. I think it’s this one. Loved Callum. Can’t wait for the next book.
Well, I thought the first book was excellent, but now it’s hard for me to decide between the two as to which is my favorite. I think it’s this one. Loved Callum. Can’t wait for the next book.
September 10, 2020
Amazing!
Flipping amazing, suspenseful and romantic sequel to Ellwood! I devoured the book in one sitting. I was so excited Carter and Z got their own story, it's well worth the wild ride you take in these pages!
Flipping amazing, suspenseful and romantic sequel to Ellwood! I devoured the book in one sitting. I was so excited Carter and Z got their own story, it's well worth the wild ride you take in these pages!
September 11, 2020
Redwood Manor really was a mad house, each room holding a different horror.
Lets start by saying this. Book 2 in the Ivy Grove series was MUCH spookier/scarier than book 1. Learning the tales of all the dead inside Redwood Manor and even meeting some was pretty freaky in my opinion, especially since some of those ghosts are the actual MURDERERS.
Now the romance. I loved Carter from book 1 and I was looking forward to his story. He was such a likable character with his fun piercings and general enjoyment of things in life. Zeke was mostly his opposite. I mean he was a ghost who'd been dead for over a hundred years, I'd be depressed and morbid too. What I didn't like was how he kept sort of flip flopping with Carter. One moment he's wonderful and sweet, then the next he's telling Carter that all he can offer him is his body, not his heart. It was a total jerk move and it happened more than once. I wanted to yell " make up your mind asshole!!" Poor Carter just took it. I felt like with his personality he would have stuck up for himself a bit more than he did. I was disappointed in this aspect of the book.
I never knew what love was before Zeke.
I had never known true heartbreak either.
And now I knew both.
Figuring out the mystery was a fun part even though I had already figured out what happened and likely lead to the curse before we as the reader were told. Funnily enough however, I never saw the ending coming. It came as a complete surprise, and sorry but my lips are sealed. You won't get any spoilers from me on the subject.
I really liked the new grumpy witch Callum we were introduced to along with Taylor the "jock" friend. They were both characters who had some depth to them. I am hoping the next book is about the 2 of them, however the authors note at the end didn't really seem to lead that way. I guess we shall see.
4 stars
Lets start by saying this. Book 2 in the Ivy Grove series was MUCH spookier/scarier than book 1. Learning the tales of all the dead inside Redwood Manor and even meeting some was pretty freaky in my opinion, especially since some of those ghosts are the actual MURDERERS.
Now the romance. I loved Carter from book 1 and I was looking forward to his story. He was such a likable character with his fun piercings and general enjoyment of things in life. Zeke was mostly his opposite. I mean he was a ghost who'd been dead for over a hundred years, I'd be depressed and morbid too. What I didn't like was how he kept sort of flip flopping with Carter. One moment he's wonderful and sweet, then the next he's telling Carter that all he can offer him is his body, not his heart. It was a total jerk move and it happened more than once. I wanted to yell " make up your mind asshole!!" Poor Carter just took it. I felt like with his personality he would have stuck up for himself a bit more than he did. I was disappointed in this aspect of the book.
I never knew what love was before Zeke.
I had never known true heartbreak either.
And now I knew both.
Figuring out the mystery was a fun part even though I had already figured out what happened and likely lead to the curse before we as the reader were told. Funnily enough however, I never saw the ending coming. It came as a complete surprise, and sorry but my lips are sealed. You won't get any spoilers from me on the subject.
I really liked the new grumpy witch Callum we were introduced to along with Taylor the "jock" friend. They were both characters who had some depth to them. I am hoping the next book is about the 2 of them, however the authors note at the end didn't really seem to lead that way. I guess we shall see.
4 stars
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